chasing the sun ( semi-open )

[interlucere]

Who: Lux Crownguard and others!
When: Throughout June
Where: Around town.
What: Quests and catch-all.
Warnings: N/A (will update if/when necessary)

o1. HAVE BIKE, WILL TRAVEL (talk travels).

[ Lux believes she's prepared for everything, and being a postwoman doesn't sound too hard. It could even be fun! What better way to get to know the city and the people living in it than by delivering mail. She's even dressed for the occasion, her hair tied back in a braid to keep it out of her way. A Demacian is always, always prepared—and for the most part, she is.

But Lux has never ridden a bicycle before. This is the first time she's seen one more than in passing, so that might put a damper on things. But she will not be deterred! It can't be any harder than riding a horse, right? That takes an immense amount of balance and upper body strength, so she should be fine.

Over the course of the first few days of the month, Lux can be find in various stages of either learning how to ride, wobbling slowly down the sidewalk (the mail bag is heavy and it's throwing off her balance), or simply pushing bicycle and bag like a cart while huffing. This poor girl could probably use training wheels, but they don't exist... or she's too stubborn to use them. Probably both. Help her or stay out of her way. ]

o2. HEARTS DANCE IN 3/4 TIME (arrangements for you).

[ Normally, Lux wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this. A respectable young lady like herself has a reputation to uphold, but there's no one here from Demacia to report back on what young Lady Crownguard chooses to do with her time. Which, as it turns out, is learning one of the local dances. So much could be said about a culture just by observing how they celebrate, and if asked, that's her reason for being here.

But honestly, it's been a long time since she's been able to enjoy something like this. The parties and galas around Snowdown were always so reserved, and as she got older, it became less about having fun, and more about who she would talk to. Who she would dance with. For once, she gets to decide, and that makes coming to this area of the city worth it.

Approaching the closest person she finds without a partner, she beams at them, looking like she's genuinely enjoying herself. ]

Did you want to give it a try? I think I've got the steps down.

[ She probably won't step on your toes, at least. ]

o3. FITTING IN LIKE A GLOVE.

[ Keeping herself busy, Lux chalks up the odd feeling to fatigue. She goes to great pains in order to keep her emotions in check, and after years of mantras and meditation, it has become second nature to her. But for some reason, she finds it more difficult to keep things even keel. Lux may not be blowing up at others, but she can feel her mood fluctuate, and with it a very familiar sensation that she had assumed would have gone away with the change in her powers.

Feeling like she could lose control, like the magic flowing within might force its way to the surface if she isn't careful. She can't let that happen; even if she knows she isn't in danger here, Lux isn't going to shake that fear overnight.

Which is what brings her to the shopping district, and as she stands in front of the window display of a somewhat high-end boutique, she vaguely fidgets with her hands, as if trying to make a decision. That was always where it started in the past, her light bubbling to the surface and shimmering unnaturally underneath her skin. She could deal with the physical discomfort, but she can't let people see her like that. But... ]

...I didn't think finding something would be this difficult.

[ There she goes, mumbling to herself. It's fine, no one is pay attention to her. Probably. ]

( OOC| Character specific top-levels can be found in the comments. If you would like to plan a thread, feel free to contact me at impearls or via PM. Otherwise, feel free to hit this post up with a top level. )

Comments

souji

[interlucere]

[ The temporary bonding "ceremony" was forgettable at best. Lux wasn't sure what she expected after what she heard from the witches at the Coven, but it certainly wasn't that. There was no fanfare, no lengthy vows or elaborate exchanges—just two people who promised to get the job done. That was all that was necessary, although it's difficult to say if Lux would have agreed to this arrangement with many other people.

No, what stood out was the immediate aftermath; the feeling that rushed over her like a tidal wave. At first, she wasn't sure what it was. Even as they make their way toward the edge of town, carrying with them a tent and supplies for the night, Lux's mind races, trying to figure out what she's sensing. The Coven member who oversaw their bonding had warned them about a few of the peculiarities, that it might take them both a while to adjust to each other.

...So was that Souji she was sensing? It was, wasn't it? Does that mean he could sense her as well? Could he tell what she was thinking? Lux feels like if she focuses, she might be able to work it out. But couldn't he do the same thing as well? ]

...I think we should be able to make camp before sundown.

[ No, don't think about that. Do not think about that. What if he could tell that she was? It's fine, just make small talk. ]

Is this your first time doing something like this? [ ... ] Tracking wildlife. [ Not... bonding. That's none of her business either way. She should have specified that first. ]

[socials]

[ While there's little to no fanfare, compared to what he expected, himself, Souji could compare this a little to having a Persona present. It's sort of... actually, he could say it's comforting, in a way. Having the knowledge that there's someone there like that. He can feel the presence that must be Lux, faintly present and maybe a little - he focuses, and he could almost say anxious? But he's not sure.

And he doesn't want to press on the bond - Bond - to cause her discomfort. Which is also part of the reason why he remains even keel, carrying his portion of the gear, hoping that they can navigate through this portion of the world outside the Wall with little trouble. They're not close enough to the actual infection of the Cwyld, at least, so they just have to keep an eye out for any Shades or the like. ]

I've camped before, and done investigations, but no. I've never done any wildlife tracking. [ He's pretty sure navigating through the Midnight Channel doesn't constitute as a kind of tracking, anyways. They might've been looking for clues and how to get to their end destination, but Souji knows for a fact they're different environments.

The tracking must be, as well.

His half of the Bond continues to radiate calm, but if she focuses she'll find some measure of curiosity as well now. ]

That twine you had when we were rooming at the Coven was for camping, right? Have you gone tracking before?

[interlucere]

[ It doesn't take pulling at his warm presence in her mind to tell her that he's curious. Outside of their brief heart-to-heart (that was what it was, wasn't it), he knows very little about her, and she about him. Where she may have given him a very surface-leveled answer, Lux knows that wouldn't be good enough. It isn't because he could read her like an open book like this... but she genuinely likes him. He deserves a proper answer.

Glancing at him, she seems to calm a little bit. It's difficult to stay anxious feeling someone radiating calm energy. ]

With my father and brother. [ A beat. ] Before both of them left. He wanted to make sure both of his children could take care of themselves.

[ That isn't the full answer, and Lux briefly pauses to consider. They aren't in Demacia, and the wildlife won't share her secret. But her voice still drops low, her eyes forward. ]

Although, I've been tracking more people rather than animals recently.

[ There's a strange note of reticence in her voice. ]

[socials]

[ Having the Bond makes things interesting, Souji thinks. They're still learning each other, still sharing parts of themselves that they feel like they can, but there's more room for growth. Is the Bond going to hamper that, or help it? He's curious about that just as much as he is about Lux.

Hiking his pack up a little more, he inclines his head in a slight nod when she initially answers. So far, he's learned that if she has more to share, then it's best for him to wait, biding his time for her to continue. It also lets him consider his response further every time.

Understandable, he supposes, that her father wanted them to be able to survive in the event that they had to go out in the wild. The kind of world she comes from must require that kind of strength.

The corners of Souji's mouth twitch, a little downwards, at the reserved addition at the end, though.

His eyes lift up to the stretch of nature beyond them, his side of the Bond still calm but tipping into considering, quiet. ]

Our investigations were into people. That's the extent of "tracking" that I've seen. [ Finding lost dogs doesn't count. ]

[interlucere]

[ It wasn't just about strength, but something more nuanced and complicated. Her father wanted sons—plural. Sons could carry on the family name, and sons could become heroes and vanguards to serve crown and country. Daughters... had certain roles to play, ones that Lux was never all that interested in.

So in many ways, she was grateful that she was able to tag along, until the time came when expectations caught up with her. She was the rare noblewoman who could track wildlife for miles and throw a punch when necessary, and knowing that is one of the few things that gives her joy about her upbringing.

As Souji opens up, he might feel her attention pique at that statement, as she questions whether she should press further; polite, but afire with curiosity. ]

Investigations? Into what, exactly?

[ Tilting her head toward him, she looks up inquisitively. ]

akira

[interlucere]

[ There's something about festivals that always manages to bring out the best in her. It's funny—while she's been having a difficult time keeping her mood in check, if anything, that makes Lux enjoy this so much more. Seeing people shuffle around the city, hanging up decorations, arranging flowers. It feels entirely different from the energy they experienced during Boaltinn, and that thrum of activity and cheer in the air is contagious.

It's just what she needs to clear her head, and something like this would probably do him good as well. It will probably take his mind off the changes.

Grinning ear to ear as she holds the bottom of a ladder, Lux looks up at Akira. A string of flower garland hangs from one of her arms and draped on her shoulders, ready to be hung around the shop's windows. ]

Let me know when you're ready, and I'll pass you an end.

[ She can't wait to see the final product. Lux isn't used to being a part of the preparation for this sort of thing. This is exciting! ]

[scaling]

[ Truly enjoying the last festival had been difficult, considering how abruptly they'd been thrown into it. There were much bigger things on his mind than joining in the festivities, although Akira did get a taste of them on the first night.

Weeks later, they're something like citizens now, and that means they can contribute. Akira can use something light-hearted to take the edge off the gradual changes he's been experiencing since the full moon, so he jumps on the opportunity to help set up for the festival with Lux.

It looks like she needed the break, too—Lux's wide smile is unguarded in a way he's not used to seeing from her. Instinctively, he returns it with one of his own from up the ladder. ]

It's a good look on you. I almost don't want to take it away. [ Grinning, the string of flowers hung around her shoulders, she seems brighter than ever.

Akira turns back to the window and finishes securing the last hook to hold the garland in place. He reaches down a hand. ]

I'm ready now.

[interlucere]

[ It's safe to say that both of them needed something like this, and seeing him grin down at her makes that abundantly clear. Lux isn't sure she's seen him smile like that since showing him a brief magic trick, but each time it manages to lift her spirits.

With a breathy giggle, she tilts her head girlishly, a free hand curled just below her chin. ]

Do you think they'll let me keep it if I ask nicely enough?

[ Seriously, what has gotten into her? She's usually much more reserved, but in a way this feels nice. It's a welcome change from the somewhat irritable and uneasy mood she's been in for the past few days.

Rising on her tip toes, Lux leans toward the ladder before placing one end of the garland in his outstretched hand. She unwinds a length of it from around her neck, releasing some of the tension. ]

I wonder what sort of holiday this is for. Maybe something to do with the solstice? [ Was that a thing out here? ]

[scaling]

Maybe after the festival.

[ Although he suspects, from the sheer volume of flowers being clipped and arranged and woven back at his part-time job, that there will be plenty to go around during the festivities as well.

Accepting the offered end, he begins to work on framing the windows, careful as he attaches the garland to each hook and making sure that the flowers are all facing outward for maximum effect. When it comes to work, Akira is always thorough. ]

[ He gives a hum from above as she makes the guess. ] The solstice back at home is around this time. [ Clearly there's some difference in the celestial bodies around here, going off the second moon, but the calendar and seasons seem generally in line with what he knows. So that might explain the timing of the festival, at least. ]

I asked about it at work. They said it's celebrating life and relationships.

[interlucere]

[ But Akira, they'll probably be wilted by then, or at the very least not nearly as fresh. Lux keeps that thought to herself; something tells her that flowers won't be in short supply to say the least. Maybe she could even get some to bring back with them for decorating the house. That might be nice.

Watching him as he hangs the garland, she continues to feed him more from her end. ]

Do you do anything special for it back home? [ It stands to reason that he might, and even if he doesn't, he says so little about his world. He can't blame her for being curious. ]

Oh, I see.

[ Lux's tone changes as he offers an explanation, her nose briefly wrinkling as her smile loses a bit of its luster. Celebrating life is one thing, but relationships... well that took some of the wind out of her sails. She was happier believing that they were celebrating the beginning of summer. ]

3

[reborningreen]

[ Oliver is prowling, unsure of himself, of this new world, yet. He's turning into a monster, a new being, and while he is familiar with transformation, it has only been this real and physical and literal once before. And even then, it was a transformation into a form at least partially familiar to him.

Now he is working on learning how to not lose himself, how to lean into the transformation, and how to understand it.

When he spots the young woman who seems a little lost, much like him, he wanders in her direction.

He was just in time to hear her words, and he smiled. The smile looked almost out of place on his face, transforming it utterly. ]

Looking for something in particular? [ His question was quiet as he stepped up a few feet down the way, peering in the window. ]

[interlucere]

[ He manages to surprise her, even if Lux wears it well. She doesn't startle, but she turns quickly, a stitched smile spreading across her lips. ]

You could say that.

[ She doesn't recognize him. Time to proceed with caution. ]

I was admiring some of the gloves and hats. I thought it might be nice to get myself something like that.

[reborningreen]

They are nice. I've been trying to figure out what shape I'll end up in in order to know what to wear. [ He rolls one wrist over, letting it slide out of the sleeve, and dark brown fur shows, coming in still, but coming in thickly. ]

This world is a lot to get used to.

[interlucere]

[ Looking down at his arm, Lux blinks a few times in surprise. She's used to seeing monster transformations at this point, but somehow she wasn't expecting him to be so... open? About it?? Pushing through her initial shock quickly, she curls a hand to her lips. ]

I wonder if you should wait until it all comes in before finding something. Otherwise, it might end up growing in patchy.

[ What has her life become that this is a serious conversation she's having with an absolute stranger. Lux offers a rueful smile up at him. ]

For some more than others, I imagine.

[reborningreen]

Yeah. I'm mostly trying to estimate now, based on hwo its growing, and then going out to see what is available.

[ He flashes her a smile, confident, with only the hint of his unsureness to it, as he considers the storefront again. This world is making him doubt his sanity some.

Her comment makes him nod. ]

True. Everyone seems to be changing differently. Some with magic, some physically, some even experiencing mental changes, I hear.

o1

[vytal]

[ yang's also helping the postal service out with mail delivery, and to no one's surprise, she also has a bike of her own to help her make her runs. she's strong enough to do it without one, but she's real big on bike riding and would rather get things done quicker and more efficiently.

she's on the way back to the post office to pick up her next bag when she notices someone else struggling in the near distance. she starts to gradually slow down, and when she realizes it's someone else delivering mail, pushing her bike and her mail like a cart... that's definitely not how that's supposed to work.

she stops in front of the poor girl, leans her bike against a nearby wall, and puts a hand on her hip. ]

No offense, but you look like you could use a little help.

[interlucere]

[ This would have been much easier if she had her horse. Starfire would have been a huge help, and while Lux doesn't go a day without missing her companion, that is especially true now. How do people do this and keep from wobbling all over the place? The weight from her mail bag makes this nearly impossible. Maybe she just isn't cut out for this type of career—but a Crownguard refuses to throw in the towel!

So when this stranger offers commentary, Lux puts on a thin smile. No offense, she says. Haha, okay. This is fine, just puncture her pride a bit, miss. Stopping, she holds her bicycle steady, looking like she wants to politely die right here. ]

Ah, what— [ Deep breath, don't sound winded. ] What gave you that... idea?

[ This is the worst. Please tell her where the nearest rock she can crawl under is. ]

[vytal]

[ no offense means no offense, don't you know!!!!!! smh, yang. but yeah, she can clearly tell this girl's having a hard time. blow to lux's pride aside, yang genuinely does want to help. ]

Don't worry about it! Everyone starts somewhere when it comes to learning how to ride a bike. It's actually not too bad once you get the hang of it, promise.

[ she offers the other girl a grin. ]

Name's Yang. Us postwomen need to stick together, yeah?

[interlucere]

[ It's one thing to acknowledge that she's having a difficult time, but another thing entirely to admit that to a stranger. Clearly Yang means no harm, but try telling Lux's brain that. ]

I think it's... the weight. [ Give youself a chance to catch a breath, geez. ] It's hard to keep momentum.

[ She tries a smile. It's a little worn out, but still quietly appreciative. ]

I'm Lux. And yeah. I guess you're right.

[vytal]

Yeah, that'll do it.

[ yang senses she's tired. maybe walking her through riding a bike would be kind of taxing. ]

So... If this is your last mail run for the day, how about we grab something to eat? I can show you what I know afterwards, when my stomach's not grumbling.

[ she grins and points to herself with her thumb. ] You can trust me. I've been biking for years.

o3.

[ipseite]

I had suspected it would, for my own part.

( were they already in conversation or does petrana simply take it up just so seamlessly? irrelevant: they are now in conversation, which is the important thing. petrana has acquired one or two simpler pieces, of a necessity; her heavy velvet will not do in this weather, regardless of how frustrating it is to find herself alone in a dressmaker's shop, despairing of unfamiliar designs. of the unfamiliar need to choose, when always before she has simply been presented with.

she doesn't examine her disinclination to choose anything in the violet hues. it does not merit examination. it does not even merit acknowledgment. )

I have never been so spoiled for choice. Do you like any of it?

[interlucere]

[ Lux recognizes that voice right away, and it pulls a faint smile out of her as she forces her hands behind her back. While Lux can't necessarily feel it now, it would be awkward explaining the glow even to someone who she's friendly with, even knowing Petrana's views on magic. ]

It's very different from what we have back home. [ That isn't the question you were asked, Lux. ] Everything here is beautiful, but I'm not sure any of it would look good on me. It's all very... ornate.

[ Looking over at the older woman, Lux tilts her head quizzically. ]

What about you? I'm sure you wouldn't have any trouble finding something.

[ipseite]

( the small smile that petrana returns to her is a close-mouthed thing, but warm; they know each other too little yet to read much into either, but if this place has an excess of anything to gift to them then it seems to be time. even the handful of strangers she's becoming acquainted with are more people than she's spoken with unsupervised in—

good lord. a long time. )

I expect I should, ( is a wry answer. ) It's rather new to me—to need to. I've only ever had to choose clothes from my own wardrobe, not, ah, create one. I suppose it ought to provide something of a, a guide. Things are not so different I couldn't simply look for things such as I was given.

[interlucere]

[ Petrana's answer isn't surprising—Lux has already surmised that the both of them have come from somewhat similar upbringings. But for someone who very clearly wanted to strike out on her own, to do things her way despite how heart-poundingly terrifying that might be, picking out clothes should have been one of the easier decisions the older woman could make.

That only makes Lux smile wider, bright as the sun and offered freely to Petrana without hesitation or pretenses. ]

Then we should try a few things on and see what you like. I believe we may be the same size— [ Petrana is a little shorter, but not by enough to matter. ] So I imagine we can both find something if we look together.

Souji; Iuneril 22

[interlucere]

[ In many ways, they were never given the opportunity to fully appreciate the festive nature of Boaltinn. It's why Lux has put her everything into making sure to enjoy Litha—even if she might not fully understand the reason for the holiday. Putting so much time and attention into something that celebrates romance and love is never something that she would do on her own for many reasons; but it is difficult to keep herself from getting pulled into the festive mood in general. It's contagious, and for someone who has made it her personal mission to live in the moment for as long as she is in Aefenglom, she would be doing herself a disservice if she simply watched the celebration from her window.

Inviting Souji to join her only seems natural. He was the first person who she truly connected with when they both arrived here, and the one to encourage her to live the life she had always wanted to while she had the chance. But more than that, she had decided that day, as her first act of autonomy, that she wasn't going to do so alone. Given what she knows about him (very little in the grand scheme of things, but far more due to their continued, but temporary Bond), he could use someone close by. After all, it's difficult to say when he would be able to return to them in Inaba.

She knows what loneliness feels like, and she would not let him feel that way as long as they were both here.

In retrospect, it might have been easier to meet up at the house and walk to the shopping district together instead of in front of Runetchers, but she wasn't certain when she would be able to leave work. They practically pushed her out the door when she told them her plans for the evening. Obviously they had the wrong idea, but Lux didn't have the heart to tell them this would only be an evening out with a friend, and she doubted they would believe her even if she had. It gave her enough time to freshen up, to redo her braid and weave in a few sprigs of baby's breath that she had hastily pushed into her hands by a nosy coworker. It was embarrassing, but at least she could reap the benefits of someone else's misunderstanding.

Standing outside of the shop, the dusk sky and strings of faerylights painting flecks of color into her blond hair, Lux watches as the city comes alive around her. A delicate smile plays on her lips, her lace-gloved hands folded in front of her as she takes it all in; the excitement of the night that awaits shining brightly as the Sister moons overhead. ]