Iuneril Catch all

[marmoron]

Who: Keith and YOU
When: Up through mid-June
Where: Aefenglom, the Wilde
What: Quest time: Berry Picking, Silent Forest, Outpost Progress
Warnings: Will add as necessary. some fighting, some inebriation



A. Berry Picking

[So Iuneril is off to a great start. All the chaos from people unexpectedly bursting out of mirrors and reflective surfaces may have disappeared overnight ... and really, that's for the best. No more middle school rivals showing up in the bathroom, no more so-called allies stealing his cat. Except that it also means that Shiro's disappeared on him for the second time Keith has been here. Of course, it's not anyone's fault in particular, but it still puts Keith in a bit of a stormy mood. Hard not to feel like the universe is out to mess with him in particular.

...which is probably why it ought to be strange that iunerberry picking is actually cheering him up. Keith hadn't exactly signed up for this expecting to have a good time, just that cunes are cunes. As he straightens up to move onto the next cluster of bushes, he wobbles.]

Woah... [Grabbing onto the nearest person, he starts laughing.] Sorry, just lost my balance there for a second. You doing okay?

B. Outpost Progress

[And after that bit of embarrassing overshare, it's time to never show his face around the house again. At least for the next couple of days anyway. Keith is well packed for the excursion to the outpost, with a large bag of camping supplies and two swords strapped to his back. He hasn't been near the settlement in a while, and it has developed a good deal more than he remembers it last.

It's around dusk that he makes his way to one of the camp's fires that have been set up for the evening. Now that the sun is starting to make him a litttle letharigc, it's easier on him to do the night shift. Technically being a vampire, he doesn't need to eat normal food either, but he plops himself down by the fire where a cut of meat is being roasted over a spit. He turns to ask the person next to him a question.]

Anything interesting happen yet?

C. Silent Forest

[And since he's now fully committed himself to staying busy instead of dwelling on all of his problems, Keith has agreed to show up for body guard duty for the witches who are casting purifying magic.

Maybe a particularly touchy witch told him they don't need protection, or maybe he just got distracted by something seeming to move in the shadows between the twisted trunks and branches of the Cwyld infected trees -- one way or another, he's wandered off on his own. Keith squints, drawing his sword to push aside some rotting foliage that's frosted over. Breath visible as he exhales, he turns sharply at the sound of someone approaching.]

Oh. [He doesn't lower the sword yet, but he nods in greeting.] Hey.

[But maybe there's a time and place for proper introductions later because something is definitely out there and whatever it is is getting closer.]

Comments

c

[stardustish]

[ sylvia is also here on bodyguard duty. she felt that it was the most suitable role for her, given her combat experience. though, it'll also be her first time in the wilde, so she's not sure what, exactly, they might be dealing with.

she has a pair of gauntlets on her and she's wearing her leather armor. she hears footsteps nearby and swallows, because she's unsure of what sort of foe she'll be up against -- but stepping closer reveals a familiar face. she blinks when he nods at her. ]

Hey --

[ he's not the only one who hears the sound of something approaching, though. she stands next to him and holds her fists up, taking a defensive stance. she manages to turn her head towards keith for a brief second before looking ahead of her again.

whatever this is, is dangerously close. ]

Alright, Keith, let's see what you've got.

[marmoron]

Found some armor this time around, huh.

[ Firing back with some banter immediately, though it's only meant to be a casual observation rather than backhanded commentary about the last time they met. Despite the pinch of levity though, his eyes are trained ahead where something heavy is trundling up through the forest path. ]

Sounds big. You sure you want to stay for this?

[ Again, not meant to be a challenge, but a genuine question. As much as Keith likes fist fighting himself, there's not a lot that lives out in the Wilde that he wants to be punching with just his bare hands. As for what the mystery creature out there is, it wastes no time emerging into the clearing. It shows up on all fours, a large beast so badly infected by the Cwyild that its hard to even recognize as having once been a bear. Rotting, gangrenous flesh is visible through its heavy winter pelt, its eyes cold and dead as it stares them both down. Slowly, the bear rises up onto its hind legs and roars.]

[stardustish]

[ at his question, she lets out a quiet laguh. but she's focused on whatever's coming their way. she's not running. selfishly, she feels the need to prove to herself that she's still got it. she needs to tell herself that she's not going to run when faced with danger.

doesn't help that her knees are already starting to lock when she hears something large coming their way. ]

Heh, are you kidding me? Wouldn't miss this for the world.

[ she doesn't sound entirely sure when she says it, but neither of them will have time to think on it, because the beast arrives and roars loudly. sylvia swallows, hard. it's time.

she looks over at keith. ]

Let's go!

[ she starts to charge towards it, keeping a sharp eye on the beast's movements. ]

[marmoron]

[ Ah yes. Just what Keith wanted to see. A rotting bear shade, just as badly infected with the Cywild as the trees that make up its home. It's a bleak reminder of the plague that's out there that could comre sweep through the city and turn them all into zombie like creatures.

Not that Keith himself needed any help turning into a reanimated corpse one day.

But really whatever stray thought he had about hisown fate is thrown to the wayside when the bear rears up, then crashes back down on all fours to charge straight towards Sylvia.].

Don't let it touch you!

[ Insofar as that's even possible. The bear lunges, swinging a massive paw with hooked claws at her while Keith runs up behind Sylvia, not quite matching her puka speed.]

A

[quintessent]

[Being bonded with Keith has been illuminating in a lot of ways. And as much as it was becoming the new normal for them, it still surprised Allura sometimes. Shiro’s disappearance (yet again) was certainly disheartening for all of them, but she felt Keith’s discontent, and she makes a note to talk to him about it later. For support.

Except now they’re iunerberry picking and – well – she can’t quite remember anything else that she’d had planned for the day.

He knocks into her and she has to grab onto his arm to keep from toppling straight over into the grass. She giggles,] Well, when you find it, please let me know, because I’ve misplaced mine as well.

[Said with another tittering laugh and she tries to stand up straight, blinking hard and shaking her head with a smile.] I feel like I’ve taken a few too many trips through the Round.

Re: A

[marmoron]

[ Keith wasn't expecting to have his arm grabbed in return and lurches forward, his forehead bonking Allura's shoulder. The vague feeling of the world spinning ought to be annoying, but he finds himself laughing as he straightens up and rubs his head. ]

Ow. [ Said so mildly that it's obvious nothing actually hurts, even though he's trying to pout about this. ] And hey, if I find it, I'm keeping it all to myself. What's the Round anyway?

[quintessent]

[She does her best to try and hold him up, even if she's pretty wobbly on her legs right now. The berries must have put her in a good mood, because everything was just really funny right now.]

The Round is... [She swirls her finger around, as if that helps illustrate it at all.] ...a circle. [Hm, words are failing her. She pinches her brows together,] A promenade beyond the castle gardens. The road itself is quite long, but it's nickname comes from the circle it makes around the fountain. It's a popular spot to go for a walk.

[Nothing more, nothing less.]

[marmoron]

[ He blinks, following her hand motions as he gets himself upright and more or less stable. ]

Does.. that mean you want to go for a walk? In a big circle?

[Or no, maybe it doesn't mean that. But he gives her an expectant look for clarification.]

A

[bravelyathome]

[Not only does he grab onto Bernie but he ends up tumbling with her to the ground. This should make her panic but instead she too bursts into giggles as they end up in a tangled pile of limbs. Trying to wiggle free, she ends up just making matters worse before flopping on her back with another burst of giggles.]

You fell on me! And I'm little!

[This is going to be a disaster.]

[marmoron]

[ One of these days these two will properly interact when they are both sober, but this is clearly not going to be that day. She's so small that for a moment Keith is genuinely concerned about things like fractures and concussions. ]

Bernadetta!

[ But then she's laughing and he just about dies of relief. He tries to sit up gingerly. ]

Please tell me you're not broken anywhere.

[ JUST TO BE SURE?? ]

I don't want Felix coming after me.

[bravelyathome]

[Sitting up, she shakes her head to free anything from her hair. Which just makes her dizzy, her little antennae spinning for a second before she settles down again. Woah. That's better. Anyway, she smi... Wait Felix?]

Why would Felix come after you?

[She has zero idea that they definitely defend her behind her back. He and Sylvain both.]

[marmoron]

[ He gives her a bit of an owlish look, like he's genuinely not sure if that question is meant in earnest or if it's rhetorical. ]

Because...?

[ That seems like a safe middle ground while he puzzles through that one for another moment. ]

Also there's a ... [ He points at her head where there's a leaf still clinging to her hair. ] I can get it for you, if you want.

C

[beguiledcard]

[ Being a Vampire means he's only good for protecting the Witches, and... well.

Even if he was a Witch, he'd probably be doubling up to protecting fellow Witches, anyway? So, yeah, here he is. He gives a small wave to the guy, frowning when he hears something that isn't... super close just yet, but definitely headed their way.

So, without thinking, he's putting a finger to his lips and nodding as he points in the direction the thing's coming from.

He's trying to tell Keith he's got this - that he can continue with his work if it's needed, but there's always room to misunderstand. Or to ignore him completely. Either way, he's carefully starting that way. Dagger in hand, he's ready. ]

[marmoron]

[ There's definitely something prowling out there, and given his luck so far it'd be a safe bet to assume it's nothing friendly. But even if Keith's registered why he's getting shushed here, it still irks some petulant side of him that isn't used to being dismissed.

In other words, Akira is 100% going ignored there because even if he seems confident about this, Keith has zero reason to trust the dude isn't just being overly confident. ]

Do you even know what it is?

[ it's at least asked in hushed tones, though there's no denying the underlying grump. His own sword still in hand, he'll follow behind Akira, letting him take the lead since he just jumpted into that role.

As for what it might be... well the forest has gone quiet again, like they're both just being watched. Hm.]

[beguiledcard]

[ Well, he tried. He looks over his shoulder at the guy and then shakes his head. ]

I'm sure we're about to find out.

[ In spite of the looming danger, he sounds pretty calm. And there's no sign of annoyance that he wasn't listened to - he... kind of expected it, given this guy doesn't know him. He forces a slow, unnecessary breath and closes his eyes. His voice is just as quiet. ]

... Can you fight?

[ Is he ready for a fight, more like... He recognizes this kind of eerie atmosphere of something... waiting. He shifts his stance, dagger ready and in the right hand. ]

[marmoron]

Not gonna get in your way, if that's what you're worried about.

[ So that'd be a yes, Keith can fight. If it comes as any kind of reassurance, Keith is at least dressed in armor for this quest, though it's unfortunately his red and white paladin armor so it's almost certainly going to be spotted from a mile away by every shade and its dog. Interpret this critical design flaw how you will, Akira.

Keith gives Akira and his dagger a quick in turn before taking up a position behind him to make sure they've got eyes on all sides of the forest. ]

I take it the same could be said for you?

[ His eyes scan the forest, watching for any sign of movement or any other noise. For better or for worse, the wait isn't long. To the south, there's an unmistakable wolf howl followed by an answering cry from the north a little further away. ]

A

[oathkeeper]

[It's been such a strange month and a bit, with all the people falling out of nowhere only to vanish again. He honestly wonders if he'll see any of them again since he met some pretty interesting folks. But life in and outside of the city continues on as it usually does so this rabbit-monster continues on as usual too. And that means getting back to work with helping on side quests. Today that means picking berries.

But ... Being a puca with long rabbit ears Sora can't really help how yummy the berries look. He might have already chewed on a few of them, his fingers covered in a little of the berry juice.

When he's bumped he jostles just a bit but he seems no worse for wear.]

Ah-! Oh, it's okay! [Sora finds himself laughing, his cheeks a little pink.] It's kind of a cramped job out here, huh?

[marmoron]

[ Keith grins as he stands up straight. He should probably be more concerned about this surge of giddiness he's feeling, especially since he hasn't worked out the source of it, but it's much easier to simply let a good mood run its course. Especially when the stranger he's talking to seems just as cheerful. ]

Thanks, bunny. Uh, buddy. [ He laughs a pinch sheepishly, ] I don't know what I'm saying right now. You're right, it's pretty cramped, huh? Guess these guys really like this berry juice....

[ A beat, then slightly conspiratorially:]

... are the berries any good? Haven't tried one yet.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora can't help but snort and then let out a puff of laughter. He caught that slip-up but he really can't be bothered by it. His rabbit ears even twitch as if confirming it. He's a bunny. It's better than being called Little Cottontail...]

You're welcome, buddy. [He grins.] And the berries really are good that's probably why they've got so many people out here working on it, huh?

[He lifts his container which has a good collection that Sora has worked on.] Here, wanna try one?

[What's the harm in a few snacks along the way...?]

A

[islandhuntress]

[Like Keith, Petra was also finding the berry picking to be a pleasant distraction. She'd also had a friend arrive and promptly disappear. On top of that, her body was going through some of the most drastic changes since she'd arrived, her legs gone and a long, flesh-colored snake body in their place. She was still getting used to simply moving around.

But maybe it was the sun or the pleasant smell from the berry plants, but she felt more and more content as she gathered up berries.]

Oh! [She easily lost her balance, having to catch herself with one arm as her snake body twisted in an attempt to straighten back up, looking more like a floundering fish out of water for a moment. Instead of being mortified, however, she starts giggling, the entire situation and the pleasant swimming in her head making the whole thing seem ridiculously amusing.] Keith. Please- [She can't even finish the sentence, giggles interrupting her momentarily.] Please take my apology. Are you- [Another little giggle interrupts again.]- alright?

[marmoron]

[ While Petra manages to catch herself with her arm, the little lurch throws Keith the rest of the way off balance and rolls onto the soft ground. It should definitely be embarrassing, but he rolls onto his back, blinking up at Petra. He almost didn't recognize her given how much her naga transformation has progressed since they last met, but his expression brightens a moment later. ]

Petra, hey!

[ Clumsily, he starts sitting up with a laugh of his own. ]

Sorry about grabbing you like that. I'm fine -- are you? Seems like a lot's changed with you.

[ Putting it maybe a lil mildly.... ]

[islandhuntress]

[Petra also looks slightly surprised as Keith goes rolling, coming to rest looking up at her. She blinks down at him, her long hair haloing her face and cascading down towards him before her giggling fits start.

Still trying to stifle her laugh, she tries to right herself, tail coiling slightly at the effort to regain her balance. She can tell without a doubt that her new body is strong and powerful but, like an unfamiliar weapon, she just isn't sure how to wield it yet.

She shakes her head, still smiling, the stray giggle or two managing to get loose.] No, there is no need for apology. Neither of us has injury.

[She bites her lip self-consciously, tail coiling closer subconsciously as if she's trying to hide it.] Yes... I... I am changing.

I would be giving you my hand- my help with getting up but I am still finding my balance.

I apologize... for you having to see... me... [She makes a bit of a face, cringing at herself. That had come out all wrong. It certainly made it sound far worse than what she'd meant to express, that she was sorry about her appearance... thought that wasn't that much better.]

we said b, didn't we? or was it c? or am i just going to vaguepost so i don't have to commit?

[battlebound]

[ Their journey has been a long one, and it's only the third night in the Wilde. A temporary bond is a fleeting, fragile thing, but it suffices on trips like this, when their usual partners are back in the city. Steak stretches his legs out in front of him as he finds a rock which seems, as far as Steak can see, perfectly fine.

Not infected, not carrying the darkness which infects too much of this place. ]

We'll stop here for now.

[ It's lucky Steak doesn't actually need to eat, that he never has, as it frees up space in his bag for other things, saves time in their journey. But he's sharp enough, acquainted enough, to know that things like Keith, and like Red Wine, need to eat occasionally. Which is why red eyes narrow as they cast their glance at his partner for this trip. ]

lmfao i think it was the outpost one but now it shall be a mystery for the ages....

[marmoron]

[ Keith merely watches quietly as Steak settles on his rock. He'd been about to offer some other kind of commentary, but catching the narrow eyed look, he instead raises an eyebrow. ]

What? Is something wrong?

[ He lets the straps of his camping bag slide down his shoulders, though it doesn't drop on the ground just yet. As much as he might charge headfirst into things, there's a difference between risking your life trying to do the right thing and dying because you let a Cwyld spore get on your stuff. ]

eh we know what we wanna do anyway.

[battlebound]

[ Not right now, but who knows how long that will last. ]

This seems like a safe spot. [ Which, honestly, is the truth right now. It's quiet and the immediate area doesn't appear to be infected, and who knows how much longer that will be true for? It's as good a place to take a break as they might ever find on this trek, really. ] We should take advantage of it.

[ Because nothing could possibly go wrong in such a quiet clearing, and it's a perfect time to rearrange said bags as he sits down, pulling things out to refold or replace them in the bag as necessary. ]