middaeg | June Catch-All

[ The frosty air turned the clear heat of his breath to a ghostly white as he went over the light supplies he packed, ready to head to the forest. He’d taken a morbid curiosity in the forest and their so-called Death Trees, specifically the poisonous fruits which they bore, but more than slightly nefarious intentions with deadly fruit juice the leylines were something he’d like the chance to study.

He knew a little bit about them and now that he had a better grasp of magic in this world, the chances of gleaming more useful information from them seems more likely. Not to mention that he has Saori in his corner now which would make the trek easier for him. He wasn’t sure of her combat abilities and doing this quest together seemed like a good way to test that and lay some of his worries to rest.

Also being paid to do all of that wasn’t bad either.

A quick exchange of messages and the plan was set, meet up bright an early by north gate, make the trek to the designated areas, fill the leylines, beat up some shades, get paid, and be back home before supper. What could go wrong?

He probably just jinxed it. ]

[ It had been some time since that horrid time with the mirrors and Bishop had gotten a taste of one of Hakuno’s memories. It was horrible, terrifying, godless, and generally he had a very unhappy time, which he thinks is appropriate punishment for peeking at the memory in the first place but the whole experience has left him with a touch of sadness.

Sadness that Hakuno had to go through and experience like that and also because he broke one of his creeds even if accidentally.

Fortunately, he knows just how to remedy that situation and do good on his promise and all it’ll take is a few minutes, some patience, careful instruction, demonstration, a few ingredients, and some elbow grease. ]

Hakuno, it’s Bishop! [ He says while knocking on the door to her place. ] May I come in?

One second!

[Her voice is muffled through the door. Enkidu is... away, dealing with their severed Bond, and Gilgamesh is out on the town for the day. The only ones holding the proverbial fort at the moment are Hakuno and the pets. Butter Cakes is taking a cat nap in the bedroom, thankfully, but Bishop will hear excited little yipping and tiny paws at the door before Hakuno hauls up her puppy and packs Sachertorte off to the bathroom, setting her up with some toys.

She's still smoothing out her blouse and skirt as she finally opens up.]

...sorry about that. Come on in.

[ The outpost around Dorchacht were progressing well. The builders put up one cabin after the other, the defenders were getting more and more proficient with each attack, and the scouting team were expanding the scope of their view and a lot more accurate with the information they bring up.

He was on the scouting team most of the time given his specialty, but he was also defending when needed, casting wards, and helping with construction when he wasn't resting. He was earning his keep from the quest and followed orders down to the letter when he was out of his element, but he was oddly reserved. He was sociable enough but he avoided contact and speaking with anyone outside of idle work chatter and small talk, to add to that, he seemed to just spend his rest time watching everything with a scowl and knit brows. ]

[ The sounds of the puppy made him smile as he waited for her to answer. He was in no rush after all. ]

It's no problem, and pardon the intrusion.

[ He says while taking a few quick glances around, specifically looking if he should take his boots off before coming in. ]

Is...the king home?

[ He asked cautiously. Last thing he wants is to offend and set off Gilgamesh by calling by his name without permission. ]

Seeing the city in high spirits was always pleasant to see although the nature of the holiday was a bit lost on him this time around. While the color of the sky was nice at first Bishop quickly lost interest in it as he went about his business of grocery shopping, laundry, and visiting at least one bar and having two beers.

Another reason for his...hesitation to take part in the event lay with it's nature. What he thought was an off date Valentines quickly became a little more rique when he happened upon the open displays of the brothels, some a bit more eye catching than others, the proactive endeavors some citizens to pair folks up, and the almost palpable affection in the air had him set with a bit of melancholy and a strong desire to drink the day away. Alone. Sitting in the dark corner of a bar.

The plan was quickly derailed however by some very convincing(forceful) city dwellers that managed to shuffle(shove) him onto one of the boats. "Just cause they're bigger than me..." He grumbled while dusting himself and straightening the collar of his coat then the lapels. "If I had my powers they'd be sorry..." He's not happy about being manhandled the way he was.

Regardless, no harm was done and he's a good sport. He'll play along with the local holiday and play along as he waited on the boat for the person to be unluckily paired with him. Trapped alone on a boat with Bishop, that's cruel and unusual punishment.

Irhya, on the other hand, goes willingly, apparently having taken several rides so far with others. What she's looking for is unclear, if anything, but she's the one who keeps hopping off the carnival ride, then getting back in line again.

She doesn't seem dismayed by her luck in partners, though; if anything, she's curious.

"Ah." She blinks. "I didn't picture you as the type for this kind of thing. Change your mind, did you? Or did someone drag you into it kicking and screaming?"

Then, the vampire grin appears. She may or may not have a very good time with this, depending...

His attention shifted from quiet seething and maybe some light revenge plotting (he remembers the face that smooth talking witch) to the person who was entering recognizing them and rolling his eyes at the comment. Mostly because it was about ninety percent accurate.

"No kicking or dragging." Screaming, maybe just a bit.

Whatever the case he scoots over to give her a place to sit before the curtain is closed and the boat is sent drifting down the river.

"So. Were you roped into this too?"

Edited 2020-06-21 11:39 (UTC)

It's no intrusion at all. Thank you for doing this, really.

[Aside from a muffled yipping from the bathroom door as they pass by, it's an uneventful passage to the kitchen overall.]

He's not at the moment, no. Did you want to leave a message?

"I wouldn't say roped..." she says with a hum, tilting her head sideways. "I was bored, so I thought it might be more interesting to play boat roulette instead. And I won you this time, it appears."

For... however long the ride lasts, she supposes. Irhya grins, not at all innocently.

"Come on, it's not that bad, is it?"

"Well..." He says with a raised brow, noting the grin. "I suppose not."

Could be worse. He could've been paired with someone larger than he and takes up more space. There is virtually no compromise when paired with a large being on a tiny boat.

"You said, 'this time', so have you just been taking these boats all day and see who you get?" There are easier ways to socialize.

No, no that's alright.

[ He wasn't here for Gilgamesh, though he did bring enough ingredients for him and Enkidu as well. ]

I'm happy to cook for you. It's the least I could do.

[ 'For trespassing on you memories' his words silently say. Not to mention that horrible stuff she ate needs to be over written with some exceptionally good food. ]

[Saori is an early riser by default, so the early time isn't a problem for her. With the full moon come and gone, she now has the long tail of a crocodile and her eye color is a yellow-green like the reptile's. She looks up at the gate, as this is her first time here, let alone going beyond it.

Her forearms are wrapped in long white bandages, similar to a boxer's. She has a belt holster around her waist with a knife handle peaking out, along with a sheathed short sword. If she had more funds, she would have commissioned something more on the lines of a tanto short sword but this would do for now along with her chimera strength. When she sees Bishop approaching, she waves.]

Good morning, Bishop-san.

Good morning.

[ He greets with a nod. He noted the color of her eyes, weapons, and the very notable reptilian tail. Crocodile? Or was it an alligator? Hard to tell without the head. ]

You look ready. Is this gonna be your first trip out in the wild here?

[ She would appreciate it if the possibility of her head transforming not be mentioned. Blame Stiles for giving her nightmare fuel on that subject matter. ]

Yeah, it is. From what I understand for this mission, I basically watch your back while you take care of the leylines, right? Hopefully the smart Shades will turn tail when they see me but something tells me that's probably unlikely.

Maybe. We'll just deal with it when the time comes.

[ He actually assumes that they will be attacked, it's just easier to stay on his toes if he believes they are threatened. ]

Before we head out, let just double check our supplies. I doubt we'll have to set up an overnight camp but better safe than sorry right?

[ He said while removing the light shoulder strap bag he carried and set it on the ground. ]

Alright, so I have-

[ His train of thought was cut as he opened the pack, reached inside and pulled out a kitten with a calico pattern. He stared at the cat with annoyance and exasperation. ]

I was wondering where you had gotten to.

[ The kitten meowed. ]

[Her own bag was next to her on the ground and she was about to go through her own supplies to compare with Bishop's. ]

Ah-

[Saori covered her mouth to stifle her laugh. She goes in closer to get a better look.]

Oh my goodness, who's this little cute stowaway?

This - [ He says while handing the kitten over to her. ] - is the recent freeloader in my apartment.

She's a stray that wandered over one day and I have her some scraps of food on a whim. I guess she liked it cause she never left.

[ As cats are sometimes wont to do. ]

And she has no name. I haven't given her one because if I did I feel, well, that'd be "signing the contract" so to speak.

[ He sighs. Cats. ]

Hate to break it to you, Bishop-san, but I think you might've already signed that contract the moment you gave her food.

[Saori holds onto the squirming kitten as she sniffs at the strange creature that's holding her. The cute charm has already worked its magic onto the chimera, who looks up at Bishop.]

I imagine it wouldn't be safe for her to join us but we'd lose out on time if we take her back to your apartment now. My place isn't exactly nearby either. So...what now?

So I have, haven't I?

[ He also thinks she might have adopted him rather than he adopt her. ]

Hmmm. We can leave her and she can find her way back to my place, but I think she'll just follow us.

[ Who knew having a cat could be so troublesome? ]

Do you see any guards? We could leave her with them since we'll be passing by this gate later.

"Yup."

And she looks pretty satisfied with herself, at least for this run. Hands set politely in her lap (for now), she leans forward and grins at him.

"They've all been pretty boring until now though. A lot of women who were disappointed they didn't get a man, and men who were either stiff and boring or too frisky for their own good." Resting her chin on one arm propped up, she continues, "I think you might be better company, either way."

He figured some guys would take advantage of the situation.

"It's starting to sound like they're just sticking people in these boats for the sake of doing so rather than spreading this holiday cheer." Or whatever this Litha is supposed to be.

"Are you alright, though? You mentioned some men being handsy so..." He remembers her lugging around a sword that was too big for anyone's business so he assumes she can defend herself, but its always best to just make sure.

"Oh, I'm fine," she says, waving a hand dismissively. "Anyone who got too eager where I didn't want them got hurtled overboard. No big deal." It's not that she isn't receptive to the right person, just... none of them were particularly interesting beyond being needy as hell. She shrugs.

"I wonder if maybe waiting for the right pair to turn up is part of the magic? This place seems to have a lot of holidays centered around bonding and love, so I admit I'm not sure what makes this one much different, but..."

Her tail twitches behind her. She's definitely plotting something.

"But speaking of, has anyone tried coming onto you yet?"

He shook his head with sheepish smile.

"No, unless you want to count the kitten that meows at me while I'm cooking."

A beat.

"Besides, I don't think anyone would be attracted to someone like me."

[She looks around to find any guards nearby but she couldn't see any of them. That was incredibly odd. ]

...Is there normally a shortage of guards around here or is everyone on their breakfast break? I guess we don't have much of a choice here but maybe this might help.

[She rummages through her bag and pulls out some rope. With some carefully placed knots, she manages to create a makeshift harness for the kitten. The kitten on the other hand, flops onto her side after Saori makes sure it's not too tight for her.]

Sorry, kitten, but can't have you wandering out there if you're coming with us. Guess she's staying in your bag though.

June Catch-All

For Saori

for Hakuno

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for Gilgamesh

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For Iryha

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