event pt 1 | full moon & litha

[moustre]

Event Log: June, A Midsummer Night's Dream

I. IUNERIL 17TH - THE FULL MOONS The days leading up to the full moons are the same as last month: Monsters are a little itchier and a little easier to agitate, whether they mean to be or not, which becomes increasingly noticeable the day before the full moons. But of particular note is that this may be the second full moons that some arrivals have experienced, and with that comes greater risks, greater agitation, and further reminders to take care of themselves. Weather fair, despite the worries of the city, Monsters will find that the Sisters aren't blocked away by clouds this night. The moons cast their light down on the city, and the pull is strong for even the veteran natives that call the city home. The Coven is offering potions and charms, in an attempt to encourage those without a Bond to ensure that they will be able to keep their wits about them throughout the entire stretch of the Sisters' time in the sky at their fullest. They're always allowed to reject the offer, but it's with a warning: if they let their newfound instincts overtake them, then they might find themselves back in the Coven under worse conditions. But the Sisters rise framed in stark red skies, even as evening falls across Aefenglom, much to the discontent of the city. Streets that are rarely dim are lit up even moreso, now, in the face of this omen, lanterns and candles leading all the way to the Harbor District. Their colors flicker with shades of blue, green, violet - anything to offset the red. Boats that come and go along the river also carry a lantern or two with the same intent, and ships in the harbor are decorated with magical faerylights, strung across hulls, masts, the works. There's no place in the Harbor District untouched by light, with nary a sign of red in the midst of their goods. Tensions are already high, between the humans and Monsters of Aefenglom. It's especially noticeable on this night: full moons already cause everyone to be a little jumpy, but with the red tidings for Litha, they're more on edge than ever. Some blame the new arrivals, though never directly to their face, especially when they don't know who, or what, someone might be. It's always a there-and-gone whisper, it seems like. Gossip. Distrust. Unease. It doesn't lend well to the full moons, but there are still those that want to help. Many will notice that there's already activities and decorations up for Litha, some of them still under construction despite the fast approaching festival. The most notable of all are the hedge mazes that have been constructed, both by hand and with magic to encourage their growth. Behind the festival organizers' backs, a group of people - both man and beast - are offering Monsters a chance to burn off some of their energy by embracing their instincts in a more... constructive manner, with native Witches and Monsters alike prepared to intervene if things get a little too violent. In a sort of mockery of Litha's traditions, they're partnering Monsters up with a willing participant to run the mazes, with a variety of options that they will list. The partner - or partners, if there is a party looking to go in together - can be either Witch or Monster, and the people organizing this won't judge as they inform the interested individuals of their options: a. A-HUNTING WE WILL GO, allowing the Monster to either hunt a small livestock or game animal (a piglet, fowls, rabbits, the like) or to hunt down their partner through the maze they've chosen. This need not end violently, and can become more of a game of hide and seek meets tag. b. EVERYBODY WAS FIGHTING, where one maze in particular has been devoted to a makeshift fight ring at the very heart of it. The organizers hope, somewhat, that by making the Monster(s) in question run the maze first they'll be a little tired out already when reaching the ring. c. UNDER THE PALE MOONLIGHT, because instincts don't always call for violence, the organizers offer a more intimate experience here, whether it's sexual or nonsexual. Maybe you just want a good cuddle..? The organizers emphasize the idea of consent, and will not force anyone against their will into the hedge mazes, no matter which one it is. They also want to make sure that they will step in to help if called upon, in case someone gets a little too overeager. Witches looking to use magic this night will, peculiarly, find that their magic is a little less... cooperative. Many of the Coven Witches speak of how they specifically wait to cast powerful spells on the night of the full moons, to ensure that they have the greatest chances of success with the help of the Sisters. However, Witches of the new arrival persuasion are much weaker on full moons. Their magic is still there, and they can still draw upon it for spells, but they'll have to put greater effort if they want to cast a spell with any significant amount of power. Overexerting oneself while doing this is entirely possible, so it's best to try and find some sort of balance, lest you find yourself exhausted and without a means to defend yourself. We ask that any and all NSFW threads be marked accordingly, or otherwise moved to a locked post on the log community or an entry/inbox on a character journal. Remember to please be excellent to each other, and respect all limits that your threadmates might have, if you explore the more sexual or violent aspects of the offered prompts. If things get OOCly out of hand, please let us know; if things get ICly out of hand, please let Nessie and Mhairi know.

II. LITHA - IUNERIL 21ST TO 23RD Despite what chaos there might have been on the night of the full moons, and the subsequent day after as things began to calm, Litha still arrives as scheduled on Iuneril 21st, as the sun begins to set. The summer solstice reaches its peak the following night, and the festivities wind down the third dusk. While certainly still lively, it isn't as completely festive as Boaltinn, most certainly because of the red skies, and the natives are obviously trying to make the best they can of what they perceive as a poor situation. To say that the natives are on edge would certainly be an understatement. Whatever happened in those hedge mazes is untraceable, now, and everything looks pristine. Faerylights decorate every awning, overhang, and eave, magical and twinkling with colors to offset the red skies. There are no bonfires, this go around, but much like the fires it seems that the lights all lead to the primary area of celebration: in contrast to Boaltinn, Litha is celebrated in the Entertainment, Shopping, and Harbor Districts. Doors to businesses are wide open (with many even having large signs indicating VAMPIRES WELCOME HERE - those that don't make a clear statement), and stalls offering wares and foods and activities alike are set up at nearly every corner alongside preestablished businesses in the market. The harbor is especially lively, with many sailors coming and going as they prepare for setting sail. While ships themselves are always coming and going in the port, Litha is an important time for the more longterm voyages and those meant to carry some significance, and each ship departing is bid farewell with equal fanfare. Fireworks and celebration that is, at least in some part, genuine, but does carry a certain level of enthusiasm that borders on force of will. a. ASKING FOR A LITTLE COMPANY Though all businesses in the Entertainment District open their doors for the festivals of Aefenglom, the brothels of the city in particular are offering a warm welcome this Litha to anyone who might be interested in spending some time with someone - or, multiple someones. They have open rooms for mingling, lounges with floor pillows and low tables where customers can partake in spiced and unspiced drinks alike, where the unspiced are lacking in the potions and near-aphrodisiacs of the spiced drinks. Private rooms are also available for those seeking a more... intimate experience, however one may take that to mean. The brothel workers are more than happy to attend to any interested parties, but also aren't against randomly pairing individuals up, based on their specifications. And, after a little misunderstanding regarding their classes, the Head Madame of the guild has decided that they will be offering chances for individuals to perform at their establishments. She was rather charmed by the mishap, bless your souls, as were the rest of the guild, so the new arrivals have endeared themselves to the brothel workers. Dances, conversation, assorted busking - whatever skills that their quest-takers learned, whether it be of the more sexual nature or not, they'll provide whatever they might need to put on a show and attract or entertain clientele. b. I'M WISHING FOR THE ONE I LOVE Anyone interested in making their way into the Shopping District will find just as many open doors, as well as numerous stalls interspersed where they weren't before. Vendors hawking their wares and goods like always call out with Litha specials, and businesses set up temporary stalls to draw attention to themselves, with promise of greater bargains and products to be found at their main establishment. There are many that sell spiced foods and drinks, with varying degrees of strength depending on how one wants to feel. Others are selling candles and lanterns, offering a magitech version of a lighter at a steal, depending on how much you purchase otherwise. The largest stalls, and the biggest displays at storefronts, are the flowers though. Every single flower shop in Aefenglom has come out full force, practically painting the district in a myriad of non-red colors as they put their stock on full display. They offer deals for those who wish to buy bouquets for a sweetheart or someone they admire, as well as anyone wanting to make flower crowns for those they care for. Each of the seven largest shops are also handing out a single flower for those partaking in festivities to place under their pillow to dream of future partners, the flower they're typically most well known for; this varies from shop to shop, but the up and coming Rose Bush certainly isn't going to let superstition stop them, and are handing out red roses. It's a bold move, but one that causes the tizzy that they were intending it to. And if one is feeling particularly whimsical, they can go to any well at night, looking into the depths in a bid to see their future spouse and true love within. Perhaps making an offering of a flower would bring good luck..? Just don't linger for too long, as there's a rumor that someone is pushing unfamiliar faces into the well, likely targeting those they think are new arrivals. c. GET LOST WITH ME Though the Harbor District has some bleedover from the Shopping District in terms of festivities, their streets and warehouses are where the most room is available for the hedge mazes. Some are sprawling as they fill the streets and alleys, spilling into the towering buildings that have been empty to load the contents onto waiting ships. They create their own environments, with flowers from the flower shops blooming in the rows and creating archways at entrances and exits. Some are enchanted to seem neverending, although there always is an exit, if one can only figure out the puzzle. Each maze has a different method to its madness, and arrangements that those running them have decided on. (Some faces may seem familiar, to those that encountered them on the full moons; they'll feign otherwise, focused only on the now and refusing to draw attention to any recognition.) Some mazes send in the partners together, randomly selected and tasked with figuring out how to reach the end of the maze together. Others will send the partners in from different ends, with the instructions to find one another, whether in the center of the maze or in its winding path. Another variety offers something reminiscent of the hide and seek meets tag game, tasking one as the hunter and the other as the hunted, a game of pursuit meant to replicate the "playing hard to get" variety of courtship. There's no restrictions on how many times one can enter the maze, as it allows one to forge many bonds - and possibly Bonds - and replicates the process of finding your true love. Or, loves; no one here is going to judge anyone. They certainly won't judge, either, if participants opt to take a swig of something for luck in love before they go in. However, some mazes have been tampered with: rather than opening out into somewhere safe on the street or in a building, they empty out unaware participants into the port itself. Hopefully you know how to swim. Once again, we ask that if any threads take on a NSFW nature that they be marked as such, or otherwise moved to a locked post in the log community or an entry/inbox in a character journal.

Welcome to the event log, part I! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. As ever, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

i would never think otherwise

[cult]

Huh? Not to kill me?

( is that a joke? that's quite something to hear, causing wei wuxian's smile to widen as he stares at the other almost shocked. berserker isn't so positive about him most of the time but this seems rather friendly than normal — maybe these sister moons are onto something. ) If you wanted to, I'd have to decline! How will I get to see you act like this while dead!?

( so he turns, informing the director of how they want the maze to go. wei wuxian as being the hunted and his partner as the hunter. of course, a laugh is given in response due to berserker's form and how wuxian seems like a simple human with not much going for him but it's been arranged so once they're before the maze; it's sea of green endless. various flowers blooming from here and there inside, seeming like a place that shouldn't put anyone in harm's way but wei wuxian seems to be excited as he looks back inside. his eyes sparkle at the sight. )

Tell me! How long do I have to make a run for it?

[curruid_coinchenn]

Normally those I hunt die. Consider yourself lucky.

[ It's some form of a joke -- he's so cruel that any kind of lighthearted talk becomes dark and twisted like everything else about him. It's nothing personal, it's just how he relates to people. This is what he does with those closest to him...more or less. It takes some getting used to his style of "humor".

Berserker gives a brief, twisted smile to the other man at his question. ]

I'll give you 30 seconds. I hope you're faster than you look.

[cult]

How sweet, I'll live for you, okay ~

( consider himself lucky, this sounds like too much back home! he won't linger on it though, nodding before taking a few steps into the maze. he looks back, glancing at berserker one last time before he starts to take a few steps closer and then there's a desperate sprint that he starts as he takes a sharp turn left to start his venture into the recesses of the maze. he's fine about this, doesn't think there's anything to worry about but he knows that it's no time to look at the decorations pinned up into the greenery.

he stops, looking around from left to right and while he knows he can take those turns; he drops down to his knees quickly to try and push open the leaves in his way — slipping through the wall bush to pop out on the other side. for how magical this place is, the hole behind him closes just as quickly as if he's never ventured through it. that's good, he likes that. )

Alright.. He wants to play hide and seek so I have to be good about this..! Oh, I'm such an idiot, maybe if I... ( he's digging in his sleeves where he's pulled out his flute before realizing that making any sort of noise would be against him. so he pulls out a few talisman slips that he's gotten from his job, pressing one against the bush that'll cause vines to seek and capture just in case there's a threat nearby. it has a one time use but he's been trying to figure out how to hone his skills around nature because he's guessing that will be more present than other things. )

Good.. ( he mutters to himself, looking at the work of the talisman he's stuck inside a few leaves to conceal it; nodding as he looks around in the darkness. grey eyes too busy looking around for any sudden movements but he takes a step back and trying to be as silent as he can. he's not sure what type of hunter the other would be, silent or even loud? perhaps he waits for his prey to tire themselves out before destroying them — either way, wei wuxian beams in excitement as he begins to take one step after the other inside of the maze. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ True to his word, Berserker waits. He takes his time walking through the beginning of the maze, listening for any clues that may give away his prey. The rustling of a bush catches his attention -- it's distant, but tips him off. ]

Through, not around... [ He mutters, coming to the fork. He could charge straight through, but it would make too much noise. He claws his way up and over the hedgerow to the other side. His landing isn't too delicate, but do be it. ] Now where are you?

[ Slow and methodical. He lets his prey give itself away before he even starts to move quickly. He's not exactly silent, but he is rather quiet for his size. He pays no mind to the surrounding hedges and maybe he should have -- the vines from the talisman seize around one leg. He doesn't fall, but there is a loud cracking as he uses brute force to rip himself free from the trap. His position's been given away, but it might be a good thing -- maybe his prey will run and he'll be able to track their footsteps. ]

[cult]

( uh oh! uh oh.

perhaps it was best to take that quick detour, hearing the snap of vines and the rustling of trees to give hint to where berserker resides. wei wuxian's heart beats quick, sort of excited in what he's got himself in. stopping in place because he wants to give the other a worthy game — if he's too quick; the game will end and they'll both be dissatisfied. so he plays it safe, slowly moving forward as he turns a corner; peeking. he doesn't see anyone so he decides to take that direction.

as a disciple of the jiang yunmeng sect, it'd be laughable if he allowed himself to slip and get caught. all that training to be the perfect servant would have been for naught, steadying his hand and positioning his footsteps to follow behind someone he gave his life to would find this unheard of, irritated if wei wuxian was that bad. in all honesty, to lose face in that aspect would only earn him a scolding but that's a distant dream — an old life he's unable to have.

so he uses his talents elsewhere, shifting through the surroundings of the maze to avoid the other as best as he can but to be painstakingly stupid — he doesn't leave that much from the area. in a way trying to stick around by him. keep your friends closer, enemies closer type of deal just to play around. so he plays around, his tone teasing as he calls out: )

Ber～ser～ker～ ( as playful as it is with a short chuckle afterwards, he's looking off to the side to make a quick escape through the bushes. from what the male'll be able to hear — wei wuxian is nearby. now he knows the game is to run as far as he can to dodge his bulkier friend but this is a treat! knowing that the other won't actually kill him for just a little fun. so as he squirms through the bushes, the hole closing as if he's never forced himself through it — he rests his back against the leaves, listening and curious if the other will appear on the other side. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ If his emotions weren't so stunted, this would be thrilling. If he were not in this altered state, the thrill of the hunt would be enough to satisfy him. Cú Chulainn loved a good hunt, but this version twisted by one woman's wish on the Grail loved nothing. There's no enjoyment in this exercise, just honing his hunting skills further. A necessary task and nothing else.

He hears the teasing call and stops, listening for anything else. The rustling of leaves is enough and he tracks Wei Wuxian's position to the other side of the hedge, but finds nothing. A guess and nothing more, he reaches through the hedge, grabbing for anything he can get a hold of. ]

You're over there, aren't you? [ Flat, cold. ] Clever...

[cult]

( as much fun as wei wuxian is having, he keeps in mind to pay attention to his surroundings until the rustling between the bushes catch his attention. his heart stops only for a minute because of the anticipation, waiting until he feels a hand latch onto his cultivator robes — nails digging into the fabric. wei wuxian knows better though, allowing the other to grab him is one thing but he grabs his sword from his waist; quickly cutting so that in tow beserker has pieces of clothing than the actual body. he races to get to his feet, not as sporadic as someone fearing that they'd die rather — just a friendly game of hide and seek. )

I should stop playing, huh!? You'll really get me like that!

( his sword is returned back to its sheathe, knowing full well that he's given away his hiding place so it won't take long for berserker just to come through the wall of leaves. right now, he knows that it's best to get distance between him and the other so he chooses to use his flute and brings it to his lips. a few quick tunes are played but that only causes a sharp pain to form at the back of his head, causing him to flinch but in turn the vines do as requested and that's to annoyingly wrap around berserker's legs; this time thorns are against the flora to keep a tighter grip — harder to break! it's weird but they don't fully listen to wei wuxian, one vine slithering towards the witch's feet and in turn, he takes a step back to dodge the sneaky appendage. )

Hey! Listen to me! Stop that!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He drops the cloth once he realizes that's all he has. There was no way it was going to be that easy, that much he knew -- there's more to Wei Wuxian that he lets on. It would be insulting to think so lowly of him that he'd be caught so quickly. ]

You're clever... [ He says as he pushes his way through the hedge, only to be snagged by the vines. ] I should've expected that.

But you're not completely in control of your powers, are you?

[ It takes him a bit longer to break through the vines, the thorns digging into his skin. It hurts, but it doesn't matter to him -- pain is a fact of life. Pain is to be ignored and fought through no matter what. He claws at the ground in front of him in an effort to force the vines to break, to get closer to Wei Wuxian.

Feral instincts take over his more logical mind, the only thing that matters to him now is catching his prey. It's a struggle for control, instincts over his own decision making. He growls as he continues to force his way to the other man, the vines slowly giving way to his sheer strength and force of will. ]

[cult]

Thank you, thank you ~ If you praise me too much, it'll get to my head! So be careful.

( wei wuxian wouldn't say that, he's learning how to use them and he gets better here and there but.. it's not usually this bad. he's done enough practice with luo binghe to have these mindless vines under his control but it's nothing but annoying with the way they snap at him — causing him to unsheathe his own sword again and swipe towards the flora.

there's a curse under his breath, the taunt is enough to make him chuckle softly but he knows better than to stay in one place. considering his situation, his grey eyes raise from the vines slithering from the bushes and up towards the direction he sees the other coming from. it's obvious that mere vines won't be enough to keep him back, wei wuxian catching the expression written on the male's features and he can note one thing:

not good. )

By the end of this.. if I'm not, you'll make sure that I am if I want to win, right? ( it's to make the situation lighthearted because with the growls leaking through the other's words makes this quite worrisome. maybe it was better to chase actual game than becoming the prey but in his worries; one of the vines shoot towards wei wuxian in an attempt to stab through his shoulder but he avoids it quickly by squatting down. the vines within the area becoming more of a trap, going against both players within the maze. maybe for berserker, this makes the game more interesting for him but for wei wuxian, it has him on edge to where he has to be careful. he's not running because he's afraid, oh no, he's wants to keep his distance, avoiding the vines that wish to impale him because he wants to give the other something.

besides, if he didn't enjoy it.. why would he pick this?

despite rushing, wei wuxian's movement are stalled at times due to stopping before a thick, green appendage larger than others appearing from the bushes. it connects to the other side, holding it's position before pulling back slowly. what he knows is that he doesn't want that impaling him. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah, the vines add an interesting dimension to this. If he lingers too long here, it might become a problem, but his work may be done for him. His more logical instincts are overridden, though, and all he knows is that he wants to catch Wei Wuxian. Something worse may come from that, but he's not thinking that far ahead. Thinking for longer than a few seconds is difficult. ]

You're going to do my job for me, at this rate.

[ Once free of the vines, Berserker moves at a frightening clip towards the other man. Vines be damned, he's going to get his prey. He avoids getting pierced by any of them, but glancing blows cause small wounds. He doesn't even seem to notice them, though, as he tries to get to his target. He wants to trap Wei Wuxian between himself and that vine, forcing a conclusion to this. At least in his own mind that's the result. ]

[cult]

( there's a slight show of annoyance that shows on his features, preoccupied by his own magic working against him. it doesn't make sense why they're acting out in such a way, betraying his commands and even going as far as to attack him. though his heart beats rapidly, he doesn't think that would be the reason for them to go out of control — a quick dodge to the left to avoid an incoming shot. there's a problem here, glancing back to check on his companion is probably the worst thing he can do in seeing he's not even wholly bothered by them!

it must be great to be a monster, witches have it so hard! he's quick, pulling a talisman from his sleeve and throwing it against the bushes nearby and he quickly activates it; causing a flame to start abruptly. because of the maze, it's not like anything is acting to his wishes for what he wants to burn down is starting to mix together — vines covered in heat slither about. the entire field effect has changed, silent and graceful it had intended to be at first but this time.. it's a field of flames, a hectic war zone it feels like.

how embarrassing, maybe he will do the job or it'll work to his favor — well, that depends on what dragon berserker may be turning into. the flames eat away at the flowers within the bushes, some areas turning a light shade of blue to mimic the moonlight that shines down onto them. every action wei wuxian makes puts a toll on his body, a throbbing pain resurfacing harder and his body wants to stop moving at times. he takes a deep breath, raising a hand to his forehead in attempt to quell his pain but that does nothing. instead, he trips over his own two feet down a path he's decided to cut to the left and isn't it embarrassing that it leads to a dead end?

he'll work with it, crawling towards the garden wall and then raising a hand to start fanning at himself because of the heat. )

Maybe I made a mistake, it happens... it happe — ( his words cut off into a hiss, a vine making it's way to jab right into the witch's shoulder and that shit hurts, those as the vine pulls back, blood covered around it's floral tip; it does move around like a snake as if it's found its own prey. ) Really! Horrible, horrible! Bad magic, bad! Why the hell is it like this!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ The fire doesn't seem to slow him down at all or even give him hesitation. Fire makes most people panic, especially when it's out of control. Berserker never stops, small wounds bleeding and exposed skin reddening from the heat. All that matters right now is catching his prey. The intensity of his expression would frighten a sane person, the first show of any kind of emotion.

There's no reaction from him as he watches Wei Wuxian trip and crawl towards the dead end. He runs over to him, bearing down like a wild animal. It's only when he gets close enough to crawl over top of the other man that he stops, realizing his mind was taken over by feral instinct.

Not a pleasant feeling. ]

You have made a mistake...You were so close, you did so well.

[ Three mistakes. Praise the first failure. ]

But now we need to get out of here...I can leave you here and let you suffer from your mistake or take you out of here. Your choice.

[cult]

( the vine mixed with flames that had caught its prey is now blocked by a body between both wei wuxian and it, the cultivator knowing he's lost the game in a way from his own magic backfiring. if he's too be honest, he doesn't know why it had a hard time working together with him which a hand raises up and presses a palm against the other's chest. the position isn't unwelcomed, wei wuxian laughing softly as he stares the other in his eyes — catching his own reflection.

his other hand raises, palm pressed against the man's cheek as he offers a wink, thumb brushing lightly. the change in his expression does cause wei wuxian to raise a brow; different from before? maybe this night really is something. )

You see, this really doesn't happen normally, maybe tonight just isn't my night. ( who was to know using magic under the sister moons would be his downfall and besides, he was ready to use his abilities to their maximum capacity! it's a little disappointing to be caught like a mouse by his own magic. ) Ah..

( grey glance over to the flames, then to where his body had been penetrated by the flora and his option is thought about for a moment; clearing his throat. he cuts his eyes away from berserker, looking up at the sky because of the moons and they are different compared back home in his world and while being saved sounds like ideal — wei wuxian doesn't see himself as that candidate. )

If you're wary of our surroundings, then this is pretty bad, huh? You should get out, there's no need to worry about me. ( honestly, he shouldn't talk like he's going to die! it's only a headache and his magic is a little terrible here and there but the thing is, he can still manage. ) Besides, when you say it like that, if I don't suffer... you'll look at me differently! ( he drops both his hands attempting to gather his bearings and he nods to confirm something for himself as he waits for the other to speak. ) You gotta decide though, you can get out of here easy! I have to figure out the dos and donts ~ ( give him a moment to look at the fire that creeps closer, the vines that burn and some that thrive from the magic and then.. there really isn't anyway to get out of this, huh? closing his eyes, he latches onto berserker; wrapping his arms around the male's neck instead. )

Ahahahahaha! Yes, this is no good! No good! I change my mind!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's still so strange to be touched in affectionate ways. Defensive ways he's used to, if he gets close enough to kill someone that way. A knee to his stomach, hands on his shoulders pushing him away. Never a touch like the hand braced against his chest or the one stroking his cheek. It makes him stop, breathing heavy from the chase. His red eyes are cold as he looks down at Wei Wuxian, but they're clouded with confusion.

It's been so long since someone's touched him at all, Berserker nuzzles into the touch on his face for a just a moment. He's forgotten himself in a few ways, thanks to the moon above him. A momentary lapse in judgement, nothing more, he tells himself. He snaps out of it for a second, the other man's words going mostly unheard until his hands drop away. ]

If you wish to die here, that's fine. You'll survive if you're worth anyth--

[ That sentence is quickly cut off as Wei Wuxian clings to him. Well, that settles it. The decision made, Berserker wraps an arm around his waist and stands up. Even with only one arm free, getting out of here isn't going to be a problem. He crawls up a nearby hedge and drops down the other side. A survival instinct kicked in, one he normally ignores. A few twists and turns later, he reaches the end of the maze. ]

... You can let go now.

[cult]

( he could let go, but he's not, clinging as if his life depends on it and besides — berserker could just drop wei wuxian on his ass anytime he wants! he's just waiting for that. freedom, finally out the accursed maze that's went up in flames no thanks to him follows with sheepish laughter — witches and their bondeds alike stare at the pair as if they've ruined something. well, partially they're already aware of the pros and cons from the moons above but do the oblivious pair know anything? it's all one sided here. ) Awe, don't look like that! Wasn't he amazing, a predator in their natural state during a good ol' fashioned hunt!

( back to important matters, there's something he wants to comment on that caught his attention. looking up to the other with a mischievous grin pulling on his face. ) I'm worth something, right? I did survive because you saved me, you are so kind, you know!! ( a small tease, he only believes that if the other truly wanted to see wuxian suffer, he could have left him there. the witch would have figured out a way to get out of the problem he caused and took quite a bit because of his abilities backfiring. )

I should repay you somehow! You really like my hand, do you want me to give a pat? Rub your cheek again, huh, huh? ( the offer is generously on the table, he can't do much with his arms around berserker but he'll make some changes just to do so. besides, it gets his mind off of his.. slight fuck up from earlier which he's still very well aware of as witches try to remedy the flames to keep it under control. )

You can tell me anything! ( in exchange, he's learning little things about the other like... he's really like a big cat? wouldn't say dog, those scare wei wuxian just too much. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker is used to bring ruin upon everything he touches, so the looks go unnoticed. That's just normal and commonplace for him anymore. He sees no need to try to placate the onlookers, maintaining his grip on Wei Wuxian.

... Shit. A part of him hoped the other man hadn't noticed that behavior. He doesn't look embarrassed by that question, more annoyed, but he relents. It's easier to tell him what he wants -- he knows the other is not easily deterred in any sense of the word. A dog is much closer to the truth: even as an Alter Servant, he is still Cú Chulainn, the feared hound of Culann. ]

... Not here. Is there somewhere more private we can go?

[ It's a matter of pride. He doesn't want anyone else to see him give into what he believes is weakness. But maybe if he gives into this want, this meaningless desire for a bit of affection, he won't need to worry about something embarrassing like that happening again. ]

Don't read too much into that.

[cult]

( beserker being willing to let wei wuxian have his way causes him to blink once, then twice, as if he's heard wrong. for someone who bleeds such a negative aura, he truly is kind in his own way and that's probably why the witch probably likes him so much. he doesn't see a reason to dislike him, there's nothing he's done wrong yet so far so he hops in the male's arms just a little — excited. a flinch immediately after, though, his shoulder is sort of killing him from too much movement, he should be careful about that. )

Private.. private..! Uh, I think they're offering rooms around because you're pretty thick — there's no way we can hide behind a tree or something! ( he's always said things a little too open minded but at least he sounds genuine, willing to find a place so that he can dispense the pats for his companion. he raises a brow, looking towards one of the witches to speak; curious on if there's a place they can go. his question does bring them silent before answering about the local brothels and the like. )

I was right! If you want we can do that there? ( since he sounds like he doesn't like to admit he wants a few good pat pats and yeah, wei wuxian just has to make it sound bad around the witches and bondeds nearby. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Why are you like this????

This is all terribly against his better judgement and there might be a few regrets about this decision. There is the chance it might ease whatever feral thoughts are tearing at his mind, at least a little bit. A chance at rationality is one he's willing to take, even if he's likely to never hear the end of it. ]

... Then let's go.

[ The decision is made. The looks he's getting annoy him, but he doesn't put Wei Wuxian down. It's faster this way, he rationalizes it, especially with the other one wounded. No sense in letting him make it worse. Minimizing the movement will allow it to scab over, at least.

It's not a far walk, but it is a quiet one, Berserker refusing to say much more, lest any more people get the wrong idea about what's going on here. It's bad enough that they're going to a brothel... ]]

You'll speak nothing of this to anyone.

[cult]

( stop, what did he do wrong?

there's many things going through wei wuxian's head, even the annoying grin that shows on his features every time he makes eye contact with berserker. he's scary, but endearing, he speaks rather strongly but he feels as if there's heart to him deep down which comforts the idiot enough to lean against the other. yeah, he makes this look horrible around others. he nods in agreement, not seeing what the problem is about the situation or even.. why they have to keep it on hush! )

Huh? Are you embarrassed being caught with me or something! ( a little banter has never hurt, teasing berserker once again as he laughs softly to himself — he seems to be having a good time despite his shoulder is throbbing. ) I can speak about your good will, right? You really could have left me to die, you know. ( it would have been a familiar scenario to him, it's not like that isn't what was going to happen to him back home.

he sighs, looking around towards the signs of various brothels in hopes to catch a good deal — some actually are, once he reads the descriptions. extra little things for certain pairs of bondeds: witch/witch, monster/monster and even witch/monster gets extra items for their rooms. they're really giving certain couples a nice and warm welcome on the celebrations it seems like. ) That place looks like they'll be kinder towards you than that one.

( some doesn't say too much about monsters and that's mostly what wei wuxian is looking forward, not wanting to make this anymore awkward for the other than it's already been. the best part is that everything about tonight is free, opening their doors to any person that wishes to come through but wuxian truly can't forget the one woman's words about how there may be quite a few hardships for monsters from time to time. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

You've only made one mistake, so I let you live.

[ As he steps through the doorway, he sets Wei Wuxian down gently. The issue with monsters doesn't surprise him, some are especially dangerous, after all. Dragons in particular are a problem with how uncontrolled they can be.

He's a bit gruff with the clerk, cold and short, but they're given a room. ]

This way...or do I have to carry you again?

[cult]

( finally sat down to his feet, he's casually making his way around in the lobby, eyes glancing at this and that, along with the people inside. wei wuxian does become bothersome at one point, a few of the workers asking him not to touch things that don't belong to him and to go back to the side of his companion before he gets in trouble. the idiot is hardheaded by nature so instead, he does find himself making conversation with a younger woman sitting within the lobby, laughing and having a good time despite the pain in his shoulder. there's a few times where he points towards berserker's direction and in response the young woman seems to fluster for a moment. looking away for a moment before pushing flowers into his arms from a basket she's been carrying around.

he gladly accepts them, giving her a wink before he gets up from his seat and happily walks himself over to berserker's side. ) Do you wanna carry me? I don't mind, I'm soooo hurt.. ~ ( hopefully it's just a flesh wound even though how bad it hurts like hell but instead, he hands over the bulk of flowers in his arms over to the other. )

Here, here. That cute sister wanted to give you these but she's shy ~ ( there's also a flower crown in his hand to pass onto the servant as well. ) I told her about how you rescued me and she was just SO impressed!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker watches the scene with impressive indifference, along with a mild, but growing, irritation. Maybe it's the changes taking their toll, but his patience is thinner than ever.

Once the other man returns to his side, he does pick him back up. Berserker narrows his eyes at the offer of flowers. ]

Is that really what you told her?

[ Not that he actually cared, of course, but something told him that no, that was not what hapend, judging by her reaction. The crown sits a bit awkwardly atop his horns, sticking out like a sore thumb. It would look more fitting if the flowers were wilted and dead, really.

He sets wei Wuxian down in the doorway to the private room, going in first. He doesn't wait or even make a motion for the other to follow him, he just goes right in. Instead of sitting on any of the available furniture, he takes a seat on the floor against a wall. ]

Now come here.

[cult]

Hm.. do you not like what I said? She's a gentle sister, it's the truth, though! ( with how wei wuxian sees it, the other did do a kind gesture during their little maze adventure so why not talk about it with others? besides, the woman was pleased to hear such a thing and thought such a courageous act be rewarded — and it was cute to them! so why not? ) You don't trust me, huh? What do you think I said?

( finally back down to his feet, he looks both left and right down the halls to see if anyone is around — waving at whoever before walking inside to shut the door behind him. ) I promise you, I didn't say anything cross yet! ( since they're alone, wei wuxian takes his chance to dig into the sleeve of his robes to pull out a certain talisman he's had on hand; walking over to the servant and holding it out. )

Take this, if you place it where you've been injured.. it should do it's job! It'll activate immediately. ( he has a few more but he wants to make sure the first one works if anything. ) I'd place it on you but my magic really has went against me tonight! So..!

[curruid_coinchenn]

It's not that I don't trust you... [ Well, to be honest, he doesn't -- he doesn't fully trust anyone. ] I'll take your word on what you said. Her reaction seemed to show something different.

[ Berserker shakes his head, declining the talisman. It's stubborn pride more than anything else -- the wounds he has are his own fault and he'll let them heal. Diarmuid used a similar spell on him to heal a wound, so he knows they work...or should work. ]

Use it on yourself. My injuries are minor, they'll heal.

[ Small, but numerous. Many small cuts and minor burns marred anywhere that was bare. ]

Take care of yourself before worrying about others.

[cult]

Did it? Huh! I wasn't really paying attention much but she did give you a gift so that means something, right? ( it's quickly right after that his kindness is rejected but that doesn't stop him, keeping up his grin as he finds the other's reaction to be the norm now. berserker really likes to keep up that one certain image about him, it's endearing enough. it's not that he hasn't heard those words before, thinking about himself before others but that's not how he works so he keeps holding it out; hoping the other will take it. ) I have many more so just this one, okay?

( besides, it just doesn't sit right with him having probably caused a few because of his missteps tonight and now that he thinks about it. ) I made a mistake like you said so I have this to fix a few of those! ( yeah, he's really not budging at all but he remembers something the other said and might as well.. )

Oh! How many mistakes do I have to make, it seems you really count those? You were all spooky like.. I made one so you'll let me live, how many more? ( the idea of coming here was to pat the other's head until they both were satisfied but it seems like once wei wuxian gets to talking.. he can hardly shut up! one question after the other, his personality that fixates on another person to make sure they're fine before him and other things of that matter. while he waits, he does move to sit himself right next to berserker in a criss-crossed fashion, using his free hand to pat his own lap and now he's becoming an embarrassment. )

Lay your head right here and you can tell me all about it! ( maybe he didn't really forget about those pats. there's a soft sigh, leaning against the wall as he keeps an expectant look on his companion. come on, it isn't that bad! )