Juril Quests, Full Moon, and Catch-all [OPEN]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Who: Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter) and you!
When: Throughout Juril
Where: Various places
What: Monthly catch-all and quest log!
Warnings: None currently


[ 1. Walk, walk, fashion baby (New Look) ]

[ Berserker has been wrangled as a model for one of the tailors in the city. A dragon draws enough attention just by existing, so he's in high demand. The look he's wearing is a little ... skimpy, to say the least. His hair has been braided to match the look, the red lacing a stark contrast to the dark clothes.

For someone being paid for this, he doesn't look pleased (does he ever look pleased?}. He shoots an annoyed glare at anyone that stares for too long. ]

What? If you want to buy this, it came from the shop behind me.

What a rousing advertisement...

[ 2. Moon Madness ]

[ Around the city on the full moon, you may spot a somewhat familiar dragon...Except he's small. Berserker has taken on his cat-sized form to run off his feral energy. The problem is that he's exceptionally touchy at this size, willing to bite, scratch, and even poison anyone that even slightly annoys him.

He rushes along the ground without any care for how he might be tripping people up. If someone does trip over him, he claws his way free and runs for the nearest dark spot. Dare you pursue him? ]

[ 3. Wildcard ]

[ Got an idea? Did we plot something out? Drop me a starter or hit me up on discord glitzkrieg#0673 and we'll make it happen! ]

Comments

for Diarmuid

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Trekking out to the lake in Dorchacht wasn't exactly easy and not just because of the threat of Shades and wild animals. Berserker had an unpleasant history with the city of Dorchacht and the Wilde; the city's dark history is fresh in his mind, his body still bears the scars of his previous outing into the Wilde. It's hard for him to clear his mind for what needs to be done.

Dawn breaks and Berserker is already awake, making preparations. Given the size of the beast, he'll need to be in his full-sized form, which is taxing both mentally and physically. His spear...well, he can't use it like that, can he?

An idea strikes him suddenly. He nudges Diarmuid gently to rouse him, lance in hand. ]

It's time. [ Ominous thing to say when you're holding a spear. ] ...Do you want to use Gae Bolg today?

[ua_duibhne]

[It doesn't take much to get him up. Though they had slept in shifts to try and ward off whatever creatures lurk in the shadows of Dorchacht's side of the Wilde, Diarmuid had never fully settled down. His night had been spent either tensed in preparation for a fight or tip-toeing the line between sleep and wakefulness. Even now, there's a flash of wariness in his eyes as he opens them. It fades quickly.]

... ah... of course. Just give me a moment.

[Yawning, he shrugs the cape he'd been using as a blanket off and begins stretching out his stiff muscles. He's midway through an impressively deep, wide-legged lunge when Berserker catches his attention- and what a way to do it. Diarmuid stares up at him, gaze flickering between his face and the spear.

Did he just...?

Hurriedly, he draws himself back upright.]

Me? [He sounds every bit as bewildered as he looks.] I... I couldn't. I'm not worthy of it.

[Corrupted though the version he's looking at is, it's still the legendary spear of the Child of Light, given to him by Scáthach herself. Those spines and thorns do nothing to subtract from its significance. On the contrary, they feel like a physical barrier against anyone but its master trying to tame it. It's true that he was a skilled warrior in his own right but the idea of wielding it is almost sacrilegious.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Scáthach would either be proud of this offer or beat him senseless for daring to let someone who didn't survive her training wield the cursed spear -- good thing she's not around to see this.

Berserker doesn't withdraw his offer, turning the spear in his grip so the tail end is facing Diarmuid. ]

I know you think fondly of who I should be and hold my legend in such regard, but...You've shown me time and again you are worthy of my trust. You are worthy of this.

[ He tilts his head slightly. ]

What good will it do in the hands of a dragon, anyway? I'd rather you use it alongside me.

[ua_duibhne]

No, I think fondly of who you are, in your own way.

[Ciarán Cú, a man of equal worth to Chulainn's Hound. Which doesn't make the idea of being entrusted with his spear any less daunting but after all they've been through, it would be absurd not to have faith in his judgement. With great reluctance, Diarmuid reaches out and takes hold of Gáe Bolg.

Both its heft and the spikes pointing out at every angle telling of its real purpose. Compared to its slender counterpart, it was made for close, highly offensive combat, aerodynamics traded for a brutish form made to plough through infantry in one bloody sweep. There's a cruelty inherent in its shape that commands attention and evokes fear. Throwing it, he wages, would take considerable strength- which is exactly what its owner possesses. Truly, it could have been forged for no one but the version of Cú Chulainn standing before him now.

Uncertain, Diarmuid weighs it in his hands.]

I'm touched but practically speaking...

[He lifts it and tries for a few jabs. The result is clunkier than he's used to: just as he suspected, it demands a different style to the light twin spears he's used to.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's true that it was a completely different animal, so to speak. The same type of weapon, but so wholly different in its weight and purpose. Still, Berserker believes he can handle it, otherwise he wouldn't have made the offer. ]

If the beast is as big as they say it is, this will be more useful than anything lighter. [ He stands behind Diarmuid, placing a hand on his shoulder and the other on his hip. He pushes him into a different position, guiding his posture. ] Like this. You'll be able to put more into the strike this way.

[ And, because he can't help himself, he kisses his cheek. ]

Keep yourself balanced as much as possible. You'll adapt easily to the extra weight.

1

[piromare]

( he raises a hand up to his chin, curled fingers resting on his lips as the harpy thinks about what he's seeing: the familiar dragon wearing clothes that show a lot of skin and scales. but it's the ribbons that really grab his attention, and it has him craning his neck to get a better look. )

Well, honestly? I don't know if I could pull it off as well as you do.

( lio does his best to hide his coy smile. )

It doesn't seem like it restricts your wings in any way, so at least it's practical... I think.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Of course it's someone he knows. It's not like Berserker's embarrassed by what he's wearing -- that would require him to be capable of being embarrassed -- it's more that he doesn't want to deal with the questions and teasing.

He gives an indifferent glance to Lio before spreading his wings. It's true: the top was constructed in such a way it didn't interfere with them at all. The back curves up and over the base of his wings. ]

Nothing about this is practical. [ He's not wrong. ] Are you going to gawk at me? Don't linger too long or you might end up in something worse.

[piromare]

I'm not worried. What's the worst that could happen?

( there's no fear in lio's heart; no one will force him to wear anything he doesn't want to! but he shakes his head, he's totally not there to look at every inch of the dragon. no, he's there because... well.

listen. he enjoys his dark clothes, his many belts. it's hard to wear them when those other feathers on his body get stuck or get pulled. )

Besides, I'm not lying. They really picked the right model for the job.

[curruid_coinchenn]

You in less than I'm wearing out in front of another store.

[ Berserker still seems unimpressed -- then again, that's just normal for him. His tail swishes with agitation, more at the situation than at Lio. It's fine, he's getting paid, he tells himself. There are more demeaning things to do for money. ]

...Are you having trouble adjusting to the changes? [ God knows he'd been the same way; he rarely wears shirts at home because of his wings. He brushes off Lio's praise for the moment to address practical matters. ] If you need something to accommodate them better, they're sure to have something.

[ A...rousing endorsement? ]

[piromare]

... so you're saying you'd be okay with me wearing less but in front of the same store, with you.

( yes, he's making a reach. it's amusing to him, in a way. but he looks at the storefront blinks a few times, looking back at berserker with a curious expression, then back to where he can see several outfits dressed on dummies. )

Maybe. I've thought about wearing something that'll keep my upper body mostly open.

( after all, the marks haven't completely faded yet. )

moon madness

[quickwhip]

[ Alright, so. He had a feeling one of his Bonded was around because... you know... feeling things through the Bond and all. Yeah. But he hadn't actually been out looking for the dragon or anything. It just, you know, happened to be night and he's awake and wanting to jump from rooftops and sit up in trees and keep from wanting to drink blood since it's around the moon and all, so. Out for a nice rooftop stroll he goes.

And that's when he catches sight of a little dragon weaving its way through the streets and that sure as shit is Berserker. Which gets him to pause for a moment because... why is he so small??

It's with a gentle thud as he lands on the ground that his cloak swishes around him and he turns to face the little guy who seems to be in a hurry or something? ]

What the hell is this? Why are you so bloody small?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Small and cranky. Berserker, despite knowing it's Trevor, hisses at him with his teeth bared. He does stop running, at least. ]

Easier to get around like this. [ Someone familiar. Getting his fight instinct under control is easier said than done. He steps closer, though he's still cautious. ] You've never seen me this way...

[ He normally takes this form to conserve heat during the winter, but it just felt right -- denying that instinctual desire on a full moon was impossible. ]

[quickwhip]

Nnnnope.

[ He's definitely sure he has never seen Berserker like this. In his bigger dragon form? Yes. But small and cranky an bitey? No. Although the cranky seems to be the usual for him anyways.]

Didn't know you could shrink.

[ Pausing for a moment, he crouches down, arms draped across his knees. ]

Do you want head pets or something?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He growls at that insinuation, stopping himself from snapping at Trevor's fingers. The vampire can probably feel the low grade anxiety just pouring from his side of the bond, as if everything around him is a threat he needs to kill. ]

I'm not some pet... [ Yes, he's usually cranky, but this is especially cranky. ] Pick me up.

[ You're sending mixed signals there, buddy. ]

[quickwhip]

Well you're a cranky son of a bitch, aren't you?

[ But FINE FINE, he complies with his bonded's request and, after a bit of gathering up the little fella, he scoops him up into his arms and stands with him. Trying to, you know, hold a dragon as best as one can. Mind the wings and all. ]

How is it easier to get around like this? Wouldn't just walking around on your two feet be better? You know... not in this form?

for Caster

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Whispers of Caster acting a bit off had been passed around the harbor and, of course, they'd reached his ears. It didn't help the last few times they'd seen each other in passing that Berserker noticed something wasn't quite right. His only conclusion was a lost Bond or something equally troubling.

So he does the only thing he can think to do: buy a bottle (read: several) of strong ale and show up on Caster's doorstep unannounced. He at least has the courtesy to knock instead of just trying the door. ]

[futhark]

Sorry, we're closing alre— [ Caster starts speaking before he opens the door fully. And doesn't finish when he notices Berserker on the doorstep. That's where he mutters a welcome. ] Ah, hey—

[ And opens the door wide to invite Berserker inside the Inkchanted (and making sure to flip the "closed" message onto the door. He doesn't say a trivial thing, like "long time no see" or something the way. They work too closely to not pass each other... although he wasn't in very social mood last few days—

and then there was that message session a few weeks ago, hm—

So instead he acknowledges the goal of the visit that he can see in Berserker's hands ]

It is a good night for sharing a chilled drink.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ There's a lot that can be said, more that probably needs to be said, and all of that goes unsaid for now. Berserker hands over one of the bottles silently as he steps inside. Whatever is bothering Caster is significant and, well, he owes him for the comfort given to him after Flat's disappearance. ]

It is. [ And, because he can't help but ask: ] ...Are you alright?

[ Strange to think that a year ago this sort of meeting would have been completely unthinkable. ]

[futhark]

[ A lot happened during that year. A lot of growth in ways too many to count, not to mention just simply strange for those who were once but Spirits. ]

Mmm... not really— [ A casual admission as he puts the bottles on the table and brings them glasses. Briefly he wonders how Berserker even knew, but then he realizes— if someone knows well what he's going through, able to notice the signs, it's Ciarán. Recent days have been mostly going through the motions, returning home as soon as he could. It felt almost too needy, but he actively sought Archer's attention and presence. ] I've lost someone I was Bonded to.

[ Pouring the drink ]

Everything was as usual and then— just gone.

[ A sudden hole in life. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah.

It's as he thought. It's a significant and painful loss, one he can relate to all too well. Berserker can't quite bring himself to meet Caster's gaze at the moment; he feels remarkably selfish for memories of his own losses digging at him so strongly right now. ]

Like a part of you was torn away, right? [ He finally looks up. ] And you were just comforting me for my loss not that long ago.

moon madness

[fulgency]

[It is actually not Ozymandias that takes any notice of Berserker. He's too focused on his discussion with the artist he intends to commission for yet another work in the interior of his home that the darting shape of the smaller dragon doesn't manage to catch his eye. But it does manage to catch his companion's attention.]

[The sphinx cub perks up almost immediately and with clearly little to no thought about Ozymandias, follows quickly after to investigate. What was that shape? Is it a friend? A snack? A plaything? Time to find out!]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ No, this is not what he needs right now. He needs something to calm his instincts, not make him want to stop and fight. Berserker doesn't stop, not until he reaches what seems to be a dead end. Now there's a problem...If he weren't so small, maybe he wouldn't be so defensive.

He growls as he spread out his wings, attempting to make himself larger. This is a very silly display because he isn't much bigger than the sphinx cub. ]

[fulgency]

[The display does not do much by way of intimidation, but the sphinx cub is not an idiot and knows what growling indicates. It comes to a stop now that he's cornered and takes a moment to assess the situation because it doesn't want a fight either. Sniffing the air, the sphinx cub perks up as it recognizes the scent of this strange winged lizard. Giant friend! Giant friend who is now...very small??? Sphinxes are not particularly good at math, so it doesn't seem particularly bothered by those details as it lays down in front of Berserker. Whatever made giant friend small doesn't really matter, only that it is, in fact, giant friend. It reaches a paw out in front of itself, patting the ground between them as it makes little chuffing noises that as always don't quite make it to a full purr. It's only a second or two longer before it flops on its side and begins the classic feline writhing on the ground, its paw now tapping at the air.]

[It's probably officially a toss-up as to who looks more ridiculous right now.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ What...is this...Does the sphinx really expect him to play??? It obviously isn't a threat any longer with this ridiculous display. Berserker calms down a little bit, his wings folding back against his body. Even at this size, he manages to look indignant.

And yet, his stupid reptile brain is screaming for him to give in and play. His tail flicks with agitation as his logical brain wrestles with his instincts. On any other night, his more human side would have won out. Unfortunately for Berserker and his dignity, the moons are full.

So he pounces onto the sphinx kitten, playfully nipping at its neck without using any force. ]

[fulgency]

[The sphinx cub is neither fearful nor in a panic over the nips to its neck. Instead, in a similar playful demonstration, the sphinx cub gently baps Berserker in the face with one of its paws and gives him a few light kicks with its hind legs to try and make a bit of space to roll back over. The attempts are a bit lazy, so it's not making much progress there, but it's quite satisfied by having a wrestling partner!]

[Their match goes on for a little while before Ozymandias manages to finish his conversation and track down where the sphinx cub wandered off to. He says nothing as the sphinx and dragon roll about with one another, not even when they manage to roll over his feet and bonk into his shins. Instead, he watches them with a look on his face that would no doubt serve to annoy Berserker. It's clear Ozymandias finds this amusing because as much as Berserker may try to potentially deny it, there is clearly quite the soft spot for the sphinx cub at this point.]