catch-all (partly open; partly closed)

[catasstrophy]

Who: Konoe and friends acquaintances (and enemies, and whatever)
When: May
Where: ~around~
What: All the things! So far: herb quest with Dylas; Mrs. Mitten quest with... you?
Warnings: The general stupidity of a catboy chasing a cat? 🙀 Will edit as things come up.
Feel free to use the format/tense you're most comfortable with! I will happily adapt.
If you want to wildcard me for whatever, go right ahead. You're likely to find Konoe around the city, following the magic classes the coven's giving, maybe attempting some very minor magic in a secluded spot, sitting on a rooftop looking out over the city and trying not to feel lonely, or... very much lost because he has no sense of direction.

[closed] HERBOLOGY HELP

It's not for the reward that Konoe does this; in fact, he's not sure what the reward even is. But he's been wanting to take a look at the forest, even if it's supposed to be dangerous, and this gives him the perfect excuse to finally do it. And, since he's not alone... he doesn't have to worry about getting lost either. (Shut up.)

It's strange how much the forest feels comfortable and familiar, yet something about it is still very much off. The smell of the trees and plants is not so different than that of the world he grew up in, but there's definitely something odd on top of that, very faint and sickly sweet, yet anything but sweet at the same time. That's new. The Void never smelled like anything... but then, that only made it more dangerous.

This still feels more like home than a city ever could. Konoe appreciates the comforts of a city, but it's hard to beat scents for nostalgia.

"Follow the river in the forest, it said..." And that's what they're doing. "Do you think it's much further?" He doesn't mind either way. He's just trying to make conversation, in his own way - and perhaps trying to calm down somewhat, with that eerie sickly sweet scent lightly prickling at his nose.


[open] MRS. MITTENS

In a city full of magic and monsters, there's a wide variety of things one should expect to see, and very little that should surprise you. Even so, the sight in front of you may raise a few eyebrows.

"Hey - wait!" There's a young man with a tail and cat ears, his hood long since fallen off his head and flapping behind him like the rest of his mantle. He's running at a pretty impressive speed, jumping obstacles... and perhaps knocking over a thing or two (hopefully not a person or two) in the process, oops.

That's not really the noteworthy thing here, though. The strangest thing to note is that he's chasing... a cat. The catboy is chasing a cat.

"I'll give you milk, so come here already!" He remembers that these Cats are supposed to like milk. He has still not accepted that they apparently - supposedly - can't talk, though... and even if he did, he expects them to at least understand what he's saying.

Clearly this particular Cat is just very rude.

Comments

[sullenstallion]

"You, uh. Sound like a pretty big kuim fan there."

He's judging a little, conveniently forgetting any obsessions he has with fish, milk, or carrots. Clearly, Dylas is the exception and Konoe is the one who sounds very impressed with whatever kuim are.

He starts to look up at the trees as he walks, stomach starting thanks to all their talk about food.

"How much farther do you think it is? Maybe I should've packed myself a lunch."

[catasstrophy]

"Not really." Yes, totally. He is such a fan. He even had a few kuim with him when he arrived, but he couldn't risk them going bad, so he ate them already. Maybe he should have tried to dry one, or something... but what if someone had eaten it in the meantime?!

"It didn't really say how far..." Probably not much further. Maybe he should be in more of a hurry, but he really likes being in the forest. It's relaxing. "... Do you want an apple?"

He came prepared! Sorta kinda. After all, even if this is a forest, and food should be available, it's also an infected forest.

[sullenstallion]

"But they can be both sweet and sour, you know." He can't help but bring those words back to tease Konoe a little. It's endearing when someone else has a favorite food, but may the gods help whoever points out his favorite vegetable.

He stops walking, tail swishing once along the grass before turning back to look at Konoe. "You brought food? You're pretty well-prepared." He's a little surprised, though it's not like he thought Konoe was a space case. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind an apple if you've got a spare."

[catasstrophy]

"Why are you asking me if I know?" Teasing or not, Konoe is... still a little annoyed at being called out like this, even if his frustration is very superficial, so he takes the tease borderline seriously in his over-defensiveness. "I'm the one who's eaten them before."

Konoe may not be the most prepared person ever, but he's at least used to trekking through the forest... and he's also used to getting lost, which means it's best to be prepared? Ahem. He only has the two apples, but he could last a day on that if he needed to - and if he can share, instead, so much the better.

It's kind of stupid how happy such a little compliment from Dylas makes him, really. But then, he knows that Dylas wouldn't just say these things. If he says them, he means them probably.

"Sure. Do you want to sit, or eat as we go?"

[sullenstallion]

"The way you describe them just makes them sound so incredible. I can't help but ask you again." It could be worse. He could tease Konoe like he teases some of his other 'acquaintances. Surely, the cat prefers this over vague threats and the constant stream of unpleasantness Dylas is capable of releasing.

Unaware that Konoe would even care about a compliment that's nothing more than a comment without any thought behind it to Dylas, he steps closer, waiting for this apple to appear.

"If you're tired already, we can sit." It's not really an answer. Dylas is fine as he is, but his way of attempting to be kind to Konoe is to ask him if he's been skipping leg day. "You can decide."

[catasstrophy]

The cat doesn't really mind either, to be honest - and he'll respond in much the same way, regardless. This is the privilege of a cat.

"Not really. I'm not tired." He's not! He just. Thought it would be nice to sit together, maybe?? But he feels pretty cured of that, so thanks. "... I guess the sooner we find the herbs, the better."

When is a nag also a drag? Right now, apparently.

Konoe doesn't mind continuing, anyway: he grabs an apple from his bag, and holds it out to Dylas.

[sullenstallion]

If Konoe wanted nice things like sitting around and having a picnic, he ought to have brought carrots instead of apples.

"I'm not really in a hurry. It's my day off, so if it takes all day it's not going to upset me." He reaches out and takes the apple before shining it on his shirt. Once that's done, he takes a bite, chewing before continuing. "We should find them before it gets dark, but it's not so bad being out here in the forest with someone who gets it."

Despite the bickering and the nagging, he still thinks Konoe is somehow more sensible than other people he's spoken to.

[catasstrophy]

It's like he doesn't carrot all.

Meanwhile: thinking Konoe is sensible may not be Dylas' first mistake, but let's hope it's his gravest one. Even if Dylas now seems open to a would-be forest picnic, Konoe won't go back on what he said anymore: he's not tired, so he's not going to sit.

"As long as we don't know how much further it is, let's just keep going. We can always rest on the way back."

[sullenstallion]

"Alright. That sounds nice."

What is he talking about? That sounds nice? It's not like he wants to stop and lay around in the sunshine. That's probably what Konoe wants to do. Cats be like that sometimes.

He steps in front, this time gesturing for Konoe to follow him. The tip of his tail, long and well-groomed, flicks the ground on occasion as he walks. Eventually, as the forest starts to get deeper, Dylas comes to a stop.

"Do those look red enough to you?"

He gestures to herbs near a tree a good twenty feet away. Against everything else, they stand out.

[catasstrophy]

Cats be like that - the only explanation for all things cat-like.

Konoe isn't much of a follower, but he doesn't mind so much with Dylas, especially with that view. Dylas' tail may not be like a cat's, but it's still pretty nice. Konoe would happily sacrifice a limb or two, if he could have a tail like that. (Okay, maybe not really - but boy, would he ever be tempted!)

Stopping a little abruptly when Dylas does, Konoe leans to one side to peek around him. "Yeah, that looks about right." That was quicker than he thought! Something feels a little off, but he couldn't say what. "Let's smell them to make sure."

Passing Dylas by, he walks to the herbs immediately, but even from a small distance, there's little doubt. They smell delicious.

[sullenstallion]

Dylas' tail has got it going on. It's carefully groomed every morning, suggesting that he actually cares about his appearance. He's unaware that Konoe is so fixated on it, and it sways idly as he walks. Left, right, left right...

He doesn't move when Konoe passes him. He watches from where he's standing, firmly rooted, waiting for the cat to confirm that they're what they're here for. Even from where the horse stands, they smell pretty good. If you're into that kind of thing. He's not.

"Looks like this is one problem solved. Did the listing say how many we need to bring back to get paid?"

[catasstrophy]

Swaying and swaying... If it wasn't a tail, Konoe would be so tempted to -... No - he definitely can't! It's a tail, dammit, not a tail plant! Even if it's not quite like a cat's tail...

(So someone needs to introduce Dylas to spicy fish, is what you're saying?)

"No. It said we could keep a few, so I guess not that many?"

He's not that concerned, really. He took on this job, but he'll finish it the way he thinks is right. He just has to collect some of the herbs, and -...

Suddenly there are several sets of white eyes in the shadows among the foliage. Konoe freezes, extending his claws.

[sullenstallion]

"There's no reason to be stingy. With an environment like this, they'll grow back pretty quickly, I'd think."

That's his stance on the subject, and it's all he has to say because he has no idea Konoe is so fascinated with his ass. Dylas has certainly noticed the crook in the cat's tail, but it's not even exciting enough to mention.

Oh—at least today won't be boring. He notices the eyes around the same that Konoe does, and he reaches for the silver-spiked knuckles hanging on his belt. Wearing them is just as good as claws. Probably better. Because they're metal.

"Show yourselves, you bastards!"

[catasstrophy]

EXCUSE YOU, HOW DARE YOU INNER-MONOLOGUE-INSULT HIS TAIL?!?!??! You're more of a crook than his tail will ever have!!

Konoe has a sword, your metal is invalid. Claws are just quicker, more instinctive. That sure doesn't mean he won't grab his sword soon enough if he has a moment, however.

The Shades are dark, blending in with the forest almost seamlessly until their eyes give them away - but then, they're not exactly hiding themselves on purpose. It feels sort of like a sky that suddenly grows grey and stormy, a natural but overly fast shift in surroundings. There's loud screeching, and then it really is like the sky beyond the trees is growing overcast - but it's only because a flock of bird Shades has taken flight, absorbing the light.

Dammit - of all the things to run into..! Konoe doesn't let it stop himself, though: after a moment's consideration, he grabs his sword and runs towards the Flaming Lips. He decided to bring some back for that person, so he will! If he has to run away, that's fine - but only after he finishes the job.

[sullenstallion]

Dylas said Konoe's tail is a bitch.

Of course it's birds, and of course he's stuck here without any of his lightning abilities. He scowls as they swoop down, and he rushes forward to stand with Konoe. At the very least, his long arms and legs are going to be a boon to him here.

They attack Dylas first because he's taller, but he's quick enough to grab one of the shades and throw it like a snowball right back at some of the other birds. This makes a few of them scatter—most people don't try to grab them, and even when he's not his artificial claws make good work of swiping at them while select others nip at his ears or try to claw at his back.

"Oh, these birds are just asking for it—!"

He throws another one, but this time a bird attacks his tail at the exact same moment, and he sends the shade right against the back of Konoe's head instead. Whoops.

[catasstrophy]

Bitches are for dogs, and horses can't nag!!

Counting on Dylas for taking care of the shades isn't something Konoe should do, but he doesn't have much of a choice: they need some kind of task division here, if they're to both collect the herbs and get out alive. Not that Konoe doesn't regret that very practical decision when a bird shade crashes into the back of his head.

Except that he has no way of knowing Dylas did that, thankfully.

Swallowing an exclamation that's honestly more shock than pain, Konoe turns around and lets himself fall on his ass, assentially essentially ducking while he swings his sword at the black mass in his vision. Fortunately the bird is surprisingly passive, and Konoe slices it neatly in half... which only makes something like black mist spill out, instead of something corporeal. But then, that's basically expected.

After throwing a quick glance at Dylas to make sure he's all right (or good enough, considering the circumstances), Konoe scrambles to his feet and finally reaches the herbs, plucking a quick few hands full and stuffing them into his bag. This is not the time to be careful about what part of the plant he picks: he just takes the whole thing.

"I got them! Let's go!"

[sullenstallion]

That's exactly what someone with a weak tail would say, smh.

He can handle the shades just fine on his own. Dylas slices a few with the dangerous tips of his weapon, and another few he manages to turn into mist through the sheer force of his punch alone. The rest pick at him, pulling at his clothes or his tail or his ears.

He's making headway, Dylas just doesn't have the luxury of picking the easier job. Or so he'd nag. Truthfully, he's having fun, and it shows in how lively he's become as he fights off the pesky things. Sure, he's bleeding a little from the nips and pecks and scratches, but what can he say? He's fighting a miniature flock of shady birds without his powers.

When Konoe yells that out, Dylas doesn't even bother following after him.

"Just hold your h—" Oh shit, not that word. "—hares! I need to get some, too!"

[catasstrophy]

His tail isn't weak! If it looks weak to you, it's just your eyesight that's weak!!

Seriously, that is why Dylas wants to risk death-by-cwyld?!

"You can have mine! Just go!"

Even if Dylas is enjoying the fight - and Konoe doesn't blame him for that, even if he doesn't quite share the sentiment - they're up against infected creatures, with no way of knowing what those creatures can do, how the infection might spread, etc. Finishing the job is important to Konoe, because he started it so he will damn well finish it, but getting some stupid herbs for his own use is the last thing on his mind.

[sullenstallion]

Ah. Fuck. Forget this. He manages to pick up a nearby rock and throw it at one of the larger ones (a direct hit!) but he's too tall and he stands out too much.

"I get at least half!," is what he decides to yell before he swings his arm in a wide arc and starts fleeing after Konoe. As much as he'd like to stick around and fight, he knows so little about what's out here and what effects a fight like this could have. His adrenaline is still pumping, but once he starts running at least most of them flap back into their nest despite the damage Dylas has caused to their group.

"What the hell is their problem? There are probably tons of these if they're that easy to find."

[catasstrophy]

"Fine!"

Dylas can take half; Konoe could care less. He doesn't need to keep any himself, anyway: he's just doing this because it's a job - and the job didn't say how many to collect, so he considers it done regardless. Fighting is just too dangerous when there's so much they don't know about Shades and the Cwyld and all of that nonsense. Even if the Coven explained this world the best it knew how, that still left a lot of information missing...

"Now we know why someone put a quest out instead of collecting some himself."

He should have figured that, honestly, but he's used to dangerous forests, and he figured maybe not everyone from the city is the same...
... Maybe he underestimated the quest. But he's still glad to have headed out into the forest for a while, and they came out mostly okay, so it's fine.

He keeps running for a while: even if the Shades seem to have backed off soon enough, he's not taking any chances. Only when they're a good part of the way back does he slow down, and finally take a closer look at Dylas.

"Are you okay?" He's bleeding a little, and while it doesn't seem too serious, Konoe can't help but ask.

[sullenstallion]

"Seriously. We better be getting paid decently for this."

He checks over himself once they slow to a stop. A tear here, pulled fur there. For the most part, Dylas doesn't look too worse for wear. There's sweat beading on his brow, he's a little out of breath, and he needs to brush his tail. There's a few cuts, too, but they're so small that he doesn't view them as a problem.

"I'm fine, yeah. They got it worse than they gave me."

Dylas is already walking to the river so he can disinfect his wounds. He squats and splashes water on to his sleeve, wets his ear where there's a scratch there.

"Did you and the herbs make it out alright?"

At least he puts Konoe's name first.

[catasstrophy]

"Yeah..." Konoe is fine. No scratches, as far as he's noticed; he had that Shade flying into him, and he's scratched at some others, but he's all in one piece.

As are the herbs, but thanks for your concern or something!! He looks into his bag to be sure, but nothing much seems to have happened to the Flaming Lips.

"That was dangerous." Which he really should have expected, but he didn't, and he's still sort of processing it all. At least everything seems to have turned out okay...

[sullenstallion]

Of course Konoe doesn't have any scratches, he took the easiest job. But that's not something Dylas is actually sorry about. He's tough—Konoe is scrappier than he thought, but he'd still rather be the one taking blows here.

"I've been through worse, but...fighting without my abilities is harder than I thought. I'm usually stronger than this." His ears flick up and down, irritated by powerlessness he's never felt before. "Normally, if I were surrounded like that, I'd zap 'em all down with lightning, you know?"

[catasstrophy]

"You're powerful enough. Wait - with lightning?!"

Lightning... With lightning?! Sure, Konoe knows that people can do all sorts of weird things, especially here, but... lightning powers sound pretty impressive - and like a hell of a thing to lose!

[sullenstallion]

Oh. He likes being called strong, powerful. It's flattering. He does try to be tough, and he does want to go stronger, so having it acknowledged is nice.

"Yeah. Back home, I was stronger than this. You have to be. I was fighting monsters whenever I left town to go fishing. That includes magic, but...only the lightning and thunder kind."