middaeg | Aguril Catch-All Prompts (open and closed)

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Aguril Catch-All Prompts (open and closed)

Who: Soren and the Aefengang (that's you guys....)
When: Anytime in Aguril
Where: your heart's desire.... or wherever the prompt designates
What: Open and closed prompts for events and quests and whatever strikes our mutual fancies. Prompts are in the comments.
Warnings: Minor blood. Mimes. Will add warnings as/if they come.

If you would like to plot a custom starter for your character, feel free to hit me up at

wingything or my CR plotting meme comment! I absolutely love tailoring threads for just one character. Feel free to create your own starter in the comments below if there is something different you have in mind (wildcard option??).

➤ Red-String Strung Along. Soren and some poor shmuck (your character) discover that they are ~destined to be~ via the red string spell that went haywire. Original prompt can be found here.

➤ Match Made. Two prompt flavors: help Soren try to find mates for difficult customers, or get paired up with him for a complimentary date instead and see if you can get him to say yes. Quest page can be referenced here under the part-timer quest titled Match Made.

➤ Forget-Me-Nots. Two prompt flavors: Soren experiences pleasant memories while picking flowers, and then there's the option where one of those flower-loving foxes bites him, causing him to accidentally poke himself on the toxic thorns. Quest page can be referenced here.

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[The rephrasing just makes it sound even stranger... Soren isn't even going to bother nitpicking such a trivial issue as how their outing is going to be framed.

The puca remarks that it was just a figure of speech and dismisses them amiably, collecting the dating profiles as they head out with Soren leading the way. Flying there would be faster, but this particular cafe isn't too far a walk on foot... and he'd rather avoid having to give someone a lift if he can help it. On the way out, he dispenses his remark with a raised eyebrow.]

You have the strangest way of stringing sentences together, even when you try to rephrase them. Nobody ever says they're "compatible" with pancakes. Maybe someone ought to give you lessons in human speech.

[Enkidu follows behind the puca and Soren. They're hungry and they look forward to stuff their face with pancakes.

Once outside they look at him when he speaks. There's a fair point to his words, really. There are many times Enkidu cannot human themselves out of a paper bag.]

What should I have said instead? [Of course, they've heard Moriarty's harsh words, Nursery Rhyme's kinder remarks. Their Master telling them they were a person more than a weapon.] I think the best thing I can do is to make myself understandable to others even though I lack the ability to be fully human. [They pause to think about this entire concept.] But I think I want to be. I do not think I can function as a weapon here.

[He decides not to correct him. It's not his job, and besides, he's more focused on the tail end of what Enkidu just said.]

...No. I don't think any of us can be quite what we used to be. For what it's worth, you seem human enough. Even real, flesh-and-bone humans have their idiosyncrasies. Someone with a better sense of humor than me might have laughed at your quirky and unexpected phrasing, and it would have only served to lighten the mood.

Hmm...indeed. There is the matter of our new roles as witches and beasts, of course. But there is more, I know of that, I feel it.

[At first they raise an eyebrow and gaze at Soren and finally they start to nod slowly, indicating that they understand his reasoning.]

Perhaps, to a human, me trying to understand humans is a bit amusing. But...are you telling me you are not able to laugh about jokes?

[A question like that takes him off-guard for a moment, for no one has asked him a question like that before. Oh, he's heard remarks like 'c'mon, smile a little more!' or 'laugh, soren! it was a joke!' so it's not like he's unaware that his laughter is rare. He frowns and fixes his eyes to his footpath.]

No, I can laugh. It is just more difficult to make me want to.

Hmm...I take it you only laugh at good jokes then. Or maybe it depends on the person you are with. Some people make you happy and others do not.

[They look at Soren.]

Are there people here who make you smile?

[ Enkidu is unnervingly close to the mark. He usually only finds himself capable of truly laughing when he is around one person, barring special and growing circumstantial developments. When they catch his eyes, he widens them a margin, pupils thinning, and darts them away. ]

...

[ Perhaps the resultant silence says it all. ]

[Enkidu isn't the best at reading cues or moods for that matter, still they blink at the sudden silence next to him.]

You remind me a little of Avenger. [Yes, that is a good way to put it.] He was a very closed up human, barely smiled, yet able to care.

[They pause.]

Worry not, I do not expect you to smile at me.

[ Soren has no idea who this 'Avenger' is (probably not even a real name, given who he's currently talking to), but that brief and sweeping description does match up with him. There are a lot of closed-up humans out there who have forgotten — or, in Soren's case — never learned how to smile.

Well, there was a time in his life where he'd finally felt capable of revealing more of them. These days, it is rarer... but not impossible. Especially considering the influence of his Bonds.

Again, he doesn't respond, and leaves the conversation lagging behind until it's dropped. But there's no anger, no discontent in his bearing as he walks alongside Enkidu. It doesn't take long before they arrive at a humble eatery tucked away at the corner of an intersection, its window panes expansive and yawning as if to embrace as much morning sun as it can to stir the diners while they fill themselves with a hearty first meal in an unpretentious atmosphere lit up here and there by delightful personal touches - hanging baskets popping with flowers by the entrance; cream and baby blue damask walls embellished with paintings and unobtrusive light fixtures. The robust smells of coffee compete with fragrant notes of afternoon tea; the sizzle of eggs and broiling of meats vie to overwhelm the sweeter aromas of breads and fruits and, most pertinently to them, pancakes.

Soren shows off his voucher and the two of them are seated at a round cast iron table with bentwood chairs. There comes a moment where the antisocial dragon wonders what he is even doing anymore, or why he's agreed to spend leisure time with a witch he'd only met once before, but that notion of lostness is quelled and given something new to chew on when they are offered menus to peruse and the promise of something to drink. As far as pancakes go, there is quite a selection of different toppings, ranging from sweet to savory. Wow. Hopefully they won't take forever to decide. ]

Well? Are you still dreaming of strawberries and nutmeg, or is this going to take a few minutes?

[ Moreover, is he going to have to explain toppings? ]

[There are moments where Enkidu glances at Soren, awaiting a response or a word or two. But it stays silent next to them. Perhaps that means this conversation is over.

So all they do is humming softly as they walk towards the pancake place. And the closer they come, the more they think about pancake possibilities. Truly, they are endless!

The restaurant itself is quite a pinnacle of humanity. Full of soft colors and full of the most amazing scents. And while Soren sits down they're still busy looking around themselves. Really, they wish they had found this earlier. So they are slow when they sit down and even slower when they read the menu.]

My concept of time isn't that good but I think a few minutes are needed, yes.

[Or an hour. Because it takes a while before they speak again.]

I think I want them all. [Yes, the whole menu.] That way I can taste everything.

[Soren stares them down dubiously for a good few seconds.]

You will make yourself sick. ...Won't you?

[He has learned never to underestimate the stomach capacity of anyone. Still, come on!]

No. But I will have a full belly.

[Really, Enkidu can eat all day.]

Though I have learned not to combine strange ingredients. And since each pancake has a separate ingredient I think I am safe.

...

[Huh?]

They have separate ingredients combined. What... is your definition of strange?

I used to make sandwiches but the ones I know refuse to eat them. They do not like meat and fruit and spicy sauce.

[So...]

I take it those are strange ingredients.

[By the look on Soren's face, that subtle wince, it would appear that he does not cotton well to the idea of tasting that dish.]

On a sandwich? They're unusual, yes. [He spreads the menu before himself and accounts for the different combinations of toppings and flavors, then makes a quick decision, looking back up and Enkidu as he talks.] I don't think your idea is that bad. The waitstaff and the cooks will hate us, but ordering every different pancake combination is taking the best advantage of our free meal pass. We can split each dish between ourselves, too.

[...Can't they? Or is Enkidu really a bottomless void? It doesn't matter much, since Soren knows himself and his eating habits. He won't take but a few bites of each one.]

I see. [A soft smile appears around their lips.] I consider this something important I've learned about. Humans have a different taste. I hope to uncover more of that along the way.

[Then the smile becomes bigger.]

I will take the burden for that hate. [They don't really mind to be disliked. The entire concept of being disliked is still something that mostly go over their head.] I do not mind. And I do not mind sharing either.

[Yes, they are a bottomless void, Soren. So the first thing they do afterwards is waving at one of the waiters to do a very impossible order of everything.]

I would like to have one of each and Soren wants the same as well. We have these coupons for free orders.

[The waiter glances down at the vouchers and the guests and raises a weak smile to their request. He jots it down on his notepad and asks if they really mean one of everything each. Soren clarifies that they really only want the pancakes, one of each kind to split. A sliver of relief worms into the waiter's expression, and he explains that they may not be able to get all pancakes served at once. That's perfectly fine, the dragon assures calmly. The waiter leaves to go inform the kitchen staff of their hefty task.

Soren returns his attention upon Enkidu. He is well-accustomed to being disliked, and though he's sensitive to when it's happening, he is also mostly inured to its negative effects.]

I'm sure they hate us both equally, Enkidu. But it doesn't matter much to me, either. The worst they can do is spit in the food.

[Or poison it, or curse it, or any other vile and petty forms of comeuppance for inconveniencing them by making them do their jobs tenfold for payment that had already come in advance from the matchmaking service. But that would be a bad move if they wanted to stay in business. They should have seen this coming if they were to agree to being a date spot!]

Then I will take that burden as well. After all, it is I who is quite fond of food and it is you who is willing to indulge me.

[But despite the fact that the look on their face is neutral, they are excited and extremely curious. Eating pancakes is most definitely the epitome of the intellectual stimulation they seek.]

If a human wishes for revenge spitting can be seen as absolute mercy. [They chuckle.] Let us hope that these waiters are merciful, then. [They pause for a moment so they can look around themselves.] So this is where people date?

[For a flicker of a moment, transitory as a breeze, Soren's heart aches for Ike. It's not an unusual symptom of his existence, and the oddest, most mundane situations conjure them. He considers how many pancakes Ike would be able to eat in one sitting, and right after that, how it would be to sit in a restaurant like this, on a not-date their employer blithely shooed them away onto, and let Ike eat to his heart's content while he simply basked in his presence and nibbled until he was sated. He wouldn't care so much for pancakes as much as he might meatier options, but...

again, a passing whim. One that never emerged to affect his rather stoic expression. He returns to his current date. ]

It's a place, at least. There are innumerable other spots one can take their date to, and it doesn't need to be over plates of food. Courtship, especially in a foreign world, is not my area of expertise. But I know that much, at least.

[ He's never been on a romantic date in his life, that's for sure... ]

[Worry not, Enkidu has never been on a romantic date either and courtship is lost on them. So they chuckle and nod.]

Even though I am curious about any human behavior I must be fair that manners and courting another aren't my forte. Yet I would want to experience a true date one day.

[They should ask Gil. He understands romance a little bit better than they do.]

I think it would expand my knowledge. [Enkidu is about to mutter more about knowledge and gaining intelligence and things like upgrades when they see the pancakes. A lot of pancakes.] Ah! [They wave excitedly at the waiter.] Worry not, I will forgive you for spitting on them!

[The waiter's face pops in shock, then scrunches up in appalled disbelief at the accusation.] What? D-Don't go assuming such things! Why would I...

[Soren levels his frown at Enkidu, sighing to himself. It has been well-established at this point that this is exactly the kind of sentence that would tumble out of their ill-adjusted mouth. They really don't know how to human. If he cared more about offending people, he might end up embarrassed and try to apologize, but unfortunately, Soren's manners aren't the greatest, either. But at least he has some etiquette and discretion.]

Ah...if I am correct it is a revenge type of thing. We have placed a large order and we will pay with these coupons. Hmmm...that is a rude thing, isn't it?

[Enkidu is leaning forward a little now, a curious expression on their face.]

I will promise you I will enjoy them properly. And Soren will as well. [They pat the table to indicate that the waiter can place their plates there.] I appreciate your generosity.

[The waiter is merely looking at the two as if he can see water burn and rocks fly and finally moves closer to put (a part) of their order on the table.]

I will carry the burden of this curse, Soren. If you see traces of spit, cut them out and I will eat them.

[To the waiter, Soren tries to smooth things over in a level-headed manner and flashes a knowing look, just so the waiter doesn't pop a cork and find even more reason to exercise any increasing umbrage.]

I think that my hungry date's imagination is taking broad, presumptuous leaps from a remark I made. Don't pay it too much mind. Thank you for your service.

[It starts to grate on him further, the nonsensical and naïve nature of how Enkidu operates and perceives the world, and he wonders once more why he's even going so far as to endure it. An odd magnetism has drawn him to this company, drawn him to others in ways unlike himself, ways he might just be able to blame on the heat of summer, the uncomfortable heat of his body that ebbs and flows. The tip of his tail flicks against the floor in light taps. He heaves a quiet sigh and maintains his cold frown somewhere at the surface of the table, shaking his head.]

It doesn't matter. I'm starting to lose my appetite.

[ Especially with the mention of spit. He thinks bitterly again of the companion he would be having but cannot, and how Enkidu is nothing like him. In perspective, all of this seems pointless. Even his urges that run counter to his normal inclinations, to connect and be in proximity to others, can no longer bind him, nor can the potential for this particular connection, a witch silently stirring at his more physically oriented desires, to be a future prospect for Bonding should something happen to Ranulf or Cu. He doesn't want to be here, not really, but there is nowhere in all of this realm that he would rather be, either. And in this moment, not even with the only other man who can hope to get anywhere to understanding his unaccomplishable devotion. Not even that is good enough for him. ]

Perhaps I should not have spoken about spit. [They look at Soren, their face completely neutral but there is a hint of worry in their voice.] It is not a tasteful subject to speak of.

[Really, they should not have done that. Humans never like it when others mention things like that. Same with blood and poop and things like that.]

Yet, I cannot eat all these pancakes all alone. I do wish to share them.

[They are completely missing the fact that Soren's tail is tapping against the floor or that his mood is sinking. Instead of that they take hold of a fork and knife and start to cut into the first pancake, eyes widening a little when they become aware of the sweet scent.]

Here.

[They cut said pancake in two and slides their plate towards Soren.]

Eat first.

...

[Soren scowls at the pancake as if it ever did anything to him. Then, after a pregnant pause, he reaches for his fork and his knife, glances up at Enkidu, then softens his frown to something a little more neutral, more like his usual resting bitch face. He carves himself a bite and seals his decision to at least stay a little while longer and make the most of sitting down here to take advantage of free food with Enkidu in the first place.

It was finely dusted with powdered sugar, coated in an apple syrup with raisins. Soren spared himself the sweetness of the center by aiming for a part at the edge. He chews. Judges.]

Hmm. Not bad.

[Which, in Soren parlance, translates to: 'pretty good. I may as well eat some more.']

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Aguril Catch-All Prompts (open and closed)

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