middaeg | [open] catch-all, Full Moon, quests

Entry tags:

[open] catch-all, Full Moon, quests

Who: Reno and you!
When: first half of Septeril
Where: Aefenglom
What: Full Moon, Quests
Warnings: NSFW in one of the Full Moon threads (feat.dragon)

FULL MOON

[ The last Full Moon at least happened during celebrations. Drinks, merriments, and brawls were all but a normal thing to happen. But it somehow made this whole Full Moons deal a little easier to bear. It's now the third time it happens and Reno hates it a little more with each passing month. Figures, it will pass into a routine eventually, unless they get out of this place first. This time the Moons provide him with even more feathers, not just tufts here and there, his arms are slowly turning into wings Thickly feathered tonight, even if still not enough to fly up into the sky. The rusty red only a few notches more desaturated than his hair.

And given that... potential revelations that might have happened in the month prior... he is less likely to stay at the quietness of his apartment, wallowing in the misery. He hits the town, Entertainment District mainly. The brightness of the lights there causes a bright and hot irritation in him at first. Unsteady anger, pre-battle jitters, that quickly turn into weird neediness. He craves company, and it doesn't really matter if it's a peaceful and pleasant or involves ripping someone's face off. ]

A )

[ So eventually giving into that, Reno nearly pounces someone; hand occupied with a bottle of beer, smile almost jovial but a bit too sharp. No glint of recognition in his eyes at first, if he should happen upon a familiar face. His eyesight is going to shit at night, but no way he is going to mention that. ]

Lost? [ He points at the building that hosts both a pleasure house and a pub, depending on if you go up or down the stairs ] Do you wanna go try that together? I'm kinda curious how it looks like.

——Alternatively

B )

[ When his mood crashes, and it's probably the last moment of the night that doubles as the earliest hour of the morning, Reno can be found sitting on the fence, somewhere in Haven. Sun is literally about to rise, but he's yet to see if it helps his eyes in any way. Are you going early to work/classes? Running for fitness? Whatever it is, the redhead soon-to-be harpy waves you, cigarette in feathered hand— ]

Got any fire? [ It's almost pretty please. The matches are gone, and he doesn't have the nifty Witchy powers to just make a flame out of nowhere. ]

QUEST #1 Heliofonic Hospital; the peddler

[ The potions, no doubt having its origin in dubious places are a real catch from a business standpoint. He gets a hefty cut on each potion he sells, basically. Surprisingly clean for the shady scheme that it probably is, but not that Reno is going to bother asking questions. He doesn't really concern how they're made, or whether they're a placebo or have some actual effects beneficial effects. It seems like a dumb, but an easy job. And who knows what you can learn along the way. ]

A )

[ —so should he see Mirrorbound seemingly suffering from a headache, insomnia, or even simple Monster growing pains, (or just simply being tired) he will approach them with few stock phrases about a miracle cure, and a good deal before it hits the market— He's clearly repeating a memorized phrase, not trying to hide he's here to sell shit ]

B )

[ But now that a certain hospital makes a focused effort to crack the operation down, a suspicion that it's all more than just a ruse rises. So if someone calls him out on this he will be both willing to listen and discuss the issue.

Yeah he's— ]

Listen, I got only two bottles left on me. Buy them and you'll get bonus info" [ He's not above ratting the alchemist to the guards (getting chummy with them is a better investment in the long run), but he wants to make a coin on this still. ]

QUEST #2 Under New Management; just checking it out

[ The job at the factory last month was, he'd want to say, uneventful. But that ain't true. So when the word goes around that the orphanage itself changed hands and is now under new management... Reno does go to take a peek.

From afar.

Look, it's not like he cares, okay? If he spots any face that he might have seen in Haven or identify from the network as a Mirrorbound he'll ask. ]

Hey, I heard there have been changes here. [ He starts and goes straight to the point ] Do ya know anything else about it? Word on the street says its owned by a Mirrobound

[ And that sounds like an incredibly curious thing, orphans aside. Because owning an orphange sounds like a big deal for a bunch of refugees. Also, are the kids still working oin the factory? ]

WILDCARD

｢ ooc: Wildcard aka hit me with whatever. For plotting through plurk aetarna, PM, or discord ｣

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[Enkidu finds themselves caught off guard for a moment and they spend their time blinking for a couple of seconds. Lost? Are they lost? No, not really. They are on their way home after a long trek from the tree house in the Wilde.]

No I am not. [They shake their head and then they move to look at the building the man is pointing at.] Hmm? Well, I do not mind to enjoy a drink with a stranger, yet I am not in the mood for pleasure.

[ That's a very literal response and makes Reno cocks his eyebrow, intrigued. It takes a little longer to make the details of Enkidu's appearance. The lights around contrasting with darkness too strongly, and— he wishes it was just drinking that causes the weird blur of his vision. ]

I'll take what you're willing to give, Doll. [ He's got into a habit of nicknaming people... ] I'm new around, introduce me to your favourite drink.

It is true that I look a little like a doll to human eyes, yes. Perhaps that is something that will never change, not even now I live here and my body has become more human than it has ever been.

[Too much information, Enkidu, too much information.]

You are one of the newer summons? [A soft smile appears around their lips.] Welcome here. My favorite drink is just beer. I prefer wheat beer but the one they have here does not taste like the ones in Uruk.

Why don't you introduce me to your favorite drink?

[ Reno stares at Enkidu again. The "Doll" nickname was just given because of how pretty they looked like but now on a closer look— What's this all about? He might be addled with Moons, but it is something to take not of, regardless.

That "Uruk" place would be another ]

New-ish. Third month is starting, so I'm still getting used to this place. And I always welcome advice. [ In all honesty, he doesn't. But Reno's not a honest man, and tonight he wants to hear someone else talking. He figures playing the card of lost Mirrorbound could be of use ]

As for drinks whiskey here is surprisingly good, for how cheap it can be. They got wider variety of it than back home, I swear. [ And he leads them into the pub, sauntering in search for a place. He realizes that another reason he's drawn to the stranger is the— simply put, it's the magic in their touch. And he is starving. ] Try it neat first, but a splash of water can be a great thing.

[A thoughtful expression appears on Enkidu's face. How long have they been here? The only answer they can think of is one along the lines of very long.]

It will become easier but never something to get entirely used to. Just do the things you like the most.

[Briefly they wonder if he had heard of the Rathmores and the atrocities that plagued Dorchacht.]

Whiskey... Ah, that is what Scathach once brought me. We can do that, yes. [Enkidu doesn't mind the company and they definitely don't mind pubs. Or drinks. Or finding new humans to get to know.] But I never knew there were more sorts of it. And yes, I do like water. [Because it tends to burn its way down their throat.]

Let us sit there.

[Enkidu gestures at a table at the side. It is the type of table that is big enough to hold drinks and food.]

And feel free to ask me anything. Yet I do think I have more questions for you.

Things I like the most, hm? [ The simplicity of this advice is clear as a day— yet it's hard to follow. It's almost too simple. But he knows better than to huff, yet. They find seating and when the waiter comes to take an order and he gets them both promised whiskey, asking specifically for a brand from a distillery with a long name. ]

Now that's new, few people have questions for me. [ Another thing is that he's good in evading them. ] You said something interesting though, about never getting used to it.

[ Never getting used to being here, being displaced, that's how he reads it ]

Isn't then just focusing on what "you like to do" a band-aid?

You have never been questioned in your entire life? Allow me to change that, then. After all, there is so much I can learn from humanity.

[They get comfortable in their seat as they look at the monster-man across of them. His hair is very red and spiky.]

Well, first of all, I think that it takes a while getting used to your changes, not? Existing here is...adventurous and different. It is much the same to how humans live but there are certain moral grey areas.

[That is...hold on...]

A band aid? You mean...to cover up, not? [Enkidu hums and finally nods.] It is the most human thing to do, I think.

[ What looks human should be human— at least in the theory. Reno wonders what in that case Enkidu is, a question on the tip of the tongue, but there will be a time for it. ]

I'm not going to argue with that statement. We, humans, are animals wired for hedonism. [ The fact that he's indulging in the best whisky this place can offer, despite no longer having the financial stability like he used to is the best example. ] But just because it's our first instinct, doesn't mean it's the smartest one.

[ He raises his glass in a silent 'cheers' before taking a sip ]

Anyway, what kind of grey areas are you talking about?

[ Moral grey areas are like a specialty of his. Straight into complete black, but he's also incredibly good at not thinking too hard about things. Still despite the continent being rampaged by a disease, the city puts an air of a prosperous place. It doesn't mean that it truly is such, only that its dirty underbelly must be well hidden ]

Hmm, humans deem themselves above animals because of their intellect. Yet, when it comes to reproduction, to feasts and drinks...it is a completely different story, I do agree.

[They've been part of Gil's feasts, they know how much he can drink and how 'productive' he could be with several harlots at the same time. They have seen it here. How all pain and suffering is forgotten the moment a new festival arrives.]

It is a way to cope, I think. When your shoulders are heavy with worry isn't it a good thing to be able to forget those worries and focus on food and harlots instead?

[Well, morals... Thing is, Enkidu never really had them. They were neutral. When they had to kill, they killed. When they cared, they cared and when they don't, they don't. But now they live the life of a human being and maybe are closer to being human than they ever were, there seem to be some struggles.

Things that do not seem fair. Not even from a human perspective.]

Perhaps you should experience them yourself to determine that.

[ Forgetting is a good, valuable skill. Makes you live a little longer. Funny, isn't it what he's been trying to do tonight? Yet here he is, with this strange person who talks as if they were not-human and having an almost... philosophical discussion.

Doesn't happen often. Usually, he's the one to deflect and bail from a thoughtful discussion. Not this time. ]

There are times to cope, and time to take action. Miss the mark and you either become an addict or a neurotic workaholic. [ Not that it easy to always choose the proper course of action ] Fortunately, I do know how to keep the balance all too well, lucky me huh?

[ Like not getting dead-ass drunk tonight. ]

I'm not a fan of paying for sex, makes the whole thing feel... boring. But it can scratch the itch when there are no like-minded individuals looking for some fun.

[Apparently you aren't aware of how much of a weird clay they actually are, Reno.]

Humans, perhaps. [They don't see themselves as an addict or a workaholic, the scriptures the gods embedded into their soul do not allow for such growth.] I am not sure what my position on this matter is. [Well, to be fair, they do a lot to distract themselves from what worries them. They are, in fact, behaving very human.]

Harlots know pleasure the best. [They've been with one for 7 days and 7 nights, they can tell.] What do you expect instead? [Perhaps this man seeks love, just like many other humans do.]

[ "Seeking love", Reno couldn't be further than. No, it's simply— ]

But it's a job for them, same as if they were flipping burgers! That takes a lot of fun out of it, just saying. [ They might know what they are doing, but there is no excitement, they're just waiting to clock out. ] I'd rather find someone who's in a horny mood as much as me. Then we can fuck, share a cig, and then proceed to never see each other again.

[ That's been his entire modus operandi back home. He might value his relationships, but all of them were friendship and camaraderie. Not something on the romantic front ]

You sound knowledgeable in the harlot department tho, kind of surprising for someone who keeps talking as if they're not human. What's your deal then?

Edited 2020-10-29 20:39 (UTC)

Flipping burgers? [Enkidu frowns briefly and then they nod. That is what Archer does back in Chaldea. He liked to flip those burgers, so it wasn't really his work. More a favorite pasttime. A hobby.] Hmm...I think pleasure should not be a chore. I might not be human but I do enjoy to be pleased like one and have this...orgasm at the end.

[They hum.]

There is an option where you please one another and just see each other again for that reason. [A pause while they take a sip from their drink.] If you wish I can slide a hand between your legs.

[No big deal.]

Ah...the gods sent a harlot to me and she has taught me how te be more human.

[ Once you're paid for hobby you enjoy, it becomes work. No escape from that. Might still be fun, but in the end, is mostly an obligation. That train of thought then suddenly leads to— Well, now that's an interesting offer, and Reno leans closer over the table. Those are pretty (and surprisingly strong, now that he takes a better look) hands after all ]

I might take you on this, should you be in the mood.

[ Still, there is so much to unpack over here. Is this pretty-face pulling a most elaborate prank he had ever witnessed? The wording is top-notch. ]

Gods. [ He parrots, not even hiding the press F to doubt tone, but he laughs it off immediately and continues in friendlier fashion ] I mean, teaching how to be human through sex, sounds legit. But what in the hell even are you? —if you're getting personal lessons organized by the divine, you must be quite high in the pecking order.

[ He's half-way going along it (if it's prank), and asking questions to understand the concept better (in case it's true) ]

[Enkidu thinks about the meaning of being in 'the mood' for it. For them there isn't such a thing as a mood. It just happens and the more of that happens, the more their body wants it.]

I do not think a mood is needed...more an agreement of some sort.

[Well, maybe in Gil's case it is different...

After hearing his last sentences Enkidu starts to chuckle a little. What is so common to them, their identity as a weapon is odd to humans. At least, to the humans here.]

I am a weapon made by old gods. I used to be nothing but a beast with the gods' commands engraved on its soul. Shamhat has taught me the way of humans...of humanity. [Pecking order? No.] Despite the decisions I have made against them as their weapon, in the end I had no other option to accept their punishment.

[The gods could undo them just as easily.]

[ Reno takes another sip of his drink and then points at the ceiling. His knee finding Enkidu's under the table, nudging at it. ]

I'll take the slide of hand, and if anything— there are plenty of rooms to rent right above us. [ Pub below, love hotel above. A true den of desires in one building. ]

A rebellious weapon, huh..? [ The story sounds pretty crazy, but he's privy to enough secrets to know that sometimes the crazier it seems the more real it is. They don't really have "gods", legends? Sure. But faith and worship don't seem to be... a big thing at all. But Weapons created by a higher will? Absolutely. Planet, goddess, call it however you want. ] Authority figures have that to them, though. You can be as free as you want, but they will be aaaaall about kicking your ass for it.

Then I take you wish to make an agreement?

[Enkidu nudges his knee as well, peering at him from over their glass.]

Broken would be a better word to use, but I will accept rebellious. [Still, that last sentence makes them think. Would that apply to them. Gods were extremely petty and somewhat childish as well.] In the end, yes, they saw their chance and took it. They knew I could not refuse. Yet, I know that in the end they did not win. Their time ended and the age of humanity begun.

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[open] catch-all, Full Moon, quests

Full Moon - A

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