Septeril Quest and Catch-All Log [OPEN]

[blind_benevolence]

Who: Shu and you!
When: Throughout Septeril
Where: Throughout Aefenglom
What: Quests and things!
Warnings: None so far


[ 1. Under New Management ]

[ Shu's time most often these days has been split between keeping the slums safe and helping out around the orphanage. It's not exactly a glamorous job, but it's necessary. Besides, he really doesn't mind giving the kids an outlet in the form of training.

This evening, however, he has the less than pleasant task of getting the kids ready for bed. They're far too wound up to just settle down, so it's going to take a bit of trickery. ]

Hm, well, if you don't get ready for bed, I guess I don't have anyone to tell these stories to. [ He hears another volunteer nearby and turns towards them with a knowing smile. ] But if you're tired of my stories, surely this one has something new for you to hear.

[ Did you just get roped into this scheme of his? Yes...Sorry, but he needs the help. ]

[ 2. Out of the City ]

[ The outer city is no strange place to Shu. It's become more home to him over the past couple of months than the rest of the city. He's chosen to live in the slums and take up the task of protecting it (his bond with Eileen helped with both of those decisions).

Shades are a constant threat to those who can't fight them off, so Shu has taken it upon himself to deal with them. He may be a witch, but he isn't reliant on his magic whatsoever. Swift kicks and sharp blows drive away the threats with grace and ease.

There's a moment's reprieve, allowing him to greet the person he heard approach. ]

Are you here to help? I'd be honored to have you fight alongside me.

[ 3. Training ]

[ Aside from his other pursuits, Shu keeps his skills sharp by training almost religiously. It's not a solitary task, though, as he doesn't mind either teaching others some of the techniques of his Nanto Hakuroken, nor does he mind sparring partners. Training with others is a much better way of keeping his skills sharp.

So of course he's going to call someone who's been watching him out. ]

You're welcome to watch me as long as you like. You're also welcome to join me, if you're interested in a spar.

[ 4. Wildcard ]

[ Have an idea? Did we plot something out? Drop me a starter or PM me here or on discord glitzkrieg#0673 and we can work something out! ]

Comments

[blind_benevolence]

[ It didn't help that Shu had told them about her, mostly to prevent them from being too scared by her appearance. Some of the kids were originally from the slums and they knew of the crow, knew of what she'd done to make the place safer. The promise of a story from her made the kids (mostly) quiet down and, at least, get changed into their pajamas before sitting on the floor near Shu. ]

Well, you've got their attention. [ He laughed as a little girl, a wolf turnskin, crawled her way up onto his lap to get a better look at Eileen. ] Don't leave them hanging now.

[crowsfeat]

[ Eileen turned to her waiting crowd with a flourishing shaking of her cape, as if to clear it of dust or debris... a gesture that many claimed was signature to her. She moved toward them, dragging a stool to her to perch upon. ]

Very well... But I warn you, little ones, this story might chill you this night...

[ Okay maybe she was being a little dramatic on purpose. She had a flare for that. ]

So what sort of story would you all like? A ghost story, perhaps? Or something with a happy ending?

[blind_benevolence]

[ The kids yelled over each other in their excitement to hear what kind of story Eileen might tell, with no clear answer. Shu gently quieted them down before he turned his attention to the girl sitting on his knee. ]

Let's let Abby decide tonight. Go on, tell Miss Eileen which one you like.

[ The turnskin was far too shy for that and whispered her answer to Shu instead. ]

Ah...Are you sure? You'll have nightmares again. [ She adamantly nodded her head. He could only laugh before relaying her answer. ] A ghost story.

[crowsfeat]

[ Eileen chuckled, shaking her head. ]

I believe she wishes to test her bravery... I'll do my best to honor it.

[ Eileen thought for a moment about what story was best to tell... and then let out a long hum, turning slowly to the children and drawing her hands up... ]

Long and dark is the night of the Hunt... Even the bravest young children are well tucked away, safe in their beds, for they dare not even look from their windows into the streets clouded in such darkness...

This, however, my dear little ones... is not any ordinary Hunt. There are no men or beast driven to madness to take away... No, my children, tonight our Hunters are beset and made prey themselves...

[ She raised her hands further, fingers spread... ]

By the Moonlight Banshee....

[blind_benevolence]

[ Even the most boisterous of the children fell into a hushed silence. One got up and ran to lower the magitech lights to better suit the mood. Any other light sources were extinguished, leaving only the dimmed lights and the glow of the moon to illuminate the room. It might not be the haunting season just yet, but you wouldn't know it looking around here.

Shu kept silent himself, to heighten the mood. Eileen certainly had a flair for the dramatic and could compel an audience to listen to her. Abby gently tugged on his sleeve, as if pleading him to spoil some of this. ]

Ah, don't look at me, I haven't heard this one, either.

[crowsfeat]

She exists within what luminescence drifts from the lunar curtains... a spectre that sings a sickly sweet song, dancing on your ears...

[ She affected a small, surprisingly well done, little string of notes in her voice, repeating it three times... ]

It sounds oh so wonderful to you, this winter chorus, it feels warm... It feels inviting... Like just maybe you could ease yourself to sleep and let it carry you to a safe haven, away from the cold dark of the night...