middaeg | Septeril Quest and Catch-All Log [OPEN]

Entry tags:

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fotns: shu

Septeril Quest and Catch-All Log [OPEN]

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! ]

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[Petra wasn't sure how long she'd been in Aefenglom but she'd long ago lost track. She was fully transformed, her legs gone and replaced by a long snake tail with purple-black tinted scales, fangs, claws and slitted pupils. The body had taken some time to get used to but she was as proficient with it now as if she'd been born with it.

She hadn't meant to stare but the man's technique was completely foreign to her.]

Oh! Have my apology. I was not meaning to give you disturbance. [Petra doesn't have an accent but her grammar suggests that she's used to speaking a different language.] I... I am having uncertainty. I am not having familiarity with fighting techniques without weapons.

You know well I'd be giving these little ones nightmares, Shu.

[ Eileen chuckled, shaking her head and pushing off from the beam she'd been leaning against, shuffling her cap about to cover her hands as she approached. She'd originally came to escort Shu back to their shared 'roost' when it was all said and done, but the kids were having none of it.

And despite her words, try as she might, not a one of them was afraid of her. Contrarily, they thought she was cool as hell. Troublesome, that. ]

But perhaps I could try... [ A cheer for that, from the crowd. ]

[ He could tell she was a monster, at least -- no human made sounds like that when they moved. This doesn't bother him at all, though, he simply gives Petra a warm smile. ]

Knowing how to fight without a weapon will help. Think if you're ever disarmed. You don't want to be left without a means to defend yourself, do you?

[ None of this is said to shame her nor anything like it. ]

Means you have all the more reason to join me, doesn't it? [ He laughs. ] I've never had the chance to train against...A naga, is that right?

[ It becomes clear rather quickly in that moment that Shu is blind, yet it doesn't seem to hinder him in any way when he fights. ]

[ 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.

[ 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?

Disarmed? But... that is why people are keeping daggers on them. I have also been using my shield or elbows before. But I would not be calling them techniques... Not like brawling.

[She smiles softly when he insists.]

Yes, naga. I am not having the ability to kick anymore. But I am having claws and fangs now. [And venom. And a body that can constrict and crush a person.

Any way she looks at this offer to spar, it doesn't exactly seem fair. Not to mention, the man appears to be blind.]

Daggers can only get you so far, you know. Say you're caught without one or you can't get it to.

[ He can sense her hesitation, but he doesn't get hostile about it. Instead, he continues to smile. ]

Are you hesitant because I'm blind? You've learned to adapt to your new state -- so have I.

[ 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.

[ 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....

Because you are-? [It takes her a moment to remember what 'blind' means but then it clicks and she shakes her head.] No... no, it is not your lack of sight, but that is also making a fight have less fairness.

This body has great power and quickness. I am not meaning to give you insult, but I do not want to hurt you if I make a mistake...

Maybe... Maybe if we are starting with slowness?

[ 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.

If that's what you want. Appearances can be deceiving -- I'm not taking you lightly and I appreciate your concern, but...You'll see.

[ Shu smiles, his words quite friendly and pleasant. ]

My name is Shu, by the way.

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...

Be deceiving...? Yes, I am in agreement. But I am not... having trust in myself. Yet. I am not... used to this body. I hope I am giving you understanding.

[At least, he doesn't appear to be too frustrated or angry with her.]

My name is Petra and you have my thanks for the practice.

[She rolls her shoulders a bit but still feels a little strange not having any weapon at all. In Fodlan, they trained fighters to disarm opponents, using your shield or armor, or use spare weapons which was all well and good. In Brigid, things were less formal, spare weapons, or, well, anything, rocks, sand, a branch, were all fine to grab and use, winning the fight was what was important. For now, she would err on the side of what she'd been told was the more 'honorable' way to fight.]

Are you having readiness, Shu?

I understand, Petra. Getting used to what you've been given is important, don't you agree? I can take anything you can throw at me.

[ Shu typically fought against armed opponents back home -- the soldiers of the Holy Emperor weren't versed in any school of martial arts. The unarmed opponents were far more dangerous, trained in either Nanto Seiken or, much more rarely, Hokuto Shinken.

He steps back, his weight on his back foot, as he extends his hand, motioning for Petra to come at him. ]

I'm ready. Come at me!

[Among the rowdy children is a diminutive damselfly-winged fae giggling and generally doing nothing to calm the situation. She's technically here as another volunteer, of course. But if she didn't look just barely old enough to not need supervision, she could have easily been mistaken for one of the unruly kids pretty much most of the time she's been here. It's just been too much fun using her powers to entertain the little ones, and being entertained with fun little games in return!

But she's suddenly put on the spot when another volunteer turns towards her, and she halts mid-giggle to blink and tilt her head curiously at his suggestion.]

Eh? Me?

You are having great confidence. I'm impressed.

[She says with a soft, genuine smile. She can respect an attitude like that, as she tries to keep a fiery, self-assured attitude herself, even if Aefenglom and her current transformation had shaken her a bit.

Right, so, if she were in this situation for real and needed to attack this man, what would she do?

Keeping her hands loosely fisted so she doesn't rake her talon-like nails across his skin by mistake, she surges forward and takes a few swipes at him, curious to see how he will defend himself.]

Yes, you!

[ He keeps his tone cheerful and encouraging. It's a little bit harder for him to keep up with the kids and he's been quite grateful for Natsuru's brand of help. ]

You've been doing really well with them, don't be shy now.

[ At least the promise of a store seems to get the kids to settle down...sort of. They might be sitting down but few of them are sitting still. All eyes are on the fae now. ]

[ There's barely a moment of delay before he deflects the strikes with his forearms. His reflexes are finely honed, almost effortless with how he responds. Shu seems quite pleased by her attempt, smiling broadly as he strikes out at her with a quick, low kick. Normally, it would be good for messing with his opponent's footing -- not exactly effective against someone with no legs. ]

Very good!

[And now she learns that being the fun big-sister-slash-young-aunt type is a quick way to get what feels like a horde of eager admirers looking up (mostly) to her with bright, expectant eyes. It's not that it's intimidating, exactly... yet she does scoot a little closer to the much larger man under the weight of that combined gaze.]

Uh, sure. Okay. A story...

[She doesn't have any, off the top of her head. But maybe she could make something up? Reaching half-consciously with her illusions, she pulls at a thread she has a sense of feeling from more than one direction.]

Once... there was a princess. A beautiful princess who was trapped by a terrible curse.

[Colors coalesce where the children's gazes meet, into a shimmering, flickering image of a youthful princess in a green dress, with a long ponytail tied back with a bow. Before Natsuru has even figured out the story, the image forms into the princess gazing forlornly out of the window of a tower. Images and feelings from the illusion don't just play out on the 'stage' in front of Natsuru, but also reach more clearly into the imagination of anyone willing to let them.]

She... wanted to see the world outside of the castle, but the curse kept her trapped inside. She watched the people from her tower every day, but no one outside ever saw her. Pretty soon, they forgot there ever was a princess...

[The images shift and change to show the scene of people walking about around the castle, day turning to night and back again, as the princess sadly watches on. It carries a feeling of loneliness - not too harsh for the young ones, but enough to get the point across. Meanwhile, Natsuru is trying her best to gauge the reactions of her audience... including the other volunteer in the room.]

[She coils back quickly from the kick with a hiss, which instantly makes her pause to clamp a hand over her mouth, cheeks flushing an embarrassed, deep red.

Trying not to feel mortified, she clenches her teeth and resumes some semblance of a fighting stance, body coiled back in a tight 'S'.

A little uncertainly, she tries her best to lunge forward quickly enough to wrap her muscular body around him. In theory, she knew she should be able to constrict an enemy but she'd never tried it.]

[ As much as he'd like to be able to see her illusions, he can't. He's still drawn into her story, helped along by her descriptions and the reactions of the kids. They're enraptured by the display, gasps of awe and sounds of joy almost threatening to drown her out. As the story plays out, they become more subdued and saddened. ]

You weren't sure about this, but you've got them eating out of your hand. Go on, I want to hear more.

[ Seems like Shu approves. ]

[ That hiss is cute, really. Shu can't fight the grin that spreads across his face when he hears it. It's not like monsters can help their instinctual reactions. No sense in calling attention to it, though.

Shu jumps to the side, mostly dodging her lunge. His footing is just a little unsure, though, and h stumbles. It's enough of an opening for her to seize on him. ]

[The images are more for the kids, of course, but she kind of hopes that the feelings infused into them get across to Shu. If only because she'd be embarrassed to be the only one starting to feel so invested in her own story before she even knows what it is.]

R-Right. Um...

[She whispers the aside, before taking a breath and continuing in her best storytelling voice.]

The princess spent her days in the castle, with only a few servants as her friends. Until one day, a visitor came.

[The image shows the full castle now, with a nondescript figure moving towards the opening gate.]

It wasn't a prince, or a hero. He was pretty normal, actually. Just someone curious about the castle and if anyone still lived there. [The figure remains nondescript, even as images of the delighted princess greeting him appears.] But the princess was so happy to have a visitor, she ordered her maids to make him comfortable and provide him with anything he desired.

[The vague image of the traveler appeared in a lavish room, surrounded by all the comforts and riches one would imagine a fantasy castle to have.]

At first, he was happy to stay. [And the princess appears in the image too, smiling while he seemed to be telling her stories.] The princess did everything she could to keep him there, so she could listen to his stories about the people and the world outside. But she couldn't make him stay forever. [The image of the traveler disappears from the room, and the princess is left sad and alone in the lavish guest room she'd had prepared.] He came back to visit her, and even tried to help her find a way to break the curse, but nothing worked. Eventually, he stopped coming back... and the princess was alone again.

[The image turns bleaker, the guest room falling into disuse while the princess despondently gazes out the window at the world outside again. Natsuru isn't so sure about this particular turn, being even sadder than the last, and quickly continues.]

But the princess had learned so much about the world now, she was even more determined to see it! She decided that if no one else was able to break the curse, she'd have to study magic and break it herself.

[Is this going well? She genuinely doesn't know. But at least the illusions she's projecting are more hopeful now: a brightly colored image of a library, with a now-glasses-wearing princess studying next to an ever-growing pile of books. Meanwhile, something resembling an ending starts to take shape in the back of Natsuru's mind... she thinks she can manage to make a happily ever after happen soon.]

[Petra absolutely hates some of her more animalistic qualities. The hissing is an embarrassment. Worse yet is her forked tongue, despite how incredibly useful the new, powerful sense is, she's never used it when other people were around to see. She'd worked hard to adapt to 'civilized' life when she'd been a child taken away from her home as a political prisoner and reverting back to being seen as some kind of beast is not happening.

She notices the slight stumble, but can't quite bring herself to take advantage of it. She's not sure when she'd gotten so soft but her instinct is to pause and let him regain his balance. She does, however, clearly see the opening she'd had.]

If you were an enemy, I would have been biting you... or giving it try- [She pauses, correcting herself.] A try.

[ Shu expects her to seize on the opening and to find himself knocked on his ass. That moment never comes. How strange. He stops and cocks his head. ]

Why did you hesitate? You had an opening...Even in a friendly fight, you should capitalize on what your opponent gives you, you know.

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Septeril Quest and Catch-All Log [OPEN]

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