[open] 🔶 settling in

[noblegarnet]

Who: Ferran & you, feat. vegetanimals
When: Noveuer
Where: Aefenglom
What: Samuin fireworks moping, fairy dust gathering, shopping for fashion, gathering cute plants, architectural illusions & more.
Warnings: Nothing so far.

A. 1st-2nd

[The full moons finally come, and Ferran is left restless, anxious and moody, dealing with an unsettling amount of what feels like fur on his back. While it and his scales' emergence has so far been painless, it's just a further reminder of what else he might have to undergo in the future. There's so much uncertainty that no amount of research can resolve, no matter how much work he puts into it.

He's not exactly interested in celebrating the holiday he's been hearing about, or in thinking about his weaknesses, but the Samuin festivities line up with the week that frays his nerves, and he nonetheless finds himself wandering out to watch the fireworks if just to have a distraction.

By the time anyone finds him on one of Aefenglom's rooftops, he's wrapped himself in a blanket to the point only his pale, gloomy-looking face is visible. If this event is supposed to be solemn, well... he's got that in spades. Maybe try to get him to lighten up?]

B. 3rd-7th idk

[Anyone making their way through the central area of the Haven might come across a brown-haired young man standing under the entryway of a large home with the door already open, although he hasn't stepped in yet. He's got his sleeves rolled up, displaying the faint red fairy scales on his wrists and elbows, and he's carrying a coarse brush, a number of glass bottles, and a bag. He seems to be deliberating something until he notices the passerby, at which point he calls out to see if they might have some time on their hands.]

Would you mind helping me for a minute?

C. 7th-11th

[One Ferran with rainbow-swirls on his hands and the faint scales on his wrists largely missing is now ready for the most important part of getting acclimated to a new place: shopping.

With a bag of hygiene products over his shoulder, a few of them scented enough to be smelled outside their packaging, he ends up browsing several clothing shops and tailors, but he spends the most time looking into nice-looking gloves, boots with heels, and fur-lined cloaks and capes. The bridge coat he's currently wearing is certainly warm enough for the winter he's used to, but the temperatures here are dropping even further, and with his future changes, it's not exactly going to be wearable... which sucks. He likes this coat a lot! So he wants to suitable replacements that are going to last a good, long while.

To anyone nearby, he might turn to and ask:]

Do you know anything about the quality here?

D. 7th-13th

[The moment Ferran spots a vegetable creature, he feels a surge of delight that he hasn't felt in a very long time.

He must have them.

And so, he can easily be found tracking down the critters, a watering can in hand as he tries to entice them out of hiding with whistles, chittering and the classic cat whisper (TM). He's patient with all of them, even if it ends up taking half an hour for a single creature. With animals, you have to follow through in order to get things done, even if they also happen to be plants.

If anyone he comes across happens to be chasing or being overly loud trying to catch one, they'll find the brown-haired young man admonishing them.]

Are you trying to get them to make more of a mess?

[Or, he can be found later—although the look on his face isn't exactly bright, the fact that he's carrying several varieties of plant-animals in his arms, including a spinach owl sitting on his shoulder, probably gives off the impression that he really likes the things. The fact that they aren't trying to flee is a pretty good indication that it's reciprocated, too.]

You wouldn't happen to know where I can find a child-proof gate, would you?

[Does Aefenglom even have that sort of thing yet... it seems so simple, surely they do. It's worth a shot.]

E. 9th-15th

[With two bonds with witches and several monster-led classes under his belt, Ferran is certain he can do something—even if the magic that he can feel tingling under the surface isn't the solid, reliable connection to his gem, it's similar enough for him to get the idea. He also doesn't know if it'll actually be of any use, but there's no harm in trying, and he can only do so much part time work before he tires himself out.

At his expansive home in the Haven, he starts trying to glamor the outside, a wave of his hand accompanied by glittering red lights. Any passersby might see him changing something as simple as the color of the front door, all the way up to ornate, floral carvings on the outer walls, or symmetrical stained glass patterns in the windows in a myriad of colors.

It only lasts for a minute or so every time, but it's certainly a start.]

Wildcard.

[OOC: Check out Ferran's info over here, and hit me up over pm or at lumieresdedragon and we can figure something else out, or I can write you a starter! Generally, this month Ferran can be found: researching a number of topics in available libraries, staring into space at cafes, buying groceries, and doing detail-oriented part-time work like tailoring, organizing and bookkeeping. Maybe even at your business!]

Comments

B

[oathkeeper]

[The haven is where Sora spends lots of this time but even more so since he's moved from one residence to another. So he's wandering through the area back towards his home when he notices someone struggling with their items near his door.

The puca's long standing-tall rabbit ears twitch and listen.]

Sure, need a hand with something?

[Yet, Sora might not be able to give much of one since he happens to have some sort of leafy-looking creature in his arms. A small green kitten is curled up there and seems to be basking in the light of the sunshine above them. So he might just need a second to put the kitten down somewhere in order to free up his hands to help.]

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran's eyes stay on that creature for a few seconds even as he answers, but those ears of Sora's are interesting as well. Not that he hasn't seen puca around, but it's still something he's getting used to...]

Yeah, I need to hold this bag open—here, we can do it in my courtyard instead of in the street.

[Because of course he has a courtyard. If he's getting free housing, why wouldn't he take one of the nicer homes? He pushes the door open after shifting his belongings to one arm, inviting the guy inside.]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora takes a few seconds to settle the little green-kitten in a nice still green grassy part of the yard. It yawns and rolls over onto its back and lets the sun hit its belly before he nods and leaves it. Good leafy kitty!]

Alright, sure! Let's do it!

[Sora is more than happy to help a new face. He really does have a bounce in his step like a rabbit boy should as he follows.]

What are you working on?

[noblegarnet]

[Maybe be a little more wary of Fae inviting you into their realm, Sora

Although Ferran would have been fine with the creature being inside or finding a sunny spot in the inner courtyard, he lets the idea go. In the worst case scenario, he wouldn't mind helping the guy find it if it does wander off.]

I wouldn't say I'm working on much. [His body is working on giving him scales, he guesses. Ugh.] Apparently fairy dust is valuable enough to be worthwhile, and I want to make sure I'm not missing any of it.

[He directs Sora through the foyer and living room to the inner door, handing him the bag as they go, and steps back out into the sun. Although the fountain in the courtyard is certainly nice to look at—it's been cleaned recently, and the water is crystal clear—the rest leaves a bit to be desired. He hasn't exactly had the time or motivation to garden, but there are benches along the sides, which makes it functional enough for his current purposes.]

We can sit down over here.

[oathkeeper]

[He's much too trusting to think anything is wrong with helping out a fae. Then again the last time he tried to help a fae he got a charm cast on him that made him cough up wood chips... Don't ask him how it happened.

As he's lead through the house Sora looks curious and keeps his hands to himself as they go even if his puca senses make him want to go snooping. He takes the bag with a nod and when they arrive in the courtyard he lets out an impressed whoop.]

Wow, you've got a really great place here!

[He tilts his head, rabbit ears swaying comically.]

We're really gonna collect up your fairy dust?

[Is the fae going to sell it...???]

A

[ranyaulf]

( it's probably past his 'bedtime' so to speak; something ingrained deep within him after years of fighting the longest fight of his life, but he's out and about this night. it's because he's been continuing to develop his magic and while he hates to deprive his partner of his source of warmth, there are times when he has that need to explore the city through a different perspective.

and this is why bouncing from rooftop to rooftop feels like a great idea, though coming across a blanket-wrapped person is the last thing he expects (but shouldn't be by this point).

he has to stop his momentum somehow, so he decides to hit the ground and roll--- all the way over to ferran. the top of his head nudges the other's side, allowing him to look straight up into that face. )

Oops.

( hi. )

[noblegarnet]

[It's already a little weird to be on the rooftop when he's used to parks and the like when it comes to watching fireworks, but the laguz's parkour approach just makes the whole thing even stranger.

He's going to have to expand his definition of normal to get through all of this, that's for sure. He stares down at Ranulf for a moment, a dull expression on his face.]

This blanket is taken.

[There's another one next to him that Aefenglom's citizens were nice enough to provide, though. With the fireworks about to start, there's a quiet murmur among those gathered on the nearby roofs.]

[ranyaulf]

I see that!

( sorry ferran, but the adrenaline is still coursing through him and he's trying his best to keep his overabundant energy from turning into something impulsive and frenetic. it's been a long time, you know? that coming here took away his shapeshifting, stole him away from another blue-haired man, but reunited him with a wind mage...

he's no leaks

keeping his voice low, ranulf rolls a little more so that he can get into a sitting position, legs crossed. his tail swings gently back and forth, the tip staying upright. )

You're new, aren't you? ( a beat, then ): It doesn't take magic to know that.

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran's brow furrows faintly at the claim. It's definitely not inaccurate, but he doesn't know that he likes how easily he's been seen through; he wants to blend in as much as possible so as to not attract anyone's attention. At least he keeps his voice neutral, instead of defensive.]

What makes you say that?

[There are plenty of people who would like to cocoon themselves in blankets and stare into the sky, surely.]

E

[chefalier]

[With the sun slowly setting and Sanji feeling less tired during this time, the young chef has decided to take the opportunity to just walk around Aefenglom. Why? Well, why not. It's still mostly a new city to him, a lot of places to poke around. Heck, even people to meet, he's not opposed in the least. Not to mention, the thought of bonds still weigh heavily on him, knowing that he can't put that off for too much longer.

He doesn't want to hurt anyone if he loses control of himself. And while Sanji wants to be confident that he can fight off those changes, it's not a risk he wants to take. Clearly, if it was that simple, the importance of bonds wouldn't be highlighted.

Nonetheless, Sanji soon catches sight of a familiar person, one particular teenager that he keeps bumping into. Third time now, if he's really keeping track. But for once, Ferran doesn't seem miserable, clearly trying to decorate his rather large home with some form of magic. Fae abilities? He remembers reading that they have illusionary magic.]

Didn't take you as the flashy type.

[Sanji remarks, pulling out his cigarette as he watches Ferran's illusions flicker away. Not surprising, given that the teenager is just getting acquainted with his powers. Sanji, on the other hand, probably has less things to get used to-- power wise, just some annoying things to deal with including feeding on blood and dealing with sun. Having his umbrella has helped with that bit at least, a somewhat steady companion even at this hour.]

[noblegarnet]

[The magic drains him in a way that's both familiar and new, and he lets out a shaky sigh as the imagery fades away, his hands falling to his sides.

It's easy enough to recognize the voice (and the smell) even without turning to look at its owner, and although it's a stretch to say the guy has been polite, he can't argue that he owes him for all his help.]

You haven't exactly caught me at my best.

[Hard to be concerned about aesthetics when you're being actively traumatized.]

[chefalier]

[Oh, so he's not normally a sad teenager? An unreadable look passes across Sanji's face, almost like he's calculating something about Ferran, before he exhales, cigarette smoke wafting through the air.

Well, this is an improvement, right?

He slightly inclines his head, just acknowledging what Ferran has said to him. He doesn't have any intention to bring up their past two encounters, at least, not asking him more details that led to Ferran's miserable state. Nor does he intend to bring up the fact that he's helped him twice now.]

Heh, normally a show off?? [He certainly has a bigger house than expected.] You're gonna grab people's attention with those lights.

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran certainly will appreciate not bringing up details of their previous encounters, although the rescues have frequently been on his mind. To an uncomfortable extent, honestly.]

I wouldn't go that far... [Not quite so obviously. If he shows off, it's going to be subtle and classy.] And the sparkling I can't seem to turn off with the magic.

[The remnants of his Noble powers, maybe. He puts his hands on his hips, regarding the exterior of the house for a few moments before turning his attention to Sanji properly.]

Have you picked your own place yet?

C

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup doesn't buy a lot of clothing as a rule, at least not fine clothing. He works in a forge, so most of what he's bought for himself in Aefenglom is second-hand, since it gets ruined by the smoke or the flames. He's actually here to trade for some raw materials - leather, mostly - because while he does tan his own, sometimes, it takes a while, and he wants to make sure he has materials on hand for Modranicht gifts.

He's waiting for the tailor to have a moment, apparently not an unfamiliar sight in this shop, when someone turns and asks him a question. Hiccup blinks, while the cat-sized, green and brown lizard curled around his neck looks up from its nap and squawks.

He glances from the person to the display he was looking at, and hums.] It's alright here? Usually. Are you looking for winter clothes? I'd, uh, avoid the rabbit fur linings unless you know how to tell a good pelt from a bad pelt.

If you just want something warm, enchantments are good for that.

[noblegarnet]

[Aha! An expert—of a sort, at least. Ferran doesn't yet have the eye for spotting good materials versus bad, so he immediately turns his attention to Hiccup to get what advice he can. Even if the guy isn't exactly dressed in the kind of attire Ferran is looking for (to say the least), he's sure he can trust the opinion of someone who works with the materials themselves.]

Winter for now, but anything that won't wear out and look awful within a year. I don't know much about pelts, rabbit or otherwise. [He's not going to waste good money if he can't also look nice! He might as well just go get something bulky and simple and spend way less.] Would I have to get enchantments like that renewed?

[thisisamazing]

[Oh yeah, he's clearly not the one to take fashion advice from. Hiccup is a little shabby on a good day and usually smells like smoke, and the lizard on his shoulder doesn't help his image any.]

I'd say their regular clothes are fine, but uh, it can get pretty cold here, though not as cold as where I come from, haha. Rabbit pelts can be pretty uh, sub-par if they aren't harvested at the right time of year, that's all. They'll be patchy or thin in that case.

[But he waves off that train of thought, because personally he thinks enchantments are superior anyway.] Eventually every enchantment needs renewed, but something small like retaining heat or generating a small amount of heat to protect from the cold could last you all winter, and then you'd just have to get refreshed before the next winter. I do those kinds of things all the time personally, it's uh, it's popular in the Outer City where they can't really afford good winter clothes...

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran folds his arms in contemplation, clearly taking the matter very seriously. As much as an enchantment might be less expensive, having to go back every few months is basically the same as getting mending done just as often. Sure, it'll work for the time being, but it sounds so inconvenient... he hums in thought. Does he go for the short-term now and get something nice later, or does he try to go ahead and invest in the long-term? This would be much less of a concern if his funds weren't so limited.

... and the smell of smoke is distracting enough to keep him from focusing on the pros and cons properly.]

So the enchantments are less expensive? That's surprising... but I guess I'm not used to magic being commonplace.

B, hope this is ok

[inlikethebrume]

[Having finished up her work, Mira is on her way home for some more settling in. But before she does, an unknown voice calls out to her. She turns to face the young man and smiles.]

Oh, hello there. What do you need help with?

[It's an old habit; always willing to help anyone who wants or asks.]

yup!

[noblegarnet]

I want to make sure I don't miss any of this—dust, I guess.

[What a weird situation. It's a little unpleasant, the thought of gathering what amounts to glittery fairy skin flakes, and he struggles with what might be the best wording. Oh well.]

I'd appreciate if you could come in and hold this bag open for me.

awesome :3

[inlikethebrume]

[If she ever learns what the dust is...she'd more than likely shrug. Fae skin flakes is tame compared to things she's had to fetch back home. Don't ask. Nonetheless, she keeps the pleasant air around her and simply nods. Besides, bag holding sounds really simple.]

Sure, I can do that. Might this be a special kind of dust if you do not mind me asking?

[Collecting dust in a bag? It doesn't sound like a normal way to clean up so call her curious. It's both her best trait as well as a flaw at times, sorry new person!]

[noblegarnet]

[It certainly should be a simple process, just one that requires more than two hands.]

Great. Apparently fairy dust sells for a decent amount, so you could say that, though I don't know exactly why it's "special."

[Fae, rare, yadda yadda. Magic being innate to certain natural materials is a concept that he hasn't bothered looking into, but it's not like he had a great understanding of his own world's magic, either...

Ferran gestures for her to come in the large house and leads her in, where it's clear he hasn't had much time or resources to decorate, even though he's done some basic cleaning. In order to keep the equivalent of glitter from getting all over his nice floors, though, he comes to the door to the inner courtyard, and opens it for her to step out first. There are benches there, along with a still-functioning fountain.]

wildcard - learning magic

[whiteofcrime]

[ Between weeks 3 to 4 of lessons in REAL magic and Kaito is struggling along at an average pace. He's not the least bit shy about throwing himself into a new skill and practising until he gets it right, but real magic is a far cry from the physical skills he has currently honed. It's an entirely new sense - one which he first has to grow accustomed to before he can even begin to learn how to apply it.

Today he's in the library nose-deep in several beginner tomes. For his first spell, he wants to master the basic 'detect magic'. It makes his heart leap every time he thinks he sees a glimpse of what he presumes to be other people's magic. Yet it never sticks. Frustrated, he finally throws up his hands and slumps over the back of his chair, earning himself a few annoyed looks from those within hearing. ]

Aaargh, this is so hard...!

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran hasn't made his way past the beginner level himself. For one, the types of magic Fae are capable of haven't yet drawn his interest in the same way as the nature of his transformation has, or the kinds of things he'll have to expect from Witches and whatever supernatural threats lie inside and out of the city.

All that is to say he's reading an old book on the history of Monsters and Witches when he hears an exasperated complaint that he can't help but sympathize with. Back home, he didn't have the luxury of books to tell him how to use his powers, and things seem so much more complex here. He leans back in his own seat, craning his head to look at the other guy and his entry-level books. Marking his spot in his own text, he speaks in a tone low enough not to draw any annoyed comments. Hopefully.]

New to magic?

[whiteofcrime]

[ He jolts upright, looking over in surprise. Many had been ignoring him - as people were wont to do in a library - so he's not expecting conversation. But he's quick to smile sheepishly. ]

Yeah... Where I'm from, apparently only witches or sorcerers can use real magic, but I only really know the one witch. I'm still not sure whether she hates me or not.

[ Propping his elbows on the table, he sighs tiredly. ] It's still kinda hard to believe I can use magic here.

[noblegarnet]

It is all pretty sudden.

[It's not as jarring a transition as transforming, he's sure, but it's still something the Mirrorbound Witches have to deal with. Not to mention it feels pretty familiar to what he went through before he came here. He has to wonder about sorcerers and the like, though...]

So where you're from, is it a thing you're granted, or born with, or what?