middaeg | [open] 🔶 settling in

Entry tags:

[open] 🔶 settling in

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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ferran's expression softens a little with Ranulf's response, and what little can be seen of his posture relaxes from his defensive state. Even if he'd prefer that other people don't spend too much time checking on him, he knows it comes from a decent place, and he'd be in a very poor state if they didn't.

He concedes to the laguz's request with a look to him and then the nearby blanket.]

I think there are supposed to be—

[At that moment, the whistling of a rocket echoes across the rooftops, and a burst of color explodes in the sky, drawing Ferran's attention. Even when he's in a poor mood, it helps lift his spirits a little.]

—fireworks.

( he jumps at the first explosion, eyes widening. a gasp escapes him as ranulf instinctively brings his hands up to his chest, both of them in front just in case he's about to get blasted by a fireball or something like it. )

Ah?! What is... is that a firework?!

( he holds one ear down and closes the other eye. )

It's so loud! And bright! Is that what humans use for celebrations?

[Ferran pauses for half a second before those cat ears really register and he remembers how sensitive his dog had been to fireworks for a while. Eventually he had calmed down, but...]

Yeah. They make a lot of different patterns and colors... I don't know how long these ones are supposed to go, but where I'm from it was anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour, depending on what we were celebrating.

[Get him to explain something impersonal and he suddenly becomes a chatterbox...]

Is it too much for you?

( despite the fact ranulf's ears are still ringing slightly, he does realize that ferran's tone has changed. whatever he knows about fireworks has distracted him, probably? the fact he has something like those in his world... there's still a lot that ranulf doesn't know. )

No, just not used to it. ( he winces, one eye closing. So they're for celebrations? ) Can't see why, even if they look neat.

( it's just the sound. hard for him to hide what really bothers him... )

That kind of magic could probably be used for other means...

[Yeah, that's about what he thought.]

Our hearing isn't that sensitive. Maybe if you cover your ears it won't be as bad.

[There is blanket there for the taking. Join him as a blanket burrito...

Ranulf's mention of magic causes him to have a realization, though—maybe they're starting with the normal sorts fireworks he's used to, but who knows what kinds of patterns and colors Witches could infuse them with? He looks up again to see if there might be anything unique he's missing.]

Oh... they probably do use magic for them here.

( the blanket does look pretty tempting! after a few moments, he gives in. ranulf stretches out to grab the blanket, draping it over his shoulders and his head. the tips of his ears stick out, but he feels and looks a lot warmer! his tail snakes out from underneath, curling up in a loose spiral as he relaxes. )

This will probably work the best for now. ( both ears twitch. it's a little uncomfortable, but that's fine! everything is fine. )

I think they do. If not the explosives themselves, then probably to ignite them. ( ranulf hums in thought. ) Or maybe some kind of alchemy?

( aka things that the laguz isn't very sure about. )

I may not look like it, but I'm a witch here.

[He wonders how much Fae magic could be applied to something like that... although illusions wouldn't really do much for him, ultimately. Not really something practical, but it's almost a nice thought.]

Right...

[He adapted pretty quickly to the idea of different sapient species after he got here, so it easily could have gone either way. With the way the guy mentioned humans, the ears and tail could have been something he already had.]

Are there humans where you're from?

Technically yes. ( ranulf thinks about the differences between beorc and human; there aren't many. it's the origin of the laguz, of those born in tellius, that make a real separation. however... it doesn't feel particularly relevant. he doesn't see the people here as being not-laguz and laguz. after all, he's the sole one. )

But I'm laguz. Um... I've been called an animal person before, so I suppose that counts in some way.

( a real 'cat boy'. )

And are you human? ( looks can be deceiving after all, but he's not going to judge ferran for it. )

"Laguz." [Ferran tries to commit it to memory, although he frowns a little at the explanation. Even if "cat person" might be the label he has in his mind, there's a certain lack of respect that goes into just blurting that out.] "Animal-person" seems kind of rude.

[Where are people's manners, honestly... He shifts the blanket so it falls over his shoulders, showing off his normal human head of hair and ears.]

Yeah, I'm human. [Regardless of whatever... things this place is forcing on him.] That's all we have back home, as far as people.

I don't mind it as long as the intent is clear. ( that no one is trying to disparage him for being a half-breed. being sub-human. animal-person is probably the nicest way anyone can put it? maybe it's because he appears as some kind of turnskin that gives him some leeway, and that it's only after he displays some kind of magic that gives people further pause...

ferran looks nice. he looks normal. but normal will turn into something else, and then that will be his new normal. he assumes it'll be the same as soren, who slowly changed as well. )

Huh, really? ( his curiosity appropriately piqued, he tilts his head. ) So no laguz... but did you have magic?

[It's good that Ranulf isn't offended by it, but it won't change Ferran's opinion. He'd probably feel vaguely insulted, himself.

He'll definitely be glad he won't be turning into a dragon, at least... what with them usually breathing fire, that would cause him a lot of anxiety, even outside of the bodily changes. No thank you.]

Sort of. [Well, he definitely had it, but that was a very recent development.] It's not nearly as common or known as this place... and pretty much everyone thinks it's not real. I didn't know about it until several months ago. What about you?

( it's hard to feel as insulted as other laguz when he's been surrounded by the best (and least-worst) that beorc had to offer? yes, there were certainly some who weren't as appreciative of his presence, but they also became less intolerant over time. proof that people can change for the better if there's someone who best represents what they thought they hated. )

Not until I arrived here almost... four? Five months ago? Magic is mostly common among the beorc, who have to use books or staves in order to cast spells.

( though one could argue the laguz had 'magic'. )

But here, I've been learning. I can do small things like this without any problem now!

( the 'this' is making his ears glow a lighter shade of blue. )

[So he was familiar with the concept before coming here, at least, and it sounds like it wasn't any kind of secret. That's an advantage, for sure.]

Beorc?

[Although Ferran might be willing to guess they're another species, he'd rather not make any assumptions. He glances at the display, although no real interest shows in his expression. He's used to glowing by default when he uses magic, sorry Ranulf...]

What kinds have you been focusing on? I've heard Witches tend to specialize...

Human. ( ranulf's ears flatten for a moment before resetting to being bent by the blanket. ) Sorry, I should've been more clear.

( well, he tried his best! his ears go back to normal as he thinks about the kind of magic that he's been attempting and how successful he's been over the past month or two. )

Transmutation. It's something I'm able to do back home that I can't do here. I doubt I'll have the same strength as I did then, but... my hope is I can find some comfort in being able to be a cat again.

( a big cat, but a cat nonetheless. )

Have you been tested by the Coven? For magic, I mean.

Oh, got it.

[So that's what he meant by technically—just a different way of referring to them. It's not like every language on his own planet uses the same word, so he shouldn't expect it from entirely different worlds...

He might have asked more about the transforming that Ranulf is used to, but there's no way for him to shake off the gloom that the question brings to his demeanor.]

Yeah. When I got here. [He just kind of went along with whatever was suggested at the time, because he didn't really have the mental capacity for much else, being in the middle of an emotional crisis and all.] I don't have it anymore.

[So, you know.]

( his brows furrow. yes, he's asked a question that is very... the answer isn't good. it's always unsettling, isn't it? but at least ferran didn't lash out at him, which is good! a very good thing. whether it's because he's already accepted it or not or is completely numb, he's not going to openly guess. all he can do is provide some sympathy. )

I don't know much about the monsters here. ( said lightly, as he closes his eyes. ) But I've been called a monster a lot in my life. Even now.

( being a witch who on first glance may be confused for a turnskin has been interesting, to say the least. )

So when you hear monster, don't think you did anything wrong.

( another firework makes him flinch. )

[It's turned into a dull resignation at this point, despite the moons' pull currently agitating him. But mostly, he's extremely tired of being angry after several, several months of it, and he doesn't have the energy for it when there's no one who deserves it in front of him.

Ranulf's sympathy is appreciated, although that might be hard to tell with the stare he gets, before Ferran turns his eyes away to watch the shower of sparks.]

They should have a better word for it, for one. Like you have "laguz."

[You would think after they started getting along, they'd come up with some kind of name that wasn't synonymous with horrible moral failings. He does question a little, though, that Ranulf hasn't apparently looked into it. Maybe he feels confident enough to not need that information, or something. Must be nice.]

What do you know?

( he turns his head slightly, as to think about the implications. it would be nice to have another word for it; there are far too many negative meanings with it... )

What do I know? Huh.

( what DOES ranulf know? good question, ferran. )

Find a bond. Even if it's temporary--- there are potions for that. Better to find a witch than another monster. Something about keeping magic in balance between the two.

( and then another thoughtful hum follows. it is nice, not having to worry about changes every month. what might grow or fall off, what might change as the moon passes. )

And I'm willing to help you with anything you might need. These communicators are really interesting! Wish we had these at home. You can contact me at any time.

[Although he wasn't looking for advice—he's done about as much research as he could possibly stand in the past two weeks—he can still see that the laguz is trying to help, so he just accepts it for what it is.]

Right... I did hear about that.

[For some reason, he feels a little more inclined to keep his (impulse) Bonds to himself. Maybe if it's important enough to bring up later, he will.]

Thanks. [Anything is quite the offer. He doesn't know how willing he is to take it, but the thought is there. For a moment, he considers pulling his comm-mirror-watch out, but his memory is good enough.] They're smaller than the kind I'm used to, but at least they work... What's your username?

( what he does know about monsters is a little personal. so he's definitely not going to give out that kind of information. but otherwise, he doesn't know much because he simply has been sticking his head into books regarding his magic. )

Username is 'myaa'. Someone told me that's the sound a cat makes, so... I thought it was short and memorable.

( ranulf offers an awkward smile, something lopsided and amused. )

[Even if he thinks it's a bit silly, there are worse usernames. He simply nods in response.]

Mine is "feal"—F-E-A-L. [Just to make sure Ranulf doesn't end up sending anything over to "feel," which may or may not exist. It's an old word, so not exactly the kind of thing he'd expect everyone to know, and he seems to be used to spelling it out. Ranulf may recognize it the very next day, when Ferran posts his annoyance over moth-related woes!

Back to something he was curious about earlier, though...]

So... you could turn into a cat, you said?

( there are certainly worse usernames, but his feels appropriate. after all that is a sound he can make when shifted though it's been a while since he's enjoyed being in that form.

speaking of which: )

Yes. All laguz can shapeshift. The beast tribe is made up of lions, tigers, cats, and even wolves. I'd say that while cats may be one of the smallest of the group, we're just as proud and fight as ferociously as others.

( not biased or anything. )

I... do you have anything in your world that's remotely like us?

[Ferran has no doubt that they all... do their best, at whatever their culture values. Hunting is probably a big thing with them, he'd guess. Maybe he'll ask, at some point, but for now Ranulf has his own questions.]

We have stories about shapeshifters, but that's about it. If any actually exist, I definitely don't know about them.

[What with magic secretly being a thing, who knows what else could be out there? Not him, that's for sure.]

We just have humans... and we can't really change forms.

Hm. Well, that's okay. I won't hold that against you.

( a smile on his face as ranulf lets the blanket fall away from his head, his ears free to touch the cool air again. another firework goes off and this time he's ready, shoulders rising in surprise but not much else. being with someone to experience this... he feels a lot more comfortable? )

The humans I know here have been pretty kind. So I have some pretty high expectations!

[Ranulf may not be able to get as much vicarious enjoyment of the fireworks out of Ferran due to his subdued mood, but at least there's something there. He looks a little calmer, almost, every time the colors explode in the sky. For a few seconds, he can just pretend he's celebrating a holiday and nothing more.

The cat's statement of expectations draws a huff that's almost a cynical laugh out of him, though.]

Try not to be too disappointed. [Ferran likes to think the best of people, but he knows intimately just how terrible they can be. Not to mention his own flaws...]

[open] 🔶 settling in

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