middaeg | [Open] July quests

Entry tags:

[Open] July quests

Who: Fang and Open!
When: Any time between 7/3-7/13
Where: Aristocratic district, and outside the city
What: Quests: Pickpockets, and Cartography/Lucky Ingredients (stellar bear hunting)
Warnings: none yet

I. Thick as Thieves - Aristocratic District

["They're not human," the ad had said. If it weren't for the constant snowfall plaguing the district, the mystery thieves might have been easy to catch. Hell, they might still be. They're so amateur it hurts.]

[Fang hadn't expected to be loitering around, shoveling snow off the walkways for a bunch of stuck-up pricks, but sometimes, the snowfall wasn't heavy enough and some careless footprints needed erasing. Hope you weren't investigating that trail.]

[Or maybe you did question one of the pranksters, but they insisted it couldn't be them. How could it be? The monster lady had been showing him and his friends a mirrorbound-world game. Or they were in a snow fight, just ask the monster lady that got caught in the cross-fire. Or—]

[You get the idea. They were conveniently around the "monster lady" at the time of the crime.]

II. Multi-tasking

Ooh, I was hopin' we'd see one of these.

[Fang keeps her voice low, but doesn't bother masking the excitement in it. She crouches largely behind a fallen log, looking down at a clearing below the ridge she's on.]

[A stellar bear forages below—a long, lean creature with glowing dots tracing the constellations of this new world along its hide. The creature looked deceptively small, on all fours like that; maybe no taller than a wolf. The wildlife of Gran Pulse, the behemoths in particular, taught Fang not to underestimate it. Its limbs might be lanky, but they hid power beneath the shaggy coat, and when it stood up, it'd probably dwarf a person.]

There's some real claws on that thing. We should give it a go, while Melv's busy mappin' that last part.

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Divination isn't "spying" magic. [ Ursula giggled, shaking her head. ] And I specialize in reading the stars, remember? I doubt it will give you an edge to avoid Johnny Law.

Just... be careful. I know you will, but I still want you to promise me...

Still know a lot more 'bout it than I do.

[Fang took a cautious drink; the tea wasn't really to her taste, but it was a gift, and the warmth it brought was definitely welcome.]

Yeah, yeah, don't you worry—I promise. I'm a big girl, remember?

[ Ursula had gotten a taste for tea since she had taken to living in England. She still wasn't terribly good at *making* it, but it was the thought (and warmth) that counted, she figured. She stepped in closer, lifting her hands to cup Fang's over the thermos, letting out a sigh. ]

I'll try not to worry so much, in that case... I know it can be annoying, now that we're bonded, and you can literally feel it. Though I guess your confidence helps me not fuss so much, too.

[Tea, with few exceptions, tended to be too bland for Fang's tastes. To be fair, most things were too bland for her, and required borderline-alarming additions of salt, sugar, or spices.]

[Fang's teasing smile warmed a little as the witch stepped in. They'd been vigilant about contact, and compared to how she'd been before, she was absolutely teeming with the sort of energy the clean magic of their Bond provided. The contact wasn't necessary... but it was still welcome and pleasant, especially with the lunar noise so close to peaking.]

Oh, I know your type. Worryin's part of who you are. It's not as hard to get used to as I thought it'd be. [She didn't say ignore, because Fang hasn't figured out a way to not feel it, but she's adjusted.]

[An impulse slipped through, playing on Fang's gratitude and mild affection. Her head ducked forward, nudged up the brim of Ursula's hat, and gently bumped their foreheads together; there was just enough of a trace of insistence to it that made the gesture seem different from a simple touch of foreheads. A hint of bewilderment seeped through their Bond as Fang wondered why she didn't express herself with her words, but... whatever. The feline tendencies Fang was accumulating tended to exaggerate right before the days of the full moons.]

It'd be a problem if it controlled you, but you know when to step back. I'm not gonna ask you to be sorry for how you feel. [Gods knew Fang never apologized for her emotions.]

[ It was a bewilderment that was shared, doubled upon, but it wasn't just that confusion that set in, particularly when the sharp, logic-driven part of her mind figured out what it was based on all other observational information. But the significance of the gesture was granted in that same wisdom, despite the fact that she'd never actually owned a cat in her life. That gentle head rub meant... it meant...

Her heart throbbed, and instinctively her grip on Fang's hand tightened, red blooming in her features, a saturated rose that Fang had seen before. It took Ursula several moments to really put thoughts together again, only feeling the rush of her blood and a hammering in her chest for a moment before it all seemed to calm down again.

This kind of thing... really did keep happening to her, didn't it? But somehow, with someone she was Bonded with, it felt... better? She still wasn't certain how to really approach it. But she did suddenly feel a need to just be that much closer to Fang. ]

R-right... I guess since we're Bonded, it isn't as if I can ever really suppress it, anyways, without you knowing. [ And Fang caught a glimpse into all of that. ]

[It's a stronger reaction than Fang expected—not that she expected anything, with her own action spontaneous. Honestly, and just after she'd gotten through saying to never apologize for feelings... It took willpower to not immediately backpedal on that like a hypocrite. Fang couldn't stop her own emotions from warming in face of Ursula's, no more than she could stop the sun from warming her skin, though not nearly as strong as her Bonded's.]

[But reluctance rose with it. There'd been flashes of this before, on their first day with the Bond—even on their first meeting, when the wine had made the witch more affectionate. Fang would've been an idiot to think she wasn't drawn towards a ghost of what she saw, too.]

[In her opinion, this emotional feedback loop was far more dangerous than guilt. They were dancing a very thin line, and one they needed to not cross. Fang had to remind herself she'd only just met the witch; it was so painfully easy to forget that. To pretend otherwise.]

Don't bother suppressin' it. If I know, big whoop. You shouldn't have to hide anything. [They weren't talking about worry anymore, were they.] 'cept anger, I guess. You've seen what kind of temper I've got; it doesn't need any encouragement.

[ They really weren't. But Ursula knew better than that, too. Suppressing it wouldn't do either of them any good, but her attracting to Fang being so plain and raw before them both didn't really help either. She needed to reel back, for the sake of both their feelings. It was too soon for her heart to beat that strong... Well beyond what they'd agreed to. But that phantom of another, someone she still longed for, was so present in her mind, mixed in the Bond with Fang, that it was hard not to. Imagining it had been her giving Ursula that gesture of affection instead of Fang... she doubted she would have been even half as composed, and she was barely composed at that.

But after a few moments, a few breaths, she did manage to calm herself down some, managing a soft smile, and tempering that heat inside of her, spreading it more evenly, and trying not to pass nearly as much of it onto Fang. ]

Well, even anger has its place sometimes... maybe I can borrow some of your fury when I really need it. But for now, I think we just need time to get used to this, still.

[Fang closed her eyes and swallowed as Ursula emotionally retreated. Even with their contact anchoring her, keeping Fang herself, she could feel the energy of the moons, urging her to grasp onto that fleeting feeling and to turn away from thinking. Only feeling, only actions, only the here and now.]

[But Fang could ignore it, thanks to the Bond, even if that presented other complications, like their mutual longing for people that they weren't.]

...Yeah. [It took a few breaths of her own before Fang could lift her head away. It was her fault for provoking that little episode, she supposed, but if she said sorry, she'd be failing to stand behind her own philosophy. She didn't shrug of Ursula's hand from hers, though.]

Gotta admit, though... the Bond's a good reminder. [Fang returned the smile, and found herself grateful that Ursula was so mindful of her own emotions. It seemed like she's been feeling that a lot.] If I'm reckless, it could affect you too somehow. Lot more effective than me just sayin' I'll play it safe. Hardly a way to repay the one keepin' me sane, mm?

I don't want to be a leash on you. [ Ursula chuckled, before realizing what that sounded like and quickly stammering out an apology. ]

S-soryy, I just mean... I don't want you to ever think you have to hold yourself back on my account, so long as that's not leading you anywhere dangerous. If you're really sure this is going to turn out fine, I've got no right stopping you, even if we're Bonded.

Besides... I can't say I wouldn't have done the same, in your position. I deal with kids a lot, too. [ A giggle. ]

[...Ursula really makes this so damn easy. Her smile spread to a grin, a devious humor behind it, but as much as Fang wanted to needle her over that, it was absolutely the most inappropriate time to be doing that.]

[She could refrain, just this once.]

Yeah, well... it might go somewhere dangerous. Not the kids. Won't lie to you, I'm real curious about the Wilde. Can't stand the feelin' that the Coven might be keepin' us cooped up in here on purpose.

[ Ursula gave a thoughtful hum, shifting herself to stand closer to Fang's side, still holding onto her hand, but reaching back into her side bag to fish out a newspaper. ]

They said they're going to be setting up a research camp in that cave system that was discovered last month. [ She pulled up the article, holding it so that Fang could look for herself. ]

Did you want to check it out?

[Fang peered closer for a brief moment, just to make sure it was what she thought it was.]

Could. Was thinkin' of maybe throwin' in with the Wilders, too. I need to look into them more. [She glanced up with a half-smile, that teasing humor trickling through the Bond again.] Or would that make you worry too much?

I'll definitely worry. [ Ursula let out a small sigh, chuckling. She folded the newspaper back up, stuffing it back in her bag. There was still more she needed to read later, after all. ]

But... It'd be a good outlet for you. And I want to learn more about this place too, and between the two of us, you can handle yourself out there a lot better than I can. If joining the Wilders Guild helps to that end, I encourage it.

I've seen how strong you are. I can believe you'll be safe...

[Fang switched the thermos to her other hand, reaching up to cup the back of Ursula's neck. Look, she used the warm hand, she's being considerate.]

I will. Not too different than some of what I did back in my world. And if something does happen, I won't be proud, alright? I'll go right for help or treatment or whatever I need. Promise.

[Fang hadn't been asking for her blessing, and would have pursued what she wanted regardless of Ursula's opinion... but it was still nice to have her support.]

[ She knew Fang didn't, but she also figured she'd appreciate knowing Ursula had her back on this. And the assurances she'd make sure to take care of herself out there helped, too. It would mean being apart from her a lot more, maybe even several days at a time, and that weighed a little more on her than she'd liked, but... ]

I'm sure it's pretty fascinating out there... so different from what you or I would know of in our own nature...

You could go too, you know, if you can take care of yourself. Don't really know what you can do, outside of [nerd stuff] lookin' at stars and practicing your basics.

[She gave a one-shouldered shrug.] Hell, even if you can't, might be worth it for you to take a look. A [nerd] scholar'd probably get a lot more out of seein' what's out there than I would.

I'd definitely just get in the way... [ Ursula shook her head. ] Trust me, I know my place right now. I might head out there sometime, but I definitely wouldn't be able to keep up with you exploring adventurer types. [ A small giggle. ]

It's okay... I'll be a place you can return to.

Have it your way. [She gave Ursula's neck a pat before her hand retreated. Fang shivered, and took a long drink from the tea. Damned chill was starting to catch up to her, now that she'd stopped moving. How was this cold easier to deal with than the summer heat?]

You sure are determined to make sure I've got the option of a roof over my head.

[They might have only been bonded for a week at most, but it'd probably become clear by now that Fang never used the word "home," unless she was talking about someone else's.]

[ Ursula was reluctant to use the word, herself. "Home" felt too final. And more than anything else, this place wasn't "home" for her. Luna Nova was home. And she could never afford to lose sight of that, and become lost in another world as a result. But... that didn't mean she couldn't make their shared living space home-like. ]

W-well it is one of my responsibilities... [ But they both knew it went beyond simply that. Ursula found herself... comforted, by being 'the place Fang could return to', not just their physical living space, but just Ursula herself. It was a sort of comfort Croix never afforded her, even when she promised to find a cure for Wagandea's curse. She supposed, in a way, it was something she always wanted... ]

[She arched a brow when the witch stuttered. Honestly, Fang wasn't even trying to embarrass her this time. Fang knew this dedication went beyond their roles as Bonded, and certainly had something to do with whatever was developing between them, but it was a guess any deeper than that.]

[If she knew specifically why, boy would she get a lot of mileage out of that. Probably.]

That was convincing, [Fang casually drawled, taking another gulp of the tea to give Ursula more time to recover. She was getting used to the flow of their conversations.] You know I take your hospitality seriously, yeah? I'll come back.

And if I get lonely while you're gone, it's not as if I have no friends here, so it's fine! [ She laughed, though not anymore convincing than her insistence on only doing this out of responsibility, and also volunteered way more information than was probably necessary.

Honestly, it even came as a bit of a surprise to Ursula, given how used she was to living alone. Fantasies about Croix aside, she'd been something of a recluse among the Luna Nova faculty for years since coming on to the staff. She didn't take company, she didn't really visit others. Living alone had honestly been her preferred sort of life for a long time.

Maybe it was just the Bond, she thought, making her feel like that... ]

[...Ursula.]

[Fang just stared. That was absolutely more information than was necessary. Fang settled a hand on her own hip during the long pause.]

...You okay?

[ ... No. No she wasn't. ]

So how pathetic did that sound, on a scale of 1 to 10?

[It took Fang a moment to blink through the onslaught of mortification, and she couldn't stop the outburst of laughter that followed. There was... a lot to unpack, from that little bit. This woman...]

8 or 9. You keep a point for bein' self-aware.

[But damned if Ursula's outburst about lonely didn't strike a chord. That sort of desperation to have someone around (to have her specifically around) was so heartbreakingly familiar. Even if the witch didn't want to influence Fang's decisions regarding the Wilde, there was no way around it. Not anymore.]

Maybe I should be the one worryin' about you. [Beneath her amusement and a little swell of adoration, there actually as a genuine spark of concern.]

[ And now the tables had turned, with her the one being fussed over. Guilt swelled back up in Ursula's heart, causing her to shake her head, offering a weak smile and words that likely wouldn't do much to convince. ]

No, no, it's... It's fine. Like I said, I have friends. One of them is in the Coven infirmary right now, and could use my support.

[The excuse was about as weak as that smile. Fang's concern was going nowhere.]

The infirmary? What for?

He got sick. Which from what I'm told about his, uh. Kind. Is going to be a first time experience for him. So I think having a friendly face around to assure him he's not succumbing to some weakness. He's got a... sensitive ego, I guess you could say.

[ But that really wasn't the issue here. Ursula knew. Fang was sincerely worried about Ursula being able to handle herself now that they were bonded, facing a lengthy period apart. She sighed, shaking her head. ]

I... I didn't mean to make you worry. This is all just... new to me. I was fine being on my own for most of my life, and now it suddenly feels... not as fine. But I'll adjust. I promise.

That's why I'm worried. I've seen what loneliness does to people in the long run. [Felt what it does, Fang doesn't say. She wondered how deep those cracks run, to provoke that kind of clinginess.] Saw it all the time in my gang—my old one. There's no shame in it.

[Which was easy for her to say, considering Fang only bore a single ounce of shame in her body, and that ounce was usually on vacation.] If you're ever havin' a rough time of it, I'm not gonna brush you off.

[Fang tilted her head, smiling slightly, and gently poked Ursula's forehead with a knuckle.] But if you've got friends for the job, that's fine too.

[ Ursula giggled slightly at the poke, rubbing at her forehead and feeling her mood start to lighten back up. Fang had that effect on her, she supposed. Probably more profoundly than either was currently willing to dissect. ]

Just... don't stay out there too long, I guess. Come back every few days or so. Sound like a fair compromise?

[There's that tiny surge of affection again, when Ursula giggled, Fang's smile growing in turn.]

I can live with that. Not like I'm headin' out now, anyways.

[Which reminded her... Fang fought a shiver again, emptying the thermos.] Moons're gonna hit me tonight or tomorrow. Not sure what time all that starts. Figured it'd be good to have you around 'til I'm sure exactly how many screws I'm gonna have loose.

[ Ursula hadn't forgotten, nodding. ]

I'll be there with you through every bit of it.

'preciate it.

[Fang passed the thermos back, rolling a shoulder.] I'm gonna go warm up in those springs before the sun sets—my back's killin' me after all that damn shovel work. I'll be back at your place by evening, 'kay?

I tried them earlier. You'll enjoy it. [ Assuming she doesn't get into a soul-baring conversation with someone, which seemed to happen way too often to Ursula lately. Maybe it was just her luck. ]

I'll have dinner ready for you when you get there. Something nice and meaty.

[Geez, stop wearing your soul on your sleeve Ursula.]

Listen to you, thinkin' ahead like that. [The monster part of her was actually pretty stoked about that. Fang chuckled, pulling her cloak around her and starting towards the baths.] Looking forward to it.

[ Ursula figured Fang would approve, but it still made her a bit giddy to hear it, giving an enthusiastic nod and wave back to her. She didn't dally about much, realizing that she hadn't actually finished *shopping* for said dinner and started to make her way to the butcher shop with a little skip in her step... ]

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[Open] July quests

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going to set this on the 13th if you don't mind

sweet jesus

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