open / witty title goes here

[battlebound]

Who: Steak & Open!
When: Throughout the month
Where: Aefenglom
What: Quest type things (The Sordid Shield; Bejeweled, Bedeviled), Steak looking for alternative ways to learn magic, and other shenanigans to be added throughout the month
Warnings: Just for the Bejeweled, Bedeviled quest, in case things get NSFW.


— the sordid shield.

( working as a bouncer is slightly different for Steak. in the past, those kinds of duties had been bundled up in the unspoken part of the agreement made when hiring a food soul to work in your bar or restaurant. a look which lingers too long and means "and you'll take care of any trouble, too." it's something he'd come to expect.

but standing outside, dedicating all his energy to making sure no one causes trouble, isn't exactly a difficult job. even in the winter cold, with his usual, midriff exposing outfit on, it isn't difficult. he instead spends the first few hours greeting people and letting them through, with no regard for whether they're monster or witch, and is brighter still at the sight of mirrorbound and familiar faces, greeting anyone he recognises with a wave and a grin.

sure, Aefenglom isn't ideal, and he's still not thrilled to know that he has to regularly use magic, waste time learning how to cast spells (or, worse, spend extra time in the coven), but it isn't that different to Tierra, really. there's still things to be slain and friends to spend time with. what's so bad about that? )

— personal investigations.

( so. he needs to learn magic. that's a fact which has been yelled into his head by one too many people he knows, and — admittedly — once the excess magic had burnt off through spell assisting and battles, Steak really realised just how bad he'd been feeling beforehand. but, even more than his bruised pride at being given magic he never asked for (he can fight perfectly fine without it, thank you), a dislike of the Coven stands between himself and traditional magic learning. and maybe the Coven isn't so bad, but it doesn't change the fact that he can't bring himself to trust them the same way one could trust the Chef's Guild on Tierra.

he will, after all, always be an outsider to this place. someone who can be dumped in his world and dragged back into Aefenglom anew at a whim. it's better to rely on himself and his own strength.

which is why he can, for once, be found in a book store, skimming a finger along the spines of books and stopping on anything that looks interesting. Introduction to Magic, Abjuration and You, How To Make Swords and Cause Fires. a pile which slowly grows in his arms, but it isn't until he pulls down a copy of Evoking the Evocation that he notices something different:

a little doodle in the corner of the first page. something which could be easily overlooked, or dismissed as a bored kid drawing in a book without realising they shouldn't.

except, it's an odd little thing. a sun surrounded by an intricate border, too detailed for its size, and so, when Steak sees someone nearby, he asks — )

Do you recognise this?

— bejeweled, bedeviled.

( Steak isn't looking for the shop, and yet, the shop finds him. it pops up in the midst of him wandering the city, holding a piece of paper with a rendition of a sun surrounded by an intricate border and searching for its twin.

it's bothering him, and he intends to find out why.

but first, a detour, courtesy of a shopkeeper who's standing outside his shop door, waving at Steak and whoever is near him. )

Come on in! It's our opening sale!

( ... huh. )

Want to check it out?

— wildcard.

( hit me with whatever you want. or message me at isanghae / isanghae#8071 to talk something out. he's also doing out of the city and wilders training if you want to do something with those! )

Comments

bedeviled;

[polterguide]

Huh?

[Bailey hadn’t expected to run into Steak while they were out to the market, but they’re not about to cold shoulder the guy. Maybe they can get to know him better?

It feels like they should, anyways.

They blink at the shop, before shrugging.]

Sure, why not?

[They’re not much for jewelry, but... Magic jewelry is a whole other story.]

[battlebound]

( why would they need to cold shoulder him anyway? Steak doesn't see a reason why any of this is weird. though he does think Bailey needs to jock up a touch, just sayin'.

the shopkeeper grins, a big wide thing with too many teeth, and pushes open the door, ushering them both in. )

This way, this way, I'm sure I have something for both of you!

( well... they've already said yes, and even if that smile was unsettling, Steak's not about to back out, taking several sure strides into the shop and casting his gaze around. )

As you can see, these are all top quality wares! Lots of jewels to catch the eye of someone you like...

( and they're certainly sparkly, but more than that, Steak actually finds himself impressed with the quality. the pieces look like they have a good weight to them, a hypothesis which is quickly proved right when the shopkeeper shoves a brooch into Steak's hand. )

[polterguide]

[Bailey refuses to jock up. They will live and die a scrawny nerd.

They follow after Steak, and it's really a shame they can't use him as a proper shield between him and the shopkeep. They're not a fan of the way he grins, but they're so much taller than Steak...

They squint at the brooch Steak was given, and it... Looks alright. Shiny.]

Are they just... Normal jewelry pieces?

[Because this is Aefenglom, and if there's one thing Bailey's learned about Aefenglom, it's that magic is everywhere.]

wanna be handcuffed together, Bailey?

[battlebound]

( unfortunately, this isn't the kind of duty Steak is a very good shield against, no. call him beep him if you wanna fight him, but not if you wanna sell things.

as for the brooch, though... there's nothing about it which sets off alarm bells yet. it's simply a shield, studded with jewels as a chain drapes from the tip. which seems a little impractical if you ask Steak. )

Oh, no. They're very special! This duo — ( and here he offers the matching brooch to Bailey. ) — is charmed to keep you and a precious person close and safe!

( smile, smile. such very significant charms at this time of year, right? )

Close how?

( Steak prods the jewels with his finger. they're tightly packed in, at least, but why that particular turn of phrase? )

oh hell yeah

[polterguide]

[Bailey takes the second charm, frowning at it for a moment. This guy seems... Way too cheerful. Well, they suppose anything to make a sale, but...

It reminds them of a sleazy car salesman.]

Safe? So it's a protection charm?

[They seem to be decent quality, but the vagueness about the charms... Bailey doesn't know a lot about the magic of Aefenglom, admittedly, but it sounds a bit like the charms their family would make...]

[thejoyrider]

(Does she want to check it out? Marie does not have to be asked twice. She already noticed the glint of gemstones and when pretty accessories are involved, Marie rarely cares about anything else.

Instead of giving Steak an answer out loud, she grabs his arm and drags him into the shop before he can protest. A tiny Fae pulling a Food Soul the size of a grown man, that’s a sight!)

It’s a jewelry store! I am not getting out of here empty handed!

(And neither is Steak if she can help it)

[battlebound]

( well, he supposes he has his answer, and so, with a grunt of surprise and a small stumble over the entryway, he's pulled into a world of shining, sparkling things. )

Ghk—

( the store itself is empty, but for the two of them, and the displays glitter with an array of beautifully arranged things. it's clear that thought has been put into making this place look as appealing as they can.

which is weird, because Steak doesn't remember seeing this place yesterday. or even any indication that there would be such a place here. )

Opening sale! Please, look around and tell me what you like!

[thejoyrider]

(For Marie, places like this one are perfect playgrounds. Her eyes shine just as much as the gemstones attached to all the accessories as she starts flying around the store, from shelf to shelf.

So, about this place being suspicious? Marie wasn’t thinking or caring about that. Accessory store suddenly opened up, it was like a holiday!)

Steak! Look at this one! Which do you think looks the best? The red ribbon one? The one with big gemstone? Maybe the one with floral decoration?

(She gestures at the display full of chokers and necklaces next to which she was currently hovering.)

Maybe I should just get all of them?

[battlebound]

( ugh, she's quick. the room isn't all that big, but it's enough that she can leave Steak spinning as he tries to keep an eye on her. if the jewellery wasn't so beautiful, Marie might instead have found herself distracted by the sheer comedy of Steak twirling like a children's toy.

unfortunately for her, though, Steak tends to see most ladies jewellery as looking identical. frilly and useless fripperies which serve no purpose in battle. he stares at them for a good, long while, trying to discern any major differences which would render one more worthy of purchase than the others. )

You have good taste, miss! ( meanwhile, the shopkeeper isn't even sure he really needs to push this sale further, but he's a job to do, so. ) Each of these necklaces are imbued with the most wonderful of charms to suit a charming lady such as yourself.

( ...oh boy. )

[thejoyrider]

(This was fine, because Marie’s love for accessories and shiny trinkets was enough for both her and Steak. In fact, it would be enough for several other people as well.)

Charms? What type?

(However, no matter what kind of enchantments were placed on these, Marie was already set on making a huge purchase. The accessories were pretty. What else could she want?)

What about you, Steak? Let’s pick one or two for you as well! Maybe earrings?

personal investigations

[worldcleansing]

Hm?

[ Light is no stranger to books. Switching between the library and his own space, he can often be found studying when not working or actively in class. While he fully understands resentment for their situation, and even shares it with Steak, he's more than happy to accept the magic he needs while being stuck in a world not his own.

While Light soaks in the question, he observes the thick stack of books. Someone else willing to work hard for results? ]

I don't immediately recognize it.

[ Placing his own books on the table, he turns back toward the book; the symbol now has his full attention. ]

What book are you reading?

[battlebound]

( it was easier as a monster, if he's honest. he felt no need to rely on anything but his own self-control and a bond. but this magic, this living thing within him, requires more maintenance.

...annoying. )

This? ( ah, hold on. he's picked up enough books today that the titles are beginning to merge into one long, unintelligible string of words in his mind. )

Evoking the Evocation. ( he has no idea whether he'll take to this particular school of magic but... why not? he won't know if he doesn't try it. )

[worldcleansing]

Evocation is connected to elemental spells, including fire. It could be why someone drew the sun, but I'll admit I'm still learning a lot about the world's history. I wouldn't call myself new anymore, but I haven't been here that long, and I've put a lot of time into learning magic. It could be an older symbol for the Coven or connected to something even bigger.

[ Light wasn't a fan of coming into a world where he was literally among the weakest of people. He took to learning magic as if his life depended on it. And it may have. ]

Are you planning to specialize in it?

[battlebound]

( it could be. Steak would have maybe thought of light before fire, but they both apply. )

Then why not the others?

( a water droplet, the wind. why make it so intricate a drawing in the first place?

hm. maybe, for once, he's looking too hard into something. but as for the other topic; )

I don't know. It seems best to practice everything I can.

( maybe not to specialise in every single type of magic, but then again, he has nothing but time to do so. )

[worldcleansing]

[ It's intricate enough that Light understands why the theory is questioned since he has his own doubts, but without some kind of link to something else, at least to his knowledge, it's his own guess. Talented artists with more time than focus could easily be the culprits. ]

That's my approach, too, but there's a start point for everybody. Evocation is really good for offensive spells, and it's useful in normal life, too. It's one of the places I started.

brainwashed / closed to saber

[battlebound]

( it washes over him as he tries to sneak closer to the door of one of the cages, a whisper rising to a shout, and by the time his fingers brush the edge of the cage, his mind is no longer his own.

the mission switches like a light, from free to protect. protect the cages, these people who simply want to enjoy their night from these attacks misguided Mirrorbound attempt. he falls into position by a cage, hands within easy reach of his swords, red eyes scanning the heads for ones he recognises. Mirrorbound he knows will be trying to do what they think is right, and won't be convinced otherwise.

it's not a fight he particularly wants to have, but he's certain they won't listen to reason.

and yet, when he spots a familiar head of blonde hair heading his way, his first instinct isn't to draw his sword, but to block her from walking any further, his usually bright and lively gaze flat and hollow. )

What are you doing?

[arturiarex]

[ All of this is wrong and Saber - Saber is simply trying to do her best to fix things. To help people. She's a little relieved when she spots a familiar face. Her sword is by her side and her hands free as she hurries up to Steak. ]

Freeing these people of course. Why? Is something wrong?

[ There is something wrong, but she hasn't put two and two together just yet. ]

have i been putting this thread off bc it will cause me emotional pain? yes.

[battlebound]

( ...he knew it. of course that would be her approach. she believes there is a problem here, something she can fix and people she can save. it's something they have in common, one of the first things which drew him to her.

but she doesn't understand what is truly being done here. doesn't understand that this evening is what needs to be protected from the people infiltrating it.

sigh. they're fated to cross swords, it seems. )

I can't let you do that. ( he pulls his swords free and lowers into a stance, ready to fight. )

R I P

[arturiarex]

Steak-

[ Something hurt flashes behind her eyes, but she levels her sword all the same. ]

Why are you doing this? Why can't you let me help?

[ She doesn't attack. Not yet. But she's poised to. ]

[battlebound]

( something deep inside him, muffled and buried by the fever of the night, doesn't want to do this. it wants to be fighting alongside her, rather than against her, but he has his duty to this evening. to making sure everything goes off without a hitch.

(but why is that so important? the reason seems gone from his mind, too.)

and because that is his duty, he no longer wishes to speak, but instead propels himself forward, swords swinging at her. what becomes of him no longer matters, whether she manages to injure him or worse, as long as it's enough to keep her from ruining this night. )

brainwashed ii / closed to red wine

[battlebound]

( all hell breaks loose, because of course it does, and perhaps it's a good thing that Steak soon runs into Red Wine, his swords already drawn, eyes too dark even in the heat of battle.

he doesn't smile. his eyes don't even brighten at the prospect of fighting alongside his brother-in-arms, because they won't be fighting together.

and this won't be sparring, either.

he swings a blade at Red Wine without a word, teeth bared and his eyes still blank. )

[judgementor]

[This entire evening has been one long nightmare, bringing up far too many memories of the last time something like this happened and the question of just how much were they willing to allow it before something had to be done? It isn't even just the Mirrorbound this time, but he still feels a certain sense of responsibility towards anyone caught up in this mess.

He already has his weapon in hand when he comes across Steak, and the twinge of relief he feels at finding someone he knows he can fight well beside is quickly extinguished by the look in his eyes.]

Steak, what--

[And he barely manages to bring his sword up in time, the impact jarring down his arm and sending a spike of pain through his shoulder. He grits his teeth and hisses in through them, jumping back out of the way of the next swing. Half-numbed fingers tighten around the hilt of his sword.]

What is wrong with you?

[battlebound]

( he didn't want to fight Saber when he encountered her, and truth be told — despite their centuries of quarrelling — he has never wanted to be on the opposite side of the battlefield to Red Wine. but it would be foolish to pretend that Red Wine would ever consider changing his mind on a stance like this.

still. Steak is certain it's him who's seeing clearly, that Red Wine is blinded by his own idea of justice, or his hatred of this place and what it's done too him. perhaps both.

this won't be an easy fight, but this is something he has to do. their blades ring as they clash, and Steak uses the moment to try and push his second blade forward, under Red Wine's arm, aiming for his stomach. )

You can't do this!

( don't interrupt this night, Red Wine. it would be a grave mistake. )

[judgementor]

Are you insane?

[Red Wine has been feeling the pressure of this place pushing at him all night, clouding his thoughts and trying to turn his mind away from his goals here. Maybe his hatred of being here and what it's done to him has been what kept him sane, in the end. The idea of falling to the side of the cultists and their wish to spread the Cwyld would go against every single instinct and feeling he had.

But then, he had thought that the same would be true of Steak.

That blade thrusts towards him and he disappears into a dark cloud of smoke, reappearing far enough back that the other Food Soul will need to take several steps to reach him. His shoulder still aches, but he can take it.]

You can't agree with this. You can see what they're doing here, Steak!

[battlebound]

( dammit, that smoke is going to prove a problem in trying to handle Red Wine. he would be difficult enough to take down on Tierra, but the extra escape option means Steak will just have to go harder.

there's no need, nor ability, to think more strategically about this, and perhaps that is the most like himself Steak is right now, as he immediately charges into Red Wine's space, too silent, too focused on Red Wine to respond to what he's saying. what answer could he give, anyway? he's doing his job, his duty, as dictated by...

who, precisely? he shakes his head, as though trying to clear his mind of fog, of a cloud that won't go away or let him grasp at anything but the order to fight off the intruders. no matter their names, faces, or arguments. )