open catch-all + closed prompts for August

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + You (plus some closed prompts)
When: August (will be adding more prompts as time goes on!)
Where: Around!
What: Leaving the Coven after a month-long illness, Lunasa, & likely more; hmu if you would like a closed starter or a different prompt
Warnings: None so far, but will update as needed!

Comments

(closed - giorno)

[fulgency]

[During the thick of his fever, he often had a tenuous grasp on who he was with and an even looser hold on when and where he was with them as centuries old memories mingled with the barest of perceptions of what was really happening. Needless to say, this left Ozymandias with a faulty memory for the better part of the past month. However, even with a fever muddling everything, he was aware that Giorno had paid him a visit a handful of times and eventually those visits stopped. He didn't have much tiem to be offended at the drop in visits, however, as once his fever was weakening and time regained some of its former coherency, he learned Giorno had ended up only a few rooms down the hall, struggling with an illness of his own.]

[Ozymandias, of course, then demanded to see Giorno. Although pharaoh continues to hold little direct meaning, no was not an acceptable answer. Before long, Ozymandias took his evening meal with Giorno every evening that the pair of them were not otherwise occupied with visitors or more interested in rest than conversation. And when that was the case, it wasn't uncommon for Ozymandias to send along his well wishes and prayers to the gods through one of the infirmary witches (un?)fortunately charged with tending to Ozymandias.]

[Today, however, is a little different. This time, his visit to Giorno comes in the morning. While Ozymandias still has a little ways to go in terms of feeling more like himself, he's improved enough that he no longer requires such close monitoring that he need be at the infirmary. They advise him, of course, to wait until someone is there to take him back to his home, but such a suggestion is ludicrous as far as he's concerned. Besides, he's wanted nothing other than to leave since the moment he arrived. That restlessness has only increased in recent days, especially now that with his physical well-being improving, the flow of his magical energy feels stronger than its ever been.]

[So, a quick visit to Giorno to share the good news and then he's gone. At least until he's surprised but immensely pleased to find Giorno upright as well. That merits a little more time.]

It seems the gods have smiled upon us both and you are restored as well!

[digiorno]

[All right, yes. The gods have smiled upon them both. That doesn't mean he wants to be Koyasu'd at first thing in the morning. As it happens, his back is to the door, getting a few of his things together, when Ozymandias turns the corner, which means the Pharoah Shout elicits a small jump and a brief Ghibli hair puff before Giorno collects himself and turns around.]

[Despite himself, he's smiling. A little. He can't help himself. It's been nice to have a familiar face nearby while fighting this stupid thing off. He's not used to that.]

You don't have an indoor voice, do you?

[He tips his chin up to regard Ozymandias with a hint of mischief in his gaze. For the first time in weeks, his cheeks are pallid again instead of flushed a furious, feverish scarlet. Improve . . . ment?]

What, you're not waiting to be escorted out? [lololol]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias can't help but chuckle at Giorno jumping over his sudden appearance. He's amused enough that he decides to overlook the comment on his volume. Pharaoh gonna shout, son. Besides, Giorno seems to be in high spirits and good(ish) health once more. The boy might as well have a bit of leeway.]

[He scoffs at the suggestion of being escorted, however.]

And why would I? There is no sense in pretending that illness did not take its toll on me at the time, but I have recovered. It holds no further sway over my capabilities.

(open - coven)

[fulgency]

[When so much of his more recent existence has been so entwined with magic, it feels alien to him to feel still not quite himself physically and yet surging with power magically. He's equally inclined to listen to the witches in the infirmary and take the next couple of days easy as well as to throw caution to the wind and slip back into the classes. After all, he is behind relative to others after a month of not studying, and he has so much energy that he just wants to blow it off...]

[But he is still a little tired. And that's what keeps him hovering near the entrance of the Coven rather than following after the small packs of students drifting in and out, headed off to their next class or off to practice privately. It was embarrassing and shameful enough that he spent so much time in the infirmary. Pushing himself too hard to the point he passed out or couldn't complete the class for the day would be a little too much for his pride to take right now.]

[Hm.]

[What if he were to merely observe? He could certainly pick up a few things merely from watching the attempts of others. The only question is whether or not it would satisfy this...this itch to do something with all this pent up magic. He's not certain it would and that the temptation to do more than observe would be far too great for even him to resist.]

[Regretable though it may be, it is with a resigned sigh that he chooses to at least heed this small part of the witch's advice and take his leave of the Coven. He will simply have to lean on Zelda for a short while to catch himself back up later. Opening the door, he allows another to pass through first, gesturing for them to either step inside or out first. It's not something he would normally do, but he's rather reluctant to be walking away from this.]

[fiddlestick]

[Ozymandias with his personality had been very easy to notice their first month of lessons. And even more so, it was easy to notice him missing when he was gone for a month. So when he happens to pass by him in the hall, it catches Elliot's notice. ]

Oh hey, are you coming to class today?

[fulgency]

[It takes only a moment for Ozymandias to realize he's being spoken to, looking about until his gaze meets Elliot's. The question only increases his temptation to throw caution to the wind, but he shakes his head.]

No, not today. Perhaps tomorrow.

[Just one extra day. That's all. How much more could he possibly miss? At least Zelda left him with plenty of notes to start catching up once he feels up to it.]

[fordeath]

[ it's possible that the last thing one wounded and sulking king wants is a flashy entertainer with a meager filter.

(conversely, maybe the target-shape of a caster's head is, actually, precisely what he needs to let off some steam.) ] Oh, if it isn't the Great Pharaoh.

[ masterfully maneuvering the mess of his portfolio and violin case both, amadeus observes the other's quiet discontent — pausing a bit as though to make the point of acknowledging it — before continuing once more. ]

Ah, so that little voice wasn't too far off the mark after all. [ he suggests, innocently. ] Perhaps it isn't my place to say, but you look worse for wear, Your Majesty.

[fulgency]

[Amadeus should be grateful that Ozymandias does not have Mesektet at his disposal any more or he would be disintegrated on the spot for his remark on Ozymandias' health. Granted, the look Ozymandias levels in his direction may be up for the task, but it is still just a look.]

It isn't and you would do well to remember that, Caster. [Ozymandias stands a little taller, tamping down on his urge to issue punishment for now as his words act as his warning that his patience (and subsequently, his mercy) have shorter limitations currently.] What little voice are you referring to?

(closed - arthur)

[fulgency]

I'm afraid if you were hoping to pay me a visit, you've wasted your time.

[He's free to leave the infirmary, but that doesn't mean that Ozymandias is capable of putting a great distance between him and the infirmary quickly just yet. The still lingering remnants of the snow adding its own layer of complication aside, he hasn't fully recovered the whole of his energy. Progress towards home must be slower than is ideal as a result and he hasn't made it very far from the Coven. But any lingering signs of fatigue are nowhere to be seen in Ozymandias' smile.]

I told you that your worry over my health was unnecessary, Saber. Perhaps in the future, you will listen to my words and heed their wisdom.

[Ah, but it's not just fatigue that he is keeping at bay. He thought perhaps listening to his body's desire for a little more rest and acceptance in taking it easy for the day would have resulted in something calming that niggling feeling inside him, but he still finds uncomfortable restlessness warring against his better judgment. Ozymandias wills himself to remain still now that he's come to a stop to speak with Arthur. He's fairly successful, but he ends up folding his arms to avoid fidgeting with his fingers as the tips begin to tingle slightly.]

[holyswordwielder]

[ The pharaoh’s brave face gets a soft smile out of Arthur— who looks notably different since the last time Ozymandias saw him. His small white stubs for horns have grown out into a much, much larger pair, smoothly curving down and forwards, the ends coming to a sharp point around his cheeks. His scales have darkened in color from their pale yellow sheen into a vivid marigold and they are visibly harder, covering more of his neck and hands now. They still hold that glint of red flame to them though.

For his part, Arthur’s lack of a Bond has caused him to feel exceptionally agitated over the last month, his worry for Ozymandias only serving to feed into that restlessness. The last full moon was a nightmare and not one Arthur is eager to repeat. There’s still a lot of cleaning up he and Berserker have to do to the house and he doesn’t imagine Ozymandias being particularly thrilled to be coming home to a small trainwreck.

It’s only because he knows how terrible he feels that he has to wonder if Ozymandias has already found himself a Bond. He’s seen plenty of people come and go while he’s kept watch over his housemate. He’s spoken to almost none of them, but he suspects at least one of them might be the pharaoh’s Bonded or at the very least, someone he’s thought of Bonding with.

For some reason, the thought makes his stomach churn painfully with something that feels alarmingly like anger and he doesn’t know why. ]

No, I assure you, Rider, I have had more than enough of visiting your sickly hide. I suggest that you worry less about me worrying about you, because as long as our alliance stands, there is nothing you can do to prevent it every time.

I am here to take you home.

[fulgency]

[Arthur's physical changes are difficult to miss, but Ozymandias opts not to comment upon them. He knows that if their roles were reversed, he would hate any mention of it. Unseen changes to their bodies that left them weaker than prior to their arrival was enough to leave a sour impression on Ozymandias. The notion of having more physical changes that were beyond one's control? Unacceptable.]

[Ozymandias raises an eyebrow at the "sickly hide" comment. Excuse you, Arthur...]

I have not forgotten the way, [he says with a shake of his head.] But I appreciate the gesture.

(open - lùnasa)

[fulgency]

[Nothing can truly keeps Ozymandias away from revelry, especially nothing as ostentaious as this, and so it should really surprise no one that's met him to find him out taking part in the festivities of Lùnasa.]

[Though Ozymandias is typically loath to have anything demanded of him, he doesn't mind being roped into the ceremonies around the city. They are joyous occasions and seem a natural extension of the festival that came before. Besides, how could he possibly say no to the little girl that approaches him to be her dance partner? By the time they're through, she's clearly a little dizzy after all her demands to be spun around, but entirely delighted that he didn't say no. It's also not entirely within him to decline when he's given such a desperate look from such young couples, so clearly desperate for things to be just so.]

[But he notices some of the mirrorbound are clearly a little more reluctant, and seem to be seeking any and all excuses to escape. Ozymandias doesn't allow for it though. Instead, he nudges them with an elbow.]

It won't take long. Why not?

[ua_duibhne]

[With all the life and energy in the air, it's hard to stay too far from festivities, even for someone with as many hang-ups about what strays alarmingly close to a wedding. Or maybe it's just that he's still just riding on the highs of the bizarre twists his own personal life has taken as of late. Either way, when Ozymandias catches his attention, he can't help but smile.]

It's been some time since I was lasted invited to something like this. [for so, so many reasons] Turning it down now would be bad luck.

[Saying that, the man next to him has the aura of someone entirely immune to misfortune. With that unassailable confidence and bold bearing, he could probably turn up to most celebrations and immediately become the guest of honour. It's nice. A lot, but nice.]

[fulgency]

[Sure enough, Ozymandias huffs a laugh at the mention of bad luck. Whether it is because he has long-since held the favor of the gods or his own divinity doesn't particularly matter to him, all he knows is that he's never experienced a bout of bad luck in his life.]

Come then! Let us bear witness as we've been asked and bring about a better fortune.

[Said fortune likely taking the form of a modest celebration of the ceremony involving drinks and decent food with perhaps some obligation to dance, but that is suitable enough as far as Ozymandias is concerned.]

[beariot]

[ He'd made a lot of strides with her in getting Ursula to be more comfortable in her own skin, but she still tended to wallflower more often than not, content to sit back with some wine as she watched Ozymandias have enough fun for the both of them. But she also figured it wouldn't be long before he insisted, again, that she join in his revelry, and she found herself unwilling to put up much fight the more he insisted. With Fang being out with the Wilders and Kaede being significantly more socially adverse than her, it wasn't like she had a lot of other folks she could be spending this time with... ]

I should know better than to deny the Pharoh. [ She chuckles, sipping her wine. ] But as you can see, my hands are occupied.

[ A cheeky thing, to be sure, and hardly an actual insistence this time around. His insistence would definitely prevail. ]

[fulgency]

[By now, Ozymandias has come to know the difference between when Ursula is trying setting a limit and when she is at play with him.]

You're correct, [he says with a grin, plucking her glass of wine from her hand.] It is rather unwise to deny me regardless of the reason.

[Ozymandias takes a sip from her glass.]

Yet you continue to foolishly risk my divine punishment again and again with these excuses. Will you provide me with another?

[belligerentwarrior]

[Even before her transformation into a predatory Monster, Fang was a hunter. It was observation and judgement as much as her skill that kept her alive against the savage beasts of Gran Pulse, and that same watchfulness that helped to tide her through foreign cultures thrice over. However, it was that growing influence of the Monster that she was becoming that pushed her to ultimately seek out Ozymandias—a persistent curiosity that wouldn't leave her alone.]

[It took a while to subtly figure out who he was. Fang was fairly confidant she watched the right man mill through the crowds and ceremonies, at ease with their foreign merriment. But observation, while a precious source of information to a hunter, only got one so far. Experience was at the heart of it.]

[She finally approaches Ozymandias after some time, at the end of his enduring gauntlet of dances. As his last dance leaves, a city native charmed by the chance to meet an otherworldly Mirrorbound, Fang offers him a cup, filled with some kind of watery non-alcoholic juice drink made from a variety of summer fruits—a traditional drink, or something like that.]

You think you'd be tired after all that whirlin' about you're doing.

[Her usual blue sari's been traded out for a more festive garment: a loose two-layered robe-like piece in rich orange and yellow, after fall colors, hanging off one shoulder and tied about the waist. Though several months into her stay in Aefenglom, Fang carries only a few visible traces of her status as a Monster; slightly pointed nails, less-slightly pointed teeth, and a little dark fur sporting darker ringed spots around her shoulders and upper back.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias looks at Fang with no visible sign of recognition. Although Ursula has spoken of her Bonded, he's never pried. It's never been particularly relevant insomuch that while obviously an important relationship to Ursula, it is ultimately hers. So, as far as Ozymandias is concerned, whatever Ursula wishes to share is enough until something changes to make it otherwise.]

[When he sensed someone else approaching, he assumed it was yet another eager, potential dance partner, but after a moment of looking at her face, his gaze briefly drops down to the offered cup. He takes it with no word of thanks, already beginning to move away from the dance floor, and motions with his free hand for her to follow. Because if it's a word with him that she desires, she'll have a much better chance of having it if they are not within easy reach or approach of another dance partner.]

[Ozymandias laughs at her remark though as he goes, loud and boisterous.]

How could I be? It's not yet the early hours of the morning. [Granted, his recent illness has actually slowed his pace a little to what it might normally be. He's mostly recovered at this point, but spending the better part of a month sleeping and lying around in a bed leaves even someone like him with a little less pep in their step than usual. He's keeping up quite well though, he thinks. Perhaps not until early hours of the morning levels of keeping up, but he's not really ready to call it quits just yet.] I don't believe I've seen you out there. Not one for dance?

[showsnopiety]

I keep worrying about knocking people over with my new limbs.

[She peers up at Ozymandias; it had been a short little while since they had seen each other. Funny enough, it was at a different festival, but while they were dressed up this time-or at least she was-Caren had changed. Small changes, with her small white wings and cat tail pressed right against her back and leg. But still. Changes. She couldn't pass as a witch anymore.]

It's pleasant to see you again. Are you having fun, your majesty?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias raises an eyebrow over her concern. It's not that he disbelieves it as a concern for her given how tightly she's keeping her newest appendages close to her body, but it doesn't seem likely a legitimate concern for that very same reason. Still, it's not his place to really say given that he's not contending with anything remotely similar.]

Of course! [he says this with a laugh.] And what about you? I hope you've been able to find enjoyment despite...

[He gestures to her wings. You know.]

[timeriffs]

[Dave doesn't leave his house much. Not unusual for him to say the least, however, that means he misses out on finding out some things like one of the few people you might like having fallen ill and out of commission for almost a month. He only found out about it after he heard some gossiping when he went out for food.

Next thing you know, you're finishing up a little something something for a dude before you're messaging him to ask if you can do a belated get well soon visit and there you are at the door of his house, giving the door one heck of a knocking beat, waiting for him to answer.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias' choice in housing is far too large for him to hear knocking at his door from his room. (There's a reason there clearly used to be a troop of servants manning this place.) So, after agreeing to Dave's visit, he slips into a robe and moves elsewhere in the house to wait. He passes the time by continuing to review all the notes Zelda brought him while he was ill. When the knock finally comes at his door, he returns them back to their neat stacks before getting up to answer the door. He, of course, greets Dave with a smile.]

Dave, come in, [he says, stepping back and pulling the door open wider to allow Dave to come inside.] You'll have to excuse the mess. The full moon was a bit...difficult here this month.

[Two dragons going through changes, one going a little feral? Honestly, it's amazing that the house is still standing.]

[timeriffs]

[Dave himself appears dressed in a t-shirt but a largeish coat over that that appears to be covering something on his back, making a sort of humpback-esque bump on it. Otherwise, he's in jeans and, odd enough for him, sandals, but only because his feet appear to be larger with extended toes and claws.

All this description in just to set up Dave remarking as he follows Ozymandias' direction to come inside:]

Wow, a robe, huh? Way to make a bro feel overdressed even when he's wearing sandals like a middle-aged toolbag.

[He takes a look around and the place is pretty tore up, but, honestly, that doesn't bother Dave much. He's been in many terrible living situations crammed full of shit and destruction. He would only be impressed if their oven was full of weapons of some kind.]

No problem. Should see my place. Fuckin' nests, man. Couldn't get enough of them.

(closed - waver)

[fulgency]

I must say, you took considerably longer to find me than I would have anticipated.

[Ozymandias waited outside the maze for a little while after he managed his escape. But as the minutes passed, his boredom grew and he ended up walking away to enjoy other festivities, deciding that he would collect his winnings later. Had he known at the time it would have been nearly two months before he collected on those winnings... Well, he might have demonstrated a little more patience.]

[Still, it's better late than never. Now that their paths have crossed, Ozymandias returning from the Coven, having completed his classes for the day and the other... Well, he's not entirely certain or particularly concerned with what he was doing. It's time for Ozymandias to collect on his winnings.]

I believe we can both say I confidently won our wager.

[tryhard]

[ They should have had the foresight to exchange phone (watch?) numbers... oops.

Waver of course had written off the whole thing after the embarrassment of not being able to get out of the maze on time -- having gotten distracted by something else in it, curse these stupid new instincts -- and having also not seen the other man since then. In a city this big, that part wasn't strange. In fact, Waver had very much been hoping not to run into him ever again, but now... Alas.

Ozymandias catches him by chance after work, as Waver is returning home after dropping off some items at the Coven.

At first, he doesn't even recognize the voice-- but the scent catches up to him soon enough. And so does the embarrassment. Waver's a lot more aware in retrospect how ridiculous and tipsy he'd been back then. What a pain... ]

Ah. It's you.

[ What a polite greeting! ]

It was a stupid wager to begin with, but I suppose you're going to make a big deal out of it regardless. Don't tell me you've actually been searching for me since then.