middaeg | The Harsh Reality of Questing

[ "Flaming Herbs" got it. This looks like an opportunity to kill a few birds with one stone. Money, update on local herbs and an exploration trip, 3 in 1 package! Caster hears there is someone else willing to help on that particular day and so agrees to meet with them. It might not be a trip deep into the forest but- it's still The Forest. The one outside the city. (You know, THAT forest)

The more the merrier, as they say, Caster pack and paces quickly, the staff might for the first time be actually useful. It's not yet noon when he gets on the spot on the edge of the outer city. ]

...

[ He- just looks around to make sure no one else is waiting here, but of course, of course. ]

It had to be you, eh? [ He laughs loudly approaching Archer and giving him a (friendly) punch in the arm ] C'mon, let's get it done quickly.

Edited 2019-05-19 16:56 (UTC)

[Of course Archer agrees to help. This sounds like a perfect opportunity to see for himself how things are outside. He spends some time asking ~~or rather interrogating~~ the guards, sacrificing part of his pay on beer. Thus, he considers himself prepared for every opportunity.

Okay, not the one he sees approaching him in designated meeting spot. Talk about fated meetings and all, but personally he's sure that fate gets a kick on dumping them together and watching the resulting chaos.]

My bad, were you expecting someone else? [Archer quips in friendly manner, his smirk getting wider.] I see you're prepared.

[As is he. With no ability to dismiss his swords Archer had to create two sheaths to strap to his thighs and exchanged his red overcoat for sandy cloak. The additional supplies - food, water, and some first aid supplies - are in the satchel slung over his shoulders.]

You got the instructions too, right? [ Caster asks as he starts going. The dangers of Wilde are very real to the natives (to them too but alas) but that makes scouting into the forest all more exciting. Playing it safe is boring. And he really wouldn't be as skilled with magic if his mentor wasn't who she was... her training methods were unique but definitely successful. Without that kind of motivator here, Caster finds himself picking odd jobs rather than working on earning back that title. ]

Keep your eyes open, bowman- [ He pauses glancing at the swords. ] Guess you don't really have that here anymore, hah

[ An Archer without a bow. ]

[Archer just shrugs, because he considers this question pointless. He wouldn't be here without the instructions, and all the additional info he managed to gather. The jab, though, irks him.]

Hn. I'm working on one. [in a way. Without his abilities Archer is unable to create one, but that doesn't mean he's unable to find a new one. Securing a part-time job as well as odd ones here and there is a way towards this goal. ~~Nevermind the fact that his class rarely uses bows.~~]

How much do you know about the outside of the city?

Just what they had told us. It's dangerous, risky and better not approached alone. [ He shoots Archer a glance. Well. That counts as not alone, right? ]

But it's better to do some scouting on your own— form an opinion and all that. [ Suddenly he leans down to inspect some plant, but he does not pick it, just ponders on it for few seconds before moving forward. He starts to feel what they meant by the "build-up" of magic, especially since he does not use it outside the lessons. No wonder, really. It's like starting everything anew, back to the basics. ]

I doubt they'd let us onto anything truly dangerous. [ Smart and pragmatic. ] Not that I like it, but let's be real, we're all more of a hindrance than an asset.

[ Which sucks for those who pride themselves specialists, or just useful tools ]

[Archer nods, agreeing with the summary. Right now, at least until they learn more, they are a burden. It may be good for those academic types that love to soak knowledge like a sponge, but for those similar to him it's irritating.]

There are only smallest Shades nearby the city, easy to drive away. At least during the day, since they're stronger in darkness. Most danger that we may encounter are plants or animals in early stages of Cwyld. [because he interrogated several guards, that's how he got the info.]

[Caster is right on spot with scouting on his, or rather theirs own. Know your enemy, know what to deal with.]

I've seen beautiful herbariums in the university library, and I suspect Coven also has a few.

[ At least they don't have to worry about the "darkness" part. Sun is high up and shining bright. It's also getting hotter as the noon closes by, but along the river goes a cooler draft.

Herbarium, huh? Should have look at them, all Caster got is the description of how this flower, no vegetable, no flower is supposed to look like ]

Were there any Flaming Lips in there? [ Good thing he got a sharp sense of smell because he heard that's even more intense about this plant than just its colour. But Caster doesn't wait for an answer, he suddenly walks into the bush and into the forest, straying from the path as if he noticed something— ]

[It's a perfect day for a walk, warm and sunny. Even the air smells differently here, of wildness and herbs, amazingly fresh and invirogating. Lush greenery around with bright patches of flowers here and there invites for a pleasant stroll.]

Yes. Bright flowers colored like flames, from yellow to red. One plant has from three to five flowers of a wonderful, spicy smell. It grows in groups of several. Often used as spice after drying. [Archer replies as he follows right after Caster, glancing around sharply. There are too many flowers and plants that he doesn't know and that may be dangerous.

Flash of movement alerts him, giving him time to block the creature with flat of his sword.]

Caster!

[ And here Caster strayed just for a second to pick up a long piece of juniper-like hardwood that caught his eye. That's enough for Archer to get attacked apparently. ]

Hey-! [ He picks up a shorter branch and throws it, aiming it at the big black bird that suddenly decided Archer is a worthy enemy to peck at. ]

[The bird screeches and flies away, not liking the sudden two-against-one change.]

Thanks. Looks like we're nearby. Such bird Shades often have nests around flowers with strong and pleasant scent. [Archer scans the foliage above their heads for possible danger.] At least from what I've heard from guards.

Here— [ Caster returns on the path and puts the hardwood into Archer's hands. He can recognize it's flexible enough that it could be used for making a crude bow- or after more refinement into a serious bow. ]

Don't let them get so close. Throw rocks at them if you can. [ And true to his words, Caster does start collecting rocks as they go. Next time he is going to prepare a slingshot, seriously ]

[Archer raises a brow when Caster hands him the piece of wood, his expression turning into a softer, grateful one as he examines it. It is flexible enough and good length for a short bow. ]

Perfect. [he flashes Caster a rare, honest smile, and then nods.] Stones, huh. Are you thinking of making yourself a slingshot?

[Archer does pick up several stones, weighing each one in hand. He keeps glancing up above their heads, trying to spot any Shades.]

[ Archer without a bow (or another ranged weapon) isn't an archer. Of course, this particular one prefers sords anyway so the point is moot, but STILL. That's a useful thing to have in handy ]

Maybe... You'd be surprised at my aim! [ Well, there is a legend about him defending a keep with nothing but slingshot. How much of that legend is true, is of course, shrouded in mystery. ] But no time for that right now, let's grab the flowers and go back.

[ The infection aside, it's not because he is worried but because— ]

I'd rather return for my shift, you know.

[Somehow Archer isn't surprised. He nods in understanding.]

Same. I'm allowed to be a tiny bit late but not much. [as a responsible adult he found a job or two. He eyes the trees around and then throws two stones in rapid succession, a loud screech proving his aim true. To the left of the path are fiery glimpses from behind the shrubs, most likely the flower-vegetable they're looking for.]

Let's grab a few for ourselves.

[ Caster hands Archer the stones he collected and flicks a small sickle-like blade out of one of the pockets of his robe ]

Keep these things off me. [ And he kneels to get better access to the herbs. Their smell is quite strong and colour makes them easy to find. So there is at least that. His moves are quick and efficient as he cuts the Flaming Lips off, saving as much of the stem as possible and neatly collects them in a pouch. Gotta channel all the druids he used to know.

He pays no attention to the shades, counting on Archer to do what he asked. ]

[Archer does as he's told, keeping his eyes on the possible danger and the winged attackers. While he doesn't manage to hit two birds with one stone he's surprisingly good at keeping them away from Caster, and no stone lands anywhere near the fiery flowers or the druid. The screeches and shrieks intensify, and he puts some distance between himself and his charge to draw the birds away. It also gives him a chance to restock his ammo.]

I'm running out of stones.

[ Caster doesn't look up but casts a scrutinizing glance at the bush they had found. How much time does he need to get more of the Flamings? Three minutes, max. Two if he can be quicker.

Enchantment spell. This would be so freaking easy if he had his runes, but hey gotta practice the new spells. He calls on "Uruz" rune in a whisper, without writing it, (since he knows it won't work) to channel simple spell enhancing quickness of movement... the words are easier here for beginners. ]

I'm-sure-you-can-handle-it. [ He doesn't realize it but along with swiftness of moves, his words come in a quick string. ]

[There is an urge to lob one of the remaining stones at Caster's head - the blue annoyance doesn't have his ever-present Protection from Arrows here. Archer aims for the Shade that's interested in the provisional druid instead. Talk about wasted chances.]

I'm touched by your trust. [he snarks]

[ Damn these birdshades, real team players they are.

Caster is about to cut the last herb (flower? vegetable???) when the bird in true divebombing fashion attacks his head, tangling its talons into his hair briefly. Enough to pull his head back, to cut himself with the sickle and then throw his arm wide in defense, and to ]

Damn-it!! [ He grabs the pouch filled with the loot and gets up. ] More-in-coming!

Archer, you had one job!

[Meanwhile Archer has his hands full with two or more Shades, having to resort to his sword. What he's going to need the most are leather gloves, most likely enchanted. He's getting annoyed, and it shows in a sudden ruthless force of his attacks. One of the Shades loses its talons and the other part of the feather.]

One job and not enough stones. [he growls.] Get out of here, I've got your back!

[ Man, this is... embarrassing. They are being chased away by birds. Okay, kinda corrupted kinda undead birds but— but you know. Birds.

Whatever, time to Disengage C from the feathery menace. Since the simple "haste" enchantment still works on him, Caster is really swift in his falling back to the strategically chosen position.

He also picks up another branch (no time to look for rocks) and throws it spinning at the shades, giving Archer chance to fall back as well. ]

[What makes those birds annoying is how small and swift they are. Sure, they're weak and more of a nuinsance than real threat, but in group? Like a swarm of mosquitoes.

No wonder people hire help to gather ingredients outside.

Archer dives low to dodge the birds and retreats. The further he is from the spot, the less Shades flies around.]

Next time I'm not going anywhere without a bow.

[ Caster finds another stick and finds it- huh, quite straight, without much of side branches... hmmm. He throws it as if he was throwing a javelin and manages to pierce one of the bigger shades wing, which sends it spiraling down. ]

Watch out, someone might get a wrong idea and think you're an archer or something. [ Of course, he has to make fun of him. ]

[Nice shot, Cu, worthy of your legend. Archer smirks at the jab.]

Are you telling me I should stick to being saber while you play caster? [his voice carries a thicker veneer of sarcasm this time, as he weights a stone in his hand and then takes aim. It bounces off the bigger Shade's head, stunning it for a bit.]

Looks like they're tougher than what they're based on. I recall the ones in a dream shattering if damaged hard, letting out a white light. [he thinks aloud throwing another stone.]

｢ ooc: sumanai for the delay, hiatus for the trip got to me earlier. I think we can work to wrap it up soon, since they got what they wanted :) and embarrassed themselves enough :') ｣

[ If you carry two swords and use the bow only occasionally... But Caster doesn't let himself get dragged into the discussion who plays who (if he was called out on playing Lancer, that would certainly piss him off) ]

Or you were just more powerful in the dream. [ Not back to lvl 1 like here. ] I'm outta here, but you can keep playing with them

[ The haste works and makes his legs quicker. Their job is done here and information gathered will be very useful next time. ]

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boneofsword - 2019-06-26 21:01 (UTC) - Expand

The Harsh Reality of Questing - catch'all

for Archer - Wilde Quests: #2 Herbology Help

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okay i guess it's before the DREAM ahahaha so earlier May

sounds like fun~

no expected spanish inq— I mean that emotional roller coaster to happen there

joys of the unexpected xD

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