Noveuer Quests, Full Moon, & Catch-All [open]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Who: Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter) and various
When: Throughout Noveuer
Where: Throughout the city
What: Quests and other things
Warnings: n/a



[ 1-A. It's rotten, so rotten here (Many Mans' Trash) ]

[ Tasking someone like Berserker to convince packrats to give up their old junk for Samuin is ... not a great idea. Sure, he's intimidating and willing to do the job -- his methods are just too direct for what may be a delicate task.

He walks stone-faced out of a particular problem house with a bagful of garbage with the source of the problem clinging to his ankle. "You can't take it away from me! That's all I have to remember Jane! She'll be back, I have to keep it to show her I waited!"

Seeing someone who may or may not be familiar, Berserker looks to them. ]

Do you want to help me with something?

[ That something being the now sobbing, desperate man trying to stop the dragon from dealing with his garbage. ]

[ 1-B. You gotta take the trash out (Many Mans' Trash pt. 2) ]

[ Alternatively, Berserker can be found later at night dumping the garbage left in the poorer districts of the city back in the aristocratic district. Petty? Yes. But he was told to clean up the streets, they didn't tell him not to take the garbage back to its source. He's careful not to leave it in front of any known mirrorbound homes, mostly because he assumes it didn't come from them.

If someone questions him or stops him, he simply shrugs. ]

I'm taking care of the trash. This is where it came from, isn't it?

[ 2. Running with monsters in shadow (Collectables) ]

[ Now here's something he's more familiar with and, to some extent, enjoys: hunting. Petalwolves are hardly a threat and are trivial for him to catch. They're still challenging to stalk, though, and that's what he's doing right now. As he makes his way through the underbrush, crouched low, he's not paying attention to anything other than his quarry.

Which is exactly why he barrels into the poor soul in front of him. To his credit, Berserker stops, but he doesn't offer a hand up on anything. He stares down at them instead. ]

Are you catching them, too?

[ 3. With the heart of a dragon we ride ]

[ It's late evening near a less populous area of the city, late enough that it's mostly deserted. Berserker can be found in a less familiar form: his full-sized dragon transformation. About the size of an elephant, he's not exactly the most inconspicuous thing around. His black scales glint crimson in the pale moonlight. Red scales beneath his eyes and along his chest and belly mimic his tattoos perfectly. He's recognizable to those that know him, at least, his horns, wings, and tail also a familiar shape. Unlike in Dorchacht, he's considerably calmer without the impact of feral instincts and a burning rage tearing at him. This means he's capable of talking!!

His head swivels around on his long neck as he hears someone approach. Though he doesn't speak immediately, he does cock his head to one side as if to ask "what are you doing here?" ]

[ 4. Wildcard ]

[ Did we plot something out already? Got an idea? Drop me a start or PM me here or on discord glitzkrieg#0673! ]

((OOC: I'm also willing to match format if you prefer prose over brackets!))

Comments

For Diarmuid and Flat

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's been long enough since the chaos of the full moon to discuss...things with Diarmuid. Most of the wounds on Berserker had either healed completely or faded away to ghosts of bruises and faint scars. None of his memories had really returned from that time, save for the same hazy dreamlike remembrances.

Berserker looks up from his cup of coffee with a quiet sigh. ]

I'm thinking of taking on another Bond. I want you to meet him...and I don't mean to spring this on you, but he's on his way over right now. You don't need to worry about impressing him or anything.

[ Cryptic? Yes, but he is severely unprepared to discuss Flat with the Lancer without him experiencing the young former Master. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[Like the sharp, quick-witted warrior that he is, Diarmuid responds to the shock announcement with grace- or rather, he chokes. Good thing he's wearing dark colours today otherwise he'd be dabbing at coffee stains when their mysterious, unexpected guest arrives..]

Another Bond? [It's disbelief rather than disapproval that makes his tone arch, one eyebrow lifting in tandem.] I... that's...

[Naturally, Berserker has his own social life and there are a number of candidates for a second Bond- something that Diarmuid has always thought of as an inevitability rather than probability, even entertaining various options in his own mind out of curiosity- but it's the abruptness that's truly caught him off guard. Still, he's very aware of how his hesitation might come across and quickly flashes him a smile to soften it.]

Don't misunderstand me; I think it's grand and I'm excited to meet him. I'm just... surprised. [Diarmuid shakes his head with a little laugh.] I take it I've never met him. What kind of man is he? I can't even begin to guess.

[escardos]

[ unknowing of the two men that are speaking about him, flat is approaching the apartment with a beat in his step and excitement in his heart. his wounds aren't finished healing, no thanks to the strain he constantly puts on his body by practicing magic, but they're good enough that he can basically move around fluidly.

he stands in front of the door for the apartment that cu had told him and wonders how the meeting will be. what kind of person is diarmuid--besides one of the ends of the weird not-love triangle that was going on with waver that is.

and though there's excitement, there's definitely nervousness too. beyond being accepted as a bond for cu (he wouldn't mind if he were rejected-- he already has his own opinions about bonding with anyone, after all) he wonders if diarmuid will see him as a person or as some strange creature. it'd be a little upsetting if he just ended upsetting the man.

but there's no way to know if he doesn't start the meeting so

he knocks. ]

Cu! I'm here!

[curruid_coinchenn]

His name is Flat Escardos and...

[ Berserker is about to say something about how Diarmuid has no idea how correct that assessment is when he hears the knock...and the calling.

It's fine.

He pushes himself up and goes to answer the door. He opens it wordlessly and stares down at Flat for a moment before stepping aside to let him in. Diarmuid gets treated to a sudden, sharp pinch of anxiety from Berserker through their Bond. This suddenly feels like an intensely bad idea. ]

Come in.

[ua_duibhne]

[Ah. Now that's peculiar. Diarmuid hadn't any misgivings before but that jolt of unease has thrown him completely; while the name alone didn't give anything away, that nervousness has made him unbearably curious. In spite of himself, he gets to his feet at the same time as Berserker to get a first glimpse of their guest as he goes to open the door.

... and finds himself staring at an innocuous, if decidedly bright-eyed and bushy tailed, young man. Though he's only spoken a few words, something about him already gives off a sense of bold, irrepresible energy- which makes it all the more unusual that he's Berserker's choice for another Bond. But he must have his reasons. Diarmuid greets Flat to a welcoming smile as he enters.]

You must be Flat. [He bows curtly, loose curl bobbing as he straightens up.] Good to meet you.

[escardos]

Cú! [ if that isn’t proof enough to show that he and cu know each other, the way that flat’s expression lights up in his direction should hopefully suffice.

he turns towards diarmuid, though, grinning. ]

And you’re D—I mean, Lancer! Hi!

[ he did not almost blurt out diarmuid’s true name and everyone that thinks so just imagined it.

(no, he definitely did do such thing)

he walks inside the place, looking around with interest. ]

So, is there where you live, Cu? I’m surprised! I expected it to be more...dungeon-y. Dark, dreary, maybe with some more bones. Or maybe this isn’t your place? [ he turns back to diarmuid, head tilted. ] Is it yours, sir?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker's expression shifts very briefly to one of exasperation. Flat is already so much and it's been five seconds...This is fine. This is exactly why they're meeting like this, to show Diarmuid exactly why he's making this choice. ]

...I just moved in full time. [ He corrects. ] Your ideas of what someone's living space should be are ridiculous.

[ Like everything else about him. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[The use of Berserker's true name doesn't necessarily surprise him- he's been trying to move away from his identity as a Servant after all- but that little slip of the tongue with his own... well, that earns his lover a slightly reproachful look. Look, he's still getting comfortable with the idea of not simply defaulting to Lancer.

Aside from that, though, he doesn't miss a beat. Diarmuid takes Flat's enthusiasm with the grace of a patient elder brother- a leftover from spending so much time with Fionn's sons- and heads over to him. Contrary to Berserker's plan, he's still completely at a loss to explain why he's his next pick for a Bond. Maybe he just needs to give it time.]

If he had his way, he'd probably still be living outside with the wolves. [there that's your punishment, berserker, a light ribbing] But yes, it's mine- well, ours.

[There's just a little hint of bewildered delight in that last word- someone's clearly still basking in the honeymoon period.]

Ah, right... there's still hot water if you'd like coffee or tea.

[escardos]

With wolves! Now that sounds more like him!

[ flat laughs at, yes, berserker’s expense, almost ignoring the looks that the both of them give him and each other—he notices, though. ]

And don’t be angry at him, Lancer—actually he was the one that told me not to call you by that name, plus some other things. Guess he wants to keep that to himself, huh? So you can blame Waver for telling me it—but don’t be too mean to him, okay?. [ flat smiles up at lancer, having no qualms about cheerfully throwing his friend under the bus. ] Tea would be great, though! They say there’s nothing better for a cold day than a cup of tea to drink with friends!

[ when had anyone decided that they were friends? flat had, just now. good luck, diarmuid. ]

3

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu stops in their tracks when they spot the dragon. Perhaps the beast is the reason why there aren't many people living here. So in the beginning they approach slowly, curiosity taking over more and more as they move forwards. But, eventually, when the beast turns its head it seems that it is someone they know.

A smile appears on their face.]

Cú!

[It is good to see that they've made it through all that has happened and that is exactly what they say.]

It is good to see you. [They cock their head.] Yet I did not expect this form.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It still surprises him that people recognize him in this form, despite all the tells he has. Berserker takes a few (loud) steps closer before lowering his head to be at eye-level with Enkidu. It would be trivial to knock them over or injure them, but he gently nudges them with his muzzle as a greeting. ]

I've only taken it once before. [ His voice is distorted somewhat by his size, deeper with a strange edge to it. ] I wanted to try it again when I wasn't as...compromised.

[enkidoh]

[When Cú nudges them with his muzzle they reach out to touch it briefly.]

This form suits you. [After those words they take a step back.] You seem to be fully in control now. [But then again the mist is gone and people have come to their senses.]

How have you been?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ This form does suit him -- it's perfect for causing chaos and destruction. In the end, that's what Berserkers are good for. He leveled a building in Dorchacht in seconds with his size and strength alone. It feels good to have that kind of strength and power at his disposal. ]

Well enough...keeping to myself. [ Isolating himself. ] I remember little of what happened during the full moons...

[ An admission he loathes to make. Perhaps it was because of the mist, but something badly interfered with his memories. He barely remembers being with Enkidu on that night, just that he was, at some point. ]

[enkidoh]

Hmm. Yes. It has left quite an impact.

[Slowly they walk to Cu's side to look at these large wings.]

I remember you struggled with your feral side and I calmed you. We spoke about bonds and eventually we fell asleep. [There's not much of emotion in Enkidu's voice when they speak. They are merely stating what has happened that night.]

It is a shame we never spoken before. You make for pleasant company and I like to listen to your words.

[But then again, most berserkers aren't known for being good conversation partners.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Fell asleep with them...Well, that doesn't surprise him. Enkidu's presence is quite calming -- they have a way with animals. He decides not to comment on what happened between them and just accept it instead. There's no reason they'd lie to him about it. ]

... I was not pleasant to be around before I came here.

[ He's still not, at least not in his own mind. He's still cruel and violent, but without the added problem of Madness Enhancement. He has some semblance of empathy now, despite the fact he resents it. His life has been inexorably changed by this land, for better or worse. ]

I don't think I am now, either. I won't push you away, though, if you want to stay in my company.

[enkidoh]

You keep reminding me of that. Of how you were in the past.

[They take their time to study Cu's wings.]

Your soul has grown. [Because that must be it. Enkidu is sure of it.] Just like Gil's soul did. Hmm, it is a good thing. A human thing.

[Finally they look up.]

To enjoy one another's company goes both ways. I will accept yours if you accept mine.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's something he himself tells other people to stop doing: stop focusing on the past. It's not until he hears it from Enkidu that he, unfortunately, realizes he's been holding onto who he used to be. That's why he gave up his class title and accepted the name Caster gave him, isn't it?

Irritating. ]

You keep looking to my wings. [ How to avoid uncomfortable conversations he wants no part of: change the subject! ] Do you want to see how well they work?

3ish 🐲

[niespodzianka]

[ It's difficult to tell, overall, when Geralt is in a 'bad mood'; he's hard to read no matter what. But the buzzing in the back of his head has gotten worse, and he feels brittle in a way he hasn't in-- gods, fifty years? Eighty? Never? Everything pisses him off. He swallows it, because he knows better than to indulge in emotion even when it slips through.

And it's so strange that it does slip through. He feels, and he feels and it's disorienting.

He needs air. He walks until he's not sure where he is, and someone has a problem with him too close to their pile of garbage. That's what it looks like, anyway. Some stranger in his face, accusing him of stealing, and he's just walking along in this quiet area, because it was quiet, until, until.

Geralt has the guy against the alley wall in a split-second, too fast for human eyes to follow. The man's head cracks against brick, bounces, sending him crumpling to the floor. Geralt has to stop himself from surging forward to do further violence, and staggers back, turning and seeing. Berserker?

He hesitates. Not sure if he should bolt or not. He just feels like he's going to kill someone. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ A familiar face, though their last encounter is hazy in his memory, at best. Berserker's really not completely sure what occurred between them on the full moons and that's fine. He has an idea that they fucked, though the specifics aren't there.

The violence of the scene isn't what bothers him -- he knows Geralt is prone to it just as much as he is. What bothers him is the fact that he seems so agitated. He'd seen similar in Caster when they'd tried to kill each other the second time and again when they made their truce. Magic buildup...Well, that's his suspicion, anyway. It's a nasty thing; Caster's had been bad enough he could feel it even without them being bonded.

Carefully, the dragon takes a few steps closer, maintaining as nonthreatening a posture as he can. He drops his head lower so it's on level with Geralt. ]

You're not doing well, are you? [ he asks, his voice distorted. He can relate to unwanted emotions complicating things, acting on them...They're more alike than he ever wants to admit. ]

[niespodzianka]

[ Geralt definitely remembers that they fucked, but between his current mental state and the fact that Berserker is a giant dragon at the moment, it's not at the forefront of his thinking. (Though it's certainly a footnote. First time he's seen him, since.) ]

It'll pass.

[ Oof. He sounds rough, probably rougher than he looks. Geralt pulls a face and looks away, dragging a hand over his hair, which is trying to escape the neat ponytail he wears it in. No more horns to get in the way, his disheveled appearance is all thanks to his strange distress. A beat, and his head jerks back, squinting at Berserker. He can talk like that? Oh, alright. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker looks concerned...as concerned as a dragon can look, anyway. And as concerned as he can look, which is to say not really. He tilts his head slightly to one side, trying to get a better look at him. He's not interested in pushing him too far -- even though he can certainly take Geralt's violence, he'd rather not.

He catches that look, too. ]

I'm as surprised as you are. [ He doesn't have an explanation, just inclinations. ] This is the calmest I've been in this form, maybe that's why.

[ Though...he offers a courtesy. ]

Would you like it better if I were in another form?

[niespodzianka]

[ That makes sense. No one was exactly relaxed and comfortable that night in Dorchacht. Though Geralt's glad he recognized him; glad that he still does. He wonders if he's warm enough. ]

You're still you, [ he says, sounding only a little stilted, to his credit. He still sort of feels like he wants to kill someone. (Not Berserker.) ] Believe it or not-- dragons are the only creature my people won't kill.

[ A groan from the crumpled figure behind him makes Geralt near-startle, turning like a wild animal might in surprise, poised to strike. He freezes, then makes himself step away. ] I have to get out of here.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He's not warm at all, but at least it's not raining. He's suffered worse than the cold and, despite the fact he'd just like to nap right now, he'll manage.

Berserker steps around Geralt in a quick motion to make himself into a physical barrier between him and the person starting to rouse again. It's a protective, almost instinctual move to keep the witcher away from someone harmful. How pointless...It's not as though he can't defend himself, just that he's firmly in the small group of people the dragon will protect with his life.

He lowers himself down in a silent offer. Getting them out of here he can do. ]

Let's go, then.

[niespodzianka]

[ The sudden move from the dragon puts him on edge for a moment - he's just so fucking wound up - before his brain catches up with itself. The shift from paranoia to relief is quick and distinct enough to leave him reeling, staring at Berserker dumbly for a second.

Is it touching that he'd intervene like that? Something along those lines. He fumbles around in his own head for how to react but everything's a chaotic mess.

But he trusts Berserker, and even though he thinks he should probably not use the guy so readily as transportation, his other option is just to run through the streets. And that would be stupid as fuck. So, he reaches out, hoping at least he's physically steady, and manages to hop onto the dragon. The guy he assaulted is writhing around, and Geralt should feel relieved he's not dead. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker would have helped him dispose of the body if he'd killed him -- it's the least he could do (and not the first time he's had to do it).

He doesn't mind being used as transportation for the right people. It's faster and easier this way. That and Geralt's weight is familiar. It reminds him of a much less pleasant time, but it's fine. This is much more relaxed (at least for the dragon). He's helping out an ally -- no, a friend. That's a mindset that's slowly changing for him.

A quick bound down the road and Berserker lifts off the ground. It's already quieter once they're in the air, little noise beyond the wind around them and the dragon's steady wing beats. There aren't many places one can be alone in the city, but it's late enough the harbor is fairly deserted. It's a favored place of his when he wants some peace, though... ]

Do you care where we go or is as quiet as possible all that matters?