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

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

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!))

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[ This feels strikingly similar to playing "Toss the Druid" with Caster, though without the additional danger of his passenger freefalling through the air. It's safer with Enkidu holding onto him and there isn't quite the bonding moment that went with that. Still, it brings that time to mind and he ... likes it. What a strange feeling.

He can only oblige such an honest request. But... ]

Only once more.

[ Limits. He's slowly getting used to enforcing limits on himself. It's been a hard transition from before when he was so passive that he would let someone do as they please if it were easier and get them to leave him alone sooner.

Berserker climbs high in the sky, higher than before. It's literally breathtaking to be this high, the air is thin and hard to breath. Again, he flattens his wings against his body and drops suddenly. Faster now than before, it's all wind noise and nothing else. Too close to the ground to be comfortable, he drops out of his dive at an exceptionally dangerous point.

It's...exhilarating to have this sort of power at his disposal. It might not be what he had when he was a Servant, but it's not a bad trade off.

He lands not far from where they nearly hit the ground and looks back at Enkidu. ]

Are you satisfied?

[This time he goes higher. The buildings disappear underneath them and the air becomes cold and thin. They catch a glimpse of green beyond the city. There is a forest there and despite everything they've lost they feel drawn to it immediately, even for that short time they are able to see it.

After that they press themselves against him again, arms tightly wrapped around their neck. The drop was going to be much more intense now and it makes their heart race with excitement. The moment Cu makes the dive Enkidu starts to laugh softly and that laugh becomes louder the faster the dragon goes. It means something to feel the wind through their hair and cold air prickling in their face. Not even mentioning the chills that go up their spine.

All up to the moment where Cu lands they are laughing.]

I am! [Slowly they sit up again and move to comb the hair out of their face because, frankly, it is everywhere.] This was...are you familiar with that feeling where you feel alive? That is what this was. [While speaking they keep on arranging their hair.]

The wind was cold!

[They pat Cu's back a couple of times before they slide off.]

[ Familiar with the feeling of being alive...No, he's really not. The thrill of these sorts of things are gone for him -- there is still a prickle of danger, knowing everything could go wrong in an instant, but nothing much beyond that. How broken he is as a person has a lot to do with it; the corruption of the Grail runs deep in him, despite his Bond helping wipe away some of it, it will never be gone.

The benefit of being a dragon right now is that it's very possible for him to hide the emotions he's feeling. At least Enkidu enjoyed the ride -- it was the least he could do for them after they soothed him on that night. He gently nudges the witch with his muzzle after they dismount. ]

I've only ever done dives like that with Caster...and that was far more dangerous than what I was doing with you.

[Enkidu meets that nudge with an embrace, holding on to the dragon's neck carefully while petting his scales gently. After that they step back and yawn a little. Lately a lot of things take quite some energy.]

If you wish to practice more dangerous dives with me, please let me know. I miss being able to do them myself.

[Truly, why didn't they made them a beast? At least that would be somewhat familiar to them.]

Are you able to change your form at will?

...Do you trust me that much already?

[ How dangerous. Despite how much he's softened, he still has a terribly chaotic nature and a well-earned reputation for being ruthless and uncaring. Not that Enkidu would be on the receiving end of that under normal circumstances. ]

Yes. I have a smaller form than this, too, when there's less magic available to keep my mind stable.

[Enkidu shakes their head.]

I think the question you should ask is if you trust yourself, not? [It is strange. This Berserker growing above himself, yet not trusting any of the growth he has been gone through. As if he is sabotaging himself.] The answer lies in what you wish to be. The mindless beast you might have been once or the human you are becoming. [There is a hint of a smile on Enkidu's face.] A long time ago I had to make similar choices.

[No regrets, just a whole lot of nostalgia.]

Can you show me?

[ Human...It feels cruel to say that given what form he's in right now. This place granted him humanity in some sense, but took it away from him in another. Now's not the time for hat argument, so he leaves Enkidu's assessment alone. Berserker really didn't trust himself most of the time because of his nature. Pointlessly cruel acts are certainly well within his capability, just not against people he actually likes to be around. ]

...If that's what you want.

[ It feels like he's being used for entertainment in some way and that doesn't quite sit well with him. Regardless, he does shift into a considerably smaller form -- about the size of a large house cat. What's most surprising is that the crimson scales where his tattoos normally are still mimic those markings. They're much finer on this scale, but still just as recognizable. ]

I can conserve heat better this way.

[Enkidu doesn't know Cu for long but they do recognize the way his human soul has grown. Silently they wonder if the other is aware of it as well.]

It is what I ask. It is up to you if you want to do so.

[Still, they are glad to see that the other is willing to show them his smaller form.]

I can imagine. [They move to crouch down in front of the tiny dragon, hands resting on their knees. Finally they shift a little and start to rummage through the pockets of their pants.]

I have earned these. [Slowly they unfold their hand and show Cu some coins.] Now you are a smaller size we could go to an inn and drink some beer.

[ That is an absurd thought: a dragon and a witch drinking together. He's not going to turn down the offer, even in this form. ]

If that's what you want to do, I wouldn't mind.

[ Berserker puts his front legs on Enkidu's knees and gives them a slightly pleading look. While yes, he can easily fly and walk on his own, he's still small. Being carried is...vaguely humiliating, but far more efficient than trying to get along on his own. ]

It is what I want to do, yes. It seems a good way to spend time.

[There's nothing strange about this. The only thing Enkidu feels is a certain sense of curiosity and some low-key enthusiasm. They're getting quite tired lately.]

Ah!

[They smile mildly before they move to pick up the little dragon-shaped Cu and start to carry him in a way they would carry a big dog.]

I thought you'd be somewhat heavier. [Still, they yawn softly.] What sort of ale would you like? The dark sort or a more fruity one?

[ This should be humiliating, but really, he doesn't mind. Berserker just lets himself hang in Enkidu's grip, keeping a look out around them. He's small and therefore even more guarded than normal. It's just how he is, unfortunately. ]

Dark, but I will drink anything you buy for me.

[ It's a geas -- them offering to buy him drinks is an offer of hospitality and he can't reject hospitality. Being picky is a no-no, in this case. ]

[Enkidu doesn't mind to carry him at all. If he wanted they'd carry him to the other end of the city. And it seems he is relaxing as well. That is good.]

As strong as possible.

[And dark is fine, really.

The inn itself is small and cozy. There aren't many people around and the ones that are around are, indeed, looking at the spectacle of a green haired human looking lump of clay walking in with a tiny dragon in their arms. Thing is that Enkidu does not really care what others think.]

I would like two of your darkest ales. The strong one. Not the one you put water in. And some bread as well. [They pause.] Meat too.

[After that they walk to a vacant table and puts tiny dragon!Cu down.]

I figured you wanted some meat as well.

[ Berserker is used to stares, so he's quite unfazed by the reception. His usual indifferent gaze somehow looks more indifferent as a tiny dragon.

He makes himself comfortable on the tabletop and manages something resembling a shrug. ]

I will eat it...You can take what you like first.

[ Food is something he's mostly indifferent to, as well. Eating is a need he's not used to dealing with and treats all food equally: it does its job so it's good enough. Diarmuid has been trying his damndest to make meals for him and see if anything gets a better reaction out of him (so far, nothing). ]

[Enkidu loves food. They also love to drink. Only at this point they do not have enough funds to drink all night.]

We will split. I think that is fair.

[Even though they are quite hungry.]

It was really good to experience those dives. The feeling reminds me of slightly better times.

[ To say Berserker likes anything is difficult, really. Drinking is okay -- it's partially why he works at a bar. Free and discounted drinks are always welcome. ]

You're struggling, aren't you? [ It's a needless comment, somewhat cruel. ] You should find an outlet sooner rather than later...

[Once everything arrives Enkidu removes the bread from one bowl and pours in some beer, figuring it would be more easy for the little dragon to drink that way.]

Yes. [There look on their face remains neutral. Because, yes, they are. They are tired most of the day and their skin is starting to show cracks at some places.] And yes I need to find a bond. [They dip some of their bread into their beer.] Many have told me already.

[They sigh.]

I am quite bad at witchcraft.

[ It is easier. He sticks his muzzle into the bowl and takes a drink. There's a vague wonder if his size will make it easier for him to get drunk...Time will tell. As he lifts his head back up, a drop of ale runs down his chin. In a fussy, cat-like manner, he wipes at it with one of his front feet. ]

There are other ways aside from a bond. Bonds are just the easiest method.

[ Berserker is trying to pretend he's not concerned with Enkidu's plight. He can't offer him a bond, though, despite how he wants to. ]

...You will survive, I'm sure.

[This entire bonding matter bothers Enkidu a lot. It brought others so much happiness and growth and to them the act feels like betrayal.]

I need to rid myself of the magic that is building up inside of me. It needs to be balanced out. But I cannot get it to...move. [Allow them to give a demonstration. They take hold of the fork that belongs with the meat and place it on the table. They focus on said fork for a while, utter a soft spell and for a couple of seconds the fork starts to float and then it snaps.]

Perhaps I will. [If Berserker might've emptied his bowl, Enkidu refills it carefully.] And otherwise my body will crumble once again.

[ He watches the fork with interest and recoils just slightly when it breaks. It's not the first time he's watched someone struggle with their magic building up when they've refused a Bond nor would it be the last. Enkidu is just another in that line. All he can do is speak what a Bond has done for him. ]

Don't be foolish and let it kill you...There are other methods besides a Bond you can seek out. Ask the Coven, they know more than I do.

[ Berserker drinks a little bit more before he tears off a small hunk of meat. The piece gets swallowed whole because his teeth are not meant for chewing. ]

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

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