Quest 2 and catch-all [OPEN]

[futhark]

Who: Cú Chulainn aka Caster and you
When: Quest prompts first half of the month, custom starters/wildcards can be for all of Deceuer
Where: Harbor for Quest
What: Quest 2 - The Tatto parlor in the making, and a Snow-In emergency
Warnings: none so far



I. Cleaning the place 1nd - 5th, 11th-15th

A)

[ The place Caster and Waver managed to rent is spacious, but unfortunately also very dirty. And in total disarray. It was once used as a tattoo salon, but as the original owner (named William) aged and found other hobbies it slowly turned into a mix of storage, game house... illegal distillery. The old man visits the shop occasional content to let the new generation clean it, sometimes striking a conversation with those who come to help. He was once a tattoo artist, you see, but then he went blind on the sea what a terrible story— ah, it's not like he can't see, the magically enhanced glasses are a godsend even if they did cost an arm and leg; but his hands turned shaky with age— ah, no, it's not a problem anymore, thank you, he got a Coven-made ointment for that they're steady now; as such continues the list of various stories and terrible injuries, that did not have the lasting dire consequences they should have, and if allowed to go long enough one might wonder, how many of them actually happened—

Cú doesn't let the old sailor torment people who came to help for (too) long though, so sooner or later you can expect a rescue. ]

The old man got some interesting stories to tell, just don't fall for his tricks or he won't ever stop making fun of you

B)

[ Have you brought items? Furniture? Or are you here to help with painting, cleaning, moving stuff (throwing it away)? Any help is welcome and appreciated. And of course paid, in money or services, however is prefered. Inside, in the main room, there is also prepared a refreshment place. Few (clean) chair. light snacks, hydrating drinks even citrus-scented towels— since it is rather hot inside and working out makes it only more so. ]

Get rest and something to eat whenever you need it. Worry not, it's all on house. [ Not getting a cut from the payment for being fed! ]

II. Paid in services, 3rd-5th evenings, 12th-15th

[ For those who decided to be paid in free services, that is a free enchanted tattoo, they are able to get it starting on the 3rd. Cú leaves that for evenings when most of the commotion is gone, and even people on the streets moved to nearby taverns. It's harbor though, wind carrying sea shanties and sounds of partying is never going to stop, even if it was late at night. ]

Have you decided what kind of spell do you want? And where. [ He gestures at an antiqued screen with paintings of colorful bird that looks so distinctly un-Aefenglomian it must be an import. The colors are faded, but it's in good condition. One of the accepted items from anonymous donor ] If on your back, there's a place to lie down behind the screen. Let me know when you're ready.

[ Very professional! Privacy is important. ]

III Snow in - Blackout; 6th-7th

[ When the blizzard starts, staying inside the soon-to-be parlor seems like a good idea. Then it intensifies and suddenly it's no longer it's being smart and staying inside. Suddenly it's being stuck. Caster proceeds on lockings the shutters on the windows, the last thing they need is one of the windows to give in. ]

If you want to go home, that's the last moment we could try. Where's your place, I'll walk you back. [ He grabs a blanket because yes this might be useful— and then the magitech lights flicker several times before giving out entirely. Caster curses under his breath. If the magitech light goes out, it means magitech heaters soon will follow. ] Well, shit.

IV Wildcard

｢ ooc: since it's also my catch-all for the month, you can hit me with whatever other kind of prompt (event or not, however you want) and I'll write you a starter. I'm open for plotting too, hit me whatever, plurk aetarna, PM or discord o7 ｣

Comments

wildcard

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's late, too late to be anything near a reasonable hour and of course there is drinking involved with these two. Drinking in a shop after hours seems more suited for two juvenile delinquents than two grown adults...and then you remember who these two adults are. Berserker already borders on tipsy as he opens another bottle with a smirk. ]

Do you do anything other than tattoos? Have you ever thought about offering piercings?

[ He likely means the standard ear, but...There are other options, or so he's heard, anyway. ]

[futhark]

[ They are two delinquents, so it fits. The fact that they are capable of this kind of adulting is on its own incredible. ]

Funny that you ask. Magically charged jewelry acting as batteries is part of the whole parlor idea. [ Caster only grins and brings a box that he puts on the table and opens for Berserker to see. It's filled with jewelry of various kinds, and there is a lot of earrings, some are not made for ears. ]

It's still in a testing phase, so we're using bracelets— [ They're not invasive as opposed to piercings ] —but if you'd want to help with testing...

[ He'll gladly stab— pierce you, that's what he's saying. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Hm...I'd be willing to help.

[ He takes a long drink, knowing he's getting in over his head already. It's just an accepted fact this will probably turn into some kind of stupid and petty competition. Ultimately it's harmless...Mostly, anyway. ]

Maybe you should try a few, too. [ It's because he's edging towards drunk that he makes this comment. ] You seemed to like it well enough when I pierced you the last time.

[ Not the dream stabbing, but the mist "stabbing" -- much more fun for everyone involved. ]

[futhark]

[ Who is the goblin here... Caster was just taking a swig on the nicely cooled ale and now he is forced to spit-take all over the table.

Look. He was trying really hard to not think about it. Trying really hard to not remember it. He was doing so good and now Berserker just derails that plan, brings it up (brings certain memories up too of that night too, including that time when Nel called him a masochist.), and Caster has to scramble for tissue to wipe his face. And the table. ]

Fuck you, Ciarán— [ Not in a fun way, or...? ] I bet your hands are not steady enough to do that well.

[ Not like he's the one talking, being equally tipsy and all. But hey. Challenge. ]

III

[kuroi_taiyo]

[ Really, things seemed fine. It all had started as a regular snow, and it's not like there'd be any major problem as long as people practiced the right kinds of magic. So Judar was at the eventual-parlor to help out with figuring things so Caster could actually do them. He may as well, with all the researchers and university souls he'd taken in long before this whole Aefenglom mess. ]

My 'place' is over at the Phoenix Tear-

[ He'd say more, but it was about the same time that the lights were flickering. Given the season, it was getting dark earlier, but Judar's realized that he has pretty good night vision; it's why he didn't worry too much about timing. Though with a blizzard, there's that weird brightness that always comes with snow- or was that his eyes making it seem that way? ]

Never saw a failure happen, just like that... Even if there's a strain, there's some signs of that- but the lights?

[ Weird. Though what's also weird is the way Judar's focus was pretty clear on the surroundings; With the way his ears have slowly been growing out, they've also tilted, to either being higher, or just barely tilting towards where he was trying to listen. ]

You can always use magic if you've got trouble seeing, yeah?

[futhark]

[ Caster with his weird slit-pupil eyes (now blown wide) sees a bit better in the dark (and in the bright sun) than a normal human would. So he's not entirely in the dark either. He snaps his fingers, and chants— ]

~réalta [ —and nothing happens. Shit, is he that bad with illusion? He repeats this time far simpler light spell that isn't as sophisticated as the previous one ] solas!

[ Still nothing. That's when he realizes it— he can't activate tattoos either. Even dormant, they'd emit a soft glow, just because of how much he was using this particular ]

What magic? [ Dun, dun, dun, it's not like they're really screwed but— gotta find a candle. And then remember there is nothing to light it with. Because he can't use his fire magic. ]

[kuroi_taiyo]

[ ... Was snapping a sloppy way of casting magic, with those obvious failures? Because the obvious result from all that was the lack of light, or anything else happening. ]

You ever hear that you're bad luck?

[ 'What magic' indeed. While Caster may go look for a candle at first, Judar's going closer to the windows and door, not having to get too close to realize that he was feeling the chill of the blizzard sinking into the in-progress parlor. ]

On one hand, glad I didn't take you up on those services. I'd be pissed if they suddenly failed. On the other... You got more blankets, or is it just that one?

[ How unlucky were they? ]

ii-ish, let's say around the 15th or so

[sageprincess]

[Zelda's help with setting up this establishment has been... limited, what with the figurative storm bonding has left on her doorstep and the actual literal storm leaving her stuck inside her house for a day or two. But she's scrounged up a few decorative pieces to make the place a little more inviting, and it's the thought that counts, right?

... The offer of an enchanted tattoo is an intriguing one, and one that she is debating with herself over even now, touring the tiny parlor in its finished state. On the one hand, to mark her body in such a way would surely be unseemly for a princess, but...]

Well, what spells do you know? [She asks, half genuinely curious and half stalling for time.] It would likely be wise to have a list somewhere, so your customers have an idea of what you are capable of.

[Her included, since they've had fewer and fewer classes together as their specialties have diverged.]

[futhark]

[ It's amazing that this place is still standing after what was going on, really. The fact that it's mostly cleaned, and in final stages of preparation is even more so. The decorative touch Zelda brings is greatly appreciated and it does seem that each room is shaping into something unique regarding it's interior. ]

That's a good idea, list- I was planning to ask people if there were certain spells they were the most interested in. For now it would be-

[ And he tries to form a list, aloud. Elemental applications of various kind, from battle spells and resistances to simpler spell to keep a steady warm - or cool - temperature or even a small rune on finger to turn it into portable lighter. A lot is enhancing body capabilities. General strengthening or boosting speed or endurance are given, but more specifics are also possible. Better smell or sight, turning off feeling of pain or rejuvenation spell that makes you no longer tired ( he points that it's just something that makes you simply not experience exhaustion - you're gonna crash when the spell wears off). Illusions that could fall under the universal school. Make you hand glow, or better make floating ball of light happen. Calming spell that makes falling asleep easier, and a slow-fall spell that makes falling safer. Few simple wards, a spell for good luck, a spell to make your voice carry far and clear- there is very noticable lack of divination spells aside for one in testing phase that gives you an inclination where to go... but it's unclear whether it will lead you where you want to be or where you need to be.

Eventually he breaks with a cough and a sheepish expression. ]

I swear I usually know when to shut up- [ How deep he driven himself into this enchantment hell is surprising even to him. ] If there is an effect you want, I can figure out if I can make it. If not now, then give me some time.

[sageprincess]

[Zelda listens attentively, even as she moves about the parlor, adjusting picture frames and checking corners for missed dust and cobwebs. Her brows slowly raise as he continues on, and on, and on; she certainly hadn't expected to have such a range of options. It's a little overwhelming.]

Yes, you most definitely need a list posted at the door, so you do not need to go through all that several times a day.

[But there is one thing notably lacking in his spiel. Something she personally thinks would be the most obvious enchantment to make.]

You are still uninterested in anything that might cure wounds or prevent one from taking damage in a battle in the first place, hm?

II

[doctorheartstealer]

[Anything that includes getting ink on his body is an interesting place to be in, and so, he found this tattoo parlour and walked in, not exactly knowing what he'd expect, considering the rest of the world they live in.]

Decided a spot, but not what I want. What do you have to offer, spell-wise?

[futhark]

[ Man, they are going to need a list, Caster knows he can get into a tangent so- gotta keep concise from start. ]

Depends what you want, and whether are you a monster or a witch. Something to enhance body capabilities, something to ward off or something to cause an active effect. [ He clicks his tongue ] No invisibility though, I don't want trouble.

[doctorheartstealer]

Monster.

[He frowns, why would he want to be invisible?]

Let me be stronger, if you can.

iii.

[lonewanderer]

Snow is less fun now, [ Lex comments after a moment. It's her turn, this time, to try and keep the cheer up for this new problem. It helps that the dangers of winter are things she's only ever read about or seen in the Wilde, when there were too many other things to focus on.

Dogmeat huffs and she snorts, reaching down to pet the dog behind the ears. ]

I might be able to fix it. I'm good with machinery and stuff, back home.

[futhark]

[ It takes a moment to adapt to the darkness. The whole deal with cat-eye bit helps. Though Lex must see much better in this darkness, benefits of being a chimera ]

Please, if heaters go out it's gonna be freezing here. [ Oh no, they will die. Even despite the serious situation a hint of mischief and amusement flicker across their Bond and Cú closes the distance between them swiftly. He puts his arm around Lex's waist ] We'll need to cuddle together and wait for rescue party.

[ And Dogmeat is surely going to pile on top of (or between) them the entire time ]

[lonewanderer]

[ She can't help her laugh, or the way she instinctively draws closer to Caster when he wraps an arm around her waist. He's trusted enough that it is closer, too, instead of pulling away; she even opens a wing, wraps it around him in turn. ]

We may have to do that anyway. But if you walk me to the heaters, I'll see what I can do.

[ But it would be a shame to walk her there all cold, so clearly they'll have to do it like this - at least, that's what the amusement flickering right back through the Bond seems to imply.

Dogmeat, for his part, isn't aware of the dire situation just yet and just looks at them like they're both idiots. Which, well. Fair. ]

IB

[weirdnecro]

I'd hope it'd be. I'd have to tease you for being stingy-to me, of all people.

[For all of her banter, Sokie had not taken this lightly. She had done some cleaning the day before-just a bit since there was a spot of grime worked into the donated chairs that had bothered her- but she had been hauling in alchemical goods and helping haul in furnishings all morning.

Little wonder that her shirt was rolled up to her shoulders, and her hair was limp with sweat. Settling down the latest crate- this one filled with old bottles she had managed to clean at home-she sank down in one of the chairs, and grabbed a towel to press her face against. Mm.]

Is that lemon?

[She said, with her face pressed against it. It's fine. It's Fine.]

[futhark]

[ Making one of the rooms into an alchemy workshop was a truly the best idea. The only downside would be if someone decided to make a burglary and steal everything... but that's what wards are for and that's something he'd like to ask Sokie about someday. Maybe today, but later.

Now it's still more mundane cleaning and carrying stage. Despite the cold he threw off the top of his cloak, leaving only sleeves top. ]

Now you can tease me about choice of scent instead. [ He sits on the edge of the table because he's a rebel and pours himself a chilled tea. Courtesy of enchanted bottle ] What's wrong with lemon?

[weirdnecro]

[If nothing else, Sokie would be very good at the wards. It was more or less her specialty, even if she was dithering on what else to specialize in. But that's for later.

After she's made fun of him, for example.]

Nothing wrong with lemon, but you know...casinos pump in lemon scents to keep their patrons awake.

Trying to pump me up so you can use me for longer? Like a pack mule?

II

[thejoyrider]

[Ah, right. She was supposed to decide the kind of spell she was going to get inked. Marie was so excited by the sole perspective of getting a tattoo done by Caster, she thought a lot about the visual part of the process. She decided on colors, patterns she liked... but she completly forgot about the rather important part of picking the spell itself.]

Uh... Do you offer any spells that look like flowers? Lilies and irises, if possible? Something that would look well with my, um...

[She gestures to the lines of shimmery scales covering her cleavage in a pattern quite reminiscent of her famous necklace. (Although her wording and the direction she is pointing in could totally be taken in a... wrong way, Marie...)]

Either way, I think I could use your recommendations here.

[futhark]

[ So... that's where the tattoo is supposed to be? How many people are going to try and get him killed for that? Most early customers chose a simple spell that could be hidden and were less about flashy decoration and more about practicality. But Cú always finds himself more drawn to— ]

A challenge from the Queen herself. [ Yes, that. Time to stop letting his gaze linger and grab a sheet of paper to start drawing ] Let's see what I can work with that.

[ After a moment he presents a floral design right under the collarbones ]

This would be the part of the design that holds the spell— to carry your voice as far as you see, or maybe to make it a whisper audible only to ears you choose. Whatever you choose, I can work a spell into this. [ But it's not over, he keeps drawing, adding more floral patterns. Lilies and irises, however, it fits, until it creates a tattooed necklace ] The rest of the tattoo would be purely decorative, but also would hide the spell itself from prying eyes.

[ Good luck figuring which of the branches holds the magic. ]

[thejoyrider]

[Most customers might be careful, but Marie is flashier than your average customer. To be completely honest, she would have asked for a tattoo even if there was no point to these but decoration. However, Cu’s offer to add a small enchantment to her voice is really nice for the former Servant who used her voice as a weapon.]

I will trust you to carry out the first option then. Anything you need me to do to prepare?

[Not to mention that his artistic skill absolutely captures her heart. Yes, she needs to have a tattoo drawn by him somewhere it would be visible. No, she is not willing to reconsider.]

wildcard - undercover quest

[boneofsword]

[Archer keeps his expression carefully neutral. Even with half of his face obscured by mask it's better to be careful. He can feel eyes on himself, careful or curious glances, even stares. After all, he's a dragon, even tame and collared. Of course the collar is fake, a decorative accessory holding a simple enchantment, but to aristocrats gathered here he's a pet following his owner.

Caster plays his role all too well, all dressed up and bejewelled for the party. The mask covering his face gives him otherwordly look that so many tonight find irresistible. His amiable demeanor makes this foreign aristocrat so popular that from time to time his pet dragon has to rescue him from the crowd. Archer enjoys the irony of Cú wearing Fae outfit and jewellery tonight, well aware that he's not immune to his charm.

He keeps silent most of the time, thankful that his Bonded is so familiar with his body language that he doesn't need much to convey the meaning. Right now he keeps an eye on particularly annoying admirer that, emboldened by Cú's flirting, is reciting his own poem.]

—Invading my mind day and through the night,
Always dreaming about the kind hemlock.
How do I love you? Let me count the ways.
I love your beguiling crimson eyes,
lean form and smile.
Thinking of you fills my days.
My love for you is the dutiful weil.

[futhark]

[ This party is a disaster. It should be given that it is made by people who thought they could do better than those troublesome Mirrorbounds— but there is more to that, isn't there? The Watch is concerned about anti-Monster and anti-Mirrorbound groups gathering, forming into something more cohesive.

Both he and Archer had brought themselves into the Lead Investigator eye, with the information they shared on the network, most likely. And Archer... for all the grim, cynical facade he slips sometimes into, he's not going to say no to request like this.

But it takes two for tango, Archer is a Dragon and while it could have been covered with an illusory disguise if that cover is blown— no, it was better if he presented as he is himself, and for that he needs a Witch he would serve.

So now they are here, playing the infiltrators like it's some buddy-cop movie.

Apparently, that movie involves being flirted at with bad poetry. What a cringe. ]

You use big words freely, but your wordsmithing skills are far from being polished. [ Always throwing "love" word so easily ] I could think you are trying to woo me into a Bond forever, rather than just for one night in your bed.

[ Because why not to learn their true outlook about the Bonding business at the same time. Still— curse you Archer for this Fae disguise, it seems to attract the worst type of people here. Is this your way of getting back for using your full name that one time? ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer growls, showing his displeasure with the self-assumed poet. The admirer glances at him a bit nervously and releases Cu's hand that he's been kissing.]

Stay your beast. [aristocrat coughs before continuing boldly.] I do not condone of those bonds that witches preach of. None of us here does. What I want is something more tangible than just one night.

[Archer growls again, lower, and shows more teeth than any human should have. If this world gave him dragon features he can as well use it. His posture is enough to tower above the most and he uses it to his advantage.]