Are you brave enough to see? [open]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Who: Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter) and you!
When: Throughout Feoveuer
Where: The Wilde
What: Wilde Quest #2 Dragon's Den -- a dragon would like you to stop leaving him food offerings and go away
Warnings: none


((NOTE: Berserker will be in his full-sized dragon form, meaning he's about the size of an elephant, so keep that in mind!))

[ 1. Will you bite the hand that feeds? (Existing CR) ]

[ Food has been showing up at the mouth of the den he'd set up since he showed up in the Wilde. It's been an annoyance and it's not like he can tell them to cut it the fuck out. Instead, he just moves the offerings inside (mostly to prevent drawing in any wild creatures that might want to partake). Well, at least he won't go hungry.

Nearby footsteps draw his attention from where he's laying. He peeks his head out of the den and narrows his eyes. The dragon recognizes who's coming and huffs out a sigh. ]

... You came to find me, didn't you? Don't tell me you brought food, too.

[ 2. Will you chew until it bleeds? (New CR) ]

[ The sound of something being dropped near the opening of his temporary home gets Berserker to stand up and look out. It's not a mirrorbound that's familiar to him, so he's not about to be very friendly to them -- he's out here to be alone, after all. ]

Leave what you've brought and go before my kindness runs out.

[ Someone is a cranky boy. ]

[ 3. Will you get up off your knees? (Wildcard) ]

[ Did we plot something? Have an idea for this quest? Drop me a starter or PM me here or on Discord glitzkrieg#0673 and we can work something out! ]

Comments

1.

[escardos]

Yes!

[ flat announces this cheerfully, the basket in his hands a clear sign of the “offering” he was bringing for the dragon that everyone in the city seemed to be wary of.

he doesn’t fear the size of the dragon or the glare—maybe if it were another dragon, sure, but flat’s able to recognize that steady pulse of their bond anywhere. and because of that, he runs to the den without any hesitation, he sets the basket down at the entrance, leaving his hands open to hold the side of the dragon’s head, resting his forehead against him. ]

You know you could have told me you were leaving in person, right? I am awake at that time.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It helps that even in his dragon form that his scales mimic his tattoos, which helps in making him recognizable.

Flat's presence doesn't surprise him, rather it's the lack of hesitation to be physically affectionate. He'd been so hesitant and even uncomfortable with it before. It's a pleasant surprise. Berserker tilts his head and presses into the affection. ]

... I couldn't have. That's why I left the note at all.

[ If he'd told either of his Bonded in person, he wouldn't have been able to run off. Things are markedly more complicated now and disappearing into the woods wasn't as easy as it used to be. Seeing the effect of his decisions on those he cares about is too difficult; he would have simply chosen to stay instead because it was easier and less painful.

After a few more lingering moments, Berserker moves away and clears the entranceway to let Flat pass, if he wants to. ]

Bring that inside. You may stay for awhile, if you'd like.

[escardos]

So you would have even left without a word! Terrible!

[ despite his words, flat is not angry in any way whatsoever. considering what the dragon had been through, he understands the wish to be far away from the city that had hurt him.

and if he had disappeared without saying a word, then flat would have come looking for him regardless, because he is loyal to those that he cares about—in his own way, at least.

he makes his way through the entranceway, picking up the rather heavy basket of food and offerings. ]

So I was really unsure about what you liked at first. There’s a lot of offerings from the people that I met along the way— [ he pulls out an assortment of dried meats, each one from someone different. ] I think they’re more afraid of you than you are of them, but I guess that’s why you made yourself a giant dragon. [ shrug. he pulls out some apples. ] Anyways, since you’re Irish, I realized what would be the best thing to bring you!

[ and last, but not least, he dumps the rest of the large basket’s content on the ground. they’re potatoes. raw. potatoes.

he beams up at berserker, similar to a cat that just dropped a mouse at their owner’s feet. ]

What do you think!? Perfect idea, right?

1

[fulgency]

You know I would sooner allow you to starve than coddle you like that.

[It's difficult to say how true that sentiment is. Ozymandias does, at this point, have a bit of a history in forcing Berserker to look after himself a little better than he's naturally inclined, but these circumstances are a bit different. Choosing to live out here, in this form? He does expect a degree of self-sufficiency.]

[But it is the truth that he has brought no such offerings with him as clearly so many before him have. He has just not come alone. Trotting quite fearlessly ahead of Ozymandias, the sphinx cub starts to wander straight into the den to greet Berserker. In contrast, Ozymandias stops just outside and does nothing to wrangle the little one back outside. He trusts Berserker will remove it as gently as possible if it is truly a bother.]

I needed to come see for myself that it was you and not another. [It seemed unlikely based upon the description the Wilders provided that it was anyone other than Berserker out here. Before Berserker can make any sort of remarks that he's seen and can leave, he asks,] Are you faring well out here then?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah, it was mainly curiosity that drove the Rider to come all this way to find him. Berserker can't truly mind it; it's not like he's seen Ozymandias in recent memory. His memory had been...spotty since the kidnapping business, mostly blank spots where the more heinous acts should have been and the aftermath. His time spent in the infirmary was oddly hazy...

Nevermind. Berserker does nothing to dissuade the sphinx kitten and actually lets it climb on his foreleg. It's not as if its claws could hope to puncture his hide. ]

Well enough. I don't have to worry about food for some time. [ There are several baskets at the opening of the den, stuffed full of any number of things. It seems no one had any idea what to feed a dragon. ] It's not just curiosity that brought you here, is it?

[ He's certain concern played a part in it. It wasn't exactly a secret what happened to him. Even in this form, the scars are visible. ]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias comes close to brushing the question aside, the obvious assumption that if Berserker thinks to ask that question, he probably already knows the answer. But giving it more than a second's thought, it occurs to Ozymandias that may not be the case. Whether it's the memory of Berserker complaining about Ozymandias' assumptions or the fact Berserker has retreated out here in this form, he sets aside what he was about to say in favor of actually answering the question.]

I know you're capable of caring for yourself, but I can't exactly trust you to always do just that, can I? [The kitten flops over, doing its best to rub on Berserker. It probably knows it won't get pets out of him while he's like this, but that won't stop it from hamming it up.] Especially when you're taking to hiding in caves all by yourself.

1, early Feoveuer

[ua_duibhne]

[Whatever emotions have filtered through their Bond, Berserker might note, have been startlingly subdued and, even now, as he stands at the mouth of the cave, he's hard to read. It's not that Diarmuid looks unwell or unhappy so much as something about him feels subtly... off. Maybe his stride isn't as confident as normal or his head held as high. Maybe it's related to the strips of bandages wound around a few of his fingers, visible as he brushes his hair back off of his face with one hand. Whatever it is, it's controlled and purposeful but not in the sense of trying to deceive.

Regardless, he can't help but smile as his eyes fall over the beast settled in the darkness.]

... not food, no.

[He doesn't wait to be invited in- but neither does he go straight to him like he wants to. Instead, he makes his way forward slowly, stepping around baskets of offerings until, finally, he's before the dragon. Tucked under his own arm is a small wicker hamper.]

If you're not ready to see me yet, I can leave.

[Just finding him alive and well- if only physically- is enough.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ The steady pulse of their Bond and Diarmuid's familiar presence growing closer alerted hm to who it was long before he saw him. It's a welcome sight and he perks up when he hears his voice. That ... happiness is quickly replaced by an ache as he notices the careful concealment in Diarmuid's motions. It stings, especially since he knows he likely had a hand in it by being absent.

He wants to comfort him, but doesn't, at least not immediately. He wants to tell the witch to leave and never return, to forget about him and leave him here. His presence in Diarmuid's life has done nothing but complicate it and make things more difficult for him. It would be easier for the dragon to just live the rest of his life in isolation and forget the life they'd made together in Aefenglom...but it wouldn't be fair.

Berserker lowers his head and presses the flat of it as gently as he can against Diarmuid's forehead. It's a small comfort, but it's the best he can do in this form. The pain and discomfort he feels echoes through their Bond, though the contact eases it some. ]

Stay. I will allow you to stay the night, if you wish it. [ There are a few unlit oil lamps in the den, signs of a fire extinguished in the last night, and a makeshift bed against one wall along with the clothing he took with him. ] I can change form, too, if you'd prefer...

[ And also because he wants to hug and kiss Diarmuid and apologize for his absence in a way words can't hope to do. The lancer's faith and devotion would be rewarded in time...Once he figures out how he can adequately do that. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[It's far more difficult to keep his control once he feels the cool, smooth press of his scales against his skin- impossible, even, when he talks and his voice shivers through him in that strangely sourceless but comforting rumble. Letting the basket clatter to the floor, Diarmuid closes his eyes and runs a hand over his jaw to feel the powerful muscle beneath. Pure affection rushes through him, all apprehension temporarily lost in the relief of finding him not only well but wanting to see him as well.]

I do wish it. Very much.

[He places the lightest of kisses to his snout and steps back to take in the rest of the cave. It's hardly comfortable but it's clear that Berserker's made an effort to make it more liveable beyond the basic need for shelter; a sign that he's likely going to be staying here for some time. With one last, reluctant nuzzle, he finally tugs back the furred hood of his cloak, revealing newly cut hair, which he pauses to rub a hand through. It's longer than it was when he arrived but shorter than the generous plait he'd become accustomed to and, while his appearance is one thing he usually has confidence in, he still seems unsure about it.

Maybe that's just how he feels right now anyway. Unsure.]

Whichever causes you the least pain, a mhuirnín.

II

[long_live_the_queen]

[The thing that answers him isn't...precisely, a person. It's a swirling mass of shadows curled in the shaded branches of a tree as the sunset dimmed to twilight.

The shadow's dropped a rabbit--dead, raw, but not wriggling, not with its spine snapped and its guts removed hours ago.]

So it does work.

[The shadow-thing's voice could be better described as an echo--one that seemed reluctant to fade, like a persistent dream.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker is immediately on edge, though he doesn't growl or make himself more threatening. The ... thing that presents itself to him is enough to unsettle him. He stays in place, briefly glancing to the dead rabbit. Most of the things offered to him have been processed and not just the animal itself, so it's a bit strange. ]

...What works?

[ His voice is somewhat distorted at this size, deeper with a strange edge to it. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[The Dragon didn't snarl at her, and seemed to be quite lucid. Something about those markings tugged at a memory, but Kaede couldn't quite place it.

The shadow-thing gathered itself, shrinking into a more solid, colorful, identifiably humanoid form. Relatively speaking. Kaede had a few too many limbs in odd shapes to cut an entirely person-shaped outline.

The Chimera stretched out on the branch like a leopard, her feathery tail spilling off the edge and curling at the end.]

Leaving food out here. [A glance at the rabbit.] Stress relief. Whichever. Thought it'd go to waste.

I

[enkidoh]

[In a way they expected to find him here in the forest. After all, where else could they go when there is nothing left in the city that can be trusted?]

I wanted to but...I think this is more a coincidence than anything else.

[Their voice sounds soft and even. To be fair, they aren't entirely up to this confrontation yet. Some wounds are still too fresh and this is one of them.]

If you want to hide you have to do better, Cu.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Now there is a face he almost didn't want to see. What they'd both experienced in that room sat uncomfortably in the back of Berserker's mind now. What if he had spoken up...? Or reacted to the torment he'd received...? Would anything have been different? Would Enkidu have suffered as they did?

The dragon lowers his head, looking away to combat his discomfort. Part of him wants to make them leave, but that's unfair. ]

I'm not trying to hide. I wouldn't have told my Bonded if I were trying to hide...I wouldn't have let the Wilders see me if I were trying to hide.

[ He wanted to be found, in a way. Those that cared enough could seek him out. Word of a dragon in the cleansed parts of the Wilde was sure to bring those curious enough to see him out. It was calculated on the part of Berserker. ]

I didn't think they'd start leaving food here, is all.

[enkidoh]

[Don't worry, the discomfort is completely mutual. It isn't visible on their face but they cannot help tapping their feet in a restless way.

Perhaps they should leave and continue this conversation another time. When they're in a better mood.]

Very well, very well...I correct myself... [Enkidu sighs.] ...you were not trying to hide. And of course they would...I believe that is what bonded do. They care for one another. So why wouldn't your bonded do that for you.

[They shrug.]

It seems we both do not want to be inside that city.

1 3 feb

[futhark]

[ Sometime after the trial, after he gathers his thoughts, he gets a large bottle of ale, his spear and goes into the Wildes. It's getting late, and no one knows what awaits in the forests, but that information on the board gave good directions. ]

No, I brought you something to drink. [ A beat ] And news.

[ Kind of doubting that a dragon form Berserker checks the watch ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He'd left his watch back in the city -- he had no want or need of it out here. Those that were looking for him could easily find him if they chose to do so. Caster is not an unwelcome sight after being alone like this for days now; at least he hasn't gone completely feral. ]

If you brought me something to drink, I should probably change. [ It was late, anyway, and he wants to settle in for the night. It's easier in a more human form and transforming back if there was a threat took no time at all. ] ...But what news did you bring?

[ News of the trial and the fate of the Rathmores, he assumes. If it were anything concerning people he cared for, Caster would be in a greater hurry. ]

1.

[quickwhip]

[ Well, this isn't something he does everyday. Wander off into the Wilde to find a fucking dragon. But not just any dragon. Berserker. Because who else could it possibly be when he's been unable to really contact the guy? It's... ok, he's never really SEEN Berserker in his dragon form like this? But, no time like the present to fix that and he'd always sort of teased at the thought of Trevor seeing it. So. Here they are and here Trevor stands in front of his little hideout. ]

For the record, you're usually my food. Fucking... messed up as that is to say.

[ UGH. But, he does drop a cloth bag from his shoulder and crouches down next to it as he digs around in it. The contents inside? Bones. Animal bones, to be exact. ]

Figured you might want some for your... you know... collection or whatever.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He hadn't made himself impossible to find, just difficult. Trevor, for as much of a pain in the ass as he is, isn't an unwelcome sight. And it's not food he brought, which is a relief; even from where Berserker sits in the entrance of his den, there are numerous baskets of food offerings littered around. ]

... I'm surprised. [ He takes a few steps closer, their size difference becoming more evident. There's nothing threatening about Berserker's body language nor his motions, however. He lowers his head to take a peek in the bag and looks ... satisfied (as much as a dragon can, anyway). ] But I appreciate it.

[ He's still not completely healed, his scales patchy with some completely bare spots and his wings still on the mend. Flight is impossible still, even stretching his wings to their full span is painful. It doesn't mean he's defenseless, though, so there's no need to worry over his safety. ]

You can bring it inside, if you like, since I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to drop those off and leave.

2

[extirpator]

[ honestly, that's more polite than he'd expect from an allegedly...ferocious dragon. his greatsword hangs from his back, and he holds the skinned flesh of a particularly meaty, gamey animal. ]

What do you usually like to eat?

[ there's a slight tilt of the head, like nothing about this is particularly imposing. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker doesn't particularly care if he's imposing or not, he simply wants to be left alone. The flesh catches his attention, but the sword is more his concern. He's still healing from his time being kidnapped, judging by the still missing scales along his back and feet, so he's particularly on edge. ]

It doesn't matter.

[ That can be taken more than one way and they're all correct; it doesn't matter what he likes to eat because he just wants the intruder to go away and it doesn't matter to him what he eats -- food is food. He's kind of a killjoy like that. ]

I told you to leave it and go. Or just leave. I don't care.

walks in late with starbucks – 2

[freeing]

[ It was not the first time she's heard of villagers on the outskirts of the city's walls fearing beasts. Dragons, however? She was suspicious – especially when they were beginning to worship. One of Daenerys' neighbor farmers had butchered their best goat and brought it up the day earlier, lamenting a curse of bad luck if it proved unfulfilling.

It was her affinity with dragons that brings her exploring alone, merely Drogon at her back clinging like a back-pack to her. He was on higher alert than she was – still, even closer to the full moon, in control of her senses thanks to her Bond with Ozymandias. Yet... the promise and rumor of dragons calls her – as if the dragon part of her wants kinship or competition. She isn't quite sure.

When she makes it to the temporary dwelling, her caution is met with – well, directness. The dragon calls to her and instead, she opens her arms empty-handed. ]

I bring you no food, I'm afraid. [ Tactfully: ] Forgive me for my intrusion, you are stirring quiet conversation in the farmlands.

[curruid_coinchenn]

...Better that you came empty handed.

[ There are baskets of offerings visible behind the dragon. He had enough of a headache dealing with them, he didn't need any more to add to it. It didn't help he'd been hunting on his own, too, so there was likely more here than he could eat before spoilage became a problem. Slaughtered animals were eaten right away and Daenerys may notice a goat skull (and the rest of its bones) with flesh still clinging to it left out in the sunlight to dry. ]

So I noticed. [ From the food. ] If your curiosity has been satisfied, you can go.

[ Berserker's not the friendliest on the best of days, less so when his attempts at solitude are interrupted. ]

1

[tryhard]

Figured you were good on food, actually.

[ Waver didn't have much trouble finding him, after hearing that the dragon some people were talking about was Berserker. It's not surprising.

Waver understands. ]

I came to see if there was anything you did want me to bring.

Blankets, perhaps? Wine? [ He looks around the makeshift temporary den Berserker has set up, catching the faded scents of Flat and Diarmuid, Caster, and some others. There's more familiarity and relief in that than he expected. At least Berserker hasn't been entirely alone, even if he does need space. ]

Do you want company?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Seeing Waver sends a number of conflicting feelings through him. On the one hand, it's good to see him here and no longer limping. On the other, he still feels shame and guilt for what happened. There's also a little bit of fear he can't control. What a mess... ]

Diarmuid brought me some things earlier. I don't need anything else.
[ And, after a moment... ] Your company is fine. Come in.

[ He moves out of the entrance to let Waver pass. ]