(open | february log)

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + you!
When: All month!
Where: Lots of places!
What: Open prompts for speed-dating quest/general + closed starters. Feel free to message me at rebreather or this journal if you'd like a closed starter!
Warnings: nsfw in caren's thread

Comments

open | felicitous fancies quest

[fulgency]

Back again?

[The speed dating at the festival had proven a better distraction than the bonfires when he needed it. So, he saw no harm in assisting in making this little event seem more popular than it actually is. But, of course, to keep the ruse going, the madame has carefully coordinated so that volunteers are rotating with one another rather than potential clients getting mixed up with them.]

[So, it was perhaps only a matter of time during the course of the event that things would shuffle around just so and Ozymandias would find himself seated across from the same person from not too long ago.]

[sealeted]

Yes, it's me again. I... don't think we actually talked much, the first time around.

[The madame had wanted it to seem like an ongoing conversation, when the new wave of prospective guests had been ushered in; Hakuno had only gotten to find out his name—allegedly—before things switched off.

She's still not sure whether he was making a joke, or serious.]

Is your name really Ozymandias?

[fulgency]

[Once, he might have taken some mild offense at the question, its light insinuation of lying. But at this point, it is not so odd a question. Those that recognize the name Ozymandias or Ramesses II frequently question him over whether it is really him, or if he has merely adopted a clever new identity for himself.]

[It is still, however, a foolish question to ask by his estimate. One look at him, he feels, is enough to satisfy the notion that he is who he claims to be. Who else might have his noble and divine bearing? And so, he laughs at the question.]

You think it impossible to meet the King of Kings in a place such as this?

[He is not actually referring to the brothel itself so much as this world and the unusual circumstances that brought them all here.]

open | (triumphant cackling)

[fulgency]

[It does not come quickly and easily. There are many days that Ozymandias spends seated on the floor in the Coven library, flipping through texts sometimes one or two at a time. Sometimes there's a sphinx kitten or two accompanying him, usually scrapping over a writing utensil he's currently not using nearby. He can't always have a sitter after all, and they could likely use the exercise. Sometimes he is reviewing notes as he walks to a nearby cafe, not always mindful of anyone in front of him.]

[There are a few attempts made out on the lawn of the Coven. Botched conjurations bring him lions and eagles of varying sizes. Once he even manages a housecat that's near literally the size of a house. But he doesn't seem discouraged even if a little disappointed before dismissing the summoned creature.]

[But finally, there is a triumphant laugh from his front yard. He's been out there for hours now, despite the cold, trying again and again.]

Finally, you answered my call!

[The sphinx before Ozymandias is arguably nowhere near as cute as the cubs that watch him from the windows of his mansion, but its intent is not to be a cute pet. Ozymandias steps forward, running a hand through its mane. While the creature itself is not quite to the appropriate size -- standing at the average size of a thoroughbred horse -- he's pleased. Pleased enough that he lets out another near-maniacal laugh.]

You shall serve me well.

((ooc: limiting the prompt for actually summoning the sphinx to 2. otherwise the lead-up is open to as many as would like!))

The siren call of kittens

[petcromancer]

[There is a library of magical tomes and texts, and even if Hector's own talent isn't working in this world, he's still going to spend way too much time here, reading up on magic theory.

There is a sad lack of resources on necromancy, though he can approximate the major elements of his forging methods with a mixture of conjuration and transmutation texts.

His little scarred pug, Cezar, snoozes by his feet while his master reads, but eventually perks up and plods off beyond the shelves.

Hector, stiff from sitting for too long and mind full to the brim on magic study, takes this as a sign they both need a break. He stands, stretches, and follows.

There are celestial kittens playing on one of the desks. There's a man there too, but that is much less important than cats. Magic cats. Hector pats down his pockets, trying to find something that might catch their eyes and lure them over so he can get a better look at them...

...but the pug, seeing potential playmates, ruins all of those plans by just waddling over and looking up from below the desk. He braces his front paws, one heavily scarred, on the desk so he can stand on hind legs, and yips at the two kittens to notice him. His little curly tail is wagging frantically.]

[fulgency]

[So focused is he on his notes and what he is reading that Ozymandias does not notice the small dog's approach. It is not until he hears the click of the pug's claws against his desk that he looks up, the excited yipping drawing both his attention and the sphinxes. Both celestial felines pause in their play to look about until one of them spots the dog. Both come to the edge of the table, but only one is brave enough to crane its head down to have a sniff at the air around the dog.]

...Where did you come from?

sphinx! sphinx! sphinx!!

[unholey]

[Fugo is on his way to the Coven. He's determined to make it this time. He's had enough of spending his days in the mansion, bored out of his mind and waiting for his stupid body to recover enough to get back to-- to whatever it is that he wants to do. Attend classes. Practice magic. Get back to some sort of normal in this stupid, shitty city.

But it's slow going. Although his sprained ankle is recovering well, Fugo finds his stamina to be poor; it's even more difficult with a bag of books and supplies. Which isn't impossible to plan around, just annoying. The real trouble is, as always, his own stupid, paranoid brain. The last time he tried to make the trip-- (Which he's made dozens of times before, without incident!)-- an imagined, invisible pressure slowly closes in on him, weighing heavy on his shoulders with each step he took that brought him closer to the Coven.]

[He's stewing in this cocktail of frustration and anxiety when he happens by Ozymandias' mansion, startled out of his thoughts by the loud bray of Ozymandias' triumphant laughter. He glances over the garden wall, shifting to better balance his weight on his stronger ankle, and startles at the sight of the sphinx. It's-- .... even in this world of monsters and magic, even living with a Chimera, it's almost beyond description. He stares, wide-eyed and genuinely amazed, at the sight of a creature from a distant, mythic past standing in front of him.]

You summoned that? [If he had any hopes of sneaking by (which, honestly, are pretty low given the long purple coat he's wearing) they are now completely dashed with that spontaneous statement.]

[fulgency]

[Both Pharaoh and sphinx turn their attention toward Fugo when he speaks. For Ozymandias, this is a simple turning of his head in the direction of Fugo's voice. His expression of pure, exuberant triumph is unwavering even with the temporary distraction from his sphinx. Said sphinx, on the other hand, raises more to its full height at the perceived intrusion, the tip of its tail flicking.]

You are witnessing the might of Pharaoh.

[Ozymandias places a hand on the divine beast's shoulder and it serves a twofold purpose. He is not actually bragging about his abilities in conjuration -- at least not so directly at the moment -- but indicating the sphinx itself. With an army of them in his own world, their mean existence and obedience to him is a point of pride for Ozymandias. It also serves to remove the tension from the sphinx's posture. Fugo does not need to be watched like that.]

Take pride in this! It is the first of its kind in this world.

[omnicrafter]

[Irhya stumbles upon the scene around the time Ozymandias manages the giant housecat. Her head tilts up to look at it just as it dissolves after being sent away; she frowns, stepping onto the grass and eying the materials he's got with him for the purpose. It's obviously a summoning, but if that wasn't what he was hoping for... then what?]

You mean you weren't aiming for a big adorable furball? Pity...

[fulgency]

What use would it serve?

[Because he does not see a cat of that size being of much help. If anything, it would be far more destructive to... Well, more or less the entire city if left to its own devices.]

[partnerinheels]

[The wind curls his scent (and that of not quite felines) to her before she even hears his voice, much less catches sight of the witch. Curiosity gets the better of her, and it's a mere flick of her now fur covered tail and her feet start carrying her towards the lawn of the library, just in time to witness the appearance of a house-sized house cat.

She's actually disappointed to see it disappear, and particularly enjoys watching the chaos it creates among the bystanders.

Instead of interrupting, she finds herself a comfortable seat on the lawn off to the side that's well within his line of sight, and watches until he's successful and cackling about it.

It's then that she starts a slow clap in his honor.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias pays no mind to Sheva whatsoever until she makes a sound. Although it's undeniable that Ozymandias has an outgoing nature, his focus is narrowed completely down to making this spell work. It's something that he has been working on a near-daily basis for several weeks. Months, really. He can't allow himself to be distracted by the appearance of a familiar face.]

[But she begins to clap and Ozymandias' head turns, none of his delight or triumph wavering for even a moment. If anything, it only grows with his smile. The large sphinx beside him also turns its attention, but not with ill-intent. Almost as though it recognizes that the ground it stands upon is not one it needs to defend inherently by virtue of its master.]

Sheva, excellent timing! You have the honor of witnessing the first of its kind to this world!

(closed - caren)

[fulgency]

Go sit and I'll be in momentarily.

[Ozymandias presses a kiss to the top of Caren's head before giving her a gentle nudge and walking away from her.]

[Despite the amount of food that Caren has gotten into the habit of bringing Ozymandias lately being something that would force even Caesar to start investing in storage containers, he still accepts her visits with said offerings all the same. They share a meal together, usually with a long conversation. Caren does so love her gossip and while Ozymandias would likely not admit to enjoying it much himself (dressing it up as merely important for Pharaoh to know what is going on among the commoners), Ozymandias does actually participate in such conversations with just as much gusto as she does.]

[Although lately, the conversations have dwindled a little. Caren seems to be keeping herself busy, but mostly keeping to herself. And so, it has fallen more and more on Ozymandias to generate the conversation. It's not something he particularly minds, but it's something he very easily notices.]

[It's usually at this juncture that they would say their goodbyes. Ozymandias would watch from his doorway until she disappeared inside her own home before retreating inside himself and thus begin the process of discerning where he can pass off the leftovers and what his sphinx cubs wouldn't mind devouring. But this time, he has invited Caren to stay longer than their usual meal for some hot chocolate before she heads back.]

[But while Ozymandias prepares two mugs, Caren is confronted with deciding where to sit around the coffee table. On one sofa there are three sphinx cubs. Two are nestled together on a neatly folded blanket while one, at the opposite end of the couch, has made one of the many pillows its domain. One of the armchairs is entirely unoccupied, but the other has another cub on the back in a perfect loaf.]

[showsnopiety]

All right.

[The kiss was enough to make her pause, even ensuring that she wouldn't walk away so easily. Then again, the offer to linger and have hot chocolate...that was something he didn't give very often. And the idea of enjoying some hot chocolate then rushing off to do something else...it was far more appealing then she wanted to admit.

Even if she knew she was being a terrible conversationalist lately, and not gossiping as much as usual. Which...does make her feel another stab of guilt, amongst many lately.

Ugh.

But after a few moments, she considered. But with the room needed for her wings...well, and there were two that were so cutely cuddled up, and while she could steal the pillows...

She went to the armchair with the cub loaf, curling up her paws, carefully tucking her wings and tail up and tight against her body. She had to sit sideways, but it was fine. She could observe all the sphinx children easily this way.

[fulgency]

[The sphinxes occupying at the couch stir very little with Caren's movement about the room, even as the armchair makes quiet noises as she got herself situated. The cub above her, however, appears to awaken at all of this. Untucking its feet, it stands and arches into a stretch so mighty that its little body shakes a bit until it relaxes. Sitting down, it peers at Caren for a moment until it decides to tentatively extend a paw to her. Almost as though making sure she can handle its weight, it steps onto her shoulder only to slink down onto her chest where it might resume its loafing.]

[In typical cat fashion, if this is a bother to her, it is quite unconcerned. It softly half-purrs regardless of whether or not she decides to pet it, letting its wings rest easily against its body. It may or may not be attempting sleep here.]

(closed - daenerys)

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias arrived at the farm the day before to fulfill his promise to Daenerys to be by her side in the days leading to and after the full moons. The lodges are far from ideal, but it's nothing that Ozymandias cannot manage or is wholly unfamiliar with. After all, it is not as though he could bring an entire palace with him when entering the battlefield for his various campaigns. And aside from that, he doesn't particularly disagree with some of the perceived freedom of the land. While he has no interest in tilling the earth alongside the refugees, he is willing to make himself useful enough to Edre with tending to her horses and hunting. (The elderly woman seems quite certain he is a Puca, but there's been very little to convince her otherwise. His golden eyes appear to be evidence enough.) While he would prefer to do the latter with the use of a chariot or one of his dogs, it's an enjoyable exercise and he's pleased to find he has not lost his touch. And it's provided him with the opportunity to gather bones to bring to Berserker during his next visit.]

[He has finished placing the last of the horses back in the barn for the evening when he spots Daenerys, practicing on her own. He's not surprised to see her at it even without her Queensguard. A combination of the moons likely providing her with excessive, restless energy, and her own drive to improve and reach independence would have her perhaps practicing at all hours if it wasn't for the occasional prompts from others to take a break.]

[Watching her for a few moments, he sees already that she's made some minor improvements. The blade sits somewhat awkwardly in her grip still, but there is growing confidence in her motions. Less hesitation as it is slowly worked into muscle memory. That is until she appears to nearly lose her grip and Ozymandias cannot stifle the laugh quickly enough not to draw attention to himself.]

I don't believe that is intended to be a projectile, Your Grace, but I appreciate your creativity.

[freeing]

[ The full moon was upon them and Daenerys had done her best to sate her desire to just... walk into the surrounding forest and disappear. The wilds call her, she can hear them whispering to her in the night and the freedom of the clear sky was all too tempting. Ozymandias arrives when she needed strength most.

They do not remain bound to the hip, there is still freedoms they both enjoy. There are still things asked of both of them by Edre. Of course, she obliges and Dany is pleased Ozymandias does as well.

Yet... there was time to herself after dragging a few bundles of clothes and straw towards one of the crops – where a scarecrow is falling apart. It takes a few minutes for her to grow courageous enough to pull her gifted dagger from the make-shift holder at her waist. Instead of simply cutting the old scarecrow down... she decides to straighten her stance and take a few swipes and stabs. Hay is set flying, but the figure still dangles on the pole.

The weight of it wasn't the problem – it was a gift and she treats it far too delicately. It fumbles between her fingers as she swings, trying to 'gut' the scarecrow with a side swipe the dagger nearly slices a damn finger off. She is quick to turn, almost fumbling with her boots into the dry soil below her. ]

And I believe it was not a show, ser! [ Defensive, she tucks away the blade and pats her hands. ] Nor was it much of a fight...

(closed - enkidu)

[fulgency]

[It was on the way over to the shop that Ozymandias explained his connection to the owner. Several months ago, there had been a series of fashion shows as part of one of the city's festivals. Circumstances required all the various talents to go looking for models off the street, which led to Ozymandias being selected. (For obvious reasons, he, of course, adds.) Although the tailor in question did not land first place, he came in an admirable second, which led to an increase in his business. Out of gratitude for the assistance, all of his models were gifted more or less with continued business with him. Some opted to learn the craft, working more directly under him while being allowed discounted rates and the occasional free piece. Others agreed to continue offering their services as models when asked while keeping a few pieces every now and again and promising to return for next year's show. It's likely easy to predict which Ozymandias selected.]

[But this connection was now to Enkidu's favor, or so Ozymandias assured them. Although the styles of the shop were not as avant-garde as what was produced for the catwalk, the styles were not quite so...drab and dull as many of the fashions around Aefenglom were. Thus, he thought it would be suitable for Enkidu, who might appreciate more color in their wardrobe than the average citizen of Aefenglom.]

[Ozymandias walks in first both because this is merely proper and to afford Enkidu the opportunity to have a little bit of a buffer while they take a look at the space. A young human woman hops off a stool she is standing on to place some merchandise on a higher shelf when they walk in. She greets Ozymandias and they exchange pleasant words until Ozymandias steps aside.]

This is Enkidu. I am entrusting them to you.

[Clasping her hands in front of her, she smiles at Enkidu. From the back, a turnskin and naga emerge to grab a few bolts of cloth from behind the counter and carry them back. There's the sound of a lively conversation going on back there, and one of them calls back to continue the conversation before they disappear back in.]

Ozymandias said you would enhance Mr. Turner's work, but I think his words failed to describe how pretty you are. It'll be a pleasure to work with you today, Enkidu. [She motions over towards a partitioned area of the store-front.] If you'll come with me over here, I'll be happy to take your measurements. Would either of you like something to drink?

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu has no idea what it entails to be a 'model' but they are thinking about something along the lines of a model human being. One that looks aesthetically pleasing and has a good personality. Well, Enkidu might be a lump of sentient clay, they do have eyes inside their head and it is easy to see that Ozymandias is a good looking person. Inside and outside.

In return Enkidu muses about the clothes they would wear and the importance of a warm coat and a nice shirt. They explain to him that they wanted to surprise Gil (as far as Gil could be surpised, of course). And then there is the matter of shoes and a nice bag.

For once they have forgotten about those missing fingers and the bruises scattered over their body. Or the awful things that have been said and done. The way their platonic friends had suffered.

The moment they step in all they can do is look around. It smells like fabric and for some reason this place strikes them as cozy.]

Ah thank you. [Enkidu looks back at Ozymandias, not entirely knowing how to respond when the snake woman calls them pretty. Are they pretty? Maybe they should tell her that this face isn't their face but that of another. But on the other hand, does that really matter when it comes to fitting clothes, right?] Also thank you about the remark about my face. It feels good to feel more human like this.

[Eventually they ask them to stand onto a wooden stool and apparently they want to know how tall their limbs are.]

Hmm...that is true...I have one single size now.

(closed - fang)

[fulgency]

[What likely announces Ozymandias' return more than the sound of the gate outside opening is how each and every sphinx appears to suddenly perk up. Regardless of whatever they were up to, they all abruptly stop and perk up. It's almost quiet enough that one could hear a pin drop and then there is the familiar creak of the gate and everyone seems to come back alive as each kitten goes racing off to greet Ozymandias at the door. One would think he had been gone for several days rather than the handful of hours he spent at Parliament.]

[The front door opens, and Ozymandias huffs a laugh as the kittens begin making immediate bids for his attention. He bends down, petting at a few of them.]

Alright, alright. Let me inside, you're letting all the heat out.

[He scoops one up to make space for himself to step inside. The front door seemingly closes behind him on its own, but in reality, there is something unseen there. Without any actual servants to care for an estate this large, Ozymandias makes use of a few conjurations to tend to a few smaller tasks about the house. Closing the door and hanging up jackets is one such responsibility of an unseen conjuration, only active when it is needed or Ozymandias wills it to be. Holding the sphinx cub in one hand, Ozymandias begins unbuttoning his jacket. The kitten puts its paws on his shoulder and he presses a kiss to its face before looking over at Fang.]

How were they?

[belligerentwarrior]

[Honestly, this man and his cats. And he accused other people of spoiling them.]

[The Turnskin in question is laid out bonelessly on the couch, a thin stack of butcher's paper on the floor beside her, and one crumple ball of paper in her hand—and bits of shredded brown paper everywhere on the floor. The furniture, at least, is unbothered.]

[Fang chuckles a little listlessly. She's regained range of motion with her hands in the last two weeks, if no grip strength, but it's progress. Clean bandages still protectively swaddle her silver burns, but as a whole, she looked significantly healthier, aside from the faint shadow forming around her eyes.]

Fickle little things, those critters; less of a hassle than the last lot. Two of 'em sat on me almost the whole time once they figured out I run warmer than everyone else. [One corner of her mouth crooks of further.] And they really like the sound of rattlin' paper.

[She gave the new paper ball a little toss towards the cat tree, though she wasn't sure how many of them it would draw now that their master was back.]

(closed - waver)

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias huffs slightly before tossing his hand lightly back into the space between them. But despite the huff, he is not actually that much of a sore loser and he is actually smiling. Up until now, he had been mopping the floor with Waver, winning hand after hand unrelentingly. He refused to go easy on him, of course. Waver would have likely been insulted if he discovered that Ozymandias was willing to let him win and Ozymandias would have grown bored of the game quickly.]

[He sits back against his pillows, drawing one of his knees up to rest an elbow as his other hand scoops up his glass of wine. He made more or less a small nest of pillows and blankets on the floor in front of the fireplace. It's a cozy little spot for games, snacks, and drinks, although this time he did not foist alcohol upon Waver.]

I've taught you too well.

[Which is to say, Ozymandias explained the rules and left it at that. Anything Waver learned was by doing, and that's why despite suffering quite a crushing defeat this hand, Ozymandias is smiling and quite pleased. It hadn't been long before Waver started keeping pace with him, holding his own for longer until finally, he started snatching a few victories from him. Now, it's genuinely anyone's game with each hand. Ozymandias begins to raise his glass to his lips, but pauses.]

Mm, no, that's not quite right. You're too quick a student. And far too foolish for your own good in not allowing Pharaoh to win every time.

[He does not mean that last item at all, if his grin while he takes a sip of wine is any indication. Just as he would grow bored if he went too easy on Waver, he would be bored and irritated if Waver was not making a sincere effort to win.]

Deal again. I think I have one more game left in me.

[tryhard]

[ Luckily, Waver isn't the type to get discouraged or bored after losing a couple of times; it only pushes him into being even more determined to get better and win. As long as the game is fair and he feels like he has a real shot, he's enthusiastic to keep going until he can at least win one round.

And when he finally does, he's not above gloating about it. Even if it's not so effective when he's only won a single round out of several. ]

Ha! [ Waver puffs up triumphantly, grinning as he gathers up the cards to shuffle again. ] If me being 'too good' is the best insult you can come up with, I'll gladly take it as a compliment. Besides, I wouldn't even let Iskandar win without actually working for it, so by that logic, I have absolutely no intention of handing you another victory just like that.

If I beat you again, are you just gonna keep saying 'one more game' until you manage a win?

[ He teases, even as he starts to deal again.

It's just some local game Waver suspects Ozymandias only 'really wanted to teach him' because he'd been so directionless while stuck in the infirmary, but he does appreciate it. And now that they've gotten a proper chance to play, it's enjoyable. The game itself is enjoyable, but more than that... it helps to feel like he's settling back into his normal life, and he has friends who can help him get there. After everything terrible that happened, it's a relief. He'd been hesitant at first, when his initial instinct had been to bury himself in work as a distraction; the injuries are healed, the limp is gone, but some scars remain, hidden by long sleeves and a perpetually present scarf. The scars that can't be seen physically are even harder to heal.

But he's secretly grateful to Ozymandias for insisting he come over today. Just as he's grateful Ozymandias was always ready to greet him with a smile when he was still recovering. It's the sort of personality Waver is drawn to -- forceful but fair, sunny and personable and annoyingly eager to push past the guards he wants to put up. He can't let himself keep dwelling on the pain. ]

fuck it, date time

[beariot]

[ Nurse Mio had told her it was important to get up and move about as much as she could as soon as she was well enough to do so. Her body would only weaken further if she remained in bed too long, and Chariot could only agree with whole heart. Thankfully, she had plenty of reasons to do so. Between overseeing the repairs of the school, assuring the volunteer faculty was still running smoothly without her, and, well, the romantic nature of the season, she had plenty of reasons to be out and about. The cane she'd crafted for herself, red jewels adorning it in the pattern of the Northern Dipper, made it quite a bit easier, too.

But most of all, it was getting to spend some time with those dearest to her that mattered. The poison in her blood, the wreckage of her right foot, seemed paltry compared to the scars on her soul, and nothing soothed them quite as well as the proximity of those she loved. Akko and Diana arriving was... a mixed thing, to be sure, but having them near, having Monika as her house nurse, and Fang and Kaede and Ramesses, all of it... That was good medicine.

Which brought her to where she was that evening, her good arm tucked in with Ramesses, strolling about in the chilly air, just as the sun was setting, her cane lightly tapping out in pattern with their footsteps. Just... walking. Being with him. Enjoying his warmth.

Good medicine. ]

The school will be back to its original state, maybe even a little better, with just a couple more weeks work.

fuck yeah, date time

[fulgency]

And who will be happier about that? You or the children?

[Despite his teasing though, he is glad that Chariot has that to look forward to. And the children, too, for that matter. Although he did not exactly take them entirely underwing during the early stages of her recovery, he still made the effort to check on them occasionally. Ramesses did it partially for Chariot's sake, to be able to more honestly reassure her that they were well, but he also did it simply because it was the right thing t do. They couldn't really fathom what happened, only that it did and that it was something they found terrifying. But slowly, things are returning to what was once normal. A return to regular schooling will certainly go a long way to alleviating whatever lingering anxieties they might have.]

[And it will do Chariot some good, too, he thinks. She's had plenty of distractions to occupy her time as she's made her slow yet consistent physical gains. But the very fact that she even thought to put together the school in the first place is evidence of just how much teaching is simply ingrained within her.]

Or perhaps I will be with that marking the end of my days as a courier.

[While Ramesses has not made the children his prime priority. the time he does spend with them, he always has at least a small bundle of letters or drawings or rocks or sticks or whatever else the children might find or make for her. Which he has quite dutifully passed along as requested, and in truth has not minded doing so at all despite his words.]