middaeg | (open | february log)

Entry tags:

(open | february log)

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

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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.]

[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!))

Edited 2020-02-09 06:01 (UTC)

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.]

[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.

[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?

[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?

[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.

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?

[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.]

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.

[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.]

[ 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...

[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.]

[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?

Well, I've met plenty of Heroic Spirits in all sorts of places, so that would be my first guess. But, on the other hand, you might have just been a really passionate Percy Shelley fan, too. I met a talking werewolf skeleton at another speed-dating party; I've been bracing myself for odd surprises on the daily, since I got here.

[It would certainly have been a very unique icebreaker from a very unique man, if so.]

You do have a certain way about you, though, it's true.

[She doesn't want to put the phrase to it, but it's a very... Gilgamesh sort of feeling. Ancient and poised and dangerous at his leisure, like a well-fed wildcat in the shade.]

[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.]

[Ozymandias cannot help but chuckle again as he approaches. Rather than sound amused this time though, he sounds a bit charmed. It is so rare a sight to see her this flustered -- he doesn't believe he has seen it since she was painting red doors -- and so it seems difficult not to take some enjoyment from witnessing it once more.]

I should say not. Your opponent was unharmed, [he says, walking past her to the scarecrow to have a look at it.]

[Despite her fumble there at the end, it would seem she managed to do quite a bit of damage to the thing. He reaches out a hand to lift one of the newly created flaps of its clothing, as though inspecting just how deep she managed to pierce. And though not a perfect estimation, the hay is somewhat telling where stalks were broken, bent, or pushed aside. Her uncertainty shows in the inconsistency and what could only be described as scatteredness in her strikes, but she was landing fierce blows all the same.]

[He lets go of the shirt, turning and coming to stand beside the ruined scarecrow.]

Show, fight, whatever it was though, I would say you've left it unfinished. [He nods his head slightly in the direction of the scarecrow.] He still stands.

[Ozymandias knows that his laughing was likely what caused her to put away the gifted blade rather than her mistake at the end on its own, but he would not have her stop partway like this. If she is to commit herself to learning to defend herself, she ought to see it through to the end each time she practices.]

[She won't live long otherwise.]

[He holds out his hand for her dagger.]

May I?

[It is by now the worst kept secret that Ozymandias is the biggest culprit of spoiling his sphinxes. Everyone knows it. Nobody talks about it.]

[The sound of the paper hitting the tree and bouncing a bit before landing on the floor actually captures the attention of more than a few. Even the one in Ozymandias' arms turns its head towards the sound. But not all break away, one taking the lead with a couple following after it to go investigate (and subsequently destroy the offending) paper ball.]

[Ozymandias chuckles as he shrugs his jacket off, shifting the kitten in his arms around as needed. He passes it off to the unseen servant followed shortly by his scarf and gloves.]

It sounds you were kept quite entertained then.

[Or at the very least, kept in one spot once two of the kittens staked their claim on her. The cub in his arms wriggles and makes a leap for the floor, flapping its wings a little. It's difficult to say how much of that was a jump, glide, or genuine flight, but it bounces off after the others who are currently in the process of defeating the paper ball that's encroached upon their cat tree.]

[Ozymandias toes off his boots before stepping further inside.]

[Cesar sniffs up at the person and the kittens, then drops back to all fours and spins in a circle, urging them to come play.

Hector sighs, then steps out from the shelves. So much for observing from afar.]

He's mine. Your pets are more interesting than my studies, it seems.

[He walks over and kneels to grab Cesar before he makes any more noise in the library.]

[The sphinxes are lovely, and she was used to them by now. And they were used to her, more or less. It was hard to be certain.

But hey, comfortable enough to come down and after a tap, kitty went down, and she was its new seat.

With a gentle huff, she started petting the little sphinx, over its back, over and over, gently missing the wings. Whether she can drink her hot chocolate....well, she'd give it a try.]

[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.]

[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...

[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.

[ Perhaps Ozy just keeps finding her when she's more girl than Queen!!!

Daenerys keeps the grasp tight on the dagger now, watching as he comes closer. Her target, had he been alive, would surely still be living but... very uncomfortable! That's a step in the right direction. Daenerys scrunches his nose as he inspects the scarecrow, as if she expects massive critique. She's so self critical of herself, it's clear many men had been as well. However, she tilts her head up and speaks with confidence. ]

He stands until I deem it crucial to bring him down.

[ Right?! Right.

And, she carefully hands the dagger off to him. ]

What do you plan?

Edited 2020-02-11 02:03 (UTC)

[It amazes her that the cubs haven't yet tired of the paper ball. But whatever, it's keeping the little things busy. She reaches over the edge of the couch to grab another sheet; crumpling the paper proved to be a decent exercise for her hands, too.]

Entertained enough. That's what you were goin' for, isn't it?

[She waits a few more beats to ensure the first ball had met its demise, then chucked the new one in the opposite direction of the cat tree.]

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(open | february log)

open | felicitous fancies quest

open | (triumphant cackling)

(closed - caren)

(closed - daenerys)

(closed - enkidu)

(closed - fang)

(closed - waver)

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The siren call of kittens

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sphinx! sphinx! sphinx!!

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