middaeg | [Open] February Catch-All

Entry tags:

[Open] February Catch-All | Pegasus Moon

Who: Lorenz Hellman Gloucester + Open (with potential closed starters as needed)
When: Full Moon and after
Where: Throughout Aefenglom
What: Lorenz finds himself facing the consequences of not having his priorities straight.
Warnings: Possible body horror. Will update as needed.

A

[It was a miscalculation.

That was what he would tell himself later, after the dust had settled. It was a miscalculation of a variety of factors that he had neither predicted nor given the appropriate weight in his planning. The first was finding others from his land with yet a different set of memories than the ones he had already encountered, and navigating the particular frustration of not being able to determine who among them was friend or foe. The second, Lapis Lazuli. The ferocity of the rage that boiled within her was far more intense than he had realized, and it was a disruption in the plans he was trying to pursue with her. As much as he wanted to trust her as an equal, for the moment that was impossible. The third...

Marianne.

In an ideal setting, they would have been of similar age and had met with the same trials. She would have faced the darkness inside her heart and made peace with it, and they could have moved forward. But she had arrived in this realm as she was five years prior-- seemingly fragile, certainly untempered, and as liable to shy away as she was to explode in her fear. That alone would have been enough to still Lorenz's own plans, but then she had been taken. Taken, and forced to endure an untold number of disrespects that she was still reluctant to speak of. She, among all of those in this realm from Fodlan, had faced the most trauma in Aefenglom.

And yet, she was the least able to accept the final verdict delivered by the judge.

Knowing all of this in his heart, Lorenz was faced with a singular certainty that she needed his protection. But, that certainty was coupled with the fact that he felt he could not interfere.

He itched to write something-- a poem. Anything. 'Amid time’s flow I mourn bonds I’m not sure I can ever rend...' It left an unsettled feeling in his fingers that crept up his arms and firmly clenched his swiftly beating heart in it's fist, binding him to it's will.

At least he had the foresight to lock the bedroom door. Stocked in his personal quarters were sundry items that he suspected he would need until dawn--

But, it wasn't enough.

The wave of pain that met his body as he caught a glimpse of the full moon slowly dawning over the horizon had him biting his tongue in shock. Hands clenched tightly upon the rails of his bed in a white knucked bid for support as his knees buckled beneath him, changing configuration into something wholly unfamiliar. His ears burned, his vision blurred--

Amid the disjointed thoughts that rolled in a tangle in his mind was one recurring thread: Marianne. He couldn't let Marianne see him like this.

He knew he shouldn't be alone. Yet, unbonded as he was, he had no choice.

Finding his footing, Lorenz took the only course he could think of: Flee. Throwing the window to his bedroom wide open, Lorenz leapt for the freedom of the night. The late winter chill of the wind helped him have a grip on his intention, kept his awareness sharp.

Thus, with an inhuman stillness he crept through the shadows of the city, intent on making it to his destination unimpeded: The Harbor.

The salty air at the docks, the frigid bite of the sea, would surely help.]

B

[It was a miscalculation, yet here he was.

Lorenz sat on the edge of the dock, wrapped in a blanket he had procured from parts unknown while his unfamiliar feet dangled in the empty space wrought by low tide. His silken hair hung in his face and clung to the ears that now twitched in the cold breeze, tangled with muck and dirt that Lorenz was too hesitant to attempt to define. Uncomfortable and exhausted, Lorenz squinted out over the crisp horizon while he attempted to ignore the hollow feeling in his chest and the distinct knowledge that he was certain his flight from Haven had not been as clean as he had wished.

People had seen him. They had to. If they hadn't, they surely would in the near future.

Huffing irritably, Lorenz idly picked at the delicate swatches of velvet that were now hanging from his antlers.]

This must make quite a sight,

[He mused darkly, bitterly. After spending so much time keeping his appearances in a perfectly coiffed illusion of grandeur, Lorenz knew there was no coming back from this.]

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Fauns have plant magic.

[ A little aside, and reminder, that Judar was able to boost-start their garden efforts. In fact, it was almost recommended, as it eased some of their instincts to be connected to nature in some ways. Which meant less fauns running out into forests, where it was more dangerous and risky.

But man, Lorenz really was one of those people who grew up in a stricter noble life. Lord Iskander... Maybe it was just because of his position and the people he grew up around people, but Judar never felt the need to put that much regard into positions. Well, those positions. ]

It'd be weird for something like that to be just 'a legend,' so there's probably something true about it all...

[He'd always forego formality whenever he could but if Lorenz wants to be polite by calling him lord, Iskandar is not going to scold him for it. For some people a certain level of formality is more reassuring that the complete lack of it.]

Way out? [The question surprises him.] There was no way out. That was the point. Dedalus laboured long and hard to make it so. To keep the one that resided there inside.

[He didn't say the monster even if it was on the tip of his tongue. This word has a different meaning here. King Minos', or rather Queen Pasifae's son, was a formidable beast but in no way coherent, or even human, enough to be called a monster here.]

You will have to tell me more about that plant magic. [Iskandar pauses. That is incredibly useful information.] I may need to enlist your help with a certain project. [He breaks midthought as they finally arrive at the end of their journey.]

Aha! There it is! Our destination. It may not look like much but it is a very friendly place.

[For him, at least.]

[The concept of anyone being imprisoned within a maze was a surprising one for Lorenz-- but, one that was fairly clever once he thought on it. After all, what better way to construct a prison than to have it so it required hardly any maintenance at all.

He was about to speak when Iskandar announced their arrival. Looking up at the ediface and the signage from the back of the horse, Lorenz found himself smiling at the familiarity. One bar was as like any other in many ways.

But, this one looked like it had a certain kind of charm.]

...I don't believe I've ventured inside this one, sir.

[He said, still falling onto the comfortable formality. It would be lost with time-- but, for the moment, remembering his manners helped him be mindful of a great many other things.

Color me intrigued. These places that seem so modest are often the best.

Never been to the Sly Seadog? Huh.

[ Judar had visited very soon after arriving, getting whatever drinks he could, and trying to deal with the fact that he was nothing like he was, in so many different ways, without realizing what that 'was' had been. Since then, while the visits weren't frequent, they were fun and enough to be familiar with the charm of the place.

He'd gotten to know most of the bars, pubs and taverns in this place very quickly. It seemed to be a bit of a faun thing, so he'd almost expected something similar to be the case for Lor. ]

It boasts in the ways that matter, 'specially for them. Even if they've learned to put a drinking contest ban on fauns.

[ The fact that he acknowledged it was something that the establishment learned should successfully imply that it was the right decision, and Judar knew it. Fauns do have an unfair advantage and intolerance, which would just deplete their stores if it was two fauns against one another. ]

Well, it is a bit off the beaten path but I have a fondness for it. It is definitely the best source of the current news on matters that interest me most. All the mariners come to drink here and no small number of Wilders.

[Iskandar is less surprised than Judar by Lorentz unfamiliarity with the place. He personally likes it. It's cosy if a bit rowdy. Yet he's aware of the establishment's reputation. What he wasn't aware of though is that the faun ban is real.]

They really did?! It can't be! I heard rumours but I dismissed them as pure conjecture. I thought it can't possibly be true.

[The craziest and fiercest part of any competition like that is not the drinking but the betting! And for drinking contests, fauns are competitors hardest to predict. Hence making the gamble most fun. The owners of the establishment no doubt took their cut of all the bets.

Iskandar whistles.]

I can only imagine what must have happened to force them into such a decision!

Probably too many fauns drinking and not enough coin to pay the tab, most likely.

[With as many fauns as there were in town, Lorenz could only imagine the pain some of the barkeeps had in keeping their coffers well stocked and the taps flowing. Lorenz nodded knowingly as he spoke-- years of watching merchants transport wine across his homelands had taught him quite a bit about how matters like these worked.]

....but if you want a good, old fashioned drinking contest, there are plenty of other ways to make that happen.

Rumor's that the regulars threatened to go to some other tavern if the owners kept giving all their stock to 'no-good fauns.' Between that and driving people into debt with you and the tab...

[ It's easy to see the multiple ways that this could've ended up happening. If just the mirrorbound fauns alone decided to crash a tavern for a while, to see how far they could go, it'd leave the place dry until more stock had come in again. Judar might've done the latter, which got him the drinking contest ban. ]

But as bambi's demonstrating already, sometimes fauns just can't help but toy with rules for a good time.

That sounds plausible. Well, good then we're not here for any contest.

[They are already drawing curious looks but Iskandar seems not to notice or care that there are people openly staring at their small party. He pats Bucephalus on the head signaling her to kneel, so Lorentz can, with his help, get down.]

Maybe some other time. [He grins.] Usually, I won't say no to a competition but I have plans for later today. [Plans that actually require him to stay sober. How horrible...]

[While he didn't appreciate the not-so-thinly veiled looks they got from the other patrons bustling about the Bar, Lorenz gladly accepted Iskandar's assistance in dismounting from Bucephalus and finding his footing. He was comfortable enough with horsemanship-- but, as yet very uncomfortable on his feet.]

We'll need to take you up on that when there isn't a full moon, [Lorenz said, looking up at the man.] Unless you truly wish to deal with a pair of moonsick fauns trying to fully enjoy the effects of the drinks.

[ Judar might've tried to help, or offered a crutch... Maybe. Except the crutches are still new enough that he was dependent on them. The faun was just very good at making things seem like they're going better and smoother than they really were. He'll just have to watch Iskandar's strong, helpful self.

Really, they were probably getting the extra looks because it was more than one faun in the group. That, or because the three of them were eye catching in their own ways. Such a comment gets a curious hum, just barely bumping against the big guy. ]

I dunno... You've got quite some unique wishes, don't you big guy?

[Iskandar chuckles. He doesn't doubt Lorentz's riding skills. He saw the man hold himself on Bucephalus with almost no effort. It's his legs that he doesn't trust.]

Ha! As if I could not handle the two of you!

[Not that he would mind. Quite the contrary. It could be rather interesting.]

Careful, I may yet treat that as a challenge.

[Iskandar catches Judar as he bumps into him, arm around faun's waist staying in place a couple of seconds too long for it not to be intentional. He flashes a grin. There's already one faun he likes a lot.]

As a matter of fact, I do but I have to disappoint you. Right now they are fairly mundane. I wish for a good place to sit and something to drink. Excellent company I already have.

[He leads them all inside, scanning the place for a free table they can sit at.]

Hmm... it seems you're about to attain both of your wishes, then.

[Lorenz said with a smile, carefully watching his feet and his antlers in relation to the rest of the bar while they picked their way inside. He kept quiet about the lingering touches he saw between the other two men-- and about the brief spike in jealousy in his heart that he felt at being tertiary to such things. A part of him longed for the simple gifts of friendship and touch-- but even under the full moons he knew it wasn't wise to try.

He wasn't good at friends, after all.]

I do hope we don't disappoint. Surely a man such as yourself can have anyone for company on any night.

[ Yeah, message received on the waist, quite clear indeed. Meanwhile said faun was gun-shy enough about some aspects of where they'd probably want to bring such a fondness. Luckily, he's got a lovely and convenient distraction. Such phrasing though... It seemed like something was just underneath all of that. ]

Yeah, that's right. If I didn't know you big guy, I'd think you had eyes bigger than your stomach.

[ Such an appetite for attractive people. And just for that, Lorenz, Judar's going to make sure you're right in the middle when they sit down. Get ready for a game of footsy that's just all leg, as Judar avoids adding his hooves to those kinds of things. ]

We've got the drink and company for one another, so the last part would be... Stories, hm?

[ Should they just shine the spotlight on the one they knew the least about? ]

[The table is found quite fast even if Iskandar's company gets more of the looks ranging from simply curious to what the hell are you doing here kind. Some rather jealous too. Though it's difficult to tell who the jealous types envy more. Iskandar replies only after he had both of his companions to sit. He has already claimed the right to go and order drinks for them all. Both of the fauns shouldn't walk too much.]

I can't complain on my luck in that department.

[While it might look like it, what he says should never be mistaken for modesty. If anything it's more a compliment to the current company. And Judar being completely on point. Iskandar can't be blamed that he prefers the company of beautiful people. It's one of the pleasures of life. It would be waste not to seize it.]

How fortunate then that you do know me.

[He grins at that last part. Judar's is right with this one too. Iskandar's appetite for stories rivals that for attractive people. That's the main reason he goes to Sly Seadog and not anywhere else.]

Well, naturally!

Hmm... what kind of stories are you interested in?

[He could tell a few. A good few of assorted varieties, but he needed to know who is audience was and what they were interested in. Like anyone with a flair for writing, he liked to meet the needs of those who would be listening.]

[ Iskandar is rather good at being mindful of things like delicate and potentially aching legs. The actual company is enough to distract Judar from doing anything to spite any particular looks in their direction, much less pay them any mind at all. ]

Mm... I'm generally more for action, but anything that really shows off how your world works should do it. I figure there's always some kind of war going on with any world, but how it's done, what's going on around the wars... Things like that.

[ That's... A pretty broad stroke there, Judar. ]

I'd go with Homer's example and will like to hear about your people's food.

[The first thing any honest Greek would like to know about foreigners was: Are the bread-eaters? Iskandar was not so strict to consider men who knew nothing of the bread beasts, as some of his countrymen did. He's seen enough of the world to know that's a quite preposterous assumption. Still, if his conquest had made any impact on him in that matter, they made him more receptive to novel cuisines, not less.]

I'll take my leave for a moment, gentlemen, so you can decide on the topic of your choice and I'll get us something to drink along with the tales.

[Having said that he leaves to speak with the bartender. This is a busy place. Good luck with anyone taking interest in them if they'll just sit and wait at their table.]

[Lorenz chuckled as the towering man waded through the crowd, understanding that sentiment entirely. He didn't need to understand who Homer was or anything about Greek culture to understand how to treat strangers. Although Fodlan was itself cloistered from the outside, the Liecester Alliance where he made his home had trade connections to the continents beyond the mountains and the sea. Spices, teas, and wines came from beyond-- along with strangers that the local citizens regarded with as much interest as they did suspicion.]

I've heard it said that it's impossible to understand anyone until you dine with them. There's also a certain sense of comfort and relaxation during mealtime... wouldn't you agree, Judar?

[ That's the great thing about Iskandar's size- he's always easy to spot, and there's always something amusing about how he can tower over others; easily matching or surpassing various dragons' height. ]

Mm... I guess. Things were always busy, so no one really dined with others back in my country. There were always plans or other official work to go over, so the others couldn't be interrupted. So, aside from some attendants, I ate alone.

[ Which, he was learning, was considered pretty unusual. Judar knew how to socialize, of course, but for more official capacities than being able to 'relax during mealtime.' ]

So, I don't know about comfort or relaxation, but it's definitely more enjoyable with people.

[Iskandar returns carrying three huge tankards filled to the brim with beer. It seems that when it comes to alcohol, he can exhibit almost supernatural agility, as he didn't spill any on his way through the crowded space.
Wine would be more preferable but in its absence, he just made sure they won't go thirsty too soon.]

So! Have you decided on a topic?

[Pardon Lorenz. The Faun is going to stare dumbfounded for a moment at how any one man can carry so much at one time. A single tankard required work, but three?

--Then, he laughed.]

Not quite yet, sir. We were talking about how much we enjoyed sharing drinks with others.

[ Big hands help. Judar's less taken aback, if only because he's more familiar with how varied Iskandar's skills have been, and what he can do with his hands. ]

Well, in a loose way, we've stayed on the topic of food. So it'll make sense to start there, right?

[ Meals and drinks. Close enough, right? Plus, Judar seems to be the type that likes to indulge in the people he likes being around. ]

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[Open] February Catch-All | Pegasus Moon

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