isleofavalon | sixth shot ⊗ open september log

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sixth shot ⊗ open september log

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: various quests
🕒 WHEN: throughout September
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: none except for any potential violence that might happen in the combat oriented prompts

⊗ a: task - shear determination

[Shearing sheep...that takes him back and although it's been a while he heads over. Even if he can't, he can at least use his magic to try and help keep them calm. So for shearers, Eustace can assist some of the nervous sheep, quietly speaking to them and stroking their heads to keep them calm. And he'll also give some advice.]

You need to get all the way down to the skin and be quick about it, so don't hesitate. Be firm or it'll just come out jagged and you'll have to do it over. The faster you are the, less time they'll be like this and remain stressed.

And watch its right side—seems like it's more sensitive there. Could be a skin irritation, but we can treat it after it's been sheared.

[He'll call out any other such problematic spots a sheep might have. Sensitive leg, ticklish belly, don't be too rough, don't be too gentle—being able to hear and understand the sheep certainly has its benefits.]

⊗ b: task - cult classic

[If it's not one set of idiots it's another...

Having recovered from his injuries from last month, Eustace will take this as a prime opportunity to "warm up" and get back into it. Although there had been no deaths, it's clear the guy is being too reckless. Except with him sticking to the rooftops in the late evenings and around the places the incidents have occurred, it wouldn't be too unusual for him to be momentarily be mistaken. Especially when he's always wearing his own cloak.]

⊗ c: tdm - the fighting badass

[Zombies and undead... Well he's used to fighting them, but carrying back their remains? Not the most pleasant thing, but a job's a job and it's something he can do. He needs the exercise, anyway.

1. Combat. Although he'll plan on going solo, he won't helping anyone who is also dealing with the zombies. And wouldn't you know, lightning is fairly effective against them. Not wanting to push himself too, he's setting himself on a high point and sniping down the zombies, shooting lightning down immobilize and down them. Should he have someone that's more close combat, he'll be careful with his shots and let them finish it off.

2. Night watch. For the journey back, Eustace will be definitely guarded and alert on the captured remains. If camping out with someone, he'll secure the bags or boxes used to hold them and eye them warily.]

It would be better if there was some kind of sealing magic... Go ahead and sleep, I'll keep watch.

⊗ d: wildcard

[Considered the Take to the Skiesish prompts but he'd need some convincing to drink the vials. Should anyone want to take that up, I'll be game for any of the other prompts (flying, catching stars, giant bats). If interested in anything else not included here, just hit me up on

laenavesse or discord and we can work something out!]

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[That earns him a look of ire from her, and where she might have teased him and reminded him about their "date" under any other circumstance, she instead snaps with a sharp voice, annoyed by the insinuation that she couldn't. Tifa isn't even sure why she's so bothered by it, but—]

I ran a bar. I think I can look like I fit in.

[Her glass is set on the table, and she looks over her shoulder. There are guards wandering around the room, watching as if they're looking for something specific.]

You could distract them if you want, while I get into character.

[There are also women walking around in costume, or lack thereof—bunny costumes, cat costumes, and every animal in between, with ears on their heads to boot. They haul around trays of drinks all night to customers, and that's where she sets her gaze.]

[Surely she has some kind of hobbies now...! Not that Eustace's list was much better. If she had specified back home it would have been basically nothing.

But her story is not what he expected. He has assumed owning a bar was something she actually aspired to, not something that she chose to help someone else. So there's a small look of surprise as he watches her.]

Everything else?

A bar and a strip club are two very different things. Particularly ones that have no issue kidnapping others.

[He only matches her look with a hard one of his own. It's not as if he's trying to belittle her skills, but he has some valid concerns. Especially considering the lengths these people have already shown in taking a squad of knights to be part of their group.

And when his gaze follows hers and he sees the unsurprising behavior of a few patrons towards the girls...that annoyed, unsettling feeling returns. Again, he knows Tifa could just punch them if they crossed too far, and really that should be more than enough for him to not care.

But in the end, he still finds himself not liking it for whatever reason. Maybe it's because she's a friend?

—Ah, yes, that's it. Unlike if this were Ilsa, Beatrix, or Zeta, women he knows and has more confidence in them doing their part, Tifa is...different. It's a little more...

...Personal...?

...

Whatever, not the time. He's still not bothering to hide his displeasure about this whole thing, even if a part of him knows he shouldn't be treating her any differently and that he should trust she can do it.]

But fine, if this is what you want to do, do it. [He then takes his drink and downs it all in one go before slamming it down on the table. He does notice the taste somehow stronger than before, but he just ignores it and stands.] I'll get their attention.

[When did he start letting his emotions get in his way, dammit— Let's just get this over with.]

[He stays very still during the sheep's reaction, just focusing on keeping the magic present at a steady but non-threatening level, and on not flinching when the sheep startles again briefly. It's fine. Everything's fine.

But then the sheep... doesn't quite relax but allows it? And Lyon is given the go-ahead. So he gives a small nod.]

O-Okay.

[He approaches the sheep - no sudden movements, nothing too quick, but calmly, gently - and kneels down to get a better view of the sore area.]

This is to help you feel better. I hope that's okay.

[And then - no sudden movements - he brings his hand and the glowing purple energy up close to the sheep's side. He tries not to quite touch it, instead letting the energy radiate from his hand, but he focuses on getting it to settle in the sore area and help soothe it.]

[The sheep flinches and there's a ghost of smoke around its mouth... But as it feels the healing magic working, it slowly, slowly opens its eyes to watch.

There's a very cautious bleat and soon it feels the soreness fading away. At that it wags its nub of a tail a bit.]

Looks like it worked. Keep this up and there shouldn't be any further problems.

[ Catching her breath a moment, she checks over herself. She doesn't feel anything, but better safe than sorry. ]

Yeah, I think I'm - ah!

[ While she was untouched, it turns out the fire had caught some of the wool she'd already sheared. ]

[Tifa's grin spreads and there's a gleam in her eyes again.]

Next time we get the chance, remind me to make you a drink.

[Everything else had been all the skills she learned after that. She could cook and clean, ever since she was a girl, but the women of Nibelheim didn't teach the teenager how to mix drinks!]

I wasn't a bartender right from the get-go, you know. Everyone's gotta start somewhere.

Edited 2021-09-26 18:29 (UTC)

[Don't trip up while doing all those mental gymnastics, Eustace!

Tifa does the same, throwing back the entirety of her drink, but it takes her a moment to compose herself again. It's so sweet, but also very bitter, and sour at the same time, and it makes her face scrunch. Whoever is mixing these drinks could learn a thing or two about making them—it doesn't have to involve throwing in every single thing they've got behind the bar to make a cocktail... holy Shiva's tits.

Tifa rises from the booth and leans over the table, taking a look around. There's a woman in a cat costume who's wandering around near the other end of the room, at the back where there are less patrons. She looks bored and like she doesn't want to be there—the perfect target for her.]

I'll go grab all that off her. [Tifa gestures to the woman with a nod.] After that, you get the guards' attention and I'll see if I can find the back entrance. Got it?

[It's probably for the best. She may or may not realize it, but she's planning this out so that she and Eustace spend as little time near each other as possible, so this works out perfectly...]

So that's what you mean. [A thoughtful look as he regards her for a moment.] As long as it's not something as ludicrous like the last drink we had.

[ie, that giant ass margarita. He still hasn't been able to look at them the same since...]

You said you started there when you were eighteen... What were you doing before then? Did you have any different plans?

[A cat costume....... So not sexy. But whatever, right now Eustace doesn't notice the deliberate intention in keeping them apart as it currently is inevitable and even better if they keep their distance. Lord knows Eustace could use time to ~~vent~~ let his head cool.]

Just don't take too long.

[He doesn't even look back at her before he starts walking into the crowds, disappearing into it like a shadow. Perhaps it's due to the other non-humans mixed in, but he can actually blend in fairly well. However, although she might not be able to see him, he'll be keeping an eye on her as he slowly makes his way to his targeted destination.]

[Tifa shifts awkwardly in her chair, and she takes a long sip of her wine to buy herself some time to find an answer.]

I worked at a steamed bun stall before that. Had to make ends meet somehow, right?

[She laughs, but it's a touch uncomfortable, her relaxed poise fading with it. This is straying a little too close to the time in her life she would rather not talk about during dinner. Her recovery, the medical debt, and people taking advantage of her... Not exactly something that you discuss over porkchops.

So, she shrugs.]

Not sure I had anything planned out for what I wanted to do. Before that, I was a tour guide for my hometown.

Yeah.

[It's all she says before Tifa starts to wander off, slipping past the people on the dance floor to get to the other end. A few of the male strippers try to get her to stop, but she gently lets them down, waving them off with awkward apologies.

She'll disappear around a corner, following the girl, but there isn't much of a commotion after that. She manages to get pieces of the costume off of her with some work—namely, the drinks and the tray as well as the cat ears that she slips onto her head before she slides back out onto the dance floor.

Across the room, she tries to search for Eustace, to at least make eye contact and let her know that she's ready...]

[She nods, flashing him a brief but apologetic smile as she gestures towards the nearby bedrolls. The campsite isn't much, but she gets the feeling he's tired enough to not be terribly picky about accommodations.]

Of course. In the meantime, no more experimenting with spells... fingers crossed nothing else gets particularly rowdy.

[... ugh, fingers.]

I'll shout if anything comes up. Until then, rest.

[...He notices her behavior, the slight shift and stall before her answer. He wonders if he hit something personal that she doesn't want to disclose... Which is not so surprising, he has his own personal history he wouldn't so readily open to strangers. Or at the very least, not on a "date" where things are supposed to be more lighthearted.

So he watches her for a moment before continuing the line of questioning.]

No wonder you know you're way around the kitchen. [If she keeps taking jobs that deals with food.] But how does a tour guide work? Was your home a popular place for tourists?

[And now he watches her very carefully. He already picked up on her discomfort on her past, so now he has to see if this includes her home. If she continues to look uncomfortable...he'll have to end the questions if she doesn't reverse it back on him first.]

[He's used to sleeping on hard, open ground so a bedroll is actually a luxury. But there's a slight wry grin at her words.]

Let's hope so.

[And he's going to turn in, but he'll be a light sleeper.

Little did they know, "watching" over them from a distant tree was a lone finger, its tip curled in a bit. It twitches for a moment before it drops down into the shadows, all traces of it disappearing into the night.......................]

[Oh snap—]

Stamp it out after I douse it with water!

[Fortunately he can cast small water spells, and it should be enough to douse it if not extinguish it completely, but better safe than sorry. So with a quick outstretch of his hand, water streams out and hits the flames like a hose.]

[As Eustace is weaving through the crowds, he closes one eye briefly as the sounds and scents start to become a bit overwhelming. It's a bit unusual—it's true his natural senses are already above average, but this feels even more sensitive than before. He can practically hear the breaths of those around him, and the smells...ugh. Not to mention all the chaotic noise, from the loud music blaring from the speakers to the noisy chatter and...questionable sounds hidden in the darkened booths and corners. He has to shake his head to try and clear it, and it's a bit late that he glances back at where Tifa had gone.

By now he had reached the heart of the dancing crowd, having to grit and bear the unwanted touches and stares as he passed through. So the moment he sees her, he puts his rather simple but will prove to be effective plan to action.

With everyone already have drunk on alcohol, music, and lust, it's cakewalk for him to trip, pull, and push several people at once, causing them to fall into each other before he slips back into the crowd. Because of how many people there are, it causes a bit of a domino effect, and soon people are shouting and throwing punches, blaming each other for the falls. Although not intended, tempers flare even higher due to some...unfortunate compromised positioning some found themselves in.

Well, not his business. He's already walked away and only needs to hear the sounds of the brawl breaking out to know it's enough. Another glance confirms that several of the guards and bouncers are making their way through, and by the time they reach the crowd, Eustace has slipped out of it and into the shadows.

...Should he come around and meet with Tifa? Or just stay out here to monitor...

...

Recalling how avoidant she had been of him, he ends up just sticking to where he is. He did his part, now it's her turn to do hers.]

[She doesn't relax but doesn't tense up either. Where her life in Midgar reminded her of her struggles to get to where she is now, the memories of Nibelheim carry more vengeance in them than anything else. She maintains her crooked smile, but the discomfort isn't as obvious anymore, but neither is the anger she holds onto so tightly for Shinra and Sephiroth, and what they did.]

Sort of. It was a mountain town so people would come to see those, and the mako reactor that was up there, too. Mostly Shinra, but we'd get the occasional tourists who were just there to see the town.

[Honestly, it was all for the mako reactor, but she'd like to think there were other reasons someone would want to visit a quaint little mountain town like Nibelheim.

But she is quick to turn this around, taking the last bite of what's left on her plate first, her smile suddenly teeming with interest.]

What about you? What did you wanna be when you were growing up?

[It's probably for the best that he stays... and also to keep an eye on things because they spiral out of control very quickly. People are throwing punches on the dance floor, women spitting in each other's faces, and the half-naked strippers are crawling down from the stage to help the guards break things up, while others are pulling on horns and tails and the like. What a strange sight.

Well, she has no time to waste. With one last "are you serious" look at Eustace, because when she meant a distraction, she didn't mean one at this magnitude, she turns around and starts to speedwalk her way around the perimeter, pushing and pulling on doors as she goes before she reaches the one that a guard had been standing at. It clicks, and... well, let's just say that the moment she passes through, she knows that this is where she needs to be.

There are barred doors on the other end, with a stairwell leading down, not to mention the cages that are hanging around this so-called office. This must be where the woman does her business... and pleasure? Well, anyway. She has to use magic to freeze and kick the door off its hinges, and down she goes into the pitch black, following what she assumes is the flickering of candlelight at the bottom.

And oh boy, what does she find? Her face twists with disgust, but she reassures those knights that are awake and look up at her with pleading eyes that she's here to get them out, and that she doesn't work for the owner.

Eustace's phone will buzz after several minutes with a text from Tifa.]

I found them. They're all handcuffed and chained to the walls, and in cages... Think you can keep the distraction going a little longer?

[This is going to take a while.]

[Mako reactor? There's as light cant of his head at the term, but since she turned it on him he'll have to wait for another time to ask.

...And now it's his turn to show a slightly different expression—or rather, a lack expression. No one has ever asked that question in...hell if he remembers. Did anyone ever ask since the tragedy? Idly his fork moves as he thinks back...back to a time that had remained frozen in his heart and mind for many years and only recently began to thaw.

When he finally speaks, his words come out quiet and slow, as if he had to dig deep in his memories.]

...When I was a child, I wanted to be like my father—a strong hunter who could provide for and protect his loved ones.

[He just catches that look and shrugs. What? It worked, didn't it?

There isn't much for him to do other than monitor the scene. Because of the large crowds and so many intoxicated, it's not easy for them to break up the fight. Some patrons are even thrown out, which is actually better for them. Although it would be best for them to be able to sneak out unseen, Eustace has a feeling they'll need to prepare for the worst case scenario. More bodies will just cause more problems later on.

When most of the chaos has gotten under control that Eustace slips out his phone to check the time. He can see how some of the guards and strippers are heading to the back, likely to heal their own sustained injuries. She's been down there for a while... He needs to warn her and then figure out another diversion, but it's then that he gets her text message.

Although relieved to get an update, his expression grows a bit pensive. He isn't so surprised that she's finding difficulty even if he hoped otherwise. He quickly texts a reply—]

Got it.

[—and looks around. Causing another fight...will be more difficult now, so he looks at the main stage with a frown. Perhaps if he shorted the stage, he could cut half the lights...but then they might go to the back where the rest of the controls are.

It's then that he feels a strange chill up his spine right before there's an unwanted touch on his shoulder along with an all too smooth voice in his ear. Immediately he slams his elbow into their face before grabbing their arm to throw them to the ground, and there's a pained shout as he turns to realize it was one of the strippers.

...Well, not that it's any better, but he's more surprised that that didn't knock them out immediately, proving that they are not human. But it's creating more attention to him. However, an absurd thing came out of the stripper's mouth:

"You have to replace me!!"

Excuse him, what?

"That's the rule," someone suddenly adds behind him, making Eustace immediately turn around to see a few others had arrived. "Hit one of them, take their place." Inwardly he clicks his tongue, debating whether he should just take them all out, but he can feel more eyes on him. Perhaps he's even gained the attention of the "queen" of this place. That's when an idea—as absurd as it is—comes to mind.

Tifa needs a distraction. What better way to keep all eyes on him?

...

.....................

It makes him sick to his stomach, but if it's by his own rules he can probably handle it. No one said he had to actually strip and they seem depraved enough to enjoy some reverse play.

...

.............

He looks over at one of them and just steals the whip attached to their hip. Before they can protest he snaps it to grab their legs and sweep them to the ground.]

Stay down.

[With such a harsh, cold glare they actually shiver.

...

Disgusting.

Anyway, confirming their reactions, Eustace heads onto the stage, loosening a few of his shirt buttons and tussling his hair a bit. He's actually not that proficient with the whip ~~he's not Ferry~~, but he can at least do that much. Besides, he only intends to use it as a prop. The moment he snaps it before hoisting it over his shoulder, everyone's attention turns to him.

...Ugh.]

You.

[He points to the nearest stripper.]

Get up here.

[And so whenever Tifa manages to come out with the knights, she's going to see the absurd sight of Eustace sitting on a chair with several bodies piled up behind and around him—most of the strippers but also quite a few guards and patrons, too. Aside from looking a little ruffled, Eustace just looks...bored.]

...Tsk, you call yourself professionals? Never felt more turned off in my life...

[Apparently however this started, it's now become a challenge to make this "Ice King" aroused. Of course, he never lets them get physically close, and one is now trying to pretend to be a drooling dog, probably assuming he must be part one given his ears. That only makes Eustace frown and grind the heel of his boot into their face.]

Disgusting, next.

[And the moment someone starts to strip he just instantly cracks the whip around their legs to send them to the floor before kicking them away with enough force to send them rolling.]

Waste of my time, next.

[Even more strangely, there is actually a captive audience with some people placing bets. And the ones remaining on the stage... ...Let's just say they actually enjoyed getting stepped on, kicked, and whipped.

Anyway, Tifa hurry up he's completely detached himself and somewhat venting on these people, but there will be a point when he'll get fed up and leave—]

[ She nods, and once the water splashes onto the wool she's stomping down on it repeatedly, making sure any last embers are definitely put out. ]

...Whew. Looks like we got it.

[ Reaching down, she carefully picks up the now waterlogged, slightly burned wool. ]

I think we were able to save most of it.

[Tifa tilts her head while she waits for his answer, her silence patient but still encouraging to talk about as much or as little as he's comfortable with. The waiter comes in that time to take her empty plate away, as well as fill up their glasses, and Tifa thanks him gently before Eustace finally does speak up.

And when he does, she lets her smile form into something that's warm, fond, but not at all surprised.]

You know, I think you managed, at least.

[She hasn't seen him in action yet, but from what she does know, he is strong, and seems like the kind of person who would protect those he cares about. He and Gran did move after the attacks, and he did agree to coming here with her, so... She'd call it that.

She'd at least be able to say with confidence that he's someone she's sure his father would be proud of, if Eustace looked up to him as much as he seems to.]

[His eyes widen slightly at her words before his expression turns...

Bitter? Melancholic? It's a strange feeling that passes through him. It's the first time he's ever said such a thing and it hadn't really seemed that important to him since it's a common question, and yet... Perhaps because it dredges up memories of his past, a past that while softened is still raw for him. He doesn't feel that frigid coldness or the burning hatred that once consumed him before, but that doesn't mean all of those edges have disappeared or that he doesn't still get pricked a little. So to hear someone basically try to acknowledge his efforts, someone who has no idea of the truth...

...

Rather than any sense of relief or joy, it's just a very bitter feeling laced with a sweetness so soft it's almost painful. He may have succeeded in his goal and is finally moving on, but there's still more that he's lacking. To protect everyone he holds dear...he certainly has many achievements under his belt and more than proven himself not long ago, but it's not enough. It's still not enough.

And...maybe what really makes it so bitter is that deep down, he may have wanted to hear it from the ones who can no longer speak.

Fortunately, his unusual silence will be interrupted by the waiter coming in to deliver their dessert: two heart-shaped cups of crème brûlée topped with raspberries with a smaller cup of sorbet on the side.]

[The magic finishes its work, leaving the sheep's side free of the sore that had been irritating it, and the aura fades naturally from Lyon's hand. He removes it from the area, and sighs a little bit with relief.

He did it, he did something helpful. (Even if it almost ended very badly.) He healed the sheep, everything is okay.

To the sheep, he smiles a little, though he doesn't quite dare to reach out to pet it.]

That feels better, right?

[And then, to Eustace.]

Thank you. Without your help, this likely wouldn't have ended very well...

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Page 13 of 19

sixth shot ⊗ open september log

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we can probably wrap them up!

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it be wrapped with a zombie bow-

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