isleofavalon | sixth shot ⊗ open september log

Entry tags:

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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Although he momentarily glances out the window to see how the bait's been taken, his attention naturally returns to her when she starts to move. And her touch...is she actually being shy right now? He's half tempted to lean closer, but such a tentative touch isn't...so bad. It's almost ticklish. He becomes a little amused as he watches her steel herself, growing a little bolder yet at the same time still not looking at him. He knows he's being forward here, and none of this is natural or comfortable for either of them, yet he finds himself a little curious as to what kind of expression she really has. He has to drop the blinds, anyway, so if he lowers his face just a little...

But then he also straightens a bit upon that sudden bang of the window. Even if he had known in the back of his mind that this was all to draw out the stalker, he had been distracted enough by Tifa that he hadn't expected such a sudden reaction and so soon. He only stares blankly at the window before his ears flick towards the entrance just before she enters.

However, that's the only recognition he gives. His expression darkening, he now braces his other hand against the table, keeping Tifa blocked from view and his back towards the entrance.]

Just ignore it for now—

[Except his words are cut short when the woman screams again.]

"Eusty, please!! YOU'RE BEING DECEIVED BY THAT SHAMELESS BITCH!!"

"Ma'am, please—security, where's security!?!?"

"I'm the one you need, Eusty, darling!! If you like big breasts mine are bigger, I'LL SHOW YOU RIGHT NOW!!"

"SOMEONE RESTRAIN HER!!"

[He's already prepared to shield Tifa from that crazy woman, but for some reason he feels even more protective right now. He's also starting to wonder if this was a mistake, that they might have pushed things too far.

Except after hearing all that and seeing the look on Tifa's face, he wonders if the one who will need protecting later is the woman. Really he would have let her go and deal with it however she wanted at this point, but... Not yet. For now they need to act like an innocent, harmless party to make the woman look even more dangerous. So he just slips a hand over hers, which to others may look affectionate but really it's him telling her to keep it in.

And just as sudden and wild as it started, security and staff are finally able to remove the woman who continued to scream nonsense. He's not sure what happens outside, but he barely allows himself to relax as he finally looks over his shoulder at where the commotion had been. By then the musicians had made their way to also help block the scene and were wholeheartedly playing, almost desperately as if to try and return things to normal.

At this point Eustace pulls back a bit to give Tifa some breathing room, the manager heading their way as all eyes are now either at the entrance or the targeted couple.]

Edited 2021-09-08 14:45 (UTC)

[She'd been pretty good at ignoring her... up until she started spouting comments about Tifa. He must have seen the way her fingers curled into fists on the table or how she was prepared to jump to her feet with an expression uncharacteristically furious, even for her, but next thing she knows, Eustace's hand is over hers. Her heart is thundering loud in her ears, anger bubbling up and making her chest rise and fall while she tries to steady her breaths, but when she looks up at him, his usual calmness is enough to ease her. At least enough to unfurl her fingers so that the blood can return to her whitened knuckles.

This is a level of crazy not even she was expecting, and angry as it's making her that this woman would go that far for his attention, this is exactly what Tifa was planning for. These are the exact kinds of acts that Eustace needs to take proper legal action against her, and now they have witnesses to prove it. So, despite the sudden self-conscious feelings about herself, it's a small victory.

Feeling the eyes on them, Tifa folds her arms over her chest and turns back to the table, ignoring the glares that flit between her and the door. The manager comes stomping over to them, the band still happily playing behind him, and he pauses at their table, an embarrassed look on his face.]

"We are so sorry about that." [He bows his head in apology, and the band slows their tune.] "As a courtesy to you both, we are offering you our finest table in the dining hall. For a little bit of extra privacy from... Ahem... that." [He points out one of the open windows where she's being thrown out, still screaming beneath the sounds of the accordion and vocals singing about "bella notte".]

"I EVEN WROTE YOU ANOTHER LETTER, EUSTY! EUSTY PLEASE I BEG YOU! LETE ME READ IT TO YOU, AND YOU'LL SEE! YOU'LL SEE THAT I LOVE YOU!"

[Tifa looks up at him, silent, and her lip quirks with a smile, but it never reaches her eyes while she waits for him to give an answer. Honestly? She wouldn't mind a quieter table so that they could at least enjoy their dinner...!

Finally, she finds the words that have lodged themselves in her throat, and nods.]

I'd like that.

[Eustace watches Tifa for a moment before he nods.]

Lead the way.

[Not that he'll have any reason to oppose, he is done with riling this woman up. They've done what they needed, and a quick glance shows that it was even recorded. Coupled with the restaurants own security cameras, they should have plenty.

Since he didn't have anything on his side of the table, he just waits for Tifa to gather things, helping her out of the chair like a "loving partner" would, and arm in arm they are led to the dining hall. There are a few other tables, but it's considerably less crowded and has a more intimate atmosphere to it. Strangely, the table they are led to seems to be more...decorated, with roses and petals scattered over the tablecloth. Even the small candle centerpiece seems a bit different compared to the other tables. Eustace notices the slight differences, but it seems that other tables have slightly different looks so perhaps it's just part of the arrangement...?

Whatever, he's ready for real food after all that, and after once again pulling out and pushing Tifa's seat for her, he settles into his own seat opposite her. After the manager has a waiter give them fresh glasses of wine and water, he informs them their meal should be out shortly and leaves them be.

Reaching up to loosen his collar a little, Eustace eyes Tifa for a moment.]

...You all right?

[She'd been distracted on their walk over, right up until the moment Eustace addresses her, so when he does, it's with a look of awe that her gaze shoots up with.]

Yeah. I'll be fine. [There's a faint thump in the background that she assumes came from the window, but that's about all before it's back to the soft music that's been playing.] Just wasn't expecting her to get so worked up, but I guess that means the plan's worked.

[Which is about as much as she can ask for. On one hand, it's terrifying how crazy this woman is for Eustace (or just in general, yikes!) but on the other, it was exactly what she was going for and she's given him plenty of reason to seek any sort of action against her, whatever that may be.

Tifa breathes out a sigh of relief and gently slaps her palms on the table while she takes a look around them. It's much quieter back here with fewer tables, giving them more space for privacy. Not that she needs it, but...]

Let's try enjoy the rest of the date, yeah? [She beams across at him, her smile blossoming.] I'm looking forward to that porkchop.

[It won't take a genius to see that her smile isn't all there, but she just doesn't want to talk about it anymore... For now.]

Edited 2021-09-09 20:04 (UTC)

[He can see and sense it, and really he doesn't want to talk about it anymore, either. So he just sits back into a more relaxed posture as he quirks a brow.]

Should I take this as a real date, then?

[He's teasing a bit.]

[Tifa's giggle, on the other hand, is completely genuine.]

What, you thought all this time that it wasn't?

[She's teasing a bit too.

But ignoring that, it's nice to see him so much more relaxed, even after all that. Whatever happened, Tifa was still planning on having a good time because here they are in one of the best restaurants and Ifrit be damned, she is going to enjoy her dinner! ... And she wants him to as well. After all that shit he had to put up with, it's the least he deserves.

Her smile pulls wider as she helps herself to a sip of wine.]

Here I am bringing you to the nicest restaurant in town and you're only now calling it a date now?

I had my reservations. It's not as if two adults can't just "hang out" as they say.

[He makes it sound so weird—and that's on purpose.]

But it would be the first time I've been on a date if it were.

[Which is probably both surprising and not given the kind of person he is.]

[He does make it sound weird—so weird that Tifa arches a brow at him, amused.

This is definitely what this is, though. Just two adults hanging out, nothing more, but where's the fun in that?]

First date, huh...? Guess I better make this good.

[She's going to make sure he has a good time, damn it! One of the roses on the table catches her eye, and she plucks one from the vase and hands it to him with a grand, sweeping gesture of her hand.]

Gotta set the bar high from the start.

[Ah, the smell of ~~meatloaf~~ porkchops is starting to wafts near...!]

[It's his turn to arch a brow as he looks at the rose before taking it. With a low hum, he twirls it between his fingers before he snaps off some of the stem to shorten it a bit, making sure it is completely smooth and even wiping it clean before he rises from his seat and leans over to gently put it in her hair bun. It's just off to the side so that it actually looks pretty tasteful.]

It's appreciated... But this looks better on you.

[And he's back in his seat, a slight smug gleam in his eye as if challenging her to do better.

But with that pork chop now rolling its way towards them, she might not have much time to retort.]

Edited 2021-09-10 16:25 (UTC)

[There's a strange fluttering in Tifa's chest when he slides tucks the rose into her hair, the white a stark contrast against the inky black, and delicate fingers reach up to adjust it so that it sits more comfortably, folded in between where it won't fall out. She's not sure what to make of it, but it's followed by a sudden sad twinge. It makes her heart skip, and her breath catches again.

"How sweet? When did you get so thoughtful?"
"A guy can change."

...

The memory comes out of nowhere, darting to the forefront of her mind from somewhere deep where she held onto those precious memories. She's tried not to think about it—about him—and this is the least convenient time to remember how much she misses him. But Cloud is Cloud... If he wanted to be found, then he would have already come to her. In time, maybe...

It's not a train of thought that lasts long, and she doesn't have a retort for Eustace. Not that she could, because here comes the plate of the towering porkchop, as well as a man armed with a giant cutting knife, and... ah, the serenaders are back... And when it's placed down on the table between them...]

Oh...!

[It's already partly cut into the shape of a heart (how did they do that??), but the man asks anyway:] "Would you like us to cut this for you?"

[He's watching her expression, both not caring yet curious as to how she would react. He sees...something flicker her eyes, but he can't tell what. He just assumes she's never or rarely had anything done like that before and was caught off guard.

...It's kind of cute.

But let's banish that thought because not only is it not necessary, here is that giant porkchop and—a heart. Why... No, he's just not going to think about it.]

...Please.

[He'll just give him a quiet answer and a nod, allowing them to slice and carve the heart neatly in half and then into smaller portions with specific cuts to the meat. Once finished, they set the plates down in front of them along with small heart shaped cups filled with sweet applesauce and small bowls of smashed potatoes.

After topping their glasses, the waiter bows—] "Enjoy your meal." [—and withdraws. The serenaders, however, remain, although they step back just a bit so the two can at least eat without having them hovering too close.

Eustace can't help but study the pork chop a bit.]

...This is a lot more than expected, and you can order that whole thing as a single meal. I can't imagine anyone being able to eat all of it...

Edited 2021-09-11 05:11 (UTC)

That's why we're sharing, yeah?

[Because it really is a lot, and never mind the fact that the waiter was even able to slice the smaller pieces into hearts... And the cups... They're really going all out, aren't they? She has nothing to say about it at first except for a small, awkward laugh, but she picks up her fork anyway and takes a breath in to gather her courage to make her first strike into this very intimidating mountain of meat.

... Except she doesn't go for hers, but reaches across and steals a small piece off of his plate. That's what people do on dates at restaurants, right? She wouldn't know. This is her first one.

Lifting the fork to her lips, she pauses.]

Well? Don't make me take the first bite by myself.

[His move! :)]

[Eustace isn't expecting her action at all, so when he raises his fork and knife to start cutting into his dish, he's surprised to find her fork suddenly appearing over his plate and stealing a piece. After that, he can only just watch wide-eyed in confusion, wondering what kind of game she's playing at...

...

Slowly he sets down his fork and knife as his expression changes to one that's more contemplative.]

...You're right, my apologies.

[He then leans forward and reaches out to take the fork from her hand...and just holds it there in front of her mouth.]

I should have helped you first.

[Now there's a glint in his eyes, a slight smirk of his lips as he stares at her. If she wants to play, he'll play.

Granted, normally he wouldn't have risen to this kind of bait, but he finds it a little amusing and fun to see how well she can keep herself composed when he counters. And to add to it—]

Just remember to return the favor.

[....Dangerous, it's quite possible she could do something completely different, but it's less about what she does in the future and just stacking the points right now.]

[Very dangerous, but not for him. She expected he would take the bait and at least steal a piece from her plate, but he's just taken it to a whole other level that she wasn't anticipating. This is a lot, even for him, and she wonders what it was that sparked such a competitiveness in both of them, but Tifa has her limits. She eyes him, bemused by the glint in his eye and the turn of his lips, and then the fork as if he's just handed her one covered in diamonds.

But then she parts her lips and takes the bite in a single go, her eyes never leaving his... until she starts to slide the meat from the ends of the fork.

Between the burst of flavour in her mouth and the redness that's risen not only in her cheeks but across her entire face, Tifa's gaze flicks away as her hands take the fork from him, and she just chews and chews and chews while an awkward silence falls between them.

... An awkward silence that doesn't last, because the serenaders sense this and begin to play Bella Notte again.

And when she's finished her bite, she clears her throat and rinses it down with a sip of wine, hoping that it will wash away the fluttering in her stomach and chest, or the fact that she can't bring herself to make eye contact with him again.]

... It's really good.

[Too good! She's not doing it any justice at all!!]

[It's probably for the best that she isn't making eye contact—he is clearly amused and there's a rare smile on his face. Wait, maybe it's not for the best—Tifa, you're missing out!!]

I'm glad.

[It's just two simple words, yet with how low his voice deepens, low and quiet enough for only her to hear, there's almost a sultry, teasing undertone to it. Well, he's certainly teasing her.

There's a very light, soft chuckle as he withdraws back to his chair, but he's not letting her escape so easily. He could leave it at that with how clearly affected she had been by it. But he's going to make good on what he said earlier.]

Now...I think it's my turn. Tifa.

[Just a quiet call as he looks at her. He actually expects her to not do it, but he also wonders if she'll rise to the challenge.]

["Look at the skies
They have stars in their eyes
On this lovely Belle Notte..."

Through the corners of her eyes, her gaze finally flicks towards him. He's still challenging her!? Okay, she can see him doing playing it up with her but asking her to return the favour!? Is the wine really hitting him this hard, or does Eustace just have an unrivaled competitive streak?

She can still feel the heat across her face, the redness penetrating her skin and darkening her cheeks at that show they just put on, and it doesn't help that the serenaders are watching her expectedly, waiting for Tifa to do something.

But then she catches sight of the windows on the other side of the restaurant. She isn't back yet, which is really too bad because seeing this would surely boil her over again, but it's remembering what she'd said to the host at the front about Tifa is what fires her back up again.

Her expression flickers with anger before she's smiling again, so sickly sweet, while she stabs a fork into her own piece of porkchop. Really stabs it. Alright, Eustace wants to play that game? Fine! She reaches across with a giant piece, bigger than what she thinks he can take in a single bite, and waves it in front of his lips.]

Say ahh~!

[Eustace's expression doesn't change much, but seeing her suddenly getting very...intense? Angry...? He's not sure, but he doesn't think he's the cause of whatever just suddenly sparked her ire. ...Although her smile does bring a flicker of wariness as he wonders what she's up to.

Seriously, what did that pork do to you, Tifa, why the stab.

So he just looks at her a little questioningly when she holds out that rather large piece at him. It's...definitely on the larger side, but not impossible. Of course he could ask her "oh so cutely" to cut it smaller, but something tells him he shouldn't push her too much right now.

Right now.

There's just a moment before he just leans in a bit and actually goes—]

Aaahh.

[—in a rather...quiet, "playing along" tone before he takes the giant bite.

Jeez it's big, but he can handle it. It just takes him a few more chews as he sits back, and it does give him a larger burst of flavor, one that surprises him a bit. How could anyone make pork taste this good...??? There's also a sweetness to it, too...the glaze, perhaps?

Ah, but he should say something right. He almost says something similar to her, but seeing those serenaders just...really eying him, as if expecting to hear something ~special~ gives him some pause.

All right, fine. He set himself in this "role," he'll continue to play it out while they still have an "audience."]

...It's sweet.

[Not a lie, it really was. Just the way he says it as he looks at her makes it seem as if it's not because it was how the pork was cooked but instead of the atmosphere.]

Do you want to feed me another, dear? Or do you want me to feed you?

[Such a sweet, teasing smile. However, don't get onto him just yet, Tifa, he has a reason for putting on this sickening sweet show. His eyes lock on hers before flicking to the serenaders.]

Or...would you rather we were alone?

[Take the hint you noisy disruptors. And hopefully Tifa will take his so that she can add to it. The sooner those musicians are gone, the sooner they can have a real dinner in peace.]

[She picks up on it immediately, and even leans in, sweetening her smile just a little more... while she boops him on the nose, but her cooler gaze flicks to the musicians as they continue to play their song a little quieter, not so subtly trying to eavesdrop on their conversation to see where this is going. Well, fortunate for them, she figures because they're about to get told off.

And she's really laying it on thick.]

I think some alone time would do us some good, don't you think, sweetheart?

[The music slows to a halt, the accordion squealing low like it's dying until it's silent, save for the sounds of forks clinking and the buzz of conversation nearby. And then, they wander off to harass another table.

As soon as they're out of sight, Tifa falls back in her chair, picking up her fork on the way.]

Thought they'd never leave...

[It's nice and quiet now, and maybe they'll be able to actually enjoy their porkchops because wow, that first bite was delicious and she didn't even get the chance to savour it!]

[Did she just— She booped him?? But he just rolls with it, finding it a little amusing if probably overdone. Regardless, it's her words that matter and thankfully the musicians take the damn hint.

Letting out his own breath of relief, he sits back and loosens his tie a little so he'll be able to eat more comfortably—and also just be more comfortable in general.]

If they didn't, I was going to make them.

[She can probably imagine the way he would do that. It would certainly involve one of his chilling glares that would send anyone running.

Now settled back in and reaching for his wine, he looks over at her for a moment before taking a sip.]

But it looked like you were having some fun.

[Honestly, she could imagine worse than chilling glares to send them running. His voice would too, with the right words. Unless it was the stalker woman. She might actually like it. But let's not think about her for a while. It's time to enjoy some porkchops!

When he takes up his wine, she does too, but doesn't take a sip with him.]

I had a little fun. I'm more surprised you managed that entire piece in one bite!

[She wasn't betting on it at all and had intended it to be his downfall. Instead, he was the one who won in the end. Not that either of them are counting, right? But rather than sip her wine, she holds out the glass as if she's about to make some elaborate toast and waits for him to do the same.

And when he does...]

To a quiet dinner, and good company, yeah?

[They're in a fancy restaurant, it only feels fitting to toast to that!]

I admit I wasn't sure, either. I even considered requesting you cut it smaller for me, but decided to just go for it.

[A small shrug before he sees her holding her glass. Catching the intention, he'll raise it higher towards her before smiling a bit.]

To a quiet dinner, and good company.

[He just repeats her toast before tapping his glass against hers, the light clink like a sound to really signify the start of their little "date."

And once they've had their sip he's going to start digging into that pork.]

[Her smile isn't so sickly sweet anymore, but it is genuine when she hears that gentle clink. The wine is sweet and smooth going down—so delicious that she actually goes for a second sip, her brows arching, impressed. Although she shouldn't be so surprised... How much is this glass of wine going to cost her?

She's much more excited to dig further into the porkchops and potatoes, though. Her first bite was fine, but now she can fully savour and enjoy the taste. This bite is sweetened with apple sauce, and the meat practically melts on her tongue... She's never tasted pork so delicious before! Tifa's quiet for a while as she chews, trying to pick out the different flavours mixed within—what if she could recreate this at home...

The two of them eat in silence for a while, and for someone so small and in shape, she can pack quite a meal. When you spend most of your days working out, you need sustenance!]

So... [she starts eventually.] What do you do on a first not-date?

[Eustace is quite content with their quiet meal, although it's no surprise he's not one to strike a conversation. Really he's fine as long as he's with company he doesn't mind, and Tifa has proven to be part of that group now.

He's already on the second cut of the pork when he hears her speak up and he glances up at her with some thought.]

I don't really have any real experience, but... I suppose if this were a real date this is where we start learning about each other to see if we're compatible as partners.

[Tifa responds with a content hum through her next bite, washing it down with some wine.

She's not experienced in the realm of dating either so she isn't entirely sure what to expect or how to go about this. Not that it's a real date in the least, but what fun would that be if they just sat here in silence or talked about the woman that's still likely waiting for them outside...?

While she mulls this over, she twirls her fork between her fingers before dunking the ends of it into the apple sauce.]

Not just questions about what our favourite colours are, yeah? [That's too boring. Another pause while she takes a bite of the sauce.] Hm. How about... "what do you like to do in your free time?"

[Seems like a reasonable place to start.]

Aside from taking of Eria and training... I'll visit the animal shelters to check on the dogs... When I really want some time alone I'll either head out to the woods or read at the library.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject