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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[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.

[Oh, he actually answered. Okay then! Tifa listens eagerly, slowly cutting another piece of her porkchop with the occasional glance back up at him.

She knows better than to tease him about it out loud, but isn't alone time for Eustace all the time? The stubborn Lone Wolf type... so she isn't surprised in the least to hear that he'll go somewhere quiet like the library. The woods is an interesting choice, though.]

I know it's a bit out of the way, but have you been back to that café in Celliwig?

No... However Camelot has a few similar cafés.

[He notably does not say whether he's gone to them or not.]

You?

[He doesn't need to say it for her to know. Many of them serve as animal shelters with the café portion of it being a draw for people who otherwise might not go, so if he'd said that he had, she wouldn't be surprised in the least, if his reactions to the puppies in Celliwig was any indication of his love for the animals.]

Not since. If I do, I might just adopt all of them, but I don't have the space at the Inn... I don't think anyone would appreciate me having a handful of dogs and cats running around the room.

[ ... ]

Should probably go back though. See if any of them found a home.

...Hm.

[He drizzled some of the applesauce onto his pork before cutting a bite sized portion.]

I'll go with you.

[It's been a while and he would like to see how they're doing as well. And then grins a bit at her.]

I can stop you from adopting everything.

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