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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She had forgotten all about the rose in that entire mess, and she's still yet to notice it even when Eustace climbs aboard the carriage and the door shuts. But the moment it does, the entire atmosphere shifts, and Tifa is sitting with her shoulders square and tense, her breathing quick and her eyes closed.

She'd never in her entire life been attacked like that in the span of a night. Sure, she's had to endure things like cat calls and older people taking advantage of her vulnerability, but a woman coming at her the way she did? That was a lot to take in... and she's a bit shaken, to say the least. Tifa was so sure that they'd apprehended the woman, but how did she get away? Was she so upset about the outcome of the night that she was able to fight off the cops? And what would have become of that woman or Eustace if Tifa hadn't done anything to stop her? That's a level of crazy she never wants to come face to face with ever again...

It isn't until Eustace's voice prompts her that she opens her eyes and looks up at him, then down at her arms, and rather than fight him off and argue that she's fine like she might have done any other time, she quietly shows her arms to him, lifting it and steeling her jaw when the air bites at one of the scratches.]

[He holds her arm gently, his eyes flicking over at her once before they return to the scratches and his other hand hovers over them.]

This might sting a little.

[It's all he says before some water trickles down, washing it a little before he wipes it with the handkerchief. Fortunately they're just scratches so it shouldn't bleed too much, but he wanted to clean them off, anyway.]

...It's not healing magic, but it'll have to do for now.

[Just continues to quietly speak as he works, every movement firm but gentle. He's well aware of her condition, but he doesn't say anything—yet, anyway.]

[She hardly moves or reacts to the water, but it's not without a quiet thanks in gratitude when he's finished before she withdraws, a sigh finally letting her shoulders fall.]

Just when I thought things were looking up, and I could let my guard down.

[Tifa tilts her head, her hand rubbing her arm where some of the smaller scratches still burn.]

I thought they said they caught her. Guess she was really adamant about getting that last hit in before going down. I should've expected something like that to happen...

[Is she blaming herself? Maybe a little.]

[He can tell.]

...Tifa.

[Although quiet, there's a hint of admonishment in his tone as he looks at her.]

You weren't the only one surprised as I also lowered my guard and expected it to have been taken care of despite not checking myself.

[And then...very slowly his hand covers hers in a comforting gesture.]

Don't blame yourself when I was the one who should have taken care of it sooner.

[She's struck by the gesture, small as it is. If it were the other way around, she might have done the same, but coming from Eustace, it's... well, should she be so surprised? After what they'd just gone through? She isn't sure, but she responds in kind anyway, her other hand coming over his and giving it a light pat.]

Well, at least she won't be bothering you anymore.

[She hopes.

Tifa tries to force some humour into her voice, but it's tired and clearly put on. Regardless, it's not going to take that win from them. Instead of trying again, she yawns and stretches, her hands sliding out from around his.]

Jeeze, I'm way more tired than I thought I'd be. We're going back to my place, yeah?

...Yes.

[He just watches her for a moment before he withdraws his hand.]

At least I intend to drop you off there first.

[It took him a moment before he fully processed what she said.]

Eustace...?

[Her voice has a sudden sense of urgency to it, and the way she says his name is tentative, almost like she immediately regrets saying it at all, but...]

Do... you... [She shakes her head, laughing quietly to herself. This is so stupid.] Do you think you could stay with me for a while? Just until...

[Tifa lets the thought trail off then, not quite sure how to finish it. Until what? Why is she even asking him in the first place? The woman is taken care of, but there's still this strange, uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach that she can't quite shake off.

She just doesn't want to be alone, and that feels like too much to ask for, so she only asks for a little while.]

[There's a slight widening of his eyes when he hears her voice. He knew she had been a bit shaken, but...

There's no real hesitation in his answer.]

It's fine.

[And then... ... And then what? Seeing her like this for some reason is discomforting and he wonders what he can do. Several thoughts come to mind before he just goes with his gut—and that is to first slowly but then firmly slip his arm behind her. His hand lightly touches the side of her head before gently pulling her towards him so that it rests against his shoulder.]

...Just rest for now, it'll be a bit before we get there.

[Not typically much for physical touch, there's something about the way he reaches out to her that sits differently with Tifa. The way that he so confidently puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls her to him... Not her reaching for his comfort, but him willingly giving it...

There are flashes of something else then—a night under the plate in a flowerbed, when Tifa's world crumbled around her, and she never wanted someone to tell her that things were going to be okay. Just someone to comfort her while she tried to process it all and let everything go. It makes her think of Cloud and how strong his arms felt around her, and how he held her while she let all of her emotions pour into his shoulders.

It makes her think about how much she misses him, but then it makes her think about how every day, she tries to tell herself that it will somehow get easier.

So, Tifa lets herself relax against him, allowing Eustace to pull her in so that she can rest his head against his shoulder.]

Thank you...

[She mumbles it under a breath—a content sigh, before she lets her eyes shut... and she dozes off.]

...

[He just looks down at her, lips pursed into a pensive line. Unconsciously his fingers lightly rub against her shoulder in a soothing gesture before he becomes aware of it and stops himself, his hand suddenly lifting and fingers curling in as he glances away with a strange awkward feeling. He's not really one to give physical comfort—rather he just never was close enough to do so unless it was a child. And this is different from the physical touches at the restaurant. There it was just a performance or a game of sorts without any meaning, but right now what he's doing is more genuine. A true, heartfelt intent in trying to give her that comfort rather than just an empty gesture.

And that discomforting feeling also stems from the thought that he does feel partly to blame that she had to go through this to begin with. This is exactly what he didn't want to happen and why he had been so against the idea from the start. Sure it gave them results, but... Was it really worth it if it ended up rattling her this badly? He can't really blame her for it, either, not with how quickly that woman charged at her. And again he wonders if he shouldn't have let her face her. He instinctively knew Tifa wanted to, that this was something like "her fight" given the insults she had received before. He would have of course taken care of it for her, but he's been around enough tough female fighters to know that they would like to take their own stand and he respects that. So that's what he did, but...had he overestimated? Not her skill, but her ability to handle it?

Or maybe he's underestimating her right now, thinking too deeply on her being shaken. She's still a strong, young woman, but right now somehow she seems...not weak or frail, but vulnerable. And for some reason he finds himself not liking how she's come to be this way.

Regardless, the thought that maybe this had been too much will be stuck in his mind for a while. Releasing a small sigh, he leans his head back before pulling out his phone. He should let Gran know he'll be back later than expected, so he sends a quick text before returning it to his pocket. It's then that he remembers he still has the rose from earlier, and he just carefully tucks it away for now. He'll give it to her when they reach her place, though he wonders if she would even want it still or even remember... It had been such a silly little thing, but he can clearly remember her reaction and how it suited her...

Due to the evening traffic and the distance, it'll be some time before they finally reach the hotel, and he'll remain still and quiet and eventually allowing himself to idly stroke her arm every now and then. And then the carriage eventually pulls into a slow stop, the coachman softly alerting of their arrival as if trying to be polite to his passengers. It's only then that Eustace finally moves a little to look down at Tifa.

A part of him doesn't want to wake her, but he has a feeling she would kick him if he tried to carry her up. ...He doesn't even know what room she's in though he supposes he could ask the front desk. For now, unless she starts to rouse herself, he'll just...stare at her for a moment before lightly shaking her shoulders.]

...Tifa, we're here.

Edited 2021-10-02 07:32 (UTC)

[She really had completely dozed off somewhere along the ride. All the excitement, adrenaline, and anger mixed up together can really wear a person out, and she hadn't been well-rested going into it either. It's normal, for her, at least—she hasn't been getting much sleep at all since arriving on the Isles, and this might be the first time in as long as she can remember that she's been able to get some decent shuteye, as short as it is. It's no good night's rest, but it's something.

Her shoulders shaking startles her awake, and the first thing that comes into view is a close-up view of Eustace's face, her own only inches from his when she snaps her head up and sleepily blinks open her eyes. His arm is still around her, with her body is flush against his side, soaking up the warmth in the otherwise chilly carriage. It takes her a few moments of staring up at him to realize all of this before she's shuffling away, awkwardly tucking her hair behind her ear.]

S-Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep like that...

[She'd put her head down and next thing she knew, he was waking her up. It felt like only seconds, but if they're here, then how long had that nap been? And how long had she made him sit there like that? What was she even doing, using him as a pillow?

God, this is so embarrassing, and she's already excusing herself from her side of the carriage before the driver can come around to open it for her, almost smacking him square in the face with it instead.]

[He was a little surprised when her head suddenly comes up and he finds himself staring into her face, but it's her actions after that make him quirk a brow, especially when she basically flees the carriage. Was she that embarrassed...? He doesn't realize he has an amused expression until the coachman glances inside and he just waves it off, exiting the carriage from his side.

He soon reaches where she's waiting for him and there's just the slightest quirk of his lips as he looks at her, but he won't tease her. For now, anyway.]

Thought you would have run off ahead.

[Okay, take it back, there's a little teasing.]

[She laughs, awkward and breathy, her hands running over the front of her dress to smooth out the non-existent wrinkles.]

Thought about it...

[But no, she wouldn't leave him to figure out which room is hers on his own. She'd rather not have the people at the front desk asking any questions or raising any eyebrows. Some of them can be a little nosy... even though they're going to have to pass through the lobby to get there.

The driver of the carriage wanders up and assures them that everything would be taken care of by the restaurant—it would be covered for the mix-up, and all of the trouble that they experienced this evening, so that's another weight off Tifa's shoulders.

When he's gone, she starts towards the front doors of the inn.]

Imagine what that might've been if that were a real date.

If that had been a real date with that woman after me, I wouldn't be surprised if you dumped me right from the start.

[Half serious, half joking. He could easily imagine someone being wary of someone else who had that kind of issue as it had proven dangerous in the end, especially if it had been a first date or if the two hadn't known each other for very long. Which kind of fits them, really.]

Without it, however... [The automatic doors open and he steps through.] It wasn't so bad.

[And that part is true. When they could actually be more like themselves and relax to eat, it...hadn't been an unpleasant experience. He doesn't know if he would have ever chosen thar venue on his own, but the restaurant certainly lived up to its reputation.]

Right? [She sounds way too glad that he thought so, as she presses the elevator's button.] I told you it wasn't gonna be that bad.

[Ding! The elevator doors open, and she steps inside. Up to the fourth floor they go!]

I read plenty of good reviews of the restaurant, so I knew it'd be good, but it turned out better than I thought... minus the serenading.

[She didn't appreciate that part much, or the mix-up with the engagement ring—both things that drew attention to them that she never wanted.]

We should do that more often...

[As friends! Because friends can go out to eat at fancy restaurants, right!?]

More dates?

[Just a casual quip as he leans against the wall, arms crossed over his chest as the elevator rises. He actually knows what she means, but she kind of set herself up for it.]

Didn't realize I left such a favorable impression.

[Yes, more "dates", minus the crazy next time.

As the elevator dings again, Tifa grins, steps off in front of him, and pauses right in the middle of the door.]

So, that's a yes? I promise I'll pick somewhere cheaper next time.

[While the porkchops were hella delicious, she isn't made of money, least of all here. She has to save some up for other things, so next one will be at a burger joint or a place more... casual.]

So you're the one who will keep asking? How persistent... Shouldn't I pick the next place?

[He steps towards the door but won't be able to leave until Tifa does, so he just stares at her with his usual indifferent expression.

If someone saw them and thought they were actually flirting it would certainly seem like a weird match-up.]

Well, you aren't.

[Tifa finally steps out of his way with a laugh and turns on her heel to lead the way to her door. It isn't too far down the hall thankfully, but she's looking forward to stepping out of these shoes, and out of "date night" altogether.

What she does appreciate in the moment is that he's humouring her in keeping this light-hearted, given what happened in the carriage. If she keeps her mind off of it, then it doesn't seem so as embarrassing.]

If you wanna pick the next place, you're going to have to be the one who asks.

[And with that said, she arrives at her door and slides the keycard in, and it unlocks with a click. The room itself is exactly the same cookie cutter inn room as the rest of them, and hers is kept clean and tidy at all times, as if she's always expecting guests. That's just how she is. But the room does smell of lavender and vanilla, and there a few too many (never too many) pots of flowers and plants that were brought over by Aerith over the course of her stay—there's probably one on every flat surface that's available.]

Come on in...!

...Sounds troublesome.

[Both her picking out everything and asking her "out" that is. Chances are high it'll be Tifa who will do the asking, but really he's not going to care too much. But he can see the shift in her demeanor, that tension from earlier mostly gone for now.

And once they reach her room, Eustace slowly steps in and...

...

That's a lot of flowers. Though it does remind him of something.]

...I wonder if you'll have any room for this.

[He carefully plucks out the rose he had pocketed and holds it out to her. It's a little crumpled around some of the petals both in part from the earlier fall and being in his pocket, but it's otherwise still intact.]

[Ah, in all of the commotion and stress, she'd completely forgotten, so the look of surprise on her face when he holds it out is obvious, for several different reasons besides remembering. She'd forgotten it had been in her hair to begin with, having been so focused on the "getting to know you" part that it just became "there", but...

This reminds her of something else. A memory that she's pushed to the back of her mind and locked away to keep safe the moment she stepped foot in Camelot, and heard that dreaded news from Aerith.

But she isn't about to let that sour the occasion, so she accepts the rose for a second time tonight.]

I'll find somewhere to put this. Make yourself comfortable, I'm gonna go put this in water. You want anything?

[...Is it really that odd for him to have brought this back? Fortunately for Tifa he's just assuming it's not something she expected of him, and fair, he wouldn't have done it either if it weren't for the manager picking it up and handing it to him. He could have easily forgotten about it, too, had it not been for all the flowers here.]

...No, I'm fine.

[But she accepted it, so he won't think much further about it. Instead he just continues to walk in, glancing about her place with idle curiosity. He doesn't venture into many other rooms, even back home, so he just casually observes before he starts unbuttoning his suit jacket and taking it off to drape on a chair. Even though he's used to wearing his other jackets and cloaks, this one had been a bit more constraining and he hadn't really been able to fully breathe in a while.

But he doesn't sit, instead just continues to wander around and look at everything there is. It's a little interesting to see how she's decorated everything, having no real thought of what to expect prior.]

[First order of business is the flower. All she has left is a tall glass from the cupboards that will have to make do, and she fills it up with water. Then, she scurries past him into the bedroom to set it down on her bedside table. What? It was one of the few places she had left. And whether he wants or needs it, she brings them both a glass of water anyway. She can still feel a bit of the buzz from the wine now that it's had some time to settle, but it's not so much that it'll affect her much, besides the rosy cheeks she still has.

But when she arrives back in the living room, she almost drops them out of surprise because—]

Ah—!?

[For a moment, all she catches is the sight of his back and practically bare shoulders, and in that split moment she wonders to herself: why is he taking his shirt off!? WHY NOW, of all the times? It was one thing in his own home, but hers!?

But the shock is fleeting, quick to wear off when she realizes that she's missed the straps that wrap around his back, and she breathes a sigh of relief, her fingers unraveling the tension around the glasses that could have shattered them in her hands as she sets his down on the table.]

Uhhh... here. Just in case you want some.

[Hopefully he didn't notice!? Meanwhile, she's going to take a giant swig of hers ~~because bitches be thirsty~~.]

[~~business in the front party in the back~~

Eustace honestly thinks nothing of his attire since it's just natural for him, so when he hears her sudden sound he turns around in slight surprise.

...?

Yeah, he noticed. He just looks at her a little puzzled as he slowly takes the water.]

Thanks. ...Something wrong?

[Did he enter or go near something he shouldn't have???]

No, everything's fine. I just remembered that... I need to pick up something tomorrow.

[Nice save. Jeeze, that was close.

It's too bad she can't hide in the dim light of the restaurant or the carriage, or even outside, because her cheeks are even redder now, but she can busy herself with readjusting some plants that need no readjusting or rearranging the cushions on the couch so that they have more space to sit. She slumps on one side with a giant sigh.

Time for a change of subject.

...

.... ]

Thanks for coming up with me. I know you didn't have to, but... you did anyway.

sixth shot ⊗ open september log

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