isleofavalon | Catch-all!

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Catch-all!

🧙 WHO: Ruby and YOU!
⚔️️ WHAT: Quests, gathering, and deliveries
🕒 WHEN: All September
🗺️ WHERE: All over!
⚠️ WARNINGS: None so far.

Quests:

Shear Determination

[ After viewing some attempts by other people, Ruby can't help but feel like being an animal mage is cheating.

Too bad she has no problems with cheating if that's what's needed.

However, she needs more than just her magic for this. It turns out that operating the clippers and keeping the sheep calm at the same time is... Well maybe it wouldn't be so difficult if she knew how to use said shears properly but even with the explanation she's only resulted in getting some choppy results. The sheep deserve better.

And so, it's due to this that she approaches someone who she'd seen earlier who seemed to know what they were doing with the shears, but who had seemed to be... Struggling with the sheep. She stands before them, the picture of a child about to try and make a deal. ]

I noticed earlier that the sheep were giving you problems. I'm an animal mage, and I'd be willing to help, for half the reward. Together we could sheer them a great deal faster than either of us could manage alone.

[ Apparently she forgot that most people introduce themselves before... Well, most forms of conversation, actually. ]

Unicornhole

[ It's only once she gets to the forest that she realises the error of her plan, her plan to protect the unicorns and spread word among them of someone planning to do them harm.

She is good unicorn bait.

She hadn't known it previously, as she'd never come to this part of the forest, at least not alone anyway. Now though, she was being mothered by two of the creatures while being very glad that being in Avalon had dealt handily with her former fear of horses. (Or, well, that was what she told herself. It's perfectly normal to be worried when a horse is lipping at your hair! They could get confused and bite your ear! Yeah... Yeah. Totally normal concern...) Despite her attempts to communicate with them with her magic, they seemed more interested in seeing to her than to escaping. ]

N-no! You don't understand. You're in danger! H-huh! No, I'm not nervous! Just worried about you is all!

Misc.:

Special Delivery

[ Perhaps you ordered some groceries online, or maybe your neighbour did and there's been a mixup, or maybe someone is sending you a message. Either way, there comes a knock on the door, on the other side is a young girl, a backpack, basket, and hip bag adorning her body. When she sees another person, well... ]

Hello. Delivery!

Apple picking

[ Odd-jobs had been sustaining Ruby this whole time, and, well, more than sustaining due to how many she completed, but this one? Well, this one was just for fun. She'd read online all about harvesting apple trees on school trips, even if that was more common over-seas it had stuck in her mind as a fun thing to do. So when she got here, had everything explained, and was let loose... Well she went to find a partner for the exercise, running up to the nearest person and excitedly blurting out... ]

Would you like to work together?

Mushroom Diving

[ Mushrooms on the other hand.. Well that hadn't been for fun. This time she put out a post on AOL asking for someone who would like to team up and split the profit equally at the end. And now... Well now all that was to be done was to wait at the agreed upon meeting place, whether that be the cave or a cafe, well, that had surely been sorted out online, right? ]

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[You know, fresh fruit and vegetables really never get old. Just like how Wolfwood will still, sometimes, just stop and stare at a lake or a river. So the orchard needs apple pickers? Sign him up.

He blinks down at Ruby when she approaches, completely disconcerted again by this younger version of someone he knew. Like Cecelia, he hasn't wanted to get too close to those who don't remember him. So much potential for a mess. But, well, when you're six feet tall and a kid who is decidedly not is asking you to help her pick apples, you can't really say no, can you?

(And he does worry about her.)

He smiles.] Sure. Where do you want to start?

[ Her eyes light up at his agreement and she motions for him to follow her. ] This way! [ And she's off, grabbing a basket and rushing into the orchard a little ways ahead of him, careful to make sure she doesn't lose him in the process. And if he did... Well, above her is a crow flying over head.

Eventually she comes to stop at a tree that looks like it's had hardly anyone pick at it yet. Ruby meanwhile looks up at it as if she's found the best tree in the world. ]

[He doesn't often lose track of someone he's looking for, and he doesn't now, following her at a slower pace that nonetheless keeps his long-limbed form close by.

He looks up at the tree. He's not sure it has as many ripe apples as some of the others, but that hardly matters much when it also has more on it.]

They said to go from the outside in, right?

[ Ruby nodded. ]

Yeah, but I didn't know if they meant from the outside of the tree or the grove, so I figured they probably meant the tree. I mean, it makes sense, right? If you start on the inside of the tree then it's probably more likely that the branches will break off at the ends. At least I think that's the reason.

[ She wasn't exactly a physicist. ]

I think there are more ripe ones on the outside. [Because they get more sunlight, or something like that? Look, this still isn't his area of expertise.]

So. [He smiles.] Think you can get far out on those branches?

[ She looked closely at the tree... tracing the branches with her eyes... Then nodded. ]

Yeah! I think so. I'm fairly light, and I'm great in trees. I could probably also get some animals near here to help, but I don't think that's a great idea since they may be kinda likely to sneak bites even if you promise them more food afterwards.

[ She then reached into her pockets and pulled out a pair of gloves that tightened at the wrist with velcro. ]

Okay! Should I throw them down to you?

Not ones for long-term planning, huh? [Though unlike her animal friends, Ruby certainly prepares, as the gloves make clear.

Wolfwood hefts his basket.] I'll be ready.

[Finn has experience in foraging, and he's often done it for coin, so he figured he might as well answer the job offer. If only the internet existed in Tamriel, it would make it that much easier for him to find quests or help those who needed an adventurer.

Finn arrives at the cave they agreed to meet up at, carrying a basket, as well as a bag full of provisions, such as snacks and a small first-aid kit. A quest-goer always comes prepared.]

So, any particular mushrooms that we're looking for?

[ Ruby looks up from the squirrel she'd been communing with as he comes into view. At spotting the basket she realises he's who responded, or rather, she realises that the person who responded is him. She had yet to forget how he'd helped during the meetup she'd put together for kids to learn self defence. (Even if that plan had ultimately fallen by the wayside.)

Ruby picks up her own basket, then adjusts her backpack a little. ]

Yes! Um, I don't know how to say their names, but... [ A quick browse of her phone's pictures and.... She's holding up a picture of two mushrooms. ] The brown ones are for cooking, and the purple-brown ones are for the healers and are a little poisonous.

[ She pockets her phone, looking away for a moment as she does. ]

I figure that one of us goes for one colour, and the other goes for the other. That way there's less chance of us mixing the mushrooms up. I even made sure to bring two torches. They're still in my bag though.

[ Of course, to her 'torch' was just a name for 'flashlight', but well... ]

[Finn examines the mushrooms. Should be easy enough to spot. He knows better than anyone that mushrooms can be deadly if you get them confused.]

Why don't I go for the poison mushrooms?

[ She nodded at that, then pulled out the flashlights, handing him one. ]

I'll go for the ones the culinarians will want! I might end up asking your thoughts on which mushroom is which at times, since according to the guide it can be hard to tell at first. Is that okay?

[Finn accepted the torch.]

Quite alright. I picked mushrooms all the time back in my world, and I know all too well how easy it is to get them confused. Last thing you want is to accidentally brew a paralysis potion because you mistook Namira's rot with mora tapinella.

[Such an oddly specific example he gave.]

[ She tilted her head at that. ]

I'm not familiar with those plants. What would the end effect be? Would it be catastrophic, or merely 'really bad'?

[ She picked up her basket and turned on her torch. ]

Really bad. I couldn't move for five seconds, and I'm lucky there was nothing I could hit my head on when I fell over.

[He turns on his own torch and makes his way into the cave.]

[ She can't help but giggle as she follows along after him. ]

What had you been trying to make anyway?

I was trying to make a potion to regenerate mana. That's what we use to cast magic in my world, no familiar needed.

[He wondered if he should call on Sil just in case there were any monsters in the cave. He shrugged, figuring that he was fine for now, looking around the cave for mushrooms.]

[ Ruby took his ungiven advice and began to search the other side of the cave, talking as she went. ]

Mana can be regenerated with potions? Like in a video game? [ She crouched down to get a good look at a mushroom. ] It seems like a lot of things that aren't real in my world but are in games and anime are real in other worlds, if so.

I'm afraid I'm only vaguely aware of what a video game is.

[He saw some bits of fungi, but nothing like what he was looking for. He wondered if glowing mushrooms grew down here.]

Mana can regenerate on its own in my world, but you can drink potions to make it regenerate faster for a short while, or restore a large amount of mana all at once.

I'll show you later, [ she said, looking over her shoulder. ] I have one on my phone that's good for passing time when I'm waiting for people to accept their deliveries.

[ She looked back to the mushroom she'd found. ]

This one is the edible one, right? As for mana, I guess it'd make sense it will regenerate on its own. Like how stamina replinishes when you take a break, right?

[Finn takes a closer look at the mushroom, pointing his torch at it.]

That's the edible one, yes. Funnily enough, there are potions to increase or restore your stamina, just like mana, so that's an accurate comparison.

[He resumes walking, stopping to examine a mushroom before deciding that it's not what they're looking for.]

I also used to be able to cast spells with words, that didn't require mana.

[ She looked up at him in shock. ]

What? No way! Does this mean someone can just drink or eat the potions and they'd never have to sleep?

[ She finds this much more impressive than spells that don't cost mana. Sorry Finn. ]

I mean, I suppose you could, if you're on an all-night mission or something. But I would't think it's something to make a habit out of.

[Finn is certainly no stranger to having to do quests or contracts in the middle of the night.]

[ And ah, the sound of disappointment on her voice when she replied... ]

So it can be bad for your health then?

[ She leaned over a promising looking cluster of mushrooms. ]

More the 'staying up for several nights without sleep' thing than anything else. I've seen warriors guzzle multiple stamina potions like they were water.

[He picked a mushroom, determined that it was a poisonous one, and put it in his basket.]

[Allura stiffens up a bit at the offer.] Well, I wouldn't say no to another set of hands, but... I wasn't doing that badly with the sheep, was I?

[Let's rewind a bit.]

[As it turns out, Allura was quite skilled with those shears. She knew something about how to manage thick, fluffy hair; and the tool itself was fairly simple to master, particularly compared to the weapons she normally swung around.]

[So she was calm as she approached the sheep, feeling headstrong and ready to help some animals. As long as she could get close and not upset the animals, this would be a quick and easy procedure, and mutually beneficial to both of them.]

[And how hard could that be? Look at them. So soft, so fluffy, so docile. And not to speak too highly of herself, but considering how empathetic and pure of heart she is, surely the animals wouldn't think of her as a threat. Especially once she gave them some reassuring pets. ... right?]

[She wasn't even able to get within ten feet of one before it bellowed flame at her, causing her to dodge out of the way and tumble heels over head across the grass.]

[By the fifth sheep, the reactions were understandable: She looked a mess, from her disheveled hair to her clothes covered in grass stains and singed spots. And though she was trying to call to the sheep with soft words, her temper was barely concealed, and her insistence that she wouldn't hurt the animals sounded like a thinly-veiled, threatening lie.]

[Which brings us back to the present, and Allura's question about if she was doing "that badly".]

I'm sure that last one listened to me, at least at first... [... up until it actually laid eyes on her!]

You weren't doing bad for someone without animal magic. [ She says this in a way that it's hard to tell if the earnestness is not in fact genuine. ] I think that if we work together we can both see faster and much more effective results, with the added bonus that the sheep won't be scared - which I hope we can both agree is important in its own way, right?

[Well, Allura will accept it as a passing grade. That's right, these sheep are likely just used to dealing with animal mages. With the communication barrier, it was that much more difficult to let these creatures know that she had come in peace.]

Yes, you may be right about that. If they panic any more, one of them might hit the others with that fire breath of theirs...

[Speaking of, she looks out towards the ones she startled, which aren't running around scared any longer but still seem disturbed. One of them even still has embers jumping from its mouth.]

So, it's really that easy to calm them down with your magic?

[ Ruby couldn't help but follow her glance, and when she saw the sheep she did a very good job of not looking too pitying. She then turned back to Allura. ]

Well, it does take some work, but it's not too hard. I basically need to make sure that the sheep feels safe with me, which means sending it feelings of calm and stuff like that, as well as giving it little treats and giving it a fair warning that you're going to be shearing it. Some animals are a little harder than others are, I mean animals are individuals too, but that just means a little more work.

[ She paused a moment, looking thoughtful... then pulled something out of her backpack, holding it out to Allura. ]

These are sweet flowers, and most of the herbivores I've ran into enjoy them. I'll introduce you to each sheep, that way they'll not be surprised by your presence, and then you can give one to each sheep so they have a reason to trust you.

[She nods in understanding, particularly at the mention of animals being individuals.] Right, of course. I did have a close relationship with some animals, prior to coming here... but those ones were easier to work with, for a number of reasons.

[Like the fact that they were small, and peaceful, and very friendly. And the telepathic bond they shared never hurt either.]

[She looks at the flowers with a thoughtful expression...]

Really? It's good enough to earn their trust, that easily?

[ Oh and suddenly the 'all work' mask attempt falls clear off, her face lighting up. ] You work with animals?

[ She then clears her throat, trying very hard to regain her composure. ]

I. um. [ A second clearing of the throat as she finally regains the mask. ] Anyway, yes, with careful coaxing. I'll need to make sure it knows you're coming, and that I tell it you're a friend. [ She then smiles. ] Don't worry. I calmed a sheep earlier, but it turns out I'm a little small to be shearing sheep.

[ That was a lie. She couldn't figure out the clippers. She just assumes that being small would make it more awkward. ]

I did, yes. Four space mice, which were close friends of mine. Once we're finished here, I can tell you all about them, if you like.

[Because whether they're working or not, she loves talking about her mice. But the circumstances are a complicated story, and distracting in a way that they likely can't afford right now.]

[Speaking of, back to the task at hand.] Is it that hard to reach? Hm... maybe we can find something for you to stand on. Or if you would let me, I could hold you up while you shear the back. You know, if you're eager to give it another try.

[But speaking of eager, they should try to get at least one sheep sheared before they start talking about changing up their strategy. So she takes a few of the flowers, and starts looking for one to entice.]

[ Her eyes light up again. ]

I would like that a lot! Thank you!

[ She then begins to look around, carefully pretending she's to absorbed in seeking out a good sheep to actually answer - her pride sticking in her throat.

After a moment she spots one that seems a little less nervous than the other. ]

That one.

[ She points, then slowly starts over, stopping about 10 feet away. She then kneels and motions for Allura to follow suit.

Either way, she doesn't waste time in trying to get the sheep's attention physically - not jumping in the least as it hiccups some flames - before she sends out calming emotions, sending with it the impression of friendship and gentle care. ]

[Strange that this girl would show more enthusiasm for the mice, which aren't even here, than for these cute and fluffy sheep. Maybe she doesn't actually like the sheep as much? Maybe she's had more trouble with them than she lets on?]

[Allura makes a note to pry into that after.]

[She watches carefully, and on cue, starts to follow suit. It's a little too similar to the way that Ruby approached, even lowering herself a bit to try and get to a similar height. And she kneels nearby, and offers up the 'sweet' flowers.]

Come here, little sheep. We're here to help you...

[And her breath hitches in her throat as she sees it start to move. Is it coming closer? Is she doing this right??]

[ In reality, Ruby is excited to meet someone else who works closely with animals, more than the animals themselves - though, she would be *awfully* excited to meet space mice were they here. Getting her to admit either of those things though... Well. Children are strange in what wounds their pride and what doesn't, and only time will tell if Allura manages to avoid the young teen's defensive nature or not. ]

[ The sheep sniffles a little, then slowly starts heading their way, watching carefully. Ruby smiles, though not in a way that shows her teeth. She then pauses, speaking low and gently. ]
Try not to show your teeth when you aren't talking. For a lot of animals that's a sign of aggression. I don't know if that's how sheep think, but it's likely best to be safe. When it gets close hold your hand out like this. [ As she speaks she places her hand before her palm down, much like one might with a dog. ]

[ Ruby sends sensations of praise the sheep's way, of happiness to see it, and - taking a cue from Allura's words - the desire to help. As she does, the sheep begins to move a little faster, looking a little less anxious. It isn't quite to them yet, but should nothing alarm it... Well many animals are curious about offered hands. ]

Really? But the people here show theirs quite often, from what I've seen... [Maybe that's not so unexpected. Humans are no strangers to war, are they?]

[But as the sheep gets closer, she gets excessively conscious of her mouth, and presses her lips flat together to ensure that not a single tooth shows. And she watches, quietly and patiently, as it approaches. Once it's close enough, she offers up the flowers as if she were making an offering to a small, fluffy, easily angered god. She even bows her head a little, thinking it might help her talk without showing her teeth.]

These are for you. I hope you enjoy them...!

Mmh! But people are different from most animals. For us showing teeth is sometimes about showing joy. Probably because compared to so many other animals we don't hunt with teeth and claws, so we made it a way to show different emotions.

[ Ruby's eyes crinkled up a little as she spoke, gently translating the woman's intent to the little creature before them.

The sheep sniffed Allura's hand, nose tickling the palm of her hand just a little, before it took the flower and began to eat it. ]

There, there. Now show it the clippers, but don't turn them on yet, okay?

[ Ruby looked up to allura, her expression soft. It seemed that she dropped the 'serious business' persona when dealing with animals, or maybe it had something to do with how she communicated to them, either way the expression was nice to see on someone to which a dour expression seemed to come so easily. ]

That still seems unusual. Wouldn't other animals hunt humans with those same teeth? They can't have been the apex predator for that long...

... mm. Maybe we shouldn't be talking about hunting and predators in front of our friend. [See? She's not completely oblivious to the sensitivities of animals. She just hasn't done a lot of work as a shepherd.]

[At Ruby's advice, she takes out the clippers and presents them to the sheep. Of course, she's not sure of the best way to do that, so she holds it out with an open palm, presenting the tool to the sheep with the same professionalism as you might hand someone a business card.]

See? You must have seen these before, right? Do you have any problems with them?

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Catch-all!

Apple Picking

Re: Apple Picking

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WOW, Rude DW, I wanted this in my inbox!

betrayal!

Shock! I shall not recover!

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Mushroom Diving

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Shear Determination

Re: Shear Determination

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