isleofavalon | eighth shot ⊗ open november log

Entry tags:

eighth shot ⊗ open november log

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: various things
🕒 WHEN: throughout November
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: none except any potential violence against lettuce

⊗ a: task - flappy veg

[Guarding flying lettuce....is certainly something Eustace never would have found himself doing, yet here he was in one of the known locations where some have landed from their migration. Whether they're technically animals or not, Eustace couldn't understand them through animal magic regardless, but he's able to at least communicate that he's there to help and not harm. They seem a bit jittery with all the poaching around.

a. updrafts. The place they landed in is mostly a clearing, but there are a few "obstacles" scattered around in the form of tall rocks and small trees. While most of the Butterfly Lettuce remain on the ground vibing, some also choose to perch on the trees to prune their leaves. However, due to their physique and unreliable drafts at this time, they end up either flopping about or plummeting to the ground. Fortunately none are too bruised, but it's hard to just sit still when nothing much is happening.]

...Hold on, let me help.

[Either by picking them or using wind magic to create some wind to help the lettuce, Eustace can give them a boost up. It's still not perfect, but it works.

Some of the younger lettuce realize they have an on demand draft maker, and Eustace can also be found creating wind streams to help the smaller Butterfly Lettuce "flap" over a mini obstacle course as they play a game while also practicing their skills. It's good practice for him as well. For anyone who might there also guarding him, they can either assist or just watch out for any stray Butterfly Lettuce that flap in the wrong direction—or help catch any that might fall from their perches.

b. poachers. Of course not everything is peaceful. Eventually poachers will arrive. If Eustace is able to sense something amiss soon enough he could send out a warning shot before they enter into the area. If not, he's fully prepared to fight and bring on the thunder, er lightning. Help keep the lettuce out of the way or assisting Eustace in fighting the poachers!]

⊗ b: cure on cloud nine

[Having managed to avoid the basilisks and already wearing gloves, Eustace is prepared to help in retrieving the mysterious Nimbus flower deep within the Forest of the Felled. Having a lot of experience in infiltrating and dealing with traps, including those out in the wild, also helps. So while traversing through a particular are, his suddenly looks up and holds his arm to stop whoever he's with.]

Careful. The branches here have been cut and the ground looks it had once been cleared away. Better to go around.

[Although there are leaves and growth all over the ground, if one looks carefully there's a small patch that looks thinner compared to the rest, indicating that at some point it had been disturbed and recovered. Most likely a pit trap, but no need to try and find out.]

⊗ c: floor is lava

[Although he had (for some reason he still can't comprehend) been granted the both the knight and noble titles, he still hasn't accepted the new grant since it seems too much of a hassle and not really his thing. But he does go out to check on the new townships being built out of curiosity...and also because of the little prank that had occurred. This had to be the most ridiculous thing he's seen yet, though he feels he thinks that every month... After hearing about it and seeing it with his own eyes, Eustace just sighs as he first notes the affected buildings.]

...Rather than play this farce, wouldn't it be easier if I just transformed into a bird and fly directly to the circles to destroy them? Or shoot them down from a higher enough point.

[His hand is already on his holster. He just has to get up to a building and aim, and he has elemental magic on his side it should be easy right??? But will he be allowed is a different matter—

If anyone manages to convince him to do it properly, they better be prepared to join in and expect a riveting platform game where nothing is stable and teamwork is key!]

⊗ d: wildcard

[Although I only picked the cure part of the basilisk questline, I'm open to the other parts! 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

I have.

[Brushing off the snow, he reaches down to help her up.]

But the last time... Was probably when I was a child.

[She takes his hand, using it to hoist herself up out of the snow, which is... more difficult than it looks when she only starts sinking further into it when her weight shifts, and it collapses under her.]

Well then, I know what we're doing when all this clears up. Hope you at least remember how to use skates... because I don't know if I do.

[Grinning, she tugs him back in the direction of the house, tripping in the snow a little on the way, but before they can reach the door, she stops him to wrap her arms around his waist, her smile fading into one that's more timid.]

I know that this isn't exactly your style... and you don't even have to get this, or any of the other ones, but... I'm having fun. So, thank you for at least coming with me.

[Whoops—! He almost falls in with her as the snow also begins to give way, but he quickly adjusts so that he can pull her out without either of them falling back in.]

Skating... It shouldn't be too hard, it's no different than coming back to ride a horse or bicycle. [However she might know the phrase.

But then he's a little surprised by the hug, looking down at her with slightly widened eyes before his expression softens. With an arm going around her, he smiles a little.]

...Yeah, I am, too. ...And sorry about earlier.

[About being a grumpy sourpuss.]

It's fine. I got you back for it already, didn't I?

[That was what the snowballs were for, after all. Even though he evened out the score soon enough, but she was satisfied with her points by the end. And what matters most is that he seems to have cheered up a bit since they climbed out of the carriage, and that was the important thing.]

You think there's a fireplace inside? Somewhere to warm up?

[... And get dried off? Her clothes are soaked with snow.]

And you can tell me all about how you used to go ice-skating and build snowmen when you were a kid.

I should be able to arrange something. As much as I don't care for them, I have to admit the titles can be quite useful.

[And so he'll lead her inside, not caring at the stares they receive until he flashes the title card as proof of his nobility and knight status. Once they realize he's here to look at the castle as a potential owner, the staff and servants are quick to prepare a guest room for them to use. Even if Eustace doesn't end up accepting they still needed to show their utmost care in hospitality, so while not the master suite the two are taken to a finely furnished room that could be easily mistaken for one to anyone not accustomed to such a lavish lifestyle. Fresh towels and robes are provided and they will happily launder their clothes. A meal can also be provided while they wait.

It's fairly obvious everyone thinks they are either married or close enough, and Eustace does nothing to dismiss the misunderstanding. If anything it just makes things easier and they're dating so doesn't seem much of a difference in his eyes.

After accepting it all, they are finally left alone so they can change and look around.]

You can use the shower first.

[Tifa is only left fumbling for words when Eustace makes no effort to correct the staff, her face going red and her voice growing tiny while she follows them all into the lavish guest room that's been set up for them. Do they go all out for all their guests, or is this only because they'd been soaked already by the time they walked in?

The room itself is a bit on the gaudy side, definitely not in Eustace's tastes, or hers either. It's decorated in dark mahoganies and deep reds, with gold trims along the walls, the chairs, the curtains, and just about everything imaginable. The ceilings rise high and from them hangs a chandelier she's sure costs just as much as the castle itself, and there's a fire burning in the hearth that takes up a quarter of an entire wall on one side of the room.

...

It's a bit on the tacky, overdone side, but she's never seen anything quite like it before, so she's awestruck by it all, taking some time to take a look around first, before she's looking across the room at him, a knowing glint in her eye, even more obvious in the singsong of her voice.]

You sure?

[It would probably be improper of her to invite him along with her, wouldn't it? They are technically guests in a home that isn't theirs, but there's no harm in teasing a little, now that they're alone at last.

She only smiles wider before she sheds her sweater, pulling it up over her head and leaving her in a simple black tank top, and she tosses it in his direction where it slumps on the floor before she works on her top, wandering into the bathroom, but not before giving him a small peak before the door slowly closes. Not all the way, of course—she leaves it open a crack while she climbs into the shower, and soon enough, the steam will start to sift out and into the rest of the room, bringing with it the soft, refreshing smell of roses, with the hint of cucumber.

Tifa won't be gone for long. She wants to make sure she leaves enough hot water for him, and when she comes out, she'll be wrapped in one of the fluffy robes they'd set aside for them, her hair still dripping with water. She moves to stand in front of the fire, where she combs her fingers through the it.]

Change your mind yet?

[WOMAN HE IS LEGIT JUST THINKING ABOUT HER NOT CATCHING A COLD AND THEY ARE IN SOME RANDOM CASTLE HE DOESN'T OWN WHO IS THE HORNY ONE IN THIS RELATIONSHIP HE SWEARS BY THE PRIMALS KNOW HOW MANY VERSIONS OF BAHAMUT—

The way she just tosses that sweater and saunter inTO the bathroom—it would be a lie to say he wasn't affected would be a dead lie. He stands there transfixed for a moment before he hastily turns away, trying hard to not listen to how the water falls, the subtle differences when it hits her skin. And that scent.

Her scent.

It takes more than just a few moments to exercise self control as he just focuses on removing some of his outer clothing so he can drape it over a chair in front of (but not too close to) the fire, including her sweater. He knows she's just teasing him and he's managed to return to his usual status quo.

Until she comes back in.

By now he's removed everything but his pants, and Eustace just eyes her for a moment before he steps behind her, hands going to her shoulder as his breath tickles her ear. His hands lower to the sash of her robe, fingering it...]

I'm good.

[.....Before he gives it a firm tug to tighten the knot around her waist. He then gives her an affectionate pat and a kiss to the top of her head before stepping back with a grin and heads to the bathroom.

He's not going to let her win this.]

[Tifa only hums pleasantly when he comes up behind her, knowing well that this is turning into another game of cat and dog that they're playing, with the way he fidgets with the knot of her robe before pulling it tight, and she only responds with a small noise, her cheeks flushing when she (accidentally?) bumps back into him before he walks off to the bathroom.

She gets to work hanging up the rest of her clothes on a chair next to his to dry them off, and when he returns, she'll be seated on the red velvet couch in front of it, her leg stretched out in front of her, with the robe's the tie loosened only just so that it sits draping just off her shoulders. Her eyes won't look up from her hands as they lather lotion over her skin, but a smile will appear when she hears him enter the room, from behind the hair that falls in front of her face, hiding the blush in her face from him.

Because she's not going to let him win this.]

How was the shower? Feel better?

[Still only teasing, of course.]

[He just slowly saunters out, robe half undone almost in a lazy sort of way as he towels off his hair and ears.]

Mm. [One of his usual low hums of agreement as he seems to not pay much attention to her—or rather, he just seems to be treating her normally—and instead gathers their clothes to put in a basket.]

I'll set these outside for them to pick up. Want me to ask them for food or some drinks as well?

[She either isn't bothered or hasn't noticed him pay little attention to her. Besides the hum as she continues, moving onto the other leg next, when she looks up at him at last, eyes following him through the room as he gathers their clothes up.]

They'll bring us food, too?

[Seriously... what kind of house hunting service is this and why aren't there more people trying to take advantage of it?]

I guess just whatever they've got. I could use a snack if they're offering. [Fancy cheeses? Fruit platters? That super stylish charcuterie stuff?] Hmm, some coffee or tea would be nice, too. Make sure you get some for yourself.

They had offered, though it might have been just for hospitality. They seemed rather intent in showing everything this place could offer... I suppose showing the skills of the staff including the chef would help as a selling point.

I'll just ask to keep it light.

[~~Because they won't be eating much of it anyway—~~ After ensuring he got everything, he heads to the door and opens it, peering out before flagging a nearby maid.

...

...Maybe he should have checked himself before doing so...

Anyway, after handing the basket of clothes to the red as a crab young woman and making the request for some simple snacks and coffee for two, he closes the door behind him and makes his way back to the couch. Only then does he stop behind her, hands resting against the back as he leans over slightly.]

You'll catch a cold if you don't properly dry your hair.

[She leans back until her face is directly under his.]

I'll be fine. The fire's keeping me warm.

[And it's doing most of the work in drying her off ~~although she'd much prefer if it were him keeping her warm~~! It's surprisingly toasty considering how chilly it is outside, and the hot shower had done wonders to help chase away the cold that had soaked into her bones. Honestly, she's never been more comfortable. So comfortable that she's starting to wonder if Eustace is making a mistake not taking a place like this. Even if it were just a place he could go to visit when he was feeling indulgent, but then... that very thought of lavish indulgences feels so very unlike him that she shakes it off with a laugh and repositions herself so she can work on massaging the lotion into her shoulders and arms now.

But not before she pats the seat next to her, beckoning to him, her smile as warm and playful as the flames crackling across from her, basking them in its orange glow.]

You know, for someone who hasn't had a lot of fun in the snow, you were pretty good with those snowballs.

[He glances at the spot.

He considers.

He moves as if he really will join her......

......Only to grab a fresh towel, return to behind her, and plop it on her head before he starts to gently but firmly dry her hair, gathering it all in and pressing the towel in before ruffling it up a bit.

Yes he's being mean and playing around with her hair a bit on purpose.]

I forgot how much I've told you about my childhood home, but making snowballs is as easy and innate as breathing air.

Edited 2021-11-28 08:57 (UTC)

[There's nothing mean about this. The fresh, fluffy towel is warm, and she only makes a small noise of surprise before she's leaning into it, allowing him to pat and comb the dampness out of her hair, her head rolling back against the couch so that she can look up at him easier.]

Not much.

[Only the sad parts about it, but... surely, it wasn't all bad growing up? She remembers hearing about Vitty, and he seemed to warm significantly when he talked about it all, back when they first met, but besides that, it's been nothing but the tragic demise of his home that Tifa has no idea the kind of life he had before all of that.]

You never told me a lot about what things were like for you growing up.

[Then again, neither has she.]

So you did have fun with snow...

Well... Yeah.

[A very brief stretch of silence as he just continued to dry her hair.]

I meant after everything.

[Tifa follows that with silence of her own, her lips pressing together while she watches him above. The last thing she wants is to strike a sore spot for him, but... she keeps finding herself wanting to know more. Wanting to poke even a little bit, with the hopes that he'll open up to her bit by bit. It's easier to do that than having him stir memories of her own past.]

I meant before everything.

[She corrects him gently, the warmth of her smile spreading to her eyes before she closes them, soaking in the warmth and feel of his hands massaging her hair.]

What was it like?

[What was he like?]

[There's just more silence as he thinks back to those bygone days... Days he'll never get back but ones he treasures all the same. For many people they don't remember much of their childhood, but for Eustace, he kept every memory he could. It was all he had left so he didn't want to lose the only thing he had that tied him back to his family.

But at least... At least now thinking back doesn't hurt as much. So when he speaks it's a little quiet.]

It was...peaceful. We lived on a far, remote snowy island where it snowed most of the year and only warm enough to see the grass for may about a month, two if we're lucky. It was so small and far away that you wouldn't even find it marked on many maps. Trade was rare, outsiders rarer. [Which is why his island was likely chosen for... ...Let's not think about it.] So my village was the only one and fairly small. Small enough where we all knew one another and treated each other like family. Most of us were, really. [Given the small size and population, not really that surprising that a good chunk are related at least distantly.]

But that also meant we were self-sustained. We all had our own small plots to grow crops and animals. My father was a hunter so he'd go out into the forests to hunt wild game. It was tough given the environment...but not so much we couldn't make a peaceful, happy living.

[She curls up on the couch, more than content to listen to him talk about his home. Given what she knows about what happened to it, it's nice to hear him talk of the happier days that came before all of it. Those are precious memories that he should cherish. It's the only way that any of those people will continue to live on, through him, because once they start trying to forget them, they'll be lost to wearing down of time.]

That sounds nice...

[That sense of community, especially. If there's one thing she does miss about the slums of Midgar, it was that.]

Was it always cold? I'd imagine you'd get used to it, after a while?

We were used to it. Even in the "warmer" months a light jacket would have been needed for those not used to the climate. But for us it was like a hot summer beach so it didn't bother us.

Only the harshest winters and snow storms would remind us how far and deep in the north we were... But even then it wasn't so bad. We specialized in furs so we had plenty of warmth through blankets and clothes, the fires, and each other.

[He pulls the towel away to run his hands through her hair, enjoying the soft, smooth strands running against his skin. Although some areas were still a little damp, it was enough to be air dried. So he just plays with it a little more, thinking how she usually... Ties it down here like this? But with such a deep black color, would she like other hair accessories—

Whoa whoa what is he thinking? Just going to hastily drop her hair before he moves to sit down next to her.]

[Well, that explains the backless shirts.

Tifa makes room for him to sit with her, but she moves into his space the moment that he does, curling up next to him so that she could rest her head on his shoulder, her own fingers combing the hair away that's fallen out of place and in front of her eyes.]

How'd you guys get things like fruits and vegetables with it being so cold all the time? Can't imagine trading with other places would be easy...

[It's like a very, very cold Midgar, where they couldn't grow things to save lives, but at least they weren't so far from the rest of the world. There were still farms and other cities and towns nearby that they could easily trade with.]

[Does it. Does it really.

He just relaxes as she leans against him, his arm automatically going behind her. ...It's strange, they haven't been together for that long, but this already feels natural...]

We had our own winter based fruits and vegetables. Not as many as in warmer places, but winter berries like cherries, raspberries...we had apples and some citrus. It wasn't a great amount, but what we cultivated was more than enough for ourselves. Vegetables were primarily the root kind like potatoes, carrots, beets. We also had techniques to keep the ground warm enough and cover them whenever there was threat of ice, but if we were lucky then it wouldn't happen during the growing season and we'd just live off our harvest.

But for the small amount of trade we did, it was primarily fur, dried meat, and materials from the monsters we hunted outside the village. Fangs, bones, claws, antlers. Anything we didn't need we could sell for a decent price to the handful of merchants that bothered to make the trip. They were probably undersold, but we didn't care too much about money and just traded for other supplies like medicine, tools, materials—things we couldn't readily make ourselves.

[Only a little bit.

It sounds exactly like the kind of place that Tifa would imagine he'd be from, and she'd say she wished she could have seen it if it weren't for the fact that it was no longer standing, so she only moves in closer, shifting so that she can wrap an arm around him in a small, subtle attempt to comfort any unease he might feel in remembering that life.

She huffs with a laugh, trying to keep it light-hearted.]

That explains why you knew so much... back at the cave.

[And she can already feel her face going red at recalling that night. How he'd been so sure of himself as he moved throughout, building the fire and setting it all up so that they would be able to stay warm. Even before that, being out on the hunt, in the wilderness, felt like he had fallen back into his element, and old habits.]

So did you learn how to do all that at a really young age?

[He welcomes her attempts, subtle as they are. Just being with her makes talking about this not as difficult as it could be.]

Yes. My father taught most everything I know about hunting and living outdoors. How to read the weather, listen for the slightest sounds, find shelter and resources... That following spring I was going to get my first rifle.... [His voice trails as he glances away before continuing.] Being a hunter and following my father's footsteps had been what you'd call my childhood dreams... It's a bit different but I suppose I followed it.

[And though it's not the rifle his father had planned to give him, Flamek is just as treasured and maybe why he was drawn to it when he had the opportunity to choose any of the weapons.]

Hm. [There's a soft, gentle hum that echoes low in her chest.] Reminds me a little of my dad.

[That's as much as she says on the matter, but there's a nostalgic smile as she thinks back to her own, and how much hearing about Eustace's only makes her miss him that much more. It's been years since then, but Tifa won't ever forget the days she spent with him, and how hard he worked to raise her.

Tifa opens her mouth to say something, but the thought is interrupted by a light knock on the door, and then it creaking open. One of the castle's many butlers enters after she calls back to him, and he's carrying a platter of all sorts of things—cheeses, fruits, vegetables, meats, just about anything Tifa could imagine being put on a giant plate and laid out so nicely in front of her! And two steaming hot cups of coffee, along with the pot should they desire more later.

And when he leaves, Tifa hands Eustace his cup before taking hers, pops a grape into her mouth and settles back into the empty space she'd left at his side.

She'd noticed before, how his voice had faded for a moment, at the mention of the rifle, and she tilts her head up at him, thinking of how to delicately dance around the fact that his village was likely ruined not long after that...]

Was it for something special, that rifle?

[Was it a tradition among his village? Had he done something to earn it?]

[He's knocked out of his reverie when the butler arrives, and he has to admit he's a bit surprised by the amount. He said light... Damn rich people. But he'll take the cup, letting the warmth seep into his hands before he takes a testing sip.

...

All right, it's damn good coffee. Perks of the nobility he supposes.

He takes a few more sips before he sets it down and nestles against her, preferring her warmth over the coffee's. ...Especially when she asks that particular question. He's silent for a moment, fingers idly playing with her hair as he thinks back. Thinks back to those blissful days...]

...Yes. I was old enough and had proven myself skilled enough to handle a firearm of my own so my father was thinking of getting me a new one. It might seem strange to hear of a child getting a gun at such a young age, but it was common in my world, especially in farming and countrysides where a child is needed to help take care of the family as well as needing proper defense against monsters.

In this case...I had an older sister, but I was the oldest son with a younger brother and sister, so it was only natural that I would take on responsibilities after my father. [A small smile.] Even if I preferred playing over the other chores...

...But that spring...

[His gaze drifts to his hand resting idly in his lap before his fingers suddenly curl in themselves, nails digging a little into his palm as he feels that biting pain. It's not as bad as before, but...it's difficult to never feel like this. Closing his eyes he rests his head against hers.]

...My mother was pregnant. [His voice was quiet, only loud enough for her to hear.] They would have been my fourth sibling... We didn't know if they were a girl or boy, but I wanted to make clothes for the baby from the furs I would hunt that season.

[A very small, sad smile.]

I was looking forward to it. I hadn't been old enough for my other siblings, so this would have been my first time.

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