[OPEN] I'd say let it snow, but...

[tantailizing]

🧙 WHO: Zidane (Garnet in one prompt) and You~
⚔️️ WHAT: Time to head to Elphame! And maybe a quest or two for December. Catch-all for December is what I'm saying
🕒 WHEN: Throughout December until Event
🗺️ WHERE: Elphame, New Camelot, etc.
⚠️ WARNINGS:

I. The Maiden's Task - Thitis

At first, Zidane's confused why this was a task at all, but then again, considering some people were already scared of heights, climbing the tallest tree on the first island just made that worse.

When he reaches the tree in quest, he manages to bite back a grimace. The tree itself isn't a problem, but there sure are thorns on it... and statues that he has several questions about how they got there. Oh well, 'Lord Tribal' isn't one to pass up a challenge; and heck, if he's careful, the thorns would just help him reach the top sooner.

... And once again, he would prove why one should always wear gloves while ascending the trunk.

II. The Maiden's Task - Thiton (feat. Garnet)

Branch acquired from the first task, Zidane delivers it soon to Thiton, but she also has a task: perform your favorite song. Well, there's only one song he can really think of...

Raising his eyebrows, he's immediately smiling wide - she must've heard about the task too and found her way over. Well then, Thiton needn't perform at all if she just wants to enjoy music and song, but her playing along actually helps.

Other characters might hear it too - the gentle strumming of two string instruments of sorts playing in accommodation to singing. They might be here for a while; maybe take a moment to enjoy. As for those already affected by synaesthesia, well... there's something very obvious being conveyed between two people present.

III. Avalon Crossing

Snow Spirits in need of temporary homes too? Sure, he's up for the task!

Not realizing how outlandish they might be? Yeah, he did that too.

Good thing theater makes one ready for weird or outlandish sets otherwise this task might be harder. The only thing hard about it was sculpting in the snow because no duh, it's freezing. Maybe he should've gotten that potion to regulate his temperature from the traders, but he's already in this and intends on finishing.

Just ignore that shivering as he packs more snow on.

IV. Oo-nye-doo?

He might not like horses, but they are Archimedes' horses. Agreeing to the task of rounding them up (he'll leave this month's manhunt to someone else thanks), Zidane's ready to try again with horses.

... But upon finding the first one with whomever joined him, maybe... not.

"... What the hell is that!?"

And oh gods, the sounds it makes.

No thanks, he'll take the horrors from his world any day thanks!

V. Wildcard

[OOC: Wanna do another prompt from the TDM or a Quest from the board that's not here? Hit me up at demidemonLove or DM me so we can plot. He's totally here for the other tasks if interested!]

Comments

IV

[beefaroni]

Asterios, being an Animal Mage, thought this would be a very easy task to handle.

This isn't the first time he's been proven wrong, but, boy, this is gunna be a memorable one.

"... Is that still a horse?"

[tantailizing]

Looking over at Asterios, Zidane doesn't know whether to nod, shrug, or shake his head. He can only make a confused face instead.

"Maybe...? It's got the body?"

But that sure as hell ain't a neigh it's making.

[beefaroni]

After a pause, Asterios points to his own ear. "I cannot... understand them."

Animal mages are supposed to understand the language of animals - so him saying that is not a great sign.

[tantailizing]

"Huh? You can't?"

Zidane frowns and crosses his arms. Well, so much for that route... Time for a new plan than, and maybe figuring out how the hell to communicate as they went along.

"... Guess we'll have to try approaching and see what happens."

[beefaroni]

Asterios nods - they're still animals, and he respects and loves all animals, no matter their... appearance.

He takes a few slow, steady steps towards the "horses", opening his palm to let them sniff it (if they can???). "It's okay. It's okay."

[tantailizing]

... Zidane'll debate him on that later.

Walking along with Asterios, it doesn't take long for their... 'horse' to notice their approach. And where it's massive glassy eyes do not emote well, it's shifting on its hooves much like any wary horse might. At the extension of his hand, at least it seems to - no, it's staring at his large palm; staring at it with its 'beak' (???) wide open, and a long, whining 'nyeeeehhh' escaping it as it tilts its head.

The hell is it even doing?

[beefaroni]

Asterios has no goddamn idea what it's doing. He can only guess it's a positive sign.

"Good. You are good. It is all right." With his hand accepted (???) he moves to very gently give it some pets on the head.

III

[tempredmental]

Keith paused in his walking when he saw Zidane working on some sort of snow sculpture. He wandered over to get a closer look.

"What are you making?"

[tantailizing]

Turning at the question, Zidane grinned wide. It's been a while Keith; well, since last meeting before the snow.

"A vacation home for snow spirits. They weren't really specific in the most straight forward way, but I think I got it this time."

[tempredmental]

Was that the snowball thing?

[Keith had heard rumors.]

I put one outside, and got a... [Where did he put that message- right. Got it. He pulled it out from his pocket.] ...'Bountiful Balloon Bungalow'. I was trying to get ideas.

[tantailizing]

Yeah, it was the snowball thing.

[Ah ha, so he's not the only one on this quest.]

[Blinking when Keith pulls out his message, Zidane brings a hand to his chin, thinking.] Bountiful? Balloons... So, what if it's spacious and colorful? Maybe you could add a few actual balloons, but I'd say that's up in the air.

[tempredmental]

[Zidane's joke went right over Keith's head.]

The actual balloons would make it pretty visible, huh? I mean... how big are these snow sprites anyway?

[Yes... he said 'sprites'.]

[tantailizing]

Hrm... there wasn't a mention, but I don't think they're big. If they're our size, we might have another problem.

[Imagine having to build full-sized snow vacation homes... 'cause he doesn't.]

[tempredmental]

Yeah, I'd think so. I mean, it looks like most of them have been small?

[He had been looking around at some of the other little sculptures for inspiration.]

Balloons... might be too big, too? I don't know if I can make small ones.

ii

[fullgauntlet]

[What a nice sounding song... Izuku isn't too far away when the sound of music and singing start. He can't help looking over his shoulder at where it's coming from. It's pretty.

He stops his own work to watch. A little surprised to see Zidane there with someone else. Watching with a bit of sudden curiosity and surprised at how calm the music makes him feel. This is amazing.

When the song ends he'll clap his hands.]

Wow...!

[flewfromthecage]

[Garnet smiles at Izuku when she finishes, clasping her hands together in front of her as she approaches.]

Did you like it? It's a song from my childhood. It seemed only appropriate when asked to perform a favorite song...

[tantailizing]

[As for Zidane, he hangs back for a moment to speak with Thiton who perhaps didn’t expect the song style but appreciated it nonetheless. And words exchanged, Zidane walks over to join Izuku and Garnet. He has to resist wrapping an arm around her.]

And you performed it beautifully as always, Dagger.

What do you think, man?

[He has to speak to Izuku without saying his name since Thiton was still present.]

[fullgauntlet]

It was... incredible! It's almost like I could feel magic through it!

[He's very impressed. When Zidane joins them he smiles. He might not realize that this girl is indeed the one that Zidane talks about often... Yet!]

I don't think I've ever heard anything like it before.

[flewfromthecage]

Thank you. Given the circumstances, perhaps you really did. Maybe someday, I'll see about making it heard a little more widely...

[She grins sweetly.]

For now, you may call me Dagger, if you wish. And-- [a glance at Zidane,] I had no idea you were so good with instruments! Have you done it before for Tantalus?

[tantailizing]

[Looking back at Garnet, he nods his head.]

The orchestra wasn't always available for our rehearsals. Not that I've ever played in a big group, but it helped us practice cues so the Boss had us learn. And hey, if you ever wanna share your song with more people, I'm sure we could find a way.

[It's her song to share and he'll support her. Looking back at Izuku, he grins.]

I had that feeling the first time I heard it... well, I still get that feeling.

[fullgauntlet]

It's nice to meet you, Dagger-san! [He nods, looking to Zidane and back to her.] I'm... Deku.

[He's keen enough to use those Other names as well while in the presence of the fae...]

My school puts on festivals a few times a year. My class performed a music piece for it once but I was only part of the dance section and the special effects team. I don't think I could ever learn an instrument or learn to sing like that. You're both amazing.

I

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Hopefully Zidane does not mind... But Xiao has been following somewhat behind. Now he doesn't really see issue with taking to trees. There have been many a day where Xiao rests upon one's branches.

However, seen the one that Zidane is going to elect to scale? Well there's a little nudge in the back of the Yaksha's mind. Just to be there should something go wrong. Thus will he stand under it, Observing. ]

Should you fall, I can heal you at the very least.

[tantailizing]

[Does he mind? Nah! These tasks are probably handled better together than alone! Turning back to look at Xiao, he glances over his shoulder at the tree again in a second.]

I'd appreciate that. I should be able to catch myself though... unless magic is cancelled while climbing.

[whirlwindthrust]

I would rather you not, if it is at all avoidable. Those thorns do not look like they would be pleasant to be cut or pierced by...

[ Though maybe he is pretty proficient at climbing? ]

[tantailizing]

You thought so too? Well, help or hindrance, we're about to see...!

[And giving his arms and fingers a stretch, he goes to the tree... and begins climbing on up. Oh yeah, he's pretty good at climbing.]