open | march catch-all

[feisticuffs]

🧙 WHO: Jade & various!
⚔️ WHAT: Catch-all for March.
🕒 WHEN: Throughout the month.
🗺️ WHERE: Camelot and the surrounding area.
⚠️ WARNINGS: None so far!


i. sir fuzzlerton the cad ( open )

[There are certainly stranger jobs that Jade has picked up in recent memory, most of them alongside friends back home, so seeking out a missing rabbit that’s on the lookout for a mate doesn’t strike her as a particularly odd request— but she had underestimated just how many Bunny Cafés have come into being in honor of the season.
She collapses into a chair at one of the tables at the fourth café she investigates, folding her arms and dropping her head to rest it against them.]

How is anyone meant to find a single rabbit in a city this size? I severely underestimated just how difficult this would be…

[He’s an angora, so he ought to stand out, or so the description had implied. She sighs, lifting her chin to rest it in her hand and prop her elbow against the table as she looks to whoever happens to be sitting nearest to her.]

You wouldn’t have happened to spot a particularly… aggressively friendly rabbit recently, would you?

[Curse this lothario lagomorph!

Alternatively, feel free to cross paths with her at any of the other pop-up cafés in your own search, if you so choose.]

ii. home sweet home ( closed to eleven )

[It had only taken a few short weeks before Jade had decided she'd had her fill of the hotel. It was kind enough of the city to provide for newcomers, but it's become abundantly clear that this situation is not temporary and thus, more permanent lodgings are called for.

Eleven has been somewhat more hesitant. The city is a bit big for him, Jade thinks, and to a degree she can empathize— though she had been born in Heliodor, she had spent most of her life on the road with Rab, sleeping in tents or small-town inns. Camelot certainly has the potential to be overwhelming, but if they're going to thrive here, she figures they ought to be close to where everything happens. Fortunately, she had gotten him to agree to go look at places to live with her, and both Bella and Tickety-Boo had come along to offer their insight— whatever that might be worth in the long run.

They've seen two flats so far, but both were a bit small for two people, and Jade has been working enough that she thinks they might be able to find something that better suits both of them. They're in a quiet neighborhood near the edge of the city now, and she gives her companion a questioning look as they walk.]

This isn't so bad. Less noisy than the rest, don't you think?

[Maybe not Cobblestone-quaint, but something.]

iii. to catch a thief ( closed to dimitri )

[Another return trip to the Red Spring, but with a much different purpose this time around— Jade had come here in weeks past to look for familiar faces, make use of the training facilities or simply soak up the ambience, but this time she comes with a particular task in mind, as well as company to help her handle it. While she has no doubt she can take care of a common thief on her own, the trip to the Red Spring is long enough that she hadn't quite felt up to making it all on her lonesome. After years of only a single travel companion, she's found she's grown quite tired of solitude. Dimitri has proven himself to be good company as well as an excellent sparring partner— even the gnome debacle following that awful elevator hadn't negated that, and so it seemed only natural that she ask him to accompany her.

Her expression is carefully neutral as she and Dimitri approach the inn, and she carefully scans their surroundings. Nothing seems out of place, so far, but if the man they're after is any good at his job, then she supposes it wouldn't.]

If he's hoping to rent a horse, he'll have to pass through here.

[She's also hoping the sketch they had been given of one Snagglefoot Miffen was reasonably accurate, or else it was going to be difficult to spot him.]

What do you say we politely ask the proprietor if they've seen anyone fitting his description?

[If polite doesn't work, there are certainly other methods to employ, but she's hoping they can save intimidation for Snagglefoot himself.]

iv. wildcard

[Anything else goes here! If you want to work something out together, feel free to hit me up via PM or at necrofancy, or just leave a starter and see what’s what! Jade is out and about doing odd jobs and exploring the city this month as she makes herself at home, and will be offering herself as muscle for hire for anyone who needs it while she’s still finding her way.]

Comments

ii

[luminatus]

[Eleven peers around them at the surrounding buildings. They're all beautiful and built into the natural scenery but they're not home.

Nothing here ever truly will be, he supposes. Home is quite literally worlds away and frozen in time...possibly while on fire.

The thought makes him groan miserably but when Jade addresses him he forces a smile.]

It's nicer than the rest of the city.

[Slowly, Tickety-Boo manifests standing on top of his head.]

...Jade, is it bad that I'm already feelin' homesick?

[feisticuffs]

Mm... I should think that's rather normal, actually.

[They are awfully far from home, and while Jade can barely remember what it was like to have roots and live in one place, she knows that's not the case for Eleven. It's natural that they both miss their world, the people they've left behind, but she knows it's even more than that for him. Before all of that Darkspawn business started up, he'd had a home— a mother, friends, a life that he hadn't known he would have to give up so soon.

She forces a smile of her own and reaches out to lay a hand against his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.]

It's okay to feel however you feel. I don't expect any of us will come to truly feel at home here. It's just... for now.

[Though admittedly, perhaps a very long 'for now.']

[luminatus]

[Eleven's smile warms as she squeezes his shoulder.]

I'm glad you're here at least...

[On his head Tickety-Boo waves her arms.

"I want a house with a garden!"

He snickers and gently takes her in his hands to lower her back to the ground.]

[feisticuffs]

I feel the same.

[It had only been for a short time, but she had felt rather lonely when she'd thought she was the only one here. Solitude was, by all accounts, something she was used to, but the time spent with Eleven and the rest of their friends had made it so that she was in no hurry to go back to how things used to be.

Her smile hitches wider at Tickety-Boo's insistence, and she nods as they continue forward. There are several smaller houses down the lane with signs out front marking them for rent, so they're certainly in the right place.]

I think we can manage something with a garden. Are you going to help plant?

["Oh! I will!" Bella chimes in enthusiastically, circling around the pair of them before she goes back to flying along behind Jade. "Something we can eat!"]

[luminatus]

Of course I'll help! I grew up a farmer, remember?

[He dances ahead of her on the road and gestures towards himself.]

I grew up a lousy farmer but still a farmer!

Never really figured out the garden stuff. I was better with horses.

i. sir fuzzlerton the cad

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona is out exploring her new surroundings. She is certainly not lost. At all. She'll find her way back to where she's supposed to be. Eventually.

It's an adventure.

Although being approached by an unknown girl has her stopping and eyeing her in curiosity. ]

Did you lose your pet?

[ ...please tell her you haven't lost a puca. ]

[feisticuffs]

[Jade shakes her head before she slumps back against the table, giving a dismissive wave towards the rest of the café with her free hand.]

Not me personally, but someone has, and she's put out a bill to have people look for him. The owner seems to think he'll be running to all of the café's like this one and getting himself into... trouble.

[She winces even as she puts emphasis on that last word.]

I severely underestimated just how hard it was going to be to find a single rabbit in this city. I didn't realize just how many of these places have popped up.

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona glances around her before giving the other girl a sympathetic look. ]

It does seem to be quite popular at the moment, doesn't it?

Did you get a description of the one you're looking for? Maybe I can help you search.

[feisticuffs]

This city does seem to take the coming of spring very seriously.

[And this even before the equinox is upon them.

She brightens a tiny bit at the offer— she has trouble asking for helping, generally, but she can certainly accept it when it's offered from time to time.]

If it really wouldn't be too much of a bother, I would be grateful for another pair of eyes. If we find him, I'd be more than happy to share the reward, as well. He's an angora— I'm told that means he has exceptionally long fur?

[darkestbefore]

They are much fluffier, yes. [ Yona might not know a lot about rabbits, but she should know enough to be able to help, at least. ]

Do you know what color he is?

I

[roseeclair]

[This is Makoto's third cafe herself, and she looks up from scanning the bunny hosts while absently nursing a cup of chamomile tea. Oh hey, this lady looks cool. She shakes her head with a wry laugh.]

Nope. Take it you're on that quest too?

[feisticuffs]

[She nods wearily, offering a faint smile when it's made clear that she doesn't have to explain the situation any further. It helps a great deal that this girl is already well-informed.]

I'm afraid so. No luck on your end either, then.

[Well, at least now she knows for certain she's not the only one looking.]

I suppose we could compare notes about where we've been and where we're sure he's not— or at least where he wasn't.

[No law saying he can't double back, of course...]

[roseeclair]

Yeah, that's a good idea. So far I've been here, U-Hop, and Coffee Buns. [She gives the room another squint.] Not sure I see him here either.

[Then again, the two-timing lagomorph might be tucked away somewhere and Jade might have a better vantage.]

[feisticuffs]

[The names of these places range from cute and clever to considerably less than, Jade has noticed. She nods once more, folding her arms in front of her.]

I've been to Coffee Buns as well, and Hopalong.

[She cants her head to one side as she scans the room again from her seat, lips pursed in thought.]

You would think he would stand out, but it wouldn't hurt to take a closer look before we head elsewhere. These places aren't terribly big, at least, but even a rabbit like him is small enough to get himself in some inconvenient spots.

[roseeclair]

[Nod nod.]

Right, right... Probably why he chose it. I hope Lady Fuzzlerton gives him a piece of her mind when he gets home.

[Which sounds oddly anthropomorphising, but magical world. And also because Luna and Artemis are Mako's basis for mated animals, and if this was them, Artemis would not live to see the next moonrise...]

You think we should actually look around, or would that scare him off?

iv; catching a thief

[leitstern]

[Jasper makes it across the land towards the resort town faster than what might be necessary. One of his reasons being to catch this rat before he scuttles under a hole somewhere; the second to catch a welcome break. It is something of a pleasure to lounge in bed and soak in the hot springs. It is even greater comfort to make use of his words and appearance to make connections with the staff who are the eyes and ears of this place. Nobody knows his identity and he can ask questions that would get noticed back home.

Honestly, he might be taking advantage of the temporal shenanigans to enjoy himself beyond his permitted time.

Still, he comes across the strangest reminder of home when he spots a pink succubat fluttering around the entrance hall. Presumerably one of the many Booga has at his beck and call. It is a curious enough sight that he moseys over.]

You are a long ways from home.

[feisticuffs]

[Bella happens to be here on her own while her human is off searching for information along with her quest partner— given her ability to fly about freely and pick up on things that Jade might not, she had offered to scout ahead and investigate the inn. She doesn't expect to be approached by anyone in the process; familiars are so common here that one more creature flitting about shouldn't raise any eyebrows, but she also hadn't expected to be recognized by someone who understood what she was— someone she recognized in turn.

Tapping a finger against her lower lip, she shakes her head in response, maintaining a polite distance but undeniably curious.]

"Not so far from home! I could say the same for you, you know."

[leitstern]

[Jasper closes his eyes and swallows an angry sigh. He scrunches his brow and doesn't look willing to talk for a moment - Booga here would be a handful. One more variable to manage. One more weight added to his workload. The very thought makes his bones ache down to the marrow. It leaves him tired and his voice carries that tone as he opens his eyes.]

I hardly need the reminder both of us are trapped here.

[He glances around, seeing nothing and nobody.]

Where is your master?

[feisticuffs]

[Bella lets out a short peal of almost musical laughter before doing a lazy circle in the air and pausing to hover a few inches in front of his face.]

"You really do have a short temper, don't you?"

[She shrugs and gestures towards the door, indicating the town at large.]

"She's out there somewhere with a very handsome fellow. Investigating."

[leitstern]

[Jasper stares at Bella intensely; scrutinising her, studying her. While her attitude leaves much to be desired, her admission is greeted with outright feelings of relief. Booga would be one problem too many.]

The thief, I presume?

[It would be the only logical explanation.]

iii!!!

[areadbhoar]

[ When Jade has requested his assistance with this particular task, he'd been all to glad to accept. The job had already caught his eye, finding himself far more suited for such tasks than, you know, farming or catching rabbits. With Jade as his companion he also has all the assurance he needs that they'll complete it with no trouble. No doubt she could have done it on her own, but she thought to include him in it, which is both welcome and reassuring.

So long as this...Snagglefoot Miffen does not make it to the stables, he's as good as theirs. His weapon strapped to his back, he offers a nod at her suggestion, starting for the inn's door while keeping his gaze moving. The shadows here are deep, but his eyesight is keen, even limited to one eye. ]

Given our appearance, he may not take much persuasion. [ Who the fuck would want to get on their bad side, honestly. ] But he may indeed be an accomplice of our thief, so a little extra pressure may be warranted.

[ And they shouldn't take too much time with the innkeeper, giving Snagglefoot more time to escape unnoticed. ]

[feisticuffs]

We can hope.

[That does get a note of amusement from her in response, because he's quite right— who would want to get on their bad side? He's more intimidating at first glance than she is, but they're both openly armed and serious about getting the job done. That alone speaks volumes.

Her own gaze continues searching for any details that might stand out or seem out of place as they head up the steps to the inn.]

Let's hope, for the innkeeper's sake, that he's not. I would hate for things to get messier than they need to be.

[Not that she'd mind in the least if a fight breaks out. Honestly, outside of their sparring matches, she's been hurting for a good fight since the orc attack on the Silent Shore.

She heads through the door ahead of him, pushing it open and reaching back to hold it for him with one hand as she passes through. Even as she seeks out the innkeeper, it quickly becomes apparent they won't have to look far for their man— because there he is, the sketch proving more accurate than she thought it might, leaning against the front counter and talking too fast to the unimpressed-looking gentleman behind it.

Her smile pulls wider, perhaps only mildly inappropriate for the situation, and she glances up at Dimitri as she pulls one of her gloves tighter at the wrist.]

Change of plans.

[GET 'IM]

[areadbhoar]

[ A change of plans indeed. This just might turn out easier than he anticipated, though with a thief adept enough to steal prized jewels, he won't take any chances. Their quarry has all but walked into their laps; there's no reason to take unnecessary risks.

Which is why all Dimitri responds with is a short nod, before advancing on the thief, a hand reaching back for the lance strapped to his back, though he doesn't draw it. The mere gesture should be threatening enough.

So much for not springing right into intimidation, although at least his attention is squarely on the thief instead of the innkeeper, even if they'll need to question him eventually too. ]

Pardon me. [ Said in a tone that implies no pardoning expected or needed. ] Snagglefoot, I presume? We'll be needing you to accompany us back to the city. Whether with your head or not is up to you, but the jewels are non-negotiable.

[ He is not here to PLAY GAMES. ]

[feisticuffs]

[The thief is suddenly backing his way towards the nearest wall, his eyes frantically searching for an escape route. Maybe he'd let his guard drop when he thought he had a huge lead on any of his pursuers, Jade guessed, but he's certainly going to regret letting himself be caught now— she'd say she hoped he regretted the initial crime, but his type rarely ever do.

"You ain't the authorities. You got nothin' on me! Just a couple of adventurers who've got too big for their britches," comes the thief's retort, but his body language says otherwise. He does see them as a threat, though his expression is thoughtful, critical, as though calculating something.

Jade, while largely content to watch Dimitri handle this his way, steps in to offer her support, bracing both gloved hands against her hips. She may not be as tall and imposing a figure as Dimitri is, but doing so at least shows off that she's hardly frail and delicate, either.]

In case you didn't catch on, that was him being nice about all this. Also, if it wasn't obvious, nobody is asking. We're telling.

[Snagglefoot himself looks ready to fire off another combative response, but instead snorts and begins to let one hand creep towards something at his belt.

"What are they payin' you, huh? Bet I can do better."]

[areadbhoar]

[ Though Dimitri notices Snagglefoot's hand slowly inching towards his belt, he makes no sign of it. Not yet, anyway. He trusts his and Jade's reflexes enough not to immediately assail the thief, and besides, he's interested in seeing where this goes.

If they can negotiate with him — or, at least, give the appearance that they are — maybe they can get more useful information out of him. The whereabouts of other wanted criminals, or the location of his stash, or something else entirely. He might be more willing to give it up to them if he thinks it might earn his freedom.

Or, he might be lying right to their faces. Probably the more likely scenario, but consider his interest piqued. ]

...There's quite the bounty on your head. What do you have to offer us to make our time worthwhile?

[ He's confident Jade will catch onto his approach here and follow his lead. ]