second shot ⊗ open may log

[flamekthunder]

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: various quests and things like random snowballs thrown around in the training grounds
🕒 WHEN: throughout May
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: none except for any potential violence that might happen in the combat oriented prompts

⊗ a: snowball mayhem

[After a month of getting the basics down, it's time to try and take it to the next step...which really isn't all that big, but progress is progress. Although his specialty seems to be in lightning magic, he feels out which element he might be able to use more easily next—and turns out it's ice. Given his familiar is a snow wolf and his own snowy origins, that might not be too surprising. And this same wolf is going to cause him problems.

While trying to focus on the output of energy for creating basic ice patches and shards of ice the size of small daggers, he feels something wet and cold hit the back of his head. Turning around he sees his familiar with a wolfish grin, a snowball floating in the air as her tail wags slyly from the side to side.]

I'm in the middle of training, this is no time to—

[He ducks his head to the side to avoid the oncoming snowball (so hopefully someone else didn't get hit—). He tries to go back to his exercises, but when he feels another snowball pelt him, a brow twitches and he gives his wolf a look before it occurs to him that maybe this "play" might not be the worst idea as a form of training. Slowly he extends his hand and concentrates. It's small, half the size of his palm, but a ball of snow forms. Seeing it his familiar's eyes brighten and more appear around her.]

Fine, have it your way.

[And so there is a strange sight of the Erune chucking small to medium size snowballs at a wolf who returns fire—and cheats by firing multiple. So if anyone is around the Training Grounds, they may or may not get suddenly hit by stray snowballs totally his wolf's fault—.]

⊗ b: task - no buccaing out

[Being underwater...is not something he's really used to, but with his animal magic he might be able to do something. Anyway, time to strategize as they gear up for the dive! Or are already swimming down there.]

I did some research and these nudibranchs do have their own natural predators. I'm not confident I could transform into one of them and be able to fight them, but I could try communicating with any nearby to help. [They'd probably like a free meal.] Unfortunately my strength is in lightning magic and I'm only beginning to work on ice, so those might not be as useful.

You?

[Of course he could try transforming into a crab or turtle, but he'll be open to other ideas and using whatever strengths they have.]

⊗ c: task - holo, goodbye (a dunked wolf)

[Seems like a straightforward quest and for a good cause, and when he arrives at the river he can't help but watch the rocks and festive faeries in some appreciative wonder. It might not be all that quiet being a festive time and all, but it is a reflection of a type of peace he can appreciate. So despite the "noise," he's rather relaxed and just takes his time to somewhat enjoy the atmosphere.

But right. Job to do. He'll be crouching down by the banks, deliberating on which rock to take and whether he should try wading further out to inspect the others (he has a feeling this old woman is going to get quite a lot of these...). Just as he's reaching down to take pluck a potential candidate out, he hears some mischievous giggling. He can already guess some of the more playful (and probably drunk) faeries and pixies are plotting something, but he pays little mind.

Until one flies up to brush against his ears. He's momentarily distracted and glances up at the one who had bothered him, but realizes a bit too late it was a diversion. There's a strong gust of a wind, a loosening of soil, and...]

—!

[KERSPLASH! That is one Society agent being sent straight into the water. He's at least able to catch himself, but there's a small wave of water that splashes him as well. And although he can't see or hear it, he can sense his familiar rolling around laughing at his demise. He'll just sigh and stand, shaking off the water.

And if someone happens to be around to witness and staring at him, he'll just stare back and ask in a flat voice:]

Want me to pick a rock for you?

[HE'S ALREADY IN HERE, MIGHT AS WELL.

Otherwise, when not soaked, he may be found sitting under a tree observing the faerie festivities, his hand idly brushing through his familiar's fur as she rests her head on his lap.]

⊗ d: honey over vinegar

[Eustace is between options for which would be the best (except war, that one is out), and he finds himself going through the various gatherings to hear more on each side's perspective. Really he hadn't intended to be part of this, but a basket got shoved in his hands and he's in the orchard. ...Well, maybe he can use this for a training exercise—specifically his animal transformations. Dogs he has down pat, but what about other animals? So don't mind if you witness a small silvery, gray bird or a floofy cat of similar coloring flying and climbing up trees to gather the sweets.

And if someone is by a wasp filled nest, they'll hear the bird or cat suddenly speak out to them.]

Watch it, there's a wasp's nest. I'll get them for you, just tell me what you want.

[Of course he limits his transformations to when he's actually about to be in the tree so as not to use too much of his energy.]

⊗ e: bullheaded approach

[Can this city not have attacks or something he's only been here for a month and it seems to be in constant peril—

1. A Stone's Throw from Revenge: Dog Rescue. When a boulder crashes into a building nearby, Eustace's first instinct is to check if anyone is hurt or trapped. Although he'd like to deal with the minotaur as well, helping the people is his current priority—and he ends up forming a kind of "dog search" rescue team. So anyone helping might suddenly find a wolfish dog bounding in.]

I hear voices, dig over here!

[Don't question the deep voiced, wolf, move people! A few other dogs Eustace managed to gather will also help in trying to find and dig out anyone in need. Perhaps it's you who needs help?

And for anyone who wants to hunt down the Minotaur, Eustace will be more than willing to oblige as a partner.

2. There's Safety in Numbers. Whether on purpose or on accident, the two are now bound together thanks to the recipe, and depending on who he's stuck with, this could be fine or a disaster. Regardless, it's not very ideal and he just presses his fingertips to his brows as he sighs.]

Since there's nothing to be done, let's coordinate our movements and try not to get in each other's way.

[They are ultimately supposed to be helping the affected victims so...this can be done, right?]

⊗ f: wildcard

[If interested in anything not included here, just hit me up on laenavesse or discord and we can work something out!]

Comments

[tantailizing]

[It's big, but Zidane can work with it. Shifting around a bit, he already feels warmer.]

Hey, it was fun. And it was helping you with your magic. [He shrugs, but sighs. Eustace does everything so seriously.]

It's fine. A little walking around outta warm me back up... hm, maybe something warm to eat, too.

[Thinking about it, did he eat today?]

[flamekthunder]

[One day he'll lighten up. He was having some fun earlier.............not that he would admit it out loud.]

...Hm, true. I will be working more with ice magic in the future, so perhaps you should bring a jacket if you happen to be around. [Sort of joke? Sort of?]

But I should take a break as well. [He doesn't want to somehow poof into a puppy because he drained his magic again even if he wasn't using animal magic—

But it is also almost lunchtime, isn't it?]

[tantailizing]

Hehe, yeah, I can do that. [Look at Eustace go. Baby steps are still steps!]

Alright, if you're taking a break, we're getting lunch. C'mon!

Moguo, you're footing the bill for that crap you pulled! [Are familiars supposed to have gold? Eh, who knows, but Zidane lets him keep some... and now, Moguo had to use some.]

[flamekthunder]

[..."We"? Eustace looks at Zidane for a moment but in the end doesn't try to protest or reject it. It is partially his responsibility that the boy got caught in this mess, and he has a feeling Zidane wouldn't let him leave peacefully, anyway.

...But first.]

Eria.

[Nothing, just a huff and the wolf plopping down on the ground, her head turned away. Frowning he tries to call her again, but nothing.]

...Hold on, let me deal with her.

[He knows his familiar can be.....independent minded, but he's never seen her like this. So Zidane will have to wait a bit as Eustace walks over to her and crouches down to try and figure out what's wrong. The answer will be surprising.]

[tantailizing]

[Zidane doesn't look back at Eustace because he's making faces at his once again fluffed up moogle who bats him with its pom. It doesn't hurt, but Zidane does knock it away with a hand... cloak. He adjusts Eustace's cloak a little more to get his hand out properly to point at his familiar.]

Just wait till my magic's like yours. Then you're really on...

[Of course, both set aside their angry scowls to look over at Eustace and Eria. Right, she was oddly... mad after being pummeled herself. Tilting his head, Zidane nods, keeping back with Moguo who is similarly curious.]

[flamekthunder]

[After several moments of quiet questioning and a little bit of conjoling, Eustace finally gets the reason out of her...

...And is rather dumbstruck.]

You can't be serious...because of that?

[She growls and snaps at him for his flippant attitude before huffing and turning her back to him. He just sighs and glances at Zidane a little helplessly before he runs a hand over her head, right behind the ears that he knows she likes best.]

...All right, I'm sorry. I should have been... ... More considerate....

[As Eria's tail just thwaps against the ground, he looks at Zidane more directly before explaining in some disbelief.]

She's mad I hit her on the flank. Something about a "maiden's heart."

[What does that have anything to do with a wolf let alone a familiar???]

[tantailizing]

[Zidane stares at the two of them, but then crosses his arms and nods.]

That makes sense. You don’t just get to hit a girl on the flank like that.

[And doing that to a ‘maiden’s heart’... gosh Eustace, Zidane’s supposed to be the bad one here.]

[flamekthunder]

[Great Primals—]

She's a wolf. Does it really matter? Besides it's was just a snowball fight, it couldn't be helped.

[tantailizing]

If she says it matters, it matters. Respect her feelings, Eustace.

[Tut tut, she's your familiar, too.]

[flamekthunder]

[Reason #289739874 why he's single—

Part of the reason why he has difficulty really accepting the whole concept is due to Eria's personality. He's not sure if he really should be taking it seriously... So he has a bit of a conflicted expression as he looks at his familiar.]

...Is this really bothering you?

[His familiar only shoots him a look before audibly huffing and turning away, pouting. Eustace can only sigh and rub his brow before gently stroking her head.]

All right, I'm sorry... I didn't think you'd feel...offended...

[HE'S TRYING. Though seeing that his wolf does seem quite upset, his heart softens a bit and he continues to soothe her until she finally looks at him and shoves her head against his waist, tail thumping the ground a little.

After a few more words of apology they both stand and head to Zidane.]

Sorry for that.

[tantailizing]

[Even if it was a joke, Eustace would have to wait for the punchline, but it doesn’t look like Eria has one. Watching the two, Zidane could pretty much conclude another thing about Eustace: he’s kind of bad with girls. He’s also bad with playful personalities but that was already known.]

Hey don’t worry about it. As long as you two’ve made up.

[flamekthunder]

[HE HAD MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DEAL WITH OKAY TRYING TO DATE OR FLIRT IS NOT ONE OF THEM unless it's certain seasonal lines for a certain fem!danchou—]

...For the most part.

[He's still not sure what to make of Eria's "maiden heart," but although she's still sulking a bit she's at least with him.

Anyway, back to business.]

Where did you want to go?

[tantailizing]

Right. Keep working on that.

[One day he'll understand it enough.]

[Raising a hand to his chin, he considers.]

Hm... I'm up for anything so we could go to the nearest place. What about you? Anything in mind?

[flamekthunder]

[He just inwardly sighs and focuses on the more important mission: getting food.]

Not really. The nearest place is fine.

[He seriously isn't that picky so he'll go with whatever.]

[tantailizing]

Alright! Let's go!

[But... he glances Eria's way. Maybe she would know what Eustace likes to eat. Either way, he's gonna start walking, Moguo landing on the ground next to him and walking along.]

[flamekthunder]

[Although still a bit huffy, Eria does catch Zidane's glance... And an unsettling smile forms—well as much of one that a wolf can have, anyway. She gives Zidane a meaningful glance before she trots on ahead to lead them down the street. She only pauses briefly to look back at them before continuing to lead.]

...I guess we'll have to follow her.

[tantailizing]

I don't mind. Maybe there's somewhere she wants to go!

[And if it makes her happy, they should go along with it since they got on her bad side. His tail wags a bit as he follows after Eria.]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace, on the other hand, is less excited and has a bad feeling that his familiar is going to seek revenge somehow. Because that's just how she is. Also Zidane's tail "wagging" is a little...amusing? In a way? He's always wondered a bit about it, so might as well—]

...Your tail. Is it like a monkey's tail or...?

[If people can ask about his ears, he can ask about tails!!]

[tantailizing]

Huh?

[Looking over at Eustace, Zidane raises an eyebrow. Meanwhile, his tail continued to just sway.]

I mean, it's pretty long like a cat's I guess, but I grab things with it like a monkey's. Rusty's mainly called me a monkey though... buuut my brothers thought I was a cat for the longest time. Eh, end of it all, it's just my tail.

[... Hehe, end.]

[flamekthunder]

[...Hmmmm. Just a thoughtful hum as he looks over the tail in some curiosity. Tails on Erunes are already rare with only specific clans with them, so it's even more curious seeing it on a human.]

I can see you fitting as either a cat or monkey.

[tantailizing]

Haha, I can see it. Either way, it's pretty useful to have.

[But they're not gonna talk about the why he has it at all.]

[flamekthunder]

I can see that it moves, but is it prehensile and capable of gripping things?

[He thought he saw it move during that fight with the drunkards when they first met, but everything had happened quickly and he had been focused on his own target to get a good luck.

And nope, Eustace isn't going to ask because a tail is a tail, like his ears are his ears. He was just a little curious on what kind and his curiosity has been satisfied.]

[tantailizing]

Yup! You must've missed me take one of those guy's armors back when we met, but I bet you saw my hand in his pocket instead.

[flamekthunder]

[Just eyes him for a moment.]

Yes, I thought I saw movement but I only caught you pick-pocketing instead.

[tantailizing]

There was a lot happening, it's only expected.

[He grins, not at all ashamed.]