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[It's early in the 25th morning. Most people are still sleeping and the sun is only about to send its first rays to break the darkness of the night sky. But then there is a sudden knock on a door. Huh?! Who could it be! Whenever Zekarion gets to the door, be it immediately or hours late they will find a christmas wreath with white roses placed on their doorstep. There might even be snowy (or wet!) small hoof marks leading away from the present. Hm. I wonder, who indeed did deliver this?
On the wreath there is a letter that reads:]
Greetings my fellow Chosen.
Thank you for your support and interest in strengthening our community. I shall look forward to our collaboration in future in the form of the defense squad. In the meantime I wish you the most pleasant and peaceful Christmas. There will be a feast held at the Inn’s tavern for the next 12 days and I welcome you to enjoy it for free. There will be warm food, treats and homemade mead and wine at your disposal.
Merry Christmas.
Signed,
Richard Plantagenet, The Duke of Gloucester
[ooc: There will be no ic mingle log for the feast. But feel free to either handwave or thread it out!]
On the wreath there is a letter that reads:]
Greetings my fellow Chosen.
Thank you for your support and interest in strengthening our community. I shall look forward to our collaboration in future in the form of the defense squad. In the meantime I wish you the most pleasant and peaceful Christmas. There will be a feast held at the Inn’s tavern for the next 12 days and I welcome you to enjoy it for free. There will be warm food, treats and homemade mead and wine at your disposal.
Merry Christmas.
Signed,
Richard Plantagenet, The Duke of Gloucester
[ooc: There will be no ic mingle log for the feast. But feel free to either handwave or thread it out!]
[Another day, another series of requests--easy ones, thank goodness, at least on the surface. In reality, a whole lot of what's on offer looks... pretty bad. At least the discounted stuff.]
< Almost makes me afraid to hand in a picture to see what they want to give away for free... >
[They shake their head after muttering to themself, about ready to leave when they catch sight of Altius, perking up as they make their way over to him instead.]
< Altius! It's probably been awhile for you, hasn't it? Out on errands too? >
< Almost makes me afraid to hand in a picture to see what they want to give away for free... >
[They shake their head after muttering to themself, about ready to leave when they catch sight of Altius, perking up as they make their way over to him instead.]
< Altius! It's probably been awhile for you, hasn't it? Out on errands too? >
[Altius seems deep in thought as he observes the bargain vegetables on offer with a frown; somehow, though, he doesn't seem focused on what he's looking at, one arm folded over his chest and chin resting on his knuckles.
When Dante calls his name, he stiffens and turns an amber eye towards the other, apparently startled out of his trance.]
When Dante calls his name, he stiffens and turns an amber eye towards the other, apparently startled out of his trance.]
[But he regains his composure quickly enough, letting a breath out through his nose as his shoulders relax.]
... Dante. [Things come back to him, and his focus returns properly.] I was wondering where you might have gone off to these past weeks. I'm just trying to determine what's still edible, [he says a little wryly, though there's a lack of energy to it.]
... Dante. [Things come back to him, and his focus returns properly.] I was wondering where you might have gone off to these past weeks. I'm just trying to determine what's still edible, [he says a little wryly, though there's a lack of energy to it.]
< Home, actually. Just for a little while. >
[But what a while it was...]
< Everything all right? You seem a bit... out of it. >
[But what a while it was...]
< Everything all right? You seem a bit... out of it. >
[There's no real point in trying to deny it, though he momentarily debates it. The slight smile that comes to his face after a pause has no humor in it, eyes moving away from Dante over their shoulder.]
It seems this time of year has become difficult for me. [Speaking of "home."] This world claims it's January now. The fourth of the month was the last day I was in my own.
It seems this time of year has become difficult for me. [Speaking of "home."] This world claims it's January now. The fourth of the month was the last day I was in my own.
[Right... He'd appeared with blood on him, hadn't he?]
< I see... >
[Well, he helped them out. They might as well see what they can do to return the favor.]
< Hey, I've got a few other places I still need to go to. Want to come with? I could use some advice from someone who actually knows what he's doing business-wise--and I can help you carry anything you need me to for your own errands, if you want. >
[It's not much, but at least they can make sure he's not alone]
< I see... >
[Well, he helped them out. They might as well see what they can do to return the favor.]
< Hey, I've got a few other places I still need to go to. Want to come with? I could use some advice from someone who actually knows what he's doing business-wise--and I can help you carry anything you need me to for your own errands, if you want. >
[It's not much, but at least they can make sure he's not alone]
[The blood from the someone in his care who he immediately got abducted away from, even! It's fine, he's fine... It should be fine... Why he's even so bothered in the first place is something he's having trouble considering.
He takes a moment to consider the offer, a tired sense to him.]
That's kind of you, Dante. [But rather than force his acquaintance (colleague? ally?) to deal with any significant amount of sincerity immediately, he moves on, casting a glance at the wilted, discolored produce.] Certainly, I'll come along. Where are you headed?
He takes a moment to consider the offer, a tired sense to him.]
That's kind of you, Dante. [But rather than force his acquaintance (colleague? ally?) to deal with any significant amount of sincerity immediately, he moves on, casting a glance at the wilted, discolored produce.] Certainly, I'll come along. Where are you headed?
< I'm looking for produce, so I've got two more grocers to try. The last one usually has the best prices for the quality on their normal stuff, but I'm seeing if I can't get better quality for either cheaper or the same amount with the deals going. That way I can save money on acquiring what the client needs without sacrificing quality. >
[It's something Altius probably knows more than his fair share about, but they spent long enough researching the different businesses and coming up with a system of getting through their deliveries efficiently that they can't help the note of pride that seeps into their "voice" as they explain themselves.
...Only to turn a bit sheepish as they realize that that's way too deep of an explanation for the question he asked.]
< Oh, uh. Don't mind me. >
[It's something Altius probably knows more than his fair share about, but they spent long enough researching the different businesses and coming up with a system of getting through their deliveries efficiently that they can't help the note of pride that seeps into their "voice" as they explain themselves.
...Only to turn a bit sheepish as they realize that that's way too deep of an explanation for the question he asked.]
< Oh, uh. Don't mind me. >
[Dante explains their process, and Altius listens; it's only when they have that reaction that he thinks anything's unusual about it, but he's always looking for problems to solve and asking for details. Having them freely offered only seemed natural.
He lets out a single hum that's halfway to a laugh to reassure them.]
There's nothing wrong with being dedicated.
[says man dedicated to very worrisome things,]
Perhaps along the way I can find some groceries for myself. We may have to dig a bit to find anything worthwhile, judging by this display.
He lets out a single hum that's halfway to a laugh to reassure them.]
There's nothing wrong with being dedicated.
[says man dedicated to very worrisome things,]
Perhaps along the way I can find some groceries for myself. We may have to dig a bit to find anything worthwhile, judging by this display.
[There's nothing wrong with being dedicated, but usually they try and keep their overthinking/planning on the inside rather than put it all out there like that. He's not bothered by it, though, so they'll try not to let it bother them too much either.]
< Through the groceries and the snow... >
[They'll add snowboots to the list when Altius isn't with them, they think as they start to make their way out the door and back into the cold.]
< I wonder if it's just groceries that are like this... I've been seeing advertisements everywhere since I got back. >
< Through the groceries and the snow... >
[They'll add snowboots to the list when Altius isn't with them, they think as they start to make their way out the door and back into the cold.]
< I wonder if it's just groceries that are like this... I've been seeing advertisements everywhere since I got back. >
[Altius, meanwhile, very obviously turns up his coat's collar against the cold as he eyes the snow. Miserable weather, in his opinion.]
If I had to guess, I'd say it's all similar quality, [he says, somewhat resigned as he shoves his hands into his pockets.] The locals seem to be... very consistent, amongst themselves.
[Which is to say they're all following the same programming, or however else they'd like to think of it.]
I suppose it's an improvement from their behavior before. There might be a chance at something decent somewhere, even if just by accident.
[His eyes flick to the flames on Dante's head as he walks alongside them. If only they gave off more heat... What's the point of having such an effect if you can't even get the benefits...?]
If I had to guess, I'd say it's all similar quality, [he says, somewhat resigned as he shoves his hands into his pockets.] The locals seem to be... very consistent, amongst themselves.
[Which is to say they're all following the same programming, or however else they'd like to think of it.]
I suppose it's an improvement from their behavior before. There might be a chance at something decent somewhere, even if just by accident.
[His eyes flick to the flames on Dante's head as he walks alongside them. If only they gave off more heat... What's the point of having such an effect if you can't even get the benefits...?]
Edited (i forgor a word) 2025-01-06 06:03 (UTC)
< For the most part, yeah. I wondered if this was some kind of passive-aggressive move on their part since they still don't seem to like us very much, but if they're offering the same thing to eachother... >
[Or maybe the other locals just haven't been taking the deals? They didn't think to pay much attention to it before now.
They pull out their PDA as they walk, navigating to their notes app to tap something in before returning it to their pocket]
< But hey, maybe you're right. Maybe they are warming up to us again. >
[Or maybe the other locals just haven't been taking the deals? They didn't think to pay much attention to it before now.
They pull out their PDA as they walk, navigating to their notes app to tap something in before returning it to their pocket]
< But hey, maybe you're right. Maybe they are warming up to us again. >
[Hopefully Dante won't mind if Altius glances down at that PDA as they type, only somewhat subtle. Do they have anything of use, or is it simply their attempt at keeping their business in order? He always finds more questions with this one...]
It wouldn't be unwelcome.
[There's enough uncertainty to his tone to say he's not holding his breath for anything significant, though. Ah, but Dante said something important a moment ago... He really is distracted, to not fixate on that immediately. Time to amend that.]
You said you returned home? [If Dante hadn't said so, he would have assumed nothing had changed at all. Their attitude doesn't seem to have changed much.] What was that like?
It wouldn't be unwelcome.
[There's enough uncertainty to his tone to say he's not holding his breath for anything significant, though. Ah, but Dante said something important a moment ago... He really is distracted, to not fixate on that immediately. Time to amend that.]
You said you returned home? [If Dante hadn't said so, he would have assumed nothing had changed at all. Their attitude doesn't seem to have changed much.] What was that like?
[The notes in question are only on the quality and prices of the goods in that particular store for the moment, but after Dante saves their work and before they shut the PDA off, a dropdown list of several terms and places can be listed. The Aldrip one is open, but above it an unfamiliar term can be seen: "Abnormalities."]
< Yeah, just for a day or two. A... busy day or two, but just a day or two. >
[They tick softly in an approximation of a thoughtful hum.]
< I can't remember whether or not I remembered anything of this place while I was there. I didn't really have much time to explore all that. >
< Yeah, just for a day or two. A... busy day or two, but just a day or two. >
[They tick softly in an approximation of a thoughtful hum.]
< I can't remember whether or not I remembered anything of this place while I was there. I didn't really have much time to explore all that. >
[Abnormalities... a curious term, that, especially given everything he's come to know about Dante and this world alike. What would even count as abnormal, to a person like them? Though he keeps what he saw to himself, that train of thought ends up being relevant in his response, a faint furrow in his brow:]
You must be accustomed to a number of unusual things, if considering your presence in a separate world so unlike your own wouldn't have even occurred to you.
[He's a little astonished, honestly, and that comes through his tone. He doesn't disbelieve Dante about it, but he's so particular about his own mind and situation that there's no way he'd have the same reaction.]
I hope it wasn't overly unpleasant. [He doesn't feel the need to ask whether their busy was a good or a bad thing.]
You must be accustomed to a number of unusual things, if considering your presence in a separate world so unlike your own wouldn't have even occurred to you.
[He's a little astonished, honestly, and that comes through his tone. He doesn't disbelieve Dante about it, but he's so particular about his own mind and situation that there's no way he'd have the same reaction.]
I hope it wasn't overly unpleasant. [He doesn't feel the need to ask whether their busy was a good or a bad thing.]
< You could say that. You never know what you're going to find next. >
[They keep their gaze straight ahead as they respond. Not that they have a face to give anything away, but better to be careful, just in case.]
< ...A little worse than what we have to deal with here. > [That much is safe to admit.] < But better in other ways too. Almost got impaled, but it didn't hit me in the end. And hey, didn't get shot by any weird doppelgangers of myself either. >
[They keep their gaze straight ahead as they respond. Not that they have a face to give anything away, but better to be careful, just in case.]
< ...A little worse than what we have to deal with here. > [That much is safe to admit.] < But better in other ways too. Almost got impaled, but it didn't hit me in the end. And hey, didn't get shot by any weird doppelgangers of myself either. >
[It's disconcerting, how few details Dante seems willing to share. Not in the sense that he detects any level of distrust in the other—he takes it more as the way that they must have to cope with whatever constant disasters they've had to deal with, both in this world and their own. Plus, with the lack of their memory... it must be difficult.
He lets out a breath through his nose in what's almost a frustrated sigh.]
Avoiding violence and injury is always preferable, [he remarks with some helpless exasperation. His normal guise isn't the sort to make jokes about being harmed, even if that might be the inclination of others around him. He might have to get used to it, though.]
Is that why you're so eager to get back into simple errands? Sorting through expired groceries is certainly less dire...
He lets out a breath through his nose in what's almost a frustrated sigh.]
Avoiding violence and injury is always preferable, [he remarks with some helpless exasperation. His normal guise isn't the sort to make jokes about being harmed, even if that might be the inclination of others around him. He might have to get used to it, though.]
Is that why you're so eager to get back into simple errands? Sorting through expired groceries is certainly less dire...
[And once again, their attempts to lighten the mood fall flat on their face. How did Rodya make it look so easy back home?
They look back at him in confusion, head tiling ever so slightly.]
< Not really. I mean I don't mind how calm things are right now--it's a nice change of pace--but this is still part of my job here. > [They gesture to their lack of mouth] < None of these are going to me, after all. And keeping track of who has what will save me time on future trips. >
[In other words... they're just a workaholic]
They look back at him in confusion, head tiling ever so slightly.]
< Not really. I mean I don't mind how calm things are right now--it's a nice change of pace--but this is still part of my job here. > [They gesture to their lack of mouth] < None of these are going to me, after all. And keeping track of who has what will save me time on future trips. >
[In other words... they're just a workaholic]
[Jumping right back into it, just because it's their "job"... is that really all there is to it?
Look. Altius is very much a workaholic himself, who largely doesn't know what to do with free time. But on one hand, he recognizes that this is not exactly "healthy" for a typical person, and on the other hand, his typical day to day stressors are things like profit projections! Or flight cancellations! Not... being impaled??]
I can't argue with your logic, but... [His brow is tilted with a bit of his own confusion.] I would think most people would take a bit of time off to—enjoy the lack of immediate danger, perhaps...?
Look. Altius is very much a workaholic himself, who largely doesn't know what to do with free time. But on one hand, he recognizes that this is not exactly "healthy" for a typical person, and on the other hand, his typical day to day stressors are things like profit projections! Or flight cancellations! Not... being impaled??]
I can't argue with your logic, but... [His brow is tilted with a bit of his own confusion.] I would think most people would take a bit of time off to—enjoy the lack of immediate danger, perhaps...?
< ...Do they? >
[They've tried to give the Sinners time off on occasion, when they felt they were able to. But that was mainly on the Great Lake, where there wasn't that much to do besides wait to get back to shore. And even then, those attempts at a break tended to be interrupted by something or another.]
< I guess it's just easier for me to keep going. Something else will come up eventually, so I might as well be ready for it. >
[They've tried to give the Sinners time off on occasion, when they felt they were able to. But that was mainly on the Great Lake, where there wasn't that much to do besides wait to get back to shore. And even then, those attempts at a break tended to be interrupted by something or another.]
< I guess it's just easier for me to keep going. Something else will come up eventually, so I might as well be ready for it. >
[Is the amnesia and only having a yearish of life experience the problem here, or is it more of a personality thing? Altius has to wonder.]
Easier for now, perhaps, but no one can 'keep going' forever. Being prepared isn't the same as never resting.
[His "scolding" is only mild; neither of them are currently injured or in danger, so it's easier to word it as life advice rather than a lecture. And speaking of taking time off:]
It's a shame you just missed the holiday season here. Especially with these questionable sales being the only aspect remaining...
Easier for now, perhaps, but no one can 'keep going' forever. Being prepared isn't the same as never resting.
[His "scolding" is only mild; neither of them are currently injured or in danger, so it's easier to word it as life advice rather than a lecture. And speaking of taking time off:]
It's a shame you just missed the holiday season here. Especially with these questionable sales being the only aspect remaining...
< Oh, it went well? >
[They sound genuinely surprised.]
< Hm... Though that fall festival wasn't too bad either, was it? Well. Aside from the funhouse. But everything else was actually pretty fun. >
[A pause]
< ...There wasn't anything like the funhouse this time around, was there? >
[They sound genuinely surprised.]
< Hm... Though that fall festival wasn't too bad either, was it? Well. Aside from the funhouse. But everything else was actually pretty fun. >
[A pause]
< ...There wasn't anything like the funhouse this time around, was there? >
[He lets out an ambivalent-leaning-positive hum, followed by:]
It wasn't without its challenges, but the locals did inform us of how to avoid the some of the trouble, this time.
[So unlike some people, he followed instructions! Mostly. It's not like he couldn't immediately go indoors after sating his curiosity.]
Perhaps I was lucky to avoid being briefly stuck to someone by the odd animals that appeared during the month? But that all sounded barely more than irritating, and the solstice feast was enjoyable.
It wasn't without its challenges, but the locals did inform us of how to avoid the some of the trouble, this time.
[So unlike some people, he followed instructions! Mostly. It's not like he couldn't immediately go indoors after sating his curiosity.]
Perhaps I was lucky to avoid being briefly stuck to someone by the odd animals that appeared during the month? But that all sounded barely more than irritating, and the solstice feast was enjoyable.
[Of course.]
< Wouldn't be this place without something strange thrown into the mix. And it's good to hear the rougher parts were mostly avoidable. >
[There's a certain lightness to their "voice," slightly affected, but with some sincerity there as well.]
< I'm glad you guys managed to have a good time, stranger moments aside. After the past few months we've had, it had to have been appreciated. >
< Wouldn't be this place without something strange thrown into the mix. And it's good to hear the rougher parts were mostly avoidable. >
[There's a certain lightness to their "voice," slightly affected, but with some sincerity there as well.]
< I'm glad you guys managed to have a good time, stranger moments aside. After the past few months we've had, it had to have been appreciated. >
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