April Catch-All

[wolfish]

WHO: Yuri Leclerc wolfish & others
WHAT: Catch-all for April
WHEN: Late Pelu
WHERE: Various locations
WARNINGS: None, will update if needed.


I. Resupply Run (Old Springstar)
[ Yuri isn't yet acclimated to Skysong. In truth, he's not entirely certain how long that adjustment is going to take. Adaptable as he is, he hails from a world in which mass literacy is nonexistent and flight entails mounted travels. For most men, that's wyverns.

Seeing how it's been over a century, the house needs some creature comforts. Given the improvements to local technology, this day that means Yuri's drifting from one store to another examining their new wares.

A. Background Character
[ Occasionally, this leads to him being stopped by strangers who begin regaling him with their backstory. The prevailing trend here is that it's always something about their parents or grandparents — people Yuri either saved or helped. Orphans who moved on to have happy lives and families.

The thing is, Yuri doesn't know what to do with effusive gratitude. So, without fail, he'll be standing there like a deer in the headlights, clutching some kitchen gadget or other like a lifeline, in the face of strangers' enthusiasm. ]
B. Gadgets and Gizmos
[ On the occasions when Yuri manages to evade what's proving to be a small army of orphans' descandants, he spends his time examining the new innovations Old Springstar has to offer. Each time he encounters a new appliance that is neither enormous nor impossible to lift, he picks it up for manual examination, turning it about between gloved hands with rapt interest.

It may or may not be clear to passers-by that this is something beyond curiosity in the sight of something novel. Rather, he appears to be trying to discern what makes it tick. ]

II. Old Routines (Alenroux)
[ While the world has changed a great deal, developing in ways Fódlan certainly hasn't, some things are near enough to the same. At least, Yuri tells himself as much, holding to whatever scraps of familiarity if he can. For him, that means resuming the activities he'd used to pass his time previously.

In this case, Yuri spends the "early" daylight hours in Alenroux training. When he doesn't have a partner to spar with, he instead rigs up targets using whatever he can find — old buckets, broom handles, fallen branches — and slings spells their way. It's a flashy bit of a show that comes in two flavors.

Sometimes, visually identical magic strikes the target much more feebly.

Others, Yuri tosses one spell at his training dummy, then another, different spell, observing how they combine. In these cases, the answer is usually that his constructed target gets blown apart, its shredded components sent sailing in all directions, leaving him to sigh and trot off to retrieve them. ]


III. Free to Good Home (Communion)
So... Turns out before Fluffy joined Byleth for that incredibly long nap we all took, he found himself a sweetheart or two first. Now, we're swimming in cats. Much as I'd like to think looking after tham all is doable here, I'm not thinking it's ideal for them.

[ The cats, that is. Fellow Harbingers may be treated to fleeting mental images of cats and dogs milling about the grounds of Garreg Mach Monastery, uniformed students and recognizable clergy pausing to pet, feed or play with them. Then, too, are images of people who are evidently thugs and brigans...still fawning over cats in the underground halls of what some might guess is Abyss.

Yuri can't help the strength of his nostalgia in this. He spent a fair amount of time pining after feline affection due to just how bad his allergies are, not having the means to overcome them until he admitted his troubles to Marianne. By then, they were in the midst of war, far from Garreg Mach.

At least he's not sneezing to death now. ]

So if anyone's interested in giving a good home to a cat or two, let's make some arrangements.

[ Apologies in advance that they may answer to odd names already. ]

IV. Wildcard
[ ooc: If you have a different idea, feel free to drop a starter here! No need to plot ahead unless it needs some prior coordination. If it does, DM Yuri's journal or hit me up on discord (matchadrop)! ]

Comments

Closed Starters

[wolfish]

[ ooc: You can nudge me via DM here or on Discord if you want me to set up something specific or simply throw a wildcard down. ]

New World → Dimitri

[wolfish]

[ Upon waking to find over a century had passed, Yuri didn't know what to think about it all. He doesn't know what to make of that last, disturbing dream either, the fog of which he's trying to shake away even now. To lose himself entirely would be...well. It'd be more like a nightmare to be robbed of agency, of what makes him who he is.

Why he was shown that or what it was to mean, he couldn't say. But Yuri's a pragmatic man, despite his idealistic bent — he recognizes it will do no good to dwell on it. So he focuses instead on something more important. He seeks out the others to see how they're faring, and that eventually brings him to Old Springstar, seeking out a particular familiar face.

When at last he tracks Dimitri down, he purposefully makes noise with his typically silent strides. As he always does, he approaches from the side unobscured by an eyepatch and what this world had placed beneath it, so the man can easily see him. He's got a growing list of people he surreptitiously places himself on the good side of, come to think of it. ]

I was starting to think you'd vanished on me.

[ As it seemed Midna had. He can only pray she found her way back home somehow, despite all that they're told of the present state of affairs. Well, pray for her, and be grateful that others remain, though it's selfishness on his part. This place has not been easy on any of them.

When he draws close enough, he seats himself beside Dimitri, gently bumping their shoulders together. Below them, the spawl of Old Springstar remains, an open wound torn by raising Skysong aloft. It's strange to look upon, having seen none of how or why the world has come to be like this. ]

[hauntedking]

[ He needs time to think, Dimitri has decided. And he needs to find a place to do that. There's a few places in the "new" city he's woken up in that have a good view. He's found one and been sitting there for a little while, gazing out over the strange landscape. It feels odd to have gone to "sleep" and then woken up not more than a few days later, from his perspective, to find it all different.

He doesn't like much of it.

Then he hears someone coming and- ]

Yuri-

[ There's a sense of relief and quiet joy in his voice as he turns to see him. ]

I would never. [ As Yuri settles next to him, he leans into him. Lets some of his weight and warmth fold into his shoulder and body. How odd to think they have moved from acquaintances to friends to... lovers? He can't think of a better word. But it ignites a warm glow in his chest just to have Yuri next to him in the moment. ]

I'm sorry, I've been trying to figure out everything. It's all... changed. It's good to see you.

[wolfish]

[ The tone of Dimitri's voice catches him off-guard, still surprised to be the one for whom that depth of emotion is felt. But he's grateful for it, and for the warmth at his side that assures that Dimitri really is still here. He knows it's selfish, wanting for his presence amidst all this, but he fears what it would mean if he wasn't.

And just as prominent in his mind is dreading that absence. Because it would be loss, wouldn't it, in more ways than Yuri has ever had to contend with. But right now, Dimitri is here, and he soaks in that presence the way a dozing cat does sunshine. ]

It's good to see you too.

[ And relief permeates his tone as well, more than he'd have expected. He's still not used to this. ]

I thought I might find you someplace quiet. All of this is a hell of a lot to take in.

[ That last part may be an understatement. ]

[hauntedking]

Oh, it certainly is...

[ Dimitri shakes his head. ]

The whole city is different. Rather... there are two new cities. Some of the places I used to visit are just... gone. Or maybe they're on a floating island somewhere. It feels hollow... although there's new life growing.

[wolfish]

Feels like some other world entirely, doesn't it? Islands in the sky...

[ Like something fanciful out of one of those books that are so easy to find here.

Yuri lapses into silence for a collection of moments. It seems he's content to let silence take reign, until he abruptly breaks it. ]

We should look for them, when you're up to it.

[hauntedking]

...what? Those places?

[ He sounds a touch startled and he laughs. ]

We don't have to, you know. And part of me isn't sure whether I really want to spend so much time up in Skysong, anyway. But... thank you for the offer. It's touching.

[wolfish]

[ He offers Dimitri a slant of a smile. ]

I may have had ulterior motives.

[ Learning more about Dimitri and what he likes, for one. Yuri leaves it at insinuation, as is his way... But his desire was simple and honest in this case. ]

Personally, I'd say it's worth investigating just the same. Up here, down there...at least you'd know. And you might find something new you'd like.

[ Yuri has no particular feelings for Skysong, save the unease that comes with its newness. Regardless of where Dimitri wishes to look, he thinks it a worthwhile venture, so he'll gently encourage it just the same. ]

[hauntedking]

True enough. And... it might let us relax a little after everything. Even if I feel like stopping to relax might be the last thing we should consider doing.

[ He sighs, but offers Yuri a warm smile all the same. ]

...even with all of this, I do want to find some time to spend with you. What's the point of all we've confided in one another if we don't?

[wolfish]

Would you look at that, the sun's shining just for me.

[ Seeing that smile truly does warm him, and he offers Dimitri a soft one in return. That, and it's a comfort to hear Dimitri echo his own sentiments. ]

We did just spend over a century on business, apparently, so I'd say we can afford some time to ourselves.

[ Surely, then, the lot of them are due for some reprieve. ]

[hauntedking]

...true.

[ Dimitri chuckles. ]

There's nothing else to be done but try to find a little space for us. [ Dimitri tries to find his hand and squeeze. ]

We'll see if they still welcome us in Skysong.

[wolfish]

[ Yuri's hand isn't hard to find. He shifts it just enough for better holding, giving Dimitri's hand a gentle squeeze in return. The gesture is still a little new for him, but one he appreciates, one he's quickly come to associate with Dimitri himself. ]

We'll find something. Up here, down there... I'm not picky, so long as the company's good.

[ And it's Dimitri he's talking to, so that much is assured. ]

[hauntedking]

The company I feel we have covered. Would you like to go now?

[ He hums softly. ]

It might be good to start.

Recon Mission → Byleth

[wolfish]

[ The world passing by without them is still a surreal notion. Even after seeing the house overgrown with valerian plants and Fluffy's many progeny prowling around it, sleeping for such an impossibly long time remains difficult to grasp. But there isn't much for it but to try and adapt. So once they've rid the house of dust and cobwebs and gotten settled back in, Yuri offers a proposition. ]

...What do you say to a trip to Old Springstar?

[ He asks casually while putting aside his bedroll for the day. Or rather, attempting to. Several cats have laid claim to it now that he's up, staring him down. It's been like this every morning, and not for the first time, he considers that they really ought to name them, so he has something to call these ones. The same cats keep claiming what's his as theirs.

The leaves the topic and his bedroll where they are for now. ]

I've seen you peering down there, so why not have ourselves a closer look?

[ Yuri's no less curious about what's become of the city they'd lived in for months before their long, long nap. ]

[fishfearme]

[Byleth had taken the entire strange scenario well in stride, once he had confirmed that his home was still standing and now occupied with even more fluffy cats for him to fuss over. Of course, time had taken a weathering hand to his fish treasures, and it prompted a very long, intensive chore in picking through what was salvagable and what had to be thrown away or recycled, if able.

So, when Yuri tossed out his invitation, Byleth looked up from where he'd been intensely examining a fish-patterned blanket for any signs of rot, mould or evidence of moth infestation.]

...oh, you noticed that, did you?

[Slowly, Byleth set aside the blanket, his expression faintly thoughtful.]

I admit I'm curious to see how much it's changed. My favourite bookstore is still down there...

[Er, provided it's still in business after a century.]

[wolfish]

[ There has been a great deal to go through, and more still yet. Yuri hadn't realized how extensive Byleth's collection was, or rather had become acclimated to it, so he hadn't thought about just how much there was. Of course, none of them could anticipate a nap exceeding a century's time.

It's a marvel they're all essentially unchanged, but their house has been less fortunate. At least Fluffy's large family are effective hunters just as Byleth had trained their ancestor to be, leaving their house free of any signs of pests. ]

I like to think I pay attention.

[ Byleth's a friend and comrade, after all. One of the many to-be-named cats sidles up to him, bumping firmly against his side. Yuri takes the prompt for what it is, running a gentle hand over soft grey fur. ]

The bookstore's as good a place to start as any. And who knows, your published books might be collectors' items by now.

[fishfearme]

Hah, that would be something.

[Byleth clearly thought it a jest, even letting out a quiet laugh at the idea of his books being collector's items. He was well aware that his writing was amateur at best, and privately thought Yuri's forays into romance stories was far better than his own. He wasn't jealous, though. He took it as inspiration and encouragement to improve his craft...

It was a nice thought, though. Maybe in a few decades, after they returned to Fodlan, he'd change his reputation from 'Ashen Demon, merciless mercenary' to 'Byleth, bringer of... of romance...?' Hm. No. He'll work on it.]

Though that does remind me... it's been a century. There'd be plenty more books people have written in the interim. It's decided. We'll go to Old Springstar's bookstore and buy as much as we can carry!

[wolfish]

[ Byleth's declaration prompts an owlish stare from Yuri, somehow surprised despite himself. It's more the energy behind the words than what he'd said, knowing well enough by now that Byleth is an avid reader and collector when he has a mind to be. He must really be curious about what's out there. ]

As many as we can carry, huh...? [ Amusement warms his expression, lingers in his eyes, as he stands. ] Well, there is a lot to catch up on.

[ Yuri won't say as much, but he hopes Byleth's work has been well loved. That he may have inspired others in the last century. Byleth's passion for writing romance stories in which people came together regardless of differences, and the creativity of those tales, had certainly had that effect for Yuri himself.

He couldn't say what he'd come up with is all that much, but Byleth had liked it, and that was enough. ]

Let's get to it then. I'll be following your lead, seeing as you're the expert.

[ The full bookshelves are undeniable proof. ]

[fishfearme]

Excellent. Then we should prepare for our journey.

[Why was he making it sound more dramatic than it actually was? Likely he was just caught up in the moment, and he abandoned his fish-patterned blanket in favour of rooting through the pile that had already been checked for damage or infestation. After a moment, he made a quiet 'ah-ha!' and pulled out the item he had been seeking.

A 'bag'.

A...



...whale bag.]

There. We can use this to carry the books safely. I think I have another one that you can use, Yuri...

[wolfish]

[ Oh.

So the whale bag had survived over a century of disuse. Yuri doesn't know whether to be impressed or mortified as he looks upon this peculiar thing, so he settles with a mixture of both.

He very nearly forgets to respond, a palpable delay in which he appears to have frozen in place before abruptly reanimating. ]

You've got more than one...?

[ Yuri knows full well by now that Byleth is a hardened collector, the shark figurines are standing proof, but what would Byleth do with two whale bags? Loan him one, clearly. ]

Well, it...would be better than only using our arms.

[fishfearme]

I have five.

[Five...]

In fact, yes. We should double up. The design of the bag would allow us to carry two at once, even! We'll be able to carry twice the amount of books!

[It seemed to have slipped Byleth's mind just how heavy books could be, especially when packed into a bag hanging off of one shoulder only... but, Byleth was freakishly strong despite his slim build, whereas Yuri... well. Good luck.]

Give me one moment, let me find Blue and Pale Blue for you.

[He even named them...!!!!]

[wolfish]

[ He named them. Of course he did. What's more, the names are along the same vein as Fluffy, but even more of a description. Or maybe Yuri has grown a little biased because their neighbors also had a cat named Fluffy.

Later, he should ask D if his household's Fluffy also made it to this far-flung time. ]

You're going to put even more muscle on me at this rate...

[ It's just this side of not a whine, but Yuri does lament the loss of his slender figure to mercenary life. Muscle is bulk, not his brand.

Today it might save him from collapsing under so many books though. ]

[fishfearme]

Is that so bad? We should always try to get stronger.

[Never mind that Byleth was naturally slim while somehow retaining his freakishly strong strength. As he spoke, he dug through the pile until he found Blue and Pale Blue.]

Here, this one is Blue- [He handed over a very typical blue whale bag.] -and this one is Pale Blue.

[It looked basically identical to Blue, except there was a very, very, very small pale blue smudge near its left eye. You had to be eagle-eyed and fussy over small details to notice that!]

I'll be carrying Dark Blue and Fred.

[Yes. Fred.]

[wolfish]

Fred.

[ Yuri echoes the name. The actual name. He can only wonder what fortune favored Fred, but he tells himself he can ask about that later. For now, he shoulders the two whale bags he's been given. They really do seem to have held up well. ]

I could do without putting on bulk, but I don't expect a few books will change much.

[ He says, looking no different to anyone but himself. His clothing fits as well as it ever did, after all, but he is more toned than he was before the war. Alas. ]

Anything else we need before we set out?

[fishfearme]

I suppose it depends on whether you think it'll be a dangerous journey or not...

[Because that was the question, wasn't it? Skysong had elevated itself into the sky for a reason, and the lawless Kowloon openly mingled with Old Springstar nowadays - allegedly. There was a chance of encountering bitter or hostile locals, but Byleth would rather have the journey be peaceful. Openly displaying weapons may give across an unwanted intent, but at the same time, may serve as a deterrant...]