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

[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.

[wolfish]

[ Yuri nods in agreement. ]

It just might.

[ He moves to stand while he keeps hold of Dimitri's hand, finding himself reluctant to let go. In an odd way, it helps him feel that he is here and awake.

That that strange nightmare isn't his reality. ]

Come on.

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri feels almost the same way - but he's lived a personal nightmare before. So I'm a way it's easier for him to believe this is real. Everything else has been - why shouldn't this be? Dimitri stands and turns to go, sticking close. It's such a strange thing to think that he's with someone and that someone cares for him like he does them.

A minor miracle, surely.

As they start their walk, he's thoughtful. ]

There was a small bakery I used to attend... and occasionally help with unloading things. I wonder if it's still there.

[wolfish]

You, helping out in a bakery? [ He does his best to envision this with a quiet hum. ] That sounds cute.

[ Adorable, even, but he's used that word as a taunt so often in the past... But it's truly an endearing image. Dimitri getting to do thoroughly mundane, peaceful things so often is, in Yuri's mind. ]

Shall we look for that first, then?

[hauntedking]

Mostly carrying bags and other heavy things. I don't claim to be a baker...

[ Dimitri replies with a shake of his head. He's still humble and unwilling to accept he might be particularly unique... ]

But, yes. It wasn't that far from my residence, so it shouldn't be terribly far...

[wolfish]

[ Yuri could swear he remembers Dimitri baked something for people around the year-end festivities, so he might argue that point... But he won't. Neither of them are technically professionals. ]

And here I was, enjoying the mental image of you in an apron.

[ All his dreams, dashed. He doesn't sound sincerely put out about it though. ]

I'm sure you were a great help, just the same.

[ He's seen the things his timeline's Dimitri could lug around like they weighed nothing. Likewise, he recalls how grateful people were for the aid of the "funny knight". ]

[hauntedking]

[ He did do some backing, but Dimitri is also far too humble and unassuming to try and jump in and do it professionally. No matter what anyone else says. He offers a little shrug. ]

Well, I can do some home baking... probably. I just wouldn't dare to do it in an actual bakery just yet.

[ He laughs softly. ]

Moving things around is still quite helpful enough, I think.

[wolfish]

We should give it a go sometime. Not professionally, of course.

[ Yuri has full confidence in his kitchen prowess, in contrast, but he simply thinks it would be something pleasant to do together. Then they could enjoy the results of their work.

For now, though, he gives their hands a little swing. ]

Moving hefty things is indeed helpful. The king I know back home would sneak into town and haul things about for people. Wagons, crates, you name it. It was obvious people appreciated the aid of the "funny knight".

[hauntedking]

I do have an oven...

[ He offers a little smile as they turn the corner. There's some laughing children, more foot traffic. It feels... alive, fortunately. There's people here, building lives - even if they're now separated from the city above by so much distance. He likes that. ]

...that does sound like me. Although being described as a "funny knight" is... [ He doesn't bother to stifle his laugh. ]

Well. I guess it's accurate.

[wolfish]

It's a date then.

[ It is reassuring to see that people aren't just suffering or constantly terrorized. That they can still lead their lives in relative peace despite the changes that have come.

Yuri can't help smiling at the sight of those children as they pass. ]

He went strolling into town in full armor... Honestly I'm surprised no one recognized him before I did. [ He puffs out a helpless little laugh of his own for it. ] That does seem like something you'd do as well, big heart and all.

[ Though maybe this Dimitri would bother with some manner of disguse? He seems better at being covert when necessary. ]

[hauntedking]

A real one, at that.

[ Dimitri is rather pleased about that idea, too. He chuckles to himself. ]

...well, I suppose no one had seen my face, really. At least... most of the common folk and that sort of thing. None of those quick pictures that they have in some worlds. So it wasn't as if I'd be well known.

[wolfish]

[ A real date. When Dimitri expressed a desire take things slow, Yuri can safely bet he didn't mean waiting over a century for that. ]

I'll look forward to it.

[ He means that, sincerity permeating his tone. ]

While it's true few people knew his face, the fancy armor and impressive strength...you know.

[hauntedking]

I suppose that does make me unique. Although around here I tend not to wear armor for that. It gets in the way a little... and there's not really point to wearing it if I'm doing things like chores. So I can't imagine wanting to keep it on all the time.

[wolfish]

We were still in the midst of a war, but it was pretty conspicuous... May just be one of those differences between you two.

[ Yuri's not quite sure his king back home was much for stealth, after all.

He keeps an eye out for any buildings that may be bakeries as they stroll their way along, still holding Dimitri's hand. ]

So what sort of pastries do you like?

[hauntedking]

[ It's not that much further, Dimitri hopes - and it isn't because a block on there's a sign for it. It's probably different than it was a century ago, but there's still a bakery there and still people heading in and out with their purchases. Dimitri seems slightly relieved to see that something he remembers is still present. ]

All kinds, I think. Although I admit a fondness for sweet ones.

[ He smiles, just a little relieved. ]

They might not remember me... it's been generations... but something is still here in the end.

[wolfish]

[ His own expression warms, seeing and hearing Dimitri's relief. All of this is disorienting and difficult, but at least something familiar remains. ]

If they don't, they'll get to know you.

[ Punctuated with a squeeze to Dimitri's hand. ]

Let's see what they sell nowadays.

[hauntedking]

We may as well...

[ Dimitri is a touch nervous. The people he knows are gone, after all. But there's a brisk business! Even if they're not in Skysong, people still come for baked goods. The inside smells of bread; the woman behind the counter is chatting with one of her customers and there's a general buzz and him. No pastries here, it seems - mostly bread and solid foodstuffs! ]

[wolfish]

[ Yuri's gaze flicks around the shop, taking in the condition of the business, the wares, and at last settling upon a sign. Lifting a hand, he points it out to Dimitri while nudging his side. ]

"Family-owned for over a hundred years".

[ These may not be the people Dimitri helped, they're related to them. Maybe there's some comfort in that. ]