kaisou | __// [ life labors ]

__// [ life labors ] - closed threads

WHO: Wriothesley + Several; he's doing sidequests with like 4 people for Tea Money.
WHERE: Various places in Kaisou
WHEN: Late November
WHAT: Wriothesley getting into several troubles with other Libra members for money, or just getting to know his fellow libra-users.
WARNINGS: Probably a lot of nonsense. Snowmen, old ladies--an Ogre with no pants. Will update if actual warnings are needed.

__//: Closed to Veldora Tempest

[ Fortunately for Veldora and Wriothesley, the Duke of Meriopede had a pokerface to end all pokerfaces--and getting the Kitsune at the park to give them a couple of tip-offs for their bounty had been easy enough. The stickers that had covered part of his gloves had been an easy sell to the foxes-- 'beloved little mementos from a friend of mine that she put on my gloves before I got trapped in this world' was a price they were willing to take.

Thank the Sovereigns, honestly, that he hadn't yanked them off sooner. Once they're far away enough from the Kitsune, he's gonna' do his best to convince VELDORA, now, that the Stickers actually weren't that big a deal and he could stop looking so fussed up about it. ]

What's important now, is finding that hideout in the park and getting back those gifts. I have no idea what a 'Christmas' is, but if there are kids involved and they're losing something to a big ugly dickhead like that, a few stickers are the least of my worries.

[ so... ]

Think you got it in you to fight an 'orc'. ... Do you know what an 'Orc' is?

__//: Closed to Velvet + Eizen

[ this shouldn't be any sort of trouble. While Wriothesley doesn't have any sort of base knowledge about the pair who signed up for this task alongside him--upon meeting them, he has no worries that they've got this in the bag. ]

Can't say I've ever fought anything like the job says on the tin before. 'Animated Snowmen'? Some sort of magic gone wrong? [ he's fought ... water men before. Tainted water spirits out in the wilds of Fontaine, but. ]

Probably ain't gonna' be trouble. I use my fists as my weapon. How about you two.
We should go in with a plan of attack, probably. [ he has no idea he's signed up for this alongside Florida Woman and the Reaper. ]

__//: Closed to Blade

[ money is money. Doesn't matter if the job is a pit fight in an arena, doing junk labor work in a factory or... ...making tiny sweaters for little animals, Wriothesley doesn't consider any type of work to be below or above the other. Work is work, and honest work is honest pay.

...And besides, maybe he could use a few pointers in a few of the life skills he's not exactly the best in. Which is why he finds himself sitting with Blade, looking like a pair of the most out-of-place goths among the cutest assortment of cloth, wool, and tattered sweaters in need of re-assembly. ]

So, full clarity here. I've never in my life knit anything close to a sweater before. But I at least know how to stitch things closed.
Figure best shot I got here are fixing the torn ones. [ sorry blade, you're gonna' be carrying the team here, probably. ]

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[ it probably helps that Veldora's reaction to Wriothesley pawning off his stickers is one of genuine distress--trying very hard to convince his fellow adventurer (and would you look at that! Veldora the Storm Dragon, taking on commissions like a common adventurer; the novelty was sublime) that he shouldn't part with such precious things quickly, scolding the kitsune for the greed, eventually allowing himself to be dragged off as Wriothesley... seems rather pleased with himself and unphased by the whole thing, huffing and puffing as the man works to change the subject harder than any devil of the deepest hells. ]

Still, I'm certain we could've found a different price to pay! I will see you compensated for your sacrifice today, on my honor as the protector of Jura! [ and that's that about that, hands on his hips as he strikes a pose and stands to his big size, all puffed out with his cape inexplicably billowing just a bit.

with his boasting taken care of, he can focus more on the problem at hand. ]

Rimuru spoke briefly of Christmas, and it was an occasion that was written of somewhat sparingly in the sacred texts--it appears to be some sort of yearly gathering feast, wherein gamefowl are cooked and consumed, and thoughtfully selected gifts are presented amongst one's closest compatriots. Things such as small treats, items of clothing known as 'socks', and chunks of valuable coal were not uncommon, and children were often given toys and othersuch whimsical things! That someone would deprive a child is truly scoundrel behavior on that part, and Rimuru would likely punish them for such a discretion!

[ and so being that Rimuru is 85% of Veldora's impulse control, he's gonna kick the shit out of Shrek.

he looks thoughtful when Wriothesley names their opponent, hand to his chin as he thinks. ]

An orc is a trivial task for one such as I--they are lesser monsters that would never hold a candle to the Storm Dragon's might. Rimuru had a number of subjects of the orc race, and I find it odd to think that one would turn to petty thievery. They're usually a studious, humble people, especially in times of plenty and comfort.

Edited (what is this a post for ants) 2023-11-24 02:59 (UTC)

[ Wriothesley has never dealt with a person who lives his life at 175% volume. It was kind of amazing that someone could talk like that without for a moment feeling weird about it--it was kind of refreshing? Especially given that Wriothesley himself was generally a pretty quiet person.

This sort of matchup suited him just fine. Having someone who'd talk for him? It's honestly kind of a dream come true. ]

I can't say I've ever had a bodyguard before, big guy, but I'm amenable to the idea. If you really want to go hard on my behalf, I'm not going to stop you.

I can't say I dislike the idea of eating gamefowl and giving away gifts. The idea that this orc guy took kid's gifts for such an occasion is pretty unforgivable, though.

[ how dare he. Wriothesley has his phone up, and is using the ever-useful Maps app to find the location given to them by the foxes. ]

Maybe this one got separated from his buddies and turned to desperate means in order to survive. You see that kind of behavior in a lot of people, from my experience.

We'll probably just have to give him a good knock around, get him to give back the presents, and then punish him in a way that makes him not wanna' do it again.

Sound good to you?

[ he is being nice and staying at 175% for the sake of Wriothesley's ears! it is just another showing of how magnanimous the storm dragon can truly be! ]

Gwa-ha-ha! Well, you're in luck today, Wriothesley the Duke! I am certainly overqualified to be a bodyguard, as I am a protector of an entire forest and its sovereign nation for very little effort on my part! No human country dared to come through my forest for the mere whisper of my presence, even when I was trapped in a prison for the better part of several hundred years! Your safety is impeccably guaranteed under my wings!

[ Veldora has his hands on his hips and is hovering behind Wriothesley, helping staring over his shoulder at his Maps app, letting the gravitas of the situation soak into his thoughts--and it's enough to draw his volume down even more, wonder of wonders. ]

It is truly an unforgivable act. Someone who would take advantage of his fellows--and of those weaker than him in particularly--is someone who should be punished for acting against the laws of the world.

[ ... or the laws according to Rimuru, but who's counting? ]

I am with you all the way, my companion! We will see justice brought this day, or my name is not Veldora Tempest, the Storm Dragon! And it is!

[ gwa-ha-ha ]

[ in response, Wriothesley is gonna give a low whistle to show he's impressed. It's not lip service--he seriously is somewhat impressed. Who the hell wouldn't be, after being told he's being kept safe by someone with that much power? His recent learnings about how ordinary people could be as gods... it almost makes him nervous, but.

It's not like he trusted other people very much anyway. Veldora just seemed like an easy to get along with guy, so having him come along to this mission was an easy decision as any, honestly speaking.

He'll even give the other a smirk and a laugh as the other announces his need to see absolute justice. That's the spirit. ]

And it is. [ he agrees with the other, raising a hand up to give his uh--very tall friend a pat on the back.

Walking alongside him, he... does have to pause though, as they walk through the park to find their target, there's... a rather glaring sight.

A big tent--like one of those tents they set up during festivals for people to drink beer in--set up between some trees and... there's brightly wrapped boxes and toys just. Spilling out of it. ...Are you kidding, it's just. there. out in the open. They could have just...

Wriothesley sighs. ]

I think we've found our Orc.

[ Veldora basks in the praise--because a whistle is definitely praise, especially from a wolfman like Wriothesley! ... at least Veldora thinks he might be a wolfman. the ears are intensely suspect. with his hands on his hips he strides boldly forth, ready to scour every inch of the park

only for Wriothesley to, ah. point out the obvious. if the orc's lair had been a snake, Veldora would've stepped on it quite mightily. he holds out a gloved hand, half in front of the Duke as if he means to make good on his promise to protect the other hand with his bigger frame. ]

It would seem to be so! Now then...

We should give the villain a chance to see the error of his ways, and then, if he will not repent and return the presents, we should show him the full force of justice's might! As a wise man I knew once said, 'tis better to speak softly and carry a big stick than to just whomp your opponent in the face! The big stick can be employed at will, but a punch cannot be unthrown!

[ ... this is, again, a Rimurism, but nobody needs to know that. ]

Shall we go together, my friend, or would you like to move into a quieter position to cut off the villain's escape, should my appeal to justice go unheard?

[ it's a rimuruism but wriothesley is a long time away from recognizing that for what it is--deciding instead to take the bigger man's advice to take a position where he could cut off their prey--er, target, rather--in case he tries to make a clean getaway once he realises the gig is up.

His hands lift, balling into fists--as a pair of metallic blue and gold gauntlets materialize from where he keeps them--wherever the fuck that is we haven't figured it out yet--and he lifts them with a grin. ]

You can count on me, big guy. I won't let anyone get out of my sight, once they're in it.

[ he can assure him of that. ]

Given we're dealing with a thief--I bet my shoes that he'll try to make a break for it. Thieves always try to run when they're caught.

I'll cut myself out behind that tree, there--try to chase him that way. We can take him down together then.

Sound good?
While I want to believe in your 'Justice'...

I've been dealing with thieves my whole life.
They don't go down without at least one attempt to make a getaway.

[ there's a smile on Veldora's lips and a... glint? in his eyes. ]

I am old enough to know that mankind and monsterkind alike will often take the most selfish, most self-preserving action in a given situation--but a dear friend of mine asked me to be patient, to be kind, and to hope for the best in people, and so...

I do try. I don't set my expectations high! But I am willing to let them try.

[ he gives Wriothesley a nod and then rolls his shoulders, setting his stance broad and wide as he boldly strides into the tent--looking around at the piles of purloined presents, the suspicious amount of onion related foodstuffs with an imperious, unhappy glower. he then fixes it on the creature--unlike any ogre he cares to recall--and lifts his hand as he strikes a commanding pose. ]

You will hear me, foul ogre! These gifts are not for you, and your evil will no longer be tolerated--repent! Return the presents and there may yet be a place in the light for you! In the name of Veldora Tempest, the Storm Dragon, I command you!

[Velvet had mostly taken this job as a way to spend time with Eizen after the other had been gone for the past month. She wasn't expecting a third person, but it's not like she cared that much. At least it seemed like he could hold his own. ]

Most likely. Some witch probably watched Frosty the Snowman while drunk and got ideas again.

[It. Tends to happen ok.

As for her own weapon, she will hold up her wrist and let her wrist-blade show. Though it's really less of a wrist-blade and more of a wrist sword.]

I use this, but I'm not afraid to improvise.

Edited 2023-11-24 04:26 (UTC)

[ after being on a boat for the past month eizen was feeling a little antsy, almost aimless, so the job is mostly to help that - and earn some extra cash on the side. the extra person just made things more interesting and maybe a little easier. ]

Improvisation is our bread and butter. [ he spears velvet a look, lips twitching into a grin. ] As for weapons... I'm much like you, I tend to use my fists.

Looks like we're pretty much all in agreement here. Sounds good, then.

Honestly, how strong can men made of snow be. [ he's going to lift his fists-- a pair of metallic gauntlets materializing over them. ]

Should we sneak in and take them by surprise, or...

[ he flashes a grin. ]

Blitzkrieg. Go in and destroy as many as we can, before they can react properly.

[She'll look at her hot topic looking teammates, and around at the picturesque winterwonderland]

We stick out too much like sore thumbs to sneak here. [Look she has some self awareness. She'll move into a stance, drawing her blade]

Might as well blitzkrieg it.

[Blade doesn't look intimidated at all. This isn't the first time he's entered into the lion's den. Or... cougar's den, as it so happens. They are absolutely getting some looks from the older women in attendance. Blade is prepared; he has a small duffel bag that he sets on the craft table in front of them, and he starts taking out supplies. Thread, small needles, bigger knitting needles, crochet hooks, 5 shades of black yarn (trust an artist to be able to tell the fucking difference), leather (???), five differently-shaped pairs of scissors, a notebook, and measuring tape.]

Don't worry about it. I'm out of practice, too. We'll be fine.

[He sets the notebook down and grabs a pencil.]

How good are you with small, squirming pets? [He casts a glance at the baby Pokemon bouncing around.]

[ excuse him for giving a huge pause as he stares at his new acquaintance haul out... the full 9 yards of your Everything You Need To Make Clothes kit out of his bag. Wow. Just... okay, he definitely chose the right person to ask to go along with him for this...! ]

'Out of practice', he says, while pulling out every utensil for getting work done under the sun. You're actually a really well-prepared person, aren't you? [ he offers the compliment easily-- before looking down at the little wide-eared ... rabbit. Thing? Currently trying to bounce up onto the table. ]

I've always wanted a pet, truth be told. But my living space is a bit too cramped to have one, you know? ...That being said...

[ he's gonna crouch down and start talking to the Pichu like a person. Hey there, little guy. You're unsteady on your feet--give me your paws, I'll help you out--what, you wanna play with some of the yarn? Come on then-- ]

It's nothing special. Any craftsman worth their salt would have this stuff laying around. I've got multiples.

[He says it so casually... His eyes follow Wriothesley's to the baby Pokemon clamoring for his attention.]

For me, I wasn't even sure I could take care of one. Turns out taking care of a pet helps you take care of yourself.

[Dan Heng was, once again, very correct.

While Wriothesley distracts the Pichu, Blade kneels down with the fabric measuring tape and jots down some quick measurements.]

Look at that, it likes you.

I definitely don't have that sort of stuff lying around. Then again, I don't have much of anything in this world yet. Thaaat's why I asked you to come with me.

And really, that's how you feel, huh. 'Taking care of one helps you take care of yourself...'
There's something oddly good in that.

[ he's honestly going to make a note of it...? His eyes closing with a quiet nod. ]

I've always wanted a pet. [ truth be told. ] Buuuut given I lived underground, prior to this. Seemed cruel to have an animal down there. No grass or wide open spaces to run around.

A good choice. You're better off asking me than the vultures staring at us from across the room, [he mumbles.]

It was someone else's idea. Though, 'pet' isn't the right word for a Pokemon partner... He was right, though. It got me out of my own head, and forced me to take some responsibility. I was... kind of a mess at the time.

[Still is, really.]

Living underground, huh... I can see why you would pass on keeping a cat or dog. But I bet you could have fish or reptiles or something. They may not be as fluffy, but they still have plenty of personality.

[Or a buddy who can turn into a dragon.]

Alright, next.

[ at mention of the Vultures, Wriothesley's eyes slide across the room--and the mention of them make the group who were CERTAINLY staring at them suddenly look away. The Duke can't help but to laugh, giving his head a shake. ]

Something tells me they'd sooner eat their own knitting needles then help out their neighbour, but maybe that's just my old, sour opinion?

[ hm. ]

Maybe pet isn't the right word. Truth be told, these creatures seem a little more intelligent than a cat, or a dog. [ there's a brightness in their eyes--an intelligence that's unmistakable. He'd seen it in the Ralts Blade had at his forge, as well. ]

An underwater fortress, to be more precise. A sort of cold place, so. ...Never considered getting fish, though, you might actually be on to something there.

[ and that's when the pichu wiggles out of his hands to try to race across the table to make a grab for one of the half-finished sweaters. Ack. ]

I think you're onto something there...

[Damn vultures.]

They are. Some of them are smarter than humans could ever hope to be. It makes them reliable and easy to relate to. We can't be the smartest creatures in the universe. That's too arrogant, even for me.

[He knows how he is.]

Seals and dolphins aren't pets, but if they live near your fortress—which sounds cool as hell, by the way—you could establish a good relationship with them. There are stories about fishermen and dolphins working together, too.

[Blade is surprised by the Pichu suddenly making a break for it. He drops his pen and plucks it out of midair.]

Where do you think you're going? Your sweater isn't done yet. Go play with the others. [He sets the Pichu down and beckons toward an Eevee instead, which seems curious but tentative all the same.] Come on... we're not that scary.

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__// [ life labors ] - closed threads

[ it's all ogre now ]

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SNOWMAN TIME

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sweater weather;

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