escordvi | [Open] Be Mindful of the Water

Entry tags:

wriothesley

[Open] Be Mindful of the Water

Who: Wriothesley and [YOUR CHARACTER NAME HERE]!
Status: Open (save for a prompt)
Where: Around Eltrut for the most part
What: MANTA Stuff, Dark Water stuff, and general stuff
Warnings: Possible violence, but that's closed

[A. Echos in the Water]

[Wriothesley's feeling a little silly. Here he is with this small fish... person? Fishfolk, but that doesn't seem right either. They hadn't mentioned their species' name or anything. Instead, they kind of just approached him, mentioned hearing voices in the water, annnnd here he is, trying to intensely listen to any voices in the water.]

...

[He's hearing something, but that could be his stomach. He didn't exactly get his intended lunch because of the fish's insistence he follows. It looks murky, but he doesn't think that's making any sounds. Doesn't look good though...]

[B. Dark Water]

[Having adopted a new pet that can swim and loves to swim, it has made the issue of water quality on the coastline a personal concern to Wriothesley (damn, that's usually left to the Iudex). Normally, it would be a simple matter of avoiding it, but it won't be long before a full bathtub can no longer entertain the likes of Eclair. The little pup has more energy that would best be burnt out swimming laps at the beach, but he didn't like the shade nor the way other animals seemed to behave.]

[Exactly why he chose to look into it himself.]

[Swimming in it briefly, it was fine... physically speaking. However, something felt immediately off mentally. Invasive thoughts, almost? Or perhaps prodding at his own, and not the good ones. Either way, it's ticking at a part in particular because he knows that rush and burning... and rage set to a low simmer that one has to be mindful of. Whatever it is - whatever that black stuff and perhaps the tar-like substance in the water is - it's not going to go away easy.]

[Until a treatment is made, he'll have to be careful and... control himself.]

[OOC: Chance of snappier responses here, but people have options of severity from very mild to high. Can be mixed with other prompts or Wildcard!]

[C. Closed to Arlecchino]

[It's a rather lovely night.]

[Spring is here, but summer's on the way; the skies are clear save for the wisps that barely make themselves known until fading away. A steady breeze exhales over the countryside as the stars twinkle, and the moon glows despite still waxing state. However scenic, it's by the edge of town where the shadows seem to be playing tricks - whether the eyes see a man wearing a dark coat, ragged cloak resting over his shoulders, but it might be nothing.]

[And yet...]

[Wriothesley does wait there at the appointed time, getting an idea of how this cloak works from the few passersby, but ready to leave when his company arrives.]

[D. Wildcard]

[OOC: Did we plot them hanging out? Sitting down for tea? Getting into some other shenanigans? Then this option is for yooooou! Or plot with me now in the CR Meme or a DM heh~]

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[After their hunt of the Crescent Reaper, Lyney has gone back to his usual order of business, which involves avoiding the Duke and the uncomfortable truths that monster had revealed between them. After all, why would he want to do something silly like talk about his feelings, or ask what Wriothesley meant when he said he didn't hate him? That seemed foolish, so Lyney wasn't about to do something like that.]

[Instead, he takes a walk into town, down a quieter path closer to one of the local parks to get some fresh air and enjoy the pleasant weather. He even passes by a little area with a small pond, idly wondering if he should stop off somewhere to get some supplies for Freminet; since he hasn't been able to do any diving, perhaps he could make use of some tinkering materials. It seems like a good idea for Lyney, at least...]

[He has a list, he knows what to get. However, since fish is a fine food item for them, the issue really is what fish would be best for their diet. However, while an unexpected lecture on fish is occurring, the one Wriothesley is shopping for has decided to meander off.]

[There is water near to the market fortunately; a tiny thing that could barely be called a pond, but there's a black-and-white dog-shaped creature bounding around in it all the same, black and red studded collar glinting on its neck while its tag jingles with each hop and shrill puppy barks... chirps? It's clicking a beak, but it's a dog with four webbed paws. Well, it's happy enough at least.]

[The strange barking-chirp draws Lyney's attention, and his expression brightens when he sees the strange little creature. Was it a dog? A penguin? Some kind of hybrid of both? Either way, it's clearly having a blast. And when it comes close to Lyney, he kneels down to offer it a hand.]

Why hello there, little one! Now what kind of beastie are you?

[If allowed, he's going to offer the little creature a good petting.]

[Big, black eyes blink and pointed ears still flop near the tip, not yet developed enough to be standing all the time, as the pup turns to see Lyney. Proffered hand is approached and sniffed, then immediately licked as the pup seems at ease greeting strangers. It then briefly takes one of Lyney's fingers in its beak and nibbles lightly, letting go on a moment to bounce back to the water. His gloves hadn't made an interesting enough sound, but that action had probably given Lyney enough time to read the nametag: 'Eclair'.]

[Somewhere else, Wriothesley's noticed he's short one rambunctious pup.]

[Oh, what a playful little creature..! Lyney briefly read the nametag, chuckling as the pup bounces back into the water.]

Eclair, huh..? I wonder where your owner is, hmm?

[Either way, Lyney will keep an eye on the strange critter, offering more pets and even splashing some water alongside it. He'd offer a treat, but he's not sure what kind of food a creature like this could eat...]

[Of course they come back for more pets! And more beak pecks, but mostly the pets... and getting Lyney somewhat covered in water.]

Eclair, you shouldn't--... oh, Mr. Lyney. Looks like you found her.

[Just like a pup to just befriend whoever they meet. But, Eclair's tail is up and wagging, beak pointed towards the bag Wriothesley's carrying, sniffing. He got something good...!]

[Lyney looks up at the familiar voice, but while his expression falls, he doesn't quite frown at Wriothesley. He does watch curiously as Eclair wags their tail and bounds over to the taller man. He straightens up, crossing his arms as he observes the scene.]

Well, I have to admit, this isn't a development I expected to see.

[Kneeling down all the way to meet the small pup, he raises a hand to pet Eclair and scratches all around her ears and gives her face some playful squishes. And when he lets go, she pecks at his metal rings, wagging her tail harder.]

Oh yeah? Why's that?

[He really does want to hear the reason. Just don't mind him opening up the bag to pull out a small fish, making sure Eclair sits, and then gives it over. Very good girl.]

[Lyney watches as Wriothesley pets the strange creature and trains it to sit before offering the fish to it. It's all so... domestic. It's strange.]

You don't seem the kind to bother with pets.

[Though, there's no denying the small smile on his face as he watches Eclair nibble on the fish. She is indeed very cute.]

Oh, that. Well, I could never have a pet before. The Fortress doesn't get sunlight or a breeze. It wouldn't be right keeping an animal down there.

[The way Eclair eats is almost like watching a penguin gulp down a fish, but there does seem to be some slight chewing and crunching. With it all gone, she looks at the bag for more, but Wriothesley shakes his head, giving her a few more apologetic scratches.]

Later; you don't want a stomachache.

[It is kind of cute, in a really weird sort of way. Lyney would chuckle, were he not currently standing in front of Wriothesley, whom he has... conflicted opinions about.]

So then this is just an indulgence, then? I didn't think you were the type to fall for such things.

Why not? I finally have a chance.

[And he probably could just keep petting strays or other animals around, but there's something just nice about having Eclair. Her wanting to be picked up by hopping on her hindlegs and pawing at his knee, and being able to pick her up, being one of those as he stands up.]

I'm sure you've had your fair share of wanting to indulge in something you missed out on.

[Lyney doesn't say anything at first, merely watching him interact with Eclair. He taps his finger on his crossed arm a couple of times, before offering a shrug.]

Perhaps, perhaps not. I didn't think you were interested in such things, Your Grace.

[Eclair is still wagging her tail by the way. She's happy to be high up; and after all that playing, she could rest for a bit.]

Don't strike you as the type? I get it; Big Bad Duke can't have a soft bone in his body.

[Might also be Eclair's a small breed.]

Doesn't everyone want a pet at some point in their life?

[Lyney watches Eclair's antics, and for a moment, his mind drifts. He remembers the box of kittens Lynette had found and subsequently brought back to the House, how protective she was of them. He also thinks to Rosseland, or the curious Foxtrot who's made her way into his home. He hums a bit.]

Hmm... perhaps. Though, pets are a big responsibility; if you can't care for them or train them properly, then you're doing more harm than good keeping them. Animals deserve a good home, and if you can't provide it, the kindest thing you can do is give them to someone who can.

[He says it less like a jab, and more like he's speaking from experience. But after a moment, he flicks his gaze back to Wriothesley, and offers a shrug.]

But I get it; the Big Bad Fatuus can't have a compassionate bone in his body to talk about such things, right?

I know. I probably shouldn't have taken her, but if I do that terrible of a job, she'll be taken away. So... you can be happy knowing that.

[He knows Lyney didn't mean it as a jab, but he's covering all bases.]

Hah, both you and I know you might be overly compassionate, Mr. Lyney.

[Lyney lets out a disapproving hum, that familiar frown on his face.]

You may not care for my presence, but I'm not blind. I could see how well-kept the other exiles in Meropide were during my time there. After a whole prison, I'd assume a single dog would be easy for you, even if it's unexpected.

[He says it in an annoyed tone.]

Even if I may suffer from the sin of over-compassion, it's quite a bold claim to assume that I'd be happy knowing a poor, defenceless animal is suffering. If it's living in a good home, why would I be upset about that?

[They're having multiple conversations again. Probably never going to talk normally.]

Well, well, thank you for the compliment.

[He almost wants to pinch his nose.]

Because it's me were talking about. I'm pretty sure you enjoy my suffering from time-to-time. Was the broken rib not enough last time?

[The corner of Lyney's eye twitches.]

I may think you were an idiot for breaking your rib, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed seeing you break it. I'm not a sadist.

[He lets out a huff, glancing off to the side.]

I may be a Fatuus, but not all of us enjoy watching people suffer. Not all of us are as twisted as The Doctor, you know.

Heh, that's good to know.

[For some reason, but Lyney can puzzle that out himself.]

I've heard stories about The Doctor, but I'd say I know more about The Regrator. Still, are you in trouble?

[Lyney sighs deeply, keeping his gaze away. When he speaks, there's a weariness to his voice.]

No, I'm not in trouble with anyone. It just gets... annoying, having to prove yourself over and over again. I'm already doing what I can to keep away from those who prefer not to deal with me, but I don't need a guard dog hounding me everywhere I go to make sure I'm in line. At least in Fontaine, people had the common courtesy to not treat my family like violent animals.

[Is he being a bit dramatic? Perhaps. But there's also some genuine weariness there.]

That's why I'm asking. Who's giving you trouble this time? Also, I'm not exactly hounding you when you signed up for that bounty; and this time, you happened to find Eclair. I would've gone straight home if a certain pup had been patient, but this means her bath time is going to be cut fifteen minutes.

[... Eclair, no, don't give him sad puppy eyes. ... Don't droop your ears like that either.]

[Now it's Lyney's turn to give Wriothesley a doubtful look.]

Really? You're telling me your new employers haven't asked to keep an eye on me?

[Not that he thinks Kaveh would stoop to something like that, but Alhaitham... well, they aren't exactly on the best of terms, even if Lyney has long since moved past the Scribe trying to kill him.]

[Though, his gaze flicks to Eclair. No... sad puppy...]

They haven't. Even if they did ask, I'd tell them no. Besides, I have enough with making sure everyone else in the cafe doesn't get in trouble.

[And it's a big ask because Kaveh's included in that.]

[Eclair sees Lyney looking... and focuses her sad eyes on him. Convince dad to let her have swim tiiime...]

Well, you could have fooled me. Especially given how your dumb stunt would have been pinned on me had you not been conscious enough to refute it. I have some restraint.

[If he sounds like he's whining, no he isn't. But he looks to Eclair, then to Wriothesley, then back to Eclair... before sighing.]

If you're going to stand here and insist on talking, the least you could do is let her swim.

I don't exactly have someone else to go to here and Kaveh already offered. Besides, he might be stubborn, but even he could figure out the difference between claws and arrows.

[Those are two separate injuries, he knows. Blinking as he looks, he doesn't openly laugh, but there is that smirk.]

I suppose I could...

[Lowering Eclair to the ground again, she chirp-barks, tail waving like no tomorrow... and is immediately back to the water.]

You appear to be quite ready.

[Seeing through it or not, a good bit of reputation when it came to that gaze could hold true.

Arlecchino had donned a simple black hooded cloak, that jacket of hers missing and left mostly in the black vest-like top; the black hood hid away her hair rather well. For a brief moment it almost looked like those red x's of her eyes were glowing—

Her attention turned elsewhere, just ahead of them.]

We've quite the walk planned.

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[Open] Be Mindful of the Water

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