escordvi | [Open] January Catch-All

Entry tags:

lyney

[Open] January Catch-All

Who: Lyney and YOU
Status: Open
Where: Eltrut, Seventh Heaven, and various quest locations
What: A catch-all for January quests and things
Warnings: N/A

Seventh Heaven
[When Lyney isn't busy working at any MANTA quests or exploring the new islands they come across, he can often be found helping out at the Seventh Heaven. While normally performing tricks at the little stage nearby, tonight is one of the rare nights where he's behind the bar, covering for Tifa. Still, he doesn't let his showmanship end just because he's behind the bar; he often performs little tricks like bottle flips or over-extended pours just for the spectacle of it. After serving one patron their drink, he'll turn to the next awaiting patron with a wide grin.]

Welcome, welcome! I trust your evening is going well? What can I get started on for you?

Infinity Fabrics
[Honestly, this isn't Lyney's first time in a dress. One of the linchpins of many of his most successful magic tricks (and even a few missions for the House of the Hearth) with his twin sister is being able to masquerade as one another, and so he's had to learn how to slip into his sister's outfits with ease back in Fontaine. Nor is this Lyney's first time playing model for a seamstress, as Chiori would often pull him in for an impromptu fitting and modelling session when he'd stop off at her boutique. So it's quite natural for him to fall into a modelling role, allowing the seamstress to dress him up in all manner of fine garments.]

[He's currently trying on a bold, black and red dress with an elegant scarlet hat to go with it, admiring himself in the mirror. If he sees another nearby, he'll offer one of his trademark showman smiles and even a cheeky wink.]

This seamstress truly is a master of her craft, isn't she? This outfit accentuates my figure so nicely! Has she picked out something for you as well?

Sharky Swaddling
[When you grow up in an orphanage, even the House of the Hearth, you learn a thing or two about childcare. As such, even the squirmiest of baby sharks are easily swaddled in the soft manta ray blankets. He grins down at the one in his arms which he's managed to swaddle, rocking it gently as he coos at it.]

Aren't you the cutest little shark? Why yes, yes you are~! Look at how cute you are, ma choupinette~

[He gently tickles the baby shark with a finger, who coos happily. He's clearly got experience with kids, so he seems like a good person to ask for pointers on swaddling the more troublesome baby sharks! Though, you may have to catch his attention first...]

The Last Shadow Afloat
[Investigating groups of people are no strange feat to Lyney, given his training back home in Fontaine. As it stands, he's grown rather interested in the strange, rowdy pirates with soot-black shadows being featured on the MANTA board and has managed to find one of the taverns this particular group seems to frequent. Lyney can be found there one night, either drinking at the bar or performing a small, impromptu show if the barkeep allows it. He'll nod to any fellow Corsairs who are also investigating this particular group, but once he spies the targets walking in, he'll keep up his friendly facade to those around him while leaning in just close enough to whoever he's investigating with to mutter quietly to them.]

Our friends have arrived. Shall we begin?

Wildcard
[Got an idea for a prompt? Feel free to write your own starter, or send me a DM so we can plan something out!]

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[Meanwhile Freminet had to stare at Lyney. It really wasn't the first time that he done something like this. Between their missions and his magic tricks, it was hardly a real shock to see him like this. Rising an eyebrow or two, he wasn't too sure what to say.]

N-No and I'm not sure if I want to...

Edited (:)) 2025-01-07 14:06 (UTC)

Oh come now, Freminet! Don't you want to see what it's like to look as fabulous as this?

[He stands and poses, ever the strutting peacock he is.]

[And from there, Freminet just so happened to stare at his older brother. As Lyney was ~sparkling~ in all his glory, he just slowly looked the other way.]

Uh, I’m not so sure…

[Aw, Freminet... Lyney chuckles, calming down his posing to give Freminet a once-over look.]

Oh, come now, it's just a little fun! And if you don't like it, you can change out right away. And don't worry about looking silly; no one here is making fun of anyone, and if anyone tries to, you know I wouldn't let it stand.

Yeah but...

[He mumbled before looking at the dress Lyney was wearing.]

Are you sure? I don't want to get you in trouble for something like this.

Who would get you in trouble? After all, our dear seamstress has been looking for models to try on outfits. And if you don't want to wear one like this, I'm sure there are others more suited to your tastes.

[It's really no issue! People are literally being paid to try on dresses, Freminet is fine!]

I know but...

[mumble mumble mumble.]

....Which one do you think would be best for me? I don't really know much about fashion so I don't know which one to pick.

[Aw, Freminet... But Lyney doesn't want to embarrass him further, so instead he merely hums, looking Freminet over.]

Well... I know you like wearing navy blue, so why don't we find something with that colour?

Sure? As long as it isn't something too embarrassing, I think I should be okay...

[Because he really doesn't know how to feel about this!]

What would fit me the best?

Hmm...

[Lyney ponders, thinking for a bit. Then, he looks to the various dresses on the hangars around them. With a critical eye he peruses the many dresses, glancing between Freminet and the dresses as he does. But eventually he gasps, eyes sparkling a bit as he pulls out a wavy dress.]

What about this??

[As Freminet looked at the dress and then back at him, it was certainly a lot more than what he expected. It wasn't his style but wasn't sure if he was ready for it.]

I think so? I can give it a try and see if it'll look good on me?

That's the spirit!

[He hands it over to Freminet to take with him into the fitting area.]

Here, go try it on and see how it looks!

[Looking at the dress before him, he just had to wonder how in the world Lyney can be so confident. It was enough that he had to courage to ask his brother to give him a dress but to put one on was another. Mumbling to himself, he grabbed it before going to the fitting area. As he put it on, he drew the curtains back a little only to reveal his face.]

...This is....not what I'm used to.

[He said before slowly drawing back the rest of the curtains. As he did so, his gaze looked downward. With his face turning red, he didn't have the courage to look at his brother.]

[Aw, poor Freminet... but Lyney does give Freminet a once-over, humming in thought.]

It certainly isn't, but I think the colour is spot on! As for the style, well, if you're not a fan, then we can always find something else. Other than being not what you're used to, how are you feeling in it?

It's...different.

[He's not too sure how to feel. He can't say that he was upset since he was proud of himself for going outside his comfort zone. However, he can't say he was completely happy either. In the end, that's really all he could say as he tried to look up at Lyney.]

It's not bad but....it's not that great either?

Hmm....

[Lyney looks over Freminet for a moment more, before he nods.]

You're right; we could do better than this. Here, let's try and find something else.

[He's going to help lead Freminet back to the dressing room while he ponders.]

What didn't work? The colour? Length? Shape?

Uh...

[He would like to say everything due to his own lack of confidence but...!]

I guess the shape and length? I wouldn't mind if it covered my entire legs...

Hmm, shape and length… alright, I think I can work with that!

[Lyney disappears for a moment, but after a few minutes his voice calls out from further in the store.]

Would you mind something more form-fitting, or wider??

Uh...I suppose wider?

[Because he really didn't know what he should look for in a dress! He just wanted to be comfortable in them!]

...I'm sorry, I don't really know what to do.

It's alright! I think I have one...

[He soon returns, holding a different dress in hand.]

What about something like this?

I think that one might be better.

[Because at the very least, it seemed to be more comfortable.]

Um...I'm willing to try it on.

Alright then! Here, I'll let you try it on, and if you need me to help fasten it in the back just let me know.

[And so he hands off the dress to Freminet, waiting to see what his little brother thinks.]

[As soon as the dress was on, the poor boy still kept on mumbling. While he still wasn't how to feel, he had to admit this...!]

This...is a lot better. I think I like this better than the other one. Although, it still feels strange to wear a dress like this.

Does it? Come on, let me see how it looks!

[Don't keep him waiting on the other side of the fitting curtain, he wants to see!]

[With that, Freminet didn't say a word. As soon as he took a step outside, all he could do was look down. He didn't dare look up at Lyney and mumbled to himself.]

...What do you think?

[Well now, this outfit is definitely more in line with what Freminet would wear... or at least, what he'd feel comfortable in. Lyney lets out a little gasp, taking a step forward.]

Well, would you look at that! You're right, Freminet, it looks much better on you!

[There was only so much that Freminet could handle. This was one of them as he found himself mumbling. He was used to hearing phrase from his brother but....!]

Lyney, I don't know. I think this is better but...I don't think I look that great...

[Oh, Freminet... At those telltale signs of overwhelm, Lyney smiles and moves to offer a reassuring pat on Freminet's shoulders.]

Freminet, it's alright. This is all for fun, remember? Even if it's a little silly, the point is to have fun while we work. And look! We can be silly together!

I know. It's just...

[It was still too much. He kept on mumbling.]

...A little different from what I'm used to. I don't know how you can handle it.

Well, it's not always easy to do things you're not used to. Especially when you worry about what others think; it's what makes being a magician such a difficult job. But how I handle it...

[He hums a bit, thinking how to word what he wants to say.]

When you're in the spotlight, everyone's judgment is on you. And it can be frightening, especially if you've never done something before. But what I try to remember is that people came to me to watch what I'm doing. It doesn't matter if what I do is silly looking, or even if I mess up; so long as I'm putting on my best show, that's all that matters to me.

But how can you do it? Even if you mess up, there would be those who would make fun of you. I know they came to see you but it still makes me wonder how you can just go ahead and not worry about what they think.

[Because with so many eyes on him, there was bound to be a slip up. Even after what happened in Fontaine, Lyney still had the courage to perform like always. How could he do it?]

Of course there's that possibility. And even if I don't mess up, there will be someone quick to critique me. And who's to say I don't worry about what they think?

[He offers a playful little wink.]

If anything, I use that criticism to help keep me sharp! And if someone says my tricks are too plain, then I make sure the next round of tricks can dazzle even the most critical of critics!

Even if they can be harsh? I know sometimes they're used as a way to help you improve but...

[Not when he was so used to hearing nothing but criticism for most of his life. It seemed rather difficult....]

...How do I be as confident like you?

[Lyney looks Freminet over a little, before looking left and right in a conspiratory manner. Then, he leans in.]

Do you want to know my secret?

[Freminet couldn't help but take a small step back. Almost as if he was going to her something he wasn't supposed to.]

Um....sure?

Edited 2025-02-07 13:35 (UTC)

[Lyney offers a playful grin, before giving Freminet a wink.]

A lot of my confidence comes from practice, that's for sure, but for other moments? It comes from doing precisely what others would never dream of doing themselves.

[There's a playfulness in his eye as he leans back a bit and gestures to the dress he's wearing.]

Take this dress, for instance. Most men would find it unbecoming for a man to wear, right? Or would deem it embarrassing? Well, what if instead of being embarrassed, I simply choose not to be? What if instead I decide to have fun with it? Oh sure, others may stop and stare and clutch at their pearls at how unusual it all is. But now they're now the ones taken in by my appearance, for better or worse. I've commanded their attention, and their wonder, and their expectations. And with that, I can do anything I want; because they've turned from my critics into my audience.

Edited (I can html I swear) 2025-02-09 19:26 (UTC)

[He wasn't surprised by his words. If anything, Freminet was more amazed that he said it only now. If it is from practice, then it could be something he could do over time. And yet...]

That's still a lot more than what I can do. Even if I have their attention and that I can make them be amazed, it's still makes me wonder how to not worry about what they think. Even now, I'm just scared what people would say if they saw me like this. I know I shouldn't let their opinions bother me but...

[He said with a sigh.]

...I guess I do.

You think I don't worry about what others think of me? Of course I worry about it. But even if I worry if my performances are to my audience's liking, I never want them to take my fire away. I'd rather use them as motivation rather than as a barrier. It took me a long time to learn that, but it's worked for me in the long run. Who's to say it won't work for you?

[He can see how Freminet still grapples with that. In this moment, it's probably best to let his little brother know that even he gets stage fright from time to time.]

I...

[Of course Lyney would get nervous on stage. It had taken him some practice to perfect his craft. It was part of his profession and he just had to get used to people looking at him. All he could do was just mumble.]

...I suppose I could. I just never thought about it that way before. I know "Father"'s words always tell me to become stronger and to use people's words to motivate me. It's...just going to take some time.

Well, Father does have a way of knowing areas we need to improve.

[She may be intimidating and distant, but Lyney knows that she only does what she views as important, and that includes suggesting areas of improvement.]

But don't worry about changing things overnight, Freminet. Real change takes time, and you have all the time in the world! Just take things one step at a time, alright?

Alright.

[With that, he gave a sigh before gripping his dress. Looking down at it, it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be but...]

...I just don't want to keep disappointing you or Father. I want to improve myself but I don't want to keep you two waiting.

You could never disappoint me, Freminet. And I’m sure Father would say the same.

[Father may have high expectations of them, but she has rarely said she was disappointed in their performances without reason. This didn’t seem like something she’d express disappointment in.]

Now come on, let’s have some fun with this. Shall we find you some matching shoes and accessories?

Alright then. Um...lead the way?

[With that said, off he goes to find some matching things for his dress! Granted, he wasn't too sure how this will go but he might as well roll with it. For now, at least.]

[ Claude can't not get himself involved in mysteries. Trying to figure other people and their secrets out? Count him in. There's no way that he can resist the pull of solving a puzzle. The rewards or whatever don't appeal too much to him, simply the accomplishment.

He looks pretty at ease with the setting, chatting up several people a night. Yet if anyone looks closely, his own cup never seems to dwindle down very far. Honestly, he might have had only one the entire time he's been there. Have to keep his wits sharp.

Taking note of the targets finally making an entrance? His eyes dart over to them and then away. Don't be mistaken though. All of his senses are now focused on the folks walking in. ]

Whenever you are, friend.

[Lyney's noticed his companion's lack of drinking; it's a clever tactic, one that won't be spotted by your average drunkard. And Lyney keeps his eyes on his companion, but much like Claude he's got his attention on the group who have now gone to settle in at a table near the wall.]

Of course. Would you prefer us go together, or one at a time? [He's shuffled his cards before him, fanning them out and plucking a card to show to Claude. All to keep up appearances, of course.]

Is this your card?

I think together would be better.

[ Because going alone seems like it would be a recipe for disaster. They don't have enough information to work off of to fly solo on this.

Claude taps his fingers a moment and shakes his head. Nope. Not his card. ]

Alright. Then follow my lead.

[Lyney nods, then chuckles and flicks his cards away. When he speaks again, it's in a louder voice.]

Huh?? But I was sure your card was here..! Hmm, where could it have gone...

[He makes a show of looking around, as if confused as to where the card went. But then he perks up, as if getting an idea, before turning to the table of their targets and, surprisingly, rising from his seat and walking over it.]

Pardon me, gentlemen, but if I may...

[The men look confused, but suddenly Lyney snatches up a card from under one of their mugs, turning to Claude.]

Now, is this your card?

[Lo and behold, it is indeed Claude's card. The pirates they were scouting, while initially suspicious, now seem curious.]

[ He almost wants to burst out laughing. Almost. But he doesn't because the show is pretty good. A little obvious, if he thought that he could be a target, but for people who aren't expecting to be played? It's not bad.

Since Lyney is doing his part, Claude is going to have to as well. So he slaps hands to his face in shock and excitement. ]

Amazing! How did my card end up with them? You were here the entire time!

[ And if the curious ones continue to be so and come over to their table, that had sort of been the point. Get their attention. Get them to drop guard, right? ]

Ah ah ah, don't you know that a magician never reveals his tricks~?

[Lyney says it with a cheeky little smile and a wink, flicking the card around in his hands before it suddenly vanishes from sight. He does a little bow towards Claude, before turning to the pirates he's more or less invaded the space of.]

And you, fine gentlemen, thank you as well! Here, a round of drinks on me for being such good sports with my tricks!

[If his little show hadn't been enough to intrigue their targets, the promise of free drinks certainly do. Lyney's all smiles and friendly gestures as he moves and talks, all a clever ruse to get them to drop their guard further.]

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[Open] January Catch-All

Infinity Fabrcs

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Last Shadow Afloat

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