second bolt ⚡ open november log

[ramuhs]

Who: Cid and anyone!
Status: Open
Where: Everywhere
What: MANTA board prompts: Claws & Companions, Spellbound Circuitry, Thinking With Portals, Gallows Gambit, Battle of the Brewmasters
Warnings: None that I can think of but will update if something comes up! Gallows prompt might be a little disturbing just by the nature of it, so even though there's not much I'll hide that one under a cut just in case!

⚡ a » claws & companions

[Cid has taken in and trained a wolfhound...but never a cat. So when a gray one named Ashtail for some reason decided to cling to him when he happened to pass through, Cid's left with some uncertainty and confusion as to what to do with said feline.

Especially when after he's taken her, the cat wants nothing to do with him!? And is now chilling on top of the awning of a building, grooming herself. Cid's already tried calling and even offering some fish, but to no avail.]

Bloody cats... This is why I like dogs better.

[A rough mutter under his breath as he wonders if he should just leave it...no, he can't, he's too good for that.]

C'mon, Ash—no, you're right, this does look stupid.

[HE FEELS SO DUMB RIGHT NOW trying to coax this cat who is clearly just judging him right now—until said cat sees someone and decides to jump down and trot after them. Maybe she smells something or is just being whimsy who knows with this cat.]

You've got to be—Ashtail!

[Cid will hasten to catch up, and thus cue Benny Hills music as Cid continues to chase his cat.]

⚡ b » spellbound circuitry

[The moment he saw this, Cid immediately gets to work.

1) Lightning powered. Given the nature of this, he'll be outside in an open area with a few different lamps with different materials used for conducting and powering them. He admittedly feels a little...strange using his magic like this, what with how things were back in his world. But if there was a way to mix science and magic in a way that makes this more efficient and less strain on magic users, then he's all for it.

And right now, after some of his own fiddling and modifications, he'll send a bit of his aether into each one to test. One barely lights up, the second glows fairly well, and the third—]

—Shit!

[—explodes, Cid raising up his arm to shield himself from the bits of glass and metal that fly out. Well. This is why this is outside. Hopefully no one was nearby, but the shards were small so it wouldn't have caused too much injury. Picking off some small shards from his jacket sleeve, he frowns.]

Well that didn't work...what made it overpower like that?

[And back to tinkering.

2) Wading for coral and clams. One thing Cid has discovered in his experiments is a certain type of coral and shell is quite durable against the lightning magic, so he'll be out wading in the shallows, canvas bag slung over his shoulder as he reaches into the water to pick out coral or shells he finds that might work. And if someone else is there—]

Oy, mate. If you see some coral or shells that are blueish in color, mind letting me know? Looking for a few.

⚡ c » thinking with portals

[Ever one to try new things, Cid holds the staff with a curious if wary eye.

Especially after following the instructions and now facing the portals with whoever he's working with.]

So... Flip a coin to see who goes first? Best make sure you have your shellphone with you so we can tell each other where we end up.

⚡ d » gallows gambit

[Well, when one has a few...unusually loyal followers on hand, it makes things easier to pull off this reckless plan. Said plan being purposefully getting caught and then sent along with a few others to the gallows. The idea is to try and figure out who is the one causing these arrests, so he deliberately lets himself get caught. Several times.

And once there, Cid is as calm as a cool breeze, even whistling a little despite having a rope on his neck. Looking at his fellow gallowmates and just grins lazily.]

First time?

[A light chuckle.]

Not to worry, we'll be out before you know it.

[And this is where we let the dice determine their fate on how difficult it is for them to get out.]

⚡ e » battle of the brewmasters

[1) Trying his hand. Cid is more of a drinker, but doesn't hurt to try and come up with a new drink. And his particular drink is—]

Here you are. Might want to have some water or milk on hand. Should set your spirit aflame—or your tongue.

[—spicy hot. What did he put in there? A bunch of peppers and spices along with a large helping of alcohol. Is it good? Probably not but with that smirk and gleam in his eye, it's clear Cid is just here to mess around and have fun, give people a real challenge.

2) Trying the drinks. After he was (rightfully) banned from the bar, Cid takes up a seat to try a few drinks instead. And after one particular mouthful—]

Eugh, at least mine wasn't this bad.

[—he'll be a critic.]

⚡ f » wildcard

[Open to other prompts! I didn't make one for the goose bounty, but I'm open to it! I have my plotting comment here or you can hit me up on through PM, Discord, or laenavesse.]

Comments

< closed to benedikta >

[ramuhs]

( warning: violence )

[Cid may have tested his luck one too many times, for the next time he's caught, he's recognized and shackled with anti-magic irons, ones not too dissimilar to the ones he's familiar with back home. Still, he's not too bothered since his little underlings are still around to bail him out.

But before that, those corrupted guards will be taking out their frustrations on him. To the point where when he's finally dragged out, he'll be a bit beat up and looking much more worse for wear. Even worse, it's not the gallows he's sent—but to the guillotine. Forcing his head up to look at it, he swirls around the blood in his mouth before spitting it out with a click of his tongue.]

Bit extreme, innit?

[That only gets him a clock to the head with the butt of an axe before he's shoved forward onto the block. Due to his position he can't really look around, but he just mutters under his breath.]

Anytime lads...

[garudas]

( cut for length... )

[It's been three days since the last night of the Ghoul Moon, but only two since Benedikta has returned to Nogard from the inn on Eltrut.

First things first upon her return as to check in on Barnabas—he was still her King after all, and no amount of Cidolfus's needling into her feelings would change that. Her loyalties lie where they lie, for better or for worse, the familiarity of it the only thing that keeps her grounded in an otherwise whirlwind of a life she has found herself leading here... thanks, in part, to the former Lord Commander.

She didn't think much of his absence in his apartment at first, though she would be remiss to say that throughout that first day, she had worried and wondered where he had gone off to, mostly because she didn't know where Cidolfus would decide to go after they parted ways the day before. And if they ran into each other, then...

No, surely it would be fine, but she can't shake that sinking dread in her stomach as the day goes on, and she still does not see him.

The second day, she checks again, and that is when the panic finally sets in. His presence, always so, so strong in the back of her head, that prick in her spine that the King was always watching ever present... is now gone. No matter how high or low she searches across Nogard, her wings spreading so that she can cover a wider area, she cannot find him. She cannot pick up on the presence of Odin, or that looming darkness that follows him closely wherever he goes.

To Eltrut, to Elah, to every little island within the range of his magic, she searches. And searches. And searches. Searches until her spine grows weary and her wings can no longer beat against the winds. Searches until she is absolutely sure that she does not feel his aether.

And her scream across the sea is the sound of that shift. The sound of chains rattling and rattling until every link clatters to the floor, the sound of them echoing in her head, and she can feel the shackles fall away from her wings and her wrists and her ankles and every limb that had kept her chained down. The tightness in her chest all but lifted. Dissipated.

But what washes over her in that moment is not relief. Confusion, despair, grief ripple through her—where could he have gone? Why? Had he found out about her rendezvous with Cidolfus? Or worse, about her loss of Garuda and her death? Had he chosen to leave her behind, just like Cidolfus had?

The man that she had turned to when the betrayal of Cidolfus's cowardice became too much... that he would leave her, too. That everything, everyone she has ever come to love would leave her eventually. That is how the world works, is it not? The cruelty of humanity, the wretchedness of the gods and of men... she should have known.

Some part of her always did know that it was an empty pursuit. That every night she spent with Barnabas left her hollow on the inside... but he had been her anchor to keep her from spiraling into despair when Cidolfus was no longer there to be that anchor for her. He gave her a purpose. He gave her control. He gave her a name—one that she still wears like a badge of honour to this very day. Coming to care for him over time had been simple, easy—only because she needed something to steer her efforts into, no matter how empty a pursuit it would be.

There was no love there, Benedikta always knew, but she yearned for it anyway.

And now, just like Cidolfus had done six years ago, he was gone. Benedikta does not no where, but it is far enough that she can't find him. Far enough where he would not want to be found even if she did manage. Far enough from her, from everything to make it clear what it is he wants. That he does not want her to find him.

He left her. He abandoned her. He wants nothing to do with her. For what reasons, she doesn't know, but does she need any at all? She should be immune to that poison that comes with being betrayed, with being left behind by the men that she loves—it has happened twice before, has it not?—so then why the fuck does this hurt so much? That she would trust yet another only to have him leave her, too?

Yet, she cannot bring herself to be angry about it. No... there's a conflict instead. Two sides of her warring with the other that she cannot quite comprehend yet. The side that is filled with rage, that wants to scream and scream until her lungs break and curse every man on this fucking godforsaken star and every other one out there, and the other that grieves, heartbroken, and confused.


She isn't sure what it is that has her seeking him out instead, but with another shriek into the skies, Benedikta beats her wings as hard and as fast as she can to take her back to find him, and it won't take long. Of all the Dominants, Benedikta knows his signature the best. She can follow the charge, that ping in the back of her head always strongest no matter where he is. Even if it is on Elah, of all the places?

But why the fuck does it lead her here to the gallows?

And why the fuck is he bloodied and bruised and in chains with his head on a block and a blade strung above his neck?

And why the fuck are there men surrounding him, beating him against the side of the head with an axe?



It's just as he mutters those words to the guards that the shadow will appear overhead, the span of wings growing larger and darker as white feathers trickle down from the sky...]

[ramuhs]

[As dire as it is, knowing that he has a few men on the wings ready to disrupt and grab him is what allows him to be calm. Of course, he wouldn't just sit idly by, either. His legs weren't bound, and swift kick and a hard roll would at least buy some time for the others to come in—

But before he can hear the telltale shouts, he senses it—senses her. It makes his eyes widen and he wishes he could look up more than what he could because—]

...Benedikta?

[—no way. There's no fucking way, of all the times of all the places and people—


Forget the men that are about to get fucked, he's so screwed.]

spellbound circuitry - 1

[empyrean_mirror]

[Sorry, did you call for someone to come skidding into the area slightly panicked because he heard something explode and ran towards the sound instead of away from it, because Kaveh is a brain genius who only makes good decisions.]

Are you alright?! What happened, I heard an explosion--

[ramuhs]

[Kaveh no that's not what you do!!!

Looking up a bit surprised, Cid just brushes off his hair, a few more fragments falling before waving at him.]

S'all right, just had a bit of mess, that's all. Mind grabbing that little black box over there?

[It's large enough to be noticeable, but small enough to be missed as well, and it's also buzzing a little bit with residual lightning magic.]

[empyrean_mirror]

[It is totally what you do, trust him, he knows things about on-site safety no he doesn't.

Kaveh pauses, and looks around for the box which is--buzzing? Okayyy. Not with his bare hands then. Time to let the floating suitcase lift that up, with her cute little green telekinetic array, and carry it on over.]

This one? [Kaveh pauses.] What...exploded, anyway?

» a

[tilfrosset]

[What is it that tickles that cat's fancy? Another feline, that is! This one has come into her human's care by way of one (1) sanctuary worker who gave said human no choice but to accept the cat and thus, Bluetooth Warrick-Rosfield now belongs to Jill (and evident by the naming convention, to Clive as well.)

Unfortunately, with such a spur of the moment decision comes a lack of proper cat supplies. Not that Jill was even aware that cats needed anything more than food and water and perhaps some rodents to chase, but the worker was insistent she get a bed and some toys as well. He seemed knowledgeable enough and it's not like she had any room to argue against his suggestions, so Jill, with Bluetooth tucked in her arms, makes her way down to the shops.

It's usually a short path there, but it will turn into a longer one with this unexpected interruption of another cat, equally as grey, that comes padding up alongside them, stopping to bat at Jill's ankles. Maybe the little thing wants to make a playmate out of Bluetooth and who is Jill to deny either cat any of their wishes?

She pauses in her steps and bends down, holding Bluetooth between her hands and out towards the other cat where they begin sniffing curiously each other.]

Oh, hello there, little one. Where are you headed to?

[She doesn't actually expect an answer, but what else is she supposed to do? Just stand there in silence while these two do their feline thing?]

[ramuhs]

[The cat indeed does not answer Jill. In fact, she is much more interested in the other cat, mewing a little pretentiously as she circles around Bluetooth, almost as if to measure the other up. Yet there's no sense of hostility, at least from Ashtail's side.

And in the time for the two cats to acquaint each other, Cid manages to catch up, voice raising when he recognizes—]

Jill!

[—and then stop.]

Bloody hell, there are two of them now?

[tilfrosset]

[Bluetooth chirrups in response, sea green eyes watching Ashtail watch her. She doesn't seem to be fazed by the other cat's inspection at all; in fact, she just sits back on her haunches and lets Ashtail do whatever she pleases for the moment.

Meanwhile, at the sound of her name, Jill glances up to see Cid rushing over like something's wrong, except he's asking a vague question that has her thinking for a moment.]

Two of what? [She glances over at the cats, the only things he could possibly be referring to, then back up at him, confusion evident on her features.] They're not related, if that's what you're thinking.

Brewmaster 1

[minorinpain]

Water? Milk? Please! "What kinda chump you take me for? Just hand over the mug already!" Nappa takes it, examines the liquid inside for a moment, then tips his head back and downs the entire drink.

He lowers the glass. "Yeah, not bad. Could use a bit more of a kick to it though." He says, wiping his mouth.

That might be taken as a challenge, Cid.

[ramuhs]

Cid's brows arches when he watches the large man take the whole damn thing in one go...

...

And not collapse in a fit of gasps.

"...Your throat and stomach must be made of sterner stuff if you could still be standing after all that." He then grins with a laugh. "All right, I'll give it another go—just for you."

Now he just has to find some hotter peppers—though will there be any on hand? Hmm he may have to make a special request, which he will to whoever is in charge of providing and getting ingredients. In the meantime, he'll rummage up some other things he'll try to throw in for now.

"What did it even taste like?"

[minorinpain]

"'Course it is." Nappa replies promptly. "I'm one of the strongest warriors of my people, pal!" Two. There are a grand total of two of his people left, thereabouts. He does watch with mild interest while Cid gets to work on an even hotter drink.

"Ehhh. Bit mild. Some—" He pauses to belch rather loudly, a delayed effect, and makes no effort to cover his mouth or excuse himself. "&mash;ergh, some zest, but I've had hotter. Hope you got better, than that! I want something hot as hell itself!"

Tall order, if Cid can manage it.

spellbound circuitry -2

[la_sombra]

[After the attention-grabbing explosion, Sombra had followed the culprit back to the shallows to see what further mischief he would get up to. What she wasn't expecting was to be roped into his hunt for clams and what looked like coral.

His request was a simple one at least and after a moment, Sombra kicked off her own boots to join him in the shallows.

Working on another big bang?

[ramuhs]

[A light chuckle as he reaches into the water with what he thought would be a prospective clam, but alas. More green than blue. Back into the water it goes—]

Hopefully not, though I suppose a more controlled explosion would be another think to look into.

[la_sombra]

[She reaches for a bit of coral, examining the hue before placing it in her bag. A bit too purple-looking but might be useful for something else.

Ah, a little cluster of the correct clams. Digging her hands into the sediment, Sombra fishes out two clams for him and another that goes into her own bag. She approaches him to hand off the little mollusks, smiling lightly.]

So how did you figure out these little guys were useful?

d

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua has heard of the whispers going around about people being wrongfully arrested. The very idea makes his blood boil, of course. Unfair injustices like that have always bothered him. That's in his veins.

Although he is still rather cut off guard when he's swept off the street for simply opening a book. The next thing he knows he's being dragged away with cuffs on and marched up towards the noose-hanging gallows...]

... Cid?

[Well. Seeing Cid there looking smug and totally unbothered is... Weirdly reassuring.]

[ramuhs]

[Well hello, little Rosfield.]

Wasn't expecting to see you here. The Corsair life must be rubbing off on you.

[Yes, just calm and amused and someone else is set up next to Joshua.]

e 2

[standingonmyneck]

[Ooh, Daria loved watching spectacles happen and to be sure she maybe watched a few unlucky souls try this fireball challenge. Maybe she caught a video of an interesting one on her shellphone. Perfect.

Of course the guy was going to be banned. She didn't expect to see him back to trying drinks. Trying all of the ones and being a harsh critic to some, maybe she should see how he'd feel about hers. Or not. She tried to look busy and idly keep working.

No, she had to try to sell herself. If she had any shot of winning this.]

Maybe...my old man's recipe will fare better for your expectations.

[ramuhs]

[He may not have tasted either of her brews yet, but he can certainly catch the aroma—and it's certainly more promising.]

Only one way to find out, eh?

[A grin as he crosses his arms over the counter with curious interest.]

So what do you have?

Wildcard

[dragoonoflight]

[ Being invited to leap off of a high place is not much of a hardship but he is meant to be working with a Corsair.

Dion looks around, spots Cid and does another pass through the crowd.

He sighs.

At the very least he can manage to mitigate the issue if Cid doesn't seem likely to catch him.

Ugh. He doesn't exactly trust him. ]

Good afternoon, Cid. [ A greeting, he's no heathen. ]

Would you...participate in this event...with me?

[ He tries, he really does, not to sound skeptical that this is a good idea. ]

[ramuhs]

[Cid had only stopped by to watch a few pairs try their hand at this exercise... And wished he had a snack because some have been quite entertaining. In fact he's considering buy some popcorn that's being sold nearby when he hears and sees Dion approaching.

...Wait—]

What—this?

[He looks up at the cliff where another pair is having a go, the person at the top shouting down at the one at the bottom.]

With me?

[Another look of surprise because he knows Dion doesn't trust him very much.]

A

[feralhumanity]

[Cats are wont to gravitate to their preferred company, and as such the one who the grey cat will eventually come to settle with is another pair of felines... well, one other mottled grey cat, and one large, familiar feline beast.]

[Nanaki isn't sure where this new cat came from but he wasn't about to chase them off. That is, until he noticed Cid approaching. He blinks between the man and the cat, who seems more intent on sitting beside his own feline friend and engaging in some intense grooming. Nanaki lets out an amused huff before turning to Cid.]

I take it this one is yours?

[ramuhs]

[This cat is going to make him chase her through all of Eltrut at this rate—]

Ah, Nanaki.

[A sigh as he runs a hand through his hair.]

Honestly, I can't say for certain. She at least used me to get out of the sanctuary.

obligatory a

[afflatusexarch]

[ Of course G'raha is going to appear JUST AS Cid speaks about why dogs are better. Of course he does. ]

Shall I take mild offense to that?

[ He's not going to of course. While G'raha has feline characteristics he is not necessarily a cat. Or he doesn't consider himself to be at any rate. ]

Doubtful you are going to win your companion over in this fashion.

[ramuhs]

[Hearing the voice, Cid looks over to see G'raha... Hah.]

Depends on if you're just as flighty as this one.

[Just crossing his arms as he sighs and watches Ashtail continue to idly groom herself on top of that awning... Before she seems to finally notice G'raha and stops to look at him curiously.

...

And then start hissing.

????]