[OPEN] february catchall

[techmaturgy]

Who: Viktor and Friends
When: Early February
Where: Cadens, Nocwich
What: a little afterparty, Nocwich weekend, maybe some other stuff
Warnings: irresponsible cycling

i. the occasion

Despite various protestations and an insistence from Viktor that all of this should not be a big deal, a response to the Academy is sent, announcements are made, and invitations are distributed with the date and time. He maintains, until the very end, the possibility of renagation up until the hour of his award, but Viktor manages to attend, suitably cleaned up in a new suit that he most certainly did not choose for himself. The affair is formal and slightly stuffy, befitting of the Grand Academy, Aleksander Klinger’s usual dour demeanor providing contrast to both Viktor’s apparent discomfort and the small entourage of Summoned in attendance to show support.

The accolade does not kill him, but in the aftermath he doesn’t linger long. There is always more work to do, whether he is now in possession of a ceremonial degree or not, and Viktor is not the type to rest on his laurels, not when all of this has been more of a distraction from what he really wants to be doing, than anything else.

That, and there’s an afterparty to attend.

ii. the workshop

Viktor’s workshop is a familiar setting by now, especially to those who frequent the district of town lined with inventors' laboratories and machine shops. It can aptly be described as organized chaos. Viktor likes working on multiple projects at once, with pieces of clockwork mechanisms littering the worktables, and the walls are plastered with notes and schematics.

For those reasons, this is not a place conducive to gathering in ordinary circumstances, but Hilda and Jesper have done their best to correct that. Tonight, the more delicate projects have been stowed away, the plans carefully removed from the pinboards. The large bay door has been raised, and warm lights invite visitors in. The interior, too, has been decorated with strings of lights and garland, and at least one Hilda-Most-Certainly-Made-This banner that reads “CONGRATULATIONS VIKTOR” (he probably is doing his best not to acknowledge it).

If not for the decorations, the whole affair could be mistaken for one of the firm’s open houses, but instead of showing off current projects and innovations, an attempt at hospitality has been made, with drinks and snacks, an Academy-loaned gramophone piping soft music through the space. Mismatched furniture populates the room, clearly borrowed from other locations, offering comfortable—if no-frills—room to sit. Anything more, it seems, might be a little too much for the ostensible “host”, who despite his quiet gratefulness for the show of support, seems slightly overwhelmed.

Don’t worry about that. Make yourself at home.

iii. later

Once things loosen up a bit (once the requisite amount of alcohol is imbibed, to provide adequate social lubrication for certain involved parties), the gathering becomes livelier, with card and dice games, and possibly entertainment (to be continued). Viktor himself, now in a jacket that Hilda produced for him with the now-infamous decorative stud fastener, might be cajoled into demonstrating a few of his business’s offerings—all manner of tools and equipment for artisans and monster hunters, everything from a handheld gyroscopic laser cutter to night vision goggles that wick away moisture, to respirators for the desert.

There are slightly frivolous projects, too, like automatic appliances and magic-borne electricity dancing around in a faraday cage. The more alcohol involved, the more likely Viktor might be to show off (with some prodding) something…explosive.

And, of course, the automaton (complete with party hat and bowtie) is active, supplying refills and also fulfilling any requests for hi-fives and handshakes. Of everything that’s happening tonight, Viktor seems most pleased with this, and he can be caught sneaking glances at anyone who might be interacting with it—not unlike a proud parent.

iv. ooc stuff

feel free to use this log as a general mingle, otherwise open and closed starters of my own are in the comments. If you’d like something specific, just hit me up. I’m on plurk at whitticus and on discord also at whitticus.

Comments

[techmaturgy]

[What Viktor doesn't say is they're going to have to bring it outside if they want to give it a little test drive--but that will become apparent soon enough. For now, they can save themselves the hassle and patronize the establishment, at least until they're ready for more practical tests.

Thankfully, Kyle takes the initiative on the drinks. Viktor offers a slightly distracted just tea, thank you before re-focusing his attention on situating the bicycle (which conveniently allows Kyle to get away with paying). There's some nudging of chairs and some repositioning, but finally Viktor seems ready to present it, officially.]

I hope this is what you had in mind.

[That's mostly rhetorical--there are only so many ways to build a basic bicycle, but Viktor seeks Kyle's approval anyway.]

I'm not happy with the wheels. But that will be for your mages to solve.

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil is only just finishing up processing that Viktor wheeled a full-sized bicycle in here, he hasn't considered that it's rideable just yet.

He frowns again when Viktor asks for tea, rubbing the back of his neck as their surly bartender sets a pitcher of beer on the table closest to them along with a mug before striding back to the bar to an enchanted kettle.

He lifts both eyebrows at Viktor and deadpans: ]

Please don't make me drink that alone.

[ Not that he'd push anyone to partake if they refuse. He just prefers not to be the only one.

For now his own drink is a afterthought while he fixes his full attention on the prototype, a grin slowly pulling across his lips that brightens and warms his expression in an almost boyish way as he runs his hand along the body. He might've been initially taken aback, but within his surprise it's easy enough to tell that he's genuinely pleased. Even with the wheels.

The bartender soon comes back around to set down the tea. Kahlil's crouched down by the pedals and chain, inspecting whatever gear setup there is for braking, when he glances at Viktor again and shakes his head, brow furrowing. ]

I need to at least pay you for the materials...

[ Especially if he's only drinking tea. He definitely couldn't afford whatever Viktor actually charges for his time, even on something simple like this. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor waves off the comment about the drinks in a we'll see sort of way--he'll get to it later. Right now, there's exciting new technology to demonstrate, and they can stay in this bar as long as they like after (provided said demonstration will not have them summarily removed). He lets Kyle inspect, taking in his reaction and feeling a surprising swell of pride when he smiles.]

I'm not concerned.

[He never is, not about payment. Viktor knows that the Summoned don't really make money in Thorne as a way for the crown to keep them dependent, so he isn't going to ask for anything. Maybe if Kyle's patron, the one who will produce another bicycle from these plans, has it in the budget. Otherwise it doesn't matter, as usual.

The bike itself is outfitted for a courier, with a luggage rack on the back for a basket and panniers. As Kyle inspects the gear shift, he might notice a few additions, most notably on the pedals themselves, which are designed for a larger apparatus (like, say, a metal boot) to clip in. If he lingers on it, or the way the pedal apparatus attaches to a crank at the handlebars, Viktor is quick to speak up.]

All of that is removable. I wanted to test a few things myself.

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil sighs, masking a sudden, squirming discomfort over the dismissal of payment again, even if it's not unexpected. He'd already talked to Hilda about this... his gaze flicks briefly to the table he'd first sat at.

Viktor quickly brings his attention back to the bicycle. The luggage rack was a thoughtful addition the other couriers should appreciate. And he'd noticed those out of place additions too, now he takes another moment to study them again and puzzle it out, both eyebrows raising in mild surprise. ]

You've been riding it?

[ Right. Of course it would be functional. He figures it must not've been too hard of a ride, considering Viktor didn't step through the door bow-legged.

Kahlil will stand up as Viktor replies, which might seem like he's abandoning the conversation abruptly - but he's just heading toward the table where he'd abandoned his little paper bag, which he'll bring right back around to the table with the blueprints. ]

[techmaturgy]

Yes. A little.

[There's no reason to be embarrassed by that, but it comes out clipped all the same, as if he's gauging whether or not Kyle expected this. The slight surprise doesn't go unnoticed, but he's quick to turn back to the bicycle, a convenient continued distraction.

Despite the fact that he says his additions are removable, Viktor does not work to remove them, an indication that he intends this demonstration to also be a practical one.]

I haven't, before. [No reason to.] It took some practice.

[ushiri]

[ There are certain parts of this dynamic that has him confused, but reading Viktor and catching that blip in response to what he said is easy enough. He crosses his arms. ]

One of the men was concerned about how rough the ride would be even with enchantments... looks like you've still got all your teeth, at least.

[ They haven't all been rattled out out his mouth. Now he lets himself give a wry smile. ]

How'd you like it? Think you'll make more? [ Maybe the roads in the Free Cities are less cobble-y. A slight pause, and he points to the bag he retrieved, containing a dozen small anise cookies. ]

Those are for you, by the way. I ran into Hilda earlier.

[techmaturgy]

I told you, I'm not happy with the wheels.

[Or, not happy that he can't use any rubber, because Throne has decided a whole bicycle is okay, but not the one thing that makes it a comfortable experience. Just a bridge too far, apparently. He's sure Kyle is imagining Viktor's various test drives, and all mishaps therein.

Despite that, however, Viktor seems pleased with the final result and offers a nod.]

The idea of a motorized version is intriguing. [And would certainly be possible in the Free Cities. Just a shame, as always, that other places would reject the technology. Viktor isn't able to reflect on that matter for long, however, because Kyle is presenting him with a bag. There's confusion on his face, at least until the mention of Hilda.]

Everyone's conspiring against me.

[ushiri]

I know, I know. [ Kahlil tilts his head with a light huff, waving off the self-critique. He's not actually worried, as he told Alyx.

Eyebrows raise again with interest at motorized, and then he shakes his head again, cocking it to the side. ]

Conspiring to make you sick of sweets, maybe. [ He saw the order Hilda put in. There's the barest trace of tension in his eyes. He glances down at the handlebars again, gently pushing down on them to get a feel for the give of the material.

You'll forgive me if I need to question your intentions, still lives rent-free in his head.

Anyway - ]

You're gonna need more practice before you move on to motorcycles.

[ And a helmet. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Despite his slight consternation, he reaches for the bag and peeks inside, the aroma of the cookies not going unnoticed. Conspiratorial, indeed. It does take some measure of self-control not to try one--Viktor reminds himself that he's working, and tucks the gift away for now.]

Thank you.

[Because it's a nice gesture, in spite of everything, and Viktor sounds sincere. This is twice now, that Kyle has gone to Hilda presumably asking for advice about what he likes and what kinds of gifts to give him, and Viktor isn't quite sure how he should respond to that, or if he should even address it.

He watches Kyle examine the bike, instead, and then receives the perfect lead-in to what he's really excited about.]

We could take it out, if you like. For a test drive.

[More practice!]

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil can feel himself relax again when Viktor accepts the bag of treats without any more pushback, even looking a bit pleased with himself as he keeps his focus on the bicycle. He taps the bell up there on the handlebars, giving another amused huff. ]

Okay.

[ Which makes him realize now that there was no reason to bring the bicycle inside first and order drinks, but he doesn't seem overly troubled by that hiccup.

He'll grab the blueprints again, slinging them in their tube over his shoulder, and then take the untouched pitcher of beer and cup of tea back to the bar. We'll be coming back. Probably, he says, to which the bartender looks at him like he's grown another head. But Kahlil has the confidence of someone who spent a chunk of his life tripping over alien customs, this hardly bothers him. He's also particularly emboldened right now.

He drops a few more coins down on the bar and turns to help Viktor with the doors. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor, too, cares little for the feelings of bartenders. They’ve already paid, and they’ll clearly come back for the drinks, so what’s a small detour? He’ll leave the reorganizing to Kyle, gathering up the rest of his things and preparing to push the bike back out the door.

Once it’s held open for him, he’s quick to move outside, clearly excited by this turn of events.]

I’ll drive.

[There’s a small smirk on his face, as if daring Kyle to try and usurp his position. On the back wheels, the bike has foot pegs to accommodate a passenger.]

Unless you have any objections?

[ushiri]

[ This is now his second misunderstanding. He thought he'd be watching Viktor ride around and then getting a chance to test it himself.

So he looks a bit bemused for a moment before he glances at the pegs on the back wheels and it clicks into place what they are meant for. The Lisam runners didn't have them on their bicycles, which was probably for the best. Wilhelm will definitely appreciate the addition, though.

At Viktor's slight challenge he arches an eyebrow, as though he needs to think on it. ]

I'll make an exception. Just this once. [ He WAS the second best runner in Nurjima for the two month stint he pulled.

Kahlil will wait for Viktor to get on before swinging his leg over the back, if there's room for both of them on the seat he'll grip it from both sides to hold on. He's not too worried about his own balance, but he is slightly worried about the weight he's added to the ride - Kahlil isn't exactly small, unless Viktor's been practicing hauling heavy packages this might be a bit of an extra challenge...

The square isn't heavily packed, thankfully. They're attracting a few curious looks already. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Good! No objections. Viktor has seemingly prepared for this, and despite the fact that he has not actually tested out the bicycle with a whole entire person riding on the back, he's confident. Perhaps he'll feel differently in a moment, but for now he'll seize the chance to demonstrate this firsthand.

The frame of the bike is step-through, another indication that Viktor was perhaps designing it with himself in mind, despite the fact that it was ostensibly a commission. The blueprints, of course, have plans for a more traditional frame, one that someone might need to swing a leg over, but the practical prototype is clearly made to facilitate his being in the driver's seat (figuratively speaking, of course). With his exoskeleton, he's much more balanced than usual, and Viktor is practiced when he affixes his metal boot into the pedal.]

Ready?

[Slightly rhetorical. Viktor can feel Kyle's weight settle behind him. There might not be enough room on the seat itself, but that's what the luggage rack is for. Without the braces, he might have some difficulty getting started, given the extra passenger, but it seems he's accounted for that, too, the enchantments in the metal struts activating and helping him push forward. There's a moment of shakiness as he lifts his other foot off the ground and clips it in, but soon enough they're rolling forward.]

I'm open to constructive criticism.

[At least right now, as they begin at a leisurely pace.]

[ushiri]

[ Sitting on the rack and gripping the sides it is for the moment then, although this mostly has eye-level with the back of Viktor's neck, his natural inclination to hunch forward slightly with the way he's seated. It's not particularly comfortable, but he's not a package. ]

Might ask Istredd to enchant a light for the front... [ he muses, mostly to himself. Nocwich is well lit enough despite the endless dark, and Castle Thorne equally so in the evening - the concern would be for Nott's more winding and dark alleys, the best shortcuts.

More of the locals are watching now, nudging others and pointing to the foreign contraption as Viktor wheels them forward. ]

[techmaturgy]

Wheels first.

[Because, as he's implied at least twice already, he'll never forgive Thorne for deciding rubber is too technologically advanced a material for their lifestyle. If Viktor minds Kyle's close proximity, he doesn't show it, understanding that it's a necessity of the test drive.

The eyes on them, too, go ignored as Viktor starts to pick up speed. It's not a smooth ride, both because of the aforementioned wheels and Viktor's relative inexperience on a bicycle, but they're not about to tip over, at least, not even as he turns a corner out of the marketplace in a bid to get out of a more populated area.]

You're free to make whatever magical improvements you need. [He could have done some of that himself, but the end product won't be for him, and Thorne seems more willing to accept the contraption if they get to have some hand in it--the magic parts, anyway.] That was the idea, I suppose.

[Before he went and, you know, built a whole bike.]

[ushiri]

Viktor, I can't judge the ride and seat from the rack! [ He huffs out the last word in an exasperated sound like a laugh. At least the rack's holding his weight well enough, he supposes - that'll be useful in the future.

That first turn had him shifting his weight to assist, which would be easier if he were standing and not holding onto the bars beneath his ass. ]

I'm going to try standing - alright? [ If there's no immediate objection he'll carefully reposition while they're still going slow enough - he doesn't actually expect Viktor to go much faster. This might be slightly more precarious if Kahlil wasn't, as Jack liked to say - 'a ninja' - even with the rough ride he could probably balance standing up on the back if he really wanted to show off, or was more confident in Viktor's bicycling skill. Viktor will feel hands on his shoulders but Kahlil will be trying not to lean too much weight on him, very aware that the man's spine appears held together by bolts and a brace. ]

[techmaturgy]

You can have a turn after this.

[Because, loath as he is to admit, Viktor will not be the one using this on a regular basis. Kyle will need to be the pilot at some point, if only to determine whether or not it works for his couriers. For now, however, he's enjoying this, both the fact that he's taught himself how to ride and also that it's simply fun.

Kyle can't see it, but there's a grin forming once he starts to pick up a little speed. The idea that he might not be fully confident in Viktor's riding ability doesn't really cross his mind--but he has no real objections to Kyle doing what he needs to, to steady himself.]

Go ahead. [Despite his general demeanor, Viktor is not necessarily touch-adverse. And this is for practicality, anyway.] I was going to say, you might want to hold on.

[That's the warning Kyle gets before Viktor makes another turn, this time onto a side street that slopes downhill, towards the waterfront.]

[ushiri]

[ It's a commission in quotation marks, Viktor made it for free and Kahlil's got no issue with him getting to play with it and show it off before handing it over, he's just lacking in constructive criticism at the moment... ]

What? [ he asks, stupidly - because he absolutely does not expect Viktor to make that turn. ]

You sure you're - [ ready for this? he would've asked, but turns out there's no need, because down they're going toward the water and his grip tightens on Viktor's shoulders. Compared to Fensal's antics, this is still relatively tame. He is more worried about Viktor than himself...

Still, there's a small thrill that jolts through his stomach at the sudden incline. ]

[techmaturgy]

Of course not!

[But, nobody's ever accomplished anything by playing it safe, and though he's sure he could use some more practice, Viktor is not at all intimidated by taking the bicycle on a downhill. The speed is thrilling, and the excitement is evident in his voice. They're not going so fast that he's lost control of the pedals, but they are accelerating, and the waterfront is rushing up to meet them. He doesn't quite whip around at the base of the incline, but they do jostle a bit as they reach the bottom of the hill and level out. Viktor becomes aware of Kyle's hands tight on his shoulders.

Here, there are fewer pedestrians and more space to ride. He uses the momentum from the hill to maintain speed, giving a few more good pedals before pushing them into a short coast. When he does all this both with Kyle's weight on the back of the bike and without losing his balance, Viktor lets out a laugh directed at nothing in particular, though there might be some relief in the expulsion of air.]

See? It isn't so difficult.

[ushiri]

[ There's not much Kahlil can do but enjoy the ride as they accelerate down the hill, the crisp sea air whipping his hair behind him - he regrets not tying it back before they started, but he also hardly expected more than a leisurely ride around the square. Maybe he should've, since it's Viktor.

The turn at the bottom is a little rough, he instinctively leans with Viktor to help, tightening his grip further. When they begin to safely coast he relaxes again. Viktor might hear him pulling in a deep breath and releasing from over his shoulder in a similar expression of relief just before he joins him in laughter, giving Viktor's shoulders a light shake of encouragement, crowing in delight. ]

I think you missed your calling!

[techmaturgy]

I always thought it would be fun, to sail a boat or pilot an airship. This is... [Not really anything like that.] Almost like that.

[As the ground becomes more level, they naturally slow. Thrilling, of course, to go down a hill, but this is nice too, cruising along with the breeze off the water. Viktor remains steady, at least for now--that touch of encouragement seems to have emboldened him, and he spares a glance backward, giving Kyle a flash of the grin on his face.

Thoroughly pleased with himself--almost a bit smug. Or maybe he's just having fun.]

So? Will your couriers approve?

[ushiri]

I wouldn't know anything about either of those - but I like this.

[ It surprises him a little, how much so. He closes his eyes for a moment and lifts his chin, to better enjoy the air breezing across his face. When he feels Viktor turn to glance at him he peeks open when eye, giving a wry grin back down at him and laughs again. ]

One of them will. He was just asking the other day when it'd be ready. But he's the only one who's ridden a bicycle before.

[ It makes him feel good that Wilhelm is excited, even if he ends up being the only one. The young man doesn't often get to be the expert at something. Cassian will probably use one too, he thinks. The others, he's less sure.

Kahlil can use it sometimes himself if it turns out to be a dud with the others. ]

[techmaturgy]

If I can learn, so can they.

[And he seems to be very proud of that fact, seeing he hasn't ridden before, either. Viktor sits up straighter now that he doesn't have to lean into any turns or another downhill, but he doesn't shrug off Kyle's hands on his shoulders.

The path is clear save for a few pedestrians who give them curious looks as they zip by, but he seems proud of that, too. Even the wheels on the stone paths are bothering him less--magic will make that even better. So there's still a bit of a grin in his voice as they ride.]

Where would you like to go now?

[ushiri]

It's not the learning, it's the horses!

[ He sounds a little exasperated at that. Kyle doesn't have any hatred toward horses, and he doesn't have any particular fondness either. He's in a definitive neutral zone on horses, or was, until this issue arose.

With their relatively straight path Kahlil doesn't put much pressure or weight on Viktor. He thinks for a second where they should go - his first inclination is to suggest they start circling back to the square and the tavern, maybe along the scenic route so long as Viktor isn't getting tired - otherwise they can swap.

There's a sudden shout, and out onto the road scurries a tabby cat with an overlarge fish in its jaws. The little animal freezes in their direct path. ]

[techmaturgy]

Fair enough!

[Viktor has to raise his voice a bit over the sound of the wooden wheels on the street, but there's amusement in it. If he has his way, he'll put all of the horses in Thorne into retirement, and it sounds like Kyle wouldn't disagree with that plan. Despite not being given a direction, Viktor pushes forward anyway, figuring they can take a scenic route along the waterfront and then maybe he can make Kyle pedal back up the hill.

All of those thoughts, however, come to a screeching halt (quite literally) when the cat darts in front of them. Their combined weight on the bike makes it difficult for Viktor to stop on short notice, and though he makes an attempt, everything happens too quickly for his reflexes.

He squeezes the brake, then prepares to put his feet down--but in the process forgets that his metal boots are quite literally clipped into the pedals. The force with which he tries to yank himself out, combined with the shortness of the stop means he's immediately unbalanced, sending both of them tipping over with a shout.]