Viktor (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
techmaturgy) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
abraxaslogs2024-02-04 02:07 pm
techmaturgy) wrote in abraxaslogs2024-02-04 02:07 pm
Entry tags:
[OPEN] february catchall
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
ii. the workshop
iii. later
iv. ooc stuff
When: Early February
Where: Cadens, Nocwich
What: a little afterparty, Nocwich weekend, maybe some other stuff
Warnings: irresponsible cycling
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.
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.
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.
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 atwhitticus and on discord also at whitticus.
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[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.]
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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. ]
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[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.
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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!
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[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?
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[ 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. ]
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[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?
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[ 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. ]
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[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.]
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The cat, which surely used one of its nine lives, is nowhere to be seen - it's fishy prize left in the middle of the road, one dead eye staring up at the sky.
Kyle finds himself doing the same as he gets his wits about him again, his shoulder smarting where it took the brunt of the impact. ]
... ow?
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They hit the stone path, a tangle of limbs, one of his legs forcibly jostling itself out of the pedal, the other still stuck to the bike. He tries to right himself, even as the impact shoots up his side, but in the jumble of it all he can't seem to free his foot. Viktor groans, then tries again to free himself, jostling the gear shift.
The bike, at least, seems to be completely unharmed.]
Hnghh--[Another grunt of pain--hopefully Kyle can extricate himself with less effort.] I suppose I asked for this.
[Flying too close to the sun.]
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What, no emergency release on the handles or anything?
[ For the boot-lock. He does manage to pull himself out from beneath the bike and Viktor, (hopefully) without jostling him too badly, and immediately sets into a crouch over him, concern knitting across his features as his gaze scans over Viktor for obvious injury. ]
Should I pull it upright...? [ The bicycle - or will that make it worse? ]
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[Of course, now that Kyle says it, it sounds like the most obvious thing in the world. Viktor will just tell himself that he didn't build one in because the couriers won't need his custom adjustments. Right now, however, he's cursing himself, squirming out from under the bike and propping himself up on his elbows, his right leg still attached to the pedal.
Viktor isn't injured, at least not visibly--he might have some bruises later, but it seems he's made of stronger stuff than his bearing might indicate. His pride, on the other hand...]
There's a groove, underneath the boot. That's what fits into the pedal and locks in. You've got more leverage from this position, just--if you can twist my ankle. Slightly. At the hinge of the brace.
[Viktor does not seem pleased by this turn of events, but he recognizes the most expedient way out of this is for Kyle to help him.]
It should release.
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This is practically a rite of passage, you know. [ He glances up at Viktor briefly before gently gripping the hinge to manipulate his ankle, turning it slowly until its released. ]
Surviving your first cycling accident. [ He grins. Kahlil is teasing, which Viktor might not appreciate in this state, but its with an undercurrent of excitement for him now that he's a little more certain he hasn't seriously hurt himself. ]
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[Somehow, this is more humiliating than falling off a horse (which he has also done), if only because of the lack of external factors. Sure, it was the cat's fault, technically, but his lack of experience and general unsteadiness on his feet did them no favors. He waits, patiently, as Kyle un-sticks him from the pedals, and then immediately gets to work hauling himself to his feet.]
At least the ride is smooth. [Ish. Viktor's next concern is the bicycle, and he steps gingerly toward it, still smarting, in order to pull it back upright.] No damage.
[Nothing he can't fix back at the tavern, anyway.]
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[ Legitimately hazardous occupation at times.
He moves to help by lifting from the opposite side as Viktor until they've got it standing again, and he offers him a questioning look. ]
Should we walk it back, or is it safe to ride?
[ If so, he'll take a turn. ]
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[Viktor waves off the thoughts, because he's getting ahead of himself. They still need to wheel the bicycle back up hill. It occurs to him that he hasn't given Kyle his turn yet, and because he'll be the one using it on a regular basis (or, at least, his employees will), Viktor wants to let him try while he's still around to make adjustments.
He'll give it a cursory once-over, just to make sure, nudging the wooden wheel with his boot.]
It should be okay. You can pedal, this time.
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At the go-ahead he hops into the seat, waiting for Viktor to get on behind him. ]
Ready?
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Yes. Let's go.
[He's thinking, now, of the pitcher of beer and tea that they ordered and then left on the bar mere moments later.]
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It seems either that he's content to ride in silence, or he's just too focused to continuing commentary other than to comment feels pretty good! since Viktor seems to desire some sort of feedback.
He picks up some speed and coasts for the last stretch before he has to get them back up the hill. And he'll admit, that's more of a struggle than he's used to with a passenger on the back, but he huffs and puffs his way back up to the square proper, and he's a little red-faced when they reach the top. ]
Forgot how much I don't miss that part...
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[Unfortunate spill aside, there's a reason why Viktor agreed to switch, and it has everything to do with the hill. Best for Kyle to do that part. When they make it back to the tavern, Viktor produces a lock and chain from the depths of his messenger back, securing the bicycle to a fencepost. Probably they should have done this from the start.
When they re-enter the tavern, the bartender fixes them a look of disbelief--but to their credit, the pitcher of beer is still on the counter. Viktor decides he'll claim a table while Kyle does the actual human interaction, waiting patiently until they both settle in chairs.]
If you have no notes...you can take it with you when you leave today. It's ready.
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He heads over to the counter, expecting that pitcher to be filled flat and room temperature beer if it's been sitting there this whole time. To his surprise, it's still cold (and only a little flat, he'll find out in a moment). He thanks the bartender and sets everything down at the table, unstacking two glasses. Again, he sits where he can see the doors and as much as the room as possible. ]
No notes. And Istredd is helping us with the wheel enchantments, so I don't expect too much trouble there. I'm just excited to show the others. [ Thinking of Wilhelm, he smiles fondly. He starts pouring the drinks, sliding one over in Viktor's direction. There are some other details he should add: ]
Our benefactor in Thorne intends to adapt the design for children, his niece or nephew. The agreement was that he'd pay to produce the one for us to use, but that we wouldn't distribute the design.
[ To this he frowns with a light shrug. It seemed like an easy thing to agree to at the time - he has no way of flooding Thorne with bicycles to ruin the novelty of a precious new toy for a rich man's beloved youngest family members, and there'd been so little interest in general from anyone else he'd spoken to. But upon saying it aloud, he thinks this might be the type of business dealing that irritates Viktor. ]
I really wasn't expecting you to deliver a nearly finished prototype, though - and assuming there's no trouble getting it inspected and into Thorne, we can probably finish the wheels on this one ourselves and tell him the deal's off.
[ It might cause some ill will to back out, but no coin's been exchanged yet. The designs are Viktor's, so he should have a say in what happens to them. ]
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He has his own thoughts about the idle rich. But if it helps him get his technology into Thorne, there are worse ways he could do it.]
Keep the blueprints make him build you another.
[That way Kyle can have two bicycles.]
I appreciate your asking, but...if no one else is in Thorne was interested, you might as well get what you can out of the arrangement.
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[ He nods, his smile softening a little again. Beneath the table his knee bobs, only stopping momentarily when he takes a drink from his glass. ]
Who knows - maybe people will start seeing us riding around and change their minds...
[ But there's still the horses.
He shakes his head with a small huff, letting gaze scan the room again half out of habit. ]
So how long do you have before you're required on stage? [ He raises an eyebrow. Viktor mentioned wanting to keep this meetup as a distraction, but he hopes he doesn't plan to actually ditch the ceremony itself. ]
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[Viktor lets out a soft laugh into his drink, as if he doesn't quite believe it--because he doesn't. Maybe there's one eccentric Thornean who wants this as a toy for children, but he knows that won't overcome an ingrained prejudice against technology. Why would they, when they don't even need it?
He imagines this will be a strange novelty in Thorne and not much else, but if it becomes something more, he'll be pleased about it. As long as it doesn't put anyone in danger.
He's about to say as much before Kyle deftly changes the subject. Viktor's mood shift is immediate, eyebrows furrowing together and mouth downturned in an instant frown. He leans back in his chair and makes an emphatic gesture, as if he can physically dismiss the entire subject.]
It's later this week. [So, unfortunately, he can't play hooky here.] And at this point, it will be worse if I don't go.
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cw: reference to suicide
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probably start to wrap
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