[ CLOSED ] I've been tryna catch a fever dream

[wiedzminka]

Who: Ciri and Viktor; later, Jayce
When: early June
Where: the desert outside Cadens, the crater around the Singularity, the ocean!!, Aquila, Cadens again
What: it's an adventure!!!! that nobody asked for!!
Warnings: blood, violence (mostly against monsters, probably)



[ When Viktor reached out to her to ask if Ciri would be willing to go with him outside Cadens soon, she hadn't thought much of it. Viktor had always seemed so curious when she would come back with supplies for him, or specimens to study; and she loves talking about her work, and would often share details while he took notes, or answer question after question when he showed particular interest. It is perfectly expected, then, that he should want to explore on his own sometime -- or, rather, not on his own but with her accompaniment, considering he might have a difficult time by himself.

But Ciri doesn't ask questions. She helps find and rent a horse for the trip -- "probably just a few hours, back before nightfall," she tells the stable -- and meets Viktor at his workshop in the morning, upon the agreed time. It's early, barely sunrise, while the cool air still lingers and dew clings to the sparse vegetation.

Ciri walks up leading Nixie on one side, while her mare shoots dirty looks at the dun gelding she's picked out for Viktor, chosen for his easy temperament and the stable's promises that he's perfect for first-time riders.

Nixie's tail flicks impatiently. Ciri stops in front of the workshop, nudging her with a shoulder to push the two horses further apart. ]

You are being such a pest. [ The horse. Not Viktor.

Viktor gets a smile and a greeting. ]

Ready to go?

Comments

[techmaturgy]

[This is inadvisable, perhaps. Viktor is keenly aware of his status as a general liability, especially when it comes to excursions outside the city--he's avoided them entirely, so far, knowing that he wouldn't be able to keep up and would, in all likelihood, be an active danger to his escort. So, already he's feeling a little guilty about asking Ciri in the first place.

He convinces himself it will be fine by telling her he doesn't need to go far. A day trip is probably best, for both of them, and selfishly he hopes that an outing will clear his head. It'll be interesting, at any rate. He's never ridden a horse, but his first inclination when he steps out of the workshop is to reach out with his hand, letting the horse's nose bump against his open palm. He seems to enjoy this, allowing himself to smile--a brief exhalation of air that might be a laugh--before he turns his attention to his guide.]

I think so.

[Viktor has packed light, given the fact that he doesn't want to tire himself out by hauling heavy, unwieldy equipment. Food and water, some small measuring devices, a container or two for interesting samples. Otherwise, he's dressed for the desert heat, though when it comes to actually mounting the horse, he's not quite sure where to start.]

But I will need a step up. If you don't mind.

[wiedzminka]

Of course.

[ Viktor had mentioned he's never ridden before, and honestly, Ciri doesn't mind. She loves horses, and Viktor already seems excited to be meeting his ride for the day; the horse snuffles at his hand, nose twitching, and presses his face closer to sniff at Viktor. ]

Stable says he's very friendly, good for a first-time rider. Here, come around to the left side.

[ In the meantime, Ciri leads Nixie away a few steps and loops her lead around a nearby pole. She won't run, but she might bite if she's too close.

She returns to help Viktor tie the bags he's brought behind the horse's saddle first, showing him what she's doing all the while, happily talking about knots and saddlebags. When they're ready, she'll offer a hand for him to step on, assuming he wants a boost and not being literally lifted up onto the saddle like a child. If he does want that, though, she could probably manage. ]

You're not the first person here I've taught to ride. Though, ah, circumstances this time are much better.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor seems amenable to instructions, following her around the side of the horse (though not after a moment of stroking its smooth flank). They tie the bags up, and he slots his crutch into one of the leather loops, checking everything to make sure it's secure before they move on to the arguably more important task.

(Getting him up onto the horse without damage to himself or to the horse.)

A boost is fine--once she's helping him up on his good side he can more-or-less handle the rest. It takes some effort, and a little coordination but soon enough he's swinging his braced leg over the saddle, keeping a firm grip on her hand until he can shift his way back into balance. Okay. Step one, successful.]

I'm told I'm a fast learner.

[Maybe a little bit of a joke, as academics doesn't necessarily translate to animal handling, but if the horse is even-tempered and good for first time riders, he trusts that Ciri knows what she's doing.]

I'll follow your lead, regardless.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri laughs, charmed by how much Viktor seems to enjoy petting the horse. ]

I can see that. You're already getting along! I'm told his name is Pancake, by the way.

[ As soon as Ciri's sure Viktor is secure in his saddle, she gives him a couple of simple pointers -- how to turn, how to stop, how to not dig your heels in and make the horse bolt or rear, not that it's a big concern with Pancake. ]

He'll probably follow Nixie without much instruction from you, according to the stable hand. He's an old horse, used to traveling in a caravan.

I'll stay a bit ahead of you, since Nixie doesn't like other horses much. Don't want her trying to take a bite. Not fun.

[techmaturgy]

Ah. Because of the color.

[He actually does laugh at that, because it's endearing (and despite his usual demeanor, Viktor really does like animals, and doing new things. This is both). After that, it's only another few minutes of getting situated, and then they're off.

It's about as bumpy as he expects--he'd gone into this knowing that riding on horseback is probably not great for him long-term, but again. This is just a day trip.

Ciri knows what she's doing so he lets her take the lead, offering Pancake some encouragement--though it seems she was right in that the horse appears used to it. When he realizes he's not going to have to do much to manage the animal, he decides some conversation might be in order as they make their way out of the city.]

I did want to thank you, for making the arrangements on such short notice. I came to Cadens shortly after arriving at the barracks, and haven't left since.

[For obvious reasons. Not everyone is cut out for escorting merchants, or monster hunts.]

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri glances back at him a few times to make sure he's handling the ride so far -- mostly, all he has to do is sit there and loosely hold the reins -- and leads them out of the city through the familiar main road leading out in the direction of Aquila. It's well-traveled, which means the road itself is even enough, and though there are plenty of others along it, there's also plenty of room. She keeps Nixie a short distance in front, despite her mare's impatient tail-twitching, so that no one has to shout to hold a conversation. Once they're past the gates and the crowds disperse some, it's only a matter of raising one's voice slightly. ]

Think nothing of it. It was no trouble at all.

I was waiting for you to ask, one of these days. You always seemed so interested.

[ It's clear why he'd be cautious about it, with the brace and his poor health, but Ciri's confident in her abilities and knowledge of the area. This sort of thing is easy. ]

How's your first time on a horse? You're taking to it more easily than Sephiroth did.

[ Yes, she is aware of Pigeon Lore. No, she won't give Sephiroth the benefit of adding that the poor man had been trying to keep her half-conscious body upright while learning to ride for the first time, rather than just taking an easy stroll, so he'd really been at a disadvantage. ]

[techmaturgy]

It’s a learning opportunity. Besides, we might find something I want to bring home.

[An interesting specimen, or something similar. They both know there’s something unsaid here, something along the lines of thanks for taking me even though I’ll most assuredly slow you down and also be useless in the event of a monster attack, but he keeps that to himself. No need to state the obvious, especially when this is meant to be an entirely controlled experience. Wilderness, but just enough of it. Not too far from the city, just in case anything goes wrong.]

Not as smooth as something with wheels, but that’s to be expected. [He doesn’t say that he’ll certainly be feeling it tomorrow, instead laughing a little at the mental image of Sephiroth on a horse.] I’ve always liked animals, though. Maybe they found him less agreeable.

[Horses are supposed to pick up on that sort of thing, after all.]

[wiedzminka]

Can you believe it? His world doesn't even have horses!

[ A horrifying thought. Horses are like. so good!! ]

Is there anything in particular you had in mind for research purposes? It'll give me an idea of where to show you. Most of it is dirt and rocks, but there are some rock formations. Basilisks usually stay underground during daylight hours, so we shouldn't have any surprises.

[techmaturgy]

A world without horses? Unbelievable.

[Says the guy who has never ridden a horse--and it's not like they're all that common in Piltover, but at least he knows what a horse is. He vaguely wonders if Sephiroth would be a little miffed to find out they're gossiping about him, but ultimately decides that's not his problem.

What is his problem is deciding what they're going to do (maybe he should have thought a little harder about that). Luckily, there's no shortage of interesting things to talk about, as far as the desert is concerned.]

Any kind of alchemical sample. Plants, interesting minerals-- [Jayce would probably like a cool rock, his mind automatically supplies, before the part of him that's angry at Jayce pushes the thought out of his head.] --monster remains. As long as we're certain they're dead.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri snickers. As expected. She brings him bits and pieces already, but maybe he wants to see the entire remains. ]

I could make certain a monster is dead, even if it doesn't start out that way.

I am aware of some rock formations further out that seemed... a different color? I'm not sure it means much, but there were striations I hadn't noticed before. That sort of thing?

[techmaturgy]

I wouldn't want you to put yourself in danger on my account.

[More than she already is, anyway. Read: if they happen upon some remains, that will be good enough. Geology is not necessarily his specialty, but he's content enough just to get out of the city--anything they find along the way is just a bonus.]

Yes, that would be--I'd like to see that.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri looks back at him, brows raised. ]

I do this all the time. Remember?

[ It's Viktor who's in the most danger, honestly. But he accepts that, and she doesn't bother to point it out when it's so obvious. ]

All right. Let's go find some weird rocks.

It's about an hour's ride, at this pace.

[ Viktor probably can't handle anything more than a semi-quick walk. Sorry, Viktor. ]

[techmaturgy]

Yes, you're the expert.

[He laughs a little, trying to downplay his unnecessary worrying. He's in good hands, that much he knows, so when she gives him a time estimate, he nods agreeable and they set off.

Viktor does his best to be good company, along the way--pointedly avoiding discussion of the memories they shared, and instead commenting on their surroundings, fielding questions about his current projects, and other mundane sorts of things. He's starting to regret the horse riding, at this point, but he knows they're taking it slow for his benefit. Luckily, it's not long before he sees the formation in question rising in the distance.]

Is that it?

a return + jayce

[techmaturgy]

[The ride home from Aquila is, thankfully, largely uneventful. Viktor doesn't think he can take much more excitement, and as uncomfortable as it is riding in a wagon for hours every day, he'll take that over further brushes with death. Still, he's going to feel this for a while, to say nothing of the general exhaustion from making such a trip. It's a relief, to see the buildings of Cadens start to rise in the distance.

He messages Jayce when the caravan just skirts the city limits, not wanting anyone to go too far out into the desert, just to meet them. By the time he makes it out to them, they'll be unloading. Jayce is hard to miss, and Viktor waves him down, looking thoroughly spent by the ordeal, but otherwise unharmed.]

[hextechhead]

[ Jayce fully expected to be waiting for them when they arrived, having been ready all morning and buzzing with anxiety. He knows he won't feel fully better until he puts eyes on the two of them. He spots them and hurries over, a bag slung over his shoulder with Viktor's cane and a sword for Ciri. He feels like he can breathe again upon spotting him, pulling out the cane as he comes closer, half-running straight at Viktor.

He slows down a few feet away, eyes fixed on him, the last time he sprung a hug on him, it was too much too fast. They were in a bad place when this all started, but now they're not. He's alive. Jayce puts out his arms in a very obvious motion as he comes closer, but he's ready to be stopped. ]

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri is helping the merchant unload and repackage some of his goods. Considering he gave them a free ride out of the kindness of his heart and apparently some positive impressions of Jaskier, she's been paying back the favor by acting as guard throughout the trip, taking care of the horses and otherwise lending a hand in whatever way she could.

They're almost done when Jayce finds them. Ciri sets down one of the final boxes and brushes her hands off on her trousers, turning just in time to see Jayce-- clearly trying to go in for a hug, stopping, and standing there awkwardly with his arms out.

Hm. Almost the enthusiastic welcome expected. An attempt was made.

She comes around to Viktor's side, giving him a little nudge with her elbow. ]

Viktor. If you're not going to hug the poor man, I will. Look at him.

[ It's sad. ]

[techmaturgy]

You can hug him if you want. He'll probably do it anyway.

[Because Ciri saved his life, and he knows Jayce will want to thank her. He's surprised that he didn't show up with four different swords, plus a collapsible one that expands into another three swords, probably.

The slight upturn of his lips betrays his aloof exterior--because, despite everything, he really is glad to see Jayce. He has to take a few steps into his space, ostensibly for his crutch, but walks into the embrace anyway.]

This is for your benefit.

[He looks over his shoulder, back at Ciri, and gives her a little shrug.]

[hextechhead]

Hugs are always on the table with me.

[ Jayce is not embarrassed about his affection for others, although he does know he looks silly waiting with baited breath for Viktor to give into him. They flirted, they kissed, but it was in the Horizon, not here. And so he is relieved when Viktor steps into his arms and he very gently hugs him. His arms are huge so wrapping Viktor up in them covers him pretty quickly, and he leans in to whisper I missed you into his ear. He is cognizant that there is someone else there though so his hug only lingers like two or three seconds longer than it should. He's being good!

He lets go of Viktor but lets him keep the crutch, obviously, and then glances over at Ciri, sliding the sword he brought with him for her over his shoulder. It's a beautiful sword, Jayce doesn't make anything subpar, and he offers it over to her with sincere grateful eyes. ]

You can use this as long as you want, but I can make you something to your specifics and design, all you have to do is tell me your preferences. And I'll have the collapsible sword prototype soon. And literally anything else you want made, I will do it.

[ Viktor was right in guessing that was Jayce's first instinct. He plans on healing Viktor as soon as they get home, but for now he steps closer to Ciri, although within respectful distance. ]

Are you okay to be healed here?

[wiedzminka]

[ When Viktor steps up, Ciri gives them a minute, glancing away to look over the unpacked boxes again as if making sure everything is in order and watching the merchant and his assistants moving about some distance away.

When Jayce addresses her again, Ciri steps forward. Her eyebrows rise. ]

I did not expect you to bring an interim sword right away. You've really thought ahead, haven't you?

[ She takes it with a short laugh, unsheathing the blade partway to take a look at it briefly, though she won't try it out until later. It doesn't feel too heavy, though, which would have been her first concern. Not the same as a sword made specifically for her, but it will do, and possibly quite well at first glance. Jayce's enthusiasm is even more overwhelming in person, though. ]

I'll come by the shop to discuss further in a few days. There's no hurry.

[ Sword sheathed again, she looks up at him, lips quirking. ]

Mm. I would prefer not to take my shirt off in the middle of the road.

[techmaturgy]

He was probably going crazy waiting for us to get back. This is his outlet.

[Jayce is always at his most industrious when he's troubled. Again, she's lucky he didn't show up with multiple. The sword is a nice gesture, but he understands more than most how much Jayce can be--as evidenced by the fact that he's offering healing right where the merchants are unpacking. They've barely stepped back into the city.

Ciri can make her own determination about the healing she needs, but Viktor can do his best to make sure this isn't too much.]

Jayce, you're going to scare her off.

[hextechhead]

He's right, I make things when I'm stressed.

[ Jayce actually created so many things that Lee told him to get out of the shop and take a break multiple times. He's very lucky he is such a lucrative investment because Jayce can be a little much for everyone in his life. He is buzzing with anxious energy at the moment since he's so glad to see them, but this is him attempting to be subdued. ]

Oh. Yes. Obviously. Sorry.

[ He can't do healing out here on the street! Jayce laughs at himself, someone has to, but he looks sheepish and flushes a little too. ]

I'm not scary, I'm annoying.

[ He says to Viktor, as if Viktor doesn't already know that. He pushes his fluster away and calms down, focusing on her. ]

Wherever and whenever you're comfortable, Ciri.

[wiedzminka]

You said it, not me!

[ Ciri actually laughs at that, a sound that bubbles up with relief now that they're finally safely here, just beyond the gates of a place she's come to think of -- tenuously, perhaps, but with some fondness -- as one of safety. Cadens isn't her home, but the little piece of it she shares with Geralt and Jaskier is.

She swings the sword over her good shoulder by the strap conveniently attached to its sheath (Jayce might be an overachiever) and looks between them. ]

I'll follow you. You live by the workshop, right? One moment.

[ There's not much else to carry. Ciri ducks away to take her leave of the merchant briefly, and now that she's back in a city where she has access to her coin, she promises to pay him at least in part, whatever he deems fair in addition to doing Jaskier a favor. Once that's done, she joins the two men again, ready to go. ]

[techmaturgy]

[That's the thing about Jayce--infuriating, annoying, overbearing all at once. Viktor knows it's going to take more than that to fully scare Ciri off, but she's more reserved, like he is, and it can all be a little much. She's taking it in stride, at least, and he doesn't begrudge her stepping away for a moment to finish their transaction.

The two of them wait patiently, even though Viktor knows Jayce is anything but patient, setting off as soon as everything is square. It's only now, out of the wagon, that he starts to realize just how exhausted he is by the whole ordeal. Still, he's glad to be back on his feet, out of the bumpy wagon, to make the last short walk to the workshop.]

Oh-- [He says, remembering something of vital importance and digging into his pockets with his free hand as they walk.] --we brought you some rocks.

[hextechhead]

[ Jayce laughs when Ciri does, glad that she took it in the spirit it was intended. For all Jayce's faults, he's fairly self-aware in some regards, such as knowing how his particular personality type can come off to others. Being close with the very reserved Viktor makes him a lot better with other introverts, or at least to the point where he tries very hard.

He is impatient but for a reason, which Viktor is well aware of, but he wants to help Ciri and that can wait. Jayce's eyes widen when Viktor mentions the rocks, and if Ciri wondered why, she can see the way his smile lights up his face moments later. ]

You brought me rocks!

[ There are some unspoken reasons why this means a lot to him; Viktor wasn't talking to him when he left, but he still got him a rock, and kept it. Jayce opens the door to the workshop for both of them. It's very, very clean in there, everything organized, top to bottom, he had a lot of time on his hands waiting for them.]

Did he tell you I'm a collector? I know it sounds boring, but it's a hobby.

[ Jayce is legit more of a nerd than Viktor. ]

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri does raise a brow a bit at the we Viktor oh-so-casually throws in there. She did show him where the interesting-looking rocks are though... so maybe she really is an accomplice.

Jayce's enthusiasm earns him a snort and a shake of the head. ]

The two are not mutually exclusive, you know. It can be a boring hobby.

[ She's teasing. If he's happy with the rock, that's very nice for him and Viktor and she is happy for them. Moreover, she's a little surprised Viktor managed to hold onto the rocks and bring them all the way back here.

Ciri steps inside when the door is opened for her. As a frequent visitor of the workshop, she immediately recognizes the evidence of restless hands at work over the past couple weeks. ]