[ 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.

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.]