[ OPEN ] hide your love, don't be shy

[godshattering]

Who: Claude and you!
When: all throughout August and September
Where: Cadens (pre-Nocwich), the Horizon (any time), and Libertas (post-Nocwich)
What: Catch all for both months
Warnings: For anything referencing Libertas: death, violence, and war


( Open and closed starters in the comments! Also good with prose or brackets and if you'd like to plot something more specific, you can find me at indech, arboria#1862, or by PM at any time. )

Comments

horizon — open

[godshattering]

a. at claude's

[ Despite being rather secretive when asked any deeper than surface level questions about himself, the doors to Claude's domain are always open. If someone chooses to cross the canal out front by boat, one will be waiting for with oars that are easy and effortless to use. They'll get you across the water in no time, and even better: they won't cause the boat to go in useless circles. (He has, perhaps, had that experience while using real oars and decided to spare anyone else from it.)

Whether Claude is there or not, a baby white wyvern will likely be perched on a tree in the first courtyard that greets everyone and might just give them any new faces a side eye. She'll let anyone in no matter what - and isn't likely to bite - but she certainly won't say no to a snack if a visitor is feeling generous enough to offer one. If Claude arrives later, she'll give a trill to announce someone is waiting.

The much larger courtyard has more to offer. There's chairs and couches for relaxing on or to get comfortable while chatting, and shelves full of books on all topics from Fodlan. Guests can take one with them to read later or even leave a book of their own for Claude to browse. Chess and backgammon boards are also set up here and there and if someone is unfamiliar with one or both, Claude's happy to provide a lesson and will even throw in his favorite strategies for both. If someone has a favorite board game from back home, he'd also love to learn how to play. There's also a weapons rack stocked with swords, axes, and bows and various targets if that's more a visitor's speed, and they're all weapons he knows how to use for impromptu training sessions.

If he's there reading or simply finds he's not alone there upon arriving himself, that smile in greeting will be quite genuine since he enjoys entertaining guests and getting to know someone new or an acquaintance that much more. Don't be shy! ]

b. or yours

[ When in the Horizon but not at his own domain, Claude's out investigating what others have built since each domain is a source of fascination to him.

The paths between each one are walked in turn to help him get a better idea of where each one stands or notice new details on those he's strolled past before on these trips. If someone is out walking doing the same, he'll keep them company or possibly point them in the direction of where they're trying to go if not sure.

When he stops at a domain most of his admiration will be done from the outside, if there's no clear way in or if it seems the owner isn't present, so he might be found simply studying the grounds, the structure, whatever's there. He might wander in if it looks welcoming enough just to see what's going on inside. As long as it's clear he's not trespassing in some way, Claude's happy to stay and chat for a while if noticed. He may come with a brightly flowering potted plant that grows in the courtyard of his own domain as a gift for wherever he's visiting, but no pressure in accepting it. ]

a.

[ordinar]

[Wilhelm thinks of his domain as his sanctuary, a rare thing that belongs only to him, that can't be touched by anyone else unless invited. Well, surprise visitors have wandered in a few times, but he'd made his little corner of the Horizon hard to find on purpose, tucked away among trees and bluffs. For this reason, projecting his desire for privacy onto everyone else, he hasn't explored much of the landscape shaped by the whims and wishes of the Summoned. The combination of curiosity and boredom, though, draws him out eventually.

It's the rowboat that catches his attention. Waiting untethered in the canal, it feels like an unspoken invitation. After a moment's debate, he climbs in — better to ask for forgiveness than permission. The heft of the oars is familiar in his hands, though the size and shape of the boat itself is different from what he's used to. It wouldn't win any races, that's for sure. He's also used to sharing the burden with three other rowers, but as he dips the oars into the water he discovers that the boat glides with unexpected ease.

The smooth sailing ends, both literally and figuratively, when he steps out into the courtyard and finds himself getting stink-eyed by...what looks like a baby dragon.]

Um...I come in peace?

[Even if he didn't have his hands raised to his chest in the universal placative sign of I'm not going to hurt you, Wilhelm wouldn't look like much of a threat.]

[godshattering]

[ Though he's in and out most days, today Claude happens to be reading further inside. Or, well, reading in the technical sense; given that there's parchment papers scattered around the stacks of books next to him and a quill that remains inked (thanks, Horizon) in one hand it's more accurate to say he's reviewing some research left undone by coming here. When there's a sudden chirp he's learned means visitors imminent he closes the book with a handily conjured up bookmark to save his spot in it for later, stands up and dusts off his coat and trousers, and heads to see who it might be.

As Claude steps out from the inner courtyard there's only a slight flicker of surprise from him someone is already standing there, but there's absolutely no surprise about the glare from the wyvern perching on what seems to be her designated lookout spot as he glances to her. ]

You're a very poor welcoming committee, you know. One might even think you don't even like people based on your behavior.

[ This is said with great cheer towards the wyvern who looks deeply unaffected by this proclamation and simply ruffles her wings a bit in acknowledgement. With a roll of his eyes - given that her behavior here is so much like what deals with daily from her real-life much larger counterpart; thanks, memories - he turns to the young man she was lightly menacing and appraises him for a few seconds with a smile. ]

I don't believe we've met before, but it's nice to see new faces around here. I trust the boat is still working well, then? I'd made some changes to it recently and was hoping that'd be the case, but you're the first to test it out.

[ordinar]

[It's not that he was forming an image in his mind of the person responsible for this wedge of the Horizon, but when Claude appears in the courtyard, he's pretty much what Wilhelm would expect the owner of a pet dragon to look like. He feels...if not underdressed, then at least conscious of how his hoodie and shorts are woefully out of place. Now that he's reasonably sure that the creature isn't going to fly down and snap at him, he lowers the shield of his hands. But every now and then his glance slides back to where it perches.]

Yeah, it was really easy to work. [He shoves his hand through his hair, crosses his arms over his chest.] I'm Wilhelm, by the way. Sorry for intruding.

[The man doesn't seem to mind his unannounced and uninvited visit, but he offers the apology for good measure.]

I, uh...haven't been out on the water since I got here, so I just got curious when I saw the boat.

[godshattering]

[ At the apology, Claude merely waves a hand in both acceptance and to politely brush it off as not needed. Or at the very least, hopefully to put Wilhelm at ease since the way he folds in himself just a bit during that introduction reminds him just a bit of Marianne and her shyness. ]

It's hardly intruding if I leave the docks unlocked, right? I can't say I haven't stepped into a few domains here and there myself under those same rules. But it's nice to meet you, Wilhelm. I'm Claude. And for the record - just in case it wasn't already clear - you're welcome to stop by whenever you'd like.

[ It takes him a second to process the rest of what was said, mostly because he wouldn't have guessed the teen is a sailor. In the most literal, medieval sense of the word, of course. ]

Are you a sailor, then? The city where I used to live was a popular port so we often had ships going in and out but the boat you arrived here in was used more for getting around the canals running through said city.

It's been a bit since I've walked where the canal outside of here leads, but it does connect with the domains of two of my friends if you haven't met them yet already. If you'd like to take the boat along it further than that sometime you're certainly welcome to do that as well, so long as you return to tell me where it leads past there since I haven't figured that out for myself just yet.

[ As he talks, there's another distinct rustling of wyvern wings from the perch above and in what's clearly a long practiced routine thanks also to those memories Claude extends an arm for her to sidle down on as her new perch. She does not, fortunately, take this opportunity of being closer to menace Wilhelm further. (On the contrary, her pointed gaze is now hoping for snacks she's learned to plead for from visitors, but Claude isn't going to indulge her in this.) ]

A

[bloomly]

( she's said it once, to someone, though she isn't entirely sure she believed it at the time: that the places in the horizon feel more like safety than being in the welcome confines of solvunn's territory, as though it's a place where she can get lost or hide away, a place where she doesn't have to show her best face if she doesn't want to. wandering through domains, finding little pockets of interest or beautiful sceneries encouraged by the memories of the owner? it's like traveling without having to really go anywhere at all, and it sates her vivacious curiosity in some ways, as though it allows her to do things without worrying about putting herself, or anyone else, in danger. this domain that she's found, in particular, looks lush and beautiful, almost like a city in and of itself--it's so different from her own domain that she's drawn to it in the same way that the skies of midgar draw her in, terrifying but somehow beautiful in the same way.

getting to the double doors isn't difficult, but it does take some time--when she finally works her way through, walking carefully in her muddied boots as though she's worried about tracking dirt through the walkways, her eyes are drawn upward; at first, she thinks that the creature there, perched on a tree, might be some sort of warning device, the sort of animal that will immediately screech and squawk and duck down to attack any intruders. she stares at it, brows knitted together, as though they're both locked into a staring match--but it's the little dragon-like creature that yelps first, a melodic sort of trill as it edges down to a lower branch, and aerith laughs, bright and pleased. a friend, then, which is precisely what she wanted: standing up on her toes, she stretches one arm towards the creature, urging it down another branch as it tentatively sticks its neck out. )

Are you hungry? ( there's no one else that she can see to talk to but the creature, so she does--her lips press together, thoughtful, though it doesn't look like there's much to give it, and after all, what might she give it? does it eat meat? fruit? flowers? apologetically, she runs her fingertips down the neck of the creature. ) I'm sorry, I'll find something...

( what she finds, instead, is the beautiful courtyard, her eyes taking in all the details as she stands there, trying to read the spines of the books on the shelves from a distance. there are places to sit and read, she figures, as well as places to lounge, and: there's some sort of curious board game set up on a table, which draws her attention as she approaches. the board is checkered, and the pieces look to be done up in the style of...well, she can't quite tell. curious, she picks up a pawn piece, twisting it in her fingertips.

the creature, back at the doors, lets out a trill of announcement: aerith doesn't know what it means, but she figures it might mean the owner of this place is back; hurriedly, she sets the piece back on the board, but her knee knocks into it, and a few of the pieces topple over, falling to the ground--she quickly crouches, her dress fluffing over her legs, desperate to scramble up the pieces so that she can put them back where they belong. )

[godshattering]

[ The Horizon provides endless fascination to Claude as well, what with all of the ways to see things he could never have imagined might exist even in his dreams of what might come to be someday in Fodlan if technology was allowed to expand. On this day in particular he's returning from roaming a new section he hasn't yet studied in depth and is lost in thought as he opens the doors to his own domain upon return, intent on jotting some notes down into a journal he's created for just that case. Something to occupy his mind while he's here, mostly; another habit of not being able to let go of always searching for information when and where he can find it.

The wyvern greets him with a noise he's come to recognize, and he reaches up to pat her taloned foot as he passes in acceptance of the alert. Even though her job is done, there's a telltale tiny rush of air behind him when she takes flight to follow him into the courtyard. And there Claude comes across a woman he doesn't know, at least not from not being able to see her face as she straightens up one of the games of chess sitting about waiting for a player or two. It's the sort of thing he'd hoped would happen by leaving the doors to his domain open for anyone to stop by, so curiosity draws him in to head her direction and hopefully not startle her in the process. ]

Have I arrived too late and already lost the game? That's unfortunate. For me, anyway.

[ A joke, kind of, regarding the chessboard being reset with the pieces all moved back into their places like after a successful (for one of them) game or so he's assuming from a distance. As Claude approaches though he can see that's not quite true, though she's made a very valiant effort to put each back where they belong. A slight hm escapes him since that's likely kinder than chuckling as he's tempted to do - and though the noise likely betrays his amusement all the same. ]

If you'd be interested in learning to play I'd be happy to teach you the ins and outs of it all. Not necessarily right now, of course, since it's supposed to be for fun but being put on the spot tends to be anything but.

And - [ with a short pause, to address what feels like the other obvious thing here - ] I don't believe we've met before, unless my memory's failed me?

[bloomly]

( she imagines that this person, whoever they are, must be the lucky owner of this abode--which means that it's his game she just messed up, quickly jerking herself up to her feet as her fingertips drop a piece here and there, pushing them hastily back onto the board. no, it's not a game that she's familiar with, but she imagines there has to be some sort of 'undo' button for it all, like a way to start the game over with all the pieces back where they belong.

her head whips, from him to the board, and she tilts her head at it, thoughtfully. )

...Well, the joke's on you, actually. ( when she looks back over at him, it's with a wry, amused sort of smile, like she's making a show out of knowledge they both likely know she doesn't have. ) I know how to play this game really well. I'm a pro white...piecer...

( or whatever this game is called. with a smile, she gestures to one of the seats. his seats. is she really inviting him to take a seat in his own little piece of horizon? yes, she is. )

Let's play a round. I'll tell you my name if you can win one of my pieces.

( and, with a quick, nervous sort of swallow, she takes a seat on the chair opposite the one she indicated for him. it's not that she's particularly worried about the game, but: this man looks to be someone a little more done up than just a regular citizen, or maybe it's just the effect of his clothes. she looks the same as always, plain and normal; honestly, she prefers it that way. )

Can we change the colors? Of the pieces, I mean, before we play. They're a bit dull.

[godshattering]

[ 'Pro white piecer' makes it rather difficult to restrain a smile which he's doing lest she think it's at her expense, but the gesture for him to be seated following that makes it impossible to hold back. ]

Chess is the usual name for the game, and I can't say I've ever heard pro piecer before but I'm betting it'll take over as a new name for it very soon. [ So much for not teasing her about it a small bit, though he's certain to keep his tone light, all geniality. Still, he'll take the invitation and sit down just in time for yet another surprise. The offer to learn her name in exchange for winning one of the pieces has Claude studying her carefully, unable to keep himself from wondering if she does secretly know how to play chess after all. If not, the tiniest bluff he's been given is one he can also respect. ] And that's quite the wager to go with it. It's hard not to like someone who has that level of confidence in their skills.

As for the colors...

[ Claude trails off and looks down at the standard squares with pieces to match and studies in thought. The pieces aren't back where they belong, not really, though it was a fairly good attempt to straighten them up. And really, she has a point that the pieces are far from exciting to look at. Claude reaches to tap a knight with one finger, transforming the black stone of it and all the other pieces to a dark blue one shot through here and there with lighter and darker blues not unlike agate. At the same time, the pieces out of place slide across the board back to their beginning stations.

Afterwards, he raises an eyebrow while surveying his work. The board does look better now. ]

You're right, they were a little dull before. I have to admit I sometimes miss being able to do things like that outside of the Horizon, but it's probably for the best I can't change things at random. You choose which color you'd like to change the others to for your use.

cadens, before nocwich — open

[godshattering]

[ Much like the Horizon, Claude's here, there, and everywhere around Cadens these days.

Most mornings he's helping merchants balance their books, organizing inventories, or running errands as they request. If he finishes those jobs earlier than planned, then in the afternoons and early evenings he'll be browsing the libraries and museums. In the libraries Claude usually has books on about every topic possible around him, and whether he'll be reading casually in an armchair or jotting notes down at a table that day is anyone's guess. At the museums he tends to browse the exhibits and attend lectures here and there. One might guess it looks like he's gathering information either place, and they'd be right.

When evening rolls around, he's either at a tavern or at Mag's Inn. Probably also in the tavern section when at the inn, where he's still picking up the occasional shift here and there to help out as Mag needs though he's stepped back from that to give their newest arrivals something to do. When he isn't, though, he'll be at a table playing cards, reading, or enjoying some tea. Ale might indicate it was a hard day, but he's never opposed to company. There's always an extra seat or two left there anyone's welcome to slide into whether Claude's met them or not.

Some nights when it's cooler, he's also still out wandering the city. The streets are more familiar now thanks to many nights of doing this, and the circuits he makes around them change night by night but are still pretty reliable without being totally predictable. Where there's musicians performing he'll stop to listen, might head through a market to check out what's for sale, and has been looking for more clothes to expand his wardrobe a little further after the visits to Libertas. He's still adjusting to Abraxas fashion coming from Medieval Times and mostly wears simple trousers, a plain white shirt, and brightly patterned scarves wound around his waist as a sash at this point, so any advice is welcome here. ]

— petra + sylvain

[godshattering]

You'll keep all your memories this time, I swear. [ It's not the first time he's said as much - maybe more like the third, if he's counting accurately - but it feels important to underscore that it's not the same experience as the last trip they made in together. ] Not only that, but you'll remember what you did the last time you were in there. Like what you worked on, if you met anyone, whatever else.

[ They're seated on the floor of the sitting area since it's easier for three people to fit there than scattered about in different chairs or in different rooms. At least in Claude's logic, anyway, and even if they aren't required to be touching this time now that Petra and Sylvain can visit the Horizon as they please. Still, it's a nice little echo back to their introductory trip in. He's keeping it this way too even if it is absolutely a rare bit of sentimentality he's expecting to be called out on.

In the meantime, he glances from one to the other. ]

I tend to show up in my domain first whenever I go in, but I don't really know if that's the case for everyone or if you can treat it like Warp where you point to a spot and say, go there and you do. Or however it works, I've never actually asked Lysithea how she does that since she's only used it on me when I've annoyed her too much.

Anyway, I figured mine would be a good place to start just so I can figure out where yours are relative to it. If you get lost, just look for something that looks like Derdriu. [ A pause where his mind plays that back to himself with a note only one of them would know that that means, and he looks to Sylvain next with a wave of one hand. ] Lots of canals that look more like rivers that serve as the roads, houses right up on them. I'm pretty sure it's the only one like it around but if you wander in somewhere else then I wanna know all about it.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain stretches, looking pretty relaxed beside the other two in the strange little triangle they'd formed. His grin is easy and a hint sardonic as he listens to Claude try to reassure them for... is this the third time now or the fourth? It's oddly endearing, especially when he's not entirely certain what Claude's so nervous about in the first place. ]

Don't worry so much, I'm sure it will be fine. We'll figure it out. And maybe if we're lucky, we won't be far anyway. I mean, you did drop us in there all together last time, right? We just have to meditate and poof! With our memories intact this time, I'm sure we'll be able to get our bearings in no time.

Besides. [ He tips his head towards Petra with a wink, teasing her. ] I'm not sure she knows how to get lost. Can't she just ask a squirrel for directions or something?

[warfed]

[Petra laughs warmly, her hands both resting atop her knees as she sits cross-legged to make up her side of their little triangle. The first visit had been unsettling, at least once they had left and she had remembered enough to be upsetting, but Claude's reassurance had done a great deal to aid. This time, the prospect of entering is all the more exciting for it— she's curious to know what she had gotten herself up to the last time. Memories or no memories, she is absolutely the type to explore given the opportunity.]

It only counts as getting lost if you are willing to be giving up, anyway. Otherwise, it is just finding a new path!

[She tries to shoot Sylvain a rueful look regarding the squirrel comment, but she's too tickled by it and can only smile instead.]

You would do well to pay attention to what animals are having to offer. Squirrels are not very good for directions, however. It is better to ask rabbits.

[She turns her attention to Claude, drawing in a sharp, cleansing breath.]

I am being ready whenever you two are.

[godshattering]

Are you saying you created squirrels in there just because you could?

[ Aimed at Sylvain since... are they about to walk into some kind of squirrel calamity? All he can picture is all the many cats roaming around Garreg Mach but replaced with animals that generally aren't content to just roll around in the sun for their own entertainment. It's the Horizon and anything's possible, and though he's trying to look like that's a concerning proposition it's mostly just amusement, especially when Petra adds rabbits are a better option and even he has to laugh at that. ]

And here I would've thought the best option would be birds. I'll have you both know I'm also keeping back an Alois-level joke about birds to go along with that, so, you're welcome.

[ Claude stretches both arms overhead for a minute like it'll prevent him from getting too stiff during their trip in, then rests his hands on his knees and shuts his eyes. ]

Off we go, then.

[ Easy enough, right? One last slow inhale, and on the exhale the switchover to the Horizon happens. He opens his eyes to find himself standing on the ledge running alongside the canal as usual and turns his face up towards the faux sun briefly. No bird needed, it turns out, as his wyvern chirps from behind him and with a smile he holds out a gloved arm for her to perch on. That's one way of locating Sylvain and Petra, if needed. ]

[philancer]

What, are you saying you didn't? [ Sylvain's just grinning, taking the banter easily. But he does pretend for a moment to give Petra's suggestion some serious thought. ] Nah, rabbits are too shy. I think I'd have much better luck with the squirrels.

[ Antsy to get on with this himself, Sylvain closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, focusing on the meditation Claude had shown them last time when they first left for Horizon. It feels like it comes a little easier this time, even though it's strange to be doing this by himself.

There's a moment of dizziness and then he opens his eyes to... a lush field of green, a familiar stable set nearby, although it faces away from him for the moment towards... ]

Well, I'll be damned.

[ He supposes he shouldn't be surprised to see the looming shape of the Monastery beyond that, but he still sort of is. He pauses, glancing around but there's no one else in sight beyond the paddock he's currently standing in, just a thick lush forest somewhere beyond the far fence. ]

libertas + a cadens option, post nocwich — open

[godshattering]

[ The instant the portals to Libertas open, Claude's there in the first group of Summoned to go. Eventually, he'll volunteer to assist in escorting a supply run when the word gets out about that, but until then? He can be found just about anywhere, but in particular:

1) Assisting with the search and rescue efforts in Libertas. Even when not working on a patrol with one of the hounds assisting with locating survivors, he'll be walking where he can (and where there's slightly less danger if he's on his own) either bringing things requested to other Summoned on their own shifts, serving as a courier of sorts between groups, or just standing and staring at buildings that are in particularly rough shape.

If it's the latter, feel free to interrupt his thoughts. He could probably use it.

2) Working in any of the infirmaries around Libertas. Healing and/or being a healer is only something he's recently started wading into learning more about, so here Claude will be focusing on restocking supplies, tallying inventories of what's on hand versus what's needed, and organizing what he can to better assist those actively providing medical aid. If you're working with patients and need an assistant, just call for him and he'll be there to do whatever you need.

Those Summoned who are only minorly injured from their own missions and just need some basic assistance to get back out with whatever they were working on before are patients he can handle, between cleaning and bandaging wounds to keep them clean and dry or treating with small doses of healing magic. If you need a very quick patching up to get by until you can sit down with a better healer or a doctor, he can help with that.

3) Visiting the orphanages in Libertas or Cadens. With all that's going on - all of it too familiar from the war he'd just lived through, down to children being relocated somewhere else in the midst of it - the orphanages also get special attention from him. Claude can be found there when he isn't in Libertas doing his best to provide what little bit of normalcy he can for them. You might overhear him promise at ones in Cadens that he'll keep visiting even once things settle down. It's a promise he intends to keep.

For now, he can be found reading storybooks to either a child that's climbed onto his lap or a group of them, complete with voices and all kinds of dramatic flair to dress up storytime a bit more when it's his turn on the schedule. If there's a tea party to be had with someone and their beloved stuffed animal, imaginary friend, or etc, he's there as a delighted participant. At some point he also pays for some art supplies for the children to be able to do some small art projects, so. He might also end up covered in paint from helping younger ones and won't be concerned about it as long as the kids are still having a good time.

Regardless of where he is, if you've met Claude before: you'll notice most of his good cheer is considerably dimmed when he's not 'on' for a crowd or someone's benefit, or if he doesn't realize he's not alone. If asked about it, he'll shrug it off or turn the conversation back around on the asker, but - it could be worth trying to ask about. ]

1

[assembles]

[ There's still lots of work to be done, to the point that it almost feels like it will never end. Steve knows that this sort of rebuilding and recovery doesn't happen overnight, and that Libertas will be feeling the scars of this attack for months and years to come. Right now, all they can really do is focus on damage control.

At least he gets to do that much. So many times they had left a place in disarray following yet another cataclysmic fight and it was onto the next thing, with never enough time to breathe and help with the aftermath. Steve appreciates the opportunity to wade into things and offer aid, to use his abilities for what they've always been meant for.

Even outside of the more official work, he's been moving all throughout the most ruined parts of the city, jumping in wherever he sees he might be of assistance. It's getting late into the day now, not quite sunset but close to it, which means that the heat is coming down — but also that most people are too beat from a day of manual labor to keep going. As he walks the ruined streets it feels almost quiet, until he notes a lone figure near a collapsed building at the end of the street.

Through the haze of kicked-up dirt, he realizes that it's Claude and picks up his pace to meet him. As he approaches, he catches that worn-out look of contemplation on the younger man's face. He clears his throat to grab his attention. ]

Has this one been searched yet?

[ The building isn't standing anymore; it's just a piled of scorched debris, essentially. But that doesn't mean there could be someone trapped in there, holding on by a thread. ]

[godshattering]

[ The building - or what was once one - has Claude's full attention once he comes to a halt in front of it. He'd split off from the group he was working with in another former building only a block or two down the street, and is covered in a considerable amount of general grime from being out assisting all day. and has barely noticed the sun starting to set with so much left to do. A never-ending list; there's always somewhere to go and tasks to be completed to do as much as they can. All of it entirely too familiar.

Despite his focus he picks up on footsteps that don't belong to someone on a path to only pass through and calculates the amount of urgency in them, finds there's importance in that measured stride and readies to slip his mask back into place to offer whatever's needed as they clear their throat. Claude turns and when it's Steve who greets him - he finds he feels less compelled to pretend things are fine. ]

No. [ His voice is scratchy from all the dust he's breathed in over the day, and Claude clears it to get by without having to take a drink from the waterskin he's pretty sure needs to be refilled soon anyway, and shakes his head. ] Or if it has been, no one's marked it off as done. I was getting ready to check it but decided it wouldn't be the smartest idea to go in by myself.

[ Absently he rubs the back of one hand across his cheek to scratch an itch, but the action mostly adds another streak of dirt than achieving anything else. Not that it matters since something will fix that but a bath only when it's finally time to call it a day, and as he glances first at the building and then at Steve he thinks he has, perhaps, found someone who isn't willing to call it one just yet. ]

You in the middle of anything right now?

[assembles]

[ All of them are covered in a thin coating of ash by this point. It's sunk into their clothes, smeared itself onto their faces, and there's no getting it off. There's no telling when the next bath will come, but that's extremely low on Steve's list of priorities. He's been caked in grime like this plenty of times before, and he knows Claude has been too.

As soon as he hears the hoarse quality in Claude's voice, Steve hands over his own waterskin. It's half full and he gets the feeling Claude needs it more than he does. For all that Steve looks like he's rolled around in dirt, his posture doesn't betray any exhaustion and his voice is clear as always. He can physically take this kind of thing for a lot longer than the average person, and that's just one of the reasons why he's still out here. ]

It wouldn't have been. [ Steve knows that Claude is a skilled fighter, but as far as he knows, he's still human. He shouldn't be taking on something like this solo. At the question, he's quick to shake his head. ] I've been scouting for spots that have been missed. You ready for this? If you have a mask, you should put it on.

[ Most of the fires have been contained by now, but the air is still filled with ash. The last thing they need is everyone out here ending up with lung problems because they didn't protect themselves. ]

[godshattering]

[ When Steve holds out the waterskin he sees it from the corner of his vision first and turns to first look at it then the other man. There's something in both the gesture and the words following that gives Claude the impression there's no room for argument - a tone he's used several times over himself, from convincing lords his plans weren't mere folly to rallying friends and leading troops. So despite the initial hesitation of a couple seconds, he takes it with no comment besides a half-smile. More similarities from war, he supposes.

The first mouthful of water is used more to rinse dust and worse out of his mouth with a careful swish, and the second is one which finally clears his throat for time being. ]

Never let it be said that for all I like risks that I also take the particularly dumb ones. [ Easier to joke in the face of what things are, to poke fun at his own habits even if Steve doesn't necessarily know those as he hands the waterskin back to its owner. ] I've got the mask at the ready, though. I can't even begin to tell you how helpful these would've been back in Fodlan.

[ For situations like this is the part he lets go unsaid since Claude has the feeling Steve will hear it anyway. The mask clipped to his hip is set on his face obediently and, well. He probably should've kept it on after leaving his last search site since it's much easier to breathe now. With a nod to Steve, Claude steps forward to place a hand tentatively on the scorched frame of the doorway. ]

While standing here I was trying to decide if using some wind to clear some of the ash away would make it easier to search, or worse. What do you think?

[ That the mask doesn't muffle words too badly through whatever way it's been built so the question can be heard clearly is helpful. And if Steve has questions about that clearing part - considering Claude didn't exactly complain - he summons forth an intentionally weaker than usual wind spell with fingertips of one hand glowing, then aims it at their feet for the small gust to shift the dust there back a couple feet in a low-powered demonstration. ]

— geralt (late september)

[godshattering]

[ Since returning from the supply run, Claude's focus riveted itself back on what could be done for Libertas. As much as one man can do, that is, in volunteering to take shifts in all the operations he'd missed while away. Staying on the move means not dwelling on it for too long, means staying distracted. Somewhat predictably, it doesn't take long for him to wear himself back into a mostly concealed frazzled state. When it's eventually suggested to him by his friends that it might be good for him to take a break, at first gently then a bit more forcefully so, well. Claude can't really argue with that.

So it's partially how he's found himself browsing the desert grasslands not far from city borders on foot currently, in search of plants used for medicines like the ones Nadine's taught him. For his own use so as to not waste supplies, just a little something to experiment with assuming that Petra and Sylvain don't object to his growing piles of... everything... around their lodgings, and the weather today is even a bit cooler than normal. No monsters have been sighted so far, fortunately, though Claude's made sure to keep his bow strapped to his back and at the ready. Also along with him is the strangely enchanted satchel which had come into his possession seemingly at random. Quite convenient for cramming samples of different leaves, stems, and flowers first into vials and then into it without having to worry about running out of room, and all the better to catalogue against the mental running list he has.

Lost in thought as he might be while surveying an unknown flowering plant in front of him while absently adjusting his gloves, it's never enough to not be aware of his surroundings. The sound of footsteps approaching makes Claude cast a glance back over his shoulder to assess who or what it is, but when it's a familiar face that he spots a borderline genuine smile appears on his face. ]

I've noticed there's yet to be any statues sent my way in the Horizon or otherwise. But don't think I've let my guard down, just in case.

[ He didn't forget - that or any other part of the conversation. But maybe best to open with that first. ]

[gynvael]

[ Though Geralt's not strayed far, he can't exactly keep Roach cooped up in her stable. She's used to long rides and being outside; even when he remains in the city, he often takes her out. He isn't out here for any other purpose, which means his sword is at his horse's side on her saddle and he's dressed lightly with only a cloak tossed over to keep the dust off. Dust and ash these days. It is, like Claude, an item he's come into possession of at random, though Geralt doesn't realize it. He's just assumed Jaskier purchased it for him, as Jaskier does on occasion.

Lessens the intense heat. He'll hardly complain.

He's stopped to let Roach rest and drink from one of the few pools around. That's when he notices a familiar silhouette nearby. Funny. They've never met in the physical world. Just in the Horizon. He's passed by Claude now and again, of course. He's just not paused to speak to the man. Hadn't much reason to. He hasn't got any intention to do so now, either, but Claude notices him first. When he's addressed, Geralt steps forward. ]

Don't let it keep you up at night. [ Another step. ] I wasn't aware you were an alchemist.

[godshattering]

[ Some part of him would honestly not be surprised if Geralt opted to keep moving, busy as they've all been in different ways. Instead he gets to ponder whether staying up over an impending statue invasion is a joke. And the comment after gets a fleeting smile, one that says he might be trying to not laugh though he doesn't, especially considering he humor in that is known to only him alone. Or, more accurately, something only Claude finds entertaining. ]

You know, I've lost track of how many people have said that to me. At least of those who also know what alchemy is though I can't claim to know much of it myself or to be an alchemist. But I am starting to wonder if the universe is trying to tell me something about missing my true calling.

[ All said lightly like it's yet another joke the two of them are in on. But seriously - Claude really is wondering just a bit. Still, that doesn't explain much of anything about why he's here so he can follow that up with a bit more. 'Bit' being a relative measurement. ]

I've never been good at being idle so this is more a way to keep myself occupied. Or was before Libertas, since now I'd like to make something of it. [ Eventually. For now there's solving puzzles about desert vegetation and what all it can do, so he gestures to the plant before him with one hand. ] You wouldn't happen to know what this one is, would you? I can't seem to locate anything in it about my notes, but mostly I'm interested in whether touching it has any negative effects. The rest of it I can work on later.

[gynvael]

[ Apparently. How often is Claude out here that he's one of a long line of many to say it?

He steps around to examine the plant: white blossoms with an array of spikes like pins. Most of these he's never seen before until this world. Not quite the climate he's used to, the arid grasslands, and though he misses having access to the herbs he's long relied on, the desert isn't absent of useful things. ]

Just don't swallow it. [ He plucks the round brown core that grows alongside the white flowers. Small pods fall from it into his palm. ] Seeds are edible.

[ He's used the flowers for bait before. Works, on occasion. Depends on the creature. As for what Claude's doing if not alchemy? He isn't certain he cares enough to ask, though a mild curiosity lingers. ]

[godshattering]

It's poisonous then, I presume. [ The flowers, petals, leaves: maybe he means all of it in what isn't quite a question and which doesn't supply much clarification as Geralt's response seems to do the same. At first, anyway; Claude watches with undisguised fascination as the flowers are bypassed for that core he'd missed in the cursory plant exam.

It's enough for him to crouch down instead of standing to use a gloved hand to delicately brush aside some stems to reveal more of the cores, glancing back up from that discovery as Geralt shuffles the seeds into view. That's all Claude needs to retrieve one for himself to mimic the motion to study his own set of seeds. Though the plant hadn't seemed familiar, the added description and a closer look at the petals helped place it. ]

Ah, this must be either the same plant or a different variety of it we passed on the way to Solvunn, but it was much closer to the forests. The soldiers mentioned it works as a last resort against starvation if one finds themselves in dire straits. The name they called it is on the tip of my tongue, but I suppose it'd be worth recognizing the ones growing here. Just in case.

[ Still - useful in more ways than one, so Claude retrieves a couple vials from his bag. The seeds go into one by themselves first and then with great care suggesting he may have done this a time or two beyond the desert here, the flower goes into the other. If it is poisonous, that only makes it all the more interesting. ]