abraxaslogs | [open] test your metal

[ Amongst all the fantastical structures and wildly imagined realms that Horizon has to offer, there is a section that looks a little more like an old, dirty city than anything worth admiring. The scape seem to be in a perpetual state of early evening, a distant sun having just set over the horizon with bits of orange still visible. But for the most part the streets are lit by lamps that flicker in and out, illimitation that leaks out from beneath fabricated doorways, and the neon that advertises various faux businesses. But the sign that shines the brightest touts a shapely woman wielding two pistols in a neat cursive reading "Devil May Cry".

It's definitely not a fine establishment.

And truth be told, the inside doesn't look much better than the rest of the city. Hell, if anything it looks like someone hasn't cleaned up the place in years. But this is Horizon. Surely someone wouldn't bother dreaming up a mess? Well, apparently they did. Papers, magazines, old pizza boxes and bottles litter the floor. But, hey, the lights work, so that's what matters.

It's not quiet inside either. In the corner there's an old jukebox that seems to be blasting some sick beats. It's a well-crafted playlist for any connoisseur of metal. If you've similar taste in music or have an excellent sense of humor, the jukebox may let you shuffle through songs or pick something of your own. But if you're Nero (or happen to be close to him), it's possible that only "Cotton-Eyed Joe" will play on repeat. Weird!

Despite the loud music, Dante may be found snoozing away at his desk, feet propped up on the wood and a magazine covering his face as he leans back in his chair. There's no way he's actually sleeping through all the racket, right?

There is a second floor loft and a few doors to the back on the first floor. Upstairs starts out normal enough, but instead of something normal like a bed there is a full convenience store counter where any hungry patron can grab snacks, ice cream, or somehow a full pie of pizza. There's no cashier but a vaguely feminine and flirty laugh will sound if you pick up something to eat.

Downstairs, one of the two doors leads to a gaudy strip club, complete with an overuse of cheap velvet fabrics, low lights, a catwalk and poles on a stage, though the music seems to be the same from what's playing in the lobby. Unfortunately, Dante can also be found here, either lazing back in of the chairs and eating an ice cream sundae with his feet perched up on the stage despite the fact there are no dancers, or...well, he'll be on stage practicing some of his best dance moves. Sorry.

The last door just goes to a bathroom. It's small, it's normal, but the toilet flushes. And if you don't appreciate how special that is then you can hold it. ]

[It's curiosity as much as anything that drives Emet-Selch to check out this particular corner of the Horizon. He is, after all, no stranger to the dingier sorts of places that have tended to crop up in mortal cities. But to find a portion of same recreated in the Horizon itself is.. well. It's not entirely surprising, perhaps. But it is an oddity, and one he figures he might as well check out, if only for the novelty.

As has all too often become the case, he has to alter his size to fit into the building, once he finds it. But for all that he prefers to not have to, it's not any significant difficulty to do so either, and he barely even has to duck under the frame of the door, once he's done.

That said, he cannot claim to be impressed by what he finds inside.]

I suppose it was only to be expected.

[Especially for a run-down looking building in a run-down city.]

[ The sound of heavy metal is almost loud enough to drown out the complaints of any would-be guests. Almost. As it stands Dante is quite proud of his little edge of the world. Because it's his, built up from his own efforts. Sure, maybe the horizon isn't quite the same as the real deal, but it's good enough for him.

The man lounging at his desk, seemingly asleep, suddenly speaks from beneath the magazine that's covering his face. ]

Did I leave the "Open" sign on again?

Had you not intended to?

[It's not - quite - an answer. But it's close enough, perhaps, and if nothing else it's a reasonable suggestion that Emet-Selch had found nothing to bar his entry. (Or at least, not enough that he'd had to resort to anything other than mundane means in order to enter.)

The music, meanwhile, he mostly tolerates. It's loud, yes. But not yet enough so to be truly irritating.]

Well...

[ Dante waves his hand somewhat dismissively and doesn't move the magazine. Definitely not the way to greet potential "customers", if such a thing can exist in this realm. ]

That all depends on who's walking through the door. And, don't take this the wrong way, but you're missing the countenance of a young, enthusiastic, and open-minded woman.

[Fortunately enough, Emet-Selch has spent enough time being similarly dismissive that he isn't particularly bothered by Dante's lack of politeness. To say nothing of the fact that he is quite entirely too old to bother with being offended over something comparatively trivial.]

I should certainly hope so.

[He might not have given much thought to whether his vessels had been male or female, over the long millennia. But this form is his alone, and certainly not one he would expect to be mistaken for anything other than male.]

Though I have my doubts about your success in finding anyone even near that description, should this be your chosen approach.

[ Meeting Nero had been interesting. Interesting in the fact that apparently they have both been operating under the assumption that everything was all peachy kin back home because the other ways there to babysit disaster and also interesting that they avoided each other for months without even trying. Though he guesses that shouldn't be too surprising given the fact that Nero nearly went two whole decades without Dante sniffing him out at first.

But one thing Nero had (woefully) pointed out is that for all the time Dante's spent in the capital of of magical knowledge, the birthplace of summoning as they know it--is...that...

He's got no clue how it works and has made exactly negative progress in finding a way out.

A little blow to the ego. Deserved, but still stings.

He's no stranger to solving deadly puzzles in a large castle, but this place isn't exactly riddled with demons as convenient fodder for dungeon mechanics and the last time he was part of blowing out a window, the kitchen staff didn't want him around for a while. It's a good thing he learned Summon Pizza or he would have starved. Waste away. Been nothing but skin and bones by the time Nero eventually showed up to kick his ass back into gear.

But into gear is exactly where is ass is. Or is trying to be. Dante is actually not being a lazy sob in the baths, lounging about the castle on any available surface, wandering the streets looking like he missed his last bus, or spending what little coin he's managed to get on a sickly sweet and over-priced dessert. Nope, this time Dante is working.

And by working we mean lurking about the halls a bit and pinging his fellow Summoned when they make the mistake of making eye contact with him. They will endure one of the following questions: ]

How interconnected do you think the plumbing in this place is?

[ Or... ]

Do you remember where the whole spooky wizard summoning room was?

[ Or... ]

How deep can a magical well even be?

[ One such Summoned to make the mistake of making eye contact with Dante happens to be Anakin. Thankfully, he's not up to much, on his way to the library to do a bit of reading. So really, this is doing him a favor. Learning magic the academic way is tedious, but given how Yennefer judged his Abraxan magic abilities, it's lit a bit of a fire under his ass to get better at it. He'd assumed his own abilities were sufficient, but he does (begrudgingly) see her point.

It starts innocently enough, with a brief glance upward and a nod of greeting as he passes Dante in the halls. Immediately followed by having to pump the brakes and stop in his tracks.

Do you remember where the whole spooky wizard summoning room was?

Anakin's brow furrows in confusion as he looks back to Dante, then back down the hall. He's really got to stop and puzzle what he means. ]

The... spooky wizard-- are you talking about where we were pulled from? Or is this something different? Because now I'm curious.

[ A studious Summoned turned resident of Thorne would have a good lay of the land, right? Or maybe someone that was just paying better attention than he had at the time. To be fair, it has been months and the Castle is a big place, both inside and out. There are hallways that are off limits where guards and even more studious mages slip in and out. They might as well have a big "Dante, no" sign up top.

So maybe someone else has gotten the slip. Or happened to be around when more of their newfound friends got dragged out. Or maybe there's a volunteer position to mop up in the end? Only one way to find out. ]

Bingo.

[ He gives his fellow Summoned a quick fingerguns for emphasis. ]

The room with the well. I'm guessing no one's seen it since they day they were dragged out of it. Sound about right?

[ Better attention, bored and in need of exploring, stir-crazy.. In the end, does it really matter how one happened to get the lay of the land? The castle is certainly smaller than the Jedi Temple, though there are more areas that are off-limits in this place. He hasn't exactly wanted to test his luck and the hospitality of their hosts. ]

Riiiight. Can't say that I've given it much thought, honestly. [ And why would he? Anakin is perfectly content being in Abraxas. Things are definitely working out way better for him. ]

What's got your interest about it? [ He crosses his arms loosely in front of himself, shifting his weight to one foot. Depending on the answer, it might have his interest, too. ]

[ It's been a bit of a vacation. It's nice--everything's taken care of, you just got to let some mages think they're cool every now and then. Not that he can say as much to Nero if he wants to spare his jaw another meeting with his nephew's fist. But the harrowing weight of responsibility had to come crashing down at some point. And now Dante has to Do Something.

Which is generally less than good for everyone else around him.

Dante pivots so that he can stand next to the other man, clasping his hands behind his back in the posture of a scholar presenting a quandary of great importance. ]

Would you say that, in most cases, you can use the same door to go both in and out of a room?

That's generally how doors work, yeah. Though I'm not sure about calling the summoning room a door. I think it's a little more complicated than that if it can interfere with time.

[ It does raise a good question though, and Ambrose probably has a better idea of what it's classified as and how it works. However.. this isn't really a situation to bring to his attention. But oh, he's curious. Not for himself, anyway. He knows bits and pieces of what will come and he's got no interest in getting himself involved before he's ready.

Anakin is much more interested in living life how he wants, not how things have turned out. And apparently get worse. He gives Dante a critical look, trying to determine how serious he is about his little investigation. He's seen the man loafing around the castle, so it's hard to come to a full conclusion. He needs more information. ]

Why? Interested in going home?

Interdimensional spacetime portal thingy-ma-jig doesn't quite roll of the tongue like "doorway". And "big hole in the ground" undermines it a bit too, wouldn't you say?

[ Dante is absolutely the last person who should be leading this sort of thought experiment soon-to-become-real-experiment. He's more of an action guy than a thinking guy, or he really tries to be. Thinking too hard usually leads to bad things and he's gotten decent results just pushing ahead anyway. Why would that work any differently here?

Anakin asks an understandable question and Dante has to immediately turn it back around-- ]

Don't tell me you aren't?

[ A few people prefer this world, surely. Not every city is all sunshine and rainbows and truth be told, his own world can be a hellhole on a good day. But it's his hellhole and his mess. And damned if there aren't some good people still there too. ]

[ The truth is that Thancred is less commonly in the castle these days compared to when he first arrived. Part of this is simply because he no longer lives there, having relocated into the town alongside Urianger. Part of it is more insidious than that. If he wants to be able to press into the deeper workings of this place and learn what is said behind closed doors, he would rather not be around so often that people take note of him. He would rather not have a routine that can followed or tracked, either.

Therefore, when he runs into Dante, it's more or less by chance. He still comes to the castle's training yard for solo or one-on-one sparring sessions, as there isn't a spot in town that's appropriate to be swinging his blade about. He's on his way there when he happens into Dante's path — when he's stared down with an unexpected intensity.

Of course, the question he's asked by his pizza-summoning friend still feels quite on brand for him. For better or worse.

Thancred comes to a halt in the ornate marble corridor, arms rising to cross over his chest as he sends Dante a wary glance. Why is he asking about the plumbing? He doesn't much like where this line of questioning is going. ]

I can't say I've given it much thought...

[ Hello to you, too. ]

[ So Thancred refuses to be a freeloader? That explains it. Not everyone can so easily walk away from the allure of free food and running water. Dante's a simple man with simple needs.

But Dante has grown a bit too since they last spoke. He's working. Not just lazing around. Sure it may seem like harassing passersby in the hallway, but it's really actually truly very important. ]

And most people haven't.

[ He can understand that plumbing may not seem as important to people who are used to it working all the time. But where there is a hole in the ground with water, there is plumbing. ]

That may be the key, you see. Keep it all part of the day-to-day workings of your average magical castle set-up. But where does it go?

[ It's true, most people don't want to think overly hard on waste disposal or any of the associated logistics. Thancred's relieved that the castle does seem to be equipped to handle all of their bodily waste without much incident, but Dante seems to believe he's onto something here.

As unpleasant as the subject matter might be, Thancred has to admit he's curious to see where Dante's going with this. Even if he's also half-suspecting it to be a waste (har har) of his time. ]

It's either magically disposed of or there's some manner of sewer system. Below the dungeons, I would guess. Why are you so set on this?

[ He wants to know this is going somewhere before he gets too invested. He's only hunting down sewage if there's a compelling reason to do so. ]

[ Dante believes he's onto something, yes. And that's really all that's needed. Whether or not he actually is, he can at least say he was making a concerted effort. And that's got to earn some points where family matters are concerned. ]

Given the fact that magic is the de-facto method for most things around here, I'd say it's a good guess.

[ Or so he hopes. Really, only one way to find out...messy business as this is. ]

What goes in must go out, when it comes to what we do in this castle and how we got here in the first place.

[ See, Thancred? This is big brain plans in the making. ]

[ This is not where Thancred would have expected this conversation to lead, and yet it doesn't seem like he can be certain about much of anything when it comes to how Dante views the world around him.

There's a brief sigh as he reaches a hand up to squeeze the bridge of his nose. ]

Then you believe the method of waste disposal has something to do with the summoning process? Due to the use of water in how we're brought into this world, I assume?

[ It is something that is consistent across all three factions, and he'd noted that when he first arrived. Yet he isn't quite sure that sewage has anything to do with it. He is still curious about how exactly the summoning works, though, which is why he hasn't thrown his hands up and abandoned this conversation outright. ]

Bringing in the good shit while washing away the bad.

[ It's poetic, right? Though really it's more that he assumes medieval plumbing has to do with the same water flow that wells work. Thank god Dante is completely wrong about that, but that's neither here nor there. The idea that going out the same door you came in through isn't too terrible, despite the other connections he's drawing. ]

Granted, I haven't been able to fit down any of the old pots around here. So I think we'll need to go back to the well room.

[ This is quite the theory. Thancred scrubs a hand down his face, half-tempted to just dismiss himself and leave it at that. On the other hand, he doesn't imagine Dante will let him wander away so easily. ]

And what do you plan to do? Jump down into it?

[ He's only going to get roped so far into this, and so he crosses his arms over his chest, settling his gaze on Dante's face. ]

I'm happy to observe from above, but I'm only following you if you find something of worth down there. [ A beat. ] And how do you plan to get back out?

Bingo.

[ Yeah. That's.

That's literally the whole plan.

But it's a plan so Thancred should be pleased about that. Not all of his teammates thikn that far ahead. ]

Don't worry about that, I can manage my way.

[ Air Hikes and the potential of devil trigger are always an option, but he really doesn't want to go into the nuances of demonic powers when he doesn't have to. AKA ever if he can void it. ]

Just know that if I don't come back out I've either made it across the void or drowned.

[ The longest of long sighs follows this explanation. If Dante is convinced that he has the means of getting back out of the well, then so be it. Thancred will see it with his own eyes soon enough, it seems. ]

As long as you don't expect me to jump in after you and save your life...

[ While he says this, if Dante truly did get in danger, he would do something about it. Dante doesn't need to know that, though.

Thancred starts moving down the halls, well aware of where the well they supposedly came out of is located. Dante had come quite close, actually, so they don't have far to go. ]

[ Dante is not at all convinced he has the mans of anything. But he is convinced that he's got to try something, at least for Nero's sake. Having people relying on you makes sitting on your ass feel a little less cozy. ]

Every man for himself, eh?

[ Nah, Thancred doesn't seem like the kind of person to leave him high and dry, but he can take good humor. Besides, he can handle himself.

Moving back down the hallway towards the good old well room though won't be easy. There are areas of the Castle that are communal, residential, and anything goes. But other areas...guards are more present, the higher up mages flitter about. The real goal is getting by them.

When they stop to see a pair of guards standing by a door, Dante steps back to keep behind the corner. ]

Doubt they're just hiding their mother's meatloaf recipe in there.

[ Meatloaf? Does he mean mole loaf? Not that now is the time to ask, when they're around the corner from some guards that appear to be patrolling the area. It is odd that they're keeping an eye on this part of the castle, Thancred will give Dante that much. ]

What's your plan?

[ He keeps his voice low as he speaks up. Stealth is his area of expertise and he imagines he could get by the guards if needed, but he doesn't know if the same could be said for Dante. Then again, it's not like he's seen him in action, though he does strike him as the sort who simply rushes in ready for a fight.

That isn't going to work here, so Thancred watches Dante closely, anticipating his next move. ]

[ Let's be honest--stealth is not at all Dante's forte by any stretch of the imagination. This is why he needs a partner because his normal method of blow up monsters and crash through walls until something shakes out isn't really the right way to handle things this time around.

But he's trying, that much can be said. Dante rubs the stubble on his chin as he eyes the guards up and down. ]

Maybe a little "razzle dazzle" will distract them. Think you can slip by to see where that door goes if I create a distraction?

[ Being noisy and hard to miss is something Dante is very good at. ]

[ That's the idea, then, is it? This is the sort of plan that Thancred can support, as it's one that he's carried out more times than he could count. The other Scions are quite good at being distracting in most cases.

He can't say he knows what "razzle dazzle" is, exactly, but he is fully confident that Dante can claim the attention of every guard between them and the door in question. ]

You could say that's my area of expertise. I will not disappoint, if you can hold up your side of the bargain.

[ He reaches out then, giving Dante a firm pat on the back. He'll have to take the lead here. ]

[ Dante has no real plans for Nocwich--his last trip was something of a doozy, albeit a necessary mess to walk into. But the fact is simply that in Thorne you don't get to travel often outside the castle city so a little fieldtrip anywhere else is an opportunity to jump on. Besides, the vibes going on in Nocwich are much more Dante's style. These Luna are just the down to earth and hairy sort you can get along with.

(Should he have given Nero a heads up he'd be out and about? Maybe. Probably. Is the type to do it? Absolutely not.)

So Dante strolls the stalls of the market, hands shoved into the pockets of his surprisingly well-made slacks thanks to the funding of Thorne's Summoned, when he spots a familiar figure. Ish. Familiar-ish--where's he seen this guy before? Those ears are hard to forget.

Being the friendly guy that he is, Dante slides up next to the tall man to take a look and see what he's ordering at this particular food stall. ]

What's on tap, my good friend?

Edited 2022-11-22 17:33 (UTC)

( Urianger would be the first to confess he's growing fond of Nocwich, not least because the market stalls offer curiosities the likes of which very much appeal to mind such as his. During his last visit he hadn't been especially successful — that Stephen fellow had thrown him off somewhat — but this time he appears to be in the minority of mages keeping an eye out for arcane-looking trinkets.

All in all it's been a pleasant afternoon, and Urianger has a nonedescript purchase wrapped in brown paper tucked into the crook of his left arm. With his right hand he's receiving a cup of something warm enough to steam — not to mention sweet enough that the scent alone was enough to draw him to the stall. It's at that moment when a voice at his side draws his attention away from the vendor—

Where it lands on what actually seems to be a vaguely familiar face. Urianger looks to his cider, then back to the man before inticatin the drink with a slight tilt of the cup: )

'Tis a mulled cider, pressed from hand-picked apples and sweetened with orangeblossom honey.

( But he's distracted enough by trying to place the man that he trails off in thought, before catching himself moments before the moment can become awkward. Phew. )

Forgive me — thy countenance is most familiar ...

( And just like that, Urianger finds himself thrown back into a memory of a steaming bath, a monster rising from the deep, and an extremely naked man standing in his personal space. His eyebrows jump up towards his hairline in a moment of shock: )

... The baths of Castle Thorne, if I am not mistaken?

[ That description sounds pretty tasty. Having something of a sweet tooth himself, Dante is definitely enticed. He whistles with a slow nod, jiggly the few stray coins he has left in his pocket. It's a quick decision on his part. Dante removes his hand and taps the counter, laying down a coin with a twitch of his lip. ]

Sounds like a treat if I've heard one. Barkeep, one more my good fellow.

[ He deserves a treat. Of course he does!

While he waits for his drink, he leans against the counter and turns his attention back to his new companion. Ah, so he strikes a familiar face too? Then Dante isn't going crazy. The mention of the baths doesn't lead much, however. He strokes his chin in thought. ]

I do like to spend time there, yeah. Nothing quite like winding down in a nice bath after a long day...

[ Dante you don't work.

--Hold up. He gets it! Dante snaps and points as is polite. ]

Ah! The new guy, right?

[ That was months ago. ]

( The problem here is that Urianger also likes to wind down in a nice bath after a long day (he does work), however since that little run-in he's been much more hesitant about visiting the communal baths. That isn't to say he's been avoiding them entirely — gods no — but he may be more of a familiar face around that part of the castle if he weren't being so mindful of deep-bath dwellers.

The new guy, right?

Revelation confirmed, Urianger's expression shifts to grimly amused acceptance. A polite smile touches the corners of his lips as he inclines his head in acknowledgement: )

Aye — the very same, although I would no longer count myself among the newly arrived.

( Of all the Scions Urianger is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the more adaptable, and has a knack for settling into a new position, role, or realm with relative ease. )

How fortuitous that we have been granted a second chance at a first meeting.

( His tone is somewhere between wry and earnest: he's pleased with his little joke, but he's evidently quite genuine in appreciating the do-over that this chance meeting has afforded them. One hand moves to rest against the centre of his breast: )

Urianger Augurelt. 'Tis a pleasure to make thine acquaintance on less startling terms, Master ... ?

[ The fact that Dante may have scarred a man from indulging in the free shared bath water doesn't even cross his mind. After all, he's had much more terrible first impressions. Barely a blip on the radar in comparison, really. If anything, Dante was on better behavior than usual. Urianger is a lucky guy. ]

Ah, right. We've both got pants on this time.

[ The bartender does give pause at that remark. If Dante notices he doesn't seem to care.

He's about to go in for a shake but the little bow and, really, the whole elf-man's countenance does seem like it should come out of some fantasy novel from nearly a century prior. But he can dig it. Despite his own tendency towards the casual, he does a fine job of mimicking the gesture with it somehow not being a mockery. ]

Just "Dante" will do. Even my demons don't call me "Master".

[ It's a joke. Because he's a funny guy, Urianger! You'll see.

He straightens just in time for his own mug of cider to be set out. Dante doesn't waste a second. ]

So, Mister Urianger Augurelt-- [ That's so painfully French. ] --how have you been getting on these past few months?

( If the tips of Urianger's ears flush a little pink at Dante's offhand pants comment he does his best not to acknowledge it, choosing instead to clear his throat softly as he takes another (deeper) sip of his drink. Still, the other man seems happy enough to breeze past it — and to breeze past a conspicuous comment about demons that immediately tugs at Urianger's interest.

A saying from the man's homeland, perhaps? He tucks it away for later. )

If thy preference is simply "Dante", then I am simply Urianger.

( He replies, wrapping both hands around his cup for the simple pleasure of warming his fingers through. There's a beat of silence as he cocks his head in consideration of his answer: )

These moons since mine arrival hath not been without their travails, to be sure. 'Twould surprise me greatly to find thee ignorant of the difficulties we hath endured of late.

( One hand uncurls from around the cup to make an raceful gesture towards the market: how about a walk and talk, Dante? There's plenty to see (and indeed, to purchase!) while they enjoy their drinks. )

However, I consider myself fortunate in having the company of two companions from mine own Star; dear friends both, and equally brilliant. Their presence brings me great comfort.

( Urianger's polite smile softens just a little. )

And thyself? How farest thou?

Edited 2022-11-27 01:59 (UTC)

[ Appreciative of the agreement on informalities, Dante raises his mug in a mock toast before taking a sip.

It's a good thing Dante is the cultured guy that he is or else he'd find the way Urianger continues on to be a little odd. Okay, it is odd and he has vague recollection of something similar back in the baths, but that had been a lot more flustered fumbling than Shakespeare.

The urge to mimic these speech patterns is growing by the minute. ]

Oh, I read the news. Headlines, mostly. It would be nice if they printed some good news for once, wouldn't it?

[ He's up to date. He doesn't like getting involved if he doesn't have to, but with the way things are going...

Dante shrugs and rolls a shoulder. ]

Friends from home? You are a lucky guy.

[ Does he want to go into the whole Nero thing? Nope. Not at all. They're on okay terms, as much as they can be given the circumstances, but after their little reunion he doubts Nero would take too kindly on Dante singing his praises (or something) to others. ]

Ah...I am, quite tragically, ever at the mercy of this land's greatest malady--...boredom. But that's what makes a little weekend getaway a well-deserved break.

( Urianger inclines his head in agreement: he is lucky to have found Thancred and Himeka already here upon his arrival in Abraxas, and he's grateful that the Twelve saw fit not to leave him unmoored and alone. He'd have made the best of it, of course, and likely thrown himself into his research either way, but it is a comfort to know they're both within reach.

... Relatively speaking in Himeka's case, but it still counts. )

Boredom?

( He takes a moment to look Dante over, one eyebrow raised just a fraction as amusement settles at the corners of his lips. The man is built like Thancred — like Thancred but taller — and even if he isn't a warrior, Urianger suspects that he'd be able to find work with relative ease. Who doesn't need a big strong man around the place? Even Urianger can see the benefit: his books won't carry themselves! )

Surely a man of thy stature and vigour could find work within the walls of Thorne?

( ... Look, Urianger's sense of humour is horrible (and also a little too subtle), as if Dante doesn't realise he's being good-naturedly teased? That's very fair. He continues on: )

I prithee, let me enquire on thy behalf. Thou shalt be freed from the clutches of boredom 'ere the next moon.

Edited 2022-12-18 21:55 (UTC)

[ Good-natured is definitely the vibe that he's getting and Dante likes to believe he's a decent judge of character. (Citation needed.) But there is a problem with all of this--Dante likes to work, sometimes, mostly on his own terms and usually for a nominal fee that usually ends up being waved or taken by his business partner(s).

But hey, he'll take the compliments. He'll even do a little flex with his free arm like he's inspecting his own biceps for said vigor. ]

I may take you up on that, my friend. If you can find something that's a step above dusting off bookshelves or escorting migrating rabbits.

[ Though the latter did end up being eventful in ways he couldn't have predicted. ]

These old bones could use a little action every now and again.

( The flex is noted, as is Dante's easy acceptance of more work, and so Uringer files his willingness away in the back of his mind on the off-chance he needs assistance at some point in the future. Thancred has his own goals and his own missions that occasionally take him away from the city, and Urianger knows too well that having back-up on hand is never a bad thing. )

I feel there must be quite a tale to accompany thy mention of escorting migrating rabbits.

( He replies, the tail-end of an eyebrow lifting a little way. Rabbits, Loporrits, and Viera are all very different species, and yet ... )

Based solely on mine own experiences with such creatures, of course.

( And in this he definitnely means the Loporrits, but he presses on all the same: )

As for putting thy bones to action: mine abilities lean towards those of the healing arts, and there hath been occasions in which I hath much benefited from the aid of a more resilient companion. If thou art amenable to the idea, I should happily furnish thee with coin in exchange for thy assistance in more complicated matters.

Edited (IGNORE ME AND MY HATHS) 2022-12-23 11:49 (UTC)

[ Dante, of course, is assuming Urianger is referring to the whole bunny-moth debacle that happened a few months back. He assumes that those things were all over the place and not just Thorne considering how wide-spread they were, but who knows. Maybe they're popping up out of the woodwork. A few stray dust bunnies they didn't manage to clean out. ]

Not too much to say, really. Little guys though the kitchen was a good place to grab a snack and decided to bring their friends, their friends' friends, their mother, and half the county with them.

[ A rabbit month stampede, if you will. ]

You had a bit of a time with them to, eh?

[ Dante doesn't believe in moon bunnies but he could be convinced otherwise.

But hey, getting paid? Getting paid is something that doesn't happen very often. And while the need for coin with the whole arrangement in Thorne isn't really as pressing, Dante won't turn it down. ]

I think we can come to an agreement, my good sir. My bones are at your disposal.

[open] test your metal

horizon; OPEN

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thorne; OPEN

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for urianger; CLOSED

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gmail ate this but i FOUND IT