you couldn't afford me (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
for8000amonth) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crescentview2022-12-10 01:58 am
for8000amonth) wrote in crescentview2022-12-10 01:58 am
| you put a fever inside me
▶ WHO: Adelis and you!
▶ WHAT: December open/Catch-all
▶ WHEN: Until January
▶ WHERE: All over
▶ WARNINGS: TBA
≫ The Hands-on Approach
[ he was hoping he'd be able to put off dealing with it for longer, but life is never kind, as he's come to learn the hard way. he's put a decent effort into the fields thus far, but as the days went on, it became harder to stand outside for long periods of time...especially under the blasted sun, which still made his eyes throb in pain. even it's warmth can't chase off the ice cold beneath his skin, which drains the color from adelis' features and leaving him pale as a ghost.
finally, he can't take it anymore. his pride be damned, he can't stand being nearly utterly useless. so he shoves that stupid card in his pocket, laces up his heels and attempts to make himself look presentable, and locks the door behind him on the way out.
maybe you're a neighbour, who's farm happens to be not too far. maybe you're passing by on errands, to and from town. or maybe you run into him in town itself, gaze latching onto the first tolerable(?) person to pass his vision. ]
...Pardon me.
[ he looks, well...not good. he's abnormally pale, circles dark under his eyes. while adelis holds himself up high, back straight and gaze sharp, there's an exhaustion clinging to his limbs that's easy to note. ]
I require your...assistance with something, if you've a moment to spare.
[ he's trying really hard to make it look like this isn't paining him to ask. ]
≫ Overdue
[ while not the sort you'd think to frequent the library, should you enter one day, you'll happen to see him with a rather tidy stack right next to him. the titles vary, all from various genres and tip sections, but judging by the scowl on his face, he's not having a particularly swell time.
there's an exasperated noise as he drops the one he was currently holding beside him, closed, with a soft thunk. ]
Useless. [ he isn't shouting it, but he isn't particularly keeping quiet, either, as he grumbles to himself. ] This would be far easier if I could parse half the bloody words they were using. 'Simple' my arse.
[ maybe he needs a dictionary. ]
≫ Wildcard
> want something in particular? want to fill out some bingo? shoot me a pm or dm and i'll write something asap.
▶ WHAT: December open/Catch-all
▶ WHEN: Until January
▶ WHERE: All over
▶ WARNINGS: TBA
≫ The Hands-on Approach
[ he was hoping he'd be able to put off dealing with it for longer, but life is never kind, as he's come to learn the hard way. he's put a decent effort into the fields thus far, but as the days went on, it became harder to stand outside for long periods of time...especially under the blasted sun, which still made his eyes throb in pain. even it's warmth can't chase off the ice cold beneath his skin, which drains the color from adelis' features and leaving him pale as a ghost.
finally, he can't take it anymore. his pride be damned, he can't stand being nearly utterly useless. so he shoves that stupid card in his pocket, laces up his heels and attempts to make himself look presentable, and locks the door behind him on the way out.
maybe you're a neighbour, who's farm happens to be not too far. maybe you're passing by on errands, to and from town. or maybe you run into him in town itself, gaze latching onto the first tolerable(?) person to pass his vision. ]
...Pardon me.
[ he looks, well...not good. he's abnormally pale, circles dark under his eyes. while adelis holds himself up high, back straight and gaze sharp, there's an exhaustion clinging to his limbs that's easy to note. ]
I require your...assistance with something, if you've a moment to spare.
[ he's trying really hard to make it look like this isn't paining him to ask. ]
≫ Overdue
[ while not the sort you'd think to frequent the library, should you enter one day, you'll happen to see him with a rather tidy stack right next to him. the titles vary, all from various genres and tip sections, but judging by the scowl on his face, he's not having a particularly swell time.
there's an exasperated noise as he drops the one he was currently holding beside him, closed, with a soft thunk. ]
Useless. [ he isn't shouting it, but he isn't particularly keeping quiet, either, as he grumbles to himself. ] This would be far easier if I could parse half the bloody words they were using. 'Simple' my arse.
[ maybe he needs a dictionary. ]
≫ Wildcard
> want something in particular? want to fill out some bingo? shoot me a pm or dm and i'll write something asap.
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[ it's matter-of-fact and yet sarcastic, but he's fully aware he's not the only one here lost- he's spoken to a few of them, which would explain why he's still in the dark. 'better than this place', though....he files that away for later.
there's a beat before he approaches a few steps with the click of heels, leaning over with his arms crossed to properly examine what he's being shown....and as expected, by the scrunch of his brow, it doesn't ring any bells. ]
...So they're for communication. Like a sending stone? [ not that he has much experience with those, considering how rare and scarce they are within the borders, but at least that's something he knows. ] You're referring to the things with the strange curled wires. I've yet to bother with even touching them.
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Someone who's not part of the society I'm used to. [ A beat, and a little more grudgingly, because this hasn't stopped being weird yet: ] Or from earth.
[ Which makes explaining a little more tricky, but he's gotten some practice. His brow furrows too as he tucks the phone safely away again. ]
A sending stone? That some kind of magic? If it's for talking, then... close enough. That's all you can use those old models for. You need the number for whoever you want to call, because it doesn't remember it for you. [ If he'd ever used one in his life before the memory loss, it would be very convenient to be able to recall that now. Well, how complicated could it be? ]
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that last one earns a strange look- like, earth? that's the thing below their feet? the dirt? if that's a place, it's a hell of a strange thing to name it. ]
It's a pair of enchanted stones that would allow you to speak to someone curtly over a long distance. They're magical in nature, however, so they're difficult to find or make, and horrifically expensive.
[ just the thought nearly makes him grimace, but he catches it in time to simply press his lips into a thin line instead. ]
Like a...code of some kind I have to enter? [ secure, at least? at least his memory is good, so that wouldn't be a problem. ] Well, as long as it costs me nothing, I suppose it can have it's uses...
[ it doesn't quite rub the confusion off his face, since he's thinking of a certain slot on his bingo card. how the fuck does that even work... ]
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Good phones aren't cheap either. I guess at least stones would be harder to break...
[ And wouldn't that be nice, when he's getting in brawls or jumping into the ocean from planes on the regular. He gives a little amused snort at the sheer disapproval this short stranger is radiating at everything. ]
Yeah. They're in those papers the goddess handed out the first day. ...She's probably paying for them, I guess? [ He has no idea how that works, actually. ] Where'd that come up in those books anyway?
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That certainly figures. And anything is possible, if you're an imbecile.
[ he's unfortunate enough to know plenty of people who could do that, and would, knowing his track record thus far. M-21 gets eyeballed at that snort, but he doesn't comment, despite the pinch of his features. yes, he is fully aware he's a thousand miles out of his element, thank you. he's allowed to be pissy. ]
She had better be, as I'm not giving a single copper for something I didn't ask for. [ he's not going to stop being a stingy bastard just because he's been robbed. adelis holds up the small book, something that looks like an island guide? the information is rather basic. ] It was a passing mention, with a few things about 'phone contact' and what not. Really, I was looking for explanations to figure out what the hell is on this piece of shite bingo card.
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Sometimes... there are circumstances.
[ He has no idea who he's aligning himself in solidarity with, but they're valid. Probably. ]
Ah... yeah. If the goddess really wanted them done, she should've put explanations in those papers too. Couldn't've been that hard. [ But he's been precautionarily curbing his trashtalking tendencies, so. He coughs into his fist and lets go of the impulse to expand on that. ] Show me yours. I know some of them.
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If you're dragging expensive material like that places and don't take precautions, then it's likely your fault something happened to it.
[ he is speaking from experience. not his own, of course.
well, back to the important things. he can curb his own trashtalking tendencies if he wants to, but adelis sure won't- he's far less scared of a goddess than he is of the court. ]
I've already come to the conclusion she derives enjoyment from seeing us flounder. [ it's rather noncommittal as he pops the clasp on his leg pouch and pulls out a neatly folded card, finally holding it out for the other to take. ] Here. If I can finally get a damned explanation, by all means.
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[ The concentrated judgment in that gaze is honestly kind of impressive. M-21 twitches, but opts to ignore it, instead reaching over to accept Adelis' card. ]
She might've picked some of the things on here deliberately.
[ That's about as neutral as he can be about it. He's not scared of the goddess, thanks. But he's not looking for death by cow, either. ...Or death by embarrassment explaining one of these damn bingo cards. His gaze skips over the "VCR and chill," up to Adelis' face again, and back down. ]
Never heard of a paddleboat. Twister... that's a board game. Should be able to pick up a copy in the store here.
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[ well, look who's got nerves of steel. he resists the urge to snort, but simply shakes his head, instead. ]
Wonderful. As if I didn't get mocked enough already.
[ one day, he's going to get smited, and he will regret none of it. for now, however, he merely scrutinizes M-21 as he pores over the card, although he catches that upwards glance and returns it with a suspicious one of his own. what are you trying to hide over there. ]
Has nobody on this hellsforsaken island heard of it...I might as well just strike it as a lost cause. [ probably for the better. ] I detest the idea of having to spend my money to bow to her whims, but I suppose if it isn't degrading in any way....
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Goddess has that kind of humor.
[ Just no smiting near M-21, who's already caused enough collateral damage himself. He makes a noncommittal noise and skims over the card desperately for anything else he can recognize that isn't (smut). ]
You could probably ask the locals about the paddleboats. ...Happy hour. [ And his eyes narrow a tiny bit in amusement, because it's not like he hasn't noticed a pattern: ] That's for cheap drinks and food. I have that one, too. Want to fill out one of these? I'll buy.
[ He needs at least one drink before he explains "VCR and chill" to the best of his poor ability. ]
no subject
[ he's had enough of magical women with terrible humor thus far. he knows far too many for his personal comfort.
adelis is watching the other man intently as he goes over the card again, arms crossed across his chest, already aware he's likely skipping something... but perhaps he's simply the shy sort. a bit amusing for a man that man and intimidating looking, but we all can't be tentatively innocent, can we. ]
When the need arises, I suppose. [ the locals are a bit too peppy for his taste, but he'll get used to it eventually.
the last one, however, finally piques his interest. somewhat. it's certainly easier than half the options, and he wouldn't mind a drink after all that worthless reading...there's a moment of deliberation, and then he holds out his hand for his card back. ]
Very well, since you're offering. I'm in no position to refuse.
no subject
[ And if he made nice with the goddess, maybe he could ask her for internet... Yeah, right. M-21 makes to check his phone for the time, a habit he still hasn't broken yet, and gives an exasperated grunt before pushing it back into his pocket again. ]
You could, pretty easily. [ The flicker of deadpan amusement in the words is blink-and-you-miss it. ] But it'd be a waste. It should be about the right time for it now, anyway.
[ And maybe M-21 will regret this if it turns out Adelis can drink a lot more than his size implies, but it seems like a fine deal for him too. One more square down in the bargain, which is more useful than the research he came here for in the first place. He turns to head for the door, glancing back to make sure Adelis is actually following. ]
no subject
[ is that a little ominous? maybe. don't worry about it. adelis quirks a brow at the weird little phone box in m-21's hand, but opts not to comment. keep your secrets, tall man. ]
I could, yes. But if it means I can finish this and spend nary a copper, then by all means.
[ luckily, it's been a while since he's last had some contact with someone, so he's relatively cold and probably not very capable of holding his liquor as well as he usually could. not that the other needs to know that, mind you- he'll instead leave the stacks behind and trail after, grimacing lightly as if bracing himself for the bright light outside once more. ]
A drink will be far better than attempting to make sense of all this nonsense, anyway.
no subject
Suits me. Money is cheap, compared to the benefits from the cards.
[ The adjustment of the light makes M-21 blink a little, but the only thing his senses are fine-tuned for is things that try to kill him. It doesn't take him more than a moment to recover; plenty of time to catch sight of that grimace and give a little snort of amusement. ]
If you've been in there that long, you need a drink regardless.
[ Definitely the reason he'd have trouble adjusting to the sun, right? The inn isn't too far--well, nothing is too far in such a small town. M-21 shortens his strides just a little to make sure Adelis can keep up. ]
no subject
'money is cheap' he says. he could not possibly disagree more, but he does little else besides roll his eyes at that. money makes the world go 'round, actually, but that's the poverty in him speaking. ]
I haven't been in there all day, if that's what you're assuming. Forgive me for having yet to adjust to the sun I've never seen before my arrival.
[ he doesn't hold back on the sarcasm- he's actually a rather efficient reader, so it hasn't been too long, it's just...well, the obvious. he gives a dismissive wave of the hand, after just casually dropping that into the conversation. ]
But you're not incorrect on the assumption I need one, either.
no subject
[ Completely deadpan. If Adelis rolls his eyes a little harder, it might actually reach all the way up where M-21 is...
At least 'some people are from other planets which may or may not suck' is something M-21 has started to absorb and internalize already. That still warrants a little quirk of an eyebrow, though. ]
What is it this time? Your planet has four suns so you live underground, or something?
[ No, he's not over Asuka's double suns yet. He eyes Adelis again curiously. Maybe he is kind of pale, now that he mentions it. Kind of vampire-adjacent, even though M-21 wouldn't be able to explain why the vampires in his world are so pale when they can go outside just fine. ]
no subject
There's a snort at the question, although he's mildly surprised he took that better than most have so far. He sounds rather tired of it, in fact, so perhaps there's more people here than himself and Kaspar struggling in the light of day than he originally thought. ]
Hah. Four? Wouldn't that just be a bloody nightmare. [ Just one was enough to hurt his eyes day one, god forbid he ever have to see more than that. ] There isn't even one. Where I hail from, we live under the perpetual night.
[ The Moonrise, the Halfmoon, the Dead Night...quite different from things like 'afternoon' and 'dawn'. He catches that look, and gives M-21 a suspicious squint. ]
Keep staring and I'll charge you a fee.
no subject
[ Not that he could give a concrete reason for that. It feels like it should be true, though... which he can already estimate Adelis would have an appropriately caustic response to. There's a distinct resemblance to another glasses-wearer in M-21's acquaintance.
He looks away with a snort as he shoulders the door to the inn open for them and nods for Adelis to go in. He's not staring! He's just curious. Having just been chided doesn't actually stop him from looking back again as he tries to gauge Adelis' movements. Not that that's much to go on when he looks plenty human himself until a fight starts. ]
What, another drink? I'm buying anyway.
no subject
Well, we certainly never have. And perhaps they are myths to you, but unfortunately, Kindred are no such thing where I come from.
[ Caustic indeed. He's probably misunderstanding, but the topic seems to leave him particularly sour. Myths...can you fucking imagine? He wishes they were myths.
Now he really needs that drink, and he's even more grateful he's not the one paying for it. If this puts a sizable dent in M-21's wallet, he'll consider the scales balanced. Maybe. ]
I prefer money. [ Deadpan. ] But I suppose I'll make do with this.
[ He looks around after they enter, since he's never actually been in here before- it's...cleaner than most taverns he's been in, he'll give it that. He doesn't know what the glowing machine in the corner is, though, and he's not going to ask. He'll just pick the most secluded-looking table, because he doesn't feel like being too cozy with anyone else besides this one for the moment. ]
no subject
I've already got a tab here. Since you're settling, order whatever.
[ ...Although he might protest if 'whatever' gets a little overboard. He props his chin in his hand as he flicks a reflexive glance around the bar, but there's no one else nearby anyway. Good table choice. And not too near the karaoke machine, which M-21 would prefer to avoid like the plague. ]
So what are Kindred?
[ So much for waiting until Adelis is maybe placated with alcohol first. Patience never was exactly his strong suit. ]
no subject
Whiskey, then.
[ The strong stuff is better, anyway.
He pushes the menu away from him, like it offends his eyes in some way, before letting his gaze snap back at the question. No patience, indeed, although Adelis quirks his brow with a scoff. ]
And yet you answered your question already. [ Obviously. He impatiently taps a gloved finger on the table. ] Kindred. Nightwalkers. Vampires. Many different names for a parasite.
no subject
Got it.
[ He leans over to order for both of them — he's got no objection to the whiskey, and maybe just enough unwise hubris to feel like he needs to keep up with Adelis. He lifts his eyebrows a little at that scoff. ]
Yeah, but I said they were a myth. [ Not quite what he said, but it'll do. One corner of his mouth twitches up slightly. ] I mean what are yours like? Blood drinking and shadows kind?
no subject
He'll let M-21 do the work, since he is paying, and doesn't bat an eye at his similar choice. We'll see how well he can hold that, even if Adelis' own constitution isn't what it used to be. ]
And I said you were full of shite. [ Not in the same words, but the feeling was there. It comes off blank, leaning his arm on the table as he stares back with about as unimpressed an expression as a man can muster. ] But yes. Blood drinking is their usual staple. Shadows, however, depend on the Vampire in question. They're all painfully dangerous creatures, regardless.
[ Considering his last encounter with one was of the shadow variety, amongst other things...but he'd rather not think about that, for a few reasons. ]
no subject
He shoots Adelis a little smirk for that insult — was it an insult? He was, after all, full of shite. Maybe it's just a very blunt observation. ]
Something like that, we'd call an Infected. They can't even think anymore. All they care about is killing anything they can get blood from.
[ It's sinking in that he could say almost anything about his own world, and someone from a strange sunless society won't even know it's weird. Kind of freeing, actually. The whiskey arrives and M-21 pushes Adelis' glass over to him helpfully. ]
Sun's not a bad trade for getting away from that. Cheers.
no subject
And maybe it is, maybe it isn't. The smirk isn't returned, Adelis leaning back in his chair to cross his arms across his chest. For a guy who hesitates when explaining the simple things, he sure does like to be a bit smug, doesn't he? ]
Sounds much akin to vampire spawn. Vampires themselves are intelligent and cunning, but their victims, should they be left alone, become little more than ravenous parasites under their master's control...should they bother with them anymore, that is.
[ You learn a lot living under the thumb of undead masters, as it were- you learn what to avoid, what not to say where people can hear it, how to watch your back, how to lock your doors and never leave when the Dead Night rises....among other things.
The clink of a glass is a welcoming distraction, and he takes the offered one without a fuss. ]
I'll hardly argue with that, despite my grievances.
[ Cheers, bro. With that, he proceeds to take a hefty sip from the glass. There's a moment of deliberation as he stares at the liquid for a hot minute, before he acquiesces. ]
...Better than I expected it to be. Then again, I suppose it's not hard to be better than the piss they sell in most taverns.
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