logs | (Open) So say a prayer as the light leaves your eyes

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(Open) So say a prayer as the light leaves your eyes

WHO: Cedrik Reede, open to all
WHERE: Stygia, the Barrens
WHEN: Month of October
WHAT: ‘Chaotic Respite’ event plus catch-all
WARNINGS: Violence expected, will edit as needed

For Felix (pre-event)

[ The time it took for Cedrik to locate and then reach the Barrens did surprisingly little to cool his temper. His Shadow was just thrilled with his decision to challenge a stranger to a duel. A part of him knew that that had to mean he was making a mistake, but he couldn’t back down. It would mean letting Felix be right, and if he was right, the Shadow was right as well.

It was a matter of principle for Cedrik now, whether Felix knew or even cared.

Finding a ruin devoid of guards, Cedrik scaled rubble that had once been a wall towards a sloping roof. The ground was unsteady but it got him high enough to look above the various twists and turns and spot anyone coming or already waiting for him. Felix had told him the ruins of the Barrens…but it’s a rather big place. ]

For Joonghyuk (Feast)

[ Once the crisis in the Oakwoods had been dealt with, Cedrik was anticipating a chance to rest. In the end it turned out alright, but the scale of it only further cemented the idea in Cedrik’s mind: Stygia needed an adventurers’ guild. His plan for the days that followed was to finalize the tenets of the guild and find a location… Instead, upon his return, Stygia was undergoing a minor transformation. Banners and decorations were being put up in the streets, stalls were being built and stocked with food. A festival was upon them.

Planning could wait, Cedrik decided.

Offering help to various other Restless, Cedrik helped the preparations and earned enough to barter for a few of the treats on display. Though there was one that caught his immediate and morbid curiosity. ]

It smells like that batch has gone off…

That, young man, is Elysium! And no one in Stygia makes a finer brew than me! The fouler it tastes, the better it works!

[ His lips quirked in a smile, letting the ‘young’ comment go without correction. The older Restless manning the booth chuckled to himself, pouring a mug of what looked to be sludge and setting it down before Cedrik. ]

It’s free…if you can finish it.

…all in one go, I assume?

That’s right, no delicate sips allow--hey!

[ Cedrik already had the mug in hand, nose wrinkling as he brought it to his lips. It smelled absolutely horrific…but the challenge wouldn’t go unanswered. Heedless of anyone else watching, the viera started to chug. ]

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[ All Saints' Wake is here in Stygia now, though Joonghyuk knows Halloween more for costume parties than anything with harvest or candy. He knows the holiday is celebrated differently in other places, worlds, but that doesn't mean he's more inclined to try any of the goodies available. ESPECIALLY, if they aren't free. They only get a disinterested glance.

The stench of Elysium has him inwardly turning up his nose, but he doesn't react more than with a short strain of his eyes. A teeny squint of dislike cats do when they catch a disagreeable whiff. It's only when he sees Cedrik start chugging the concoction does his eyes widen, owlish, nonplussed, and disturbed.

Hello??? ]

[ Gods, but it's horrid. He tasted Old Sharlayan's original panaloaf and survived, how could it be worse than that? Now Cedrik understands: he was a fool and must suffer for his hubris. The honeyed worms of Mord Souq were as ambrosia in comparison, and the protein in those made him physically ill. It coats his tongue and sicks in his throat, where each swallow makes him question the futility of life--or afterlife--with more doubt than he'd felt in Ultima Thule.

There are chunks.

Even the Restless who served him looks concerned. Glancing past, the old soul notices Joonghyuk staring and awkwardly beckons him closer. ]

Er--what about you, youngster? Care to try?

[ It's at that moment that Cedrik slaps the mug back down, emptied, face twisted in agony as he forces himself to swallow the last bit...and then he goes still. ]

[ Damn, this guy is going through it and Joonghyuk would pity him in silence if he didn't watch the guy decide this was a good idea. You reap what you sow, this is a tragedy of your own making. He knows death all too well and what he witnessed here is something close... It touches on (non-serious) trauma, so quickly he shoots pointed and guarded words at the vendor: ]

I don't plan on dying like this fool.

[ If his words hurt feelings, he doesn't care. Uneasy, his gaze shifts back to Cedrik. Eh. ]

Get him a bucket before he makes a mess.

Oh, your friend'll be fine! He managed to finish, after all...though, eh, you might want to keep an eye on him until the Elysium wears off.

[ Sure enough, Cedrik no longer looks like he's about to be sick. He is swaying on his feet a little, but a closer look shows that...he's actually smiling? ]

It'll be a few minutes until he comes back down.

[ The old Restless did mention what the Elysium did, didn't he? Cedrik didn't just chug a whole dose without him getting to that part, right? Oh...oh dear.

The viera is in a complete daze. Time has slowed down drastically, turning the old soul's words into a blurred drone of noise that someone is soothing, even if he can't understand a word of it. In reality his movements are sluggish but it doesn't actually take him an hour to notice Joonghyuk standing next to him.

The actual disgust that is probably on the man's face does not register for Cedrik, the viera only seeing a surprisingly handsome hyur looking vaguely worried. With a smile he reaches up and...tries to pat the stranger's cheek, reassuringly. ]

All is well.

We're not friends.

[ He doesn't even know this guy and resentment stirs as he's being saddled with babysitting by two strangers somehow. So far, it isn't bad? Not bad. And he gets to watch for any effects which would help him level his expectations of this realm.

But then this bunny man is patting his face, which makes his expression sour even more. Quickly, maybe too fast, he grabs Cedrick's wrist and holds it in place. No touching. ]

Tell me that in ten more minutes if you don't expire.

Oh, you're a strong one...

[ Cedrik's hand is no longer able to move. He can wiggle his fingers still, but that's the extent of it. Huh. ]

Expire? [ Blink blink. ] We've already done that, haven't we?

[ And for once the thought does not bother him in the least. It's actually rather freeing! What's there to be afraid of after death?

Cedrik gives his wrist a testing tug when a brilliant idea comes to him. With a twisting motion he grasps Joonghyuk's wrist in return. ]

Come with me, we need a table.

Speak for yourself. I am alive.

[ He will continue to deny whatever the Netherworld denizens try to tell him. There are exceptions to laws after all. The tug has him release Cedrik's wrist, thinking that this will be the end of shenanigans, but no.

Now his wrist is being held hostage? ]

What are you scheming?

[ The bright smile dims, Cedrik giving the stranger an empathetic look. ]

Ah, my condolences...

[ Cedrik, on the other hand, is very certain that he's dead. It's a shame Joonghyuk understands it differently. Whether he's right or in denial, that sucks!

But there's something more important to sort out at the moment, than whether or not Joonghyuk's alive or dead. Cedrik shifts back into the too-happy mood the Elysium's put him in and goes right back to trying to drag the other along with him. ]

We need to see how strong you are! For that, we'll need a table.

[ They really do have two different takes on this. There is too much for him to do... And it's difficult to swallow the thought of being trapped in a purgatory. He isn't sure why Cedrik is taking it in stride.

Well, he has little time to theorize. Cedrik is dragging him with some success against the resistance. He isn't making it easy, but they are getting to the table. ]

Why?

[ How did this become the topic of choice suddenly? ]

Well we can't exactly spar--we could but I expect the festival goers wouldn't appreciate it.

[ Because obviously that's the more important question. At the rate they're going they could also figure it out over this impromptu tug-of-war...but Cedrik's still set on his first idea. The moment he can haul Joonghyuk close enough he'll let him go and sit at the table opposite of him.

With a grin he plants his right elbow on the table, palm open, and looks up at the other expectantly. ]

Here. Come on, then.

... Plenty of people are going out of control in the maze.

[ He says with disapproval. Not that sparring is bad, but it's about the lack of control. He finds it difficult to believe that everyone here is gung-ho about fighting.

This bunny continues to be suspicious, but he sits across from him, anyway. There is mild curiosity. ]

You seem confident in your strength. [ And Joonghyuk is confident in his own and it shows in the firm grip he places on Cedrik's hand, elbow anchored securely on the table's surface. ] Are you planning to make a wager?

[ It is the only thing that would make this worth it. ]

That's all the way out there when we've a table right here.

[ The surface of which Cedrik taps with his free hand until the stranger finally joins him. Though he makes a mental note about the maze as something to check out later...

His face lights up (if it were possible to get brighter than it already is) when Joonghyuk takes his hand. Already he tenses his arm some, eager to get the contest started, when the other asks him an interesting question.

Cedrik pauses, blinking, and then his smile shifts into something bordering on unholy. ]

Should I win, you'll drink a mug of that Elysium stuff.

[ Why does everyone in this game lack concern? A portion of the maze is probably ruined already? In comparison to the shift in Cedrik's smile, Joonghyuk's gaze narrows while his eyelids lower. A cup of Elysium sounds awful and is proper punishment.

Someone's a gambler, he thinks. ]

And if I win?

[ He'd name a price, but he's curious to see what kind of person he's dealing with. You can learn a lot this way. ]

[ Cedrik blinks in surprise at the question. Almost enough to let down his guard, but not quite. ]

You would ask me? That's unfair to you, is it not?

[ If Joonghyuk really wants Cedrik name his own punishment, though...he thinks it over out loud. ]

I could do the same and drink another cup. Though that still wouldn't be equal...I know what to expect from the stuff.

[ This is silly. Cedrik makes a dismissive wave with his hand and pushes the question back on Joonghyuk. ]

No, no, name your prize. I insist.

[ Joonghyuk is the type to take advantage of openings, so there may have been a testing push when he thought Cedrik was distracted. Instead of going full force after, he keeps steady, awfully patient.

This is telling enough, at least for someone that makes quick judgment. As silly and inconsequential this event is, someone can easily show their motives, their personality, and their inclinations.

Like so. ]

I'll collect a favor.

[ Joonghyuk was never one to hide his greed. ]

How ominous.

[ Cedrik maintains a straight face for only a couple of seconds before giving in to a laugh and shaking his head. If that's what Joonghyuk wants... Under normal circumstances he'd only have to ask for one and Cedrik would almost certainly agree, if it was something he could do. Making such an easily obtained thing his prize seems even less fair than having Cedrik pick, but he'll go along with it. ]

As you like.

[ Now with the matter finally settled Cedrik's expression hardens. The easy-going smile shifts into something sharper, more eager. His fingers stretch out and tighten again between the other's, reaffirming his grip as he leans forward. ]

Ready.

[ Not all favors are acceptable, so Joonghyuk plans to hold it for something special if it were to ever come. It would give him reason to stir a grudge if it goes unfulfilled for whatever reason.

And at the ready, they can officially start with the battle of arm strength. I don't really care who wins so a coin flip is fine with me! But Joonghyuk will gauge to see how well Cedrik holds himself and make note on any weird symptoms from the Elysium. It may be obvious he's more focused on him than the arm wrestling. ]

[ Unless what Joonghyuk ends up asking for is akin to murder or worse...but who would demand something like that over such a silly bet?

If Cedrik wasn't deep in the happy haze of Elysium's effects he still could have thought of the possibility. As he is, the worst he anticipates is being made to do some menial, potentially demeaning errand. Jokes on Joonghyuk, the bulk of Cedrik's entire career has been menial and sometimes demeaning errands!

But before any of that, Joonghyuk first must win.

It's an even match at the start. Cedrik's has strength aplenty and he's focused on the match, too much so to notice where Joonghyuk's attention lies. The other is watching for symptoms--eventually he may notice one. It's only been a few minutes since Cedrik finished his mug but it feels like far longer to him. Which makes it all the more shocking when the feeling fades, leaving a briefly stricken look on the viera's face.

His concentration breaks. After that it's an easy win for Joonghyuk. ]

...damn.

(OOC: Joonghyuk winning sounded like the more interesting outcome, but for the sake of transparency I did a 'flip' with 1 being Cedrik winning and 2 being Joonghyuk. And here's the result.)

[ Joonghyuk can kill someone himself, but maybe asking to party up in the future. He doesn't know. It's just always good to have something in your back pocket, a card you can play. If only he knew the Warrior of Light's life is full of fetch quests...

That's totally okay with me! It can be followed up in the future. With the back of Cedrik's hand hitting the table, it looks like they have a clear victor. ]

You're quite strong. [ Which is impressive. His tone shifts, too, because of that. ] Are you more yourself now?

[ Maybe all that spontaneity was part of the drink. He doesn't know—but he guesses even trying the drink is spontaneous enough. ]

Ugh...

[ Cedrik leans back from the table, withdrawing his hand so that he can rub his face, clearing the sudden rush of...is it possible to have an emotional hangover? That's what it feels like. All that bliss suddenly vanishing, leaving a void in its wake... ]

I believe so. [ With a sigh he looks up, meeting Joonghyuk's eyes again. He still manages to smile but it's more subdued than the before. Much more self aware. ] My thanks for indulging me so long.

It's better that you won, I think.

Based on the wagers, I wouldn't say so.

[ Not that Joonghyuk would drink something than owe someone a favor he would try to swindle out of... But in most cases it seems like thee better choice. It's interesting to see the other man lose the fire he saw earlier—was it part of the thrill? The drink and the adrenaline?

Unsure. ]

And, if you didn't remember, you hassled me all the way to this table.

[ Instead of thanks, maybe an apology. ]

Oh? Does that mean you're curious about the drink after all?

[ Cedrik's smile shifts briefly to teasing. It seems they're both convinced that their wager was more dire than the other's...it's sort of funny. Though he doesn't intend to argue at this point. ]

And I do recall, though I cannot say how much of a blessing that is. It was like an...overabundance of joy. Pleasant in the moment, of course, but not enough to justify the before and after, I would say. It made me more impulsive than I normally am-- [ And he's pretty damn impulsive already. ] --and for that, you have my apologies.

No.

[ Quickly, even though he can hear that teasing tone, he shuts that down with so much force that it's a little laughable. At least Cedrik is polite, so Joonghyuk doesn't brood too much over how the other man is having a little fun with all of this, taking it in stride. ]

It would leave you vulnerable which I don't think is worth it. [ Ever the cautious one. ] Who are you?

[ It does get a laugh out of Cedrik, which is appreciated at this point. Proof that the immediate gloomy feeling of the Elysium wearing off isn't going to be a lasting problem. ]

You look capable, but I suppose I cannot blame you for your caution. [ He did still best him in their little contest, after all, and it was a close match before Cedrik lost focus. ] Ah, Cedrik Reede.

[ He holds out an open hand. ]

At your service, it seems. And you?

I'll collect the favor in the future.

[ If it helps the lingering consequences, then it isn't his intention, but it's still better than dealing with someone drowning in their regrets. Looking at the hand, he... Predictably doesn't take it.

It's a him problem, not Cedrik's. ]

Yoo Joonghyuk.

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heavenstorn - 2022-11-18 00:51 (UTC) - Expand

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