logs | (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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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.

[ ...no shake? Cedrik frowns briefly but withdraws his hand with only a shrug. He did drag the man around by the arm just a little while ago. Cedrik doesn't blame him for not wanting to risk a repeat, even if he's in his right mind again. ]

Well met.

[ And with that Cedrik gets up from the table, rolling his right shoulder casually. ]

And that's no trouble. Reach out whenever you decide on your task and I'll be ready.

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

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