Hacking Up Posies (CATCH-ALL/OPEN)

[immortalrose]

WHO: Augustine & You! (open prompts below)
WHERE: Throughout most of Stygia (the Harbors, Serene, the Gallows & the Hinterlands)
WHEN: November catch-all & event prompts
WHAT: Just the random goings of a flower-loving dhampir who may or not be suffering from the dreaded hanahaki virus.
WARNINGS: Possible mentions of violence, blood, and self-harm in the form of blood sorcery magic.

[ I'll be adding more prompts throughout the week featuring the event stuff in question. If you would like to plot with me, feel free to drop me a DM or hit me up on devillady. I'm always more than happy to make a starter or two. So don't be shy. Also, you're welcome to make your own starters as well. ]


PLOTTING 🌹 EVENT🌹 WILDCARD

Comments

Hellebore Petals (Open)

[immortalrose]

[Who would’ve guessed running a floral boutique would be such hard work?

Augustine couldn’t help but pale once he saw how many orders he still had to do. At first, business was a bit slow with barely a trickle of people per day. Eventually news about Anthanasia’s Hortus began to spread through word of mouth. The traffic increased incrementally day by day until Augustine found himself surrounded by overzealous lovers, young and old, hoping for a bouquet to express their fondness of each other. It was a little surprising, to say the least. While he had high hopes for his little boutique he didn’t quite expect all this.

Another thing he didn’t expect is this nagging cough that developed suddenly. A harsh cough escapes him as he tries to find his second wind. He’s been busy digging flower plots for a new batch of hellebores he plans to grow during the winter months. While he would love to grow a batch of hydrangeas, he knows they won’t survive the cold.

He coughs once more, this time nearly dropping the shovel in his hands. While he has a tendency to look rather sickly even on a good day, he certainly looks more worn than usual. The man looks dead on his feet with dark purple bags under his eyes and somewhat hollowed cheeks. Dhampir or not, Augustine looks like he’s in need of rest.

He should’ve thought about that before opening the shop, huh?]

[paraselenes]

[ He hadn't planned on stopping in—Dimitri never had much interest in flowers beyond what could be scavenged, eaten, or brewed.

But circumstances have him very suddenly taking up a botanical interest. Even now, he bites back a short cough, a small flower. The petals demand attention, but he can't even begin to identify them, much less find a cure. And so here he is, standing outside of a floral boutique as identified from a network post, wondering if he isn't wasting his time.

Then—a noise. And another. The sound of a hoarse cough draws him to the garden rather than inside the boutique, and the person there... he doesn't seem quite so human. Even then, it's clear he's seen better days. Tabling his other questions for a moment, Dimitri opens with a cautious question, rapping his knuckles on the wall of the store to announce his presence. ]

Sir—are you all right?

[immortalrose]

[It takes him a few breaths to regain his composure and a little longer before he could reach the front door. His little shop is closed today due to his sudden illness but he was expecting company. That’s why when the door creaks open, Augustine is already in mid rant.]

I had expected you sooner, Hibiki. Honestly, those flower beds won’t dig themselves—

[He trails off suddenly once he realizes that’s not Hibiki rather but some worrisome looking chap with a somewhat sour expression. He stares at them for a brief moment before letting out a hesitant chuckle. For some reason, he doubts this guy is interested in flowers.]

Now before you attempt to rob me–[He states quickly as he places his hands up in mock surrender.] I will have you know I just opened this shop and I BARELY make a profit.

So menace someone else.

[paraselenes]

[ The careful concern on his face disappears with a sudden sputter as he steps back, as though struck. ]

Rob?

[ does he look like that much of a hooligan??? ]

No, please—be at ease! I'm not here to steal from you.

[ This... is embarrassing. His counsel has warned him here and again about how unapproachable he appears with his resting bitch/sad face, and it's true he'd look awkward with a bouquet of flowers in his arms, but this is new. He gives off strong kicked puppy vibes as he explains himself, reproachful. ]

Apologies, I just heard some noise and thought I'd see what it was...

[immortalrose]

[A little! Then again, criminals don't have a certain look to them. That much is apparent since the Hierarchy are the biggest crooks of all here. However, that's just Augustine's less than humble opinion.]

You're not? [He lets out an uneasy sigh. Sorry but he's been a little wound up lately.] My mistake, then.

It's been rather daunting lately.

[That's an understatement if anything. While opening a brand new business is rather exhilarating, it also comes with a myriad of issues. Despite being quite long-lived, Augustine didn't foresee half of the issues he's facing now. Then again, he brought all of this upon himself. Nevertheless, he can't help but feel a bit guilty for mistaking a potential client for a burglar. Especially when they're giving him those hurt puppy-dog eyes.]

No need to apologize! If anything, it should be me.

[He lets out a chuckle as he glances at the bouquet they're carrying.]

Oh, where did you get those?

[paraselenes]

[ He can't blame anyone for jumping at shadows lately. With so many people being imprisoned and the constant effects of the moons, he's been on-edge ever since he'd planted his feet on Stygian soil.

It has to be worse for someone with a fledgling business to protect, so he understands, even if he's going to be self conscious about it for a week.

It's fine. ]

Ah, these—

[ When he shifts the blooms forward, it's clear that "bouquet" is putting it generously. It's an anemic bundle of steadily wilting plants with no aesthetic coordination, and the stems are bruised where they've been picked. They're mostly small, woodland flowers—forget-me-nots, milkweed, small daisies and the like. Nothing extravagant. ]

They are from Serene, mostly. I was wondering if I could ask for your help identifying them. ...I admit I do not patron boutiques like this often otherwise.

[ So he's aware he looks out of place. The fact that he can't recognize these basic flowers is testament enough to that. ]

[immortalrose]

[He cannot help but look a bit alarmed at the state of these flowers. They look awful for a lack of a better word. While he does possess a love for wild flowers, these look more like weeds than anything else. It's a little disheartening since he's a gardener at heart.]

Goodness, what did you do to them? [He scolds before giving this blond-haired fellow another glance.] You gripped them too tightly! These are flowers not a bundle of sticks.

[A sigh escapes him as he holds out his hands to retrieve the poor wilted flowers. These poor little things won't survive the day this rate.]

Come inside. We'll talk more.

[Follow his lead, Sir Burglar. Inside of the shop are an endless array of exquisite flowers ranging from darkly colored roses, cheerful tulips, and even a couple of purple and blue hydrangeas scattered around the shop. Those are his favorite summer flowers.]

I see you have a fondness for milkweeds and forget-me-nots. That's an interesting mix since one speaks of your undying respect of someone and the other voices your need for dignity and freedom.

[paraselenes]

[ The poor flowers do look terrible; he's always lacked a delicate hand, and even with some half-hearted care he's managed to lose some petals along the way here. He'd rather be saddled with a pack of lumber or a bundle of sticks than have to keep things so precious and frail. ]

My apologies...

[ But this month has forced a sudden interest in botany, and he follows along without complaint, suddenly surrounded by beautiful flowers in lovely rows, ranging from elegant to playful. Dimitri, to his discredit, does not recognize a single one of these besides the roses.

He cants his head curiously as he takes the name of the blooms in, a little surprised. Milkweeds. Forget-me-nots... ]

You can tell just from looking? Do flowers hold a sort of... meaning?

morricone: cinema paradiso (what if i put my prompt in the right place actually)

[theorems]

[Continuation from here.

Viktor arrives at what's surely the place; Anthanasia’s Hortus isn't easy to miss with the brighter colors of dried flowers strung along it, compared to the rest of the darkened street and even the mortar of its exterior walls. He still thinks it's calling too much attention to itself. Makes one an easier target for muggings, robbery. But a seller has to show their wares somehow, don't they? Despite the Harbors similarity to Zaun, it wasn't a one-to-one. Viktor hopes, in the way one tries to push out ill-thoughts, maybe crime wouldn't happen here as often. It isn't as if there's great profits in the flower business, should lessen any target on it.

...He still doubts it. Nothing he'll voice out loud to the man, as Viktor opens the shop door and enters, half an hour past since his last message. With his cane in hand- made of three pieces of wood roped together into something cohesive- he closes the door behind him and steps in further, a small thump in tune with his gait.]

Augustine?

[immortalrose]

[While muggings and robberies are certainly the norm around here, Augustine thankfully haven’t fallen prey to such crimes. Maybe it has something to do with his usual features or something to do with his uncanny arcane abilities. Whatever the case is, most of the folks around town fear him and that’s both a blessing and a curse within itself. It’s difficult enough to get customers to stop by when they think you’re some sort of malevolent Darkling with a chip on your shoulders. Let’s just say that Augustine left a lasting impression on this neighborhood when he first moved here. One that most likely involved shadowy serpents appearing from the darkness to guard his humble little boutique.

Nevertheless, that’s neither here nor there. By the time Viktor arrives, Augustine is busy making another intricate bouquet at his workstation. He has all manners of flowers and plants at his disposal, all saplings he took from Serene to grow beyond the fancy gardens of the rich and wealthy. There’s a faint floral fragrance in the air, something like jasmine thanks to both the many flowers on display along with his love for that specific kind of tea.

Now wearing a silver pair of specs as he snips away at the errant branches and leaves, he pauses quickly once he hears the chime at the door. Yes, he made his own wind chime crafted from a couple of rusted old pipes he found laying around nearby.]

Welcome, welcome!

[He lowers the clippers in his right hand as he stands, waving Viktor over with a cheerful grin.]

You must be Viktor, yes? I remember your face from the profile.

[theorems]

And I yours.

[He gives a nod, stepping in time with his cane, still a little hunched in his posture. The cane's better than nothing, and he's grown attached to it now, but his illness has progressed beyond what just a cane can help him with.

He doesn't move too awkwardly despite it, making his way to where Augustine is working.]

It's a lovely shop.

[Viktor's gaze remain on Augustine for a little longer. He's never seen eyes quite like that in person before. Purple skin, sure, red hair, fine. The eyes, though...]

[immortalrose]

[His unusual eyes have been the subject of much speculation and conversation. While some of the locals think he’s some sort of crossbred Darkling, others just think he’s a monster of some kind. No one is entirely sure what Augustine is except for himself. Then again, vampires don’t often find themselves at purgatory’s mercy.

Thankfully, he doesn’t mind the staring. It’s not everyday that someone with red eyes and black sclera appears. Nevertheless, he does his best to conceal the bat-like wings perched upon his back. They’re crossed over his shoulders like a makeshift auburn shawl. It’s not noticeable at first, that is until one of them twitches. ]

Why thank you. I went through the trouble of making this boutique rather noticeable without making it too garish.

[If his guest hasn’t noticed by now, Augustine has a penchant for black. He prefers the darker shade of the color spectrum which explains some of the spooky undertones of this handsome little shop. The only colorful items here are the flowers themselves. They stand out well among all this black and gray.]

Come sit down and take a load off.

[He gestures towards the empty wooden chairs near the table. The chairs might look a little worn but they’re sturdy and most likely made from some sort of cedar.]

I’ll go fetch the tea.

[theorems]

Ah.

[The twitch of a wing noticed, Viktor now pieces together something in his mind. What may be uncommon in other worlds and to other people, Piltover and Zaun both are home to not just human species. There's various other races, one of which includes a type of bat-humanoid. Usually purple-tinted in skin, and complete with the wings. It strikes him now that Augustine may be... similar to that- even if it is off-base from the truth, he won't be as shocked as maybe someone more accustomed to only humans would be.

As for the color choice, well. It's a theme. Marketing to make the colors pop, maybe? Not a thing he'd judge anyone over, at the very least. He doesn't understand marketing much.

Seat taken, he sighs in relief, and props his cane up nearby. Not the most comfortable chair for his bony ass, but most chairs aren't for one reason or another anyway.]

Thank you.

[He'll keep to himself until then. Unless that fairy comes back...]

[immortalrose]

[It's not a question of if the faery returns, it's when. Augustine was beside himself with rage after that brief embarrassment. He doesn't even know why the faery followed him here or even how. Usually he's quite sensitive to the presence of magical creatures, especially since he is a mage. However, everything about the Netherworld seems to work by its own set of rules. He can barely tell whether he's coming or going at this point because such oddities but he makes due.]

By the way, would you like something sweet in your tea?

[He asks before adding just a hint of sugar in his. Listen, he needs to sweeten up his day somehow. That pesky little menace completely ruined his boutique's grand debut. It's little wonder why he settled for tea and not for the alcohol in the cupboard. He has two bottles of wine in there somewhere.]

I would suggest honey but I'm in the mood for sugar cane.

[He mutters before returning to the table with two tea cups upon a chipped ivory dish. Nearly everything Augustine owns is either second-hand or self-made. He's been scouring the marketplace for any cheap deals he would find.]

Now tell me--has your opinion on the Netherworld changed at all?

[He's loosely referencing their previous conversation on the network. It seems the two of them had all sorts of theories about this realm but after staying here, some of Augustine's lofty opinions have changed.]

[theorems]

[It's subtle, but Viktor's eyes widen a little, his eyebrows raise a barely perceivable amount.]

Sugar would be nice. Thank you.

[He hasn't had a good amount of sugar since arriving. Everything's expensive when you're barely getting by, and sugar is one of the first things he's cut for cost, despite his small addiction to it. Or maybe because of that addiction.]

Not by much. But there are... inconsistencies. For a world that is our "afterlife," there are elements I have heard of that misalign with that. All word of mouth; I could have been lied to. That would be an easier explanation.

Artistic Rapture - Noticeboard Quest (Open)

[immortalrose]

[This kind of work is honestly beneath him but Augustine has little choice.

He joined the Adventurer’s Guild of his own violation even if Cedrik somewhat goaded him into it. The noticeboard is both a blessing and a curse at times often putting inexperienced adventurers into great peril. However, the pay is always good. While he doesn’t consider himself an adventurer per se, Augustine can at least hold his own in a fight.

The moment he saw this missive from Serene, he didn’t hesitate to sign-up.

Serene is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in Stygia despite that odd sensation of being watched whenever he visits there. A sinister magic lingers here among these endless green fields and great tall trees. It’s something like a smog almost, like a thin mist that clogs the senses. He couldn’t help but cough harshly once the tickling sensation in the back of his throat worsens with every step. It may not have been the best idea to venture into the woods in search of the menace haunting these woods but he needs the money.]

What is all this?

[Augustine mumbles once he comes across the entrance of a peculiar cavern nearby. He followed the array of rubble this far into the woods hoping to find the perpetrator in question but instead, he found a cave. The dhampir tries in vain to peer into the darkness but alas he can’t see anything from here. Just the thought of venturing into that unknown darkness alone worries him, especially since he’s not in the best of shape.

While attempting to devise a plan to lure whatever is in there out, Augustine suddenly hears footsteps coming down from the path behind him.]

Who’s there?

[If it's a beast, he'll slay it. However, if it's a person---]

[heavenstorn]

[ Cedrik didn't mean to goad Augustine into joining the guild...but since he did, it's only fair that he be the one to step up and help the dhampir on his requests. Plus, this one's for Serene again, and Cedrik's already proven he can navigate the forest well.

Of course, Augustine has to actually ask him first. Instead it's just like their last adventure together in Serene, with Cedrik finding the other by chance. Hopefully the rest of this visit will go better than the last. ]

We're apt to make a habit of this. [ Finding the hollowed cairn was easy for him--honestly he's a little surprised Augustine beat him here. He holds up his hands reassuringly as he approaches. ] Send word next time, eh? Then I'll be able to meet you properly.

[immortalrose]

[Serene seems to be their usual stomping grounds of late. Maybe it's because they're both drawn to the unusual magics that keep these woods hale and whole. Augustine honestly didn't expect to return to Serene so soon but Fate loves toying with him.]

Cedrik. [Try as he might not to stare, he still can't help but look upa little. Those tall rabbit-like ears are truly something to behold.]

I feared Puck would be making another grand appearance.

[He grumbles as he regards what happened the last time they ran into the boy.]

Yes, I shall remember to do so next time. [He chuckles before glancing towards the cave's entrance once more.] It seems our quarry has led us here.

[heavenstorn]

'Puck', was that the boy's name...?

[ Cedrik muses aloud, not really expecting an answer as he strides up to stand alongside Augustine, arms folded across his chest as he assesses the cave's entrance. He can't see any better than Augustine, but those tall ears can hear...not that there's anything making a lot of noise at the moment.

Still, he lowers his voice some when he next speaks, not wanting it to carry and give their presence away. ]

A gargoyle, do you think?

[immortalrose]

According to the locals.

[He mutters as he spares Cedrik another glance. Two heads are better than one for a quest of this magnitude but if gargoyles here are anything like the monsters in his world, they're going to need a small army to kill it.]

Perhaps. [Augustine whispers before daring to inch closer towards the mouth of the cave.] However, we won't know unless we see it for ourselves.

[He just about to enter the cave before glancing over his shoulder at Cedrik.]

Scared?

[heavenstorn]

[ The gargoyles Cedrik knows are certainly a threat, but he's put down enough of them to know how to fight them. The trouble is that it's highly unlikely that this 'gargoyle' is anything like what he knows...if it's one at all. Not that he'll be intimidated. And as if sensing his thoughts, Augustine asks if he's scared.

His brow lifts--and he almost laughs. ]

Do not worry. This time I'll be the one protecting you.

[ He reaches over and clasps the dhampir's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze and pat before striding forward into the cave. The sunlight glints off the steel of his greatsword before falling into shadow, his silhouette pausing to glance back, waiting for Augustine to follow before going deeper. ]

[immortalrose]

[Augustine can't help but smirk a little at the reply. It's been a long time since he had a "friend" of some sorts. Most of the people in his life are mere acquaintances despite seeing them often enough to suggest otherwise. Friends don't come easily, especially when you're some sort of immortal vampire. Nevertheless, Augustine doesn't hesitate viewing Cedrik as a friend even if he still doesn't everything about the Viera.]

We shall see if this holds true.

[He states before following into the cavern behind him. It's pretty dark in here, blindingly so. Even though he's quite used to living in darkness, Augustine cannot help but feel a bit leery. As the darkness worsens, he finds himself relying less on his sight and more on his hearing. Similar to a bat, his hearing is a bit better than his sight. No one can trust their eyes within the dark, the same for him.

However, he would balk if anyone ever referred to him as a bat.]

Do you hear that? [His voice drops to a whisper once he hears something like stone mashing together. It's rather faint but distinct enough to be noticeable.] It has a rhythm to it.

[That means whatever is causing that sound isn't just ambient noise.]

[heavenstorn]

I do...

[ With one hand stretched out to keep in contact with the wall, Cedrik pauses and lifts his head, long ears picking up the steady sound.

Crack...crack...crack...

The sound changes, a briefly louder noise followed by a clattering echo. And underneath all that Cedrik swears he can hear someone draw in a sharp breath. He turns sharply to Augustine, barely able to make out his features in the light but hopefully he'll see the same realization Cedrik's come to.

One hand reaches for the hilt of his sword, readying to draw it the moment he needs to. ]

We're close.

[ A few more steps and there's a bend in the cavern walls, behind which Cedrik can finally see light--but it's unnatural, a pale blue-green that sways as the cracking noise picks up again, faster than before. ]

Searching for the Broken Flame - Noticeboard Quest (Open)

[immortalrose]

[Venturing into the unknowns of the Hinterlands was daunting enough but being accosted by a dozen or so little fire sprites is a bit much. He’s completely surrounded by these little embers who’ve taken up swords against him. While he tries his best to quell their worries, the little fire elementals seem less than pleased with their new visitor.]

Darkling! Darkling!

[The little sparks cry as they swipe at Augustine’s boot with their fiery swords.]

Begone, evil one! Begone! We know your kind well–!

[An annoyed huff escapes him as he tries to step over the angry sprites. The bounty he seeks is just beyond this mound in the form of a dozen or so broken shards. However, it’s being fiercely protected by the angriest little fire sprites he has ever seen. The little ones gather around Augustine as he inches closer towards the crater, still poking and prodding him as he tries his best to ignore them.

However, that completely goes out the window when the second one of those annoying little knights suddenly tries to burn his wings.]

ENOUGH!

[He pivots on his heel quickly and STOMPS down on the little knight causing the others to gasp in horror. It seems diplomacy might not be an option here.]

Wildcard

[immortalrose]

( if none of the prompts here work for you, feel free to make your own! )