spellbinders | catch-all open log!

catch-all open log!

Who: Anyone and everyone!
Where: On the beach, and various other places throughout the hub island
When: Day 80, and the next couple days after
Open/Closed: open log for hub shenanigans!

[This evening, someone has placed an old, rusted-over camp stove on the beach near the coven's row of huts--anyone examining it in detail will see that it's not operational at the moment, but that could potentially be changed, couldn't it? If someone was handy with mechanical things . . . .

Next to it is a crate (which, from the weight of it is empty) and pinned to that crate is a sheet of paper with a map on it, something like a much cruder, black-and-white version of this:

with the following key:

1 - crags. Contain snakes which may be poisonous. Watch out.
2 - ocean, going about one mile out from the coast.
3 - lagoon. Contains thick reeds (could be woven or shaped into tools) and frogs (edibility uncertain).
4 - abandoned campsite.
5 - orchard. Currently, trees are diseased and bare. Plant healer needed.
6 - abandoned house. A family used to live here, from the looks of it. Still contains some useful supplies.

And there should be a 7 north of base camp with the notation "graveyard. Graves unused." but the player forgot and is too lazy to go back and fix it right now. Observant individuals will note that the map looks like a more detailed version of one hanging on the door to a certain coven member's cabin, one that has a note on the bottom: "Have information? Ask for Jay."

Other than that, it's a quiet night on the hub island. We've been here for a couple days; maybe you're getting restless? Want to check out that ocean, or lagoon, or even those crags? Maybe just go door-to-door in the beach huts? Maybe you're sick of shrimp and looking for other things to eat . . . hopefully someone's got a fire going tonight, and thought to kill a boar . . . .

What are you doing tonight?]

((here or here for place descriptions))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ it doesn't have to do with being strong or weak. it just has to do with his stubbornness and his pride. he has no doubt that, in the same situation, milla would carry him, too. ]

You're impossible.

[ a weak laugh. it really does hurt, but he's not going to complain about it, not to 9s. it was his own fault he wasn't being careful. he was more focused on 9s than he was on the ground beneath his feet.

jude is... jude is starting to get a sense of what this might be. this thing. these feelings. and he doesn't like it. he can't...

he can't.

it reminds him a little of how he felt around milla, when his heart fluttered in his chest every time she looked at him. this is a little different, though. he idolized milla; he looked up to her, wanted to be like her, and at times he was confused by those feelings. this is confusing, too, but it's less that he admires 9s and more he just likes him. everything about him. he had feelings for milla, strong ones, whatever those feelings entailed — he still doesn't know, and he might never quite figure it out — but...

jude is getting concerned that likes him is more than just... well. more than he should. he isn't sure, still. maybe it's nothing. maybe he's just grateful, maybe he's just glad to have such a close friend in an unfamiliar world, away from home. maybe it's this, maybe it's that.

he goes limp in 9s' arms, wrapping his arms around his neck and hanging onto him tight, his hair tickling 9s' chin. all he knows for sure is that he doesn't want to let go just yet. ]

Edited (wording...) 2017-09-29 09:40 (UTC)

Not the first time I've heard that.

[Though what the comment is in reference to — his attitude or even the reality of his existence — had certainly varied. In all cases it's something he can easily shrug off... But in Jude's case, he's just glad he isn't fighting about staying off his ankle anymore. The sooner they find somewhere he can rest up, the better.

And to that end he debates, glancing in the direction of their base of operations, such as it was. He doesn't find that place very hospitable, himself, but it seems like what they've got to work with in the immediate vicinity]

Let's see here... We could head back to camp, that's not too far. [Though given Jude's reaction to being picked up, maybe he'd rather not be seen carried around] Or further away, I found some old residence. What do you think?

[It seems best to leave that up to Jude. Given the speeds he's capable of moving at, it's not as though he'd take as long as a human would to get anywhere, even while carrying somebody else]

[ perhaps it would be a little less selfish to suggest just going back to camp. the shorter route is the better route, right?

but perhaps even jude mathis is a little selfish every once in awhile. ]

... The residence sounds good. I don't mind taking a little extra time as long as you don't.

[ to be fair, 9s doesn't seem to mind carrying him. it certainly isn't strenous on him, as far as jude can tell. ]

Thanks for doing this. Not sure what I would have done without you here.

[With their course set, he turns and starts in the direction of the abandoned house he'd found before. At the time he was far more concerned with mapping, so maybe they'll find something interesting now that they intend to stop there]

Well, if you're not used to following someone, I guess it'd be pretty distracting.

[9S simply exists in a state of near constant distraction, being a Scanner unit. He's accustomed to his attention straying, and maybe for that reason, it wasn't often the case that it actually tripped him up. There were, of course, occasions when his focus would be diverted in the middle of battle though]

So you probably just would've punched some snakes or something.

[Said lightly, though he does believe Jude would've been far less likely to stumble if he didn't need to keep an eye on someone]

Edited 2017-09-29 10:03 (UTC)

Punched some snakes...

[ that pulls a laugh out of him. more of a snort, really, buried in the skin of 9s' neck. his shoulders tremble with it. ]

I think you're overestimating me. Besides, I can use magic, remember? Healing isn't the only thing that mana is good for. That would be much more effective. And less dangerous.

Don't worry. Once I'm back on my feet, I'll blast any snakes that come near those legs.

[His stab at humor's successful, and 9S spares a soft smile for that. It's easy enough to imagine that Jude's in some pain right now, even if he isn't complaining of it, so he's pleased if he can distract him from it even a little.

Though the offer of leg defense comes as a surprise, prompting him to look down at Jude for a beat. Well, at his hair anyway, as he can't see too much else.

...It's pretty soft, isn't it? But anyway—]

You're really sure they're not edible? Because blasting them might be a waste then.

[ jude chuckles again, belatedly realizing that 9s smells nice, that the weight of his arms underneath him is so pleasant, that the skin of his neck is so soft (considering he's an android, at that), that...

... jude really might be in trouble. he doesn't even realize he's clinging onto him tighter, just because he can, just because he's there. ]

Yes, 9S. I'm really sure.

[ ... maybe? milla would probably give eating them a shot. milla would eat anything. when it comes to food she's a force to be reckoned with, truly. ]

[The change in Jude's grip is something that 9S chalks up to settling in for a long trek, and not wanting to fall. He doesn't think too much of having his face buried against his neck, save for the awareness of warm breath on his skin, the awareness of which doesn't seem to fade as minutes pass them by]

And here there's so many...too bad.

[Not that he sounds especially disappointed by that. Sure it would be convenient, but chances are only ranged fighters or those impervious to bites could safely hunt those snakes anyway. They'd seen enough marine life in tide pools along the shore to suggest they could catch fish on the coast, at least]

In that case, sounds like blasting them's not really a problem, although I'm sure my legs'll be fine.

[Good thing Jude doesn't know how common it is for him to lose limbs]

[ definitely, definitely a good thing. jude might have an actual heart attack if he knew 9s blowing himself up was a rather common occurrence. more common than it should be, anyway. ]

... You're really strong, you know. Stronger than I am. Stronger than you think.

[ he doesn't just mean physically. ]

It's like you can handle anything that's thrown at you. No matter what it is, you come out of it with your head held high.

[ if only jude knew. ]

[They're kind words. Too kind, 9S believes, and it's not the first time he's found himself undeserving of Jude's image of him. It would be nice to live up to that, but he knows precisely what does break him down. Rather, what did cause that very thing.

He wishes he were stronger, at least in the ways he could be. Practically speaking, he was never intended to be powerful, and he's still more capable than other Scanner units by virtue of his modifications]

There's a strength in being kind...so maybe you shouldn't sell yourself short.

[Redirection, but it is something 9S believes. He'd become ruthless in his pursuit of vengeance, and so he thinks he's in a position to know something like this.

Jude is steadfastly kind, and he wouldn't say the same for himself. In his eyes, that's admirable]

[ jude isn't quite sure what to say. 9s is always calling him kind, and 2b, too... he doesn't see what's so special about it. he does his best. that's all it is. kindness is just... it just comes to him. he doesn't have to put effort into a trait he's always had. ]

You always act as if you aren't kind, too. Here you are, carrying me through a forest just because I wasn't paying attention. You don't think that's kindness?

No, not really. Androids exist for mankind, I think I told you.

[That sort of thing isn't at all the same. Androids are obliged to serve the race that created them, though that isn't his reason for carrying Jude to some building a distance beyond their base camp]

But in this case...you're my friend. Why wouldn't I want to help, if I could?

Edited 2017-09-29 10:58 (UTC)

Yes. You've told me. More than once.

And yes, really. I'd like to think I know kindness when I see it.

[ it's said with humor, but deep down jude isn't all that amused by it. he still doesn't like the idea. he's fairly confident that he never will. 9s is so, so much more than an object to serve mankind. jude has thought so even before they were truly more than just acquaintances, before they were friends. he's a person. a person just like jude.

now isn't the time to start that conversation again, though. instead, he leans even closer, sagging against him. his fingers brush against the back of 9s' neck. ]

A kind person should have the ability to recognize kindness in others, right?

You've seen how I fight, so you know...

[He's not a sparing or merciful opponent. There was a time when he had been, and he recalls it distinctly enough to know the difference. And he knows during that Uvi attack that he startled 2B, because in the absence of her he'd become colder. He'd become more ruthless. And he had to, in the pursuit of his final objectives.

Though it was brief, he has seen Jude fight. He knows that difference between them is something he can see even in those moments. But he is a weapon, and he's aware of that. It isn't something he minds, not like Jude seems to, and perhaps that's a matter of what they are.

But he'll forever hold that he knows exactly which of them is kinder]

My point was that you don't give yourself enough credit, saying I'm stronger so easily.

[Pot, meet kettle. Again]

9S.

[ jude just... he wraps his arms around him a little tighter in what can only be described as a hug. sure, he's the one being held, and sure, he doesn't have much choice when it comes to holding on, but he doesn't have to hold him so tightly, so closely.

he does, though. jude's face in the crook of his neck, breathing him in and trembling just the slightest bit. jude's hand reaching up to thread through his hair, cradling the back of his head. ]

Okay. I understand.

[ he'll leave it at that. actions speak louder than words, and he thinks he sees the house in the near distance. ]

Edited 2017-09-29 11:36 (UTC)

Sorry.

[9S didn't think he could be held quite so tightly, though with a metal structure beneath his skin, it's not as though one could really hold him too close. Well, a human couldn't, anyhow. In that gesture, he still recognizes that he's frustrated Jude again, and he wishes he hadn't, far from knowing how to remedy those moments.

He had taken to avoiding them, but it seems he can't maintain that under all circumstances. How strange, that it's a human he'd met such a short time ago who sees him in these moments. Maybe it was a misstep he'd made in the beginning that prompted such close attention, or maybe it's something else entirely.

But he wishes he didn't disappoint him, in moments like these]

...That's the house, up ahead.

[The fortunate thing about being a YoRHa unit, or one of them at least, is being able to cover ground quickly without fatigue being an issue]

Don't be.

[ jude wishes he could comfort him. maybe he's even more selfish than he thought; maybe he's just trying to comfort himself.

jude relaxes his grip and looks up to see it. sure enough, it's definitely abandoned. he pulls back to give 9s a nod. ]

I see it. Once we stop, I should be able to sit down and use a healing arte. I should still be careful, but as long as I focus, it'll help significantly.

It's a bit of a mess in there, but it should be free of snakes.

[The irony is that 9S is more troubled by the prospect of affecting others than with his own troubles. But then, he counts himself strangely, miraculously fortunate. Much of what he'd wanted to protect exists here, where he was once bereft.

It's impossible to lose sight of that, even months after waking to such a reality]

How much can you heal, anyway?

[He has wondered since that day they searched for wounded Palai, but this is the first time he's gotten around to asking. The things Jude can do are impossible for androids to imitate, at least in the treatment of organic life]

I knew you wouldn't throw me into a snake den.

[ upturned lips. have a smile. ]

Hy healing artes are pretty effective. Leia's are strong, too, and Elize's are stronger, but... anyway, they help quite a bit with... hm.

[ jude puzzles over how to describe it. ]

Imagine having a wound being enveloped in a warm glow. Warmer, warmer... And then, suddenly, the pain is gone and you're ready to get back on your feet.

Edited 2017-09-30 03:58 (UTC)

[Maintenance is different from the process Jude describes, to be sure. 9S understands it from an internal, systemic end of course. There's patching up a body as one can too, replacing parts and so forth, but what Jude does is more akin to Devola and Popola's ability, he thinks.

But that's not really the part that stands out to him as they approach the building. Rather, it's something else that prompts a faintly pleased smile]

Warm, huh? That sounds very you.

[It's something he associates rather strongly with Jude at this point. Not just in a literal manner, though that's certainly true, but something about his very nature. He can't say what exactly makes that so, or what produces such a person, but it always stands out to him]

Does it?

[ that prompts a light laugh out of him. ]

It's not like I'm the only one who can do it.

Maybe not, but I still think it suits you.

[Once he reaches the door, he pauses. With his arms full, he can't exactly turn the doorknob]

Think you can give me a hand?

[He taps the door with the toe of his boot]

Oh! Y-Yeah. Sorry.

[ sheepish, jude turns the doorknob himself, revealing an old room coated with dust. he's seen nicer places, but this will get the job done. ]

You can put me down anywhere. Preferably leaning against something?

Let's see...

[9S nudges the door open further before they venture inside, surveying the building. He hadn't done more than give it a glance earlier, so he doesn't know the layout of the structure.

That just means inspecting rooms and ducking through doorways until he locates what looks like a bedroom. It's as dusty as the rest of the building, but there's furniture]

Wonder who used to be here, anyway.

Good question.

[ were they just like them? did they just up and vanish one day, too? either way, no one has used this house for a long time. ]

The bed is good.

[ jude unwraps his hands from around 9s' neck. ]

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