Forgive me the obvious question, but how are you fairing after... all of that? I can't imagine being thrown into the deep end so soon after your arrival must have been easy.
Cid, Nothing so far has come even close to what we experienced, and for all I can tell even though many have been here for a few years now, they too could not have expected something of this magnitude.
I--
Will be well, in time. I like not the future it showed us, and do not wish for such a thing to come to pass. Though this is perhaps the less popular opinion in the wake of it.
An opinion you and I share. I've spoken to some who feel the same, but I fear you may have the right of it.
[ He's still new here, and the number of people he might be able to ask is vanishingly small. There's not much to be done for it right in the moment, however. ]
I can't say I've much to offer that would be any comfort... However, I hear that we're due to visit Nocwich soon. I've not been as yet. Can I trouble you to accompany me? Perhaps a walk would do some good for us both.
Cid, It was not long after my arrival that I was told the way this world works and our place in it was not cause for concern, and that the natives were content. I cannot believe that godhood only falling on the shoulders of those who do not belong here is right. The note left in our Horizons after only makes me more certain.
A walk to clear our heads sounds most welcome. I will see you there.
( And so Jill finds herself waiting in the main square after saying goodbye to Dan Heng. Her discomfort with her godhood has not abated, but she is glad for the comfort of the relationships she had made during that time that still persist. Different now, but still strong and full of affection.
Upon catching sight of Cid, Jill gives him a small nod, relief passing over her face. )
It is good to see you well, Cid. In the flesh, and not in dreams.
[One can imagine the largest of breaths is taken before this message comes through, and it is several days after their return. That it comes at all may lead one to imagine some level of trepidation.]
I believe we need to speak.
And if you know not why, then you can forgo responding to this message entirely.
If you do not receive it, then I suppose you are dead, or otherwise occupied.
Yet, for what it is worth... for Clive's sake, I do hope that is not the case. I have seen evidence of what you mean to him.
[ Cid may have drafted one or two such messages in that time, though he's found himself for once entirely uncertain of where to begin.
Perhaps he shouldn't be surprised to find that Dion is the one who reaches out first. ]
Dion,
Clive seems to think of you as kin. I'm not so arrogant or foolish that I can't admit I have some understanding of what he might see in you... but I'll be frank: the blood between us is of a different sort, and a dream is hardly enough to lessen it.
I'll know where you stand on certain matters, and perhaps then we can speak of the future instead of the past.
When you're ready, come to the Horizon. My solar should be easy enough for you to find.
[It is wretchedly clear which one, between the two of them, had appropriate training in diplomacy.]
Where would I get such an idea, that a man who set out single-handedly to destroy the Mothercrystals and a god could be arrogant?
[All his cutting words, and Ramuh is still right: this has not cleaned the blood between them. Now, here, with his memories returned, he can recall -- even years ago -- what a battle to the death with Ramuh truly felt like.
He does not go so far to think it has further poisoned it, either. In truth, there is some part of Dion that indulges in that fantasy... and is further abashed by it, knowing Ramuh still had so much of himself, and he had turned into that which he hates.
It is in those thoughts he ruminates when he goes to look for this solar. Again, he is correct: when he spots what he knows well to be remnants of Fallen ruins, he knows he is in the right space. Spine stiff and alone, he waits -- alone, at least, but for the small dragon head peeking out of the satchel at his side. He does not sit.]
[ There's much that Cid could argue about the point, but this particular question has been sitting at the back of his mind since Jill first mentioned Dion: ]
Am I to understand that you think the same of Clive?
[ He doesn't doubt that Dion has some personal affection or sense of duty toward Clive — even Cid can see that the two of them aren't so very different — but Clive is an easy man to take a liking to. In a place like this, he has to wonder if Dion has chosen to ignore the duty that Clive has taken up in his stead.
He puts himself to work, rather than standing around waiting for the answer to arrive. It's only when he feels a presence enter his domain that Cid leaves off what he's doing, wiping his hands as he goes. The front door rolls open for him. He's still smeared with grease here and there, dressed down to his shirtsleeves.
Dion, by contrast, looks as if he's standing guard at a ceremony or perhaps awaiting his own execution. Some part of him feels a traitorous twinge of empathy, the taste of wine lingering somewhere at the back of his tongue.
Cid's gaze drops briefly to the tiny wyvern head sticking out of Dion's bag, but he doesn't comment on that for the moment. He leans against the door frame and raises an eyebrow. ] Coming inside, Your Highness? If you keep sulking out here you're like to wilt the flowers.
[ This Hideaway is different from the one Dion might know; Cid has recreated only his own solar, the doorway tucked against a vibrant green hillside, surrounded by wildflowers and a few scattered fruit trees, with a footpath to lead the way. Inside, it's much the same as it was, though he's drawn the curtain that separates Midadol's room from the rest of the space and locked the door to his workshop in the far corner. ]
[ Visiting Nocwich is one of her favorite times of the month, especially after it had been closed down not too long after the incident in Ikorr. Of course, the Summoned themselves are still reeling from what had transpired only weeks prior. It's still strange to come to grips with the fact that nearly eight centuries passed in the blink of an eye. Coming back to Abraxas as it is now feels...odd.
But, as she does with every odd thing she encounters, Himeka trudges on. That's really all you can do.
At least she can be pleasantly distracted by meeting up with friends, even if she's unloaded way too much lore on said friend recently. (They do count as friends still, right? Even if everything that happened didn't technically happen?)
Himeka doesn't worry too much. She's rarely had trouble sliding her way into people's lives...or bursting through the walls unannounced. But at least she shows up with snacks.
As such, as soon as she spots Cid, she moves away from the door to the inn and waves him over, a heavy basket of goodies in her other arm. ]
[ The portals having been shut down for his entire stay so far means that it's Cid's first visit to Nocwich. He'd spent the day exploring the city and getting in touch with friends from other territories, and while the events of that strange dream are never far from his mind... it has been nice to think of something else, at least for a while. Even the smell of the sea breeze and the creaking of ships in the harbor is nostalgic, in a not unpleasant way.
It's been a suspiciously good day, and the night is hardly shaping up badly.
Himeka is easy to spot across the bar. Even if she hadn't waved him over, that river of bright red hair is unmistakable in whatever form she takes. Before all of this, he might have been surprised to see her scales, but being half-horse for a while does tend to put things in perspective... not that he isn't curious about her world. Her explanation had been nothing short of staggering, but he can appreciate how forthright she is, even in reality.
Cid walks over to meet her halfway and holds out a hand to shake hers. ] That much I won't soon forget. It's good to see you again, Himeka. [ He inclines his head. ] Since you've brought the food, I'll manage the drinks. Shall we find ourselves a sturdy table to keep us upright for the rest of the night?
[ Himeka readily takes his hand and gives it a hearty shake, the kind you would normally expect from pirates and brigands who are trying to make a decent impression. ]
You as well, though with fewer legs than I remember.
[ But the same amount of wheels, which is important. But was Ramuh, not Titan. Titan definitely had wheels. ]
That sounds like a fair trade to me! But don't worry, some of this is for you to take back with you once the weekend is over.
[ She did promise to provide him with snacks for the road, as it were. Himeka does start to lead him back towards the inn proper, her tail swaying behind her in a happy, steady rhythm. ]
[ Cid has no trouble matching her energy, being something of a brigand himself.
He shakes his head when she mentions the legs, and the eye roll that follows is little more than a response to good-natured ribbing between friends. ]
Well, that's good to know — I didn't fancy being rolled out at the end of the night. [ Without wheels, of course.
He remembers Himeka's feasts well, and while her basket might be a touch smaller in comparison, it's more than any two people could hope to finish in a night. It seems her generosity hasn't changed either. Whatever he takes back will be shared out among those who have more dire need of it, but Cid hardly thinks himself a saint — he'll most certainly be keeping some of it for himself.
As she turns, the movement of her tail catches his eye. Like the rest of her scales, it's much different now, far more dragon-like than what he'd become accustomed to in the dream. He wonders, not for the first time, if she has something to do with the leviathan of her world.
Cid falls into step with her and gives her a nudge when he spies an empty table. ]
Eternal night takes some getting accustomed to, but it's nice to get out of the city for a spell... The next time we're here perhaps we can try to convince someone to let us take a boat out for that fishing trip, eh? What of yourself? How've you been spending your weekend?
[ It's been some time since Thancred had the luxury to visit Nocwich, but the realization that he could take a portal from Nott and be well past the borders of Thorne's influence for a time is like a weight off his shoulders.
He will still be careful within this realm, of course, but he's gathered that the vampires and werewolves would rather stay out of the constant back and forth between Thorne and the Free Cities, meaning that it feels like a short reprieve from all the politics.
It also allows him to meet up with those from other territories, if only briefly, and he'd made plans with Cid what feels like an age ago. Thankfully he can still keep the appointment despite all that has happened, and so he idles in the center of the square, a sharp eye kept out for that familiar mug.
If only familiar to him from memories, as the case may be. That's an odd thought — this will be their first time truly meeting in person.
Nevertheless, Thancred knows Cid's face well (better than he should), and as soon as he spots him in the crowd he closes the distance between them and lifts one hand in a brief greeting. ]
There you are. Any preference on where we find those drinks?
[ Utterly casual. It's not as if he needs all the people of Nocwich knowing his business. ]
[ Cid is getting more accustomed to these weekends away from Cadens. While he often uses them to meet with friends from other territories, he's just as often making his best attempts to get to know the locals and their customs.
At the moment, he's trading anecdotes (and cigars) with a heavyset ship's captain, keeping an eye on the crowd while they chat. Thancred finds him first, though Cid catches his eye as he emerges from the crowd. They have made plans to meet, but neither of them have been particularly fussed about the details of when and how.
He's just glad to see the man in one piece after what's gone on with Thorne.
He nods at the captain, and she waves over her shoulder as she departs, heading back to her own business while Cid walks over to meet Thancred halfway. ]
Luna, near the docks. [ He pats Thancred on the shoulder before starting in that direction with the expectation that the other man will fall into step. ] I hear there's a sailors' tavern where we might find ale and entertainment, both. Unless you've got something else in mind?
[ He might be tempted to take up a room at the Full Moon Inn, but coin is in short supply, and being Summoned has its advantages. There's no reason they can't carry on the sensitive part of their conversation entirely silently, even in a busy tavern. ]
[ A sailors' tavern, ale, entertainment? Thancred could not have picked out a better spot himself, although now that he lives in Nott, seafood has become less of a special treat he has from time to time and more of an everyday meal that has lost its novelty. That's neither here nor there, though — if they're treading into Luna, there's bound to be other rich meats on the menu as well. ]
A fan of the sea, are you? That suits me just fine. [ He'd noticed who Cid was speaking with before he stole him away, and judging from her clothing alone she was some manner of sea captain. And he would know, after years spent among people just like her while growing up in Limsa Lominsa.
In that sense, coming into Luna with the Arcanis docked in the distance feels all too familiar to him, and not simply because he's come here a number of times before. Some of the tension eases out of his gait as he walks side-by-side with Cid toward the salty scent of the sea. ]
What were you two chatting about?
[ He won't feel that comfortable speaking of himself until they're settled, though he knows Cid must be curious. There's much on their list of what to discuss, from what he can recall. ]
[ Cid has been consigned to the desert since his arrival, and before that he'd found himself landlocked in a hole in the ground. There had been days at sea when he thought he'd never want to look at fish again, but now he tries to indulge every time he finds himself in Nocwich.
And besides, the atmosphere sounds as if it'll suit Thancred just fine, if the man is much like he remembers. ]
I'm not the only one, I'd wager. You seem well at ease. [ He pats Thancred on the shoulder, though his gaze soon turns to their surroundings. Wouldn't do to get lost on the way. ]
Oh, that... I've need of some particular materials, and with everything that's going on, they've gotten more difficult to come by. I've been making inquires. [ He glances at Thancred. ] You haven't got any contacts you might recommend, have you?
[Now that war has officially broken out and been wrapped up (so unneatly) once more, it is another period between tragedies and awful occurrences where life, at least for the petty folk, goes back to normalcy. A form of it, at least, for those who yet live.
To say nothing of the fact that the memorial in Memorial Park has grown once more. It will soon enough only be a tribute to war.
It is a prize time for Cid's question of a meeting, between more baking (which he does for fun more than mental breakdown now) and songwriting, between his performances (mostly back to normal, with a rich new influx of coin.) Jaskier saddles up Feainna, who's calmed back to her normal, affectionate self, even for the short journey on well-worn paths. After all, part of this is he wishes to introduce Cid to her... and ensure he's taking good care of her, now that Sephiroth has been gone so long. He's no one else he knows to turn to, really.
Once he's arrived, Jaskier shoots off a quick little message:] Whenever you're ready, love. I've brought a surprise beauty for you to meet. I'm sure you'll love her.
And here I was hoping it'd be just the two of us tonight. [ He means it half in jest, already curious as to what Jaskier's brought along. Cid heads down from his room at the Sarstina and lets himself outside when he doesn't see Jaskier anywhere in the busy tavern.
The bard himself has a colorful enough wardrobe that he easily stands out from a crowd, but for once he's been upstaged by the bright yellow feathers of his mount. ]
Bloody hell, Jaskier. [ He'd mentioned that he had a chocobo, but Cid had yet to see it for himself until this very moment. He jogs the last few steps and stops before her, waiting until she lowers her head before he reaches for it to give her a gentle scratch. Even the smell that people often complained of fills him with an odd pang of nostalgia for home. ] Been eating well, have you? Taking advantage of our friends good graces?
[ Aside from being a bit chubby, she seems well cared for. He turns back to Jaskier with a grin. ] You've got quite the affinity for birds. What's her name?
Don't you worry your pretty little head. It'll still just be the two of us by then.
[There's not a chance in hell he's letting a bird, even his giant, beloved bird, to get in the way of... meddlings.
But he can't say he isn't glad to have brought her, if only to see Cid's face light up. That nostalgic then, is she? So he hadn't been lying. Not there there was a reason to do so, it's only... perhaps she'll be glad to meet someone who knows her kind, too. As if she recognizes being admired (or having learned from her caretaker), the bird preens, her pretty golden feathers fluffing up with a chirrup. Into his hands her head goes, bumping into Cid's body.]
I'm doing my best with what I've been told. I'm afraid such glorious creatures have no mirror on my sphere. [But he's quite proud of her. She loves her runs, her gysahl greens (or the closet approximation Jaskier can make), and going to visit the wild birds still out in the Badlands.
Jaskier pats her side, just under her wing where she likes to be scratched. An affinity for birds -- so he does.] Feainna. Ciri named her. It means "sunny" in the Elder tongue, the elven language from my world. [Feainna begins to sniff about Cid's body, as if looking for secret treats. When she meets new people, there's often treats.] Is she much like the ones from your home?
[ Cid chuckles, scratching under her chin when she all but bowls him over. ] Aren't you friendly.
[ He nods at Jaskier, indulging miss Feainna with all of the attention that she might desire. She's well-socialized for a bird who doesn't have much of her own kind to flock with. ] Feainna, that's good. She's just the same. You've done a fine job with her — maybe a bit too fine — but a bit of extra meat on her bones won't harm her.
[ As if on queue, Feainna manages to nudge her beak under Cid's jacket and fish out a few of the apple chips he's started keeping to bribe the horses. They're down her gullet before he has any say in it, and Cid pushes her head gently away so that he can get the rest of them himself. ] Already under my clothes with barely more than a hello. She hasn't learned that from you, has she?
The Fey have abandoned their city to go to another plane of existence or something? But that means all their homes and stores and such are empty and this is a place safe away from the territories. There's food we can hunt and water we can gather, we could do trade with the Nether and Nocwich, we could make this a real thing. The land is right here.
See if they'll allow you to come over, you can see for yourself.
They're not from here in the first place. They had two locations but they're sick of humans and the conflict here. The woman here said she's closed the door to their native land, they're not coming back.
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( And so Jill finds herself waiting in the main square after saying goodbye to Dan Heng. Her discomfort with her godhood has not abated, but she is glad for the comfort of the relationships she had made during that time that still persist. Different now, but still strong and full of affection.
Upon catching sight of Cid, Jill gives him a small nod, relief passing over her face. )
It is good to see you well, Cid. In the flesh, and not in dreams.
post god AU event
I believe we need to speak.
And if you know not why, then you can forgo responding to this message entirely.
If you do not receive it, then I suppose you are dead, or otherwise occupied.
Yet, for what it is worth... for Clive's sake, I do hope that is not the case. I have seen evidence of what you mean to him.
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Perhaps he shouldn't be surprised to find that Dion is the one who reaches out first. ]
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Where would I get such an idea, that a man who set out single-handedly to destroy the Mothercrystals and a god could be arrogant?
[All his cutting words, and Ramuh is still right: this has not cleaned the blood between them. Now, here, with his memories returned, he can recall -- even years ago -- what a battle to the death with Ramuh truly felt like.
He does not go so far to think it has further poisoned it, either. In truth, there is some part of Dion that indulges in that fantasy... and is further abashed by it, knowing Ramuh still had so much of himself, and he had turned into that which he hates.
It is in those thoughts he ruminates when he goes to look for this solar. Again, he is correct: when he spots what he knows well to be remnants of Fallen ruins, he knows he is in the right space. Spine stiff and alone, he waits -- alone, at least, but for the small dragon head peeking out of the satchel at his side. He does not sit.]
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[ He doesn't doubt that Dion has some personal affection or sense of duty toward Clive — even Cid can see that the two of them aren't so very different — but Clive is an easy man to take a liking to. In a place like this, he has to wonder if Dion has chosen to ignore the duty that Clive has taken up in his stead.
He puts himself to work, rather than standing around waiting for the answer to arrive. It's only when he feels a presence enter his domain that Cid leaves off what he's doing, wiping his hands as he goes. The front door rolls open for him. He's still smeared with grease here and there, dressed down to his shirtsleeves.
Dion, by contrast, looks as if he's standing guard at a ceremony or perhaps awaiting his own execution. Some part of him feels a traitorous twinge of empathy, the taste of wine lingering somewhere at the back of his tongue.
Cid's gaze drops briefly to the tiny wyvern head sticking out of Dion's bag, but he doesn't comment on that for the moment. He leans against the door frame and raises an eyebrow. ] Coming inside, Your Highness? If you keep sulking out here you're like to wilt the flowers.
[ This Hideaway is different from the one Dion might know; Cid has recreated only his own solar, the doorway tucked against a vibrant green hillside, surrounded by wildflowers and a few scattered fruit trees, with a footpath to lead the way. Inside, it's much the same as it was, though he's drawn the curtain that separates Midadol's room from the rest of the space and locked the door to his workshop in the far corner. ]
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nocwich late may
But, as she does with every odd thing she encounters, Himeka trudges on. That's really all you can do.
At least she can be pleasantly distracted by meeting up with friends, even if she's unloaded way too much lore on said friend recently. (They do count as friends still, right? Even if everything that happened didn't technically happen?)
Himeka doesn't worry too much. She's rarely had trouble sliding her way into people's lives...or bursting through the walls unannounced. But at least she shows up with snacks.
As such, as soon as she spots Cid, she moves away from the door to the inn and waves him over, a heavy basket of goodies in her other arm. ]
I hope you came hungry.
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It's been a suspiciously good day, and the night is hardly shaping up badly.
Himeka is easy to spot across the bar. Even if she hadn't waved him over, that river of bright red hair is unmistakable in whatever form she takes. Before all of this, he might have been surprised to see her scales, but being half-horse for a while does tend to put things in perspective... not that he isn't curious about her world. Her explanation had been nothing short of staggering, but he can appreciate how forthright she is, even in reality.
Cid walks over to meet her halfway and holds out a hand to shake hers. ] That much I won't soon forget. It's good to see you again, Himeka. [ He inclines his head. ] Since you've brought the food, I'll manage the drinks. Shall we find ourselves a sturdy table to keep us upright for the rest of the night?
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You as well, though with fewer legs than I remember.
[ But the same amount of wheels, which is important. But was Ramuh, not Titan. Titan definitely had wheels. ]
That sounds like a fair trade to me! But don't worry, some of this is for you to take back with you once the weekend is over.
[ She did promise to provide him with snacks for the road, as it were. Himeka does start to lead him back towards the inn proper, her tail swaying behind her in a happy, steady rhythm. ]
How are you enjoying Nocwich thus far?
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He shakes his head when she mentions the legs, and the eye roll that follows is little more than a response to good-natured ribbing between friends. ]
Well, that's good to know — I didn't fancy being rolled out at the end of the night. [ Without wheels, of course.
He remembers Himeka's feasts well, and while her basket might be a touch smaller in comparison, it's more than any two people could hope to finish in a night. It seems her generosity hasn't changed either. Whatever he takes back will be shared out among those who have more dire need of it, but Cid hardly thinks himself a saint — he'll most certainly be keeping some of it for himself.
As she turns, the movement of her tail catches his eye. Like the rest of her scales, it's much different now, far more dragon-like than what he'd become accustomed to in the dream. He wonders, not for the first time, if she has something to do with the leviathan of her world.
Cid falls into step with her and gives her a nudge when he spies an empty table. ]
Eternal night takes some getting accustomed to, but it's nice to get out of the city for a spell... The next time we're here perhaps we can try to convince someone to let us take a boat out for that fishing trip, eh? What of yourself? How've you been spending your weekend?
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nocwich weekend; july
He will still be careful within this realm, of course, but he's gathered that the vampires and werewolves would rather stay out of the constant back and forth between Thorne and the Free Cities, meaning that it feels like a short reprieve from all the politics.
It also allows him to meet up with those from other territories, if only briefly, and he'd made plans with Cid what feels like an age ago. Thankfully he can still keep the appointment despite all that has happened, and so he idles in the center of the square, a sharp eye kept out for that familiar mug.
If only familiar to him from memories, as the case may be. That's an odd thought — this will be their first time truly meeting in person.
Nevertheless, Thancred knows Cid's face well (better than he should), and as soon as he spots him in the crowd he closes the distance between them and lifts one hand in a brief greeting. ]
There you are. Any preference on where we find those drinks?
[ Utterly casual. It's not as if he needs all the people of Nocwich knowing his business. ]
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At the moment, he's trading anecdotes (and cigars) with a heavyset ship's captain, keeping an eye on the crowd while they chat. Thancred finds him first, though Cid catches his eye as he emerges from the crowd. They have made plans to meet, but neither of them have been particularly fussed about the details of when and how.
He's just glad to see the man in one piece after what's gone on with Thorne.
He nods at the captain, and she waves over her shoulder as she departs, heading back to her own business while Cid walks over to meet Thancred halfway. ]
Luna, near the docks. [ He pats Thancred on the shoulder before starting in that direction with the expectation that the other man will fall into step. ] I hear there's a sailors' tavern where we might find ale and entertainment, both. Unless you've got something else in mind?
[ He might be tempted to take up a room at the Full Moon Inn, but coin is in short supply, and being Summoned has its advantages. There's no reason they can't carry on the sensitive part of their conversation entirely silently, even in a busy tavern. ]
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A fan of the sea, are you? That suits me just fine. [ He'd noticed who Cid was speaking with before he stole him away, and judging from her clothing alone she was some manner of sea captain. And he would know, after years spent among people just like her while growing up in Limsa Lominsa.
In that sense, coming into Luna with the Arcanis docked in the distance feels all too familiar to him, and not simply because he's come here a number of times before. Some of the tension eases out of his gait as he walks side-by-side with Cid toward the salty scent of the sea. ]
What were you two chatting about?
[ He won't feel that comfortable speaking of himself until they're settled, though he knows Cid must be curious. There's much on their list of what to discuss, from what he can recall. ]
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And besides, the atmosphere sounds as if it'll suit Thancred just fine, if the man is much like he remembers. ]
I'm not the only one, I'd wager. You seem well at ease. [ He pats Thancred on the shoulder, though his gaze soon turns to their surroundings. Wouldn't do to get lost on the way. ]
Oh, that... I've need of some particular materials, and with everything that's going on, they've gotten more difficult to come by. I've been making inquires. [ He glances at Thancred. ] You haven't got any contacts you might recommend, have you?
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september!!
To say nothing of the fact that the memorial in Memorial Park has grown once more. It will soon enough only be a tribute to war.
It is a prize time for Cid's question of a meeting, between more baking (which he does for fun more than mental breakdown now) and songwriting, between his performances (mostly back to normal, with a rich new influx of coin.) Jaskier saddles up Feainna, who's calmed back to her normal, affectionate self, even for the short journey on well-worn paths. After all, part of this is he wishes to introduce Cid to her... and ensure he's taking good care of her, now that Sephiroth has been gone so long. He's no one else he knows to turn to, really.
Once he's arrived, Jaskier shoots off a quick little message:] Whenever you're ready, love. I've brought a surprise beauty for you to meet. I'm sure you'll love her.
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The bard himself has a colorful enough wardrobe that he easily stands out from a crowd, but for once he's been upstaged by the bright yellow feathers of his mount. ]
Bloody hell, Jaskier. [ He'd mentioned that he had a chocobo, but Cid had yet to see it for himself until this very moment. He jogs the last few steps and stops before her, waiting until she lowers her head before he reaches for it to give her a gentle scratch. Even the smell that people often complained of fills him with an odd pang of nostalgia for home. ] Been eating well, have you? Taking advantage of our friends good graces?
[ Aside from being a bit chubby, she seems well cared for. He turns back to Jaskier with a grin. ] You've got quite the affinity for birds. What's her name?
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[There's not a chance in hell he's letting a bird, even his giant, beloved bird, to get in the way of... meddlings.
But he can't say he isn't glad to have brought her, if only to see Cid's face light up. That nostalgic then, is she? So he hadn't been lying. Not there there was a reason to do so, it's only... perhaps she'll be glad to meet someone who knows her kind, too. As if she recognizes being admired (or having learned from her caretaker), the bird preens, her pretty golden feathers fluffing up with a chirrup. Into his hands her head goes, bumping into Cid's body.]
I'm doing my best with what I've been told. I'm afraid such glorious creatures have no mirror on my sphere. [But he's quite proud of her. She loves her runs, her gysahl greens (or the closet approximation Jaskier can make), and going to visit the wild birds still out in the Badlands.
Jaskier pats her side, just under her wing where she likes to be scratched. An affinity for birds -- so he does.] Feainna. Ciri named her. It means "sunny" in the Elder tongue, the elven language from my world. [Feainna begins to sniff about Cid's body, as if looking for secret treats. When she meets new people, there's often treats.] Is she much like the ones from your home?
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[ He nods at Jaskier, indulging miss Feainna with all of the attention that she might desire. She's well-socialized for a bird who doesn't have much of her own kind to flock with. ] Feainna, that's good. She's just the same. You've done a fine job with her — maybe a bit too fine — but a bit of extra meat on her bones won't harm her.
[ As if on queue, Feainna manages to nudge her beak under Cid's jacket and fish out a few of the apple chips he's started keeping to bribe the horses. They're down her gullet before he has any say in it, and Cid pushes her head gently away so that he can get the rest of them himself. ] Already under my clothes with barely more than a hello. She hasn't learned that from you, has she?
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can start fading to black/wrap here!
After arriving in the Feywilds
The Fey have abandoned their city to go to another plane of existence or something? But that means all their homes and stores and such are empty and this is a place safe away from the territories. There's food we can hunt and water we can gather, we could do trade with the Nether and Nocwich, we could make this a real thing. The land is right here.
See if they'll allow you to come over, you can see for yourself.
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[ Can it really be that good fortune has just fallen into their laps for once? He'd certainly like to believe it... ]
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Cid this could be it!
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