aterat | Clever subject line goes here

Entry tags:

Clever subject line goes here

Who; OTA
What; Pupper Shenanigans, Moving Day/Anniversary, Investigations
Where; All over
When; Early to mid-April
Warnings; None as yet! I will update if they come up and add the warning to the header of the tag

( I can also do personalized starters if you want! just let me know either on Discord: WhimsicalSpook#8219 or Plurk:

whimsicalspook You are also welcome to throw a starter at me if you want, I don't bite!)

A wrinkle in plans... - Open to all

A. Network Assistance Request?

[ Llewellyn wasn’t much for using the network, really. Tell-phones were something he tended to be more than a little clumsy with. It did help, though, that Enis had put his on a chain so he wouldn’t lose the darn thing so much. So there’s a light metallic rattle as he adjusted the phone and peered into the camera. ]

Er... Hello everyone. I hope you’re all... well?

[ That seemed polite, and he was trying to work up to asking for a favour. Somehow delivering news on a case was easier than this. Why was work always easier? ]

I’m just uh- looking to see if anyone would be interested in helping me out with a little project I’ve been working on. Some of you already know about it, since you mm... were around in the last world I was, as well. Pretzel’s particularly good at following scent trails, and we had thought he would be helpful in the event that people went missing back then. Seems as important here as it was there. Especially since this world has a lot more potentially confusing places to get lost, like the forest.

But! Anyway, I um... I’ve been spending the better part of the last year and a half training him in scent tracking. Rhy and I have mostly been working with items and making trails like that... But I think it would be beneficial for the little fellow to get experience looking for real people now.

Also... He’s very sociable, and because the last world we were in had very... few animals... [ Complicated in ways Llewellyn didn’t know how to explain, really. ] He doesn’t quite know what everything here is. He keeps trying to make friends with creatures that aren’t fond of dogs. [ A small amused huff. Pretzel really was as awkward as he could be sometimes. ] So if anyone has a particularly social pet that he might get along with, it might be nice for him to get to know them?

[ An awkward pause, then a nod. That was about it. ]

Uh- anyway, I’ll be going then. Thank you for your time!

[ The feed closes. ]

B. Open Log

Pretzel was a very energetic, growing ~~wrinkle~~ hound. It was important to get him out for walks so he didn’t get too housebound, and while the move was going to give the little guy more room to run around? It was going to be an adjustment, and Llewellyn was hoping to keep his routine as close to normal in all the excitement.

Especially since Pretzel had somehow gotten very good at slipping out without their notice to explore the city in search of friends. Neither he nor Rhy could figure out how the dog kept doing it, it was a mystery.

Llewellyn had decided it was just that the dog was rather intelligent, and he wasn’t being challenged or engaged enough. So the best answer he could come up with was to increase training and give him something a little more difficult. Challenge the clever little hound’s mind while they were out and about.

Afternoons where he wasn’t at the Gullwings office, Aerith’s garden shop, or with his husband were spent on very long walks around the market... Or running around the park with fake scent trails and dog toys as he tried to keep up with Pretzel’s training and exercise.

ooc: People could either run into them at the park (especially if you want to handwave them arranging to help with training) or bump into them around the market! Both Llewellyn and Pretzel are very ~~awkward~~ social!

Helping out a friend in need. - Closed to Lauri-Ell

Llewellyn adjusted his hat slightly, moving down a side street with Pretzel trotting dutifully at his heels. The detective had a somewhat concerned and definitely curious expression on his face as he took a shortcut to the forge where his friend worked.

Lauri-Ell didn’t tend to ask for assistance or favours much, in his experience. They had their weekly lessons for writing and sharing books... But this was a little different from that. She had sounded a bit frustrated and troubled, explaining that something rather important was missing...

It hadn’t taken more than a half second of thought to agree. He wasn’t fond of friends being troubled by things, especially if he could help.

So off he went with a quick note for his husband where he was going for the day in case he didn’t make it home till later in the evening, getting Pretzel’s leash on and making his way to their destination.

I know exactly what I want, and it's this life that we've created, inundated with the fated thought of you. - Closed to Rhy

This was it. This was moving day. Well... Moving week, really. They had been working for the last week or so to get their belongings moved from the red and blue building to the stonework house that was situated in a small neighborhood near the market.

But today, in particular, was special. It was moving in day. It was also, amusingly, their wedding anniversary. Which had felt rather fitting for their next step together.

There were other things, of course, that needed doing. The house was in livable conditions, but it did still need a little work here and there. Some painting needed to be done to freshen things, some small repairs here and there, and perhaps a little more cleaning where it had been vacant for so long...

But they were both rather eager lovebirds, after having been searching for the right house for a few months now. Especially since this one had been perfect, hitting most of the marks that they had agreed on for a home, which felt rather lucky.

Llewellyn had been... Well, he was up to something. Rhy would be able to tell that much as they got ready for the day. The detective had never been good at hiding things unless someone’s life depended on it (and if it was his life, then less so). So it was clear enough that he was keeping something to himself while they went over last-minute plans.

It was their wedding anniversary though, so what on earth did the man have up his sleeve today?

“So uh- we need to stop off at the shop to get the um...” He gestured at the windows lightly from where he was standing next to the closet, trying to button his shirt and get dressed for the day. “The materials you picked out for the curtains and your projects? And I have to get some paint to work in the kitchen in the next few weeks...” He tapped off the list on his finger, forgetting his task of getting dressed for a moment. “Should probably see if the carpentry shop has some of the things we commissioned finished, too. I think the note I received from the messenger said they had Pretzel’s bed and a few other things ready.” He added, piling a few more things onto the list while he tried to decide on a green waistcoat or a blue one.

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"Alright then. I shall put my faith in this scentbeast. Kree do not use creatures like them, so I am unfamiliar with how effective this c ould be."

But if he had faith, she would too.

“No?” He asked, dividing his attention between the conversation and watching Pretzel as the dog changed directions, leading them down another street after a moment or two. “I can’t say it’s an effective method all the time, but there has been a lot of success with scent tracking dogs. From the books I read in the last world, it’s something that endures through time? Even well into the future of my own world, from what I could tell.” So that said something, at least.

Watching as Pretzel paused, seeming to snuffle around in one spot for a bit as he tried to pick up the direction the trail went in, he moved forward and let the pup take another sniff of the cloth before he refocused and lead them off again.

“Mm… So are these rivals of Gili’s a problem often?” Llewellyn asked, wanting to get a better feel for the situation itself.

"That is interesting to hear, especially that you were able to determine this was true in your future."

She is definitely interested in all of what is going on actually. That Pretzel was happy to take a new sniff and set off again was exciting.

"They have not been before since I joined her."

“I did. There were some uh- unexpected perks when it came to the knowledge available in the last world I was.” He responded with a small shrug. It had gone a long way for figuring some things out. Some of it good for the future, some of it less good, but Llewellyn was the sort to take knowledge where he could get it. In times where there was very little to control, at least he could delve into something to focus on learning.

Still, turning down another alley, he watched as Pretzel picked up speed a bit. Llewellyn found he had to quicken his own steps to keep up, though he at least was a little more used to keeping a pace like this. Between spending so much time working on the go and jogging some mornings.

He hummed though, “So it’s a newer escalation...” He wondered what prompted the behavior… Well, jealousy and the business, probably. It was clear Gili was skilled, and that Lauri was improving her trade as well? Petty of these rivals, certainly, but people could be terribly petty when they couldn’t compete.

"Newer to my knowledge. But she implied it is old among them."

Perhaps Gili's rivals had been sick for a while. Or in Jail. Or something else.

Llewellyn listened thoughtfully. He could imagine quite a few reasons why they hadn’t instigated anything in a while. It wasn’t an answer they’d have until he worked out who the culprit was precisely, but it was worth finding out more. Might help anticipate future issues or avoid them. He might have to have a word with the guard to see if this was a pattern, if they’d picked the person up before.

“Well, we’ll have to see what we can figure out once we know more… I’d hate for this to be a regular occurrence for you both to deal with. Oh- looks like we’re going this way now.” He commented, tilting his head and hurrying along. Llewellyn might have been a little more concerned about this, given it was Pretzel’s first official job. It was a little different from the ones they’d planned. He wouldn’t want to let Lauri-Ell down, after all.

But then, the dog drew to a short stop. Snuffling around the ground, his ears dragging around his face as he seemed to trying to find the trail again. Llewellyn tilted his head slightly, “Need another sniff, bud?” He crouched to offer up the bag again, only for Pretzel to shoot off towards a building. The detective very nearly stumbled a bit as he straightened to catch up. It seemed like they might be closer.

Well now that was interesting. Lauri-Ell was quick to race after the pup. That Pretzel was going fast was a good sign, yes? And a building was helpful.

"I just hope this is where it is. I wish to have this day over. Perhaps I shall put Kree security over our things."

The building was definitely a good sign. It narrowed the search down to specific rooms and perhaps their culprit. Llewellyn only hoped they wouldn’t be hindered once they were inside. Not everyone was particularly fond of people bringing in animals off the street.

Well, there was only one way to find out. Especially as Pretzel bounded up the steps as quick as his awkward little legs could carry him to paw at the door to be let in. Llewellyn leaned forward to avoid stepping on the little guy and knocked on the door. It seemed to be a private building, and he wasn’t really the sort to just let himself in.

“Kree security?” He asked with some interest, was it like a kree built security system of some kind? He recalled seeing a few security systems in place at the Sphere, and even Murdoch had been working on something of the sort in his world.

"I suggest keeping a tight leash on him," Lauri-Ell said. If this potentially grew violent, she would wish to see him safe.

"There are some things my hammer may allow me to do."

“Good point. Wouldn’t want him to pull free.” Llewellyn responded, double winding the end of the leash around to tighten his grip and secure the hound a little better. Pretzel could get a bit excited after all, and too friendly when there were plenty who were less so. It would do well when they were looking for a missing child, less so when tracking down a thief.

He raised a brow a little, though. “Your hammer has an uh- security feature?” Well, that was convenient, at least by the sound of it. Llewellyn was starting to think he didn’t quite understand how the hammer worked and that it wasn’t exactly a normal hammer.

"It is tied to my biometrics," she answered. To touch it would mean being shocked. Quite badly.

It wasn't her forge hammer but the one she carried in battle.

“Biometrics… Right, that means it can only be used by you, right? I recall similar locks in the last world that only opened when those of us who it was assigned to touch it.” He commented thoughtfully, he didn’t full understand it… But he understood enough.

Finally, though, the door opened, and he considered how to introduce them. He wasn’t with the guard or anything… But he offered a polite duck of his head, reasonably sure the person who answered was in charge of the building. A landlord, presumably. “Pardon, we’re uh- here on an investigation. We’ll be discrete, if you don’t mind. We’re looking for… I believe one of your tenants, or someone visiting one.” He commented carefully, not about to offer details beyond what was necessary.

The man looked at the dog questioningly, to which Llewellyn awkwardly shrugged. “He’s with us, and he’s house-trained. No mess, I promise.” He added, as they made their way inside.

"Correct," Lauri-Ell says. "It knows my DNA. It sings to my blood."

And sings of her blood. And justice. It was a very awkward thing.

Oh, but there is the door opening. Lauri-Ell could see that the owner looked... unnerved, and she stood up straighter.

"Sir, I am the Apprentice of Blacksmith Gili Truestrike. If you were to allow us in, you would be doing a true favor to our smithy, and I would happily see some discounts on work."

The man still looked a bit... nervous about it all.

"Alright," he said at last, stepping himself aside more.

Llewellyn couldn’t help but admire the clever offer. It at least got them in the door without causing a commotion. That was key, after all, not alerting the thief to their presence. Not exactly an easy thing, given they were… a unique-looking trio. Anyone outside that might be an accomplice could warn the thief if they were seen coming.

But, so far, so good, as he nodded politely to the man as they passed him by. His tone lowering slightly as he let Pretzel lead them down the hall and past a series of doors, apartments presumably. “We should be close now… At least, I think so. Pretzel seems quite keen. The scent trail must be stronger in here.”

"Then perhaps I shall have my things," Lauri says with a warm smile. She was excited for this. "When he brings us to a door, you must let me go first."

Llewellyn hummed a little. He wasn’t sure about letting Lauri go first… If only because of old habit. But he had Pretzel to think of. The short dog would be easy to trip over if they went ahead. “Alright, but we’ll be cautious… Not sure what we’re in for, after all.”

He let Pretzel lead them up a flight of stairs, nose still to the ground and ears dragging along as he towed his owner along. Right up to a door at the very end of the hall…

And yet Lauri-Ell could break Llewellyn over her leg, and being Kree, she had redundant organs, so even internal injuries weren't as bad as they could be.

"Good to hear," she said, before looking to the door they were led to. It was time. She took a deep breath. "Please take a step back."

That was the funny thing about Llewellyn. He didn’t tend to look at things that way for all that he had a tendency to get himself in over his own head. Lauri-Ell could be indestructible and he’d still probably default on his usual habits.

But he backs up as requested, “Of course, mm…. Pretzel. You sit back, bud.” He murmured quietly, gesturing for the pup to sit behind them in the corner of the hall, well out of the way for anyone who might be leaving. Plus, being out of Lauri-Ell’s way meant Llewellyn could run if the suspect made a break for it. He was pretty good at catching up to people, after all.

Well, at least if they were on foot.

Lauri-Ell knocks on the door, and there is nothing there for a moment. But soon a man opens the door.

"Who the fuck are you two?"

Lauri-Ell ignores him to look at Pretzel. "Is this the one?"

“Eloquent.” Llewellyn mumbled with a rise in his brow, already rather unpleasant as far as impressions went. But he glanced at Pretzel when Lauri-Ell did.

The pup was already staring intently at the man, ears perked forward, and he let out an excited bark that could only be ruled as affirmative. He found the hiding person! This was the end of the game trail, the smelly thief!

“I believe this is, indeed, the one. At least this is the reaction he usually has when he’s at the end of a trail.” Llewellyn added for confirmation, in case she needed it. The only difference was, Pretzel didn’t seem to like the man much. His tail wasn’t wagging and there was less joy in the bark than when he found a friend. He was… uncertain? Unwilling to go over and greet him as he usually would. Smart hound.

Smart hound indeed.

"What trail?" the man says, sounding angry and annoyed.

"You have stolen from Smith Gili," Lauri-Ell said, voice strong and disapproving. "If you turn it over now, I will not bring the guards."

Llewellyn frowned a little, “Yours, you left something at the scene and it’s led us to your door.” He responded with a small hum, keeping a close eye on the man. Clearly he didn’t like the interruption, but the question was, would he listen or would he make them get the guards involved?

“We only want what’s been taken. I doubt you want to spend a night at the guardhouse for this.” Llewellyn added, hoping that there was at least some common sense in the man’s head. If Lauri and Gili were satisfied with just having their things returned, he should count himself lucky. Llewellyn knew a great many individuals who would expect far more than that.

“I ain’t got nothing,” the man insisted, looking quite offended to be accused.

And Lauri-Ell just sighed, sounding tired.

“I do not wish to force myself to walk to the guard station,” she said before stepping closer to the door. “Llewellyn, I would advise you begin your walk.”

“I believe you would be wise to be honest, sir.” Llewellyn responded, shaking his head slightly. He didn’t doubt Pretzel’s abilities. It hadn’t been a difficult trail to follow… And if he had to get the guards involved, he’d have the man’s finger marks to compare with those he found at the forge if needed.

Llewellyn straightens from where he’d been leaning on the wall outside the door. He’s not particularly keen on leaving Lauri-Ell behind. More because you didn’t leave a partner alone than because of anything else. He doubted the man would be going anywhere. One could hardly get by Lauri when she had her mind set to something. “I can certainly go ahead, but the Gullwings do have a liaison with the guards. I could probably give him a call and he’d send a few guards in the area our way easily enough.” He responded, putting a little weight on his words.

That seems to make the man look... A bit less comfortable. At last he grumbles.

"Stay here, you got it?"

Lauri-Ell looks to Llewellyn, as if trying to ask if this was a good choice. But the guy was already closing the door a little bit. not fully, but some.

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