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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We do, and I'll be there, my friend.

[OOC: Do you want to switch to action or do a log?]

Of course, I’ll see you then.

[ He responded with a smile, before closing the feed to get to figuring things out and looking for things needed to pack.

Of course, that was all before the rains swept in and he had 1 very odd evening, followed by an even more odd day with the townsfolk buzzing about some kind of magic academy. He still had his supplies, but… Well, someone had to investigate, didn’t they? And it would be a lie to say Llewellyn wasn’t curious about such a place… Especially considering a few particular facts about people closest to him.

The question remained, would Drizzt be up for a slight change in plans or would they have to reschedule the plans in general until this all got taken care of?

Llewellyn himself was just finishing a few calls on the tell-phone to speculate over the latest strangeness when Drizzt arrived, surrounded by papers that looked like they’d been tossed about by a tornado. Pretzel curled up on a little pillow next to the desk, while Llewellyn was sitting atop the desk scribbling a few details down. His bag was sat on the chair where he should be sitting. ]

[Drizzt likewise was caught up in the buzz proceeding the rains, which were strange in and of themselves. Was this the sort of thing others had told him of? The academy itself raised Drizzt's curiosity more than a bit, and he hoped his new friend would be willing to agree to a detour for investigative purposes. What information might be gleaned from such a place? What great items might be lurking there? What dangers?

He was going whether Watts wanted to or not. He arrived at the appointed time, a small pack slung over his shoulder that contained dried meats, two water skins hanging from his belt, and two wicked looking scimitars at his waist. A cloak flowed around his calves from his shoulders, and a hood was drawn over his white hair and obscured most of his ebony skin. His eyes were wide, existed, anticipatory, their lavender gleaming in the light of their office.

He is likely smaller than Watts might have imagined, too, standing only a few inches over five feet. He's clad in well-oiled leather armer that makes no sound, not even a creak, as he moves.]

Llewellyn Watts, yes? I am Drizzt Do'Urden. Well met, in person at the least.

[ Llewellyn hadn’t really known what to expect upon meeting Drizzt after their conversation, but it certainly was a surprise to see one so short and yet so clearly prepared between the blades at his waist and his garb that looked quite fitting of one about to go and spend an unknown amount of time in the woods on a quest of some sort. Really, the detective almost felt ill-prepared by comparison.

He wasn’t wearing anything particularly fancy, at least having the common sense to put some older clothes on. They wouldn’t be a loss if he ruined them. His pack was well stocked with things that both he and Pretzel would need while they were out, but there was an obvious lack of weaponry on the man. He was, after all, a pacifist of an odd sort. No judgement came from him towards other’s, it was only that he knew he didn’t have it in him and the idea of doing more than reaching out to restrain someone made him uncomfortable.

But he offered the man a smile as he slipped off the edge of the desk and offered a hand in greeting. ]

That would be me! It’s uh- nice to meet you face to face. You appear to be all ready, and I was just finishing with following up on a few… oddities that were brought to my attention. I admit, I wished to have a word with you about our plans, what with the commotion going on in the city now.

[Drizzt didn't pass any judgement on Watts for his lack of armor or other preparations, and between the man's love of food and his demeanor, he was already reminding Drizzt of one of his dearest friends, a small man with a very large heart who had been the first to welcome the dark-skinned drow even though his fellows were wary of the newcomer. It was endearing him to Watts in a way he hadn't anticipated, but he could prepare for it, and for Watts' other possible similarities to Regis.

It meant the man would need protecting, but it also meant he was very observant and not apt to stumble into danger if he was paying attention. If Drizzt knew Watts' outlook on violence, he would remind the Drow even more of Regis.

A broad smile broke across his face at Watts' greeting, and it looked natural there, a warmth that those strange lavender eyes.]

I was hoping to discuss them now. I mean to see this academy everyone is abuzz over.

Edited 2022-05-13 15:47 (UTC)

[ Llewellyn would really be quite grateful for the lack of judgement from Drizzt. It was something about him people had tended to question and try to press him about. Which generally led to unpleasantness and discomfort, if not prickly responses.

And his new friend’s response concerning the academy was more than he’d hoped for, really. Llewellyn was ready to put their outing on hold altogether until the situation was looked into… but the fact that Drizzt seemed to be of a similar mind on the subject meant nothing more than a slight adjustment in plans than a true delay. ]

I’m glad to hear you say that. I uh- confess I’m rather intrigued by the whole idea. I think it would only be sensible to have a look and gather a little firsthand information about the place. [ Not that he… doubted the locals were being honest… But he was of the mind that there was more to most things than whatever they could tell him. ] The more information we have on here, and all that.

[ He added with a gesture around the office. ]

So! If you’re interested in an adjustment to our original plan, I was hoping we might have a look into this together.

[Rarely did Drizzt ever judge others. They were the ones who lived their lives, possessed their memories, and often those directly influenced actions and changed the meaning behind them.]

Oh, I mean to, my friend, and the companionship is welcome. [He nodded.] Then let us proceed.

Excellent! Then let us see what we can learn. I have enough for a few days, at least. I don’t know what we’ll find, as I heard the road to the academy itself is in a bad state.

[ Tucking his hat on his head and adding his notebook to the bag, he readied himself to set off with Drizzt’s confirmation that he didn’t mind the change. ]

Oh- [ He paused as he shouldered his pack and glanced down at his other short(er) companion. The one with ample wrinkles and ears that were far too long compared to his legs. ] I suppose I should introduce you both properly before we’re off, but uh- this is Pretzel.

As have I, a road that suddenly appeared in abject disrepair.

[Others were more knowledgeable than he on matters of things simply appearing in Aterat as though they always were, but this seemed particularly strange, even by the standards of this place. It was telling as well that others who had been here far longer than he had were confused by the situation. Did that mean this was something unusual, even to the experienced? It made the whole affair even more exciting.

That could all wait, of course, as his pupil was being introduced. He Drow broke into a grin at the introduction, turning his attention to the animal, crouching to reach his floppy ears.]

Well met, Pretzel. Llewellyn has high hopes for you. Let us see to it he isn't disappointed.

It’s quite a strange thing… It’s not strange for things we’ve never seen before to appear, but it strikes me as odd that the road leading to it is in such rough shape. When major additions to this place occur? They tend to be in better shape. Easy for everyone to access, even…

[ Meanwhile, Pretzel was quite pleased with the attention on his ears. Letting out a happy little whine and a wiggle at the greeting, his tail thumping lightly on the floor again. Yes, he liked this new person too! Not that Pretzel had been known to dislike many people, only a few, but he was clearly quite sociable.

Llewellyn smiled as he tucked his notebook and a couple pencils away in his pack before putting it on. He was glad to see that they appeared to get along alright, so he crouched to clip the dog’s leash in place for now. ]

It will be an interesting test to see if he can focus with so many other things around to distract him here- but I believe I’m set and so is he. So! Let’s be off.

[ He continued, gesturing for the door and leading Drizzt outside of it. At least the road itself wouldn’t be too hard to get to. It was everything after that he was a bit concerned about. ]

Then something is different with this occurrence. Admittedly, I am no expert, but those who have called this place home for some time seem just as confused by the event than us newcomers. I wonder what it may mean.

[Drizzt chuckle’s at Prezel’s display and shakes his head, tutting to him chidingly.]

Though he could do with being a bit less trusting.

[He smiles again, rising and reaching into the folds of his cloak, producing a small, onyx figurine in the shape of the pouncing panther, small enough to fit into the palm of his hand.]

I believe he will have a skilled teacher.

That’s a question I hope we’ll find an answer to. It’s like the way things happen here has shifted somewhat, and it makes me wonder what the reason behind it may be.

[ Not that this world had ever been predictable, but it was a change and he couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more to be worried about. If this was possibly going to be a ‘new norm’ of some sort.

He smiled a little at Drizzt’s comment, though. ]

Yes, it’s really rather strange… I’ve met very few people he hasn’t liked upon meeting them. I only hope that he won’t be trusting of the wrong person one day, would have for him to end up in trouble.

[ That aside, Llewellyn’s attention shifted slightly to the figurine Drizzt was taking out of his cloak. Brow furrowing lightly, he leaned over to get a look. ]

Oh?? [ Did the figurine have something to do with it, or… was there more to it than that? ] How do you mean?

In my experience, some mechanization is in motion we have yet to find. The academy may provide us with a worthwhile clue. [Or at the very least, treasure, and that was almost as good.]

I doubt his instincts would fail him. [Says the elf who knows nothing about show-dog breeding or breeding with intent to remove hostility.]

Let her walk with us for a time. Guenhwyvar, to me! [He smiles and slides the statuette back into the folds of his cloak as the shadows around gather at his side into a large black panther who looks over the two of them, Watts and Pretzel, with intelligent curiosity.] These are new friends, Guenhwyvar.

[The great cat strides towards them, stopping after a pace or two, the muscles sliding powerfully beneath her sleek coat, her nostrils working as she tastes their scents in the air.] This is my friend and companion, Guenhwyvar.

[ Llewellyn’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Guenhwyvar standing before them, after forming from what seemed like shadows. The detective was quite sure things like this would never cease to surprise him…

But even if he had been used to it, he was sure that the panther before him would still be a surprise. ]

She’s mm… quite magnificent? I’ve certainly never seen the like. [ He commented with some awe apparent in his tone. Still not about to forget his manners, he offered a greeting to the large feline. ] It’s a pleasure to meet you, Guenhyvar.

[ Pretzel, of course, was excited by the appearance and eagerly trotted over to investigate and meet the panther. She was so much bigger than him! Like his wolf friend, almost! But not! A much different kind of new friend! So Llewellyn offered a quick introduction as well, hoping she didn’t mind how excited the little hound was. ]

This is uh- Pretzel, do forgive him if he’s a bit more excitable than you’re used to.

[The great cat produced a sound akin to a contented purr, and at a slight nod from Drizzt, approached Llewellyn, head lowered. At that, Drizzt chuckled.]

She's partial to a scratch behind the ears. This is her way of asking.

[Admittedly, Drizzt has never seen a dog quite like this one, though he's heard of them, read of them briefly in field manuals.]

A hound, yes? They are used for hunting foxes.

Oh- what a polite way of requesting compared to someone simply throwing themselves on your lap and trapping you. [ He commented with a pointed look at Pretzel. Right now? It was cute. But one day, that dog was going to be too heavy for him to lift easily.

He smiled though, raising a hand to gently scratch behind the large cat’s ears with a hum at the question. ]

And yes, that is quite right. Since then, they’ve been discovered to be useful for tracking more than foxes too. Their long ears trap scents, making it easier for them to follow the trail they’re on.

[The great cat purred at Watts' touch and seemed content enough to stay there.

Drizzt, meanwhile, took a knee to greet pretzel, allowing the hound to familiarize himself with himself with the elf's scent while he offered the animal pets.]

You, my little friend, will be a great hunter one day, I swear it.

[Drizzt decides to take the lolling tongue as approval at his words with a smile.] It's true! You have my word.

Edited 2022-06-26 23:39 (UTC)

You are quite magnificent, I must say. [ He complimented her, smiling at the curious purring sound that was coming from the large feline. She really was quite something, and Llewellyn had certainly never been so close to a creature like her before.

The comment to Pretzel, Llewellyn, looked at his canine with a curious tilt of his head. Oh, yes, the pup looked quite pleased with the attention indeed. Whether he agreed with Drizzt or not was hard to say for certain, but the pup did have an uncanny habit of seeming like he did. ] A kind vote of confidence. I’m rather hopeful on that matter myself. He’s determined if his behavior is anything to go by.

[ And the pup had proven to be intelligent, just in need of direction and practice for not getting distracted… But he straightened finally, gesturing to Drizzt. ] Mm… Shall we be off?

[Guenwyhvar sat back on her haunches, bringing a paw up to her delicately ferocious mouth to clean, clearly pleased with the praise and Drizzt laughed in amusement.]

She approves of your praise. As for Pretzel, [He smiled down at the pup.] Dogs are keen to please their masters, I believe you should have no trouble.

[He nodded and adjusted the strap on his pack.] We shall. [The great cat moved to his side, further illustrating his small and lithe size.]

[ The comment gets a small grin, shaking his head a little. There was such personality in their companions, it seemed.

Likewise, though, Llewellyn began to walk as well, being mindful of Pretzel as the dog took to trotting alongside them. Seeming to be intent on keeping up with his new friends with an excited energy. It was almost comically, really, to note the difference in size. And then the realization of how large Guenwyhvar was compared to Drizzt was another realization emphasized as they began down the path. ]

I admit, I find the idea of this ‘Academy’ rather intriguing, given we haven't seen something like it here before. There seems to be so little information on it beyond that it already apparently existed.

[ Which, given they knew it hadn't, wasn't the most helpful information. ]

As do I. [He'd seen his share of academies, he was raised in one himself, more than one actually.]

In my homeland, all children of noble houses were sent to a place similar, though I truly hope very different in function.

[His people were the antithesis of him.]

Hopefully, it will provide us a wealth of information on this place.

So it is not entirely dissimilar to my world, by the sounds of it. [ He responded with a thoughtful hum, glancing at Drizzt as they walked towards the ‘mysterious road’ as he wondered what the man’s upbringing had been. ] Generally only families of wealth can send their children to private academies, and anything beyond basic education like college is unheard of for anyone below that unless they secure a sponsor.

[ Llewellyn had neither that luck in his youth, and so much of what he knew was self taught beyond primary education. So finding places in these worlds that were a wealth of knowledge and perhaps not so limited in those allowed to see them? He would always be drawn to them. The historium, the tower, the library back in the last world. They were all valuable, in his opinion. ]

I hope so as well, though the state of the place may be questionable if the uh- road is anything to by.

I am loath to give my family any credit, but I cannot deny they saw to my education. [They were also cutthroat, ruthless, and devoted to the Drow's chaotic evil goddess. His mother had done unforgiveable things, as had all his sisters and his older brother as well.]

Those are the most promising destinations, my friend. [His grin broadened against with talk of adventure, family be damned.]

I see? [ He certainly sensed the particularly strong feelings concerning Drizzt’s family, at that. ] Family can be… a rather complicated thing.

[ The comment and obvious eagerness about a potentially exciting road gets a curious grin from the detective. ]

Mm… You are probably right, and I am rather intrigued with what truths a little investigation might reveal about this place- or even this world, if we’re lucky.

They can, indeed. [It would be a complicated tale to share with his friend, and also one he wished to avoid. He didn't mistrust Watts, but he also didn't want his pity.]

[He brightens at the change in subject, though, a broad grin spreading across his face.]

The truest treasure, truth! I do look forward to finding it as well.

Clever subject line goes here

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