aterat | Clever subject line goes here

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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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[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.

[ At least Llewellyn would understand, not wanting to discuss complicated stories about family. He wouldn’t want to himself if the tables were turned. Sometimes… Things were best left in the past, since talking about it wouldn’t change it.

He grinned at the agreement as they changed the subject, Pretzel even barking rather excitedly at the obvious shift in mood.]

I agree, I’ve mm… long prioritized the pursuit of truth. I find myself unsatisfied if I can’t get to the bottom of something.

[ Looking ahead, the detective spotted the rumoured road coming into view ahead of them ]

My… It uh- really is in the shape described, isn’t it? Really is strange that it appeared in such disrepair. From what I understand, new additions to this place are usually more… functional than this. It really does seem more like it was here all along, even if we never saw it before.

[ Since most of the city had been in a bad state, and still was in some parts. ]

Is that what 'detecting' is, Detective? Seeking the truth?

[If so, he believed it to be a noble profession worthy of praise.]

Perhaps it was shrouded, or rested in a plane not far from this one. [Drizzt hailed from a world wholly familiar with various planes of existence, and his first year of study at the academy had been dedicated to such understandings.] This world has a...shattered look about it, and the Aspects have suggested in the past something happened that destroyed it, did they not? It serves to reason such an explosion might send shards across the planes, and what is a shard to a planet?

Mm… Yes, that would be the best definition for the job, I think.

[ At least to him it was. The truth was important. Even if he didn’t always like the truth he found, it was necessary… Not everyone operated that way, though. He had the unpleasant misfortune of dealing with a few who did not value the truth nearly enough, or twisted it for their own gain.

But he listened curiously to the suggestion… Other planes of existence. That was actually a pretty good explanation. Even if he had little experience with such things, it was hard to deny the possibility given they were where they were now. ]

So by that logic, it’s truly not new and simply a part of this place that was before… Waiting on another plane of existence to join this one. [ He carefully picked his path, eyeing Pretzel thoughtfully to ensure the dog didn’t trip on something. Like a dislodged a bit of the path, or his ears… ] Which would mean its state is as it last was when it was here, as the whole… world ending event took place. I can’t say I know much about such things, but it does make more sense than some things I’d been considering. Makes one wonder what else might be waiting to rejoin the world, rather than be made new.

A noble profession. [He nods approvingly.] Are there many in your world who are 'detectives'?

[He would hazard to say Faerun would benefit from more, or any, who held the title, but he also wondered, even if they did exist, if they would ever venture to the unforgiving landscape of Ten Towns and the sprawling tundra upon which they scraped together a living. Likely not. He also admitted internally these 'detectives' may well exist in kinder climates as theirs.]

Yes. We call it, this plane on which we exist naturally, the Prime Material Plane, but there are entities that may move between them, some with the benefit of spells, [And he motioned toward Guenhwyvar as they asked.] and others by means of summoning. Even others possess a natural ability to open their own pathways. If a spell were volatile enough, I imagine they could sever the walls between the planes and pull beings or even entire locations through, though I imagine reality would be the less stable for it.

[He offered the detective a knowing smile, certain Watts would agree 'stable' was not a way to describe Aterat at all.]

It’s actually a relatively new position, but it has taken on more in recent years. There is only one detective per station house generally, but mine has seen a benefit to keeping multiple. [ You know, when they could be bothered to listen to the spare detective… He mused to himself, keeping the frown to himself. ] And I heard in the last place I was that it becomes much more common in the future, according to a few people I spoke with.

Ah, I see! [ And he did, which was actually rather nice for a change on this subject. His eyes glanced to Guenhwyvar curiously. That she also came from another plane put it into perspective rather well. It wasn’t as like she could just cease to exist just because she wasn’t immediately there with them, after all. Though he offered Drizzt a slightly wry smile at the comment about how the stability of a world could be put in jeopardy if a spell large enough interfered with the walls separating them. ] Mm… I think ‘less stable’ and the occurrences in this world make a rather good example of that.

I must say, I uh- appreciate your perspective on the matter. Even after a few years in situations like this, I don’t know that I’ve heard it put in such a way before.

Seeking the truth is far preferable to simply blaming the most obvious subject. I'm pleased to hear it catches on. Faerun could benefit from a similar position.

[He doubted anyone with such stigma as himself would fare well, even in a world defended by detectives, but others would, and that was important.]

Truly? I'm couldn't call myself an expert on planar transversal. [Though he suspected he might be the best they had, or at least close to it.] But I will share what sparse knowledge I have, if it's helpful.

My thoughts exactly. [ Llewellyn considered leaving it at that, but it seemed unfair and rather dishonest to let Drizzt think all detectives were perfectly noble and honest pursuers of justice. ] Mm… But I must confess, they aren’t all so dedicated as they should be in my experience. There are always those who prefer to seek the easy, obvious answer, overlooking further for the truth.

[ He offered a small smile though at the modesty, even if Drizzt wasn’t an expert, he certainly knew more than Llewellyn did. ]

It would be quite helpful! To be quite honest, my experience is only with this world and the last I was. This sort of thing is, uh- still rather questionable in its existence at best in my world.

The same can be true for all professions, my friend, and many do not realize how closely they effect the lives of others with their laziness.

[Even Regis, his dear friend, had taken his role as councilman for granted, until he was instrumental in rallying Ten Towns to repel the Barbarian invasion, if only to use his influence to bring Drizzt's plan.]

Then I am at your disposal.

You’re not wrong, I suppose, and then there are those who simply don’t care.

[Llewellyn had a hard time accepting either of those things, though. It was something he couldn’t overlook when he happened upon those who would be so neglectful or abuse their positions. Which generally got him in more trouble than he could handle.

He finally offered a smile, then. ]

I appreciate that, Drizzt. It’s mm… good to have someone who knows about these things to refer to and ask about such matters.

Even more true. [His response was accompanied by a frown. Others, even had grown a lethargy from times being too easy, that when haste was necessary, or honesty, it was deemed to difficult to try.]

I am honored to aid you in whatever way you require.

Then I shall be directing all future questions your way.

[ He responded with a grateful smile, knowing he probably was going to have quite a lot of questions the next time there was another major shift, and… Well, on that note, he hummed lightly as they walked. ]

… Makes you wonder though… What else might belong here that we have yet to see?

Edited 2022-08-18 18:33 (UTC)

[He chuckled lightly.] And I shall do my best to answer.

[Watts' pondering stirred his own thoughts, though, and he looked thoughtful for a moment, allowing his mind to wander as Guenhwyvar took point on their path.]

Countless things, I imagine. Aterat was once a thriving world, whole and complete, at least I assume so. There is more than we can dream, I'm sure.

[ Watching Guen taking point, he considered the very idea that they probably couldn’t even begin to guess what else might just be waiting to rejoin this world where it belonged. ]

You’re probably right… It’s uh- a strange thing to think of, but I suppose we can only wait and see what might happen next. Rather than worrying in its own way, but interesting in others.

Worry? [At that, Drizzt laughed. It was a carefree sound, and for a moment, served to illustrate why elves were sometimes described as childlike.] Nay, my friend. I anticipate the adventure of their reveal!

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