Cast: Cirocco (Loyal) & Gracie (AOM)
TLDR: Cirocco got frustrated with setting up a tent and Gracie comes along and helps. They discuss their past as wanderers. Cirocco gets embarrassed when he thought Gracie asked for a courtship, but discovered she was just talking about adventure.
Support Points Earned: 1
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TLDR: Cirocco got frustrated with setting up a tent and Gracie comes along and helps. They discuss their past as wanderers. Cirocco gets embarrassed when he thought Gracie asked for a courtship, but discovered she was just talking about adventure.
Support Points Earned: 1
[8:54 PM] Loyal: Sometime after making landfall, the men and women of The Pack get busy setting up camp for their adventures. Each attending to their own duties, needs, and whims in their own way. Near a grove of trees atop a small grassy knoll, Cirocco the Hawk Laguz is no exception.
He can be found sitting atop a fallen log, poking through a small sampling of local flora in his hand. Beside him, however, is a sack with various bits of fabric and iron rods strewn haphazardly in and around it.
[9:19 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie slowly makes her way up the incline, tail dragging behind her as she walks. She's stored her dress and ring in a safe place at camp, and took a moment to wander the area, mentally running over her musings over survival in the various environments of the word she'd observed.
Lost in thought, she finds herself at the top of the hill again, then takes a step back. "Ah," she interjects. "Apologies, I did not notice you saw fit to make your camp here, sir, eh...?"(edited)
[9:28 PM] Loyal: He looks up at her intrustion, clear irritation on his face. Though, once he realizes the girl was speaking specifically to him, the scowl softens. "Cirocco, ah... sorry."
His wings aid his ascent as he stands up, his full measure still coming up a number of inches shorter than the Ayzer. Offering a polite bow and then his hand, he tries again. "Please call me Cirocco. I think I saw you at the meeting hall, but I don't believe I got a chance to say hello. Were you looking for a place to set up?"
His free hand still holds the various plants, and he awkwardly shuffles the bag off to the side.
[9:35 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She glances down at him, meeting his eyes and giving his hand a shake. "I am afraid that I did not see you there. You must have already been preoccupied... I am Gracie, Gracie Sargas. I had already set myself up closer to camp."
After a moment, she glances down, observing the bag with a nod. "Oh, were we given rations? I did not receive a bag."
[9:42 PM] Loyal: "Rations? No," Cirocco follows her glance downward, grimacing shamefully. "No, no rations. That is a tent. Or... I suppose it would be a tent. I've never actually ... put one together before, and I'm having a bit of a rough time with the damn thing."
Indeed, there was no tent erected near him. Nor a fire pit, nor much of anything useful. Plenty of materials for putting them all together though. And on inspection, one could see that the fabrics and rods inside of the bag matched those that would be used for putting a tent together.
Cirocco rubs one of the plants, a broadheaded leaf, between his forefinger and thumb, the simple action seeming to have a theraputic effect on the laguz. "I admit I got a bit frustrated dealing with it. Left for awhile and tried to just figure out which of these plants were edible instead. Go back and approach it with a clear head, you know?"
[10:28 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She nods, looking over at the bag of possible-tent. "Truly...?" It was, for her, something of a surprise--was this not an investigative, expeditionary force? Were her comrades not expected to know such basic survival techniques as building a tent? The Ayzer's brow furrowed to represent her disbelief... but after a moment, she nods, to herself more than the other. "You must be used to sleeping in high-up trees when you need to survive."
She takes a few steps away from him, inspecting the area nearby. "Hrm... if you want, I could help you build your tent up here. It likely would not take long, considering this plane is relatively flat."
[10:39 PM] Loyal: "Would you?" he asks, he face going slightly red with the sting of embarrassment.
Trees? Honestly, like I were some common kestrel?
He sets the plants aside, and crouches to pull the bag closer again, rattling its contents uselessly. "I'd be very grateful for your help, Ms. Sargas. Honestly, it's just never come up for me before in the Mytian Courts! Aheh... heh. Heavens, I've had better first impressions..."
[10:56 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie glances back toward him, her brow raising slightly as he begins to talk. "I would be pleased to oblige you, Cirocco, if you just would hand me your bag."
The Ayzer moves, returning to the other, her hand out. "...the Mytian Courts? So you serve as a retainer of some sort?"(edited)
[11:11 PM] Loyal: "That about sums it up," he nods, carefully shuffling the contents of the bag so as to prevent them spilling, before he holds it out for Gracie. "My Lady Atena wanted a more personal touch in the investigation, so I was sent here on her behalf..."
Cirocco takes a moment to look Gracie over, having finally settled down enough to pay attention to more than her voice. He almost can't hide his surprise at her attire. Not that it looks bad, I suppose.
"By the way... aren't you cold?" he asks, as if it were the most natural question in the world.(edited)
[11:18 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie takes it, turning around and taking a few steps before crouching down, opening up the tentbag. "I see. I am sure the Queen is busy with... well, business, eheheh."
After spending a few moments removing the contents of the task, she turns her head to Cirocco, her brow raised. "...no, not in the slightest. Why?"
[11:31 PM] Loyal: Staring is impolite, Bal, don't stare.
"I just figured. You're very lightly dressed, is all." He shrugs, lifting the hem of his longcoat to emphasise the difference. "Do you come from a colder climate, Ms. Sargas? Perhaps if you were used to the cold."
Deciding that watching her set up the tent may be wise, he shifts a few feet over for a better angle to watch from, hands at his side in case he needed to help.
[11:41 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Slowly, Gracie lays the (as-of-yet unset) tent out on the ground, setting a handful of stakes next to her. "Oh, not at all. My attire is very accustomed to swimming--as an Ayzer, you must be. Do you have a mallet around here? Perhaps there's one in the bag, and I overlooked it..."
[11:53 PM] Loyal: "Oh. Ah... that?" Cirocco says, looking around, "I was wondering what that might be for."
After a moment, his eyes settle on a patch near the treeline, and he wings off after it. He returns a moment later, mallet in hand, slightly smudged with grass and dirt. Sheepishly, he holds it out to Gracie. "I don't think we got too many Ayzers back home - at least, not in Lady Atena's halls. But I guess you would have to have a tolerance to spend so much time in the water..."
He's too embarrassed to admit it, but one can conclude that he'd flung the mallet away in frustration after one too many failed attempts at setting the tent up earlier.
[12:18 AM] AOMLorenzo20: She nods, taking the wooden tool, slowly spreading the fabric of the tent unil she finds a portion with a hole in it, one of the corners. "I would not doubt it--I hear it is quite cold in Mytia. Many Ayzer are not the travelling type either--or so I hear." Gracie grabs one of the stakes, pressing its tip down into the ground, then beginning to hammer at it many times with the mallet.
[9:52 AM] Loyal: Cirocco continues to observe Gracie as she works, crouching down beside her, but far enough not to get in the way. In his mind, he begins constructing a mental map of where the pieces would go. "Not the traveling type?" he asks, slightly amused. "Why, then, what does that make you?"
[1:09 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Slowly, Gracie shuffles to the other corners, beginning to hammer down all the stakes of the tent. "An outlier, of course. I have spent many years of my life... adventuring, I suppose, outside of my home. I've not met many of my kind on my travels--that's why I have thought that not many of my kind travel. I am guessing that Bird Laguz do not do so, either?"
[1:56 PM] Loyal: "I can't really say. I've spent far too much of my life at My Lady's side, but before I entered her service I did... travel a fair bit, I suppose." Cirocco rubs his chin thoughtfully. "So if I were to base it off just myself, I suppose I would say we avians have a bit of a wanderlust streak, yes."
"Truthfully, it does feel nicer than I can describe to just get out and stretch my wings." Demonstrating, he stretches out wide - while he doesn't hit anything, the wind does blow some stuff around a bit before he can stop himself.(edited)
[3:36 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She takes a moment, observing him with a small giggle, before beginning to assemble the metal rods. "Interesting. Does being able to fly not suffice for 'stretching out', or do you simply mean it as to say you enjoy a change of scenery?" Gracie furrows her brow, the rods refusing to link together.
[3:45 PM] Loyal: "A little of both I suppose?" Cirocco shrugs. Slowly getting the hint, he gathers the remaining metal rods together, putting them within easy reach for Gracie. "Flying my way from landfall to Pachima was exhilarating in itself, but I will admit I've spent far too much time in the courts at home. Perhaps a change of scenery was more needed than I realized."(edited)
[5:27 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Grace takes a rod, sliding it through a small sleeve on the edges of the tent. "You flew all the way to Pachima? In one journey, without rest? That... seems impressive."(edited)
[5:36 PM] Loyal: "Once I made landfall," he corrects. He shuffles over to the other side of the tent, helping stablize the rods as she positions them so as to let her work in peace. "I still had to take a ship from Mytia of course, and it was a merchant ship so I didn't have much choice of where they'd take me. Wound up at a small, wealthy village on the west coast. But from there, yes, that was one trip."
He chuckles, a bit of true mirth in his voice.
"How about you, Ms. Sargas? Swim your way to Pachima?"(edited)
[6:41 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She shakes her head, sliding the assembled rds through the sleeve, causing the fabric to lift up at one corner. "No, Cirocco, I did not, though there was certainly some time that I spent swimming. While it was at first difficult, the sea is much more difficult to traverse--one cannot swiftly swim through the coast due to its shallowness, and the regions away from the coast have many large fish that one must be accustomed to fighting--and unfortunately, I have only experience with fighting men. So I took the roads, being able to make my way over to Pachima with little trouble."
[7:01 PM] Loyal: "Fighting fish? That's strange. How large and aggressive are these beasts?" Cirocco stares blankly at the woman, unsure if she was having a joke at his expense. Nonetheless, he makes a private note to avoid swimming the waters near... Uh...
"...Where did you say you were from again?"
[7:49 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie nods in reply. "Oh, yes. Granted, they're not exactlyt he fish you think of, but they're real beasts. Enormous things, with rows of teeth, that can tear an arm off--two, even--in one bite. We tend to avoid them then we can."
As she continues to assemble the tent, she turns her head at the question. "Why, I'm from Psari. Do you... know of any other places that have Ayzer communities?"
[8:39 PM] Loyal: Cirocco keeps his hands busy, though it's starting to become apparent that Gracie doesn't much need his help. Still, to be polite if nothing else. "I suppose not, but I figured it was worth asking. How can anyone keep their famed trade going when they have to fend off such vicious things? It's baffling. But brave and amazing at the same time."
Maybe the real reason for the underwater bridges I hear so much about is to keep the monsters at bay...(edited)
[10:51 AM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie nods, somewhat in agreement, somewhat as a gesture of dismissal as she moves to set up the other half of the tent. "I... could not tell you for sure, as I myself was never a trader, eheh. But I do remember seeing these enormous, spear-like weapons, that some merchant bodyguards wielded. I'm guessing that they through them along a jet of water to pierce their target--though, again, I'm not sure. Perhaps they were just used to batter them so they'd be deterred."(edited)
[12:44 PM] Loyal: The tent continues the process of becoming a tent. Cirocco helps. Mostly by being out of the way.
"Sounds like you didn't spend a lot of time with them. Did you have a particular reason for coming to join this investigation, instead?"(edited)
[1:48 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie shuffles backwards, kneeling under the completed tent and turning to Cirocco.
"Well, I wasn't quite a trader at all, I was a farmer, so I wasn't quite acquainted with them. As for your question..." She bites her lip, shrugging. "...it is... hard to explain. I suppose I joined this expedition because I thought I would be useful."
[11:55 AM] Loyal: Cirocco Hmms in an unconvinced tone, but doesn't press it. "Well, we all have our reasons, one supposes. I am sure we'll appreciate your contributions."
"And speaking of appreciation," He crouches down before her, gently nudging the tent's supports to confirm their stability. "This would've taken me an eternity alone. Thank you very much, Gracie."
[11:11 AM] AOMLorenzo20: She gives a small nod, stepping away from the tent and up to her feet. "It is no problem, Cirocco. I am happy to help. ...I would ask what intent you yourself have joining this group."
[2:59 PM] Loyal: "Simple enough, really." Cirocco looks off to the side, surveying the rest of the camp below. "My Lady Atena wanted to ensure that the Aurelius crisis was handled with a personal and professional touch. So she ordered me to join the investigation." He crosses his arms, not really focusing on anything.
"That said, now that I'm here I'm seeing lots of opportunities to... explore. Opportunities I haven't had in years. It's kind of funny how much you forget when you spend so much time just tending to the needs of one woman..."
[8:55 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie tilts her head, giving a small nod. "Oh, I can agree. When you're out on your own with nobody but yourself, you'll see wonders."
[10:16 PM] Loyal: "Well. Not nobody," he chuckles, glancing at her. "But wonders, indeed. I suppose the day's still young enough that there's time yet to discover them."
[8:58 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She nods, turning to look over the view of the hill. "Well, yes. But it is much more fun when nobody's around, because there is more time for inner reflection."
[10:37 PM] Loyal: "...I'm not sure there's much I'd like to reflect on," he says in a soft voice, before going quiet for awhile.
[9:30 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie says nothing for a moment, then nods. "...I see. Then, perhaps, I would recommend a partner."
[9:46 PM] Loyal: Much as he might not have liked to, Gracie did make him realize that there was in fact a lot he had to think about. The bluntness of her next words, however, catches him out of his brief funk. "Come again?" he asks, looking at her again somewhat confusedly.
[11:24 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She gives a small shrug, resting her hands on her hips. "Well, if you would not... wish to reflect on yourself solely, perhaps a partner could help. Take your mind off yourself as you explore."
[11:33 PM] Loyal: "Are you offering?" he asks, eyebrow cocked in amusement. "Bit forward for dealing with someone you just met, hm? Heh. Maybe someday I'll take you up on that."
He flops backward onto his back, his wings spreading out along the grass behind himself and Gracie. "You've definitely given me some things I need to think about, at the very least."
I've spent so much time under Atena's thumb that I never even questioned why she'd send me alone. Did she have some reason...?(edited)
[12:04 AM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie's brow raises, and she chuckles, giving a small shake of her head as she turns to face Cirocco on the ground. "Ah, you misunderstand me. I meant on your travels independent of yourself."
She kneels down, to place herself on a similar level with him. "You see, we are on an expedition. On an expedition, there is much, much more than just yourself involved--how can one's thoughts focus on one's self when working with them for a year, perhaps more? No, you'd have to look to yourself while you explore after this."
[11:27 AM] Loyal: Cirocco blinks a few times, parsing her words.
"...I'm pretty sure we're not underestanding each other at this point, Ms. Sargas. I am here for the expedition first and foremost, as per my orders."
Still lying down, he crosses his arms as a hint of ire, almost wounded pride seeps into his voice. "For me to just up and leave to pursue my own dalliances would be unthinkable. A gross violation of the ... the trust Lady Atena has placed in me."
[11:38 AM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie nods, resting her hands on her thighs. "...Mm. Apologies. I did not mean to say that you would."
She takes a moment, a second or two passing silently, her lips thinning into a fine line. "I only meant to... reiterate... that while we talk of exploring now, there is little time or place to do so properly, partner or no."
[11:49 AM] Loyal: "That's fair enough. But at the same time, it's not like there's no reason to make plans. There's no telling when or where our investigation will end - and I'm sure there will be plenty of downtime, while our employers make plans of their own, for people to pursue their own needs."
Cirocco opens one eye to look at her from where he is. "A bit like what we're doing now, one supposes. We're not wasting Sir Zain's time here, are we?"
[1:10 PM] AOMLorenzo20: She nods, offering a small smile. "...yes, you're right, a bit like what we're doing now. We are not wasting Sir Zain's time--but at the same time, were we to ask him, I am more than sure he would find orders for us to follow."
[1:26 PM] Loyal: Cirocco chuckles softly, relaxing once again. "I suppose that's a possibility, my friend. But, speaking from experience, one's masters have ways of making their needs known and anticipated. We'll have plenty to do once it comes time to break camp. But, looking over the state of our supplies on the ship here? I anticipate we'll want to save our energy for later."
[2:18 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie nods, her tail swishing along the grass. "That is very true. It is nice to have some downtime and talk with someone."
[3:08 PM] Loyal: "Indeed." He sighs contendedly in his minor victory. "I'll be taking my own advice and resting for a bit. By the time everybody else has their camp set up, it should be a good time for me to scout out the area. Feel free to grab me if it's anything urgent, however."
[3:11 PM] AOMLorenzo20: Gracie stands up, turning carefully so her tail doesn't slap Cirocco's wings. "I suppose I shall set up my own camp. Goodbye, Cirocco."
[3:14 PM] Loyal: "Farewell, Ms. Sargas, and thank you again."
[3:14 PM] Loyal: =======ENDO=======
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