fifth shot ⊗ open february log

[flamekthunder]

Who: Anyone!
Which: Open February Log
Where: Various; Around Reverein; Corgi Tree
What: Building a dog training course; witch's brew herb gathering; spider thread traps
Warnings: None


⊗ a: dog park planning

[1. Seeking Assistance. Early in the month, Eustace will send out a quick journal message seeking assistance in building a training course for the dogs. He's also realizing he's been mostly posting about them... Well whatever.]

I'm currently looking into creating a designated area for the dogs to play and train in—something similar to a dog park. One will be in town while the other will be by the Corgi Tree. I've already scoped out a suitable location and while I should manage, if anyone is familiar in basic construction, I would appreciate the assistance. I'm also looking to acquire suitable materials, such as barrels, ramps, poles. Information of where I could procure some will be more than enough.

— Eustace

[2. Dog Park in the Making. Although he's doing this in both places, in town he can be found in one of the empty clearings around the Plaza, not too far from the Residential area. It's out of the way and quiet...or it usually is, but right now there are several dogs—both Flowers and Corgis—running around as he tries to plot something out.]

...Hm... A ramp could go here... And a tunnel over there...? —Hey, Del, stop dragging that wood!

[As he's trying to sketch something out in his journal, he has to tersely shout at the Flower pup who has decided to snatch one of the temporary poles Eustace had gotten and is dragging it around. The others are quick to make a game of it and start chasing the mischievous pup over some of the makeshifts ramps and barrel tunnels that Eustace had temporarily placed as he tries to get a feel of how it should look.]

Tsk... At least it seems to be working... ...—!?

[And before he can stop them, they rush out of the clearing boundary and run right towards whoever is passing by at that moment. Hope that person doesn't mind getting barreled into.

For anyone who may volunteer to help they can already be there or this could be their greeting.]

⊗ b: quest 202: witch's brew apothecary

[Ever since he heard about this from Tenn, Eustace has been wondering how the development was going and will stop by the apothecary to first meet with Tenn. Afterwards, upon receiving the rest of herbs he'll head out into the forest. Fortunately most of the names he recognized, but he has a bit of a cheat.]

Bri, Aerona, time to put your skills to the test.

[The two female corgis respond differently, with Briallen giving an indignant huff as she slowly paws the snow and Aerona more excited, the nub of her tail wagging nonstop. With the two dogs he'll head into the forest, both of them working hard to sniff out and if necessary dig out the listed ingredients.

Should they encounter someone, it'll be Aerona who will excitedly run up to them with a cheerful bark and hop in front. Should he already be partnered with someone, he'll just tell them to hang back.]

Let them do their work. It's been a while for them, but they should be able to get the job done.

[Despite this being the first real test, he seems very confident in them.

Bonus: If want a little spice, running into any of the native Wildland creatures while trying to gather the herbs can be done! Or they accidentally fall into some hole or cave, lot of shenanigan opportunities. Can also have the spider thread traps appear here as well.]

⊗ c: quest 206: spider thread traps

[1. Dispersing the traps. After learning about the leftover traps, Eustace is quick to venture out to try and find and clear them out. He had considered bringing one of the dogs, but he doesn't want them to get entangled so they're left behind.

Upon finding a trap, he'll try to either disengage it or cut through the threads, a bit impressed at their durability. He'll then cut through other parts ensuring the simple rigging is completely dismantled.]

...That should do it.

[He'll then proceed to gather and coil the threads along with anything else and shove them in a large satchel he wears on his back. He fully plans to try and find as many as he can so he'll be out there for a while.

2. Helping the Snared. Of course, it's not always easy. Sometimes he'll run into a trap that's managed to trap a small creature like a rabbit, sometimes a fox. It means his usual method won't work so he has to think of another way...

...Which is difficult. His knife is sharp enough to cut the thread, but it's tough so it's not a quick process. And the knife...well needless to say it would make any small creature nervous, and as a result it will start squirming, causing the trap to tighten.]

Whoa, easy—

[Really, really wishing he knew how to talk to animals right now— Just another thing on his list.

If he runs into someone else he might have gotten caught, he'll help them out. He also won't be opposed to working with anyone he might come across.]

⊗ d: wildcard

Not mentioned in the prompts but can be done are Road Repair, Rock Candy Crystals, and Cupid's Arrow. He can either be around to help deal with problematic arrows, be a target, or be a target of someone's affections. Feel free to hit me up on discord, PM, or laenavesse for questions or further discussion!

Comments

💘

[starshower]

[There was nothing markedly special about today, but Tifa had invited him out anyway. After hearing about the new rock candy crystals from a local confectioner, she had journeyed down into the caverns beneath town to gather some of the crystals on her own to make these special candies, and it's not until after that's all finished that she calls Eustace out to the marketplace. Not to give her "sweet love" the rock candies with "feelings from the heart", but to share some with him during what she's promised to be another fun outing.

They were just candies, after all. Nothing crazy about them, and free if she went and collected the rocks herself. It's a win-win for everyone.

And things had, finally, started to look up for the two of them. Things were normal for once. It felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders when she could go to a coffee shop with him and not have something spill or visit the dogs without one of them falling into the full tub during bath time, or the hundred of other much, much worse things they've been put through. Not to mention all the tension and awkwardness that hung between them for so long.

Maybe there is cause for celebration, and if she needed a reason, then perhaps that could be it. Suffice it to say, she was... happy. Happy that they could have the proper friendship she wanted without the universe forcing them together.

When he finally shows, she rises from the bench that she'd been waiting on, some snow caught in the bun she's thrown her hair up in, where a familiar hairpin shimmers under the light.]

About time you showed up!

[She hasn't been waiting long, it's fine. It was a bit last minute decision to call him out her anyway, or so she'll tell herself, but with the way she dressed up for this in clothes that are nicer than her usual casual get-ups, Tifa would only be fooling herself.

With her hands behind her back, she jogs up to him.]

Close your eyes.

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace had been "sort of" taking it easy when he received Tifa's sudden message. He had been with the Flower family, taking a break from working on the plans for the dog park and training courses for the dogs. With Rose resting her head on his lap as he lay on their pillows while the pups play with each other, he reads her message with some surprise. She wants to meet him at the marketplace...? They went out shopping not that long ago, she's not dragging him into more is she—

He feels the nudge from Rose who looks as if she's read the message and he gives a wry grin before petting her. Of course he's going to go. Despite some...reservations, receiving the message in itself gave a little warm feeling. It's good that they can meet normally like this.

However, when he stands and tells them they're leaving, he feels a sharp tug at the end of his cloak and sees Rose giving him a very disapproving glare. It baffles him, but even more when he's basically shoved out the door and she keeps a tight hold on his cloak, dragging him all the way home.

...

When he walks up to the meeting place, he still has yet to remove the light scowl that had formed upon leaving, brushing off some of the snow from his coat sleeves. He's not sure how she did it, but Rose forced him to wash up and change in one of the few set of "casual" clothing he had acquired over his time here. ...But for her to pick this particular outfit... He's already having some regrets on that impulsive decision.

His grumbled thoughts are broken when he looks up at her call, and he can't help but pause when he notices first how she's dressed and then the hairpin. Why...is she— So he's baffled for a moment as he stares down at her before he finally responds.]

Why?

[Look, even on a normal day he would have asked that question. Telling him to suddenly close his eyes??? He'd expect a snowball to the face given who he's talking to—]

[starshower]

[The outfit is the first thing that Tifa notices, and it takes all of her willpower to not give him an immediate once-over. There's a spark of familiarity, and she recalls the afternoon they spent in the marketplace not too long ago, and while there's a slight twitch of her lips into a wider smile, she's able to keep it stifled enough that it isn't too obvious.

Although the flush in her cheeks completely contradicts that.]

Just... close them, okay?

[Why must he question it! He does trust her, doesn't he? It's not like she's going to go out of her way to do anything terrible, and as long as one of them keeps their eyes open, she can keep watch for anything bad that might happen.]

[flamekthunder]

[Ah... He knew she would recognize it. But he's just giving her a slight suspicious look before he finally closes his eyes.]

a2, he's dedicated to this cause

[grappleking]

[Balthus has been committed to helping out with Eustace's charges since first hearing about them, and while they had discussed using dreamotion to supply some materials, he's settled for sourcing things naturally for now. He's approaching the clearing near the residential area with a corded bundle of lumber hefted over one shoulder when both of the dogs in question veer away from the ramps and barrel right towards him— fortunately, he catches sight of them before they manage to fully reach him, and laughs as he shifts the weight of the lumber so that he can bend down to offer them both pets in greeting rather than putting himself in a position to trip over them while venturing forward.]

Hey! Things are looking pretty good here, already! You guys having a good time?

[Oh, and hi to you, too, Eustace.]

we approve of this dedication

[flamekthunder]

[Wow, just ignore him that's fine— No, upon recognizing Balthus, Eustace's initial concerns also fade as he knows the man can take care of himself. The dogs bark happily, recognizing Balthus and immediately one tugs at his pant legs as if to try and distract him to play instead.]

If you're not careful they'll drag you in.

[grappleking]

[He grins as he looks up and offers a wave, though it does cause some protest from one of the dogs who insists he return to using that hand for pets. Well, who is he to say no? He gives the dog in question a generous scratch behind the ears, followed by another pat before straightening up.]

Lemme put this stuff down and I'll play with you guys all you like, alright?

[Well, there is work to be done, but he can multitask, probably.]

You saying that as someone who's already been dragged in beyond helping, buddy?

[flamekthunder]

[Sssssh.]

I've managed to refrain from playing with them more than necessary.

[Just don't ask how long "more than necessary" was—]

But it's fine. They've been distracting so if you play with them I might be able to get the layout done.

C1

[voidbug]

[The more Eustace explores for more traps he should find some that had already been disarmed, cut with something sharp. There was some consideration of taking the thread with them as it was sturdy and probably useful for something, but they opted against it. It would be a lot to carry.]

[And if he stays in the woods long enough, he might hear a trap nearby suddenly trigger. Uh...oops.]

[Someone, or something, may or may not have gotten a little too cocky with dismantling those things, and managed to actually trip it instead. Whisked up into the trees now and dangling. Honestly, it's not even the worse thing that's ever happened to them, but this was annoying. And a bit awkward. It would be easier if they had a bit of help.]

[flamekthunder]

[Hearing the sound, he immediately heads in the direction and...

...

High in the tree, he stares up at the strange... Bug? Creature? Caught in the trap. Well there are all kinds of things in this world, but better to be cautious just in case.]

Hold still, I'll get you down.

[voidbug]

[They stopped swaying around to reach the thread themselves once they heard someone coming. This could be bad but...oh, never mind, it's someone here to help.]

[Well, it wasn't comfortable hanging here, but they can wait. It probably would be faster that way.]

[flamekthunder]

[Indeed, it's better to get him out quickly, and given the set up, it'll be easier to cut the rope and catch him. So he'll take his knife and proceed to cut the rope, and once it's through he'll quickly step back with his arms extended to grab him.]

b

[hearthwarming]

[ The someone that they encounter is, in fact, Oriphi, who is out on a herb-gathering quest of her own volition. When she notices the corgis charging at her feet, she squats down to scratch their head. ]

Hello there! You're... Aerona, aren't you?

[ She's surprised to run into one of the corgis out in the Wildlands like this, but after she glances around and finds Eustace and Bri approaching, things make a bit more sense. And awkward, because she hasn't yet spoken to Eustace since he was pulled into one of her nightmares last month. ]

Oh... hi, Eustace.

[flamekthunder]

[Aerona wiggles her little butt happily and Bri will also pick up the pace, her own tail wagging a bit as she recognizes Oriphi and will endure the dirty snowy ground to greet her. As for Eustace, seeing it's Oriphi he relaxes and just nods in greeting.]

Hey.

[...Ah. The last he saw her was during that nightmare, wasn't it? Even so, he won't bring it up and instead focuses on the current.]

Are you out here looking for herbs as well?

[hearthwarming]

[ Ori is more than happy to give both corgis the attention that they deserve. It's been a little bit since she last saw these little ones, between everything that's happened in the last few weeks. She's thankful, too, that Eustace hasn't yet mentioned anything about the nightmare. ]

Ah... yes. I saw that posting on the board, but I'm looking for some to use for myself, too.

[flamekthunder]

Oh? [That surprises him a little.]

In that case I'll help. What are you looking for?

a2

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran had no real intentions of announcing his presence and getting any attention until he was good and ready to poke fun at Eustace for his continued canine conundrums. Sadly, though, the dogs apparently have a different idea, and while he's got enough experience in rowdy dogs to not get knocked over—

He gets a pole to the shins for his efforts. He struggles not to crumple, his full-body wince visible.]

Augh, Jesus... hell of a way to say hello...

[flamekthunder]

[And his good luck continues as Eustace witnessed the whole thing—or at least Ferran's inability to escape unharmed. ...Oof.]

Okay, back off.

[That's to the dogs of course as he walks in, forcing the dogs away. At least one of the corgis will be concerned about Ferran so there's that?? For now it'll be Eustace to voice anything.]

You all right? Aside from the obvious.

[Glance at his shin. It looks like it had just been a rough bump, but for all he knows this guy has delicate shins or something.]

[noblegarnet]

[He's sturdy, at least—but the unexpected hit and the sensitive spot made him less equipped to handle it at that particular moment. He'll be fine, just. Ow, that'll be a bruise.

He lets a breath out through his nose with a shake of his head to dismiss the worry. If only that concerned corgi wasn't so small... he is for now too lazy to bend down for pets.]

Fine. [More to what he came here for!] They're still running circles around you, looks like. I'm waiting for you to pick up a third pack. Maybe wolves, next time?

2 - Puppers!

[roseofmay]

[It's not... as if she didn't take notice of the note he'd put out earlier in the month, seeking assistance with his... Well. What Beatrix could only assume was a growing collection of dogs. She'd not intended to offer her assistance there either, though she actually had no issue with animals. It just seemed like a repeat of what happened with her and Boco, which was to say, someone would very likely witness her being personable.

She was going to blame Zidane for getting into her head with that one. And everything else. When in doubt, blame Zidane, it seemed.

The work-in-progress dog park is more like a coincidental location. Beatrix has made it her business to keep an eye on how things progress in the town and in its outskirts. Patrolling in the day, in the night, these things make her feel more like she's herself rather than a queenless soldier searching for some kind of meaning. Whether she wants it or not, the dogs give her meaning. Just a whole bunch of them, almost knocking her off balance, which is laughable in retrospect as she flails her arms to stay upright.

Very graceful, really.

As she rights herself, she manages to snag at least one very wiggly puppy named Iris, which makes it a chore to begin bringing her back over to where she belongs. That she finds Eustace at the root of things, she's... somehow not terribly surprised. Or maybe she is. She can't decide yet.]

Are these yours.

[Evidently the other dogs have taken to following her. Maybe because they're concerned that she's going to take Iris.]

[flamekthunder]

[Always blame Zidane, no matter the reason.

Fortunately for Beatrix, Eustace was too busy figuring setting up a dog ramp to notice her flail about. However, he does look over when he hears the commotion and is surprised to see Beatrix surrounded by the dogs. Well, he's more surprised at seeing Beatrix, really.

When she approaches with Iris in her arms, he stands and steps forward to meet with her...and is a little amused at seeing Iris's older sibling barking up at Beatrix, the rest just trailing after.]

In a sense. I look over them, but I don't claim ownership.

[roseofmay]

[...They aren't chocobos, but it doesn't take Beatrix very long to realise she doesn't exactly dislike them. She isn't sure she'd have a whole gaggle of them, but maybe one... wouldn't be so awful.

At Eustace's explanation, the crease in her brow deepens just a touch, as if she doesn't quite understand.]

How did you come to be in such a position? This seems rather deliberate as opposed to something you... merely fell into.

B / VERY LATE but I wanted to thread this rather than handwave

[perfectenn]

[ The Witch’s Brew is dimly-lit and quiet on entry. Following the appropriately spooky creak of the front door opening and closing, there’s a call of a familiar voice from a back room. ]

Just a moment, please!

[ It’s quiet enough that during the waiting period, a good sense of hearing might catch faint snatches of Tenn’s discussion with a coworker: ] ...No, not like that... We'll have to put it out in the moonli— I mean, sunlight. ... Well, I don't know. We don’t know when we’ll have the moon back, so we’ll have to make do.

[ To his credit, Tenn is the picture of a self-assured staff member walking out into the main area. His smile does take a less pristine, more natural quality as he recognizes someone he knows. ]

Sorry for the wait - ah, Eustace.

no worries o/

[flamekthunder]

Tenn.

[A small nod in greeting before glancing towards the backroom.]

...Sounds like you've been busy.

[perfectenn]

[ At busy, Tenn looks genuinely pleased as only someone who loves momentum can. Odd hindrances though there may be, he's getting used to it. ]

Yes. Things slowed down during the blizzards, so it’s good to be making progress.

[ The shelves are decently stocked now, but there's still lots of shadowy corners waiting to be filled. Right now, the list of things they need and want is somewhat longer than their productions. But Tenn is confident they'll get there; the staff is dedicated, and the boost of help from his board post is welcome. ]

Are you here for the request, or are you looking for something?