songerein | [Catch-All]

Entry tags:

[Catch-All]

Who: Old Man Nier and YOU
Which: Open Log + Interactive Dream
Where: Reverein fields, the town itself, Nier's home village
What: Catch-All for March 2022. Old Man tends fields and mends fences. Old Man picks up orange hate feathers. Old Man picks herbs for Jude and co clinic. Old Man dreams of his home town where no one there seems to know him at all.
Warnings: Probably nothing worth mentioning. Will update as necessary

01. 'Spring'ing into Action

[Just the thought of working in the fields makes him think of older, more simpler days. Although he supposes in retrospect, there was nothing simple about them. Yonah had once asked him to grow her watermelons and somehow, he'd managed to accomplish it. Never does he consider himself an accomplished man of gardens and growing, but when he thinks about the amount of time he spent trying to cultivate a Lunar Tear, then he supposes he might be underestimating himself.

It's provided him a great reason to busy himself. To busy his thoughts. To think less about what happens when he leaves. If he leaves. If the others leave. He wants none of this. Instead, he's focused on the situation at hand. Or at least, he pretends he is. Honestly, he's more caught up in his thoughts than he'd like to be.

Fences are where he's chosen to begin. A decent number of them were damaged and before any planting can begin, they'll need to be tended to. He's in the process of covering some breaks, knelt down, pensive and probably up until the next few moments, has likely been a little quiet. Whether it's approaching footsteps or those being led elsewhere, he's not shy about speaking up.]

Get me that hammer, would you? I left it back there somewhere.

[He jerks his right hand over his shoulder indicatively. Help an old man out?]

02. I'm Not Angry; You're Angry!

[There's no shortage of things to be done in Reverein and Nier is usually more than happy to keep himself occupied by taking on any number of requests from the locals, which seem to be growing in number as the days go by. Gathering feathers seems like a relatively monotonous and unexciting task, which means it ought to be something he can get done in short order.

He's wandering around the town and along its outskirts to gather them, looking high and low. By this point, he's already managed to collect a few, which he has tucked into his somewhat barbaric-looking garb. Nier's a man with a lot of heart, though more than once he's lost his cool in the face of the circumstance. Where he'd normally be a rather patient man, it seems said patience is in absent supply today.]

Hey. You just gonna stand there, or do you feel like moving?

[He's had days where he was nicer.]

03. Go Green or Go Home

[When Jude announced the opening of the clinic, Nier was very quick to jump onto the idea of being able to supply him regularly with useful herbs, plants, and other like things in the forest. It reminds him of the times he's done something of the same for Popola. The names might change, but the situation always seems to be the same. In that respect, it's kind of nice. Something familiar. Just the thought leaves him comforted.

Whatever reason you might have for being out there, it won't be hard to spot him. Nier doesn't blend in well with the surroundings. On the contrary, he kind of stands out. And if he finds you, there's a very good chance he'll be nosy and want to figure out what you're up to. Why not lend him a temporary travelling partner?

Don't mind him as he's huddled down close to the ground, trying to get up a plant without destroying it completely.]

04. Home is Where the Heart Is (Unless You're Nier) - Interactive Dream

[...What is this place? It's a seemingly quiet and laid-back village, many of the structures appearing rundown and touched by the elements of time. There are people by the fountain not far from a dilapidated house.

Up the hill, along a variety of wooden steps that are in slight disrepair, there's a library with no shortage of books and a room that doesn't seem to make much sense.

Gates exist in different cardinal directions that lead outside of the village, each guarded for the safety of the village inhabitants.

Down in the market plaza, there's no shortage of item shops, and a plethora of relatively friendly villagers, who are ever willing to ask for assistance with their daily errands. A tavern, where a pretty girl named Devola plays music and sings a song. And on the docks behind, a little boat willing to take you to places called Seafront and some other main settlements that exist outside of the village.

It's a nice place, if not a little bit sparse. But it's the place that he calls home. He can easily be found wandering through the town, into the library, but spends the most amount of his time at his house, perhaps with his face in a very particular diary. His daughter, Yonah, is also here, and she may seem a little perplexed about what you're doing in her house, but she'll be very polite.

It's no real big surprise to him personally, but it seems like no one in this town knows a Nier. Not even Yonah. Who could this mysterious man be?]

[OOC: Please feel free to wander around the village by yourself, with a friend, or visit Nier. Character thoughts and feelings may affect the surroundings and the things witnessed, or experienced in this place.
Please also forgive how small these images seemed to be. Evidently larger images from Gestalt are difficult to come by. I may update these at a later point.
There is no restricted access to the town and its inhabitants. Do note that given this is also Brother Nier's home village, he has the same influences that Old Man Nier has here.]

05. Wildcard

[If the above don't strike your fancy, please select this option for whatever something special we might be doing. You can plot with me via PMs, discord (available upon request), and by contacting me via ofthesky.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sounds about right either way- more so for the fact it knows we can be a danger to its schemes.

[All the more reason to get stronger, but remain watchful. Do whatever they could to fight back and thwart whatever damn plan they could- fight whatever was thrown at them and come out on top smehow.]

Baba Yaga- she's aware of us here, but she's somewhere out there. Apparently she's helping as much as she can, planted a list of ingredients and a recipe to a potion to dissolve Erasers. [There was a brief frown.] I don't know how we could get in touch with her, though.

Do know the big guy- were you here when the giant fiery owl was looking for her eggs? There was a big guy riding a very large reindeer that arrived here, and was willing to pass on some information from her. [The thought 'Baba Yaga is close friends with Santa Claus's wife' was one he never expected to think and a fact to know.] Haven't heard much since, of course.

[Listening, he concludes that maybe they aren't as disadvantaged as he'd originally thought. Assuming this Baba Yaga can actually be trusted. Isn't it possible that she's planted by the Story Eater itself? If it can have vessels do its dirty work for them, who's to say who they can trust and who they can't? But by that logic, he might as well be eyeing everyone with the same scepticism and wariness.

Better to just hope for the best, honestly, and cross bridges when they get to them otherwise.]

I heard about these different things, but didn't witness either one myself. I always seem to hear about what's going on, but it's not often that I have my hands directly involved.

[Surprisingly. He's not sure how it works out like that. He might not always be in the thick of things, but he seems relatively aware.]

[It was a tightrope walk on a knife's edge or razor wire, that was for sure. Reason why he kept on edge most of the time, guard never fully dropping. Likely not the best way to exist in a place, but it wasn't as if he didn't live on edge running around the world as a vigilante—]

I only stuck around long enough to ask a few questions, and listen to the answers some other folks got about it. [Blue babysat some owlets of course, but he was still healing from severe injury at the time.

He'd ignored the fact he was on bedrest still to investigate all the noise.]

Still, sitting and waiting for Story Eater to do something- easy to get antsy. More so knowing what it can do, and worrying about it. Best we can do is prepare and get stronger ourselves; stick together.

[At least he's not the only one not burying himself in the situations that occasionally arise. Most of what he learns come from his younger counterpart or from Kainé and fortunately, neither of them seem shy about sharing their information with him. He tends to keep himself most busy with the locals, which suits him just fine. It's just like being back home, except he's pretty sure he's not in some weird simulated, planned environment.

Maybe.]

I don't think any of us should just be waiting for something to happen. Guess that's why we've got the dreamboard, though. It's not just benefiting the people here. It's giving us the ability to make connections with others here. And it's giving us the opportunity to improve those abilities that we need to be using against said Story Eater.

[Farm work and the Harvest at least kept 76 busy outside of- well. He patrolled, he kept an eye and ear out for anything out of place or strange that could lead to anything- and of course-]

Dreamboard led me to discovering a group of 'witches' causing trouble were actually minions of the Story Eater. They were taken care of, at least. [A confirmation of sorts that the dreamboard was good for more than just benefitting people around. Following up on that one task had allowed him that discovery after all.] All the same, you're right about it giving chances for improvement.

Not that I'm saying this is what happened in your case with said 'witches,' but it didn't occur to me that we might have minions of the Story Eater using the dreamboard. If they did, it'd probably be because they thought we'd be easy to take out. Less resistance.

[Even if that's what actually happened, clearly they were ill prepared for 76. Nothing like taking some witches by surprise, evidently.]

Guess we never really know who's on the other end of things until it's too late. Not that it matters. The more we get exposed to, the more prepared we'll be for the unexpected.

Just know they were causing enough trouble dumping 'paint' on folks- which turned out to be an ink mixture. [Which still bothered him; had it been actual ink or had there been something more nefarious? Had it been just a strange way to start testing out the variety of things that the Story Eater could do with its minions?

Still hadn't gotten any answers there.]

You're right there, of course.

Paint. Or... ink mixture. Guess the details don't really matter. Maybe we won't see the real effects until later. Assuming that there are any actual effects. If there hasn't been anything yet, maybe there won't be anything at all.

[He shakes his head slowly, but after loosing a sigh, he gives the fence he's been intimately hugging with something akin to reassurance.]

Until the next big thing comes up, let's just be prepared. We've got this. Between you and me, we can handle anything that comes our way.

It's been a few months, and I have been keeping an eye on places and people hit with the stuff. [Nothing so far, but he couldn't just let it go as him being paranoid yet.] I hope it was nothing nefarious, but better to be safe than not with that.

[Rubbed the palm of a hand against one of his knees, still sitting in that sort of kneeled crouch from when they'd been working on the fence mending.]

Agreed. Until then- well, at least we know we can mend a fence.

[It was a good natured sort of dry teasing joke- but no, really. They could do this and see about everything else when it came to working together, and with others.

You're right. Not like we can just keep those people under heavy surveillance. That's not living for them at all.

[After a moment's pause, he found himself grinning once more, as so many times he had already in merely meeting present company. Turning his attention onto the fence in question, he eyed it with some fondness. Something akin to pride.]

It's a good fence. Probably my best work. Because, you know, I wasn't doing it alone.

[Nice and cheesy.]

It isn't, not at all. They've been alright at least.

[That would have to be good enough for now, really.

Really, it was a god and solid fence- would hold up to whatever would be on either side of it surely. All it needed to do, and would clearly do it well. Of course he laughed softly-]

All it takes at times is a little team work.

[Old. Men.]

[Somehow, there's nothing more satisfying than knowing that 76 is essentially speaking his language. If anyone ever thought one Nier was too much to handle, then he suspects he and 76 are going to be a force to be reckoned with. He loves the idea of getting playfully under the skin of others by the two of them simply being... themselves.]

I'm going to assume that's your way of saying I'll be able to take advantage of that in the future when I need to.

[After a moment's consideration, he lifts a hand and gestures toward the wagon.]

I never asked you—Where were you headed to when you stopped to help me out?

[Sometimes? Could be the simple things to take joy out of, and there was always something a little amusing when such simple things could rile up someone in funny ways. Harmless fun if you asked him-]

You got it in one.

[He sat back on his heels a bit, better to tip his head towards the wagon as he spoke.]

Clearing fields, been using that to collect what needs to be burned, and all of the larger rocks that can just be moved elsewhere. Some of them were a hell of a mess.

[He grins for just a few breaths. It's good to know, to feel like he has people he can rely on. When he really thinks about it, Nier has kind of just always done his own thing. Never really having a heart-to-heart about it or discussing how any of it has made him feel. He's simply acted.

In this place, in this bizarre circumstance that's fallen into his lap, he has the opportunity for something he's never really experienced before.

He nods along to 76's explanation. So it was more like he provided a temporary interruption to all of that. Not it was a bad thing.]

I believe it. I'm starting to feel lucky now that I was just doing fence work. Need any help with anything you're lugging about? I think we can say we're pretty wrapped up here, but if you have some stuff you're moving, I can help. Kind of as a 'thanks.'

Grew up in a farming community- [His parents lived on one, he grew up doing the work right beside farm hands.] -and all the more reason I think it's best to make friends with farmers the moment you can.

They know more about what's going on than some would think, can hear rumors of somethin nasty skulking about. Things like that. [The harder labor sort of... well. It helped him burn all of that energy that would otherwise make him a pent up antsy mess.]

Still, think I could do with a hand if you don't mind helping me putting some of the larger rocks at a lake not far from here? Help keep some of the shoreline around it from eroding too quick and muddying up the river flowing through it too much.

[May also create little calmer patches for smaller fish, bring back a little more life to the lake.]

[So he's not only been raised on a farm. He was part of an entire farming community. Nier officially decides that if there's anyone here to be considered a professional' at farming, it's 76 hands down. All of that aside, he's got a legitimate point. They're valuable sources of information.]

A good point. I should take the opportunities I've got to befriend them as well. I'm no farmer, but maybe they won't mind parting with some information in return for me doing manual labour. I'm good at that, at least.

[His expression is still bright when 76 continues and he issues the man a nod.] I don't mind at all. We're out here. I've got the time. I wanted to help. Consider my skills yours.

[His head tipped in a gesture towards one direction-]

Around that way? You'll stumble across a couple that'll be working on fields of wheat, and are getting things mended to get their sheep and some other critters at home. Two women, large and green skinned- they're orcs, married. Lovely people. [He'd helped them out a good bit already.] One of them goes out in to the wilds to hunt, and she's pretty damned reliable when it comes to information about anything off out there.

Also? If you swing by there, I do recommend accepting any baked goods offered as a gift or payment for helping out. The red head bakes some damn good stuff, sweet breads to more savory things. [By tone alone it was clear 76 trusted that couple, and found them reliable in both information and, well, satisfactory trade for work no matter how much he didn't do it for payment.

Some foods are just that good.]

Then when you're ready we can head that way. Nice walk, but the wagon makes it a more relaxed one.

Orcs.

[Nier racked his brain. Like dragons, he was pretty sure the only orcs he'd ever seen had been in books. Although there had been shades that he might have likened to ogres. That really was not the same thing, though. He made a mental note to himself to pay them visit. If 76 said they were nice, they were probably exactly that. The man seemed like one of his word.]

I'll make sure I stop on by and see if there's anything I can help them out with. Don't need anything in return, but I won't turn down the kindness.

[As he rose to his feet, he rolled a shoulder, enduring a subtle crack as he pieced himself back together. Stretching his arms over his head, Nier offered his companion a short nod.]

I'm good to go. Walking or wagon. Doesn't matter to me.

Yeah. Surprisingly friendly.

[His last encounter with orcs- well, they were a hell of a lot rowdier and threatening to eat people in the realm of stories. Reason he didn't mind working as an extra bouncer when he did work at the Hydeout.

Funny how things changed and- some stayed a little bit the same.]

They always seem to appreciate a hand, and a hard worker. [Too hard of a worker would get bodily hauled over a shoulder and treated to god food and water; 76 had learned that one from experience. Pleasant surprise?

76 pushed himself to his feet, stretching with a few cracks of his own before he was heading back for the wagon. Ruffle the fur-like feathers around Blue's ears wen the dragon came close, checking the hook-up to the yetox that was pulling the cart. Good to go still.]

Can walk with the wagon, been guiding this big fella by hand. Just a hand behind a horn and he's pretty willing to go at an easy pace. [Fortune given the creature was a good few heads taller than either of them.

Their wool-like fur made some good sweaters, too.]

[It doesn't take Nier long to follow at what he feels is a reasonable distance behind 76. He pauses next to the yetox and gives him a lookover. Not... exactly a cow. Close, though. As he thinks on it, he realises that he can't remember the last time he saw a cow back home. Sheep and goats seem all over the place outside of the village. A boar on occasion.]

Sounds like a plan to me.

[He offers a short little nod of agreement, though makes absolutely no movements to do any guiding himself. If he's learned anything about animals, it's that it's wiser not to press the envelope with them. Animals require trust and given that Nier is a perfect stranger in this instance, the last thing he wants to do is spook anything. Especially spooking something that's hauling a wagon.]

As much as I've been scouting the area, I don't think I really took the time to get to know the area or the farms until today. In a way, the simplicity makes me think of the village I was living in before I came here. Kind of. Maybe it's just the community feeling I get from it.

[He doesn't at all hurt that he'd been feeding the big fella treats here and there from some of what he'd pulled up with thorn roots. Had been a few edible things wrapped up in it all, and the yetox appreciated it enough it was friendly.

Had not hurt he was used to working with big animals on occasion.]

I had a bit more time, I think. Was here when the farmers only started to return, and figured then and there it was better to help them establish homesteads again- that and get back the iron tools stolen by Redcaps. [All the more reason for the farm folks to be friendly.] Still, I know that feeling.

A nice feeling, having some community there for support- everyone helping each other in some way. Build back, and build up so there's something for those that end up here.

It sounds like such a simple thing, but I don't think it is. It takes a certain kind of circumstance to warrant that kind of growth and I don't think many of the people here have had that.

[It's a little presumptuous on his part. Not in a malevolent or ignorant sort of way. Everyone has a different struggle. It doesn't make anything he's gone through less or more than someone next to him. It simply makes him different. And this, the desire to console himself through the company of another? That's a very human aspect.

In 76, he finds a kindred spirit. Someone he suspects could understand him in a way that many others cannot or will not. Nier can't help but take that into consideration.]

Either way, you're right. It's nice and that's an understatement. I'm not the type of guy to take something for granted. [Or someone, for that matter.] A little kindness will go a long way and if I'm honest, I'd rather make friends than enemies, no matter how good I might be at dealing with the latter.

Likely haven't, and this might be a head first sort of learning experience- some can take it, while others. Well, a bit of a hand doesn't prevent them from learning at the same time. [Easy way or the hard way, sometimes a skill was a skill and needed to be learned. Easy to figure out just from keeping an eye on the journals some were from a technologically advanced world and others weren't.

Some did need a little more help than others to get their foothold. Where that sense of community and helping each other could step in and work some wonders.

For now? Well—]

We're all better off saving any fighting for what we're up against than having to worry about fighting each other. Keep an eye out for those trying to cause a problem and just- deal with it, I suppose. [Even he worried the relative peace, with only a few mishaps was temporary amongst the people brought here.]

You're right. It's not really something you can be prepared for or practise. I think it's entirely reactive. You and I have had our experiences because it's the circumstance of what we've seen and experienced. I'm pretty willing to bet most haven't been through what you have.

[Or what he has either. Either way, it is what it is. If this world puts them in a situation like that, he's confident he and 76 can handle it. Anyone else outside of their world? Not entirely certain about that.]

I'm not gonna fight anything unless I have to. I think we're stronger as a union than anything else. I don't know anyone troublesome myself. Yet, anyway. Seems like everyone else probably feels the same way. Or just want to keep to themselves, which is fair. It's not something I'm going to lose sleep over. Not when I'm finally getting the chance to get some.

[Blue ran ahead of them- or to be more accurate, she took a running start before leaping with wings spread to soar a few feet above the ground- climbed a little higher. She apparently knew exactly where 76 intended to go, probably smelled the water ahead.]

Hope they never have to- hell, your own experiences, too. Some things are unique, others similar. Can just hope this my be the most difficult thing some of the younger folks here have to prepare for. [One he figures couldn't really be held on to.

A world of dreams would always have nightmares. Bring out the very worst fears for some, and age wouldn't matter to forces like that.

Gloved fingers idly scratched where the Yetox's horn met his head, down near an ear and back again as he walked.]

I do, and so far he's behaved himself. [Other than their personal fights, and finding ways to get under the skin of those who knew 76. Just how Reaper was when he wasn't being violent.] Some might be biding their time and, well. Never know who else could find themselves aware in this place.

Rather keep the peace, but I'd also knock some heads together if some got it in their heads to cause more trouble than there already is here.

[Catch-All]

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I think we can wrap this one up in a tag or few more!

Yeah! It's winding down nicely and we can leave them having fun with rocks at the lake.

Nier's gonna skip stones on the lake's surface. His one redeeming quality.

Good old fashioned fun.

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Getting to a good wrapping point to leave off the old men playing with rocks you think?

Yup!

These good old men ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪