Hangin' On, Hangin' On | OPEN

[steadypulse]

Who: 76 & whomever
Which: Open Log | May Catch-All
Where: The Wild Harvest, town markets, potentially the farmlands and the Wildlands
What: Wild Harvest work days, break times, general tasks, and a few not so general tasks; flower wolf play time, and dragon grooming.
Warnings: Will add as/if they come up in threads.

The Wild Harvest

Mornings mean BACON
[76 always made a point of coming in a bit early to get things started- even if there wasn't a stew or something that needed to be started early to get flavors in by lunch; those he tended to start the day before anyway. Was even easy to do when he held up in the room given to him to stay in by Kazuma.

That and he could get in quietly without opening doors, always put himself right in to the kitchen itself as shadows drifted away behind him.

Garnish and Spicy noodle dragons loitered a bit as if keeping him company wherever he walked, oneGarnish dragon in particular curled around his shoulders as he moved. The smell of syrup and bacon filled the air, along with coffee. Wafted through the doors of The Wild Harvest even as he walked out in to the joined garden to gather a few herbs and the like they'd need for the day.

Better to prep than not after all, right? Mindful of the garden snakes of course, but not paying mind to the few little leafs and the like that seemed to sprout back after fingertips brushed plants to pick what was needed.

Nor paying much mind to the trail of herbal plants and flowers that crept from the soil he touched.]

Wonder if I should bring up moving a small beehive around here. [Hummed to himself- be good for the plants and vegetables- Right?]

Afternoons
[When things weren't so busy within the Harvest? 76 actually pulled himself out of the kitchen and rather moved back towards the attached room near the garden that was also more glass that solid wall- hidden away from sight as anyone in the attached garden would just see a wall of glass jars filled with multicolored glittering honey. Arranged in such a way it nearly looked like some stained glassed mural of sorts, and kept the inside of 76's area from being seen in to.

Of course he left the door open so he could hear if he needed to come back, or be found easily enough for those that could find the entrance. Other shelves had plant pots on them, filled with various flowers and a few herbs and things. These he watered and took care of, because they too helped make something of a privacy wall, kept people from seeing him if he did decide to lay back in the hammock, or sit by the table on one of the couch-like benches by it to eat something himself.

He also crouched by a strange rose bush that by now had grown nearly taller than him, the odd rose-like flowers glowing as he cupped one in hand carefully.]

Hell, this thing is doing better than I expected here. A lot more blooms- and still budding? [He worked gloveless, the golden stems and thorns maneuvered around carefully, the slight blue tints to the otherwise still blackened skin of his hands glowing just a bit in turn. Brought out the various shades of blue in the flowers themselves.] Gotta remember to ask Yujin or Susato how the Blazings I gave them are doing.

[Of course this was mumbled to himself.

Easy to catch him simply relaxing in there some days, too. Just taking in the peaceful atmosphere, the relaxation of his own personal garden.]

Town Markets

Farmer's Market
Glad to hear things are going well. [Some idle chatter easy for the masked man as he passed over something bundled in leather to one of the farmers manning a stall while speaking to her wife, taking up the basket that had been neatly filled with jars of jams and a few pickled things. He had a habit of coming by, picking up what wasn't grown at the Wild Harvest here and there- and a few for more personal things when he went on his hunting runs.

Of course this was also partly where he learned his goings on of things outside of town. Those birds sounded-]

At least they're easy to pick out from the usual crows and the like, right? Don't scare off the same, though- I can swing by and see if I can help any.

[The Flock, huh? Better to make sure it's not some damned mix of noctaere and eraser at this point. already knew those were around after all-]

Flower Wolves
[The man who ran the dogsledding outpost was easy to talk to, and on this day 76 had a wolf pup tucked under an arm, against his chest, ruffling the fur between their ears as he spoke-]

Haven't come across anything like them on your runs out? [Well, that was fine-] Figured I'd ask, other wolves are one thing but you get why I ask, yeah. [So either the flower wolves were new or... kept more to themselves? Maybe they did hang out in the areas of those Ents underground after all. Still, he'd got what he could and walked off with a wave to the guy, the pup wagging that lavender blossom filled tail as they wiggled a bit.] Guess you and yours are better at hiding out than I am, huh Bud?

[The further he got away from the outpost- well, the rest of the pack joined up and followed. One with prickly pears growing on her, another with thistles and cactus needles, the largest covered in some sort of creeping ivy, and one that practically shed cherry blossoms. All followed him at his sides rather than directly behind. Ears pricked and sniffing as they moved-]

Come on, time to get some exercise either way.

[Flower wolves, huh- what'll this place have next? They were friendly at least, if not a bit cautious of those who milled about; prickly pear and cherry blossom were more curious, however. Sniffing and watching as Cherry bounced a little, still filled some with young wolf energy sending those pink blossoms floating about on any little breeze.]

Misc.

Dragon Fluff & Feathers
[There was a pleased twittering sort of rumble coming from one of the clearings near the residential district as a certain blue dragon stretched out wings wide, tail flicking and smoke curling from nostrils-]

Yeah, yeah, I'm getting there. You've got a lot of fluff caught up in some shedding scales I need to take care of before getting to your wings. [A good and gifted brush in hand, and a pile of shed scales and even feathers caught up in a burlap bag just at 76's boots, careful as he worked the dulled shedding skin and scale off, shining blue just underneath.]

Just keep still for me, would you? Didn't realize how much fluff you grew while it was cold here, and you'll feel better for it.

[Brushing out fur-like feathering, letting Blue preen a little herself as if to help keep her occupied.

Could probably get something done with those dragon scales- maybe ask around town later?]

[Wildcard! Either mix and match or bring your own prompts inspired by any of the above! Want something a bit more personalized? Just PM this account, or hit me up in the game's Discord.

I'm happy to plot something out- CR Meme toplevel for the month is here if that's easier, or if you want something with the Surprise Eggs mini-event thing, too.]

Comments

afternoon @ wild harvest!

[pactmarshal]

[ If anything, Trahearne keeps his word. He still appreciates 76 for being there to make the last day of the flower festival go by quicker and be much more bearable for him, and though some time has passed since then, he hasn't forgotten his resolve to thank the former flower prince.

He arrives at the Wild Harvest on a quiet afternoon, long after the lunch rush has passed. He would have thought the establishment closed if the front door hadn't been open as it was. Curiously, he peers around the room for signs of life first before tentatively calling out, ]

Hello?

[steadypulse]

Back here- give me a sec.

[There was a clear jar in hand when 76 emerged from a side room, having stepped in to his own area to collect a jar of honey. Said honey? Well, it glittered in the light of the Harvest and was a swirl of greens and yellows with streaks of blue. Set it on the bar counter as one of the Garnish noodle dragons slid down his arm to curl around the jar.

There were vines growing in some areas within, their glowing fruit providing some extra bit of lighting. Those were getting ripe and some were being used now after all.

76 finally looked up after securing one of his gloves—]

How're you doing? [A mix of actual greeting with a touch of 'how can I help you?' mixed in to that tone.]

[pactmarshal]

[ If he didn't know any better, he might've thought he was back in the Grove with the way the establishment was decorated. It was a strange feeling, both comforting and alienating at the same time. ]

Hello. [ Trahearne greets the man cordially as he emerges from the back. Yes! He remembers the face. ] You might not recognise me, but you helped me a great deal during the Flower Festival. I'm Trahearne, and I came by to give you my proper thanks.

[ And as he thought, the obnoxious feathers were not a part of 76's normal attire.

Trahearne's eyes flit towards the dragon as it curls around the jar of honey, and the slightest tinge of concern crosses his face, but it's gone in an instant. It's fine. Probably. ]

[steadypulse]

Oh, hey- and figure with how many flowers there were... yeah. [No longer covered head to toe in flowers-] Answers why it seemed like your voice was familiar, though.

Can take a seat at the bar, if you like.

[A gesture to one of the seats, that small noodle dragon content in its curl.]

And don't mind that one- [A gesture towards said little creature.] They hang around in here, along with others of their type. Friendly little things, really.

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne takes the man up on the offer and gladly sits in the seat gestured to, sliding in with a gracious nod. ]

All right. [ Is all he says about the dragon for the moment. He'll take his word for it. But he won't look at it again... ]

After you gave me the moonshine, I was either asleep or too drowsy to be conscious of all the flowers. And by nightfall, I had both sobered up and freed from their grasp. I thank you for making an otherwise unbearable day, bearable. [ He leans on the bar a bit, getting comfortable. ] I hope you enjoyed the rest of your time at the festival, outfit aside.

[steadypulse]

[76 might've moved behind the counter, but he was sitting down in a stool tucked back there himself. With it being so slow at the moment he could-]

I'm glad it helped, because it honestly looked like it was one of the most uncomfortable things to be in. [The shorts and feathers were eye catching, sure, and didn't leave too much to the imagination, but it was getting off light compared to basically being a flower bush.] For the most part, yeah. I left before the fireworks started.

[Got a good distance and- well. Well.]

Just glad it did manage to help at all- you manage to enjoy anything still going on by nightfall?

[pactmarshal]

You left before the fireworks started? [ Trahearne tilts his head curiously. For some reason, that surprises him. He would've thought the Flower Prince tm would have been there to see the festival's grand finale. Ah, whatever. It's not his business. ] That's too bad. They were lovely, and I was grateful I was able to enjoy them without an itch. And without any petals blocking my view.

[ Nice indeed. And reminded him that he was basically useless at dreamotion. He shakes his head in response to the question. ] I dispersed with the crowd, unfortunately. The festival took a lot out of me.

[steadypulse]

[A slight nod-] Noise they make can at times... be an issue for me.

[To put it kindly. Didn't always bother him, but sometimes it was just best to avoid the situation all together, because he could not guess when a day would be that they could bother him.]

Good to hear- firework displays can be a hell of a sight, and I'm sure here they made quite a show of it. [Fireworks in a world of dreams had to be something memorable, he didn't doubt.]

It was a lot, yeah. Entire thing was quite a lot to take in over three days.

[pactmarshal]

Quite a lot. [ Trahearne nods slowly. He'd met so many new people and faced certain ugly truths - it was a life-changing event, to say the least. ]

Regardless, [ He straightens, tone indicating he's ready to change the subject. ] I hope you've been well since then. And this is your place? [ He glances around at the vines and glowing fruit curiously. ] What sort of food do you sell here?

[ He wasn't particularly hungry, and it wasn't mealtime, but since he was here, he may as well give his patronage to the restaurant, anyway. ]

wolves/wild harvest combo

[judicialassistant]

[ Ever since she'd caught Venti trying to make off with some of their wine, Susato tried to make it a habit to check out back beyond the garden of the Wild Harvest. The snakes worked nicely as an alarm of sorts, and it was not like there was any money involved (shady bank aside), but with their exchange/bartering system, lost product often meant something far more valuable: time, and effort.

Either way, there's a bit of a surprise for Susato today as she sees some of 76's wolves playing outside. She didn't see 76 in his usual area, but she figures he can't be too far if they're here, so there's a bright smile on Susato's face as she greets them.

Hearing her voice, Cherry perks up immediately, leaving a trail of cherry blossom petals in her wake as she trots over to greet Susato in return. For (perhaps?) obvious reasons, she'd always been partial to Cherry over the others, though they all seem to follow, moving in a pack.

She rubs Cherry's head, looking softly over to the others as well, though there's a little apprehension as she regards the needles on the cacti, and the skin on the pears. (Have there been accidents that resulted in some prickly injury? Perhaps. She regrets nothing.) ]

And how are you all today? You're looking lively, aren't you?

[steadypulse]

[Very lively, getting more used to the area and with that far more comfortable. The noises that simply came with being in the area were starting to grow more familiar in ways that allowed them to relax and not be as way. Still alert of course, honing in on anything that sounded out of place-

But it also meant they were beginning to identify those they could consider friendly far easier as well. The excitement of someone accepted as such just bringing out that need to greet and sniff, more or less.

76 let the wolf pup down out of his arms once he was coming around, the pup running off in that sort of wobbly bounce any pup could do—]

Seems like they've still got a lot of energy to burn off, doesn't it? [Hey, kid.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Hey, old man. Maybe someday, if she heard Kazuma call him that enough times, she would actually call him that, too. Turns out all she had to do was look a little further ahead. Heart melts when she sees the little pup wobbling, but Cherry and the others are quick to abandon her to help.

Dad's here. And so is little brother.

She nods. ]

They take after somebody that I know. [ She gives 76 a pointed look. Few would be able to keep up with them as well as he had, but as she understands it, they are a part of him, in a way. ] I'm just glad they like me.

[steadypulse]

[The lavender covered wolf pup was full of energy itself given the nap taken in 76's arms. Jumping to play with both the prickly pear Blossom, who easily fell over in a sort of womping thud as large paws were careful in the 'attack' of a playful and energetic wolf pup.

A hand ruffled over Cherry's head and ears, the large white wolf covered in Ivy content to sit and watch-]

They're a friendly bunch, which is a relief. [And of course there was a soft chuckle, he got the meaning of that look.

Cherry was happily doing her part and collapsing near Blossom and Bud to join in.]

Even Barb's warmed up to you. [The one that seemed to be more cactus needles with thistles blooming. The far more cautious and slightly stand-offish of the pack; was a lot of bark without bite to him.]

Have you gotten to catch them all sleeping against Blue? She's been loving it.

[A flower wolf cuddle puddle draped on and against a fluffy blue dragon was a hell of a sight.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Ah. She was beginning to think she was going to have to name them all herself, but it looked like 76 had gotten used to a few. Susato scratched idly at a spot on her hand when Barb was mentioned, but sadly has to shake her head. ]

I've seen them play together. Haven't been able to catch them when they're all tuckered out though.

...Have you got a photo?

[steadypulse]

[They would be the least creative names possible, but they'd be nicknames at the very worst. Barb seemed fitting for both personality and the cactus barbs the wolf had, but still had a soft spot once the critter did warm up.

Just a little jumpy, still.]

You will one of these days, I think. [Blue was very, very good at wearing anyone out. A fond thought— His brow furrowed briefly before he pulled out his journal, flipping to the more private section and, well.

Seems like he'd managed to transfer what he saw on to a page like a photograph, it appearing a little like water-color and ink all the same. This was what he offered in a slight show.]

I figured it might be a nice sort of thing to keep, yeah. I'm not great at sketching, but these journals seem to be able to transplant mental images well enough to be like a photo.

[judicialassistant]

Oh! [ She watches as he flips through the journal's pages, though she respectfully hangs back until he makes it obvious that she's meant to look. She thought maybe it would be another for his Depression Album^TM, but her heart rather melts at the sight. ]

How wonderful. I've transplanted such images before, but only ever in black and white. [ The strokes look a little like old-timey calligraphy, when it comes to hers, but– ] This looks painted.

[steadypulse]

Can thank my Ma for taking me to art museums for that one, probably. [Those times with her- well, clearly they were memorable an left a hell of an impression on him. His father had never been against it either, at the very least.

Most probably wouldn't expect the mental images from a man like him to turn out as such- but he liked it that way. Better to be underestimated than easily read. Corner of his mouth still twitched a bit.]

Know I can do it now, too. Might help with some notes while I'm out in the Wildlands an can't bring any samples back.

Flower wolves

[zephyrean]

[Law was a frequent customer at the dog sled outpost, stopping by several times a week. Sometimes it was to ride with the dogs, sometimes it was to help care for them. It was enough that his interest in dogs and wolves earned him being informed about 76's unusual find. not that Law expected he'd be able to find the guy or his flower wolves.

So when he does happen upon them by chance, just out and about getting exercise, he wastes no time in seizing the opportunity to flag him down.]

Hey! Wait up!

[steadypulse]

[His head tilted at the voice, steps slowing as the wolves moved what was behind him when 76 turned to better see who was calling. The white wolf covered in ivy moved to stand at his side as the black wolf covered in cherry blossoms fell to the other.

The pup kept tucked in an arm, the other two wolves were a little more directly behind his, but still well within view. Prickly pear's attention more of curious interest, and the one that was a little more barbed had their ears flicked back. Far more cautious and wary-]

Help you with something?

[An easier sort of 'what do you want' than anything else.]

[zephyrean]

[Law was experienced with animals, so he knew well enough to keep his distance when dealing with others. Don't approach suddenly or do anything to spook them.]

Not particularly, I guess. I just... heard about your pups over at the outpost and had to see 'em for myself.

[One might call him a wolf enthusiast, considering the wolf-shaped pauldron on his shoulder. You know, in that way that kid in your fourth grade class who was obsessed with wolves might be considered an "enthusiast".]

[steadypulse]

That right? [There was a touch of amusement easily missed, a hand moving down to ruffle the fur between the cherry blossom wolf's ears. The lavender pup perked up a bit, as only a young pup might.]

Just walk slowly and you can come closer- one of them is jumpier than the rest, but even he's alright. [Barb was quite the personality after all-]

Been going by to see if the guy who runs it might've come across any others on his runs with the dogs he keeps.

[So far not too much luck, but maybe they really did live in the cave systems? Or more hadn't appeared, hard to tell.

Still, felt more like they were connected with the flower dogs Eustace kept in some way with that.]

[zephyrean]

[Since he's been given permission to approach the wolves, he does as instructed, coming forward slowly.]

He sounded pretty confused when he told me about 'em. Guess he's never seen anything like 'em, huh? Neither have I, if I'm being honest.

[Once he's within range, he crouches down, low to the ground, and steadily holds out a hand.]

Any idea where they came from? This place has some weird animals, but they usually keep to themselves.

[steadypulse]

[It was the cherry blossom covered wolf that came forward first, alongside the prickly pear and blossom one that wasn't far behind. They were the two most curious and friendly ones after all; one just had to be careful of the few cactus needles with Blossom there. Both were sniffing- and not quite going for the hand.

More the entire arm and shoulder(s).]

There are the dogs covered in flowers, too but- well, guy named Eustace and I are trying to figure out if they're connected- dogs descended from wolves and all that. [Bud, the pup in his arms, was curious as well, but wasn't yet to wiggling for getting down. More interest in watching.

As if waiting for the two black wolves' judgement.]

Found 'em out in the Wildlands, around a cave, the pup here approached first and the rest followed. [Barb huffed and sat off to the side just behind 76's leg near the white wolf; Liv was more amused, remaining where she sat. This was fine- the white wolf seemed to be the oldest of the bunch, Barb and Blossom just after. Cherry and Bud were the youngest, even if the cherry blossom covered one was clearly older than the lavender pup by some months.]

You're right that the animals here tend t keep to themselves- I spend a lot of time out in the Wildlands and never seen any like these wolves out there. Some normal ones, but yeah.

[Cherry and Blossom were very.. very involved in their snuffling sniffing. At least Blossom was aware of her prickles while moving.]

[zephyrean]

[Law's ears perk up at the name drop. Eustace, huh. That's a name he recognizes, that guy he raced with back in Christmasland. So he's involved in this too, huh?

As the dogs sniff away at him, he keeps his movements slow and steady, carefully moving his arms to allow the dogs to sniff at different angles, but making sure not to move too fast and spook the pups, or worse yet, excite them. Excited puppies were such an unpredictable force, probably even moreso if they're wolves.]

They're awfully friendly. [All of the wolves in 76's possession seemed very tame from Law's observations.] You think that's on account of them being all flowery and stuff? Or at you just some super awesome dog trainer?

[steadypulse]

I noticed- and I wish I knew. They approached me, and have just been following me around as if they belonged to me. [He wasn't sure why other than- well?

76 finally moved so he was sitting down, the wolves that had stuck close moving to give him that space. Bit of skin between glove and jacket brushed grass and caused a slight spot of flowers in bloom to spring to life.

Which the Lavender pup immediately wiggled out of his arm to flop in to, happily.]

Someone I know here figures they might be attracted to the fact my dreamwalker form is very... wolf heavy in appearance. That and I seem to be able to grow plants like magic. It's a guess at best. [Didn't stop the large white wolf from leaning against his back, her head on his shoulder and just- looking terribly amused as only a wolf's expression could.]