hopping on the open log train

[pebblestone]

Who: Frederick (pebblestone) & open
What: Beach ep, red light ep, you-name-it ep
When: May
Where: Olympia
Warning(s): NSFW doubtful but I'll update if it comes up


FLONA COVE, PT 1

[ Frederick the Wary does not go to beaches for fun. There's simply too much to do and not enough time to do it, and it's not like he's ever learned the meaning of the word relax anyway.

But he also understands the value of team bonding, and so when Cam and JJ clamor to go to the beach he begrudgingly follows along. Perhaps there might be gossip at the docks about the current state of affairs, or some fresh seafood he might be able to turn into tonight's dinner, and so he begrudgingly follows behind, hoping that the whole affair ends sooner rather than later.

Instead, JJ and Cam run off and Frederick ends up swarmed by a group of small children at the beach, all of whom have declared him a perfect fit for their sand project - a project they refuse to reveal the nature of when he asks suspiciously. His initial response is to turn them down, suggest they find some other more willing victim for their tricks, but there's a little girl with hair the color of the sun and a wide, wide smile, and he can't help but accept when she shyly asks please.

So here he sits now, expression resigned and long-suffering, as the children pile sand over his legs. One of them, wanting a second opinion, runs up to the nearest stranger - that's you - with a question. ]

Hey, hey, should he be a starfish or a mermaid?

[ Congrats, Fred's fate is now in your hands. ]

FLONA COVE, PT 2

[ Of course, Frederick wouldn't be Frederick if he didn't turn his beach outing into an impromptu training session. Once he's fulfilled his requisite duty of posing as Mer-Fred in the sand, it's back to work for him. After all, the resistance provided by the sandy beaches provides wonderful benefit to strengthening ones legs during a run, and there's nothing like warm sun to work up a good sweat.

His armor's been traded for shorts and a simple short-sleeve shirt - because even Fred has limits - and he's proceeded to engage in all manner of exercises typically included in a fitness regimen: push-ups, sit-ups, laps around the beach. In fact, to anyone that knows him, this is probably the happiest he's ever looked.

And if he catches you watching, he'll happily wave you over. ]

Would you care to join me? There's nothing quite so exhilarating as a good workout.

SHADES DARKER (MINI QUEST 1)

[ Every now and then, even without Lord Chrom around, Fred's overbearing instincts kick in. The house gets cleaned from top to bottom, the weeds around the house (and as far as two blocks down, much to the bemusement of the neighbors) get pulled, and he makes lunch for the whole household which everyone frequently forgets to bring with them.

He's taken the liberty of dropping off Clair's lunch today, lest she starve to death, but Lady Luck has seen fit to turn her face away from him. Clair is nowhere to be found, the gaggle of models at the front are all too happy to press themselves against him, and what's meant to be a simple three minute task suddenly turns into a much longer stay as he's pulled to a side room, one of the girls determined to bully him into doing a favor for their wonderful Lady Koralle.

In this case: mixing and matching perfumes alongside a few other patrons.

So there he sits on a plush chaise lounge, the tie around his neck askew and tufts of hair sticking straight up, looking absolutely befuddled at the dozens of small glass bottles in front of him. ]

I'm afraid I haven't the foggiest idea what scents young women like to wear these days.

[ NOTE: I'd like to stick mostly to SFW options for this prompt (truthfulness, relaxation, etc) but if you're interested in NSFW options, send me a message/hit me up on plurk and we can hash something out. 18+ F only. ]

AROUND OLYMPIA (MINI-QUEST 2)

[ In the interest of fostering better relations between Wyver and Olympia, Frederick has taken it upon himself gather some samples of the local flora and bring them over. Rumors float in the air of a man willing to reward anyone who comes forth, though of course Frederick is less interested in the reward than he is the idea of improving goodwill.

He's currently attempting to tackle a cluster of stickweed, the task made all the more difficult by the little bits of fluff that keep attaching themselves to his clothes, his skin, his hair. But he pays them no mind, because surely they're harmless, like fuzz from a dandelion, and so he keeps going, never quite realizing that the puffs are lifting him up and away until he bonks his head on a nearby tree branch. At which point, it becomes quite obvious that something is definitely not right. ]

What's the meaning of this—?

[ A little help here? ]

[ ooc: Or pick a different plant, I'm easy. ]

WILDCARD

[ ooc: I'm definitely open to any other situation that strikes your fancy! Feel free to slap down a starter or leave me a blank wildcard and let's get this ball rolling. ]

Comments

Fred's Fanatical Fitness Hour!

[dontgiveabuckland]

[It figures that in the time that Cam left Frederick, and came back with a frozen treat in a cup (grape flavored, of course) that Frederick would start using the beach for an impromptu work out session. Well, if it makes him happy.

Cam saunters over, slurping at his drink when Frederick waves. He's foregone his usual outfit in favor of green and gold swim trunks, and his bare feet squish in the sand as he walks.]

Ah, [His face twists into a grimace at the question, especially since Frederick asks it in the middle of holding an impressive plank.] No thanks. I didn't bring my... work out gloves?

i hope cam's ready

[pebblestone]

[ Planks are a great way to strengthen the ab muscles, Cam really ought to try it sometime. Like maybe now!

Looking up from his stiffly held position on the sand, Fred makes a face of consternation. Work-out gloves? Do such things really exist? ]

Nonsense. All you need for a good work out is enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard and improve yourself. [ He sounds like something out of an informercial, this is terrible. ] Besides, didn't you say you wanted to get in shape?

[ It's possible he's making that up just to get Cam to exercise. ]

he is not!

[dontgiveabuckland]

[Planks are the worst. And don't look too closely at his ab muscles, which are on full display at the moment,]

Wha- I didn't say that. [Did he? Is Frederick listening at Cam's door? He casts an insecure look down to his gut, where he has put on a little flab. El Nysa is the first time in Cam's life that he's spent so much time in the same place. It's hard to go from a world-traveling adventurer and hero to a guy who sometimes does good deeds and other wise hangs around.] I'm already in shape!

[Definitely sucking it in a little bit now.]

around olympia - mini quest 2

[notwagging]

[ well, isn't this interesting! something that Keaton actually has experience with--- pulling floating people down and keeping them from going into space! the problem is that, well, he can't remember what specifically did it. he only remembers the stuffy attitude of the elf he saved.

no matter. at least this guy looks like... uh, well. he's certainly bigger. ]

You're floating.

[ being helpful, Keaton is stating the obvious. ]

Have you tried not floating?

[ smile ]

[pebblestone]

[ Why is Keaton this way?

The incredibly obvious statement only serves to deepen Frederick's frown as he stares down at Keaton. His body is still rising higher and higher, finally stopped only by the fact that he grabs onto the branch he'd initially rammed into. ]

If I knew how to stop floating, I certainly would have done so already.

[ Isn't that obvious???? ]

Is this your doing?

[ Because surely it can't be because of the plant, what plant could possibly lift a grown man off the ground? ]

[notwagging]

[ if 'this way' is 'amazing, handsome, kind, and the best'... then yes, he's all of that way and more! ]

What? I can't hear you from all the way down here!

[ snickering, he wiggles his ears as he makes it over to the floating human, already taking a look at the fluff that has unfortunately covered some of his lower half. it makes him wonder how much of that weed is also in his pockets, which would be none given he's not in space, and if he'd be okay taking some for later. ]

But no. I'm no mage. Do I look like I carry around a bunch of books or staves and go [ insert wiggly finger motions here ] OoOOooOoOo?

Here, I'll tell you what. I'll help you get down, but you have to do me a favor.

mini-quest 2: electric boogaloo

[ghettobatman]

[ matt, despite being blind, has miraculously managed to avoid the stickweed (huh, what a mystery) -- but is currently on the same mission. the more he can do to foster peace between the two nations, the better, and evidently he's not about to let being blind stop him. ]

[ he hears something, but since he can't see what's happening -- the bonk and yelling are just pieces he's trying to puzzle together. ]

Is something wrong?

[ explain the situation, nerd. ]

[pebblestone]

[ USE YOUR EYEBALLS MATT (oh wait, he can't, but Fred doesn't know that).

And it's precisely because Fred doesn't know that Matt is blind that causes him to not explain the situation in perfect clarity, but rather to lose a little bit of his cool as he looks (literally, in this case) on Matt with a disapproving frown on his face. ]

I should think that what is wrong should be obvious.

[ People aren't meant to float?? ]

[ghettobatman]

[ ah yes, this disapproving frown and severe look............... things matt can definitely see. ]

Maybe in most cases, but, I, ah, can't actually see what's going on.

[ don't yell at a blind man, wow!! said blind man is now feeling his way forward, tapping the ground where fred's feet should be with his cane -- huh, how strange. ] Are you hurt? I can try to get you help.

Wildcard!

[quintessent]

[It’s become easier (and necessary) to venture into brave new worlds of trying new food and drink. If anyone asked, she might begrudgingly admit that the variety of human dishes far outshone the Altean style of culinary arts. Alteans have their interstellar travel, humans have their milkshakes.

It’s only a matter of time before her newfound courage at trying new things backfires. She’s into the first, long drink of a new concoction she’d acquired on the beach when, unbeknownst to her, her form begins to shift and warp, outwardly changing into another person. ]

What— [She first notices her hands, now a shade of peach, and much thicker than before. Holding her hands out, she stares at her arms, before catching sight of herself in the reflection of her glass.

She lets out a horrified cry I’m hideous, her voice still the same as before, but the person looking back at her is a stranger. A tall man with short brown hair who might by by the name Frederick, to be specific.]

who are you calling hideous. :(

[pebblestone]

[ Frederick the Wary, being as wary as he is, has opted not to try any of the strange food and drink being sold on the beachside. The claims are simply far too outrageous for him to believe - breathing underwater without any sort of apparatus? surely not - and after all the strange happenings he's experienced in Olympia of late, he's determined to control as many variables in his life as possible. As the hours pass and nothing happens, he grows more and more sure that things are simply as they seem.

Until he comes face to face with the last thing he expects to see: himself.

Stumbling backwards, almost into another poor beachgoer, Frederick stares at this stranger with unabashed alarm. Another him? But how could it be! He stares at his own hands, then at the stranger, then back at his own hands before asking accusingly: ]

Who are you?

[ Explain yourself, Allura!! ]

nobody Fred is beautiful

[quintessent]

[The glass has long been abandoned, but here she is, staring at her reflection, in true flesh and blood.

You! [ She has no idea who this is! Her voice strikes a similarly accusatory tone.] What have you done to me?

[Clearly this is somehow his fault. Who else would benefit from turning her into him? (Never mind that there’s no reason Frederick would benefit either.)] I demand you change me back this instant.

flona cove 1, aka your dignity is forfeit

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket's about to tell the kids to just buzz off, as he is NOT A PART OF THEIR SYSTEM, but then he sees the poor sap they're dicking around with is not (a. another child and (b. someone he's sure he's seen around the station before in passing.

And suddenly it becomes schadenfreude- Rocket's personal hobby.

Even though Rocket has absolutely no real idea what either of those things are.] Mermaid. Definitely mermaid. Never saw one before, so go ahead and enlighten me, you little gargoyles.

[He plops down on the sand and grins. Hi.]

i can't believe i have to take this from a RABBIT

[pebblestone]

[ What the fuck is he looking at.

It's not that there aren't talking furry creatures where he comes from (because there definitely are) and it's not that he doesn't respect what talking furry creatures that do exist where he comes from (because he does) but honestly, he's never seen a furry thing quite so...scruffy looking.

Does this creature not properly groom and bathe itself?? ]

And what, exactly, are you?

[ The children, at the very least, don't seem to care, too busy piling their buckets high with sand. ]

drop?? dead?? fred?? :|

[beatupgrass]

[HE LICKS HIMSELF SOMETIMES, GOD.

For once, Rocket's immediate urge to take offense is quelled. He settles himself on a rock outcropping and crosses his arms over his chest.]

A guy observing you getting sand in places you didn't realize you could get sand in. You really shouldn't put your fate in the hands of these little ankle-biters, dude. It'll cost you.

flona cove

[underwhelms]

This weather is amazing.

[ And the weather is, indeed, amazing. Olympia tended to run cooler than Wyver, not that it bothered JJ any since it meant that his rink needed less magic to be kept cold, but he can't help but appreciate the sunshine and warm weather that made for a perfect day trip to the beach. He's not even surprised that Frederick had agreed to come along, though they'd all started to go out more as a group; shopping and dining, planned outings to the park.

JJ's a social creature, and he prefers to have a life that keeps him on the go. It's difficult to find people willing to entertain his constant need for companionship, but Frederick and Cam have to indulge him due to sheer proximity most of the time. ]

At least it means I get a nice, even tan. [ He's joking. It's a joke because he's naked, feet trailing idly in the waters of Flona Cove while he sits at the edge, his shirt laying over his crotch to protect his modesty.

For someone that's essentially naked in public, he doesn't seem all that bothered. ]

Frederick, you can take a break from looking if you want. You're supposed to be relaxing.

[ Also, the reason that JJ is naked: his swimming trunks got washed away... ]

honestly i still have no idea how to reply, i should have left lotion there

[pebblestone]

[ It might be a joke, but it's not a funny one in the slightest, Frederick absolutely mortified over the state of undress of his housemate. Certainly, he doesn't mind the nudity of a fellow male, but they're out in public where everyone can see, and a piece of fabric not attached to the body in any way only goes so far in obscuring the imagination. One careless breeze could ruin it all...

Thankfully, Fred is not possessed of a particularly active imagination, far too practical as he is. ]

I can hardly relax when so much of you is on display. What if someone were to walk by and see? What if a young woman were to walk by and see?

[ Actually, any young woman that were to see would probably enjoy the sight, but Fred's not about to accept that for an answer. ]

At the very least, let me purchase a second pair of swimming trunks for you. Surely there must be plenty for sale around these parts.

[underwhelms]

[ Frederick's concern is cute, and it prompts JJ to give him a bright, sunny smile. It sure is nice to feel loved. ]

Don't be jealous, Freddie. [ He says this with a sly look, winking casually at his friend befre he leans back, hands settling over the warm rock while he turns his chin up to enjoy the sun. Needless to say, he's considerably less concerned with the amount of skin he has on display. ] Even if I'm basically naked, there are still plenty of women around that will drool over your fantastic figure.

[ Because that's what Frederick's priority is.

Though that reminds him of the saucy details he'd gotten from Clair. He doesn't look over again, though the urge to be a teasing jerk is great. Instead, he starts innocently: ] Clair definitely would. It didn't hurt my feelings, but she did go on about how you're the most handsome one in the house.

flona cove pt 1

[versianvirtue]

[ She's just minding her own business, which is nothing like business at all, really, and more like playing around on the beach (which Mars had a tragic dearth of!), when she's asked for her opinion on a very important matter: the shape of Fred's fishy fate. She pulls her windblown hair out of her eyes to regard the funeral of his dignity.

There is no shame in sacrificing it to appease children. It's not like Asseylum even has it in her to laugh at him for it, but she does find the whole affair quite amusing, if not even a little bit exciting. What is this curious beach custom, and how will this man become a starfish or a mermaid? She must decide which one she would like to see. ]

...A mermaid!

[ A perfectly respectable choice for a perfectly respectable guy. Wait, aren't mermaids supposed to be maidens? ...Oh well! PLEASE DON'T MIND HER; SHE'S JUST GOING TO.... BE A WEIRD ALIEN PRINCESS AND HANG AROUND AND OBSERVE..... ]

[pebblestone]

[ RIP Fred's dignity. Not that he had all that much to begin with.

From where he sits in the sand, Frederick can't quite make out what the child's saying, can only infer minuscule from the enthusiastic wave of his hands and the curious nod the young woman - their intended audience, apparently - gives in return. The two of them come traipsing back, at which point the boy points at Fred and proclaims loudly for him to lie down while they work their (metaphorical) magic.

Everything seems harmless enough so far and so he does so good-naturedly, blissfully unaware of the cruel fate that awaits him. To the young woman, he gives a pleasant look. ]

Has he chosen you to be his assistant for the day?

[ Not that such a thing is really necessary, given how many children are swarming around. ]

[versianvirtue]

Is that what I am?

[ She comes a little closer to the scene of Frederick's burial, careful to avoid one of the rascally antics of a child leaping about to lunge at his art project with a pail full of sand. ]

I was simply asked what you should become, that's all. But I will gladly assist. [ Should she tell him, or is it supposed to be a secret? Hmm! These sure are a lot of kids up against one man, though. ] Are all of these children yours?

( FLONA COVE, PT 1 )

[unos]

[ If Katsura recognizes Frederick he doesn't show any sign of it - though Katsura himself may be hard to recognize, seeing as that rather than his more subdued kimono, he's wearing offensively gaudy shorts and a clashing and equally offensively gaudy shirt. Regardless, Katsura glances down at the kids as they ask their question, glances up at Frederick as he considers his answer, and finally shakes his head. ]

Neither.

[ He strides towards Frederick and kneels down, but rather than attempting to free him he starts to trace a long, wiggly line in the sand. ]

He should be an octopus.

i'm dying

[pebblestone]

[ Well, better an octopus than a mermaid, though Frederick can't say he approves of any of these choices. Whatever faint recognition lights up in his eyes at seeing Katsura's familiar figure is extinguished immediately at the man's decisive answer. ]

I beg your pardon?

[ An octopus?????? ]

Why that particular creature?

[ Frederick might disagree vehemently with this choice but the children seem delighted. One of them immediately starts shrieking something about so many legs! and runs off to fill her bucket with sand. They'll need a lot of sand for all those legs, after all. ]

im so late...life kicked my ass...please forgive me

[yelliot]

<sub>[Fred isn't the only one on the beach who seems intent on training, although Elliot's differs somewhat in nature. While the knight has been buffing out on the beach, the young Nightray has found himself a quieter, secluded spot on to practice his swordsmanship. With the bottoms of his pants and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, he holds onto the hilt of his sword, grip firm, as he begins to go over various drills he'd learned in the past. Sure, it'd be better to practice against someone else, but it's not like he really has anyone he can ask...

So he'll just be a loner for now and remain that way, swinging his sword around until he catches sight of someone running his way. Dropping his sword to the side, letting it hang in one hand, he raises a brow at the jogger and his sudden invite. Join him?]</sub>

You want a running partner?

of course you are forgiven!! wraps you up and whisks you away from life

[pebblestone]

[ He can't say he recognizes this young man - curse the downfalls of text-only threads! - but he looks fit and hale and like the perfect running buddy. Although...

Frederick takes a good look at the sword, and the forms he'd been going through only moments prior. Perhaps running might not be the best option let he disrupt this young man's exercises. ]

It's always better to exercise with a companion. You can help motivate each other each step of the way. [ Or use each other as extra weight, whichever works. ] But you seem quite engrossed in your own practice.

Have you no one to spar with?