nysalogs | hopping on the open log train

Entry tags:

hopping on the open log train

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. ]

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Perhaps, though I am not human, so that might be tricky.

[As if she looks much different from a human but the pointy ears and Altean marks are Important! She turns to look at Frederick curiously.]

The Exalt? Is that like a Queen?

[It sounds like an impressive title.]

Not human?

[ Honestly, after meeting both taguels and manaketes (and all the strange races present on El Nysa) he really ought not to be so surprised by this bit of news. But he's old-fashioned, and terribly staid, and so he can't help but blink in surprise at her calm reveal. ]

I suppose that would make choosing more difficult. [ So much for that grand idea.... ] Then perhaps you could select something similar to what you have worn before?

[ That's how he shops, closets full of the exact same shirt and pants. ]

And you would be correct. Exalt Emmeryn rules over all of Ylisse, and has since the passing of her father. Her brother, Prince Chrom, and her sister, Princess Lissa, are next in line for the throne.

It would be disingenuous to imply that I look much different from a human. There are many similarities. But I think your idea will work just fine.

[And the hat is mostly for function over form. Before arriving on El Nysa, Allura spent the majority of her time in jumpsuits and paladin armor. It's been some time since she's spent much time considering anything beyond what is necessary, although the longer she stays here, the more she feels out of place in her jumpsuit.

She picks up a wide brimmed hat in pink,] This will do.

[She then pays for it with whatever money she apparently has, and as they walk away, she picks up the conversation about Frederick's lord where they had left it earlier,]

Your Exalt has so many siblings! Does it cause any conflict over the throne?

[ The pink hat, strangely enough, looks more flattering on him than the green one did, but he keeps that thought to himself as Allura pays and they sashay away from the hat merchant.

He's more than happy to reminisce about Ylisse, in any case. ]

Certainly not. Exalt Emmeryn was an inspiration to us all and no one loved her more dearly than her siblings did. Neither of them would have dreamed of taking the throne from her.

Besides— [ and here his lips quirk into a wry smile ] I suspect neither of them had any inclination to rule. Milord is very much a man of action, and Princess Lissa...let's just say she has some maturing to do.

[ No offense or anything though. His tone goes from wry to curious as he looks back towards Allura. ]

Is it common where you come from, for there to be much contention over the throne?

[Allura shares his smile. She doesn't know these people at all, but it is clear how much he cares for them,

The topic turns to her kingdom, and she shakes her head,]

I am my father's only heir, but the Alteans were a peaceful society. [Everyone loved her father, she truly believed that.] But there are those like the Galra. [And she can't totally keep the disdain out of her voice,] Their emperor is chosen through tests of strength and cunning. They are very violent affairs.

[She witnessed one such ritual not long before the storm came. Even after one true leader came out on top, the empire fell into inner turmoil, as factions of rogue soldiers vied for what they saw as their rightful place as leader.]

The Galra?

[ He doesn't know who - or what - they are, but it's evident from her tone of voice that Allura does not view them in any benevolent or forgiving light. If they have an emperor, then perhaps they're another people neighboring her nation? ]

I take it they are a particularly militaristic society? Have they threatened your borders at all?

[ That would be reason enough to dislike them. ]

Edited (cries sadly over html) 2018-06-03 12:38 (UTC)

[She gives a short, humorless laugh. Threatening Altean borders? That's putting it lightly.] They destroyed my planet.

[~~This is a fun, lighthearted beach adventure.~~ Her hand tightens it's grip on the brim of her new hat. Everyone here knew what it was like to lose their home. The only difference is that Allura lost hers about ten-thousand years ago.

Before she can get too upset about it, she takes a deep, steadying breath. She has been trying to do better about her deep hatred of the Galra,] But their old Emperor is gone now. His successor claims to want peace.

[It is difficult for her to trust any of them. Even with Zarkon's death, one man alone did not destroy her people, subjugate the Galmarans, or any other number of atrocities committed in his name.]

[ #yikes

That dire piece of news certainly halts him in his tracks momentarily, his eyes widening in shock. ]

I—I'm terribly sorry, to remind you of such a terrible tragedy. It wasn't my intention in the slightest.

[ So much for making this a nice relaxing beach outing for her. (So much for making it a nice relaxing beach outing for him too, but then again relaxation has never been high on his priority list for any outing.)

He doesn't know much about these Galra - doesn't know anything, really - but the fact that they went out of their way to annihilate an entire planet doesn't sit well with him, and leaves a heavy feeling of discomfort swirling around in his gut. How could anyone harbor such malice towards another?

But then he thinks of Gangrel and thinks he understands, a little. ]

And do you believe him, and his claims?

[Lets have a lighthearted thread, we said. It'll be silly, we said!

At that, Allura sucks in a quiet breath, her voice tightening,] I don't know.

[She's asked herself it a million times since the moment Prince Lotor offered himself up as a prisoner. He did everything in his power to earn their trust—gave away Galra fleet positions and secrets that opened the door for meaningful victories at little cost to the Voltron coalition. And he was the one to deal the killing blow on Zarkon. He's given them nothing but reasons to trust him.]

I want to believe him. Peace, without bloodshed? That alone makes it worth a shot.

[That would be her greatest dream. But. She hums, unhappily,]

It may be too good to be true, I fear.

[ It's a difficult choice to make, and he doesn't envy her the decision. Yet another reason why he'd opted never to dabble in politics. At the end of the day, he understands better how to wield a sword and axe than a flowery tongue and masterful words.

But.

He looks at her - at him, but for once, he doesn't actually see himself reflected back in those familiar eyes - and smiles ever so gently. ]

Perhaps. But - and forgive me if this is too bold to say - but I agree. Peace is more important than most can understand.

You remind me of someone I knew. [ Once upon a time, before the Storm had entered their small corner of the universe and before reality had come crashing down. ] She, too, would have done anything for the chance at peace for her people.

[The unhappy look on her face melts away and she regards Frederick warmly. She's still standing a few heads too tall, in a body she's unfamiliar with, but for the moment, the awkwardness is gone. It's immediately comforting, in a way that days of debating and rationalizing with herself failed to reassure. She couldn't lose her chance at peace because of paranoia.

She smiles,] Would that be your Exalt? [He mentioned her name. Allura recalls back,] Emmeryn?

[She's touched. From their conversation earlier, it's clear that Frederick holds her in the highest regard.] That's very kind of you to say.

[Before he can respond, she blinks, suddenly realizing how serious their conversation has become. She laughs, sheepishly,] My apologies. You must have come to the beach for a relaxing break. I'm afraid I've made it anything but.

Indeed, Lady Emmeryn.

[ The Exalt of his heart (sorry Chrom) and a woman he would have followed to the ends of the earth had she wished it. (She never would have, abhorring the thought of anyone making sacrifices on her account.)

He misses her every day.

But he seems to realize the overly solemn air about the same time that Allura does, and Frederick's quick to shake his head as Allura apologizes. ]

Think nothing of it. Better than we should speak of matters that mean more to us than trifling banalities regarding the weather.

[ At the very least, he thinks he has a better understanding of her now, and he can only assume she understands him a bit better as well. ]

But I do suppose my housemates would be rather cross with me if I didn't try to enjoy the sunshine while we're out here today.

[She smiles. This Frederick sounds like an awfully serious person. He reminds her of Shiro.]

Well, then we better get going.

[She places the pink hat on her head, and it's just then that she notices her perspective is changing. Literally. Frederick appears to grow taller as she shrinks down to her normal height, short cropped hair grows rapidly, curling over her shoulders until it lands at waist height, and the hand touching the brim of her hat is a warm brown color.]

Oh!

[She holds her hands out, turning them forward and back, clearly pleased to be back in her own skin.]

Has an hour truly passed?

[ And get going they do—except as soon as they take a step, things are happening. Not that Frederick notices immediately, too engrossed in finding a path through the crowds that'll require them to jostle the fewest pairs of elbows.

But then there's an exclamation behind him and he turns to find—well, not himself for sure. Instead, there's a woman behind him, her incredulous voice the only thing familiar about her. Well, maybe not the only thing. Now that he looks at her more closely, he suspects he's seen her before. ]

They do say time passes quick when in good company. [ But more importantly: ] Are you perhaps a member of the Diplomatic Council, Lady Allura?

[Her hands are on her ears, touching the tips (just to make sure they're there) when she realizes that Frederick is paying attention. Face flushing slightly at the moment of childish curiosity, she drops her arms to her side,]

I am [A nods, then she cants her head to the side,] And you, as well, Sir Frederick?

[She feels a little bad that he clearly recognizes her while he is a stranger to her before today.

[ He'd touch his own face and hair too if he'd been changed into another person, never fear.

And honestly it's only a passing familiarity, spurred only by her rather unique coloring. His own, on the other than is average and plain as day: brown hair, middling skin, slightly on the tall side but hardly anything noteworthy besides.

At her question, he nods in confirmation. ]

I am. Though perhaps I'm not nearly as qualified as some others on the Council. I've only resided in these lands for a few months.

[The giant armor is pretty noteworthy!]

If that's the case, you are more qualified than I. I've only just arrived.

[With the last batch of newbies, anyway,]

[ Oh! In that case—

He takes a step forward in her direction, suddenly alert. If she's only just arrived, then he'll have to do his best to ensure that she settles in well. ]

Ah, but you have years of rulership over your kingdom under your belt, far more than I. I imagine we can both find ways to contribute once we begin meeting more frequently.

In the meantime, if you ever need any assistance navigating around the city and surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to ask.

[ He'll do all he can to help! ]

[Ah... about that rulership thing...

She nods,] I thank you, Frederick. I did a good amount of studying while I was on board the orbiter's ship, but's different when you're down on the ground.

[With a small laugh,] And if you ever need any help... picking out a hat. I suppose I can be helpful there, now.

I have been told I have no eye from fashion.

[ Admittedly, it'd come from the mouth of a fourteen year old, so he's not really sure it counts. He thinks he looks rather well put-together most days. At the very least, no one's ever given him grief about it.

But it seems the polite thing to say in Allura's company, and he has no doubt she has a better sense for these things than he does.

In any case: ]

On the ground?

[ Is that a figure of speech, or? ]

Oh, I mean. It's different when you're actually in the situation, instead of just looking at it from the outside.

[Like looking at a map, versus standing on a sidewalk.]

I'm afraid I'm much more used to looking at a planet from way up above, than from... [She waves a hand around to the scenery nearby,] Down here.

[It's a shame. She truly loved nature, but she was so busy with the war before the storm happened, she rarely got a chance to enjoy the beautiful planets she would visit.]

[ He's barely gotten used to the idea of space and other planets, the fact that someone could spend their entire life up in the sky is mind-boggling to him, at the very least.

And it shows, in the furrow of his brow and the lack of comprehension in his eyes. ]

Up above? [ Again, what. ] Were you—constantly traveling up there?

[ A perfectly natural course of actions, but it seems so terribly bleak to him. ]

[She should have suspected, with the way he was talking about kingdoms and territories. Those still exist in space but people usually talk about them a little different when it's planet-destroying super weapons instead of armies marching over borders.]

Yes, the Alteans were a space-faring race. [Which is lucky, considering her planet was destroyed.]

Even our castles were mobile, capable of traveling from one planet to another.

A mobile castle.

[ He says this wonderingly, like he's never bothered to imagine the concept before. (He hasn't, because Ylisse in comparison is so terribly primitive.) It honestly sounds quite terrifying to him, but at the same time he's also fascinated, because it opens up so many possibilities. ]

However did you manage to fuel such a large thing? And purchase supplies?

Quintessence.

[That's sort of the answer to any question, in her world. And, incidentally, the driving force behind the Galra's ceaseless expansion across the universe. But she has yet to meet anyone here that knew of it.]

It's a powerful substance that we Alteans harnessed. It powered our ships, which could then produce synthetic food for those on board.

[She sighs,] Sadly, I haven't felt any quintessence since I arrived on this planet.

[Either it's absent from this part of the universe, or somehow her connection to it was dampened. She's not sure which answer she likes most.]

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pebblestone - 2018-06-09 18:30 (UTC) - Expand

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quintessent - 2018-06-10 01:58 (UTC) - Expand

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