[ ACTIVE / SEMI-OPEN ]

[impavid]

Who: John Sheppard & various (& maybe you!)
What: Various Stages On The Grief Arc: An illustration of John Sheppard being a disaster
When: Mid to Late November & Early December maybe
Where: Olympia & Dranbu
Warning(s): Some arm injury gore in one thread!


1. OLYMPIA -- Mid November
John is pretty sure he looks a mess to anyone who knows him, but that's precisely why he's avoiding most people who know him.

He's called out of work to give himself a recovery buffer and is taking a walk with Seren, who is completely oblivious to his problems. Seren is still a puppy, and her excitement for everything in their surroundings and for him to play with her is a good distraction -- even if he wishes she understand the word 'chill' on occasion.

The little German Shepherd is starting to grow up quickly, though. She's smart, smart enough John suspects to know exactly when she's just ignoring John's instructions. Old enough to know better, young enough not to care. Off the leash, she's skipping ahead of him with her nose to the ground -- sniffing for traces of other dogs who might have come this way. At this time of day there aren't too many, mostly people, and although she mostly just runs up and down finding things then bringing them to John (or John to them) occasionally she gets curious and bounces toward another human. Either because they smell interesting or have something with them that smells interesting.

Seren shoots toward the new person and bounces curiously while John jogs to catch up, jacket loose and unzipped over his plaid shirt and jeans.

"Hey!" he prompts sharply, and the puppy stops and looks over at him. "We talked about this, manners!"

Apparently bouncing at people is not a good display of puppy manners.

2. DRANBU -- Late November/Early December (specify before or after people change back!)
After having pretty much been holed up in Olympia drowning his sorrows for most of the month, once he finally makes it out to Josa Forest (initially to help Ianto, but then staying to sate his curiosity about what's going on) John realises he does... feel better. He probably should have come out sooner to give himself something to do, instead of just skulking around avoiding everything, but hindsight is 20/20 and all that. At the time he hadn't felt like he wanted to do anything.

Once he's there, though, actually exploring Josa Forest again after his initial trip out with Phoenix helps take his mind off things. The tree villages are interesting, and John picks through them as much to satisfy his own curiosity as to give him a reason to be --

To be away from things that he's absolutely not avoiding but also, is avoiding.

The markets of Dranbu, he notices, are very animal-focused. So after a long moment picking through things he catches the attention of someone and hesitantly asked:

"Do you have anything for dogs...?"

They point him further a long and John lofts an eyebrow curiously, turning and padding in the direction he's been pointed -- bumping into someone near a different stand along the way and setting his good hand on them apologetically to steady them. The marketplace is busy and also, not designed with space in mind. He supposes that's what comes of not normally having this many visitors.

"Sorry," he says with a wince, and bends to try and pick up whatever it is he made them drop. "Here, let me --"

Comments

OLYMPIA: Eat Your Fill ( For Rodney )

[impavid]

Since Ianto is gone anyway, doing... whatever it is he wants to do away from John, there's a whole void of activity that needs to be filled. It's possibly suspicious how absent Ianto in fact has been, but on the other hand this just means John is spending time with Rodney specifically where he's not talking about Ianto at all and they're doing things together!

So really, it's all good!

"It's a competition!" John is explaining enthusiastically, "and if we eat more than everyone else we get free food for a year."

A year of free food, Rodney! At a restaurant! Surely that's worth trying?

"Apparently they're trying a new menu or something, but think of the free food! I'm pretty sure it's worth a shot, this place is pretty much the best restaurant in Olympia."

What could go wrong with an eating competition? If it's really too much, they just pay up and give in!

[doubledoctornocitrus]

"Best restaurant?" That's promising. "And free food for a year when we win? That sounds almost too good to be true."

Though, he has traveled to the jungle full of literal beasts, sticky heat, possible giant blood-sucking insects, and very likely tropical diseases for free food, and at the rate that the locals seem inclined to feed him, he's not going to stop going where the food is anytime soon. With that in mind, a simple restaurant contest doesn't sound altogether far-fetched.

"Honestly, it's the least they can do to make up for half-starving us when I first woke up."

Which is to say he's on board.

[impavid]

Half-starving.

John gives Rodney a vague squint for that, because he suspects that's an individual Rodney problem rather than a global problem, before giving a half-nod of assent. Sure, Rodney, it can make up for that.

"Right!" He says, because it's easier to show willing if it helps Rodney go along with things. "So, I say we try it. We can always back out if it seems like it's not worth it."

So what's even the down side? If the food isn't great they can just claim they feel full of admit 'defeat', right?

[doubledoctornocitrus]

"Alright, alright. I'm in," Rodney says. What's he gonna do? Say no? Besides, John's enthusiasm is infectious, and Rodney's starting to perk up a little bit at the prospective of a glorious triumph after copious amounts deliciousness from this 'best restaurant.' This calls for a grand declaration. "It sounds like a challenge worthy of my unique talents."

Followed soon after by, "So where is it and when is it? Because if it's now, then we should get going, because I haven't eaten for...um." Irrelevant. Ignore him. "Now would be good."

[impavid]

For what? John squints sceptically at Rodney, imagining the answer might be 'a couple of hours', but decides not to push.

Now would be good, Rodney prompts, and John checks his watch thoughtfully. Now wouldn't strictly be bad for him, in all honesty.

"I didn't see any small print saying we couldn't try more than once," John hedges. Maybe that's worth asking about. Maybe if there is that kind of thing it'd be better to go back when he hasn't eaten in a while. You know, preparation. Still... "We could at least go scout it out," he suggests. See what the competition is like, what the current menu is like!

[doubledoctornocitrus]

"Well if you don't want to go now, you can just say so," Rodney says, reasonably, if a bit tetchily. He sees that 'scouting' comment for what it is. A stall. "You were the one so enthusiastic about it a moment ago. I merely thought that since you were attempting to convince me of it and I'm not currently in the throes of a project, that this was another one of your spur-of-the-moment schemes."

Yes, schemes. One of the ones that Rodney is going to avoid saying he enjoys at all costs.

"I didn't realize it was going to go on for more than a day. Maybe I'm busy today."

[impavid]

Maybe he's busy today? John turns a frown on Rodney for that.

"I'm thinking!" he protests, "we've got to be tactical about this. There's a year of free food at stake here! If they won't let us go more than once and enter then we need to maximise our potential, you know. Skip breakfast so we can eat more!"

Competitive eating is a serious sport, Rodney, you can't just turn up and expect to win. You have to have a strategy, and John is all about strategy. Sometimes. Selectively.

DRANBU: For Ianto

[impavid]

Now that Dranbu is what they want, and all they really want, the trip through Josa Forest isn't so bad.

John's arm hurts, and he's definitely got limited movement, but he refuses to stop anywhere for longer than it takes to give the bite a quick rinse while they might be in danger still. He can't really be sure he can protect them like this, after all. So, after a little longer walking and redirecting lots of topics to 'let's get to Dranbu first' they finally reach the edges of civilisation. John would personally say that, as forest dwellings go, he found Khalo to be a little cooler but Dranbu does have its own sort of grace. The size of some of the trees is impressive, and the natural way the villages spring up around them is interesting. John just has a particular affection for flying.

After arbitrarily opting to stay in Phares (since John likes the sun over the shade!) John waits until they're guided to a room to stay in and gently chattered at over places to eat, visit etc (within Phares especially which is the better alternative they assure them!). John paints on a pleasant smile and waits until they're left alone before letting it drop and setting down his pack heavily. He takes a slow breath and flexes his hand with a wince, looking down at his arm and frowning as he begins undoing his jacket.

"Well," he says lightly, "maybe we should have asked him if he knows what rabies is."

The wolves didn't look particularly rabid, but still.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto doesn't mind Phares. He doesn't really mind anywhere, so long as John will be there with him this time. The animal people still make him uneasy, though that's probably got something to do with the fact that Jack has become one of them, and it makes him wonder how many others have been kidnapped into this life against their will. (He certainly can't imagine Jack having chosen it for himself.)

He's not certain that he manages to truly relax until they have found their place to stay though, and their host is shutting the door behind himself and leaving the pair of them alone again at last.

He glances aside at him, frowning worriedly at the look on John's face and the stiff way he's moving. They really should have taken care of this sooner, the stubborn man.

"Well, if you start to feel like foaming at the mouth, do let me know," Ianto quips, feeling a little hysterical at the thought of it. No, they weren't rabid. They were just angry. Right? Right.

Setting down his bag, he watches John struggling with his jacket for a few moments, hovering over whether to offer help or not. As to whether it will be welcome.

[impavid]

He manages to get it off finally, although the process makes him feel a little grey around the edges, then John is dropping to sit down on the edge of one of the beds and examining his fleece. The fleece doesn't unzip all the way to the bottom, and John is debating the merits of trying to haul it off.

"It might be easiest to cut this off me," he admits, and reaches out gingerly for his bag -- pulls a serrated knife out of one of the side-pockets with a sigh. "Since it's all ruined anyway it doesn't make much difference, unless you were planning to wash out the blood and patch up all the rips."

You know, from wolf teeth. He holds out the knife to Ianto handle-first after a moment of hesitation, offers a slightly wincing smile.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto raises his eyebrows at the suggestion of it, taking in the state of the other man's fleece in turn. The blood stains, the tears from the wolves. It's looking pretty rough.

"I'm fairly certain that we can afford to get you another one at this point," he concludes, stepping closer and reaching out to take the knife from him as he offers it. Glancing at the serrated edge and then at John himself before moving to kneel in front of him, reaching for the edge of the pullover as he does.

"Try not to make any sudden moves," he cautions softly. Flicking his eyes up to meet John's before back down to the task at hand. "The last thing you need is me stabbing you, on top of everything else."

[impavid]

John squints down at Ianto and the blade, vaguely realising he doesn't know how good the man is with sharp implements, before offering a slight nod.

"You can probably make a cut then rip if you're worried."

You know, to avoid having to use the blade continuously if he's concerned he might slip and stab John. Which he'd prefer Ianto didn't, since he's already got enough wounds for one trip. The real danger is that the fabric might be slowing the blood flow, which might make a huge mess once it's all pulled back. John winces and glances around, wondering if they have something to protect the room.

"Put my jacket over my lap in case it starts gushing," he says finally. Which is maybe not reassuring but... is practical.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Gushing...

Ianto glances slowly back up at John after that particular set of instructions, blanching slightly at the thought of it, but after a moment he does as the other man has requested. Setting the knife for a moment so he can reach over and settle John's jacket across his lap.

In case it starts gushing.

"Right," Ianto says, taking up the knife once more. "Steady now." Placing the tip of the knife at the edge of the fabric, he makes a small cut before, as per John's suggestion, taking the fabric and ripping it the rest of the way instead.

( olympia )

[retrorsum]

River recognises the puppy from the video, finding herself a little surprised by its sudden appearance when it bounces over to her. She certainly hadn't been paying attention to what was around her, too caught up in trying to figure out something that she was reading, John's call being the first things she notices.

She looks across at him before looking down at the puppy, then back at him.

"I don't think we were introduced before."

[impavid]

John squints at River hesitantly, as if weighing this up, slowing to a stop as he decides what to do. He's not exactly in a bright enough mood to slip in to easy banter, but that's not River's fault. Maybe he can fake it enough to get by, anyway. After a moment, he slowly takes a few steps closer -- gestures to the puppy who bounds back toward him.

"May I introduce Seren, guard dog in training."

He flicks her an easy smile, dropping to a crouch as she gets close and ruffling her long coat before slipping a hand to catch into her harness.

Busted, missy, he's putting you back on the leash.

"Seren," he begins patiently, "do you want to show your new friend how nicely you can sit?"

No, she doesn't! She wants to see if she can walk backwards out of your hands and escape the leash. The leash is so boring! The leash stops her running!

[retrorsum]

River chuckles, the little shuffling noises, perhaps a whine, telling her exactly what that dog is thinking of doing.

"I think she's got something else in mind."

Her eyes are following Seren's steps before lifting her gaze up to John. This would be where her husband, the animal whisperer her acts, would talk to Seren, trying and get her on side but River's never been as much an animal person. People are enough.

"She'll be an interesting guard dog."

Though River has no doubts that he'll keep training her before officially giving her that title.

[impavid]

Interesting.

John quirks an eyebrow up at river for that before focusing his attention on Seren, gently de-tangling her from the leash as she squirms before pushing to stand again. Sorry, little girl, there's no escape for you.

"Oh, she'll get there eventually. She's only a few months old, I can cut her some slack."

It's not like John didn't ignore adults when he was young, he thinks she's allowed a rebellious period of her own.

"Come on, don't show me up. Let's try it again. Seren, sit!"

This time, having inspected the harness and admitted she can't squirm out of it, Seren looks back up at John and follows the instruction. Alright, yes, she can do the 'sit'. Is this good? Is this long enough? Has she been a good girl now?

[retrorsum]

"Well, there's something."

Her smile remains, watching Seren again. She sat, she stayed, though she doesn't want to -- or at least doesn't know how long to. In credit to her, she's doing it though for how long and what the rest of his training will be like...

"I'm assuming you found her here?"

[impavid]

"Yeah, adopted her at a local place. I figured she might be good both as someone to go running with and as a potential bit of help."

Though mostly she's just a running buddy right now. That's okay, though, there's still time to go. John ruffles her fur for a long moment, thinking -- because there's a horrible muddle of feeling around the fact that John adopted her as much for Ianto as for himself and --

Anyway. He pushes to his feet and Seren leaps to her feet too, tail wagging. Are they going to keep walking? Are they going to run? She wants to know!

"Anyway, what are you out here doing? Looking to see if you can dig up a ship to crash?"

What is letting go? John has no idea.

OLYMPIA: HINIT TO WIN IT ( For Ianto )

[impavid]

John has his arm in a sling, he's tired, and he can't believe he's hunting lizards for Olympia.

Sure, he's probably done weirder things in the long run, but hunting potentially dangerous lizards with one arm in a sling is probably something he will live to regret.

"Listen," he's saying, "if I just stun them then while they're stunned you can check if they're -- you know, a regular green lizard or one of those hinit things. If they are, we bag them. If not, we can... set them somewhere safe and they can go on their lizardy way once the stun wears off."

He squints, debating. Lysa had said she needed the glands, so she probably assumed they'd be killed before the things were brought in. John doesn't really know the best way to safely and carefully remove a poison gland, though, so he'd assume either they can show them how once they get enough or just hand over the lizards bodies.

"How do you feel about lizard execution?"

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto's pretty sure there isn't a safe way to remove a poison gland. Unless there's some sort of spell for it, but honestly if there is she should have told them as much from the start.

Glancing aside at the other man he gives him a wary look. John's arm, while recovering, isn't fully healed, and while these lizards are hardly the wolves that had injured him in the first place, is this really such a wise idea? Then again, if it's for a good cause, and if Olympia really does need their help...

"Well, I'd rather them than me," he replies, raising an eyebrow in turn. "Do we have any idea how many they're looking for us to bring back, exactly?"

What has he gotten himself into.

[impavid]

How many? His face scrunches up in thought, and John lifts his free (good) hand to rub at his neck and shoulder.

"Well, she's paying per gland -- so as many as we can. Apparently they use it to make flu vaccines."

Not that John knows how... lizard glands help make a flu vaccine, but then again he's not every made a vaccine before. Presumably they wouldn't be sent off to hunt lizards for no reason, and he's pretty sure the clinic has good intentions. So, it's probably fine? Right. Great.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Paying per gland... Well, they could use the extra cash on hand, though he does feel a little guilty that means the lizards have to die for it. Not guilty enough that it's going to stop him from agreeing to this though, of course.

He has to cast a glance aside at the other man at the reminder of what exactly the glands are being used for.

"Flu vaccines. Really. Not -- I dunno. Lizard antivenom? Are these things even dangerous?"

He realizes after the fact that perhaps he should have asked that question from the start.

[impavid]

"Oh, they're dangerous," John assures him. Comfortingly. "Can cause numbness, vomiting, paralysis. That's why I'm stunning them first!"

Which makes it considerably safer but perhaps... but entirely safe, in truth. Still, small details! Stunning them will help and they'll be careful. It'll be fine.

"Lysa gave me something we can take if we need it, but I'm sure we'll be fine. Maybe you can ask her how it all works when we hand them in."

See? That's how you get your answers, Ianto! By finishing the mission first. John unholsters his gun and begins to check it over one-handed, making sure the cartridge is charged. His limited movement is, perhaps, not that reassuring.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Numbness, vomiting, paralysis... Ianto pales slightly as John lists the symptoms off, regarding -- yes, his arm in its sling, watching as he works to check his gun, moving about awkwardly one-handed. No, it does not instill a great amount of confidence in him at all. Is that his gun hand? Can he shoot with both? Ianto certainly hopes so.

"Well," he says, as lightly as he can which clearly means that he's trying desperately and failing miserably not to think about it. "Let's just. Both of us try our best not to get bitten regardless though, shall we?"

Ianto moves to reach for his own Torchwood-issue firearm, but then stops himself. Should he really be wasting ammunition on these things if they're going to be stunned already.

"So -- how would you suggest I go about this, then...?"