nysalogs | ( open! ) but i had to make you

Entry tags:

granblue fantasy: cain

( open! ) but i had to make you

Who: vane (

defenses) & you!
What: catch-all for the tail end of the event + general wyver exploration things.
When: all month into the next!
Where: all around wyver.
Warning(s): n/a!

▌FOREST PROMPTS.
THE SWEETER THE BERRY.

[ the journey here had been rather solemn for many. it was palpable that many involved in the evacuation were uncertain and uncomfortable. this sensation lingered in the air amongst those that moved through the lush forestry. if anything, vane was a part of this— unsuspecting and perhaps not entirely willing, especially without knowing the status of a certain dragonslayer. but, regardless he suspected he’d be able to accomplish much more in an element he was far more comfortable with— exploration and discovery. if anything he was infinitely more attuned to it, if just for his various treks in name of the kingdom of feendrache. still, as much as he's accustomed to the concept, it doesn't mean he's 100% okay with the general somber atmosphere.

as much as things go off their course, he was strong believer in looking forward. in alleviating tensions, even if temporary in the face of other imminent issues. if anything, he wasn't very good at sorting through these thoughts and considerations. his time better spent with—

he's now bent over, picking up a few berries. he holds them up, sniffing them before handing them off to his companion. ] How about it? They smell pretty good! [ well, they seemed edible enough? the darker the berry the sweeter the juice?? ]

FLOWER LANGUAGE.

[ maybe you're not hungry and you've somehow entered a passageway to a small clearing with just a few flowers. some may even be familiar. or at least enough where vane plucks one and holds it out, a small smile on his lips. ] I may not look it, but I kinda know a lot about flowers. I'd tell the guys about it all the time. Do you know what this one means? [ they look a little like hydrangeas. at least the summer-like weather would fit for it. ]

▌WEST END PROMPTS.
TO BE LIT OR NOT TO BE LIT.

[ while most have found some reason to have fun or let go, here vane is... somehow roped into helping out in the kitchen of a shelter. they said they were suddenly understaffed, and well, he didn't exactly see the harm in making a bit of coin on the side. not to mention cooking had always been a hobby of his, and considering they've been pretty reliant on hunting, it's nice to sort of step back and take a break from it. maybe you've also been roped into helping on the counter or maybe you're his newest helper, at any rate, he hands you an apron with big a grin. ] Wahaha, I don't know how it's worked out like this, but it should be fun? Do have any experience? If not, you can rely on me! I'll teach you from top to bottom!

[ just, they need to be careful with the ingredients they've managed to gather up. no pressure. ]

TO BE LIT ... PART 2.

[ it seems like everyone in this part of the town was festive for the most part. in a way, the buildings were a little maze-like. not that vane was ever adept at directions (despite his firm and adamant refusal to these facts), but it was sort of ridiculous. how he could come across a line of shops and then by the next passing, he'd enter a clearing full of life. even now, he's probably horridly out of place. while he wanted to get more used to the setting and perhaps find a way to reconvene with his allies (maybe even find information regarding one in particular), it doesn't seem to come easily. especially, when he sticks out like a sore thumb.

everyone here seems to be relatively carefree. perhaps, precisely because so much as a mystery, they found relaxation in what they do know. ... dancing? it's why when he locks eyes with someone, he gives a sheepish smile. especially, as he extends a hand. ] Uh— I'm not really great at formality or anything like that, but ... [ he clears his throat. ] would you care to join me?

▌EAST END PROMPTS.
FUN IN THE MUD?

[ this place seemed a lot more adrenaline fueled. in a sense, sparring and that sort of thing was something he was accustomed to. but, this felt a little different. even more than sport, it seemed like a lifestyle. it's why it was sort of so easy to go with the flow. which is why, there seems to be some sort of mud pit ....

and vane is standing on one side, and it seems like people are meant to wrestle in it? or so vane thinks is the point. he's not entirely certain if the people who came before him simply ended up there by chance, but it's here, he gives a small: ] It looks kinda fun. Reminds me of when I was little... I used to get roughed up all the time, hahaha. [ please say no. i truly don't know what made me write this. ]

▌WILDCARD!

[ hit me up with anything! or if you'd like to plot anything, feel free to reach me by pm or on plurk at cages. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[As he'd done in Olympia, Yaha-kui zaShunina wandered the streets for the first few days after arrival, forming a mental map of the winding roads and passages. It's relatively slow-going when he's limited to walking--mainly because he keeps getting distracted by things that catch his interest--but it allows him to absorb more information about his surroundings.

At some point in his exploration, zaShunina had found himself wandering into the same clearing where Vane picks flowers. Ah--flower language. The plant Vane has plucked does not match any with which zaShunina is familiar, and thus the young man shakes his head.]

I do not.

[ in a way his present company was a lot harder to read than most. not that this causes vane to shy away any. instead, he continues to gesture him closer. that is before attempting to literally place it straight into his palms. ] Heh heh, then you're in luck! While it can be considered a pretty prideful flower... kinda like someone else I know...? [ ah! but, this isn't about that.

hence, he tapers off in a small chuckle. ] It's said to express thanks if you give it to someone. Cool, huh? I can tell you more if you want. Though, honestly I'm not exactly sure these are the same from home.

... does that cancel it out? [ sudden... realization. ]

[He draws closer as bade, but isn't at all expecting to have the flower all but thrust upon him, and his normally stoic expression gives way to one of dull surprise, fingers automatically closing around the plant lest he drop it.]

Floriography assigns symbolic meaning to each species based on stories. [He says, holding up the flower to get a better look at it. It is similar to a hydrangea, but not quite the same.] Similar species can have very different meanings.

[In other words, yes, it probably does cancel it out.]

[ vane... isn't sure how to take those words.

if anything, the things he says are as complicated as some of the poetry or literature some of the other scholars on the crew seemed so into. if anything, the only thing he can read is that tiny bit of surprise, which makes vane give a small chuckle. ] Hm, so what you're saying is ... the stories here may be different from back home? [ maybe? sort of? he isn't sure if he's accurate here, but... ] Then, we just gotta figure out what they are, right?

Or... maybe we can make our own!

[It's reasonable enough, as assumptions go. zaShunina moves his head in a manner not quite a nod, but not quite a negative shake, either--an incline that could be interpreted as 'both yes and no.']

The stories may differ, yes, but the flora native to this place are a different species than the one you refer to. [He holds up the flower, allowing it to float suspended in the air an inch above his hand. The natives would call it magic, but that isn't quite right.] This is not a hydrangea.

[But Vane's enthusiasm does draw a smile on zaShunina's lips, even if his eyes don't reflect it. Make up their own stories, huh?] What new information would you assign to this flower?

Edited 2017-11-01 20:25 (UTC)

[ while the other individual seems to have an intriguing manner of speech and the way he carried himself ... complex and difficult to follow (at least to a degree), vane finds himself simply going with the flow. he seems to get the gist of everything at the very least. ] Mm......

Mmmmmm.... [ at the "new information" bit, he seems to struggle ....

the sound of his thought carrying out into long strained syllables. before finally&mdashl ] Ah!

What about something to commemorate our new friendship!

Edited 2017-11-07 01:03 (UTC)

[ Cain's found himself gravitating to his fellow skyfarers less out of necessity than he'd have expected, and more out of the simple fact that he finds himself enjoying their presence. Vane's presence is no exception, and it had seemed almost natural, albeit less danger-frought, to fall in with him to visit the West End and explore what's on offer in their new locale. He's not entirely pleased by having to evacuate, sure that Olympia has plenty more secrets to offer. But, well... Cain's hardly immune to the festive air, and at least Wyver seems to hold answers to their problems that Olympia hadn't been able to provide.

Which is how he finds himself outside the circle of dancers, standing at Vane's side. He flicks a quick glance down at the proffered hand and lets his lips quirk in a grin. Cut loose for a bit, have a little fun? Well, why not. They could both use a break after the events of the past month. ]

Sure, but who's going to lead?

[ Amiable humor as Cain takes Vane's hand, willing to be led out onto the dance floor. Unlike Vane, he does have quite a bit of experience at this, and at more formal settings, courtesy of having to make appearances in Idelva's court, but he doesn't feel the need to bring that experience to the forefront at the moment. It feels like that might ruin the companionable camaraderie they've found themselves sharing. He'd rather see what sort of doubtlessly entertaining idea Vane's come up with. ]

[ in terms of friendships and bonds, vane normally just went with the flow. sure it's nice to be around you have some vague semblance of familiarity with (sharing worlds, for example), but it's definitely not at the forefront of his thoughts, either. cain was relatively easy to spend time with. plus, he always sort of had a plan, and vane was honestly always a bit intrigued at how that worked out. he's never been much of a brains type, and so it's a contrast he implicitly respects.

regardless, that's not actually the reason he asks him to dance. if anything, it was good to cut loose. even within the ranks of knights, he's never been one to deny his men a good time when the situation called for it. ... and well, no time like the present? ] Lead? [ ah, he's never really thought that far ahead.

though, he's taken the stance to somehow lead, vane is far from adept at the dance floor. he's never really been one for formalities. if anything, parties were more about the food, right!?! or so vane would have strongly dictated in his fleeting sense of abashment to these facts. that is ... until yes, he's totally stepped on cain's foot. ] That felt ... like a foot.

A-Are you okay? [ i'm cry. ]

[ This is fine. Everything is fine. He's totally not feeling like his foot is losing all sensation, going numb. Which actually is a relief because it replaces the pain of having it stepped on. Vane's a big guy! Bulky, he's gotta swing around that axe all day! He's heavy, and Cain's foot is finding that out firsthand. Why has this happened... ]

Yes, I'm okay. Fine, really. [ A beat, Cain trying to smile instead of grimace as he waits, and then: ] Could you get off my foot?

[ Pls Vane... he needs that. Don't you know he's a dodge-based character kit?? ]

[ oh...

that would be an excellent idea. he slides his foot off easily enough as he gives a lop-sided smile. ] My bad! Can you still move it?

[ he seems to tilt his head along with the inquiry, watching as cain may or may not move this foot? at least vane seems to have this much awareness. as cain has likely surmised, he's not all ... too light. ] I— Do you need treatment!? [ vane seems fully prepared to reach down too??

while he's sure cain has faced worst monsters and horrors, but ... when you can one hit k.o them, it prob. doesn't leave someone a lot of room to actually be all too scraped up. it's true. a dodge based character next to vane and his third skill. ]

Hmm.

[ A contemplative noise as Cain lifts his foot to test how it is. He balances with a hand on Vane's shoulder, trusting in Vane's sturdy bulk to bear his weight. It's handy, solid and reliable, when not all of Vane's weight is on one of his appendages. He doesn't have to worry at all about hooking his fingers into Vane's shirt and leaning as he rotates his ankle, waiting for the pins-and-needles sensation to fade away.

(He may wait a little longer than he really needs to, just to see Vane fuss a little (hilarious!) but only a little.) ]

Still moves, and I've got sensation coming back. [ Before Vane can ask if he's sure, if maybe they should bandage it up just to be safe, he adds: ] I think I'll live, no need to get it looked at.

[ Even if his foot is throbbing a little, still... He's not going to actually tell when he's injured and has hidden far worse from those who know him far better than Vane does. ]

[ honestly, it's nice to be relied on. even if he's the actual source of all of these issues. he seems to watch cain thoughtfully though. with as much patience and composure and he's capable of. but, of course as cain prolongs this process, vane further feels the color draining from his face. what if his foot was entirely flattened!?! bones and all?? was that possible??? no, he wasn't that... heavy.

he did think it made some sort of noise, though!?!? no, nonono. that was definitely his imagination. or his armor. either way, he seems to be waiting on edge here, and when cain begins speaking again, he almost yells out: ] Wh—!

Oh! That's great! You really had me sweating there! [ but, as far as vane can tell, it does still look painful ...

guess that means dancing may be out of the question, except, wait?? he has an idea! ]

Want to try something different?

[ There's a distinct lack of apology for making Vane sweat a little. In fact, it's very, very difficult not to just burst out laughing, especially when Vane actually yelps a little. The worry mixed with the sharp cut to relief, all in Vane's usual boisterous, loud manner... Well, as long as it's something so minor as a bruised foot, Cain doesn't feel bad at all about finding the whole thing funny.

The whole evening's been one long string of Vane-supplied entertainment. Even as Cain relaxes, lowering his foot and settling his weight easily on both feet, he waves his hand, perfectly willing to be caught up in whatever crazy idea Vane has next. ]

Sure, what'd you have in mind? [ This time, the pause is much shorter before he adds, teasing: ] Do I get to lead this time?

[ cain??? wow??

well, maybe for his injuries, he does deserve a bit of humor to go alongside of it. vane also doesn't seem to have many grievances in that regard. he might even laugh a bit on his own. finding the whole sentiment a bit contagious. still, he gives a small wave of his hand as he temporarily changes positions a bit. it's here he moves his hand right under cain's arms. he was feeling fairly confident before this,

but— ] Eh!? Was I that bad? [ other than ...

stepping on cain's foot, that is. still, on cue vane lifts cain up a bit, if just to slowly place his feet on his. but, he's too distracted by cain's teasing to actually get to explaining his ingenuous (or not so ingenious) plan. granted, it may have been obvious at this point. ]

[ Let's get something straight. Cain may be young, and kind of short, and he doesn't have a gun show for anyone to come to like Vane does, but he's still a very important general in Idelva's army. He is NOT used to being lifted off his feet like he's a small child!!! What is this indignity?

Well, actually, he's kind of expecting it, considering the last time they'd had an adventure, he'd been lifted and carried like a potato sack. As usual, Vane doesn't disappoint in providing entertainment.

Cain flails just a bit, just for the sake of it, feeling quite secure in Vane's grip. It's pretty obvious where this is going, after all. ]

Hey— Do you manhandle everyone like this? [ A dryly amused question, and Cain busies himself steadying his balance with his hands on Vane's shoulders, light on his feet even standing on Vane's feet as he is. ] You know, this just seems like a plan to make sure you can keep leading.

[ as much as cain may have been accustomed to a certain protocol and degree of reverence. as much respect as vane may have held for someone, he was still casual at best. while people seemed to carry decorum and carefully crafted words around the king and his court, vane was perfectly fine with busting in with strangers and a traveling priestess...

which could be problematic. fortunately for vane, cain seems to take in stride all the same. it's kind of that easygoingness that made things simple between them. even now, vane doesn't realize he's potentially overstepped any bounds. and even at those words: ] Manhandle? C'mon! It's nothing like that. A little friendly elbow rub never hurt anyone!

[ ... except it did in this case. a fact vane seems to be purposely overlooking. or trying his best to overcome at the very least. ] Then ... how about you tell me the steps, General! [ vane doesn't mean this sardonically either. as much as he could sound like it in his over-enthusiasm. ]

[ That easygoing attitude of Vane's is a good match for Cain's own easygoing nature. The casual way Vane treats him is welcome, Cain not someone who cares to stand on ceremony, and who doesn't particularly like being treated with the reverence due his rank. Back home, it would have been refreshing. Here, in this new world, where his rank means very little, it's a welcome sort of camaraderie, a closeness that speaks of new bonds forged. A relief.

Though the way Vane's quick to offer up the dancing to Cain's authority does prompt Cain to laugh out loud this time. ]

Ha— I'll give it my best, if you really want me to. [ He hasn't minded letting Vane lead, after all, or even the mishap that led to his foot being trod upon. If he had, he'd have extricated himself from the whole situation already. ] But first, you have to admit that this is definitely manhandling.

Yeah!! [ those are the magic words...

"give it my best." if anything, it elicits the same out of vane as well. if cain was going out of his way to make his requests then, vane was going to do his utmost in order to ensure that he was listening on cue. except— ] Eh? But, manhandling is more, y'know ...

[ vane proceeds to make a series of sound effects...

that don't actually express much. still, he makes sure cain's position is secure over his feet before sliding his arms back into place. or close enough to it. they're still positioned in a way to solidify cain's balance in this... otherwise precarious position. as if on cue, the music also seems to slow down significantly. something vane doesn't actually read much into. if anything, maybe that'd make it easier to keep up. ] Maybe this is manhandling...

[ Yeah, Cain's good at figuring things out from very little information, but those... sounds aren't exactly much to go on. ]

Manhandling is more what, exactly?

[ If the words end up murmured in Vane's ear, it's only because they're so close. With the music slowing, it seems wrong to speak much louder and disturb the other dancers. They're doing better now, with Cain swaying a little to the music, his feet safe from any missteps.

But before Vane can answer, he frowns, tilting his head. Out beyond the circle of lights, was that—? ]

Huh. Did you hear that?

[ their proximity is comfortable (albeit, he's still clumsy in execution at best), even more so in tune with the "orders" cain deals. turn here. left foot first. it's while he's concentrating on the next turn that he also ... hears that strange sound? moreover, the rustling that seems to follow soon after. the flicker of lights as this shadow crosses also ... it subtle, but detectable enough where vane perks up. ] Wah—?

[ his head seems to turn a few times, attempting to follow it with his eyes, and before he knows it, he's already missed several steps in rhythm. he's probably speaking a bit too loud for how close they are, but: ] What do you think that was? A monster? It seemed pretty big?

What d'ya say? [ do we follow it, he means. ]

We'd better. A crowd like this is a pretty appealing target.

[ So yes, they follow it. Time to head into the underbrush and scope things out. The dancers are unaware, mostly civilians — it'd be better that they never know there's something lurking out of sight. It's been a long few months for Olympia and Wyver, and Cain doesn't want to let some beastie disturb the peace and ruin the celebration.

Which means they need to leave without drawing too much attention.

Cain tugs at Vane's collar, directing him to start dancing his way toward the outer edges of circle. ]

Not too fast, make it look natural.

[ "Natural." Cain knows exactly what it's going to look like, a pair getting caught up in the heat of the dance, looking for somewhere a bit more private to continue. But it means people won't pay attention to them. As long as Vane doesn't notice and make a fuss, it's fine. ]

You're in luck 'cause natural is my specialty! [ says vane out loud.

but, he seems to try... to mean it, as he follows the other man's cues. cain's right. this sort of crowd was an easy victim in a lot of ways. it kept the men concentrated, difficult to scatter and maneuver... even now, vane can't think up many escape routes in this case, especially in a place like wyver where the order was scattered and divided.

in a way the streets were kind of maze-like (... a lot of places may be maze-like for vane, but listen). still, it's why he appreciates cain adding some directive. "not too fast." not too fast. before he knows it, they've managed to casually dance their way outwards. it's here vane looks around.

he sees some people leaving hand in hand, their bodies pressed close, and so vane takes a page from their book. he swallows hard before he leans in and asks: ] How was that? [ at least some of the previous advice cain's given on being subtle and incognito is sort of helping?? even if he's using it to ask something completely innocuous. ]

[ Yeah, they still obviously have to work on that subtle and incognito thing... It's almost like Vane is just too pure a person for the sneaking around to take. What does that say about Cain who's so good at it...?

But that's something to contemplate another day! Right now, Cain busies himself with lightly stepping off Vane's feet, though he stays close, leaning against Vane a little. Letting anyone watching them draw the wrong conclusion as he scans the trees, cocking his head as he listens for any further strange sounds. ]

Not bad, you're getting better at this. [ Better! It is a definite improvement. ] Which direction do you think that noise came from?

[ somehow, that's enough.

that's all the praise (granted, thinly veiled as better and not necessarily good) he requires. he seems to puff up, looking a bit more confident somehow. then as cain gently steps off his feet and leans into him ... vane seems to study for him a moment.

he wonders if this distance is from cain's feet still being a bit tender from their previous contact. it's why when he leans in to whisper, he also makes sure to be oddly still. his body stiff enough to act as a support to cain's divided weight. ] Heh heh, right? [ he's probably more confident than he should be permitted to be. but all the same, he closes his eyes, focusing in on it before cocking his chin in...

the completely wrong direction. he even seems to be shuffling a bit to mirror this decision, his hands reaching over to steady cain's arm in a way of ... offering him potential assistance. well, at least it plays up to the whole intimacy theme? except, he definitely needs to be stopped. ]

[ Ah, yes. Cain waits patiently, letting Vane take his time. Maybe it's feeling the wind blowing through the foliage, some scent on the breeze, a faint tremor underfoot... Whatever the case, he's fully prepared to trust Vane's natural intuition...

As soon as Vane's chosen a direction, Cain does an about-face from it, pointing ahead with cheerful determination. ]

Great, let's try this way.

[ He links their arms before Vane can protest, a play at intimacy, or just heading off possible indignation, and starts dragging Vane off towards the trees. ]

[ WOW??

cain??? ] Eh!? [ why did you ask him just to betray him!?

but, it seems the initial shock works in cain's favor if just because vane is following, if just from having lost some strength from The Backstabbing. ] No, no, isn't this the complete opposite direction, General? [ from what he was thinking, but before he could weasel in another statement, it looks like they're already making it to the edge of the trees. considering there are still sounds emitting just past it...

well, this could work too?? either way, there's an undeniable sense of adventure in diving into the unknown. vane does his best to squint into the darkness ahead of them. it's a contrast to all the carefully planted lights in area they were in prior, and so he reaches to give cain's arm a soft squeeze. ] Watch your step.

[ Is it really a betrayal if this was Cain's plan from the start?

Maybe don't answer that. ]

Yep. [ Cheerful and unrepentant; it sure is the complete opposite direction. ] I was counting on you to point the wrong way.

[ Look, he's heard stories. And also gotten lost with Vane once already. It's still depending on Vane's sense of direction if he's depending on it being totally wrong, isn't it?

In any case, they're definitely headed the right way now! The sounds are getting louder, grumbling, something cracking, even a... was that a slurp?

Cain slows at the touch to his arm and slants Vane a grin. ]

Walk softly, right? [ He keeps his voice low as he pushes aside a leaf as big as his head. ] We want to sneak up on it, not the other way around.

[ there is so much backstabbing to be found here and so little time to react.

or so vane seems to be saying. ] T-That's...! [ he looks genuinely surprised for a few seconds. that is, before he defaults into a more relaxed stance, his shoulders shrugging. ] T-here's no way that's true, right!? Right!?

I mean, I never really get lost. It's more like I appreciate the scenic route. That... [ but the more he speaks, the more it's clear that he's overlooking his own shortcomings. at least in the present. but, well, it wasn't like vane to takes things all to personally and so he easily adjusts to their new task. ]

Yes! [ though there's a clear exclamation to his words, they're purposely hushed. forced quiet instilled in him, he continues: ] You can bet on it! I'm an expert at this! [ is he literally tiptoeing? yes. yes. ]

[ That's one of the things Cain really appreciates about Vane. He tries his hardest no matter what he does. That he's literally tiptoeing just shows how seriously Vane's taking this! ]

You're much better. [ Easy agreement; after all, it's true. Vane's leagues better at sneaking about than he was before he met Cain, all thanks to Cain's tutelage, right? It's nice to see a student learn so quickly! ] Though I'm not sure I'd say expert, there's still a few tricks I can teach you.

[ He gives Vane a wink, keeping his voice bright and cheerful even if it's low. It's true, he has plenty more he could teach Vane; he's just not sure he should. Vane's someone noble and honorable, not the kind of person who should need to know the things Cain does. ]

And, you know, you should be proud of your ability to get lost. It's uncanny, the way you always pick the exact opposite of the right direction. If it wasn't so reliable, I wouldn't have been able to find the right way, you know.

[ somehow, despite his previous bout of being slightly affronted (albeit, playfully), he finds himself easing back into cain's words. somehow, the other male had a way of crafting everything into ... being moderately less offensive.

not that vane was easily offended, but still, he finds himself swelling up with a bit of pride, before— ]

That's not a compliment at all, is it? [ but, he doesn't seem to mind. ]

But, well— I guess that's fine. Guess this is where I call you "teacher" again, huh? [ he puts his arm over cain's shoulder casually, if just to make a show for his trust in cain, only as soon as he hears the noises get a bit louder...

his arm slowly drops back down. ] We might be close. Don't stray from me, especially not with your foo— [ says vane as he turns around and ... is definitely stepping on the very end of a dragon's tail. .... ah. there was probably a logical explanation for all of this, but does any of those come to mind right now? absolutely not. ]

[ Whatever Cain might have to say — and there's a lot, mostly about how it's totally a compliment, he couldn't do this without Vane! — gets abruptly stifled. Cain stops in his tracks, staring down at that small, inoffensive scaled appendage. The one beneath Vane's foot.

Slowly, Cain traces the tail into the undergrowth. The leaves are thick, but... ]

Ah. Don't move. [ He gestures Vane to stay where he is and goes to peek through the shrubbery.

Wow. That's a very large dragon.

He glances back at Vane. ] You wouldn't happen to—

[ He's cut off as the dragon, not as asleep as he'd thought, pokes its head through the leaves and starts breathing directly on his neck. ]

Eerk.

[ Cain squeaks and slaps a hand over his mouth. Maybe... maybe the dragon won't notice them yet? ]

[ "don't move," he says.

immediately vane debates if that meant "don't move at all," or "don't move after you remove your foot from its body." it's a delicate inquiry that probably had a swift answer, but instead vane oscillates between the two decisions. in the end, his weight remains on it.

on the bright side, the creature is large enough where it doesn't seem to have really noticed them, or the the added weight against its tail. perhaps from its size, it seems to overlook them completely. it's sniffing around, sure. breathing against them, maybe. but does it know for certain? ... hopefully not. either way, when cain squeaks, vane also places his hand... over cain's hand. as if solidifying it closed.

for once vane is oddly quiet as he watches the dragon slowly lifts its head back up. his voice is incredibly hushed as he basically breathes right against cain's ear. ] ... do I get off him? [ it's almost like he mouths these words against cain, if just to keep his words extra quiet.

thanks for the lessons, teacher! ]

[ Well, Cain can't exactly answer with a double layer of hands over his mouth. He tries for a second though, then gives up, shaking his head. Being extra quiet isn't really going to matter as the dragon swings its head over their heads, searching out... well, searching out them.

Hoping he can get the message across, Cain gestures, a finger in front of Vane's mouth, then pointing off to the underbrush.

Quiet, try to sneak away without it noticing.

...Vane gets it, right? ]

[ despite there being clear reason(s) why cain doesn't respond, vane seems to stand there expectantly for a few seconds too long, before he actually begins trying to decipher cain's "code."

a mouth. the underbrush. a mouth. ... the underbrush.

he seems to piece it together eventually, however that's not to state that the actual application of all of this is simple. especially, as he hasn't released full hold over the dragon's tail. he shifts his weight lightly. he tries to practice a certain level of caution, and at first it works swimmingly. he's off the tail and they've managed to take a few steps in the right direction, accept it seems a bird of some sort catches sight of them.

... and begins?? chirping incessantly?? ] Eh—?

[ vane eyes the bird, then cain, then...

without actually thinking too hard about this, vane picks cain up princess style (look, he just thinks it's easier to see what he's doing like this)... and begins running his fastest. while he'd like to ask if he's okay to run or if his foot is alright now, vane wastes no time with it. it's too late now. ]

Ack—

[ Why is this becoming so familiar?! Cain's feeling an awful lot like a sack of potatoes, but... well, he's not complaining, because cradled in Vane's arms as he is, he has a perfect view over Vane's shoulder of the dragon whipping its head toward the bird and swallowing the chirping menace in one gigantic bite.

That is a lot of teeth. So, so many sharp teeth.

And the dragon, feathers sticking out of its maw, turning to eye them for its main course.

Nope, no complaining about his current situation, instead Cain just yelps: ]

Faster, run faster!

Faster? [ he's already kind of giving it his all, but...

all right. he can do this!! he seems to pick up the pace a bit, and fortunately enough to just evade a swoop of the dragon's head as it seems to be following their positions. ] How's this!?! [ he says between large huffs, as he runs down the path back to the city limits.

but, the dragon doesn't seem all too shaken off their trail yet. ]

I'm assuming, he's still right behind us?! [ maybe they should find somewhere to hide at this rate?! ]

Very right behind us!

[ So close behind that Cain's pretty sure there's no way to shake it. Hiding isn't an option when it's staring right at them, after all. Breathing down their necks. Or on their faces, in Cain's case.

They need a distraction.

Frantically, he starts patting at his pockets. Upon finding nothing useful, he starts in on Vane's pockets, heedless of where the bumpy ride may knock his hands. ]

Did you save any food from the party?

Foo— [ d?? oh...

is he being called out for holding food from the party? vane doesn't like lying (and it definitely isn't an option on the table, hence his nervous laughter), but there's an instant recoil at the inquiry. but, it looks like cain's hands are already busy getting into his... secret stash of a turkey leg.

it's something he didn't finish earlier and stuck into his pocket ... (wrapped??? neatly??)

but. now he's seeing the error of his ways. he half-wonders if that's why the beast was giving them such a chase? other than being very appealing humans. ] D'ya think he'd like it? ... And... you don't think he'd notice I took a bite out of it first?

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( open! ) but i had to make you

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