Walk in the Dusk (Open)

[poolhall_killer]

Who: Venom (poolhall_killer) & YOU!
What: After returning to Olympia, our fledgling medic/ex-assassin has decided to use some of his downtime to explore the land, help a few people along the way, and learning his way around mounts. You know, trying to be a regular person.
When: throughout January
Where: Various parts of Olympia
Warning(s): None

[A. Olympia's outskirts - Lion Mount]

[When Venom heard that some handlers were offering their mounts on trial runs, he was curious enough to give it a try. He had almost no riding experience, and it wasn't a Guild requirement. Some of his associates knew how, but their leader just never got around to learning. He probably should have invested in lessons if he knew he was going to have such opportunities.

Which is why he's being super careful while riding a very large lioness through the countryside. Her handler gave him a very quick rundown and a crash course, so he knows what he needs to do to keep his mount happy. For now, he's going to take it slow, letting the lioness walk at her own pace. It's kind of nice to take in the area and forget about the growing tension between them and Wyver. And don't get him started on the complications that are arising due to his developing personal life.

As he's riding, he's reminded of said tension as he notices a small band of people waving him down. A few of them are injured, and Venom decides to test out what he's learned. If someone stumbles upon him, they'll see his mount pacing a bit as he's working on patching up what wounds he can. He might even flag for some backup.]

[B. Camping out]

[And so Venom's riding adventure ended too soon. Well not really as the sun was going down, and he dismounted since the lioness was getting agitated. She took off, leaving him to take the remaining path on foot. Good thing he's used to this as he makes some good distance before settling in for the night. He'll offer his camping area to others if they're stuck in similar situations.]

There's a strange charm to camping, don't you think?

[C. Flona Cove - Pegasus]

[A horse should be easier to manage, hopefully. Or a pegasus. A pegasus works too.

It's sort of like riding a horse apparently, only Venom has to be mindful of the wings. And yes, he's actually riding the mount like a regular horse along the coast. After the lioness, he feels he needs something less exciting. He might have to be coaxed into letting the pegasus do what he does best.]

I'm not sure if I'm ready to take to the skies...

[Venom will stew on it while he continues to ride. On the ground.]

D. Wildcard!

[Want to do other Olympian things? Maybe explore the ruins? Hit me up with your own scenario or drop me a line at dominoman if you'd like to plot stuff!]

Comments

B

[panzersoldat]

[ Unlike Venom's lion, Reinhardt's horse is very much his. It doesn't care about silly things like borders. He goes where the people need him. He might not have more than passing knowledge in field expedient medicine, but he does have the ability to hunt and carry and guard. He's been busy at it, going around to those leaving the two countries, helping who he can, where he can.

Even after nightfall. It's already dark when he sees the little camp that's been set up. He immediately recognizes the long white hair. He just hopes the young man won't be too intimidated by the absolutely massive white horse. A horse which he slows to a stop right before the camp to still somewhat gracelessly fall dismount. ]

It's a little cold for it, but not much you can do. Mind if I use your fire to warm up?

[poolhall_killer]

[Venom offers a polite smile and nod to Reinhardt when he comes up on his giant horse. What he doesn't expect is the man to almost fall off said horse. He'd offer his assistance but it appears Rein is unharmed.]

It wouldn't be my first night camping in the cold. You just have to make sure to pack extra blankets.

[He managed to pack one extra since he had to travel part of the route on foot. If he was able to keep the lioness for a whole day he would have loaded up]

How are you? I've not seen you since you gave me that lovely gift.

[panzersoldat]

[ It takes a lot more than a fall from a horse to hurt him. If anything, he's sort of grateful that it mostly gets ignored. His ego can't really handle knowing that someone he's fond of learning that for a "knight" he still fails at some pretty normal knightly things. ]

I'm afraid I gave all my blankets to those who were fleeing. They needed them more than I.

[ He shuffles next to the fire, aware that the heat was going to warm his armor and thus make it nice and toasty on the inside, which was the plan. His horse seems to drift towards Venom as if looking for treats. ]

I have been well, mein freund. There is much work to be done and so little time to do it in. [ He seems a little sad though. Sad and a bit tired. ] I'm sorry I haven't been to the nursery to help you corral the babies. My exploits haven't won me any friends.

[poolhall_killer]

[Reinhardt was a true knight, wasn't he? Risking his comfort for the fleeing people... It's something Venom's not sure he could do. He starts getting some tea for two ready.]

I haven't been back to the nursery, unfortunately. I'm not sure they'll welcome me back, now that I've decided to stay in Olympia.

[He hadn't thought about it much, but now that he has, it kind of saddens him. He's sure the one who liked to curl up in his lap is doing better...]

[panzersoldat]

Oh.... [ It's a softly sad sound. He knows he's not welcome because he's been helping those who needed help. Speaking out against poor treatment of those who might express something other than disdain for Olympia and it's people. To know that Venom too couldn't likely be let back in hurts a little more. The man had doing nothing wrong but choose a place to stay. ]

Well, if they ever do let me back in, I'll send your little one your regards, I promise.

[ He keeps his promises. ] But you picked Olympia. Do you mind my asking you why you did this? Is there something or someone there that has you choosing that place over the other. [ It's idle curiosity of a meddling old man. ]

[poolhall_killer]

Thank you. I'll have to send you with some books and toys for them if you return.

[He feels it's the least he can do for the little dragons. He pulls his coat around himself a little tighter, waiting for the water to heat up.]

Olympia feels more like my home world. While I respect Wyver's connection to dragons and the outdoors, I prefer a more urban environment.

[Plus most of his friends have chosen Olympia as well.]

[panzersoldat]

If you do, I'll be sure they get them and know it's from you. I won't let you down. [ He means it too. He'll do everything in his power to make sure that Venom's gifts get to the babies.

He notices the way Venom pulls the coat and makes a small whistling nose. His horse stops nuzzling and just slowly lowers himself to sit behind the younger man. It's a huge white warmth. ]

I see. I was curious. I'm glad you found a place where you feel comfortable. One day, I hope to visit there. I heard they have dragon cafes. I never got to visit while I was there.

B

[sullenstallion]

...Are you any better at putting up a tent?

[Dylas is the one who speaks first. Wherever Venom is camping, there's water nearby. Dylas is dressed in full winter gear and with a pack full of tools. His plan? To make it all the way back in one night. He got caught up in all of his ice fishing...he even has a cooler full of fish.

A cooler that he sets down and sits on once he's close enough.]

Are you lost or something?

[ooc; I'm going to assume their other thread somehow wraps up fine, pff.]

[poolhall_killer]

Dylas?

[It's a voice he's surprised to hear, considering the tension at the gala. It was overcome, but Venom still has that fear lingering in the back of his mind.]

N-no, I'm not lost. I'm spending the night here and returning to the city in the morning. And I think I managed to put the tent up all right.

[It's pretty sturdy this time around. No toppling over or anything!]

[sullenstallion]

[If he knew he triggered any sort of fear in Venom, he'd feel bad. But as it is right now, he's welcome to see some company.]

I must be farther away than I thought...maybe I took a wrong turn somewhere.

[He grunts, irritated, before he runs a hand through his hair. At least it's not snowing; his hair would be soaked if it were, even though he's now dressed for warmer weather. He's also wearing embarrassing earmuffs. Horses aren't immune to chill.]

So, you're just...camping? You're not even fishing?

[His breath forms clouds in front of his face as he leans forward. Bro, it's cold.]

[poolhall_killer]

[Venom's always welcomed colder weather. It gave him the excuse to hide under layers of blankets with hot tea and several books. Out here he at least has the tea readily available.]

I'm just camping. Admittedly, I don't know how to fish. But I have plenty of food on hand. If you're hungry, I can share some.

[It consists of his usual fare of smoked meats, nuts, and some soup. He pulls up the hood on his coat before taking some food out.]

[sullenstallion]

So you just came out here for fun? I guess that sounds like something you'd do.

[He's still trying to figure Venom out. That probably sounds like an insult. Hell, it's probably half of an insult, but Dylas doesn't mean to sound too abrasive about it.]

Huh...sure, I guess I don't mind. I can't stay long, I still have to get these fish back to town. But I don't mind resting my feet.

[It's still a long walk back to town, but Dylas is determined to make it back. In fact, it might be too long of a walk, but he looks confident enough that he'll make it back quickly. Weird, right?]

[poolhall_killer]

The fun was part of the experience. I came out here to explore the land, and before dusk, I was borrowing a mount.

[Before said mount shrugged him off and went back to her handler. At least she didn't eat him.]

I'll fix you something while you rest. It's quite a long journey back to the city.

[Soon he's getting his small pot and some soup together. Hope you like hearty veggie stew, Dylas.]

Would you like some tea to help warm you up?

[sullenstallion]

A mount, huh.

[Dylas looks away at that seemingly innocent part of Venom's stories. Venom rode a horse, didn't he. Or a flying horse. Dylas is judging, just a little.]

...Yeah, sure. I wouldn't mind, but do you need a hand? You don't have to wait on me just because I stumbled on you before I tr...before I, uh. Tea would be lovely!

[His cheeks color from an almost embarrassing admission. No. He's not telling anyone that. He's not telling anyone he's been walking to and from the city in unicorn form because it's faster.]

A

[verflair]

[ Just because X'rhun is staying in Wyver doesn't mean he's staying in Wyver. He's always been a wanderer, and it's hard to let go of that habit now.

So he's found his way out by the outskirts of Olympia and there is... a lion. With a saddle? It's pacing around a small crowd which is a bit worrying, but he eases a bit when he spots an all-too familiar flash of white hair among the people. ]

May I approach or will your feline friend have me for lunch?

[poolhall_killer]

[Venom looks over and is relieved to see the man in red.]

You may approach. She's rather friendly once you get to know her.

[The lioness comes up to X'rhun, sniffing at him for a few moments. Soon she sits down and lets out a yawn that's kind of a roar. It clearly startles the person Venom's working on.]

Thank you for stopping. I was riding when I found this group of people, and I volunteered to treat any wounds they've endured on their journey.

[verflair]

[ It's a strange thing to meet a tame lion, but X'rhun takes Venom at his word and lets her get close. Once she seems to lose interest, however, he turns his attention to his friend and the travelers. ]

Do you need a hand? I've some healing magic at my disposal.

[poolhall_killer]

I would greatly appreciate it. Healing magic is one thing my medical courses cannot teach me.

[But it is on his list of things to learn. He moves aside to give X'rhun some room.]

A couple of minor spells should cover the rest of the injuries. I've patched up the others.

[verflair]

[ He kneels alongside Venom’s current patient, inspecting the dressings on the wounds. ]

You do good work, my friend.

[ And to the other person, ] This will only take a moment.

[ He holds his hands out over the last few cuts and scrapes and whatever else may need healing, palms hovering over damaged skin without touching. White light shines from his open hands, washing over the wounds and healing them. ]

[poolhall_killer]

[Venom watches the moment with intense scrutiny as he wants to learn how to weave such spells. Healing magic has always been left to the Guild's doctors and rarely taught to assassins. He sort of envies X'rhun for that.]

Thank you. I'm learning how to stay calm in the presence of... blood.

[He won't admit it, but he is kind of proud that he didn't turn away from any of the wounds.]

[verflair]

[ He barks out a laugh at that, glancing up from his patient to his friend. ]

Are you truly squeamish at the sight of blood? I’d have thought otherwise given your… previous occupation.

[ Best to not mention to these people that they’re being treated by a former assassin. ]

b. camping out

[badguy]

[ Sol barely bats an eye at the question. Honestly, judging by his flat expression, one might wonder if he even heard it. ]

That your excuse for bein' out here?

[ Not that Sol has any better reasons for stumbling on Venom's camp like this. But that's besides the point. ]

[poolhall_killer]

Well, no.

[He stirs the embers, getting a slightly larger flame out of them.]

I was exploring via a rented mount, and I ran out of time with her. She left me stranded, so I set up for the night.

May I get you some tea or food?

[badguy]

[ Sol waved his hand, dismissing the offer as if it was a fly buzzing about. ]

I'm not staying. [ He's not the 'camping with others' type. Sin is the exception, not the rule. ]

What kind of mount was it?

[poolhall_killer]

Oh, all right.

[He sets up anyway because he planned on eating and warming up before sleeping. First step is tea. Always tea.]

She was a lioness. The Olympian breeder I spoke to deals exclusively with lions and trains them. I've heard of people who train gryphons and pegasi, as well as horses.