March Catch-all

[ourstosee]

i. Route 29

[Despite conversations with friends, allies, and strangers alike, Aymeric still takes a fair bit of time to get used to his current predicament. Though he is at least relatively assured in his ability to take care of himself, it's been quite some time since he's been on his lonesome. It feels odd to travel alone. If not Lucia, some advisor or another had always been at his side in Ishgard, after all.

But the silence is pleasant, and with assurances that all would be well in his absence, he allows himself the chance to indulge in the experience. After all, hadn't he only recently lamented over his inability to join the Warrior of Light on their journey?

In time, that much would come true.

Composed as Aymeric oft is, he doesn't quite walk with a spring in his step, but there's still a level of exuberance in his movements. Each step is one he has never walked before, after all.




Strangers on the road will be met with a smile and a polite greeting, with offers to travel some distance together. And when night finally falls, he settles not far from the path, a fire kindled for anyone that might need to warm up by. Not that he appears to need it. The chill in the air is nothing compared to nights in Coerthas. If anything, it's a comforting reminder of home.

When he does settle down for the evening, he keeps his eyes skyward. The stars are unfamiliar, no portents or prophecies to be drawn from them. This, too, is a comfort, one that helps him sleep easy when the time comes.]

ii. Cherrygrove

[Some several days of travel later, Aymeric finally makes it into the next town. Though his Swablu has done a decent enough job at keeping him cleaned up, there are creature comforts that Aymeric finds himself missing, despite his earlier elation at having the chance to be on the road.

His first order of business (after healing his Pokemon and finding a room for himself) is hunting down the nearest source of tea. Having it in a cup that travels so easily is a novelty, but certainly one he can get used to. It's only once he's settled on the sand of the nearby beach (a novelty, as far as he's concerned) that he allows himself to relax.

Or try to. The Swablu that is still firmly perched upon his head quickly sets about trying to steal any stray biscuits. Any tea he has may end up on his lap or even in the sand itself. Either way, Swablu absolutely gets its biscuits, thank you.

And of course, what is a man in possession of a biscuit addicted bird to do if not get a job to support said addiction. It's... a strange thing, working a laborious job. Yet there's something fulfilling about helping out in a Pokemart, restocking shelves that the shorter employees can't quite reach. He'll gladly pull something down for you if asked!]

iii. Video/Action

[Biscuits aren't the only thing being purchased, however. Aymeric's first check will inevitably go toward a surplus of cooking supplies. Not just gear to cook with, either but road-safe staples and local recipes. He doesn't know the first thing about curry, but with it being the new trainer fad, it's probably not surprising to find him at the edge of town, attempting to puzzle out a curry recipe while a number of Pokemon watch.

At some point, he thinks to click his Gear on, filming as both the Swablu and a strange, gray cat both stare at pot in anticipation.]

While I do anticipate these two will consume much of this curry I have made, I do believe I will have some extra. If you are in the vicinity of Cherrygrove City and find yourself in need of a meal, please do not hesitate. I am at the far edge of the city, close to where Route 29 begins.

[Regardless of whether you got the memo or not, get too close, and you'll be offered a bowl yourself!]

Comments

III

[cometkin]

[An older fellow, with a scruffy beard and long hair, balding on top, peers through the screen.]

Oh man, that looks delicious. Me and Mrs Universe are on the other side of town, at the beach, but if you don't mind the two of us?

[He holds up an acoustic guitar.] I could do some dinner music?

[ourstosee]

A bard, are you? [Aymeric brightens considerably.] Yes, I should think music along with a meal would be quite welcome. I daresay it may even remind me of home!

[cometkin]

A musician, anyway! I dunno, are bards the ones with magic music or is that just in my son's video games?

[ourstosee]

Something along those lines. The more combat adept might even add archery into the mix.

But a musician is fine enough on its own. Your craft would be more than welcome at my metaphorical table, in this instance.

songofthedawn, continued

[ourstosee]

[Continued from here]

Rare, is it, that we find ourselves in each others midst without some pressing concern or another.

[Halone, how he's missed moments like these. Their dinners together seemed so few and far between. G'rhyf's company is comfortable, no need to put on the airs that the House of Lords might require of him. It reminds him, in no small part, of his youth. Perhaps not perfect, fraught with their own trials as it was, but free of the weight of Ishgard and her reformation.

None of this he says aloud, of course. He merely smiles as easily as can be, posture relaxing.]

I have spoken to Estinien, yes. He informed me of the general situation here -- that we are effectively in stasis, no need to worry about the pressing issues of our home progressing without us.

One might make the mistake of calling this a vacation.

[songofthedawn]

Is it not, at least of a sort?

[Okay, it's definitely not a good thing that they've all been spirited away across time and space, regardless of any assurances that their absence will not be missed. The question of their missing memories upon returning home, for one thing, is a rather disturbing issue. But that doesn't mean that the benefits of this unplanned trip have to be ignored!]

I'll be sorely disappointed if you find a new desk to chain yourself to. I've been itching for a chance to get you out on the road, and this star is all but demanding we find adventure for ourselves here!

[ourstosee]

[Likewise, Aymeric is similarly concerned as to what being greater than the powers they knew of could whisk them off to a new star, all without disrupting the flow of their current time. The odds of that proving to be a threat in the future were not insignificant, especially as far as G'rhyf was concerned. So long as they were involved, the odds of something of note happening were increased.

But for the time being, he can worry more about gaining rest than anything else.]

I planned for nothing of the sort. Doubtless, Estinien will be along before much time has passed. He will not suffer being kept idle whilst I toil away behind a desk.

No, t'would seem I only need follow the path I am currently set upon. And as it has done before, it will assuredly bring me to your side. Then we can begin our adventure in earnest.

[songofthedawn]

Indeed it shall! I doubt Raha and I will be able to catch up to Estinien, but we can at least meet you both half-way.

[Estinien had been impatient enough to get moving before, and while G'rhyf can hardly fault him his expediency they do much prefer a more leisurely pace when exploring.]

Have you decided on a name for your new friend there? It certainly seems intent on...is it really making a nest up there?

stardiving, continued

[ourstosee]

[[Continued from here]]

[Fluent in Estinien as he is, Aymeric both knows the rarity of witnessed, and what will happen if he dares comment on it. It has, in fact, been years since he's heard anything close to that laugh, and he won't dare risk it being double that for poking fun. Resolved of mind though he is, his body acts of its own accord. He can't help the way his brows lift, nor the way the corner of his lips quirks upward.]

Perhaps I ought name her Lucia, then. Though I suspect this creature is slightly less prone to force should I attempt to neglect my proper routine.

[Slightly being very stretched. Already, the Swablu plucks a few stray bits of forest debris from his person, none too mindful of the curls she nearly pulls with it.]

When should I expect your arrival then?

[stardiving]

[Even then, his face doesn't darken like it used to, he looks relaxed and--daresay, happy. True, he isn't exactly jumping for joy either but it's a definite change from how dour and serious he's been for...practically all the time Aymeric has known him.]

It would be a fitting tribute, even if a bird is slightly less likely to drag you off to sleep before you collapse.

[He spends a moment considering. He can't fly currently--despite having gotten the rest of his team back from Emet-Selch, every time he's tried to take to the air with Ratatoskr a Jenny has popped out of nowhere and demanded to see his Zephyr badge, which was not with the rest of his belongings when he'd caught up with them. Granted, her hasn't tried outside of Goldenrod's immediate vicinity but with this world being as strange as it is he wouldn't put aside the possibility of one dropping out of a tree in the middle of nowhere to tell him off for flying without a license. As if it was any harder or more dangerous than flying with Vrtra had been. He can ride Moss, but that will still be slower and less satisfying than flying. He huffs.]

It shall likely be at least 3 days. You'll be to the next town by then.

[ourstosee]

[Aymeric knows not if it's this place that has brought Estinien relief, or if his recent travails with the Scions had. It matters not to him, so long as the dragoon is happy, or at least closer to it than he's known previously. Second to that is the fact that he has a chance to be witness to it at all.

He'll not question the circumstances.]

Three days is hardly long at all. I shall await your presence in this "Cherrygrove." Surely there is enough to get up to there that I will be kept occupied, should you find that you are delayed in any capacity.

If nothing else, I must needs take advantage of all the time I have 'fore you teach the bird to send me to bed at the proper time.

gachatia, continued

[ourstosee]

[[Continued from here]]

I might yet advise waiting in your present location. Doubtless, Estinien has already swept off to join me, or at least is in the midst of preparations to do so. Getting in his path is like to cause undue fuss, and I would not ask that you attempt to keep up with him. Fury knows how he is when his mind is set upon something.

[He shakes his head, expression both thoughtful and amused. Estinien is a good man, a good friend, but the level of his stubbornness oft beggared belief. It was an appreciated asset on most occasions, if a touch frustrating when trying to combat with it.]

\o/

[gachatia]

Oh! Right, yes, of course.

[He just! He didn't want someone to feel left out or alone but also wants to respect the wishes of the group?]

He is wont to do as he pleases in such matters...

[ourstosee]

Make no mistake, my friend. Your offer to accompany him and join me is a welcome one. Were it not for our mutual comrade's... insistence, full glad would I be to invite you along.

[He feels guilty? Why does he feel guilty.]

I will make it up to you the moment I am able to meet up with the rest of you. I trust you will have plenty to inform me of when it comes to your present locale?

3

[crystalmaster]

[Radley watches the video with interest. The food definitely looks good, although it's in the opposite direction of where he's going. And he supposes he should save it for whatever newcomers will probably stumble in.]

Hey, it looks like you've got a great recipe there. I'm kinda glad they seem to have a lot of the same foods here as they do on my world. At least that's something familiar.

[ourstosee]

Much obliged, my friend!

[That someone who is familiar with the recipe finds it to be appetizing is a good sign, right?]

I'll admit, I myself am a touch unfamiliar with the cuisine, though that speaks more to my own lack of culinary exploration back home, rather than the uniqueness of this world's? I am led to believe that this dish is quite popular in Thavnair, though.

[crystalmaster]

Cool. I haven't heard of that place. Curry is popular in a lot of countries on my planet. Sometimes I make it for my friends and me, but I haven't tried serving it in the diner I run. Maybe I will ... if I ever get home.

i.

[hasitsthorns]

[ It seemed like a safe bet that, after staying with Byleth and his friends, she 'start over' again. In a sense. Rose imagines that she'll breeze through things a little easier this time with more friends in tow.

Of course, that would be if some of her entourage weren't bullies who liked to pick on random people. A Pidgey flutters onto Aymeric's shoulder unexpectedly; however, if that doesn't startle him enough as it is, it'll give a small poke to the side of his head. ]

Flipflap! [ comes an exasperated sigh. ] Oh my gosh, dude, I'm so sorry- [ To her Pidgey: ] Stop being a menace! [ She'll wave a hand to shoo Flipflap off his shoulder. It gives a noise of irritation before taking off into one of the trees above. ] You'd think something so small wouldn't pick a fight with nearly everything that moves but, ugh, he does.

[ourstosee]

[The sensation of having something land on his shoulder certainly draws his attention. He turns sharply, hand instinctively inching toward a sword that is worlds away, rather than hanging from his belt. Before he can think to do anything else, the peck to the head disorients him enough to blink dumbfounded into the air.

His first thought is that the Swablu has simply moved. But given that he can feel the weight of her atop his head, he quickly discounts that theory. Any additional theories go by the wayside as he hears a woman's voice, enough to ease his nerves for a moment.]

It is - [He blinks up at the fluttering away Pidgey, then down at the woman.] Ah, there is no need to apologize, my friend. These creatures are willful, unbound by even the staunchest of masters.

I apologize if I gave you or it a fright in kind.

[hasitsthorns]

You're telling me, dude. [ A huff with hands on her hips as she looks up to where Flipflap took off. Also, to look up at him because woah. Tall. Rose is small at 5'1" by most standards, but... Jeez.

She gives a shake of her head though at the apology. A Snom crawls over her shoulder from apparently resting on her back to also peer up at Aymeric curiously. The rest of her Pokemon are in tow - a Psyduck, Meowth, and Slowpoke holding up the rear - and her Togepi is tucked under the arm she didn't use to shoo her Pidgey away. ]

Me? Nah, you're fine. Usually, it's us that's giving people a fright. We're quite the ragtag group.

3/4 - stardiving

[ourstosee]

[The next handful of days pass with little fuss. Aymeric doesn't press his luck with trying to communicate with Estinien -- the messages he does send are sparse updates, interspersed with the occasional photo of camp or a laid out bedroll. He is sleeping and taking care of himself, see!

The last update comes some two and a half days later, a simple shot of the woods giving way to the city of Cherrygrove. It comes with a message, short but sweet. I await your arrival.

And really, he had not meant to do anything more than wait for Estinien to arrive. If this was all meant to be a break, then it would be in his best interst to spend his time on the small beach, or perhaps wandering in the woods. But when he'd stepped into the Poke Mart, it had been clear that they were in need of assistance, and Aymeric could hardly turn away and leave them to their plight.

He simply hadn't realized it would be a recurring commitment -- five days worth, to be exact -- until it was too late. He doesn't look forward to having to explain to Estinien why their trip will have to be delayed. He'll simply have to hope that a fresh, made with goods purchased from his own earnings, will make it up to his friend in the end.

It is likely there that Estinien will find him, just wrapping up for the day. He's quick to let out his Pokemon -- though Lucille is unobtrusive within his hair, he worries that his other two companions would easily find themselves underfoot. Nevertheless, he feels guilty for keeping them cooped up for such a long period of time, and offers a few freshly purchased treats (sweet, he's been told) by way of an apology. The Cutiefly fluttering about his shoulders seems more than pleased by the gift, while the Espurr does as cats are wont to do, and tries to be as aloof as possible about it all.

Though his senses might still be sharp, the combination of being in a city completely at peace, as well as the distinct lack of weaponry in any capacity, has allowed him to relax even unconsciously. And so, distracted as he is, he doesn't notice any sort of approach.]

[stardiving]

[The updates are returned in kind, with pictures of distant flying Pokemon, the trail ahead from his point of view--he must be riding something, with a great green and brown head and long curving horns, dusted with falling snow. There's a few pictures of campsites, snow cleared in a rough circle, a tent, and a fire in the middle (look, two can play at that game.)

He's making good time, thanks to being able to ride a massive goat, and the fourth day of travel finds him just outside the town in mid afternoon. He's not sure exactly where Aymeric will be awaiting him, surely not standing at the edge of town staring into the forest like a sentry, but he's not at the Pokemon Center.

He's decided that he'll call, but walks into the Poke Mart first to get out of the cold and get something for Moss for carrying him all the way here--and well, both of them are rather taller than the shelves in the store, it's not hard to see Aymeric's literal bird nest of curly hair over them.

Of course he's found himself something to do, he really shouldn't be surprised. He's careful to avoid Aymeric's attention as he comes closer, until he's right behind the other man.]

Excuse me, what might you recommend for a creature fond of sweets? I've a need to thank my steed for carrying me all the way here.

[ourstosee]

[That a pair of footsteps echoes through the little Mart is hardly surprising. It may not be the most populated town he's come across in all of his years, but it still seemed to attract a decent amount of foot traffic. And having been restocking the shelves for several hours now, he likes to think he has a decent enough grasp on how busy the store itself could be. It's hardly a rarity, that they might have a patron at this hour.

What he doesn't expect, of course, is the voice that follows. He might have hoped to be more prepared for Estinien's arrival, or at least not distracted by nudging a Pokepuff toward an Espurr that insists on feigning disinterest. Even from a distance, Halone appears to be watching over him, for he's at least not devolved into taking a sweeter, childlike tone in an attempt to encourage the creature.

That, he thinks, might be something he would never live down.

As it is, he doesn't startle at Estinien's voice, so much as the proximity. He takes a step forward, narrowly avoiding stepping on both Cat and Snack alike. The Espurr lets out a low yowl, before swiping the treat and scampering out of the way of Aymeric's feet. He can tell that his master is at least distracted enough not to pay attention to him greedily tearing into the treat.

It takes him just a moment to compose himself, but it's a moment that says everything it needs to in the presence of a friend. His expression shifts minutely, brows lifted in surprise, eyes dancing with both relief and delight, before finally settling into something a touch more proper.

His right hand twitches, close to lifting upward, but stops after just a few centimeters. He isn't sure what the right gesture would be in this moment. Certainly, he wants to embrace his friend, the man whom he's barely laid eyes on for more than a few passing moments over the last handful of moons. Yet he isn't convinced Estinien would be amenable to the gesture. A handshake might be more better suited, but that would hardly convey the depth of joy that Aymeric felt at their reunion.

It must be some sort of cosmic joke, that after years of navigating through the politics of Ishgard, he could be struck dumb in the sight of the person he trusted more than anything.]

Estinien. [He finally finds his voice, and at least that much does not betray him, even if the rest of his form is painfully immobile.] I was beginning to worry you had gotten lost on the road.

[It takes him a moment, but he finally manages to process the question he's asked. He holds out a package of Pokepuffs still clutched within his left hand, of which three still remain. At least now he's moving. At least this is business, in a manner of speaking.]

I have found that my companions quite enjoy these treats. Most of them, at least. You and yours are welcome to the remaining batch, and I will gladly purchase more should you deem it necessary.

iii. Video | UN: fraldarius

[bestswordmaster]

[Felix is nowhere near Cherrygrove, but the word 'curry' catches his attention, so he replies anyway.]

You know how to make curry? What kind? I happen to enjoy a good curry, myself, and if you know of one I haven't yet tried, I would like to buy access to your recipe.

[ourstosee]

Oh, I would not be so firm in such assertions. [Aymeric looks a touch amused as he directs the camera back toward himself.]

It was a recipe I found in one of the Marts. I figured that preparing a dish suited for both POkemon and Man both would be a decent use of resources. Why prepare two meals when one will suffice for us both.

All the same, full glad would I be to send it to you at no charge, should you find you are still interested.