[OPEN] a departure, and an arrival

[afoolsgold]

Characters: The Fool, various starters + OPEN
Date: Early April.
Location: The Dreaming Bridge; throughout Aifaran; the turtle's head
Situation: The Fool makes some changes to his living arrangements, and checks in on the progress of a sensitive situation.
Warnings/Rating: None yet, will update as needed.
Notes: Just one prompt for now, but I will add the others over time!


I. New Digs (closed to Devin)


The impending departure of the Bresilykians from Aifaran has injected anxiety into the city that can be felt at all levels; prescribed or not, the upheaval leaves people tense and on edge as they try to make space in their lives to accommodate the change. The Fool hadn't expected to benefit from it, but fate has always been peculiar in the hands she has dealt him in the past. In Aifaran, her mercurial temperament will be no different.

A Bresilykian has left the Fool with the keys (and the lease) to her apartment, in exchange for an elaborate bit of woodworking that she will take back with her to Evidet. Good fortune, it appears, has followed on the heels of his trauma the month before; a space to live located directly above the cafe where he is now sells his work. The Fool owns very few personal belongings, and so moving himself into his new space takes little time, and is accomplished without drawing much undue attention from the Bridge's other inhabitants. With that task now dealt with, it is easier to devote his attention to developing his craft; it is, it seems, going to be his primary means of making a living in Aifaran for the foreseeable future.

It is a drizzly, overcast day that finds the Fool leaning against a bit of outside beneath the cafe awning, slender arms folded over himself and his expression pulled into one of prim disapproval with the weather. He dislikes the cold--and the wet, but mostly the cold, and perhaps he expects sheer willpower to be force enough to coax the clouds aside and usher back in a bit of sunshine.



II. Dreaming Bridge (Gene, Bakura + OPEN)


It is inevitable with any move that one forgets things. Or, possibly, the Fool is just sentimental, and so finds himself back at the Dreaming Bridge in order to revisit the grounds that were his first home upon his arrival in Aifaran.

At present, he is waiting out the latest in a series of sudden downpours in the cafeteria, a small case packed full of his belongings at his feet and a cup of tea held between his palms. He's found an unoccupied window seat and has tucked himself into it, gazing out one of the open windows with a pensive, distant expression on his face.



III. The Turtle's Head (OPEN)


This is the place in Aifaran that brings him the most peace. Not even foul weather can keep him away from it.

Though by this point he has at least invested in one of the many colourful umbrellas and raincoats peddled by numerous vendors throughout the city, meaning that on this particularly drizzly day, he's able to perch in relative comfort atop a stone on the turtle's broad head. Here, he's able to reclaim some semblance of the peace that has evaded him since long before his arrival at Aslevjal; the nearness of the turtle's great mind helps his to grow still, and quiet. His demons lay dormant, at least for a time.

It's hard to know how long he's been sitting here with his eyes closed in meditation, but unless he's interrupted, he'll likely continue on in this fashion for quite some time.

 

Comments

II.

[denyamenti]

The downpour has likewise derailed Bakura's plans for the moment, not that they were of any particular importance or time-sensitive. The thief has been fairly unobtrusive around the hotel the last month, sticking mainly the kitchens or his room, or being out of the building completely and perusing the city.

Noting the Fool sitting near the window, he brings his cup of coffee with him, gaze resting on the packed case. "Found somewhere else to stay?" he says by way of greeting, though the answer seems obvious.

[afoolsgold]

"Found somewhere else to stay?"

He turns from his quiet contemplation of the world outside the window to look back at Bakura, whom he greets with a vague smile. "Yes," he replies and drops his gaze to consider the case. He reaches out to pat it once, like it's being especially well behaved by sitting there innocuously and not wandering off. Because luggage can do that when left to its own devices, you see. "I found a space above a cafe further into town. A rather bittersweet opportunity; it's been left vacant by one of the Bresilykians."

He lifts the tea up for a sip, then gestures to the opposite end of the window seat, which remains vacant. "Please sit," he invites, "there is plenty of space."

[denyamenti]

Bakura appears briefly as though he's considering the merit of the offer to join him, but takes a seat and tucks one leg underneath him, back rested comfortably against the window egress. "They are indeed leaving in a drove," he agreed. "Evidet, their home continent, is all snow and frigid. They're well suited for it with all that fur, but the rest of us less so. I wouldn't be in a hurry to go back."

He sips his coffee again; there are subtle but telling traces of weariness in his posture, in his gestures. Not enough to be actively detrimental, but enough that they're present.

"Pepper has been looking for somewhere in the city for she and I," he said. "But she's also been working with the Sentry, which takes enough of her time. Still, it would be nice to have privacy again sooner rather than later."

[afoolsgold]

The Fool listens attentively as Bakura describes the home continent of the Bresilykians, his curiosity clearly piqued; there is so very little he knows of this world, even after a few months of calling Aifaran home, and Bakura seems knowledgeable. "Is Evidet carried on the back of a turtle as well?" He frowns. So much of Konryu appears to be in desperate flux; was that why he was drawn here through the Dreaming?

When Pepper is mentioned, the Fool's smile warms, and he lifts his chin. "She is your sweetheart, then?" he asks, his tone a touch teasing, before he adds, "I have met her before. She seems a kind girl."

[denyamenti]

"Evidet, and the other continents, are on the backs of dead turtles," Bakura corrects. "All casualties of the last great war of this world, but log before any Fore-- Dreamfolk were brought to fight it."

It's hard not to notice the way mentioning Pepper seems to infuse the Fool's smile. He doesn't respond directly to the tease, which is partly answer itself. "She is kind," he affirms. "But better than kindness, she is strong."

I

[annihilist]

Devin makes a point to know where the people he associates with can be found, whether that be their place of work or their home. Dreamfolk have started moving out of the Bridge, and along with the exodus of the Bresilykians, there's a lot of change afoot in the city. He's considering moving out himself, but he can probably stand having a roommate for another month or two until he finds somewhere to live.

The drizzle reminds him so much of England he almost finds himself missing his home country. As such, he's wearing only a weather-resistant coat when he wanders out on one of his days off, seeing no need for something like an umbrella or a hat. Minute water droplets hang off his hair.

It's Klaus' cafe he's locating when he spots the Fool. This is the first time they've seen each other one on one since the incident with his memory, and Devin pushes the image out of his mind. This is not how he wants to think of the Fool when he sees him, nor how the Fool would like to be seen, he's sure.

"I'm going to take a wild guess and say you don't like rain," Devin remarks wryly, stopping an appropriate distance away.

[afoolsgold]

"I'm going to take a wild guess and say you don't like rain."

This might be the first time that Devin has taken the Fool by surprise, rather than the reverse. Startled, he looks up at the sound of his voice, and the irritation in his angular expression gives way to a tired smile. He gestures artlessly up at the sky with one hand as though to say 'what's to be done with this?'

"I can enjoy plenty about the rain," he rejoins lightly, only to for his look to sour as he considers his still-wet hair, "...when I'm not damp from being caught out in it unexpectedly." He chafes a hand against one of his arms, frowning. "And it's cooler than I would prefer."

(Devin knows better than most why the Fool has such an aversion to the cold now.)

Rather than let the mood grow too grim, however, he lets the corners of his lips tug upwards into a curious smile and pushes himself up and away from the wall. "What brings you out this way?" he asks and takes a step towards the edge of the awning. "Come for a cup of coffee?"

[annihilist]

"No, just seeing what Klaus has gotten himself up to," Devin explains, shrugging lightly. "He ran a magical hotel back in Keeliai, so this should be right up his alley."

Not the magic, but the business. The man knew what he was doing. The Fool notably lacks either coffee or tea, nor is he inside getting warm. This does not seem like an ideal combination for a man who dislikes the cold. He sidesteps under the awning, already starting to unbutton his coat.

"What about you? You look like you're going somewhere, or were trying to," he comments, releasing the fastenings smoothly and slipping the coat off his shoulders. Devin holds it out to the Fool. "Here. If you insist on waiting outside for it to stop raining, at least don't get pneumonia while you do it," he adds lightly.

[afoolsgold]

"A magical hotel?" the Fool repeats, clear amusement brightening his eyes and smile. He tips his head to the side teasingly. "He is a gentleman of hidden talents, I see. Did the beds make themselves?" It's not a question he expects an answer to, but the Fool has never been able to resist the impulse to pepper his conversation with wit.

His smile grows quizzical when Devin ducks beneath the awning beside him and begins to remove his coat, at least until it becomes clear what he's doing. He startles again, eyes darting from the coat as it is offered out to him, then to Devin again, before he reaches out to gingerly take hold of it; he's freezing, he's not going to turn it down. "Won't you be cold without this?" he asks, slipping his arms into the sleeves. The garment is massive on him, but with the right hat and a few other accessories, he could probably make a fashionable statement out of it.

As for his first question, the Fool recalls it and absently gestures upstairs. "I've rented a room above the cafe," he explains. "I just finished moving my belongings in, not that it took very long."

Turtle's Head!

[ursulamajor]

Ursula has been curious about the Turtle's Head ever since she came. The scholar in her just has to know more; to know if it's true that they are on the back of a massive turtle. On her way out there, she can see that it is true. She did not want to risk flying in a rainstorm, which is why she went with another means.

She hikes out, wearing her robes, but with the rubber boots one would expect of someone sloshing through the rain. Her umbrella is different: it is her magical wander, with an aquamarine energy projection that resembles an umbrella. Ursula has made little stars, of a bright blue color, appear all across it. She steps out onto the stone, and walks up it, before she draws in a gasp.

The professor stares, stunned. "Oh...! So, it's true, we really are--" And then she notices the Fool. Ursula turns her head, and flusters, laughing awkwardly. "Oh, ah. Sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

[afoolsgold]

The Fool hears Ursula's approach long before he hears her stunned exclamation, and so when she offers out her hasty apologies, he only smiles. "It is no trouble," he replies lightly, not having yet turned his head nor opened his eyes; whatever pleasant feelings he is basking in, he wants to savour them a moment longer before he turns to greet the stranger.

When at last the Fool opens his eyes and turns his head to look at Ursula, his amber eyes--nearly the same colour as his hair and skin--are bright with good humour. "Please do not apologize," he tells her, then peers with clear interest at her umbrella... or rather, what she uses in place of one. "That is quite beautiful."

[ursulamajor]

"Why, thank you." The compliment makes Ursula smile, as she comes to a stop. She notices the fact that his hair, his skin, and his eyes are all the same color; it prompts a reevaluation as to whether he is human or some manner of spirit. That, of course, makes little difference to a practiced witch. (One of her esteemed colleagues is a goldfish, after all.)

She taps her magical wand once. "A magical spell," she explains. "It creates an umbrella from my wand. Of course, the stars are a personal touch!" After declaring that, the witch winks.

[afoolsgold]

The Fool does not appear to be a spirit, but the slightly uncanny aspects of his complexion and poise would understandably make someone attuned to those things give him a second glance. Ursula can remain relatively secure in the fact that he is not a goldfish, however.

"One must never be without a bit of personality," the Fool agrees with a smile that brightens his eyes.

He gestures to himself. "I am called the Fool. What shall I call you?"

II

[ilda]

Ilda stumbles into the vicinity of the Turtle’s Head out of curiosity more than anything. She’s not even derailed by the rain; on the contrary, she’s enjoying the downpour, letting herself get drenched and actually laughing.

She only realizes a moment later that the place is too quiet, and that her laughter has reverberated like a thunderclap. Embarrassed - most especially upon seeing the Fool sitting nearby in serious meditation - she ducks her head, mumbling a soft apology.

[afoolsgold]

"It is quite all right." Hearing Ilda's bright laughter had brought a bit of a smile to his lips, and so when he turns to look at her there is no irritation in his expression. His serene countenance could easily be ascribed to the calming effect of the turtle's head, but the Fool doesn't look like a person easily riled anyway.

For a moment he takes in her apparent youth and clear joy at running about in the rain, and then laughs quietly. "Perhaps I ought to apologize to you for spoiling your fun," he teases her, then gestures towards the rock atop which he perches. "You're welcome to join me, if you like. There is plenty of space."

[ilda]

Relief is clear on Ilda’s face when the Fool tells her it’s alright. She smiles at him appreciatively, and within moments that smile turns into a laugh as he tells her he’s probably spoiled her fun. That’s not usually the reaction meditating people have for loud, perky girls with no apparent regard to their space or silence. But he’s surprisingly kind.

Ilda loves people for that reason. You can never really tell what one’s like, which makes meeting all sorts of them exciting!

She bounds over to his rock at his invitation, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Do I have to meditate?” she asks. But she’s teasing.

[afoolsgold]

Already the Fool's smile is widening into an amused grin. He laughs some and gives his head a shake, carefully drawing up both of his legs beneath the shelter of his umbrella so that he won't end up too wet from the rain.

"Not at all," he replies lightly, then looks away from Ilda to consider what he can see of the turtle's head and the horizon. "I have found it a helpful way to make peace with where I am now, however. Being here, in Aifaran." He drops a hand to rest against the stone, ostensibly an acknowledgement of the turtle himself. "He has been a great comfort to me."

A moment later and he gives Ilda another small smile. "I'm called the Fool," he says. "What should I call you?"

II

[wrathfulkhan]

Gene has been hustling back and forth, despite the rain. He actually likes the rain - it helps him think. The sound is soothing to him, calming to his nerves.

There are no unoccupied window seats left, and he wants to sit at one of them to write down his further notes about Aifaran. This person, however, has been someone he's seen around, and Gene's interested in getting to know him. So he walks up with a mug of tea of his own and a small smile on his face.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

[afoolsgold]

"Not at all." The Fool pulls his gaze away from the window to greet Gene with a pensive, almost Mona Lisa-like smile, and gestures with a hand to the opposite end of the seat. He recognizes the young man from in passing; doubtless most of the Dreamfolk have some vague familiarity with each other now, though some are ostensibly closer than others. "I rather hope this rain passes soon," he says mildly as a way of getting the conversation started, and looks out the window again.

[wrathfulkhan]

Gene accepts the offered seat and joins him. The Dreaming Bridge isn't that big, after all, and he knows people by face if not name.

When the Fool speaks, an involuntary huff of laughter escapes him. Talking about the weather. "Hopefully it will, though it has lingered before," he says, and takes a sip of his tea.

"Though since I'm imposing, I ought to introduce myself, I think, before the conversation gets any further. I'm Gene."

[afoolsgold]

"I am called the Fool."

It gets easier to introduce himself thus each time he has to do it; in the Six Duchies, the title had been forced upon him, only made a name by Fitz during their childhood and adolescence together. His true name he keeps close to his heart, for now.

"I wouldn't call this an imposition," he adds after a moment, smiling wryly. "I'm doing little other than resenting the weather while I finish my preparations to depart. Do you still live in the Dreaming Bridge?"

II!

[psituational]

X has a lot on his mind by the time the rain starts, and so he barely notices the shift in weather. It’s not until his shirt’s soaked and clinging to his skin that he realises it’s raining a little harder today than it was the day before, and -- damn it, his white shirt has become translucent.

It’s strange, really. X never cared before what his body looks like. Maybe he’s gotten a little too used to having exactly what he wants every time he visits Earth.

He buys a long coat on his way home, something very obviously grabbed for its immediate practicality and not because it actually fits him, given that it hangs off his shoulders like a draped tent. But even the immediate practicality is dubious; the coat is useless at keeping the rain off and too thick to dry easily.

Still, X looks happy enough when he spots his friend through the cafeteria window and waves heartily, standing drenched in the middle of the street.

[afoolsgold]

Lost in his own thoughts, the Fool at first allows his eyes to rest upon the stranger in the streets for wont of anything else to look at--and then he blinks, recognizes X's face, and laughs. "Oh," he murmurs to himself, searching for a place to set down his tea, and then finds the latch to pry the window open; the sound of the rain is quickly amplified, though none of it gets blown inside, at least not yet.

"You're completely soaked through!" he calls out to his friend, smiling brightly, and then waves him over. "Come in before you catch your death!" You know, through the window.

[psituational]

"Am I?" X looks down at himself, arms out, grinning. "I hadn't noticed!"

He'd only been on his way home, so the Fool's invitation is a welcome one. X comes over to the open window, considers it for a second, then grips it and pulls to see if it can open any further. He might fit, but it'll be a tight squeeze, and he's not anxious to try just yet. "How would I catch my death?" he asks, half to stall, half out of genuine curiosity. "Does rain speed up aging?"

[afoolsgold]

Well it looked like X would be skinny enough to fit through the window from the Fool's vantage point. Then again, he is a Fool.

"How droll," he replies wryly, then shakes his head. "Won't you get ill, drenched as you are?" Though he hasn't lost his smile, there's genuine concern in his expression now.