sticksandbones | so i'll just wander home

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so i'll just wander home

Who: Pure Vanilla Cookie & You
What: Pure Vanilla is familiarizing himself with his surroundings
When: Endish of February
Where: All over the Grove
Warnings: Will edit if needed but nothing so far

a) take me to church - specific for ww but open to all otherwise

[Trying to orient himself more with the Grove, Pure Vanilla has taken to visiting the various buildings. The first place he visits is the one that calls to him most: the Church. It's quiet inside, cozy, and familiar in an unfamiliar way. It reminds him a little of the Solarium of Unity. Not quite in visuals - and most certainly not in the iconography that is completely foreign to him - but in the general feel of the place. There's a peace to it, a feeling of welcome. It sets him at ease, and he visibly relaxes.

He stops next to the pulpit, merely looking around for a moment, before a noise catches his attention and his staff glances up. Oh. While it proceeds to go through the stages of grief and attempts to curl its vines up to cover itself, Pure Vanilla smiles and tilts his head back towards the pigeons in the rafters. Are they mixed with plants? How peculiar.]

Hello there, little ones. I hope I am not disturbing you.

[Extending a hand, he waits patiently and is rewarded with a pigeon fluttering down to it. Because he's a fucking Disney princess and it's canon birds love him. Take it up with his world. The Staff glares at it like it's personally shit on it, but Pure Vanilla ignores it. Don't be mean.]

Do you live here?

[He's not expecting an answer, to be honest, but he is enjoying the bird. It's very cute.]

b) all that wander are not lost but this sheep may be

[Other than the Church, Pure Vanilla can be found in other places, studying them and getting used to them. He may be found in the Bath House, delightedly exploring this bodies waterproofing by taking a dip or two. Only to find out wool is very heavy when wet and waterproof doesn't mean unsinkable. The Therapy Office also calls to him, mostly the Library, where he can be found seated with a few books around him. Though they're mostly self-help, he's never read them before, and he's quite engrossed. He explores the School with the air of a teacher saddened by the state of it, mentally marking places he may be able to aid in refurbishing it. In fact, he may have a little pad of paper and pencil with him to make notes on it.

As promised, he can also be found at the Lab or Clinic so that the Healers there can look him over as they so desired. He will gladly offer any sort of samples that may be requested from him.

And last but not least, he can be found staring intently at the eyeball lemons at Elsword's House. Well, the staff is staring intently, Pure Vanilla looks amused and seems to be trying to convince the staff they're not going to respond to it.]

c) baa baa white sheep asks you for help

[Are sheep common in the Grove? If not, it might be quite bizarre to see a perfectly normal looking ram standing in the middle of the grove near the well. Simply standing there, stock still. Well, almost stock still, it's ears keep flicking up at every little sound. Nearby is a staff that may or may not be recognizable, laying in a puddle of water that had spilled from a drawn bucket, the eye on it frantically looking around.

Should the eye land on anyone, the sheep will twist it's ears in their direction, then turn it's head. It's eyes are open, blue and gold staring almost pleadingly at whomever approaches and it speaks.]

Help.

[Sheep sure did ask for help, do you accept this quest?]

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They sure seem to think they do.

[Comes a voice unfamiliar to Pure Vanilla from the entrance to the church, Wolfwood standing there with the Punisher- his massive cross-slash-gun weapon- slung over one shoulder. It's currently wrapped up in cloth and belts, so it looks less like a gun and more like an actual cross, as he saunters inside hefting the thing like it's made of cardboard and not solid metal.

While Pure Vanilla isn't going to recognize the black-suited man with sunglasses coming inside, Wolfwood does recognize Pure Vanilla, if only able to connect the dots via the little drawing he'd made in the notebook.

That, and there's only one other goat person here, and he knows what Kreide looks like already.]

Pure Vanilla, I'm guessin'.

[The little plant pigeon resting on Pure Vanilla's hand is not budging. If anything, it just coos softly and hunkers down right where it is, thank you.]

[The reply startles him into bleating quietly, the Staffs eye twisting the best it can to try and get the other into view until Pure Vanilla turns it properly. Oh, this person looks entirely human. He thinks. There doesn't seem to be any animal bits stuck to them. The cross gets a curious inspection from both Vanilla and the Staff, neither having seen anything of it's like before. It's large and looks heavy, but the human(?) carries it like it's nothing.

After gathering his scattered wits at being surprised, Pure Vanilla relaxes and offers the other a smile. Get fucking sunbeamed, idiot.]

I do not blame them! There is a feeling of warmth and welcome here. A peace I have only felt before back home.

[The pigeon hunkering in makes him smile more and he lifts it to gently settle it onto his shoulder, so it can cozy into the wool that's peeking out around his robes. The correct guess of his name makes him beam again, the Staff following suit this time by curving closed happily.]

Yes! It is a pleasure to meet you!

[He doesn't ask for a name, he's sure it'll be given in due time, when the other trusts him.]

Forgive me if this place is yours, I was quite drawn to it.

[Oh god, help. Why is this sheep so bright. It's like talking to Vash, being blinded by optimism with the force of the actual sun-

Wolfwood has to guess that he doesn't quite realize who he's talking to. That, or maybe he's just way more forgiving than he gives him credit for...whatever the case, he brings the "cross" up to the pulpit and leans it up against the wall nearby for the time being. He's going to be here a while cleaning, but always brings the Punisher with him just in case.

You never know what nonsense might break out in this place, even here. Maybe especially here.]

It's mine, yeah. I'm the Priest, remember?

[He jerks his thumb towards the pulpit, and sure enough, there's a plaque there that reads "St. Nicholas".]

[Pure Vanilla glances towards the pulpit when the other gestures to it. Saint Nicholas? For a moment he hesitates, thinking of the St. Pastry Order that he learned about while in the Crème Republic. But as he takes in the nature of this small Church, and their conversation in the journal earlier, he relaxes again. No, the air here is peaceful and calm. Give him a moment to recall the other's name from the journal. There was a lot going on.

He's a little disappointed there's no wolf or wood about him. Humans are so strange with their naming conventions.]

Ah! I was unaware you were a Saint! It is an honor! May I know which title you prefer, so as to address you properly?

[Sheesus Sun intensifies.]

No, I'm not-

[He starts to reiterate, but...he knows that trying to correct him isn't going to work. Mizuki calls him Father Wolfwood after all, this sort of thing ends up sticking. So, he just sort of sighs as he leans behind the pulpit and pulls out a broom that was hidden there.

Time to start cleaning. The cleaning in this place never ends.]

Actually, forget it. Just call me Wolfwood.

Of course, Wolfwood it is!

[Pure Vanilla is silent for a moment as he watches the man fetch the broom, smiling a little.]

Would you like me to leave?

[If the man is going to clean, after all, he would hate to be in the way. Reaching to his shoulder, he gently dislodges the pigeon, getting a coo of 'i was asleep' from it, and tries to get it to fly back up towards the rafters.

Have you ever seen a pigeon just decide not to fly? It just refuses, sitting like a lump as it's gently bounced up and down, wings firmly tucked in, leaves fluffing up.]

[Wolfwood, while he'd normally say yes, can't really make him leave. The Church is a public place to be visited and used by all, even if he owns and maintains it. So no matter how much he complains, whoever visits can stay at their leisure.

Seeing Pure Vanilla with that pigeon, though...gives him an idea.]

You seem to be a regular bird whisperer. Think you can keep them busy while I sweep? Don't want 'em leavin' me more presents while I work.

[Oh, excellent! Pure Vanilla was going to ask if he may help if the answer had been a no, and here Wolfwood is, asking for aid. Perfect! Get another fucking radiant sunbeam smile, idiot. +10 Radiant Damage!]

Of course! I would be delighted to help!

[Since the pigeon is not going anywhere, Pure Vanilla tucks it back to his shoulder, where it side steps into the fluff and hunkers down. Then the sheepman raises his staff upwards, which in turn looks like it's about to see The Horrors, and gently begins to try and coax the rest of the pigeons into moving to it. One at a time please, come come.]

You know [His voice is soft and pleasant, and he smiles and makes a soft noise to the pigeon that eventually lands on the staff, pecking at it.] they may roost here because they like you. Birds bond quite heavily with humans they see as part of their flock.

[Down the staff comes, and that Pigeon is gently relocated to Pure Vanilla's other shoulder. Up goes the now very cranky looking Staff again.]

It is also warm and pleasant here, quiet. It is a wonderful place of Worship.

[Jesus tested, Jesus approved.]

[OURGH PV PLEASE by the time this is over he's going to go blind-

That said, having someone entertain the birds is a blessing, so he isn't going to complain about it. He just watches out of the corner of his eye as the birds take turns getting ferried down to Pure Vanilla one by one. They're all incredibly docile and used to people after living here a while, though there are a couple that seem a bit flighty and unsure of the staff as it's lifted their way. A couple flutter their wings and hop away from it, but they'll come back eventually.]

Really? Cause I figured they just wanted to be away from the snow.

[That's probably also true, it had been snowing a lot before Pure Vanilla arrived. The plantimals desire warm and dry places.

He turns his attention to the floor as he sweeps, though he will keep talking in that low baritone he has.]

Yeah...I guess you're right. This place is meant to be non-demoninational. Anybody who wants to pray can come here and do it, even if it ain't somethin' I pray to.

[Wolfwood shrugs a shoulder. He doesn't judge (usually).]

Just don't read the books.

[The sheep is slowly amassing a tiny army of the pigeons on him, shh'ing them when they peck to establish sitting positions. One or two have climbed up onto his horns, clinging to the tips. His Staff looks so done with this, if it could sigh, it would as one runs away and Pure Vanilla pulls back to give it a little moment.]

The could roost in one of the empty buildings, where there would be no one to bother them. They are surprisingly hardy against the cold. Come, dear, come on...

[There, got another, though this one doesn't seem to want to get off the Staff, now that it's on, and pecks at Pure Vanillas fingers when he attempts to transfer it. It just makes him huff a laugh. Ornery.

He's not entirely sure what non-denominational means, but he gets the other part, and nods gently. The warning not to read the books makes him tilt his head, but he smiles anyways.]

Of course not, if that is your wish.

[He won't even ask why! Instead he focuses on winning the pigeons trust, letting his fingers be pecked.]

Thank you for this place, my friend.

[Wolfwood snorts, lifting his head to actually look back at the sheep for a moment.]

Not gonna ask why?

[He's almost surprised. Most people would, immediately. Then it's back to sweeping as Pure Vanilla continues wrangling the birds, having become a veritable perch for them as they nestle on his horns or in his wool. Or on the staff, unfortunately for the staff.]

...it's nothing special. I just asked Heimr for it.

[And Wolfwood gets a smile in return as the pigeon finally steps onto his finger but somehow manages to look disgruntled about it.]

There is no need to ask, my friend. You do not wish them to be read, and I will respect your wishes.

[It seems like Pure Vanilla has the pigeons all on himself now, and he's looking like a veritable park statue. To keep them from making a mess, he heads for the door with them in tow, shaking his head to Wolfwood playing it down.]

It is more special than you think. A place of repose is most welcome.

[He won't be gone for long as he leaves the church with his pigeon entourage in tow. He'll simply shake them off outside so they spend a few moments flying around. They'll eventually return but for now, they can stretch their wings. Pure Vanilla will even make sure to clean his hooves with his robe ends before coming back inside.]

That should buy some time. May I help further?

[Wolfwood certainly isn't used to people being this good and understanding. Almost like someone else he knows.

He watches as Pure Vanilla releases the pigeons outside (they'll be back within like, 30 minutes tops) and returns, his hooves clicking on the stone floor. Despite the church being relatively small for a church, the sound echoes as he walks, making the place feel even more dilapidated than it is. Still though, if people find it to be an inviting, safe place to be? Who is Wolfwood to argue that.

He sighs, leaning on his broom again.]

You could help clean up, I guess. There's not a whole lot left to be done since I got most of the plants out that had been growin' in here, unless you've got an idea for keepin' the birds from making a mess.

Of course, I would be delighted to help with both!

[Not that Wolfwood isn't right, and there's probably not much to do around the small Church, but you bet your bottom dollar Pure Vanilla is going to figure out a way to get things absolutely sparkling. If there's not something to dust with, he'll use his robes, scrub things up and make them shine.

And he will think, his staff eying the rafters above them.]

The best way, I believe, would be to make a roost for them outside the Church. Too far away and they may not use it, as they see the Church as their home, but if it is close enough to it, mayhap they will take to it more readily?

[He places his hand on his chin as he thinks, smearing a little bit of dust across it as he does.]

It is the only way I can think of to minimize needing to clean up. Any other way, such as meshing or draping under the rafters, would require them taken down and cleaned.

[Elsword squinting out the second story window like who is that eyeball lemon-stealing whore— oh it's just gramps.

He opens the window and flies out, landing nearby but far enough off that his wings don't slap Pure Vanilla in the face.]

Hi. [Approaches your location] Do you want some? You can just pick them.

[Excuse you he's not stealing your lemons he's attempting to COMMUNICATE-

The sound of the landing makes his ears flick and the staff quickly darts to look in the direction it came from, before going back to staring intently at the lemons. The smile that Pure Vanilla aims at Elsword is a Grandpa Beam.]

Hello, my friend! I was not thinking of plucking them, but I thank you for the offer! My Staff is interested in them as they remind it of itself, though I am afraid it does not understand they are not sentient like it is.

[Grandpa beam...]

Oh. [He turns to the staff and looks at it.] Sorry, staff, they're just lemons from the demon realm that I planted.

[the truth come out: these cursed objects are NOT native to the grove.]

I don't know why they have eyes, but a lot of demon realm food is weird.

[ It's a small town. Small enough that in the span of time after his arrival (which could already be a week, a month, or a year, as nebulous as time was in the Grove, although actually it was a month) up until this day, Phantom had been to the edges of town and back, and although he'd discovered that his shadow Arts unfortunately wasn't working quite as exactly as it used to (although thankfully the...change was minor in nature, and the rest of both his abilities and himself felt unchanged), he'd still spent some time exploring the place. After all, sitting still in the inn was tantamount to inviting disaster due to his unstable mental state, and discovering that he was irresistibly attracted to one of the mysteriously locked rooms in the first floor definitely didn't help with that.

In any case, strolling around the Grove was something that he did on more or less a daily basis, although he preferred certain times of the day (or night, really) and certainly during moments when he was mentally able to, especially considering the amount of spirits he's had to push through.

Today, however, he spotted a figure whom he'd glimpsed before in the inn, and he then chose to follow him for a little while. Pure Vanilla might notice that a suspicious shadow had been trailing him, although it was absolutely quick to dart in and out of sight whenever he'd glance back or look in its direction. Perhaps it's just...shy?

Because in truth, Phantom didn't know how to approach the Cookie in person. Although fortuitously, perhaps, he realised that they were nearing the lab... ]

Edited 2024-02-28 19:42 (UTC)

[The Staff'll glance over to Elsword again, then back to the lemons, but now it seems. Dejected. Pure Vanilla smiles in sympathy and taps it lightly against the ground.]

It does quite remind me of several plants back home. My Staff itself, before I ensorcelled it to be my sight, was quite similar. Simply a flower with a closed lid. Are they simply just lemons?

[Pure Vanilla now will investigate one, holding it in his hand as he turns it left and right, pondering. The eye is very convincing, it could probably be magicked into something similar...]

[At first he's unaware of the shadow trailing after him, until his Staff catches it darting away. His ears instantly go up, a sheep on alert, and his Staff begins to stare intently in the direction the shadow disappeared. Eventually he turns in that direction as well and seems to be debating, his eyes opening just a little before closing again.

No, he doesn't want See something he probably shouldn't if it's one of the Ghosts of this place.

Instead he waits to see if they will come out on their own before smiling in that direction, and calling out gently. Like a shepherd trying to coax a frightened sheep out of hiding.]

Hello. It's okay, I won't hurt you if you would like to come over. There is no need to hide.

[ ~~he doesn't know what to do when you meet an internet friend for the first time in person~~

It seems like the staff that the Cookie was holding was one that could channel his Arts, or the equivalent of it in his world. Phantom noticed it staring intently his way, although he adroitly avoided detection, even without the assistance of his shadows. His extremely sharp sight catches the fact that his dear friend's ears went up, too; he was debating on whether or not he should come out now of his hiding place (in one of the nearby bushes).

After all, it wasn't his intention to scare Pure Vanilla. He...simply didn't know how to approach him. It was easier with the other Rhodes Island operators, even if he wasn't close with any of them personally. But...those who came from another world was a whole different matter altogether. Speaking to them through the netbook is one thing (although he feels a bit awkward about that too), but meeting them in person is another.

...The gentle words, however, was indeed reassuring. It reminded him of their conversations and his promises to him, and...slowly, the Feline came out from his hiding place. It was probably a little...awe-inspiring how a grown man could hide in and be concealed by the bushes (and its shadows, albeit not literally this time), but he is, after all, a feline. His movements are graceful and fluid, despite his height and the general size of his body. The ears, however, should be the most telltale feature — he's not wearing his usual cloak or either of his hats today, just his dark suit, and they were in full view. ]

...Hello. It's just me — Phantom. I hope I did not scare you, dear friend. I saw you walking in the direction of the Lab.

[Oh no he hurt the staff's feelings, he's sorry staff he didn't mean it—]

Yeah, kind of. The eyes look like they're crying when you juice them. [And then look Horrific, downright Hideous, once they've been squeezed. Because there's an eye.] They taste like normal lemons, but maybe a tiny bit saltier? And they're definitely pretty sour. You can make a really good lemonade with them, though. The demons showed me how.

[And somehow he still remembers that, but not like, 88% of his life. So. You know, doing well.]

[Oh. Horrifying, but understandable, the seam looks like it's the best place for the juice to leak from. Saltier - tears, disturbing! - but lemonade none the less.]

How very peculiar. It seems a little macabre, but I do not have much room to talk.

[Everything has a fucking face on it back home SO.]

Has anyone tried to use them as seeing eyes?

[Ah! When Phantom steps out of the bushes like that, Pure Vanilla recognizes some features similar to those of the Butter Tigers back home. Ears! And when Phantom introduces himself, Pure Vanilla's demeanor instantly changes. Though the gentleness remains, now there's delight and a radiant smile to go with it.

It's like Grandpa is channeling the sun and redirecting it.]

Ah! My friend, hello! It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person! You did give me a startle, but worry not on scaring me!

[The comment on the Lab makes him glance over his shoulder towards it, his tail wiggling lightly.]

Yes, I was curious about all the buildings, and wished to acquaint myself with them all, should a need ever arise to have the knowledge. This is where your friend - Gnosis - is, correct? Would you care to join me? I do believe we made plans to speak with him together!

[There's so much cheer and joy in Pure Vanilla's voice over Phantom's presence, it would sound like they were old friends.]

[ The smile was simply blinding. He was right when he told him that he had a certain warmth, although...well, it wasn't quite so muted like spring, as with The Doctor.

It was more like summer, and the sheer radiance of it certainly caught him off-guard. If a Sankta's halo could be condensed into a smile...that would be what Pure Vanilla's smile was like.

Fighting the urge to jump back into the bushes (since he couldn't use his Shadow Arts to run away) due to the fact that he feels so terribly awkward now, Phantom nods slightly. He attempted to return Pure Vanilla's smile with a small one; hopefully it didn't came out as a grimace instead. His feline ears twitches a little, betraying his nervousness. ~~Lynxes are not...very social animals.~~ ]

It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, too. [ Even so, his flat voice was softer by a notch, and his gaze, too, noticeably softens. This was certainly Lucian speaking instead of Phantom, his persona. ] In that case...I apologise for startling you. I am afraid that it was rather a habit of mine, to blend in with the shadows...yet, fret not. I would never harm you.

[ If anything, he was actually on the lookout for him. Even if the Staff seems magical, he never saw anything wrong with looking out after the people he trust or had been entrusted with from the shadows, after all. ]

Most reasonable, indeed. I believe I have done something similar myself in the recent past. [ He nods, his small tail swaying lightly — signifying that he was relaxed. He did took a couple of steps closer to Pure Vanilla afterwards. ] He is more of a coworker than a personal friend, but I suppose under these circumstances...we are. And yes, that is where he usually spends his time as well as lived in.

[ Since he more or less spotted Gnosis coming in and out there all of the time. Again, he nods. ]

But of course, I would. I have not been inside the Lab myself thus far, but as I have told you over the network, yes, I would gladly accompany you. Please lead the way, then. [ He gestures lightly in the Lab's direction, preparing to follow suit. ]

Edited 2024-03-01 18:45 (UTC)

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so i'll just wander home

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B is for (b)eyeball lemons

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b, near the Lab to bother the bird together as discussed

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