deercountry | January Catchall [OPEN]

Entry tags:

January Catchall [OPEN]

Who: Lance (

azurestar) and OPEN
What: Catch-all log for January.
When: All of January
Where: All over Trench.

Content Warnings: alcohol and drug use, risky behavior, symptoms of PTSD and trauma induced hallucinations etc., memory loss, shedding of skin to alter one's body and all the psychological issues that comes with, traumatic memory share, lockjoint, will add more specific warnings as they arise.

SNAKE DEN

i. [Lance frequents the Red practically every night it's said to be hosting the talent and fashion shows. He only gets on the stage when he's in different forms, though. In the second week of the month, he's a catboy thief from a tabletop fantasy game called Monsters and Mana. On stage, as this persona he'll grab a guitar and start singing extremely well and captivatingly as he walks through the audience and uses his tail pick pocket the onlookers. He can also be found chatting people up and lounging in booths with beautiful ladies in this form and letting them pet his ears... yes, he's purring when that happens.

In the middle of the month, he's a bit younger, back to who he was before he went to space at the age of 17, and he'll be getting on stage to show off his acrobatic and dance skills, as well as his musical skills. He'll descend from the ceiling from bolts of fabric around his legs and waist, with his guitar in hand, spinning around slowly and playing with a rose in his teeth. He'll then toss the rose to the prettiest person in the audience an start singing and dancing quite well once he reaches the ground.

Also in the middle of the month, he's a beautiful young woman for a short stint. In this form, he does singing and dance routines, showing off his high notes and also gets in the fashion show, the outfits he gravitates to look like this, this and this. He can also be spotted mingling in the crowd dressed nice and downing champagne flutes and charming everyone.]

ii. [As a paleblood, people will be extra compelled to open up to him and tell him the truth in this space, and in all his shedded forms he's pretty good at active listening if the subject is heavy enough. He may also offer to help ease pain if someone is hurt or emotionally suffering, as that's the paleblood power he has when touching people skin on skin. At first he'll be confused about people just dumping all their truth on him, but eventually he'll start to figure it out and definitely take full advantage with some people he knows or is curious about.

He'll sidle up to anyone who looks interesting or he wants to get to know, and especially to existing friends and go:] Sooo, got anything you wanna get off your chest, maybe?

[It will be easy to mistake him for a working nightwalker, feel free to proposition him for anything.]

iii. [In all his forms detailed above, he'll be available for a private conversation or interaction as even he needs some time to sit and chill out. Often, he'll be laid back in a more private area just strumming on his guitar and casually singing random lyrics that come to mind. Because of his empathic powers, what he's unconsciously singing about may feel specifically tailored to your life, especially if he touched your skin and took some suffering or pain from you no matter how small. If he hasn't touched you recently, then the song may still feel relevant to you and like the notes being played hit you in your soul, but it's not as deeply specific.

Lance doesn't realize he's doing this, he still doesn't have control over his powers and has not figured out how to consciously channel them. When he notices someone's emotional or physical presence, he'll stop playing and look over, brows drawn together.]

Uh hey, looking for something? Maybe someone~?

[He waggles his eyebrows a bit and smirks on that last bit. Could be he means someone else, or himself and is implying you should stay a while and hang out with him. Either way, he's not bothered and oblivious to what he was just doing that got your attention. If you'd like specific lyrics and a musical tone/genre for your character, just describe the emotions/situation they are experiencing that Lance would be singing about in prose and let me know.]

SHEDDING CEREMONY

iv. [Later in the month, Lance sheds into a full AU of himself where he isn't human, but a highly advanced Android that didn't know he was an Android until very recently. Many things in his life are the same, and he remembers Deerington, but through the perspective of an Android Lance with slight differences to his background and certain edits to what he experienced. From his perspective, he's just returned from a big "canon update" where he discovered what he is and is understandably shook.

He can be found overcompensating as he walks through the streets of Trench or enters various venues to shop, shooting finger guns at every person he sees. This is normal, he's normal, he's totally a person and not a thing with no soul. But the mechanism that keeps his head attached to his body is disrupted after he recently tested taking it off and promptly freaked the fuck out, he didn't put it back on entirely right, so all it takes is someone or something jostling him and- POP! His head comes off and rolls up to your feet.

He looks up at you from the ground looking like he's barely keeping his shit together and trying not to freak out as he blinks and then laugh so nervously and through a tight anxious throat, that he chokes on it.]

Hey, l-looks like I lost my head a second there...

v. (closed) [Vary late in the month, Lance is a merboy! He sheds to the form in the night, and all his memories are shifted slightly, he doesn't know where he is and believes belongs with Mariana ever since arriving in Trench. In his version of history, many things are the same, except that he had his DNA messed with on an ocean planet and gained the ability to turn into a mer. He struggled with the feral nature of that side for a long time and coming to Trench, steeped in blood pollution caused him to perma shift into the merman state and heavily bond with the Ocean. Naturally, this was startling and scary to him to wake up in a strange place and he started freaking the fuck out when woken.]

vi. [After merboy Lance is brought back to Mariana, he is actually quite happy to talk to people who come by the docks, he'll pop up out of the water and grin with all sharp teeth and flirt, Mariana sometimes assisting him further out of the water by lifting water with him in a cone. But his flirting is sometimes meant to lure in victims... yes, he's one of those siren types of merpeople. Sometimes, he's harmlessly interacting and interested in having some fun, others... he's hunting.

If he's not directly targeting you on the docks, you can catch him in the middle of luring a poor sailor out of their boat and into the water with him. If you call out to interrupt, he'll look over at you with a death glare and his hands fisted in the person's shirt as he's in the process of pulling them in.]

Ohoho you better not be interrupting us right now. Can't you see we're having a moment??

UNSNAKELY

vii. [Lance has taken a liking to Madam Generosity as she slithers through the streets. He feels comforted by her and talks to her as she goes, running to try nad keep up. Then, it doesn't take long before he's just riding on her back every now and again throughout the month, no matter what form he's taken or what memories he has (excluding merboy). Catch him lounging on his back with his hands up and pillowing the back of his head and ankles crossed like he's on the beach, definitely flirting with the giant snake.]

So, how's your day going, beautiful? Heading anywhere interesting?

viii. [Because of his affection for Madam Generosity, he does fall into the unsnakely's traps more than once and in multiple shedded forms (all but merboy). And unfortunately, his star powers are still not working correctly, even after he's shedded, and in some forms he has no powers at all, so when he follows the trail to find the snake of his heart, he's not the most prepared for when a giant fiery beast emerges to attack.]

AHHHH!

[Immediately, he leaps out of the way of a fiery attack and covers his head protectively. Then he hops up and looks around for any assistance or weapons or ideas. Regardless, he's taking a stance and rolling up his sleeves.]

Alright, let's do this.

[And if he's in a body that has powers and/or combat training (regardless of their functionality), he'll stand his ground. If he's his younger, early canon self or his catboy self, he'll immediately run for his life after saying that.]

WINTER MOURNINGS

ix. [Possible memories from Deerington open in the thick of a jungle where many of them were forced to battle each other much like in the Hunger Games. This is where he ate a man, killed his friend Moira and where Reaper tortured him to death in revenge and he'll look around at the place they end up, look at you, then at the area again...] Nope. Bye.

[And with that he turns to walk away into the jungle. And if it's not the jungle you found yourself in, it's the streets of Deerington during darker periods such as October's blood filled streets or something that looks more benign and normal but definitely isn't. He'll have no idea what is about to happen and that makes him fidgety. He looks around uneasily and then his hands come up to his head.] Maaan, this could be anything!

x. [The experience begins in his memory and the first thing you see is the inside of a very futuristic space ship, fighter cockpit, or you're in the back seat of a land rover on earth. These possible memories are from his time back home and they have him sighing next to you heavily with a note of "oh this again" on his breath.] Well, let's strap in, this'll be over soon.

WILDCARD

( Want to combine old Winter Mourning Prompts with current events? Want to add a lockjoint element to one of these prompts? Or just wanna come up with something completely unique? Hit me with anything your heart desires. Current Event and last month's event prompts are largely flexible with each AU form as well, if you want a specific AU form for a prompt that doesn't specify which one/leaves it open, just let me know in the subject line. If you'd like to plot, I would be more than happy to! Contact me on my plotting comment where I detail all my ideas so far, at spypigeon or on discord at charley#8222! )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ah, a round about way of saying being generous and kind to others is more important. His smile spreads a little wider for a moment making him look years younger. Then his expression smoothes out. He is the young lord Ragnvindr of Mondstadt and despite his clothes he looks regal. Like a king not wearing their crown.]

A reason you choose this season to move, prehaps? This is the time when most could use the paths offered to better times. And be inspired to that kindness for their fellows, until all the snow is clear and the urge to respond with kindness over violence is buried into our bones.

[A time he longs for with all of his being. He is a weapon borne and bred, hammered into the shape he is. But he longs to let his edges grow dull because others would be safe. Growing up in peace.]

[Madam Generosity hums with a little twinkle in her eye.] Perhaps. You may be on to something Sir Knight.

[Her answers is approving, but leave room for someone to find their way to their own conclusions. Why, is not clear, but there is the sense that it is all from a place of kind intentions.

Lance is scribbling in a notebook and finishes taking down some added thoughts of his own and then puts the book back in his pocket. He then moves to sit up straighter, with his legs folded like a pretzel and looks over at Diluc. It may come to his attention that Lance is still moving like he's injured.]

So where are you off to?

[He smiles a bit, sharing the moment with the Madame Snake. He has questions and needs answers but that right now can wait. Because-]

No where. I finished up work and chose to take the rest of the day off. [Lance is a paleblood and the need to keep going and be honest tugs on him. It’s Lance and he trusts him so he doesn’t resist.]

I’m learning to take better care of myself. It’s a process and I thought I’d take up things I used to dream I had time for. I haven’t had time for hobbies or idle pursuits my entire life.

[Well that isn't what Lance expected to hear, his expression shows it. But then the surprised look gives way to a crooked smile.]

Hey, good for you, man. What sorts of hobbies are you gonna pick up?

The lyre and riding, two things required of me for my education to be complete but…I couldn’t pursue them when I was training to be a knight. [Diluc says easily as he tucks a lock of hair behind his ear.]

There is some kind of horse in the woods that keeps staring at me when I’m out on patrol. Always at a distance. I’m going to challenge it once I read up enough on what is going on there. As for the Lyre…music is one of the things Mondstadt holds dear.

When I play, I’m a little closer to home.

Man, someone was raised fancy. Who plays the lyre? Rich people, that's who. [He's grinning and messing around, of course. Not really making fun of Diluc's hobbies or anything. Not at all.] You do you, though. Let me know if the lyre sounds any good with a guitar and we can jam sometime.

And I've seen those things too on hunting duty. Why would you challenge it though? Is it looking at you funny or something?

Yes it is. I get the feeling it wants me to confront it. [Diluc tips his head back then forward and relaxes.]

And I was, but the lyre is what Barbatos, our Archon played many many times during pivotal moments in history. It’s quite common. However, I’ve never heard of a guitar. Could you show me sometime? [He looks at him, a spark of amusement in his eye. He’s messing around too.]

[Lance gives him a flat look.] Uh, you know just because it seems like someone or something wants to fight you doesn't mean you should, right?

[Did Madam Generosity just chuckle a little? Hard to say, there's a stiff wind going through the street right now. But then Lance is gaping at him.]

Dude, you've never heard of a guitar! The heck is wrong with your world?! Forget sometime, I'm showing you now. [Yes, he's moving to get up off of the snake and onto the rump of Diluc's horse… might want to stop him.]

I’ll remind you of that next time something shows you their bloody teeth when they look at you.

[Diluc says as he shifts in the saddle and helps Lance up onto the horse. The shivering horse is a little harder to do that kind of adjustment on but Diluc grew up with horses. It’s just an adjustment of math.]

If something shows me its bloody teeth, I run in the other direction, genius.

[Lance also has plenty of experience with horses and the transfer is rather smooth. He waves to Madame Generosity.]

Thanks for the ride! I gotta go be generous to this poor guy who's never seen or heard a guitar, now.

[She laughs pleasantly and musical.] It seems you do.

It is possible I've seen them before. But I haven't focused on music for years now. [The sword. The winery. He had so many things that had crowded his head instead.]

As for bloody teeth. I doubt she's going to try to bite me again. [Again?]

Yeah well, head over to my place and I'll give you a crash course in the best music my world has to offer from one of the best performers it has to offer.

[He says loftily and then bends at the waist with a raised brow to look at Diluc's face from where he's seated behind him.]

Again?

She charged at me while I was out on patrol. I dodged and caught her head, told her I wasn't dealing with antics. She's been stalking me ever since.

[He says as he steers his horse to take the route to Lance's place. He can't comment on best performers, he thinks. The best his city has is their own god.]

Well, it kinda sounds like you two deserve each other.

[He says flatly as he settles his hands on Diluc's waist rather naturally since he's done this before with his family members.]

Because I didn’t put up with her shenanigans? [He knows exactly what Lance means by that. Diluc guides the horse without a problem. He used to ride with others from time to time as a boy.]

'Cause you both got hot heads and you're too stubborn to back down.

[He shrugs. Sure Diluc is calm and collected as far as Lance has seen, but there's different degrees and flavors to hotheaded nonsense. Grabbing the head of a murder unicorn and putting it in its place is hotheaded in Lance's opinion. It sounds like some dumb shit Keith would do and that makes him twitchy.]

I offered her no violence. [He points out as his horse approaches Lance’s place.]

I won’t argue against stubbornness. [Especially not when it’s something that’s been said about him for years.] Is it hot headed to stop a violence act and offer words instead of what they want? I never intended her harm. I wanted to know if she understood me enough to stop when told to.

[Lance heaves a breath and shakes his head.] Dude, she's an animal, they act violent for all sorts of reasons. Most people would've thought 'hey, I'm in its territory, better just leave' but nope, you grabbed the thing's head and practically challenged it. I call that hot headed.

[As they approach the house, which is in the north east corner of Cellar Door, Diluc will note that it's right next to what looks like a 20th century style barn/stable. The house itself is victorian four story town house and rough looking, but they're doing repairs.]

That is not always the case at home. [He says as he slows the horse and studies the place. The repairs tick themselves away in a list inside his head. The stable barn is suitable and decent.

Dellingr appears to his right and flies towards it, the size of a falcon. The dragon omen’s favorite size and he has a feeling he knows why.] Do you live alone?

Great. Another talking animal place.

[He surmises in a flat tone. Then he slides off of the rump of Diluc's horse and with practiced ease, goes to take its reigns and lead it to the barn. As he's opening the doors, he answers.]

Not anymore. My best friend Hunk lives with me, and we've got a friend staying a while. Not to mention all the animals.

[Most of whom are visible once the doors are opened. There's four horses in the stalls and a cow in another. There's also vacant stalls and another door on the other side that's opened leading to an open lot with a covered area. Part of the horse-sized Red Lion can be spotted under the covered area.]

No, they could be gods or spirits. Or even demons.

[Diluc says as he internally notes the glimpse of a metal cat while following Lance towards the barn.]

Or illusions by an Abyss Mage. They like to lure others into an ambush or an asssault. But if you challenge their magic directly they are often thrown off guard. [He lightly pats the horse’s shoulder and takes his gloves off. He stuffs them into his pocket.]

Buuuut they talk.

[Sort of a question, seeking confirmation that supports his original point. Then he snorts as he gestures to an open stall Diluc can store his horse in and opens it.]

So you thought it was an Abyss Mage?

No. And no, they don’t always talk and their ghosts or what’s left of their essence can linger in a malevolent fashion.

There were familiar patterns and I acted accordingly when the horse attacked. [Diluc leads the horse in and looks for what he needs to tend to the horse. A good brush down always makes a horse relax a little.]

[Lance goes over to a little cabinet on the wall outside the stalls and comes back with grooming supplies. He tosses a brush to Diluc after closing the door behind him. Then he gets a more comfortable halter harness attached to a rope, then smoothly pulls off the bridle and replaces it with the harness.]

Well, I guess in that case, it makes sense… so where's you get this guy?

A trade with a client. I’ve been learning from the blacksmiths. I make custom weapons as well as armor and that includes laying enchantments in them.

[He catches the brush and sets to giving the horse the brushing they need. He pets their nose and whispers soft soothing words before he continues.]

They needed a squad worth of equipment and I needed a mount for my own patrols. It worked out well since they had a spare horse.

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