realmofstories | open. Full moon is risin'

Entry tags:

open. Full moon is risin'

Characters: Velvet Crowe [Big Bad Wolf, Red Riding Hood]
Campaign: July-ish Break
Format: [ brackets ]
Open [Closed sections for Rokurou and Eizen]
Summary: A wolf has returned and wanders around to check how things may have changed - or perhaps how they haven't.

A - No use in hidin'

[ Once again Velvet finds herself in a different world, the same one as before. That much is obvious as she can just feel the wolf ears perched on the top of her head brushing against the hood of her cloak. Her tail is hidden in the massive blackness that is her hair so she isn't particularly worried about it being seen. Before her stands the Index, an odd mix of buildings that could only come from a fairytale. She sighs heavily but with resignation, checks her gear to ensure that the blade she had picked up last time is still with her before taking a step forward. ]

Time to go see what's changed, if anything.

B - Oh, you're never gonna find escape

[ Seeing as how her journal, medallion and key all appear to be the same Velvet doesn't bother searching for her house here. Even though she knows she's been gone at least a few months, chances are the stone building will be in the same place. It may even be dust-free. Or that could just be her hopeful thinking. As much as the daemon-turned-wolf enjoyed a good cleaning, Velvet isn't up for it at the moment. Tonight she'll either rough it out in the woods (it wouldn't be the first time), or crash at someone else's place if her own magically granted house is dirty.

What she can't ignore is the unending hunger that haunts her even here. Was it too much to ask that her bottomless pit of a stomach didn't transfer over into this new world? Apparently.

Rather than pay for a meal in town, Velvet heads out to the woods to do her own hunting. Not as a wolf because that's a bit dangerous to do without knowing who's around hunting them at this point. She has plenty of experience hunting as a regular human so it doesn't take long for her to catch a meal, skin it and start a fire to cook it over.

Should anyone happen upon her at her campsite, they'll find Velvet cleaning the blood from her blade as she sits by the fire. To most it may appear that a whole wild pig on the spit would be more than enough to feed a single person. Truthfully, she could eat that and more without ever feeling sastifyingly full.

All the same Velvet will gesture to a fallen log on the opposite side of the fire. ]

Care for a bite?

C - When the wolves come out to play! [Closed to Rokurou & Eizen]

[ Eventually Velvet goes to seek out the two people who she knew had been here the last time she'd been in this world. Her feet remember the way to their homes (or where their homes used to be, if they'd left) - not that the wolf gets lost in the woods. The first stop is Eizen's. His house appears in the trees and a small part in her eases a bit. Hopefully the man is still actually here and the house wasn't simply left to stand after his departure. Upon getting close, Velvet steps up to the door where she lifts a hand to knock loudly. ]

I'm giving it to the count of ten before I let myself in. [ It certainly smells as though Eizen has been in the structure recently. Whether he's actually home right now is a different story. ]

_________________________________

[ Visiting Rokurou's cabin is potentially more dangerous so Velvet is on-guard long before moving anywhere in his direction. Last time he'd attacked simply because there was a wolf nearby and she'd be pissed if he managed to accidentally hurt her because the damn Huntsman sensed danger. Chances are good that Rokurou will know when she enters his territory (or he comes home - whichever it may be) so Velvet doesn't bother heading to the front door. Instead she chooses to drop into one of the chairs on his porch and wait for him to come to her. Velvet doesn't even need to look to know when a familiar presence makes an appearance. ]

Hopefully you're still ridiculously stocked up on meat or I might attempt to eat you instead. [ Having had "dinner" earlier means nothing to this bottomless pit of a wolf. ]

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[He just continues to give her a bit of a dry look as he watches her leave, but it's not until she's left and inside that he remembers he forgot to tell her about Musashi.

...Eh, he'll probably still have time if the swordswoman doesn't appear before.

It'll be another half hour before he's finally finished carving, chopping, and skinning the boar. Like a true Huntsman, nothing is left to waste, and like a true swordsman, Rokurou is actually meticulous in how he takes care of things, making sure everything is properly wrapped, cleaned, and wiped down. Once everything is finished and he's at least washed off his arms, he grabs his things and heads inside.]

Gonna wash up a bit and change. Need anything?

[ That look doesn't faze her at all. And it appears that his house is empty when she steps inside.

By the time Rokurou comes in, it's definitely smelling pretty good while Velvet seems to have made herself at home in his kitchen. She's put aside her cloak to prevent it from getting dirty or in the way which leaves her extra appendages fairly visible. That tail is slowly sweeping side-to-side and he may catch her humming quietly.

Though the song doesn't last long as her fuzzy ears turn back at the sound of the door opening and closing, but she doesn't turn to look at him. If he looks carefully, he may see Velvet's face is slightly flushed at the idea of being overhead. Gold eyes remain fixed on the food as she puts the meat on to cook now that he's done. ]

I'm fine. This will be ready by the time you're finished.

[Rokurou actually has to stop as he passes because—well. He kind of forgot that Velvet had the ears and tail now. "Kind of" in the sense that he noticed them even from the cloak and faint memory of their existence, but it had been a while since he saw them in full view like this.

So. Don't mind him as he ~~checks her out~~ stares at them for a little bit. (In truth he really is focused on the ears and the tail.) Might be a good thing that she has her back to him.]

...All right.

[But there may be a faint smirk because yes, he did hear that humming and catch that tail swishing; and yes, he did see that bit of flush on her cheeks. So as he walks out he adds—]

Don't mind me, I won't be able to hear anything where I'll be.

[ She can feel those eyes on her for longer than necessary, which Velvet is sort of used to considering her choice of outfit back home. Yet she can't tell if he's taking in the changes to her physical form or something else. For now Velvet will ignore it.

Rokurou should be aware that she has plenty of knives at hand considering it is his kitchen and that she won't hesitate to use them if necessary. (Or just because.)

There's a quiet sound of affirmative at first but then she bristles. Literally. Especially the fur. Then Velvet is whipping around throw the first thing she can get her hand on at him. Which just so happens to be a spoon. ]

You didn't here anything at all. [ Yep, her face is absolutely bright red. And a bit angry. Or embarrassed. Mostly the second one considering Rokurou knows exactly what she looks like when pissed. ]

[He is well aware that he is walking on dangerous waters—waters he doesn't necessarily mind especially from Velvet. He's used to it. But he's not used to seeing her embarrassed like that, so he can't help but tease a little.

So he definitely expects something to come flying his way, and seeing that it's a spoon he just laughs and catches it, twirling it between his fingers as he just continues to smirk.]

Sure, sure—nothing at all.

[And he just tosses the spoon back to her, still smirking before he disappears from the kitchen...and humming the bits of tune he managed to hear.]

[ Here's hoping that he realizes that she'll be staying the night and therefore within range should Velvet decide he needs to die before he can tell anyone. Sleep with one eye open and a short sword in hand, Rokurou.

She's also in charge of the food so poisoning him wouldn't be too difficult either. The glare in her eyes may appear to debate this option briefly.

Velvet says nothing and merely grabs the spoon out of the air, gripping it tight. Which bends in her hand when he leaves the room humming the same song. No, she won't fix it.

As promised the food will be done by the time he gets back, Velvet already sitting at the table with her own plate. Rokurou left to fend for himself. ]

[Oh yes, he knows he's not only treading dangerously, he just dove right into it the shark infested waters that was potentially Velvet's wrath. The fact that they're opposing essences probably doesn't help, either. Back when they were traveling he probably would have been more careful, but after the time spent apart and things different for both of them, messing her just seems a lot more fun.

Dangerous.

But fun.

He doesn't take too long to wash up and change, and he's not surprised to find Velvet already dished up and him needing to get his own food. Granted, he wouldn't have expected any different even if she was in a good mood. But he can't help but smirk a little as he looks over the cooked meal.]

Should I be worried?

[A joke as he dishes up, anyway. Despite however long she was gone, it does look pretty good. Better than what he could make (even if time has allowed for some improvements).]

[ Their relationship is different now. She has to adjust to that all over again and while Velvet absolutely expects him to point a sword in her direction, it also means Rokurou is not just a guy who owes her some debt. That he is technically a friend and the dynamic has shifted. Not simply because of their essences.

Velvet teased him earlier about being a princess and now he's doing the same in return. Except it's been a long time since someone (who wasn't an annoying witch) has teased her to this extent.

And managed to get under her skin so much. ]

When I kill you, it'll be with a sharp object - not food. That would be a waste.

[ She's calmer now. Mostly. Just the faintest trace of a flush to her face still lingers. And of course the food is delicious, Velvet can sort of taste it again. ]

[He chuckles at that.]

You know my preferences so well. [Yes, another tease.] Just make it fun and surprising.

[After filling his plate he stops by another cabinet, pulling out...let's go with some beer.]

Want a drink? You are old enough for it now, aren't you?

[ Hrmph. ]

No one said it'd be in a fight. [ Because she does know his preferences. ] I wouldn't want you death to be pleasant for you.

[ Velvet has no idea how old she technically is but Eizen did serve alcohol at the friend dinner they had when she was last here. So have a shrug. ]

Does it matter at this point how old I am? [ It was her hang-up and now it isn't. ] Bring over whatever.

That's assuming you get that far. You know I wouldn't make it that easy for you.

[He takes a moment before he picks out a beer for her as well—usually goes well with boar meat, anyway—and then after uncapping them just saunters over to the table. He sets the bottle down for her before taking his seat across.]

But are you really that embarrassed about humming a song? I thought it was nice.

[And...not very Velvet, but whatever. Wasn't a bad thing in his opinion.]

Just be sure to sleep with one eye open from now on. Especially if anyone else finds out.

[ As Velvet won't be making the mistake of humming while cooking again. Or not while other people might be nearby. What she does in the privacy of her own home -- that's a different story.

She's quiet as she pushes some of the food around on her plate. ]

I haven't done it in a while.

[ Meaning: since Aball. ]

Haha, got it.

[Said in a way that he clearly isn't taking it the threat too seriously. But who would he tell, anyway?

He watches her push her food around, and while he feels a little bad for kind of ruining what could have been a more fun and happy dinner (at least by their standards), he's also studying her a bit.]

So? [And now starting to work on his food, slicing up some pieces of boar.] Nothing wrong with starting again.

[Does he mean just the humming? Up to her to decide.]

[ Technically he could tell Eizen but then she really would have to kill him, then Eizen - which would leave her without any friends. But hey, no one would know.

Luckily, Velvet doesn't let it deter her from eating for too long. More than anything, she's embarrassed which simply makes her a bit defensive. Talking about Laphi... it isn't as painful as it used to be. ]

Maybe. When I feel like it. [ Once such things wouldn't have gotten to her but Rokurou knows a different side of her. Or one that was much more hidden beneath the turmoil that was her negative emotions.

She is still that person, just not completely. ] Sometime I'll make Celica's quiche for you and Eizen.

[He'll take that as a positive answer and grin a bit.]

Celica's your sister, right?

[And nom—

His eyes will widen a bit in surprise because dude—]

Whoa, this is really good, Velvet! I mean I had your cooking before last time you were here, but still.

[He can appreciate good food, okay?]

[ A nod of her head. ]

You saw her when we were in the earthpulse, we look alike. [ Black hair, gold eyes - different from Laphi. ] Everyone in Aball knew how good her quiches were and she taught me to make them.

[ Talking about Celica is easy, Velvet's been without her sister for years and Seres was... a different person in some ways.

It's nice that her cooking can get that reaction. ]

Glad to know I haven't forgotten everything about cooking since becoming a daemon. Next time I'll make prickleboar stew... with a substitute of wild boar.

[ Cooking for herself is one thing, but seeing the look it puts on someone else's face is always far better. ]

[Rokurou has to think for a moment—had been at least a year or so for him and it had been just the one time, after all. But he recalls the moment and taps his fork against his chin.]

Aah, yeah I remember now. [As...well as other things, but let's not ruin dinner with that. Or, well, ruin it anymore than he had already in the beginning.]

Well if her quiches are good, then I'm sure yours will be better. And I have plenty of boar leftover, so you can try it whenever, even tomorrow.

[Rokurou looks way too happy at the prospect of more of Velvet's cooking.]

[ She doesn't say anything while he tries to remember those memories, it has been a while for him and they were more likely more focused on the fact that Velvet was losing her mind. ]

No, hers were always the best. [ Then again, that is just her opinion so... ]

Is this your way of getting me to cook for you again?

[ Not that she's really protesting. Cooking again is nice. Cooking for someone else is better. ]

Would you object if I said yes?

[Just a playful, teasing grin before he wolfs down another forkful. He may not need to eat but all that hunting and work still made for an appetite, especially in this place now.]

Though—[Said between bites.]—I've had some time to brush up on my own culinary skills, you know. Missed a fun barbecue party we threw earlier. I think my ribs and steaks are the best you'll ever have.

[Which is actually fitting because. Wolf.]

Edited 2019-07-09 05:20 (UTC)

I suppose not. Cooking for one is more difficult than cooking for a group.

[ Well, it was before she became a bottomless pit and always had too much left over. Now Velvet could cook for six and likely eat all of it at one time. ]

Were I normal, this is where I'd say that none of you were terrible cooks before but considering I couldn't taste it then that might be a lie. It could have tasted like ash and I still wouldn't have known.

[ Truth. Velvet can't compare the group's cooking to before. ]

If I'd been here for your barbecue, you would have had to double up on the meat so perhaps it's good that I missed that.

[ Part of wonders if she could literally eat Rokurou the Huntsman out of house and home. ]

[He just laughs at that.]

Haha, maybe. But you know how I hunt, that wouldn't have been a problem.

[Given how he usually has enough excess and leftovers—it's true. Although part of it is on purpose so that others can take from the haul, like Kotori. Still, the irony of the Huntsman basically feeding the Big Bad Wolf.]

Oh, but I almost forgot. Might not just be for one person if you do it here. I have a kind of live-in neighbor—Musashi.

She lives in the yard, so you might see her later.

[ A soft chuckle. ]

With the way you hunt, I'm surprised there are any animals left in the woods at all.

[ Now that she's back, Velvet may take a portion of that haul (and cook it for the both of them in return) but hunting is something she knew how to do before ever meeting him. Hey, if the Huntsman feeds the Big Bad Wolf it means less chance of that wolf eating a person. ]

Cooking for three or four isn't a problem. [ Counting Eizen in there too. ]

Why do you have someone living in your yard?

Edited 2019-07-09 06:53 (UTC)

[Please make Eizen food he literally has nothing except maybe an orange and fish.]

Her house is tiny. ...Hope you didn't step on it maybe I should make a sign...

But she fights similar to me and I have a new training room like the dojos back home. Just appeared after we finished that Kaguya story. [Small shrug.] Anyway, because her house is so small and she was having issues with it being in harm's way, I offered her a place here. Makes it easy for us to train and spar together.

[He's such a good twin.]

Edited 2019-07-09 07:01 (UTC)

[ Oh she will and she will always have enough for the both of them should they ever drop by unannounced. ]

Is she tiny? Do I need to worry about accidentally stepping on her?

[ Should Velvet check her shoes just in case she's already stepped on this person? ]

Hm, you must have been pretty excited to find someone here you could train with regularly.

Nah, it's just her Essence's ability. Can shrink others, too, and man is it weird.

[Speaking from experience. But now he's going to get a bit animated.]

But it's actually kind of cool. Turns out that we have similar cultural heritage. She's from Japan, my ancestors from Japon, and though the dialect is a little different, we can talk and understand our native language.

[So...yeah he's kind of excited about his twin from another world.]

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