October Intro: Aftermath Mingle

[lifeaftr_mods]

Who: All!
What: Now that you've all committed monkey genocide, it's time to clean up and go home.
When: Evening of the intro log- and onwards!
Where: The Monkey Compound, Islets, etc.
Warnings: Mark as you go!


Congratulations on effectively reversing the tables, adventurers. As the hunted become the hunters, the remaining simians begin to retreat into the jungle, disappearing from sight as the drumming dies down, before extinguishing entirely.

It appears that you have won.

Now it's time to clean up.

Those still in the Monkey Compound may wish to begin scavenging what they can, from multiple coconut guns to rudimentary spears. There's a flock of Bludroc happy to be herded to a new home, several stashes of fresh fruit to be found... and a rather large iron pot, for the particularly bold.

Others may be more concerned with returning to the islets and securing the personal belongings that were left behind. There are new people to settle in, as well; and undoubtedly, a few injuries yet to be healed.

Reunite, rejoice, recover. And perhaps, should you see the Storyteller about- ask a few questions.

Comments

B. Lay of the Land (Or: Tataru Discoveres a Sleepy Iggy)

[shatteredlenses]

[When Ignis finally makes it back to the islets, he's exhausted. It's the first time he's felt this way since arriving and the pain behind his eyes reminds him that only a few short months ago he was gravely injured. He probably shouldn't have pushed himself so hard today.

Never mind. It's not like he's ever let being tired or in pain stop him before. Still, instead of making his way back into the cottage he, Noctis and Prompto call home, he settles down in front of it, leaning against one of the ruined walls letting the coolness of the stones seep into him through his shirt. He'll not admit that he's starting to doze when he hears a small familiar voice, but the slight grogginess that remains in his tone when he speaks will probably give that away. Ignis sounds a far cry from the certain and energetic individual Tataru met in the dream world.]

Hello there, my dear. It's good to hear your voice again. Are you all right?

[alittleditty]

Well enough, considering the circumstances, though it looks like not all of us fared as well.

[That's her polite way of telling him he looks like he's been through hell.]

I suppose I should have realized you'd be here too, after seeing that Hyurean child

[She's referring to Chip, whom she'd also met on that dreamlike island she vaguely remembers seeing him at.]

[shatteredlenses]

[Ignis is about to ask her what exactly she means, because "Of course, he fared just fine. He's back here at the islands in one piece, isn't he?" when the sound of squawking fills the air, and the three Bludrocs he brought back to the islet with him appear around the corner of the house, putting themselves directly between Tataru and himself. Two of them fluff up their feathers as if they are trying to somehow be scary, while the other one gently nudges the hand Ignis has resting on his leg.

Well, it's not every day one gets to see a mother hen being...mother henned. Fear the blue puffs of doom...or something.

A small, amused huff slips from Ignis' mouth as he reaches out runs his hand over the head of the Bludroc demanding his attention.]

Goodness, you show an animal a little kindness and they adopt you. It seems they see you as a threat somehow, my dear. You have my apologies.

[alittleditty]

[She does flinch back a bit when the Bludrocs first started fluffing themselves up. Still, they don't do anything more than that, and Ignis doesn't seem to be concerned they might attack, or anything of that sort.]

Well, so long as they're not intending to eat anyone. We've had quite enough of that today.

[Best way to convince everyone you're absolutely fine: joke about things.]

I don't believe we ever introduced ourselves. I'm Tataru.

[shatteredlenses]

[The best way to convince everyone you're okay definitely to joke about it. Ignis couldn't agree more.]

Unless you're a bug or a berry, I'm certain trying to eat you is the farthest thing from their minds. Unlike some monkeys I could name.

[Really, how rude was that?]

My name is Ignis. It's a pleasure to properly meet you, Tataru. Have you had a chance to consider where you are going to call home? There is quite the selection of run down housing around here. Guaranteed to let the rain in, but think of them as worn in, not worn out. They are merely under-the-weather while you are under the weather.

[alittleditty]

[Okay, that was terrible. Enough to make her chortle, definitely. Ignis seems to like wordplay as much as Thancred, or at least as much as Thancred used to.a]

I admit that I have not, yet. I'm still looking around to see what's available, and what might be needed.

[Here is someone absolutely determined to carry her own weight around here.]

[shatteredlenses]

[Ah, someone who knows the value of a good pun. Or at least, someone who is willing to humor him. Ignis appreciates that.]

If I didn't want to make you suffer the pain of living with three twenty-something males, I would offer the extra space in our cottage, but I would not do that to such a new friend.

[Besides, it's entirely possible Noctis will ask Lady Lunafreya to join them.]

I know there is a very pleasant young lady by the name of Terra who had room in her shack the last I spoke to her. She's nearby, as is a friend of mine by the name of Nyx Ulric.

[He's not going to torture her by suggesting the empty slot in the Glaive's place either.]

I know there are several other shelters on this islet, though I'm not certain who may live in them. Wherever you chose to settle, I'm sure your industrious nature will come in quite handy.

[alittleditty]

[This whole thing is endearing in it's own way, though she feels the need to assert that she's not totally helpless or fragile or what have you. She's felt enough of that today, thank you very much.]

You flatter me, Ser Ignis. But I'll have you know I've been around quite the number of males of late, some of them quite ill-mannered indeed. You meet all sorts at the Forgotten Knight.

[Which is to say, a bar. The "Ser" might have been a bit over-the-top, but after waitressing for some odd months at the Forgotten Knight, it's also habit. Her tone softens a bit.]

That being said, I'm still investigating the area at the moment. I will keep your words in mind, however.

[shatteredlenses]

[Ignis cants his head slightly, suddenly confused at her shift in tone. Has he said something to upset her? He only wishes to help in what little way he can. It's something he would do for anyone no matter who they were.

Okay, so maybe he'd have to be talked into doing it for Ardyn, but Ardyn is a unique case, thank the Astrals.]

Please, just call me 'Ignis.' There's no need to apply a title.

[This is the safest thing at the moment, so he's just going to focus on it first. 'The Forgotten Knight' sounds very much like the name of a bar or club, but before Ignis lets himself worry about that, he needs to clear up whatever misstep he's made.]

I'm not certain how my offer of help upset you, but it seems it has. Please accept my apologies. I meant no offense.

[alittleditty]

[It's her turn to be puzzled.]

I'm hardly offended, Ignis. Simply confirming that I'm more than willing and able to leave my options open, in many respects.

[It wasn't as big an issue in Ul'dah, but in places like Ishgard, there were plenty of ways in which a Lalafell might be underestimated.

Not that she really wants to intrude on the home that Ignis appears to have built with his friends. It's true that she'll probably prefer a house with company, but she needn't make a choice right away.]

I do appreciate the aid you've given me thus far, just as I'll likely appreciate any other information you can give about the area.

[She'd been planning to ask in all honesty.]

[shatteredlenses]

Oh...

[Ignis' face suddenly flushes lightly in embarrassment.]

Then, you must allow me to apologize for a different reason. It seems I overreacted to the shift in your tone and the sudden title. I must be more weary than I thought.

[As if trying to comfort him, the three Bludrocs suddenly decide as one to crawl into his lap. There is much undignified shuffling and squawking before they finally settle. At least it all draws a tired smile to Ignis' face.]

As if I need more children to care for...

[He looks down at them fondly for a few moments before turning his attention fully back to Tataru.]

You mentioned before finding out what kind of skills we still need around here. To be honest, we need so much you will probably find a niche faster if you just let people know what skills you already possess.

[alittleditty]

Well, I highly doubt there will be a need for receptionists or coincounters or waitresses anytime soon, based on the state of things.

[Hopefully he'll recognize the faint undercurrent of teasing this time.]

Though I'm fairly certain I have a few ideas that might work. Possibly including animal husbandry?

[Now she's definitely teasing.]

[shatteredlenses]

[Since misjudging her intent has already gotten him into 'trouble' once, Ignis makes himself relax so he doesn't read too far into her words. Interestingly enough, doing so makes it easier for him to pick up on the joke. In fact, he laughs at her second statement, even if the sound is so soft it's almost silent.]

It may surprise you to know, I'll be the least helpful person in that regard, current circumstances not withstanding.

[Current circumstances being, of course, the lap full of birds he seems to possess.]

Both Noctis and Prompto are more attuned to animals than I will ever be. Why, we even call Prompto a 'chocobo' from time to time.