[V hardly looks like the sort who can fight, given his lanky frame. The cane he carries and often leans upon when he's standing, gripped tight, perhaps only adds to this notion. He looks like a man of weak constitution, pale and weary, and this isn’t necessarily an incorrect first impression. And yet fighting has always been a critical part of his experiences. Formative, one might say. Even in this body, he had done little more than fight tooth and claw until he was literally on the verge of falling apart.
Granted, his state is a little less… dramatic here (he's even dressed a bit more "normally"), despite the unexpected turn of events. But there is no harm in being prepared, though V is already dubious about the weapons rack before him. The weapons housed there are large and too hefty. Unwieldy for a man like him.
But for someone else here? Maybe not so much. He casts his gaze over to a nearby young woman, and says—]
And which of these do you think you could wield the best?
[ Juniper, for her part, might not look at first glance like the type to get into fights, either. She certainly has such a youthful energy about her, and a very sunny, bright disposition, and perhaps the fluffy leporine ears and tail add to that impression, too. And yet in a similar way, her life has been shaped by training and combat and adventuring... Perhaps not quite to the extent of nearly falling apart, but she's not exactly flimsy, either.
It's all the more apparent up-close, when in her casual wear, it's clear that she's toned and sports an athletic build.
She has been sort of blearily stumbling around Dodo, not having quite wrapped her little bunny brain around everything, but the sight of a training hall is most comforting. And especially the sight of large and hefty and unwieldy weapons.
To this stranger's question, she grins and hoists said greatsword off of the rack, easily testing out its weight and feel in her arms. ]
Hmm... I could do with this, honestly! Though... You don't see a greataxe around, do you?
[The ears and tail are unusual, for certain, but V holds stranger sights in his memories — not to mention his passing notice of individuals with equally odd features just on the way to the house. His eyes linger on her leporine-shaped ears for just a half second, before he offers her a barely-tilted grin.
She seems energetic, far more than he could often hope to be; not to mention she appears more suited to this training hall, or at least more capable of picking up these particularly massive weapons just hanging on their rack.]
A greataxe? I wonder. [But she’s so easily picking up that sword, and so maybe he shouldn’t be too surprised. V tucks his cane under his arm as he considers the weapons rack again — and yes, there it is. A very large axe.
He reaches out to grab it by its haft, but even a practice greataxe is heckin’ heavy. V staggers forward in a slight lurch with the weight of it, but at least he doesn’t topple over.]
[ Juniper is distracted looking for a greataxe in the entirely wrong place; she nearly misses when V finds one and then takes it upon himself to take it off of the rack, but the sound of his exertion certainly catches her attention. She practically bunny-hops over with the greatsword, one hand extended to take the greataxe off of his hands. ]
Oh, you didn't have to grab it for me, sir! But thank you!
[ ... Now she is standing with a greatsword in one hand and a greataxe in the other. ]
...I don't think I can dual-wield these.
[ And so with just a little bit of awkwardness she manages to get the greatsword back onto the rack, taking the place of the greataxe. ]
[How he adjusts after she removes the burden of the greataxe is hard to miss. He throws a foot back to catch his balance, then straightens, watching her hold both weapons in her hands as though it were easy.]
Maybe not, but...
[He takes his cane by the handle again, leaning on it as the tip clacks gently against the floor.]
The fact that you can wield even one is impressive in its own right. [He won't stop her from putting the greatsword back.] Something of a warrior, are you?
[ ... ]
Perhaps you'll indulge me with a favor if that's the case.
[ Juniper is certainly taking note of V's seemingly frail state, but she knows better than to make assumptions, knowing full well that someone's physical state doesn't equate to their being helpless. After all, where she's from, people with low Strength scores can wind up being powerful mages! She does wish she could have helped him with the axe, but it's all turned out alright, so she doesn't fuss over it further.
Besides, she is far too distracted by being called a warrior! Her posture straightens proudly at that, squaring her shoulders as a smile spreads on her lips. ]
I am. A warrior and an adventurer, really! Heh!
[ And as such, she is utterly intrigued by the mention of a favor. It this... a ✨ quest ✨ that she can take on!? ]
I'm at your service, sir! What can I help you with?!
[Warrior and adventurer. He’d say he knows the type, those who perk up at the mention of a challenge, but he hardly wants to give credit where it’s due when it comes to his recollection of certain people.
At any rate, it works out for him. During his short stint amid the tutorial, the necessity of being able to fend for oneself was more than apparent. And with him being reduced to this state again, well. He’s due for a bit of practice against someone who knows what they’re doing.
[Somehow—quite bafflingly, really—an impressive bouquet of flowers has been delivered either to your door, or already somewhere within your room. It’s a tall and overstuffed thing in its vase, brimming with gladiolus, hyacinth, and long stems of amaryllis, each blossom vibrant and contrasting against its neighbor.
With it comes a little personalized note that reads:]
A “thank you” for your assistance amid the treacherous slopes of Mount Cumulo. May these blossoms never wilt. (I was told that they won’t.)
[A more better personalized line follows:]
Have you considered getting a tattoo to match your adventurous nature? I'm thinking an axe.
[ Oh!? A bouquet, and it's not from her mom!? How fun! Speaking of her mother, she would surely know what these flowers mean, if they mean anything, but all Juniper really sees is pretty flowers, and of course the note that accompanies it. To which V will receive a response via their... what's it called again? Cell phones? ]
Dear V,
Thank you for the flowers! They're very pretty and smell great! I would be happy to accompany you on another quest any time!
A tattoo does seem like something adventurous and that an adventurer would definitely get one, doesn't it? I've never thought about it before, but now I am! An axe would be perfect!!
I think so. I was told it represents strength and victory.
[So, yes. Fitting!]
There are indoor climbing walls devoted to rock climbing. You don't need to look for an actual mountain. But you're a student, too? That should be interesting.
I'm not. I drew a little bit when I was younger, but it was nothing I thought to pursue. [Not when he could have pursued pOWER] Apparently my alternate self took a different route. So I'll be brushing up on those languishing skills again, whether I like it or not.
Haha! You could have given me a bouquet full of those because I'm so strong and victorious!
I've never been to any school before, so but it will be an adventure I hope! Have you been to school before? Do you have any advice?
[ the pursuit of pOWER, though, so true. ]
You could just find a different "job," couldn't you? Though I guess I thought you would be more excited about it, since you also have a lot of tattoos!
You are. Maybe next time, nothing but sword flowers.
I was home-schooled for a short while when I was younger. [And then everything fell apart. No need to get into that right.] But I never attended school in any real capacity. And my "other" self would probably give you advice along the lines of "do what makes you happy."
Oh, these aren't actually tattoos. They're a mark of my contract with my familiars.
I should probably at least give it a try, shouldn't I? Both of those things! Though honestly I'll probably be better at the rock-climbing thing than school!
Oh right... Wait, you have multiple? Not just Shadow? I want to meet the others!
[He'll give her all the tattoos she wants! ...When he's capable.]
Maybe you don't give yourself enough credit. But I do think you'd be very adept at rock climbing. I'd like to see it sometime; living vicariously through someone more vigorous than me.
I have three familiars in total. One is named Griffon, a large bird. The other is Nightmare. That one is shaped like a golem. Unfortunately, I can't summon them right now. This world has dampened our powers, and this includes barring access to those two.
[the funniest thing about these au memories is the way that buzen knows they're technically wrong, that they're false, but he's also a little too stupid to be able to catch himself before he acts on them -
sort of like now! when he sees juni out in the wild and immediately brightens up, raising his hand in greeting like they're old friends. because they are, aren't they? (wait.)]
Juni-chan! Yo! Wanna play bingo? I'm trying to catch up!
[ That makes two of them, because Juniper has somehow been managing to completely embrace the chaos of these false memories while also managing to be completely confused by them at all times. Her memory already isn't the best to begin with, so adding this veneer on top of everything... welp!
She whirls around like she's definitely used to hearing someone call her "Juni-chan," ears twitching atop her head. ]
Bubu! [ he's always had that nickname, wdym ] It's... you?
[ ??? ]
Wait, who are you!?
WHEN I NOTICED I LAUGHED incredible get use out of them
the combination of confusion and the weirdness of the situation at least gets buzen to laugh good-naturedly. when her ears give a little twitch, he just tilts his head in turn.]
Bubu, apparently?
[he accepts it so easily - but honestly he's always had a habit of shortening names too so why not! wow he gets a nickname too....]
[the absolutely giddy dumb energy here is very funny. but he's laughing.]
Let's do it then - what are you still looking for? Do you think we count as strangers for the telling a secret one? I'll guard yours with everything I've got if you'll trust me!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
OFFLINE WORLD, TRAINING HALL
Granted, his state is a little less… dramatic here (he's even dressed a bit more "normally"), despite the unexpected turn of events. But there is no harm in being prepared, though V is already dubious about the weapons rack before him. The weapons housed there are large and too hefty. Unwieldy for a man like him.
But for someone else here? Maybe not so much. He casts his gaze over to a nearby young woman, and says—]
And which of these do you think you could wield the best?
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It's all the more apparent up-close, when in her casual wear, it's clear that she's toned and sports an athletic build.
She has been sort of blearily stumbling around Dodo, not having quite wrapped her little bunny brain around everything, but the sight of a training hall is most comforting. And especially the sight of large and hefty and unwieldy weapons.
To this stranger's question, she grins and hoists said greatsword off of the rack, easily testing out its weight and feel in her arms. ]
Hmm... I could do with this, honestly! Though... You don't see a greataxe around, do you?
[ She probably just hasn't noticed. ]
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She seems energetic, far more than he could often hope to be; not to mention she appears more suited to this training hall, or at least more capable of picking up these particularly massive weapons just hanging on their rack.]
A greataxe? I wonder. [But she’s so easily picking up that sword, and so maybe he shouldn’t be too surprised. V tucks his cane under his arm as he considers the weapons rack again — and yes, there it is. A very large axe.
He reaches out to grab it by its haft, but even a practice greataxe is heckin’ heavy. V staggers forward in a slight lurch with the weight of it, but at least he doesn’t topple over.]
Ah… [h e a v y] Here you are.
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Oh, you didn't have to grab it for me, sir! But thank you!
[ ... Now she is standing with a greatsword in one hand and a greataxe in the other. ]
...I don't think I can dual-wield these.
[ And so with just a little bit of awkwardness she manages to get the greatsword back onto the rack, taking the place of the greataxe. ]
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Maybe not, but...
[He takes his cane by the handle again, leaning on it as the tip clacks gently against the floor.]
The fact that you can wield even one is impressive in its own right. [He won't stop her from putting the greatsword back.] Something of a warrior, are you?
[ ... ]
Perhaps you'll indulge me with a favor if that's the case.
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Besides, she is far too distracted by being called a warrior! Her posture straightens proudly at that, squaring her shoulders as a smile spreads on her lips. ]
I am. A warrior and an adventurer, really! Heh!
[ And as such, she is utterly intrigued by the mention of a favor. It this... a ✨ quest ✨ that she can take on!? ]
I'm at your service, sir! What can I help you with?!
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At any rate, it works out for him. During his short stint amid the tutorial, the necessity of being able to fend for oneself was more than apparent. And with him being reduced to this state again, well. He’s due for a bit of practice against someone who knows what they’re doing.
So, he raises his cane, waggling it at her idly.]
Fight me. Just for a few minutes.
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What if it's a super special fancy weapon!?
Duly intrigued now, it's only natural that she rise up to the challenge! She nods readily, her eyes brightening with the prospect of a spar. ]
Oh! I would love to spar, sir! I'm always looking for an opportunity to test my abilities!
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But he just grins a little wider, stepping back a few paces.]
You don't need to call me that. "Sir". I go by V.
[He supposes they should exchange names first, huh?]
And who might you be, intrepid adventurer? Before we begin.
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delivery; a day or two after their dungeon run
With it comes a little personalized note that reads:]
[A more better personalized line follows:]
-V
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Dear V,
Thank you for the flowers! They're very pretty and smell great! I would be happy to accompany you on another quest any time!
A tattoo does seem like something adventurous and that an adventurer would definitely get one, doesn't it? I've never thought about it before, but now I am! An axe would be perfect!!
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I'm glad you liked them. I thought they fittingly represented an adventuring party like ours.
[Even if that sure was a strange arrangement of blossoms, but what the heck does he actually know about arranging flowers together. They looked nice.]
My "job" in this world is that of a tattoo artist, you know. I even have my own shop.
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[ of course she would only remember the one that's associated with weaponry, ]
I did NOT know! Mine is a "rock climber," but I haven't seen any suitable rocks or mountains in the city to climb! Oh, and I have to go to university.
I didn't know that you were artistic!
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[So, yes. Fitting!]
There are indoor climbing walls devoted to rock climbing. You don't need to look for an actual mountain. But you're a student, too? That should be interesting.
I'm not. I drew a little bit when I was younger, but it was nothing I thought to pursue. [Not when he could have pursued pOWER] Apparently my alternate self took a different route. So I'll be brushing up on those languishing skills again, whether I like it or not.
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I've never been to any school before, so but it will be an adventure I hope! Have you been to school before? Do you have any advice?
[ the pursuit of pOWER, though, so true. ]
You could just find a different "job," couldn't you? Though I guess I thought you would be more excited about it, since you also have a lot of tattoos!
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I was home-schooled for a short while when I was younger. [And then everything fell apart. No need to get into that right.] But I never attended school in any real capacity. And my "other" self would probably give you advice along the lines of "do what makes you happy."
Oh, these aren't actually tattoos. They're a mark of my contract with my familiars.
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[ oh but hey... hello fellow home schoolers... ]
I should probably at least give it a try, shouldn't I? Both of those things! Though honestly I'll probably be better at the rock-climbing thing than school!
Oh right... Wait, you have multiple? Not just Shadow? I want to meet the others!
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Maybe you don't give yourself enough credit. But I do think you'd be very adept at rock climbing. I'd like to see it sometime; living vicariously through someone more vigorous than me.
I have three familiars in total. One is named Griffon, a large bird. The other is Nightmare. That one is shaped like a golem. Unfortunately, I can't summon them right now. This world has dampened our powers, and this includes barring access to those two.
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do not perceive me, anna
i unperceived myself, apparently
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BINGO BINGO
sort of like now! when he sees juni out in the wild and immediately brightens up, raising his hand in greeting like they're old friends. because they are, aren't they? (wait.)]
Juni-chan! Yo! Wanna play bingo? I'm trying to catch up!
[ . . . wait.
processing.]
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And I'm... Buzen...? If we haven't met...
[the way he's getting hurt in his own confusion,]
hi im using icons u made for this oc, ty ily
She whirls around like she's definitely used to hearing someone call her "Juni-chan," ears twitching atop her head. ]
Bubu! [ he's always had that nickname, wdym ] It's... you?
[ ??? ]
Wait, who are you!?
WHEN I NOTICED I LAUGHED incredible get use out of them
the combination of confusion and the weirdness of the situation at least gets buzen to laugh good-naturedly. when her ears give a little twitch, he just tilts his head in turn.]
Bubu, apparently?
[he accepts it so easily - but honestly he's always had a habit of shortening names too so why not! wow he gets a nickname too....]
Nice to meet you? Or see you again... Both?
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...Yes, let's call it both! It's nice to meet you... again? Bubu!
[ In times of utter confusion, Juniper does what what she must... just roll with the punches. ]
Did you say you were working on your bingo? I am, too! Let's play together!
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It's always nice to meet you, again, Juni-chan!
[the absolutely giddy dumb energy here is very funny. but he's laughing.]
Let's do it then - what are you still looking for? Do you think we count as strangers for the telling a secret one? I'll guard yours with everything I've got if you'll trust me!
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[ PROUDLY! She even puffs up a bit as she adds: ]
Your secret is safe with me, too, because I'll probably forget it soon, heh. [ Heh??? ] Do you want to go first?