finalflight | OPEN POST; [ ERIK / DQ11]

[ Being raised as a magus means Fiore has to listen hard enough to everything, to register a thing as important when it might not seem as such. It's why she picks up that thread of consideration, and why she doesn't tense as much as she wants to when he swoops up the briefcase and shakes it experimentally.

What's inside isn't fragile, no. But certainly valuable. ]

The case itself is durable, but it's still not something I wanted to fling carelessly. Thank you for picking it up.

Sure. [One hand moves to his hip, the other still holds onto the briefcase, though he allows his arm to drop back down to his side.

Erik considers her for a second again, trying to decide if she’s going to need help getting past that dip in the path, too — the storms from last season had taken their toll, and now that the sun’s bright and shining in the sky, the land shows the consequences of it, all along the earth. Makes travel tricky in some areas, even for those used to booking it back and forth between point A and B.

So, while he considers that—]

What’s in it?

[The briefcase, like it’s any of his business. But curiosity is a thing.]

A weapon to devastate all those who would seek to harm me.

[ With the sweetest and most polite smile as she folds her hands in her lap. ]

Was there anything else I could help you with?

[Uh.

The contrast between her words and demeanor make Erik wonder if he heard her wrong, but— No, she definitely said that in this briefcase is some great and terrible weapon... or something.

And now she’s asking if there’s anything that she can help him with, like he’s suddenly the one on the spot— hold on a second, here.]

Wait, what?

[Is she messing with him?]

I’m just asking questions, that’s all. What kind of powerful weapon like that is kept in a place like— [He holds up the briefcase once more, glancing down at it in his hands.] —this? Honestly.

[ Again, that smile.

Maybe she's messing with him, a little. But it also isn't a lie. ]

It would take a little too long to explain to someone I've only just made the acquaintance of. May I have my briefcase back, please?

[He arches a brow, the hand at his hip tapping a finger for a beat or two.]

Do I get an explanation if I hand it back? Can’t tease information like that and not follow through, you know. It’s rude.

[That, or he just wants to know. Curiosity and all that.]

Perhaps, if you tell me why you're so interested. But you wouldn't be able to open it, anyway.

[ Rather calmly. ]

What, do you think I’m going to steal it or something?

[Haa...]

I like learning about one-of-a-kind objects, that’s all. Anyone would be curious, especially after a claim like that.

Mm... I see.

Well, I can tell you about it, I suppose. If you're truly that interested.

Works for me.

[Simple as that, Erik offers the briefcase back. With his other hand, he gestures at that cumbersome dip in the path.]

You need, uh, help with that too?

... [ Fiore closes her eyes briefly, swallowing a sigh as she settles the briefcase back on her lap. ]

Please.

[In that case, Erik steps around and behind her, grabbing hold of the wheelchair’s handles—]

Right then, up you go.

[—and pushing her forward, with just enough force to free her from the uneven part of the ground.]

Where you headed, anyway? Figure I could walk with you, if you don’t mind the company.

I don't mind, no. [ She doesn't think she comes off as all that interesting, but maybe he really does just want company.

Or his curiosity about the briefcase is eating him alive. ]

I was actually heading to... ah. I forget the name of the town, but they have a shop there that specializes in foreign and unique materials that I wanted to look into.

[Probably the latter, but who’s to say he wasn’t heading in the same direction? Erik has an interest in the towns in this area — what they can offer, what kind of company he can keep. Just like he knows all the backroads to take, heading from one to the other.]

Little place just up north, right? Same way I’m going, so it works out.

[At least the path is relatively straightforward from here on out.]

What do you need “foreign and unique” materials for?

Spirit evocation.

[ Well. He asked. And she replied, as calm and soft-voiced as before. ]

Okay.

[As good as a non-answer for him, Fiore. Down the path they go, Erik’s pace casual.]

Meaning what, exactly?

Mm... you can think of it as magic, I suppose. To put it very simply.

[ Because fate/anything is irritating as hell to explain. ]

Believe it or not, I’m familiar with magic. Plenty of people use it around these parts.

[Not so much Erik, but he can swing a spell or two if required.]

But ‘spirit evocation’, though? What kind of spirits are you evoking?

Animal spirits, mostly. They seem to be the easiest to work with.

[ And she gives the briefcase a fond pat, for some reason. ]

Do you not use magic yourself, then?

Eh.

[It’s the sort of “eh” noise that couples with a flappy hand motion.]

Sort of. I know a little earth magic, but I can’t go flinging spells around like some people. If I get into trouble, I’ve got to rely on a dagger and my own wit to get out of it.

[A sidelong glance, back down at that briefcase.]

So what do you do with these animals spirits after the fact, huh? They fight for you, or...?

If they're willing, yes. I'm able to have them assist me.

[ In glorious, glorious violence. ]

But I'm also capable of fighting on my own.

With your mysterious weapon all bundled up nice and secure in that briefcase, right?

[The path curves again, this time along a gentle downward slope, and the faint trace of a town in the distance can be made out along the hillside.]

When do I get to see it?

Truthfully? I hope you never have to.

[ Because she only pulls it out in the case of life-threatening fights. Sorry, good sir. ]

You sure play hard to get.

[He rubs the back of his neck, sighing.]

All right, so when do I get to hear an explanation?

... You're really very curious, aren't you? Does that ever get you into trouble?

[ She's still very much amused. ]

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rubblerouser - 2019-12-20 04:36 (UTC) - Expand