Why Change the Past

[mutedsuspicions]

WHO: Lerith & OTA
WHERE: Gridania
WHAT: Chocobo Wrangling, finding that Urge to Herbal
WHEN: Throughout the Event
WARNINGS: Probably Chocobo droppings. Watch your step.
Note: Lerith will be wearing this outfit (with no scarf), unless otherwise noted!



1. 🪶🪶🪶 | Chocobos

He knows he's supposed to be looking for information for Ga Re, but this is so much more interesting. Dressed in new clothes (he did wonder if Miss Lark had made them at some point), the elf had made his way to where he could hear strange, loud kwehs. What was that noise? It sounded like an animal or some sort. After double checking the note that was with his items, the mute made his way from the city towards the noise until he saw them.

Chocobos.

Fluffy, big birds that fluffed out their wings! They came in different colors! Lerith was particularly taken by the green one preening its feathers in the pen. There were others outside of said pen, with a strange man running after them, shouting... something about getting back in the pen? That probably wouldn't work - most animals didn't like others running and yelling at them. The man must be frustrated.

After a terrible time of communicating with him (mostly putting one-worded questions on the back of Ga Re's note), now Lerith was tasked with wrangling up the chocobos. Mostly being told 'if you're so certain you can do better, prove it'.

Well fine. Lerith would prove it.

2. 🌱🌱🌱 | Herbalist

Okay. Chocobos were amazing. But, all of that kwehing was probably going to rattle around in his head for awhile, so Lerith decided that going back into the heart of the city would be a good idea for a bit. So he wanders, looking at the various little shops and booths before finding one with herbs! Oh that was his speed too! Inside the elf goes, looking about before seeing a flyer tacked up on the wall asking about needing herbs gathered and returned to this vendor.

Pulling it down (carefully, since he doesn't want to rip it), Lerith takes it over to the counter to tap it. Another difficult conversation is held before he's moving through the city, trying to figure out which way he was supposed to go. Not towards the chocobos (he's certain he's going to take one back to the ship if possible if he goes near them again).

3. ❓❓❓| Open

{ Got a different idea? Encounter the local noodly elf in the area! He's not planning to go to any other cities save Gridania. }

Comments

2

[quark_assassin]

Lerith is being watched.

Not with malicious intent - well, okay, not anymore. Dustin can't help but assume that his fellow visitors from Agra-10 don't have good intentions. So when he spies an elf that doesn't quite match the local Elezen appearance and places his face with what he remembers in the 'Dictionary,' sitting as he is in the plaza across from the Botanists' Guild while he sews up a pair of leather bracers, Dustin initially determines that he needs to keep a close eye on him.

That assertion ends up being helpful, but not for the reasons Dustin anticipated it would be. Lerith is apparently just looking for work. In fact, he's looking to complete the same job Dustin was planning on taking once he finished up today's business with the Leatherworkers' Guild. That's no problem; he's already discovered that the local quest-givers absolutely do not care how many people do the same work for them simultaneously or back-to-back. What does concern him is how Lerith wanders away from the guild looking a bit lost.

If he goes the wrong way, he could get into trouble--draw too much attention to himself. Dustin sighs, packing the unfinished bracers away into his gathering satchel. Whatever. I can work on these later.

Within a few minutes, the small teenager has quietly sidled up to Lerith and is trying to subtly catch his eye while also keeping pace (this is more trouble than it sounds - Lerith's legs are a lot longer than Dustin's).

"You want the North Shroud," he says, voice low. "Exit's this way."

[mutedsuspicions]

As the elf walks, he pulls the hood of his cloak up, obscuring the view of his ears and casting his pale face in shadow. So far, no one's really given him any problems with his face tattoos, which he is thankful for. All Lerith wants to do is bring new seeds home, along with maybe tools or linens. Maybe a little gift for Miss Lark with all the kindness she's been showing him with her crafts.

He hears the sounds of someone coming up from behind. Is it a native of the planet? Someone from Temba? The long legs pick up the pace a little just in case. It's only when the pace picks up to match him does the elf tense. He doesn't like this. What if it's something like a slaver on this planet?

When the newcomer speaks, he jerks to a slower pace, almost stopping. He finally looks down to see the human, easier now that he's hunching over to make himself smaller. [Who are you?] his hands sign immediately.

[quark_assassin]

Dustin initially makes an effort not to look at Lerith directly, but the movement of his hands out of the corner of his eyes drags his gaze over in a hurry. He's quietly thankful that it did; Dustin recognizes the sign language immediately, although it takes him a couple seconds of his green eyes twitching oddly to really analyze the memory he's pulling from. He's read English-translation dictionaries for at least a dozen common Earth languages. Signing is nice, though, in that he can immediately apply that stored knowledge in a conversation without having to parse out pronunciation.

[Dustin Silver,] the boy signs back, gestures a little awkward as he tries to get his hands to match the images in his head. [From Agra-10. You're Lerith?]

[mutedsuspicions]

Oh good. Someone that can understand his hands. With the lack of His communicator, conversations were anything but easy. Yellow eyes glance to see the reply. [I can hear, just not speak.] Some people didn’t like to sign and seemed content to read his hands.

He raises a white brow, contorting some of the heavy scars marring his face. [I am. You are… new? I am going to try picking herbs for coin. Maybe take some back to the city to grow and study.]

[quark_assassin]

Dustin nods, a simple acknowledgement for several of Lerith's points. His distant observations of the elf with the locals had told him that he was either mute or very good at reading lips, and now Lerith has confirmed the former. This doesn't change Dustin's decision to keep communicating in sign, though; those same observations tell him that Eorzeans generally don't understand this language, so it's safer to keep talking this way than verbally.

Also, yes, he is new, relatively speaking. Although he suspects that his more private nature might lead people to assume this for a while, regardless. The nod fits here just fine.

[We're going in the same direction,] he signs, with a passive gesture towards the upcoming fork in the road he had indicated earlier. [The rewards for that ask are used in a potion I've been commissioned to make for the Alchemists' Guild. I know the way.]

[mutedsuspicions]

Eorzea is like Thedas - signing isn't common at all and makes it easier to slip past guards. And it's nice that someone else knows enough of it to communicate with it. Even if it's a little clunky. At least he doesn't have to figure out a different way to communicate.

The Alchemists' Guild.... they made potions there. Lerith had been interested but there were just... no. Too many people. [I will follow. If you try to hurt me, I will make a scene though.] Even if it put Lerith at risk, he would make sure someone attacking him would be even more at risk. [You want to help me so you can use the reward for my task?] It's an actual innocent question and definitely looks like one with his facial expression.

[quark_assassin]

Dustin quirks an eyebrow and raises his hand, ready to express his doubts about how he could possibly look like a threat, but stops himself short. He's an unknown, and there's that needlessly wicked-looking dagger on his hip that he just about knows how to use. So, maybe more of a threat than he gives himself credit for. Brow knitting slightly with concern, Dustin instead signs quickly back: [Fair.]

And they get moving. As instructed, Dustin leads the way, though he never lets Lerith leave his peripheral vision - partially to make sure he doesn't try anything funny, partially to make sure he can still watch and respond to any further attempts at communication.

[I'll gather and turn in my own herbs,] Dustin gestures back. His signing is getting faster and more confident the longer they communicate, as his muscle memory quickly catches up to his mental images of sign language tutorial books. [They have plenty of rewards and will probably accept multiple completions at the same time. I'm helping you because I don't want you to get lost and cause a scene.]

[mutedsuspicions]

Dustin is new, he is armed, and to top it off, they're on a planet with strangers they're supposed to blend in with. So of course Lerith's a little on edge with someone new. But he walks with the other, keeping his stride a little shorter to help the other keep pace.

[I won't cause a scene unless you attack me,] the elf points out. He stills his hands for a moment, thinking. [I want to take herbs back to Temba, to grow more and learn about them. Maybe use them for medicine back in the city. There should be enough to find between the two of us to turn in and for me to keep some.]

[quark_assassin]

Dustin's initial response comes in the form of a shrug and a reluctant nod of understanding. He certainly isn't planning on attacking Lerith, even if the elf attacked him first for some reason, so that situation is shelved.

[Agreed.] He leads them around the corner of the narrow path they were walking, which opens up now to a large clearing split by a bridge-crossed river. Dustin keeps them following close to the edge of the forest. [You should coordinate with Tommy if you haven't already. He does a lot of cultivating.]

[mutedsuspicions]

Lerith moves close as they head past people, past strangers. There's a nervous to him that grows evident on his face as they walk. Especially when the path really narrowed. The elf trailed behind but gently took ahold of the back of Dustin's shirt so they wouldn't get separated. For someone so tall, he sure did seem scared.

Once they were away from the crowded path and following the edge of the forest, he lets go and relaxes. [I work with Tommy in the diner. I've been growing herbs in the greenhouse that are from my world. Back in the city I mean.]

[quark_assassin]

Dustin seems to become increasingly uncomfortable the closer Lerith gets to him, to the point where he visibly flinches when the anxious elf grabs the back of his jacket. He doesn't stop or shake him off, though; a quick glance back is more than enough to let Dustin know that the gesture is out of nervousness, much the same as his. He'll allow it.

[That makes sense,] he signs back, pausing for a moment to ruffle out his jacket now that Lerith has released it. Dustin is a frequent patron of the diner, though he makes a point to show up at odd hours and clean up after himself before he leaves, like he was never there. [What sorts of herbs? I'm guessing more medicinal ones, or is that what you're lacking currently?]

[mutedsuspicions]

He doesn't mean to make Dustin uncomfortable, he really doesn't. He's just skittish and being around all the people makes him so scared that holding onto the other is the only thing keeping him from bolting.

[Yes, medicinal is what I'm growing, but some could be used for seasoning I think.] The elf looks inquisitive at the thought. [I want to find herbs to study. See if they can help the healers in the city. Maybe make a potion with them. Are you looking for specific things to take back to the city?]

[quark_assassin]

Dustin stutter-steps back into line with Lerith so that they're walking roughly side-by-side again, now that the path has opened up enough to give them both some space. This puts him in a better position to reflect the elf's curious stare.

[Healing potions, mostly,] he admits. [Plenty of other chemical reagents to consider as well. Tools. Clothes. Anything useful. Turn right.]

Dustin's signing is abruptly interrupted by that last gesture - an exaggerated point towards the larger street that they're approaching, lined by buildings and hollowed-out trees. The path itself is big, but that's apparently to accommodate the greater foot traffic through it; this intersection is quite busy, with passerby and peddlers and chocobo carts alike. Dustin noticeably shrinks into his coat to try and keep a lower profile, eyes darting around the crowd.

I

[doubled_speed]

"Well that looks like a mess."

It had taken a few minutes after Lerith arrived, someone else had been sent over to join him. And look, it's Tommy. Who looks excited.

"We going to make this fool look like what he is?"

[mutedsuspicions]

Lerith almost misses Tommy joining him. He's just so fascinated by the chocobos! When he finally notices the other, hands go flying as he starts rapid fire signing about them.

[ThesebirdsaresoBIGTOMMYDOYOUSEETHIS?!] he signed quickly, looking from the human to the birds with a bright energy. At the question though, he nods very eagerly. Then tries to sign slower. [As long as we don't hurt them, right?]

[doubled_speed]

Tommy could see all the signs fast, especially with his own powers. But damn, if he let his mind speed up enough for that he might make trouble by moving too fast. So he tried to focus on human speeds here. That's all he can do.

"Yeah," he said, signing as he spoke. He'd understood 'birds, big, see?' and figured what the rest was. "I can see them."

Then he repeated the sign for 'hurt' and turned it into a question. He hadn't learned that sign yet.

[mutedsuspicions]

Sorry Tommy, he's just excited! The elf can't think of another time he's felt this excitement since being brought here! He grins at the other's signing in response, feeling sheepish. It was easy to let his hands get carried away like this! Lerith watches the question and nods before spelling it out.

[H-U-R-T. No hurt. Only cage,] which this time he pointed to the corral to indicate it clearer, though he's certain Tommy already knows what the task is. [Any idea you have on how to do this? Do we know what they eat? Maybe lure them in with food?]

[doubled_speed]

Ah, there we go. New word get. Tommy practices a few times at high speed, too rapid for even Lerith, just so he can get that one into muscle memory. Still, he's thinking about it.

"So we act like sheep dogs," he says, still signing as he spoke. "Mostly one circles to control position, the other drives them forward. If the birds will behave in response."

[mutedsuspicions]

Lerith knows Tommy's signing too fast, but that's the silver-haired man's manner of learning a new sign.

[Only one way find out,] comes the response with a grin. Then it falters a little bit. [Should we do it one or two birbs at a time? So you don't... accidentally go too fast and not be a secret anymore?]

[doubled_speed]

Yeah, the possibility of letting his powers out earns a serious wince from him. He hates all of it. But he has to keep attention on everything he supposes.

"Yeah. Safest that way."

So far as he knows at least.

[mutedsuspicions]

Lerith catches that wince and puts a hand to Tommy's shoulder carefully, gently, in case the human doesn't want the contact. Contact that he doesn't keep for too long as he signs, [I will keep you safe if you go too fast and someone sees.]

A reassuring smile, even though the elf had no idea what he'd do if that actually happen. He would just have to wing it. He watched one of the birds strut a little before tilting his head.

[Maybe you don't have to worry about running fast... if you're riding to corral them? Do you think we're allowed to ride them?]

[doubled_speed]

"You can try," Tommy sighs, shaking his head as he starts moving. "I thank you though."

But he has to wonder...

"Do you think they'd let me mount?"

[mutedsuspicions]

Lerith nods at the thanks, wondering how he'd stop Tommy if he went too fast. Maybe trip him? Or maybe let him handle it in some way.

A head tilt and he rubs the back of his head as he thinks. [Maybe I can keep one calm enough for you to mount on them.] Lerith liked to think he was very good with animals and eyed one that was close, which was one of the yellow ones. Pulling some of herbs out of his pockets, the elf made his way over slowly, holding out his other hand to show it empty, then laid the herbs down. Like an offering.

They watched him with beady eyes, kwehing loudly as he approached before the herbs were laid before them. Interested, the bird goes over to peck down at them, and Lerith lays a careful hand at the neck to stroke over the broad, soft feathers. [Try to approach carefully?]

[doubled_speed]

Tommy doesn't look very pleased with the idea of himself mounting the thing.

"I don't know. You're the one making friends. Maybe you should do it. You should mount it."

[mutedsuspicions]

He grins just a little. [Tommy you're not worried are you? We can both make friends.] Lerith looks to the chocobo and barely ducks in time as the bird swings its head to look to Tommy. There's another squawk from it and fluffing of feathers. Where were the two humans doing?

It ducked down to nibble at the greens of the ground and Lerith continues to stroke its neck. [I won't let it harm you, Tommy, if that's what you're worried about?] The elf looks a bit more serious now, wondering if Tommy was scared of the chocobo or not.