Carbuncle in a box, stealing your presents when off guard.
Happy Starlight/Christmas/Holidays!
Hope these days are somewhat good days for you all!
Tag: Esper the Carbuncle
Stefan Delvanguard raises a eyebrow at that visual dismissal. Esper sitting down at his feet and looking up at him. “Of course. Your stance is wrong as was your approach. Your seeming lack of realizing I was even here as you walked up. Your carbuncle is not very reliable if Fran never warned you.”
Cora Murdoch turns to look at Fran, a small genuine smile pulling at the edges of her lips, “Fran likes to be contrary when we’re not in a life and death situation. I honestly didn’t realize you were there until I was almost here.”
Stefan Delvanguard gives Esper a dry look. “I know that feeling all too well. Don’t I, Esper?” Esper just sits there looking rather like a pleased cat. “It must be a ruby carbuncle thing…” He finally uncrosses his arms as he relaxes his stance once more. “I do not particularly like people coming up behind me. It’s one of the few times this one decides to actually do as he’s supposed to.”
“Indeed. I’ve noticed that Fran has more…life than when I learned to summon Topaz and Emerald. Mayhaps tis because we give them Names. My apologies if I made you uncomfortable, twasn’t my intention.” She really does seem genuinely sorry.
Stefan Delvanguard shakes his head before shrugging slightly. “I merely have a thing against people behind me. A unfortunate incident in some ruins.” Esper rubs against his leg, making him roll his eyes before kneeling down to rub the carbuncle’s head. “They do indeed have more life to them. Perhaps it is because we have named them and gotten attached to having them at our sides. Mayhaps it will be something I decide to research someday. For now I will stick to Nymian or Gelmorran ruins.”
Cora Murdoch hums lowly. “You search the ruins often Master Delvanguard?
"Stefan is fine. Yes I do. It is how I make my living. Especially since teaching my sibling and helping her company do not exactly earn me any coin. Though I prefer to work alone. Less hazardous.”
Cora Murdoch tilts her head, “Indeed, less to worry about as well.”
( @hedgearcher )
Yuti Kyis did her best not to look too intimidated by the large Auri man but… well it was a challenge. Those eyes were fierce. Still, she’d had her fair share of encounters and at least he seemed to be a friend of L’ania’s. Yuti frowned for a moment at the coat draped over L’ania and then at the man again, a quiet hmm escaping her lips before she approached. “H-hello Stefan, L’ania,” she said politely, before bowing her head to the stranger. “I am Y-Yuti Kyis, a-at your service. S-sorry to bother, but I was hoping to see L’ania b-before I had to go off somewhere.” Her smile widened and she raised the tray into the air. “I b-brought hot chocolate! B-but since it’s Thanalan a-and that’s not very good for the weather, I c-cooled it down so it’s r-really more like regular chocolate and…” she trailed off, blushed and raised the tray again. “A-anyway, I brought enough for everyone!”
Stefan Delvanguard finally looked away from Kyoudo to look at the new arrival. Of course a face he recognized. “Good day to you, Miss Yuti. There is nothing to interrupt I’m afraid. Just telling Miss L’ania’s friend I do not appericate the looks I’ve been getting since I arrived with medicines from the Guild in Ul’dah.” Nodding his head in thanks as he took the offered drink in one hand while his other was still holding medicine bottles.
L’ania Hena ’s tail swished a couple times, relaxing as Kyoudo didn’t seem to be ready to kill Stefan anymore. Her hand was still on his chest, with his hand over hers and she turned it enough to give his hand a soft squeeze of reassurance before pulling away. She grinned happily at Yuti, “Oh you know Stefan? We just met by chance. Her ears wiggled as she introduced Yuti to Kyoudo, “Yuti is one of my dearest friends.” The chocolate made her grin, “Oooooh!” She took it with a small bow of thanks.
Kyoudo Komainu mildly froze as L’ania’s hand squirmed under his to give the bulk of his a squeeze. Reaching for her hand had been one thing, but just like the night before, her doing it of her own volition was enough to cause him to tense. Especially given he had wanted nothing more, just moments prior, to strangle the life out of Stefan with the very hand she touched. No, they were not meant for the gentler things, and he took a step away as her hand retreated. He was grateful for the hot chocolate as it gave his hands a different focus, and the cup shrank considerably from Yuti’s hand to his. He threw himself onto the ground without reservation and despite the frown set on his lips, he stared ahead as he sipped from the very small, petite cup he held with but two fingers.
Entry 2: Artist’s Eye for Treasure
Stefan looked around cautiously as he walked towards the agreed upon meeting spot. There was never trusting some areas. Let alone some sellers. Esper followed close at his heels.
“Ah! Delvanguard! I was beginning to think you might not show up.” The man rubbed his hands together after pushing away from the wall he had been leaning against. Eyes darting around nervously before patting the crate beside him. “A friend told me you had interest in such treasures from the War of the Magi.”
“Depends.” Stefan scowled as he crossed his arms over his chest. “The quality has yet to be determined. I refuse to accept a price until I check the items myself. I’m not a fool, Bayard.”
“Of course!” Bayard grimacing before moving to remove the crate lid and stepping aside. Motioning for Stefan to step forward.
Stefan leaned over the crate to pull out the first item in reach. Holding it up to the light and studying it for a long moment. Swapping it for another item in the crate. The second item smashing down at the feet of the seller. Esper crouched and ready to pounce if needed.
“Garbage. It’s all synthetic junk. Your ‘friend’ should have told you I would be able to tell the difference between a cheap fake and the real deal.” Stefan picked up the first item again and waved it towards the seller in anger. “Keep your false junk. I should have known by your behavior that you were trying to pull the wool over my eyes.” Tossing the other item onto the ground before turning to stalk away.
Esper giving the man a rather hostile stare before turning to follow his master. Leaving Bayard behind to seethe that things hadn’t gone as planned. Once out of sight a slight grin forming on Stefan’s lips. Tossing a small stone up in the air before catching it again.
“Stupid idiot. Most of that junk was definitely fake. Yet he didn’t even see a real treasure among the false. That’s what one gets for trying to pass off synthetic for real to someone with the eye for telling them apart.” Stefan held the dark stone up in the light before looking down at his ruby companion. “Shouldn’t have tried to sell me fakes and I might have actually paid him for this. Too bad for him, Esper. Alright time to head home and relax. I’ll even play some music for you tonight to celebrate our find.”
Esper bounced along beside him, clearly happy. The ruby carbuncle was ever fond of when Stefan played for him at the apartment in the Goblet. It was something Stefan only shared with his fuzzy companion. Not even his sister or mother knew of his love of music and art. Only Esper. Granted his love of treasure and hunting old ruins still ranked above his personal activities. Just like finding this treasure tonight.
Unbind Me: I’ll write a drabble about your character freeing mine, or the other way around, or something among the lines. – Stefan got distracted and caught in a trap in some ruins.
@nebula1984, I just realized I never wrote a drabble before. ))
It was only by coincidence that they both happened in the same exact ruins…Arkadion being vastly less competent than the other, which was noted by the elezen’s lack of experience that triggered the pitfall in the first place. Hopefully whatever he stuffed into that overpacked bag of his may be useful.
Or not.
Stefan heard a lot of rustling, followed by various items falling down into the pit…including a rope.
“…don’t worry bout a thing sir I’ll get you out of there! …Just stay where you are!–oh wait, you can’t actually really go anywhere. This makes things relatively easier!”
Stefan had just been doing his own thing. Minding his own business. Working with Esper as always. Wouldn’t you know it… Along comes this elezen and now he’s down in a pit trap. Thankfully unhurt other then some bruises.
Esper was staring down at his trapped master, glancing up at Ark on occasion as the man kept searching for a way to undo what he had done. Stefan sighing heavily and putting a hand to his forehead after seeing the rope that had fallen down into the pit with him. Was this man up there really that hopeless?
“What about the rope?” Stefan says as he gives the top of the pit edge a dry look, wishing it was the elezen who trapped him that he was giving that look to. He had picked up the rope but he needed to get the man above to pay attention now.
Decided on some quick practice while waiting on my family. Why not Stefan’s carbuncle. XD
He continued to watch the young man,
still uncertain of what his name was, as he seemed to struggle to think
rationally and then to converse with his carbuncle. A small twitch of
his lips betrayed his amusement at the Carbuncle seeming to remind it’s
master to be nice. A twitch of his tail was the only visible response to
learning the carbuncles name was Esper.Still even after the apology he stood resolute, listening to the rest
of the man’s explanation. Not a people person, yea he could figure that
out. no friends? well that was a little sad. He frowned at the rest of
the man’s explanation his tail twitching behind him again in slight
irritation, even if he started to understand a little the man’s point of
view.“Apology accepted” he said, voice rumbling, “I can see a little more
why you were unable to get rid of the harpy’s and the reasons behind
your reaction to my help. As for strangers, it’s an easy enough thing to
remedy” Silvaire stated holding his hand out to the younger man, “Name
is Silvaire Cameron, Bard and performer, I may not be the smartest and
mayhap my brain is smaller than my head but I mean well. For a big lug
and all”He looked at the man for a long moment glancing down at
the carbuncle and gave it a wide grin, “And thank you good Esper for
your help leading your young master home, I’m awful with directions even
at the best of times.”
Stefan stared at the offered hand for a long moment before finally taking it. “Stefan Delvanguard, explorer and researcher. This one here…” He gives Esper a very dry look. “Is my partner in my research.”
Esper seems to look very pleased with himself at Silvaire’s thanks, tail swishing about happily. When Stefan looked like he was just going to walk away with nothing more, Esper latched onto his pant leg with his mouth. Making Stefan give him another hard stare. If his carbuncle was trying to make him make friends… Yet Esper refused to budge when he tugged to try and friend his pants.
“Would you care to come inside for a drink at least, Mister Cameron?” Stefan asks as he holds back the sigh at his partner’s behavior today. “As my way of saying thanks for the rescue.” Now Esper finally let got of his pant leg. Stubborn ruby carbuncle…
His hand against Stefans forehead could
feel the heat coming off of the young man before it was swatted away.
“Are you sure you aren’t feeling well…?” He started to question the man
watching with blue piercing eyes watching while Stefan seemed to take
some time to compose himself.He took a step back to allow him breathing room watching and ready to
jump in if things looked like they would take the turn for the worst.
Finally he noticed the man lift his head up covering his mouth as he
spoke which made it a tad bit hard to understand and forcing him to take
a step closer and bend over to better hear, “hmmm? Fire? No I don’t
need that Thank you…” He pursed his lips together trying to peice
together the mans words.He had to admit he made a rather adorable scene. It may have seemed a
bit of time for Stephan after speaking for Silvaire to respond, namely
because it took some time for Silvaire to peice together what he had
heard.“I do believe I apologized in advance for the kiss, it seemed to be
the only thing that would get the Harpys attention.” He motioned back
the way he believed they had come from, directions not his strong suit,
“and they left both of us alone. On top of that I carried you here to I
am guessing your home so I see no need for you to glare daggers at your
glowing friend. They led me here so we could be away from such scum.”Standing up to his full height he crossed his arms and gave Stefan a
somewhat withering stare, “If anything I have been more than
accommodating, which cannot be said for you.” He may have been a tad bit
annoyed at the threat of bodily harm, “I see no reason why a kiss is
such a reason to become so flustered over”
Stefan clenched his hands into fists at his sides. Feeling both angry
and humiliated. Needed to calm down. There was no way to think
rationally when he was like this.
The man had a point… Why had it been so important to him? He wasn’t looking for someone in his life right now. His work and Esper were the most important things he had. Well his sister an mother too. Yet he had gotten so upset over something like a first kiss. He wasn’t even interested in all the mess relationships contained. It was why he had almost no friends. Couldn’t get hurt if you didn’t let anyone in.
Esper walks over and nudges Stefan’s leg. He puts a hand to his own forehead. Perhaps he had stayed up too late studying last night. Though he honestly was lacking in people skills. An absolutely no idea how to handle a situation such as this.
“I don’t…” He yelps softly as Esper headbutts his leg, giving the fuzzy carbuncle another hard stare. He pinches the bridge of his nose with a sigh. Stubborn carbuncle. Finally he pushes his glasses up as he looks away from Silvaire, crossing his arms over his chest. “Fine… Sorry.”
He shoots the carbuncle another stare. “Happy Esper?” The carbuncle sits down and looks rather pleased with itself. He shakes his head at Esper before finally looking towards Silvaire. “Listen. I’m not a… ‘People’ person. I don’t have friends for a reason. Nor do I usually have to worry about such vapid women. But this one here…” He points a finger down at Esper. “Decided to nap instead of warning me today. Still it is very improper to just kiss a total stranger without even knowing how they might react. You are lucky I didn’t lash out to begin with. I don’t like people touching me.”
While he didn’t know a lot about Aether or magical creatures,
Silvaire could guess enough that the Carbuncle was leading him to the
goblet ward, and once they begun to walk the walkway up to it, he’d
guess the man he carried lived somewhere in these apartments. The man
weighed next to nothing in his strong arms, his attention devoted to the
carbuncle and trying not to lose his way that for a moment there he
lost track of the way that he didn’t notice the man stirring.Not
until he heard that panicked squeaking sound, did he realize the man
was awake and his head bent in the uldhan sun to take in the sight of
the blushing and squirming bespectacled man in his arms. Amusement
shining in his eyes as well as a little interest as just how adorable
the man looked in that instance.“Hmmm?” he asked unsure of just what the man had asked or… perhaps
demanded of him, “I’m afraid I missed what you said… did you want down?
Do you think your legs will hold you?” he questioned even as he bent
down to let the hyur man down, his arms staying where they were to help
keep the man steady unless he possibly fainted again or lost his
balance.“You fainted back there, couldn’t leave you be, especially not with
those harpy’s about. Are you feeling alright?” He asked, placing a hand
on Stefan’s forehead when he was sure the man had his balance, “You
aren’t feeling ill are you?”
Stefan was pretty sure his face couldn’t get anymore red when the man leaned his head down to respond to him. Not to mention the humiliation he felt when he was set down and would have stumbled if not for the support. But the mention of those women reminded him clearly at what happened.
The sudden hand on his forehead made him stiffen in tension. He quickly swat Silvaire’s hand away from him. Clearly flustered and embarrassed. “S-Stop that!” Stefan leaned over and put his hands on his knees as he tried to calm the urge to panic and possibly faint again. Finally he straightens though one of his hands is over his mouth. One eyebrow twitching slightly.
“I should set your pants aflame for stealing my first kiss without my permission.” His voice slightly muffled by his hand but clear enough. He merely didn’t wish anyone else to hear such an admission. “You’re lucky I won’t only because you chased those women off.” He moves his hand away from his mouth finally to straighten his glasses. Though he didn’t dare look directly at Silvaire. He was too embarrassed to make eye contact with this strange man. Instead he gave his carbuncle an annoyed look. Traitor for not helping him…
Spirit of the Warlock 