z_jay | [video | Nov 4th

[A slightly fuzzy but then suddenly crisp clear face appears, looking into the screen with barely-there nervousness. He wasn't camera shy, but there were things out here that he should be anxious about being found by. Clears his throat softly before speaking, glancing off quickly to one side when he heard something move in the distance]

Ah, hello. My name's Eugene and I have a request, for any listeners out there...

[Pauses a second to gather his thoughts, brows knitting together as he gives a thoughtful look to something behind his portable... book thing. Tablet?]

I apologize if I've... wound up with someone's stolen tablet--

[Laughs a little nervously but continues on]

But I could use some help out here. Ah, I'll give it back? I didn't actually steal it, I sort of found it... out here. In the woods.

[And hopefully the owner of said tablet wasn't already dead. Hopefully he wasn't alone. The thought makes him swallow hard]

I'm gonna look for a stick in the meantime. Thanks in advance! Stay safe out there!

[Grins a little but it's obvious he's unsure, waving his fingers next to his face before cutting the signal]

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I am he.

[Loki dismounts with practiced ease. The horse follows him like a dog as he approaches.

He smiles.]

He is a rather special horse.

[Admittedly, the formality with how he speaks is unnerving but he was... in need of help. Maybe he could be dropped off nearby...]

Fairly impressive, yeah. Hullo. I'm Eugene, uh Woods. I have a friend of mine coming to get me, d'you mind taking me that far?

[It would be rude to decline an offer for help for someone who came out here, specifically, on a nice horse and-- well, he looked like a busy guy. Points in the direction Loki came from, smiling ruefully and hoping this guy wouldn't smell the paranoia off him.]

It's just up that way, near a few logs.

[The eyebrows go up slightly.] Yes, I know who you are.

Ah, you should have said if you had other help coming. Well, 'tis a nice enough day for a ride.

[Oh, Loki can smell the paranoia all right, and he finds it amusing.]

All right. [He makes a clicking sound at the horse, a hand gesture, and Vakri kneels down.] You shall need assistance, yes?

[Picks up without missing a beat, grinning ruefully and apologetic at once, even if he was trying to mask that still-present paranoia]

Yeah I just-- you showed up so quickly and it's a friend of mine from back home. Here unexpectedly, what are the odds?

[Reality had he hadn't heard a word from Jack, just a few others who he hadn't met before. But Jack wouldn't blame him for using him as an excuse to potentially save his life, right?

But wow, obedient horse, too. Bracing himself, he held a hand out for a-- well, hand, nodding as he was hoisted up and on with little struggle. The horse-- Vakri, very well-mannered.]

Thanks, and sorry for bringing you out here. You must have a real good sense of direction! I won't trouble you long.

I could do them out in my head if you actually wanted to know. [Loki smirks.] But sufficing to say, quite astronomical.

[Loki helps the mortal onto the saddle, then has Vakri stand with a gesture. A moment later he mounts up behind Eugene, scooting him forward with no apparent effort - Loki's much, much stronger than he looks.]

I've made it my business to be familiar with the terrain.

[Without apparent direction, Vakri heads in the right direction at a brisk walk.]

[In his head, even? Colour Eugene impressed. Both at the mental capacity but also the strength demonstrated. Though he did suppose he was a bit lighter, what missing a leg. The close contact caused his wings to bunch behind him.]

That's pretty smart. We had runners who would do this sort of thing-- well, without horses because they tend to be kind of resource intensive, but they'd leave to get supplies for the township.

[Glances over his shoulder, looking Loki over. He didn't... seem dangerous, but that still didn't have him lowering his guard-- at least logically]

So what's the rest of the terrain like? Hopefully not all woods...

[would give him the heads up on the location he'd ~~choose~~ been told to wait at... which wouldn't be too long.]

Such things are not necessary here. Supplies seem to be rather randomly dumped upon us and are taken up by various shops. Though 'shops' is a bit of a misnomer, since there's no money. Everything is effectively free.

[He raises an eyebrow at the scrutiny as if to ask 'like what you see?']

Nay, the woods are but a small part. Beyond are grasslands toward the west and mountains toward the east. Beyond the mountains there is a rather nice beach and a sea.

...Free?

[That was a particularly intriguing realization, that things anywhere came free. It seemed too contrived to be convenient, and Eugene was of the mind to be a skeptic regarding benevolence being merely good for the hell of it]

Sounds like they're keeping us alive. The Malnosso, right? But I suppose the million dollar question is, why?

[The look, accompanied with his unusual way of speaking (unusual but not bad) had him more curious by the moment, though.]

Beachfront property? Huh, I haven't seen the ocean since...

[Since the flight over the 'pond' as they'd fondly referred to the Atlantic. But reminiscing aside, he needed to find a suitable place to be dropped off before he got lulled into a false sense of security. Glancing, as though by chance, toward some logs, he brightened and pointed toward them.]

Ah, just over there! That should be where I'm getting picked up!

[Loki shrugs.]

The Malnosso extract their payment in other, far less pleasant ways than coin.

I have only been to the ocean in passing myself. It is nice enough, I suppose, if you like beaches.

[He directs Vakri over to the place in question.

At this point, he's fairly certain he's being bullshitted. But at the same time? If the mortal wants to stay out in the woods and still owe Loki for a favor, let him.]

[Mortals did do silly things, after all. But a favor will be owed, he won't deny that should recompense be asked. Nodding, he turns to glance at Loki again, this time a little unsure. Still, he manages to slide himself off, leaning a little on Vakri for balance's sake.]

Thanks for all your help! I'll find some way to repay you.

[Seats himself on the log and smiles]

Again, I am sorry to cause all this trouble.

[Oh, you certainly will. Loki never forgets a debt.

He waves a hand.]

'tis a small prison. We will meet again.

[Vakri turns and together they gallop away.]

[video | Nov 4th - sunup]

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