awashlogs | March catch-all

[Berkut combs through the shelves of the general store, which isn't nearly as bizarre as it sounds, considering Chroma's generally olden setting. He's just found what he's been looking for—an old bottle of white vinegar—when he takes notice of another presence.]

Oh, it's you.

[Appearing much better than the last time he saw her, no doubt.]

[Given how long it took him to take notice of the message and to send a reply thereafter, Berkut is second to arrive. Glancing at the harbor, he turns to the man responsible for bringing him here.]

What's this about a quest, Shen Qingqiu?

[They're standing next to the harbor. Berkut has a good idea of what inane antics they'll be getting up to this time. As of now, he's not sure how he feels about it.]

[ Berkut. Berkut. Can we have another sit-down to learn how to use the computer? I thought to send you a message would be faster and more polite than coming to your house! What I'm saying is ...E-mails are important! Please answer them promptly, okay?! ]

[ He clears his throat, having got all of his grievances out. Privately. ]

It is to be thrown into the harbor waters.

[ Turning, he looks towards the waters -- still looking black, unmoving, and very wrong. Just like the woods themselves. Fucking great. ]

I would like you to throw me in.

[ Berkut is actually speechless for a moment. He searches Shen Qingqiu's face for a hint of humor, only to find none. The teacher is serious. ]

And why should I do that?

[ She is a.) no longer feverish and b.) no longer viewing him as her mother, so really, they're off to a much better start. Kisa, however, seems to shrink down a little when he addresses her, because while it's still somewhat hazy, she remembers enough to additionally know that he'd turned her into a tiger and she'd called him "Mom".

Hm. ]

H-hello.

[ ???????????

He blinks.

What do you mean why should you do that? Hello? Berkut? Do you not remember that little romp that you had in my heart? I've been feeling a bit guilty about it and this is killing two birds with one stone. Who wouldn't want to dunk the person that caused them so much trouble in the water? Your nobility is to be appreciated, but this is a free pass! ]

[ But putting it like that, I even wouldn't be able to save any face! ]

These missions are those that ultimately help Chroma as a whole. There are also rewards in completing them. [ ++ Renown. ++ Reward. Isn't that the only reason anyone does sidequests? Unless they are masochistic completionists. His fan lightly touches his chin. ]

[ Mousy as ever, but certainly able to stand on her own two feet. That's good enough for him. ]

You seem to have recovered since our last encounter. Was your ailment a curse?

I am aware.

[ Those are simple and understandable reasons. Why this specific quest? Upon remembering the other quests that have recently populated the forum, he finds himself nodding: The alternatives are more ill-suited. ]

. . . Very well. If it is your wish to be thrown into the harbor water, you will have it.

It... was. I don't really understand it, but the thorns... were causing it for a lot of people.

... I'm sorry, for giving you trouble.

[ He kind of went through a lot. ]

[ He recalls being dragged into waters by a certain cultivator, and peers over the side into the water. It isn't ideal, but he can't back out now. Escort quest. Consider this the reward for it, too. Being able to do what all gamers wish they could to the NPC. ]

Also, Prince Berkut, have you ever thrown anyone off a pier?

[ Seemingly not feeling the same way, he turns to face Kisa. It's proper, not to mention the way out of the store. ]

Your apology is unnecessary. That curse was not your doing.

[ It would be far simpler to run an offensive party through with a lance and be done with it, but Shen Qingqiu probably wouldn't prefer this method. ]

No. [ There's a thoughtful pause. ] Not until now, I suppose.

[ Say "no" to murder, Berkut. ]

Then, we can consider two quests cleared with this single action. [ I really wasn't sure! But hey, I've also never been thrown off a pier, so, it's a first for everyone. ]

... Does that mean you're not mad?

[ Oh. ]

[ Say that to Renne first! ]

There is no glory to be found in throwing a man into the harbor, but you make a convincing argument. I trust that you've come prepared?

[ Because as soon as he gets the okay, he's going to throw Shen Qingqiu over and into the water. ]

What reason do I have to be mad after what I've just told you?

[ She's a good girl, Berkut! ]

I've come prepared.

[ Emotionally, at least. That water looks fucking cold. ]

I am ready whenever you are.

... [ Well, that's fair. So she doesn't actually answer that, instead pondering-- ]

Um. What were you doing here?

I came to look for this.

[ He holds up the bottle. ]

Boiled white vinegar is useful for polishing armor and other things.

[ Say that to him. Say it.

Without further ado, Berkut steps in front of Shen Qingqiu and throws him over his shoulder. He has the decency to use his right shoulder for that. It wouldn't be pretty if he were to use his left, where the pauldron rests. Goodbye, teacher! ]

...? Were you polishing armor?

[ Well, if nothing else, she's learned something new. ]

[ Hey, thanks, man!

It's odd to thank someone that puts them over the shoulder where he wouldn't rest over the pauldron. That looks like it might leave a mark. On his stomach. He wouldn't want to that! And off he goes sailing -- there he goes, isn't he majestic? Not really. He isn't able to do a dignified jump in so it's more like a rock with tissue paper wrapped around it being flung into the water.

Splash!!

Goosebumps spread all over his body. Not just the chill of the water. But it feels weird! It feels weird all over! Oh, oh! Please don't let him get poisoned by this?! His head is poked up out of the water as he swims back towards the dock. ]

Might I bother you for a hand up? [ Out, out out! I want out! I want out! Who wishes they had their sword so they could fly out of the waters?! THIS MAN! ]

. . . No. Not today. This is for something else.

March catch-all

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