etrayalogs | APRIL MINGLE

APRIL MINGLE

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: April 25th - Early May
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, spring activities, and feathered friends!
NOTES\WARNINGS:

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - characters awaken on hospital beds and are offered an explanation of their situation: that they have arrived in the city of Etraya, and they are their world's only hope. They are welcome to wander the hospital if they would like to - the upper floors are mostly empty, full of pristine hallways and numerous rooms filled with supplies, cots, and things one would expect from a relatively average 21st-century hospital.

However, if they are arriving from Aphaia, it's a little different, though mostly through means and familiarity. They will still show up in the hospital of course, but how can vary. Either through Aurora offering a portal for escape, their own demise (however it might have happened), or even a simple blink of their eyes and they're in the hospital. They had been given the briefest explanation last time they were here, but at least Aurora can better answer their questions now. No time constraints nor rushing them off to a dying world, this time!

In the hospital's lobby are several party tables set out with miscellaneous baked goods: croissants, cookies, breads, cake slices, as well as tea and coffee to accompany them - or hot chocolate, for those who are opposed to the other offerings.

Outside the hospital, spring is sprung, it is warm and comfortable. Flowers have bloomed, and everything is in a sharp contrast to Aphaia—there is life within the bubble, and even the myriad wildlife seems to be basking in the glow of it all. Almost as if a celebration of that life itself.

Bees are buzzing, birds are—warking?

⏵ Birds of a Feather ⏴

Etraya has always had its interesting assortment of critters, but there seems to be a particularly colorful array of birds wandering around. Those familiar would know they are named Chocobos, those less so familiar, well, these are some strange looking ostriches, or whatever large bipedal bird equivalent fits. While the birds all seem to be of the same species, there are certainly some variety in their features. Some with friendlier faces and others looking a bit more eagle-like.

They are not particularly congregated in any one spot within Etraya, seeming to stick to groups, while others don't, yet even some are accompanied by newly hatched chicks. The observant might be quick to notice that their colors dictate some level of behavior, or even where their little groups mingle:

Colors	Behavior and habitat
Yellow	Can be found just about anywhere in Etraya, they don't necessarily stick to self-made groups, and typically are more likely to be friendly to people. However, if they are in the company of a newly hatched chick, they can become wary, though easily won over with some greens.
Green	These Chocobos are mostly found in grassy or woodsy areas, almost always in pairs, and sometimes found in the trees themselves. They are more wary than their yellow brethren, though if they see someone struggling or in danger, they are quick to offer assistance in what way they can. Doting like motherhens.
Blue	Most often found by bodies of water, these Chocobo seem content to keep to themselves. Three to a group, they are not so easy to approach without being noticed. Their skill and love of water is clear, however, and it's not unusual to find them flapping about or swimming. Though they may flee to the water if you spook them.
Brown	The most skiddish of the Chocobo, they can be found throughout Etraya, though further away from anything occupied by people. They stick to groups of four, though they have a clear leader who sports blue and green feathers, but seemingly is not of the other two types. Should they catch sight or sound of someone approaching they are like to run off, or they might attempt to defend themselves.
Red	There seems to be only one of these running around. Highly aggressive to anyone who dares to approach it. Best to avoid it. Very likely to hurl comet-like balls of fire your way. Untamable.

The birds all favor these strange cabbage looking plants that can be found out and about in the wilds of Etraya. Some proving a little overeager in their voracity to eat the leafy greens. One should be careful, with those large beaks of theirs.

⏵ Gift Hunt ⏴

It isn't only the birds that have shown up out of nowhere. Small to medium sized boxes, wrapped as if they should be under a tree, and maybe not hidden in a tree, have also appeared. For whatever reason (possibly the same reason eggs were given out over winter) there seems to be gifts hidden all over Etraya! Some in more difficult to find locations (in trees, on top of a roof, on snake island), while others look as though whoever "hid" it gave up halfway through and simply dropped it on the ground and put a leaf over it.

For those who need a little extra help, well, certainly your fellow Etrayans could lend a hand, however there are also perfectly capable birds about for those still left wanting. Certainly that blue chocobo could assist with crossing the river to obtain that perfectly balanced gift on a rock! Or what about that green chocobo roosting in a tree not too far from that gift stuck in the branches because it has entirely too many ribbons?

With that said, there might also be some dangers in trying to take one of the myriad gifts from a chocobo's nest, especially if there's a chick presently sleeping next to it. Perhaps befriending them would be a good idea first, besides, isn't friendship with a big bird the truest gift of all?

On the tag of each and every gift box says the same thing:

To: You
Love: 💋

Each gift has a random assortment within. Some contain candy, others contain alcohol, make-up...maybe even a pair of socks, very perfunctory gifts with very little thought or feeling put into them. However, there is at least one gift that is personally relevant to each character in Etraya. This item will be the equivalent of a 5 point AC reward, and does not have to be found by the person it is intended for.

What better way to break the ice than to give someone their gift which you opened!

⏵ NOTES ⏴

Welcome to Etraya newcomers and happy spring to everyone!

It appears that someone is trying to correct her previous mistake of handing out eggs during the winter holidays, and now there's a hunt for gifts accompanied by a bunch of lovely birds to help out!

Some notes in regard to Chocobos:

-Each color can be tamed except for the red one, he's a free spirit. Should someone wish to harm or attack this chocobo, let us mods know. There is only one of him, after all.

-The others will just take various amounts of work to win over, however, but they are loving and cute companions for those who are willing to put in the effort! And who knows, maybe more colors could arise with time and patience...

-Feel free to pull from all the designs of chocobos throughout the Final Fantasy series. If you fancy FFXII's, for example, there are some that look like that. Variety is the spice of life!

Concerning the personal item, be sure to plot out and get permission when finding someone else's item. This is meant to encourage possible new CR and mingling, but the choice of the item should ultimately be within the hands of the player who is receiving it.

If you are uncertain if your item is appropriate for the reward cost, feel free to ask here!

For all questions relating to this log, please refer to the mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ So indeed, this is the other Shadow. Studying his features, the most overt difference in his countenance is how he wears it. How very peculiar, that two could bear the same face and name and yet be so different. The universe is a vast and strange place indeed, Dion is fast discovering.

When the chocobo begins to approach this other Shadow, Dion notices the shift in his posture. Perhaps that is the answer to his previous question. Dion's lips thin at the thought. ]

Then my apologies for being overly familiar.

[ He hopes to divert the fellow's attention before he lashes out at another bird. The chocobos being friendly shouldn't be cause for them to be wounded so needlessly. Some of them do attack, but the greens have not, from his observations. If anything, the birds seem more inclined to attempt to comfort others, a curious behavior in and of itself. ]

[ it does only so much to ease him, he's sensitive, on edge and for a reason that he hates. sometimes his attention wanders, when the chocobo shifts, he doesn't do anything but stand there wordlessly. it's not that he's directionless, it's more than he wants to find that person.

he does manage to speak after some time. ]

Hmph. Take it with you.

[ perhaps this chocobo belongs to the other, what other reason does he not send it away? shadow hasn't given any time to learning the differences about them, because why would he? they're headaches, each and every one of them, and if this green one is anything like the last. ]

There's nothing it needs here.

[ the one oddity within this area he somehow cannot allow be food for something else. ]

[ It comes as a relief to him that this second chocobo isn't attacked. Still, the way it lingers as though curious about something is odd. Shy as these birds have appeared to be, he's observed them approaching others in select cases.

The pattern he has seen is that they're drawn to people in some form of distress. It's soemthing he hadn't observed in wild chocobos before, not that he would deem himself an expert. ]

I could attempt to, though you seem to have its interest.

[ He falls silent for a collection of moments, debating with himself. Perhaps he shouldn't venture to ask, but if chocobos are going to keep approaching this Shadow and he's going to continue attacking them for it otherwise, it would be best to try. ]

Those with green plumage seem inclined to approach those in pain, injured or otherwise. They mean no harm.

[ This Shadow doesn't appear injured, but that isn't the only sort of hurt animals can pick up on. If he understands this, perhaps he'll be less hostile toward them? ]

Edited 2025-04-27 21:33 (UTC)

[ he expects them to leave, there's nothing for either here, but what offends the hedgehog more than the chocobo coming closer is what leaves the other's mouth. he's quick to sharpen his glare, his fingers curling into a fist and something flickers inside of him... hate, he knows this feeling all too well, sadness? no, he's used to pain, but how dare this sorry excuse for an animal feel anything from him.

normally, shadow tries not to wear his pain, he doesn't think it's visible, and that his irritation is all that should be noticeable between either. pain doesn't show on him, but inside, something about his loss being said indirectly in front of him only worsens his mood. ]

Stay away.

[ accepting pain, accepting loss would mean that his other emotions are winning out, and that she's actually gone. he's been told to have hope, that this... feeling is capable of being power of untapped potential, but as he talks, it feels bleak as if something like that doesn't exist. if hope did exist, why is there somewhere here attempting to confirm his fears. ]

I don't have time for your nonsense.

[ he bites back, a green crackle of energy builds around one hand to prove that it's only irritating him further.

...but maria said before not to kill, but it's so hard, it's so difficult when reasons crop up and violence tends to be the only answer. his fist twitches, rather than send an attack towards the man and bird, shadow instead punches his hand against the stump of the tree which pops upon impact and fries the roots within the ground.

smoke proceeds to waft up into the air, and shadow briefly looks behind him to make sure that flower is fine...

it is, perfectly placed on the ground without any damage.

he turns his attention to the two. ]

I'm giving you a warning.

[ what is he trying so hard to protect? even shadow doesn't understand, it has nothing to do with him... ]

[ Dion tenses by a small degree, something one simply can't repress when unprepared for such a show of force. Yet he budges no further, which suggests something of him and his experiences. It doesn't frighten him.

Evidently, the words meant more to this Shadow than Dion would have anticipated. It must be something more than injury or concerns that might weigh on the mind.

Whatever it is, it isn't his business to ask. Even so, such a violent reaction tells him enough. It seems to tell the chocobo enough as well, for it rears back with an alarmed cry and flees in the same direction its fellow bird had gone.

At least he had not attacked the chocobo directly. He'd scared it off, and Dion takes this to mean that Shadow has accepted the information, though he does not like it. He isn't being needlessly cruel, and that in and of itself is a relief.

It may be best to leave it at that, he thinks. At least, that's what flits through his mind before he catches a glimpse of something purple, recognition seizing his attention for a moment. ]

...Do wyvern tails grow here as well?

[ The question is too quiet to be directed at Shadow. He could no more answer that for him than the air around them. Dion takes a few delayed moments to recover before he lifts a hand, deliberately slow, to point to the flower. ]

I will not impose much longer, but...where did you find that flower?

[ He has no idea whether this Shadow would answer. Perhaps he wouldn't, whether or not he had an answer to give. But he remembers well the last time he saw one and what his former tutor had said upon offering it to him.

"Its roots were the roots of a wyvern tail, with all that implies. But they do not define it... just as yours do not define you."

He remembers, and so he must ask, however unlikely he believes an answer will be. ]

[ there's something about the other as soon as he notes the flower, hm, out of all the things here to comment on like the destruction of their surroundings and everything else, it's something as small as a flower. then again, even shadow had went out of his way to protect the small thing that he wonders if this is something familiar them too.

it's not shadow's, it only reminds him of something, but he stands in the way, crimson eyes watching the other. ]

It found me.

[ but that doesn't mean it's for him. all it does is jog memories that he doesn't want, reminds him of a loneliness, and it's without even questioning the other. ]

Take it.

[ it's a command. one that he follows through with himself as he walks to the side, fully revealing the plant to the other. as purple as lavender, in the shape of what reminds him of a lily... these are things that dwell inside his chest, hurts him only briefly, and then remind him that such feelings should be overridden with anger.

shadow can leave if it's someone else's problem, besides... his flower is somewhere else, with the memories of a loved one.

however, he's quick to continue: ]

Before I change my mind.

[ the hedgehog is waiting now to see if the other will take it or if he was only curious much like those chocobos. if he feeds it away, then that is not shadow's problem at all either, he's done his part protecting it from the dangers close by. ]

[ Truthfully, it hadn't occurred to Dion that the wyvern tail that just so happens to be there is for him. Perhaps it should, amidst so many stray items that have appeared in the oddest of places and hold meaning to one individual or another. He'd already made a point of finding who certain items were intended for.

The presence of the flower had been so surprising that he hadn't considered it. Neither had he paused to consider the prospect of something being for him, focused as he was on looking for someone who may not have made it here from Aphaia. ]

...Very well.

[ It takes him the span of a short delay to remind himself to move. It's only then that he notices an empty, crumpled box has settled on the grass a distance from Shadow's position, doubtless a casualty of when the tree was struck. Another of these strange gifts then, he decides.

His strides are stiff and brisk, if only because Dion is well aware his presence is only tolerated here. It's not an unfamiliar feeling, but typically, he is far and away the most potent force in the vicinity. This is not something he will assume with this other Shadow.

Once he reaches the place where the flower sits, he gently retrieves it as though it's some rare and fragile treasure. He doesn't think about this, treating it with such care as he does. A gift he had once declined to receive, deeming himself unworthy...yet it has found him, worlds away. ]

Thank you.

[ He says the words softly, his tone bordering on solemnity. ]

[ there's no need to thank shadow as this wasn't him being kind, nor was it looking to see who this flower belonged to. what he knew is that it didn't belong to him, but the beauty and fragility of it in general reminds him of someone, but he believes she is not here. if she was, then he would have found her already.

...

the hedgehog closes his eyes, arms crossed as he remains silent, giving the other time to hold onto that treasure of his. he doesn't know the meaning behind it, but from how he acts, the gentleness of his actions over that flower. it must be his. this is an issue, shadow is growing tired of finding things for others, but he can never find... her.

is this world laughing at him in some way? ]

Don't waste your breath.

[ there is nothing else to be said here, the other can stand here all he wants to cradle that flower and shadow would never inquire anything more as to what it means to him. he could tell for the brief moment when the other asked about it, out of everything, that was second thing he questioned when he finally noticed it. there's a way people act when there's something in connection to them, everything in the world starts to matter less aside from that one item.

shadow understands this feeling, but he does not relate within etraya. the most he found was a picture of the past, a time where he saved the world, but even that is meaningless to him. it is nothing like the rare and fragile flower that the other can hold in his hand with gratefulness. ]

[ They will differ on that. Dion isn't the kind to neglect to appreciate what he is given, even if it's only the small grace of being allowed to retrieve the flower without conflict, just as he never allows debts to go unanswered. It's who he is, and something that isn't liable to change.

For that reason, his voice is a little firmer when he replies: ]

I do not consider it a waste.

[ Having said that, he turns on his heel to leave Shadow to his business. Though Dion hasn't any experience with healing, he knows well enough how to bandage a wound, so he will attend to the injured wing of that chocobo he'd crossed paths with earlier. First he'll have to coax the poor bird down, but he has time.

He has entirely too much time. ]

Foolish.

[ one of the many around here, but they're a dime a dozen offering useless words that mean little. it's not shadow who orchestrated this to give it to someone, but knowing he cannot move it and someone else can, putting it into their care lifts any amount of weight off him.

until that same green chocobo walks through a bush, wing still battered from what shadow has done, but as frightened as it is there is a photograph in its mouth. something he might have dropped, the bird thinks, but the truth is that shadow had willingly parted with it.

it reminds him of old days, days that are no more, and even he can tell from the size and colors of that image which one it is. the bird holds onto it, worried, but quick to startle as soon as it realizes the situation here. the area seems a little worse than it was before, that flower it wanted to eat is now in someone else's hands.

is this person mad at the bird too?

the stress and concern from this is radiating in waves. ]

[ This poor chocobo. Dion's brow knits, debating how best to handle the situation. He first carefully tucks the flower's stem into his armor to free up his hands, then notes the photograph. His world has painted portraits and drawings, not such small, glossy images.

Despite what this bird had been through, here it was trying to be helpful. ]

You're a brave one, aren't you?

[ He speaks softly, aware the poor creature is hurt and understandably frightened and doubtless in pain. Yet here it is regardless. Most wild chocobos wouldn't so readily return unless they were retaliating, and that clearly isn't the case here.

His approach is a cautious one, slowly nearing the bird with a single hand raised. Each time the chocobo inches back, he waits until it calms. Eventually, he gets close enough to smooth a hand over its beak.

He eyes the odd bit of glossy paper and the image it bears before he glances Shadow's way. It's a brief, speculative look, one he interrupts himself by returning his attention to the chocobo. ]

Even after that ordeal... [ Truly, a remarkable bird. One would expect it of a well-trained chocobo, but certainly not a wild one. ] May I?

[ He waits for an obliging bump from the chocobo's beak before he takes the small image from it, handling the photograph with no less care than the wyvern tail. Surely it has its own significance, after all. ]

[ as the stranger and the bird converse, or if he tends to its needs, the hedgehog no longer shows any interest to his surroundings. he parts ways, moving to another tree that hasn't been damaged by his blows, and leans against it with his arms crossed to mind his own business. in the background of it all, he can hear the low clicks of the chocobo and the stranger's words, ears twitching, and all the while he does nothing.

they all share the same company, but shadow is separate from them, he doesn't take part in the intwined lives of the bird and man. even with the photograph taken, it's simply a picture of the black hedgehog facing away from the viewer, and what seems to be another just like him only that he's blue in color, and seems to be enthusiastic while looking at the viewer. two different personalities all in one, but with as much as the hedgehog seems to try and stay out of the way, it must have been a rare occasion.

the background illustrates a wide building with flags held up, and a small pond off to the side that's somewhat blocked by the blue hedgehog in the photo.

in truth, the bird only returned because of the other person here, a soothing and calming presence as it had heard his words before. as for the other creature here, the picture was familiar and of course it would be the one that attacked it before. now whether this bird holds a grudge doesn't seem likely with the way it returned, but it does slowly squat down against the ground, beak brushing up against its hurt wing as though its given up enough energy to make it back here to such a dangerous place.

shadow hasn't left yet, still around only because it's a location that's owned by one person. at most, listening to the sound of nature without being bothered is the best he can get here in this place. ]

[ Dion is accustomed to being watched. He's spent his life under the gaze of those who looked through him, who saw what he was before all else, and what he could be used for. There is also the commonality of being watched with a certain distant detachment, and he expects that the latter is true of Shadow.

He presses on as though that doesn't weigh on him, shrugging off the satchel he'd brought with him. The image he tucks carefully in a pocket of the bag, so as not to damage it while he works.

His satchel is mostly filled with greens, one of which he sets before the chocobo before he moves aside to examine its wing. The kweh it utters comes with brittle enthusiasm, but it still eats, which is a good sign. Dion looks the wing over with as little contact as possible, gingerly examining the wound so he can get a sense of how to patch it up.

He's seen enough war chocobos wounded in battle and their subsequent recovery to have a sense of severity, at the very least. ]

...Provided we keep this clean, I believe it should mend.

[ His voice remains soft as he tugs a roll of gauze from the satchel, sifting around to find other supplies. ]

[ the wound shows something managed to burn through it with ease, maybe a sort of heat, or whatever it is that hedgehog is able to do. around the area is blood from the open wound, and even now, it still bleeds and the substance is caught between their feathers. it'll need something to cover the wound, stitches won't help, and if it's not properly treated there is a chance the bird will not be able to use it later, but cleaning is of importance.

that will give this wing a fighting chance.

this wound reflects that the hedgehog is willing to apply finishing blows, ensuring his enemies crippled and unable to fight, but this one is odd. it's as though he chose a place that would have trouble healing if someone wasn't familiar with mending wounds. since the chance of a bird like this finding anyone capable is realistically low.

luckily, it did find someone.

shadow's ears twitch again as he hears the sound of their conversation, and the crunch of greens beneath a beak. he doesn't need to see what's going on, but he's pretty much aware of what's happening around him. the hedgehog leans into the tree even more, taking this opportunity to think about what his next plan will be. ]

[ Dion has seen enough injuries in the field to have a general sense of how to proceed. Unlike people, however, a chocobo can only understand so much of what he says. Not for the first time, he wishes he had Joshua's knack for mending wounds with his power, but this isn't the time to try. Dion had always been made to bend his light toward destruction and he can't risk hurting the chocobo while trying to help it.

Instead, he procures a bottle of water from his satchel and uncaps it. The wound will need to be clean first, else infection is a risk. He knows the bird isn't going to enjoy any of this process, but he must try to keep it calm. ]

I hope you are able to remain still.

[ He pours the water over the wound at a trickle, hoping to flush out anything that might have gotten caught in the wound or the blood caught in its feathers. The chocobo flinches with a startled cry, but perhaps because of the shock of the injury or the fatigue that came of bleeding from it, the bird doesn't get up.

Dion's eyes remain on the wound until the water is drained. He sets the bottle aside and presses on, patting the area gently with some of the gauze to dry it. The rest he tears away as he seats himself closer to the chocobo. ]

This will be the worst of it, so bear with me.

[ He speaks merely for the sound of it, for whatever reassurance it might give the poor bird. Then begins the process of bandaging the wound in earnest, feeling out the balance between a snug fit and a comfortable one. The wound will need to remain covered.

Dion realizes then that he'll have to plan on changing these bandages as well. If only he could just heal the poor thing, but this will have to do. ]

[ what dion does hardly calls for any fuss from the chocobo, it's all done in a way where it's like they aren't there. no disturbances, peaceful enough where their presence isn't a glaring nuisance is the peace of this forest. everything pairs well together, and only sometimes the rustle of bushes bring out another curious chocobo's head to see what's happening.

they never stay long because they're skittish creatures, but there are less than two that come by observing what's happening and then leaving. it's like they scout for information, or maybe they're really peaceful creatures trying to figure out what's going on around them, and what creature they can trust.

has dion acquired himself a chocobo to nurse back to health or a friend? whichever it may be, it isn't before long where one head of leafy greens rolls through the bushes by shadow's side, knocking into his shoes with a small thump. the hedgehog glances down to see what it is, and his gaze doesn't turn to the bush at all as he doesn't want to acknowledge whatever the other bird may be doing.

instead, he kicks it with acute precision, and it won't be long until dion feels something hit against him next. the leafy greens that was once by shadow's person now over there by the other two. they would find more use through it, whether the chocobo hidden in the leaves of the forest thought he was hungry or they're trying to give "thanks" in some way for helping their friend, it's hard to say.

maybe it is "thanks" as a second head of leafy greens is rolled in dion's direction now from out the brush, bumping into his thigh. now he has two. ]

[ Focused as he is on patching up the chocobo's injured wing, Dion does pause when something bumps into him. He pauses, glancing down at the greens, then toward the other chocobo. Perhaps something for its wounded friend? It's what Dion assumes, taking a moment to place the leafy vegetables in front of his impromptu patient.

The chocobo kwehs softly, eating just as slowly as before. At least it does have the will to eat. He'd be all the more concerned were it not the case. Simple shock could result in that behavior, though it could as easily be a failure to notice some other hurt on his part. From his assessment it is the wing alone.

Once he finishes bandaging the wing, Dion inspects his handiwork. He's no physicker, but it should hold. He gently pats the chocobo's head, staying well away from the injury now that it's been tended to. ]

It shall need redressing, but that should do for now.

[ This time he isn't entirely sure whether his explanation to more for the bird's sake or his own. He needn't try to soothe the chocobo now that its wound won't be tampered with for the time being, but he will need to check in on it and keep the wound clean for it to heal properly. ]

[ very briefly the hedgehog glances over at this stranger's "work". from what he used and how he cleaned the feathers, the hedgehog knows it'll be fine. within the ark, he was a cure, he understands medicines and the body, he can tell when something is failing. there are signs when you watch over a sick girl with an incurable diseases.

it'll be fine. the wound was meant to cripple, but someone managed to tend to it before it could get worse.

his eyes return to what's in front of him, that one chocobo that's turning around to disappear within the bushes. as skittish and strange as these creatures tend to be, why do they keep coming? it doesn't make any sense. is it because of what that person had said... that they sense pain, or something of that likeness.

if that is true, then maybe the hedgehog should go to give them space. if he is hurting, if he is... in pain, then no more will come through. it sounds like a plan to him as he finally removes himself from the tree, a thin limb cracks underneath his step as he closes the distance between him and the bush.

... ]

It'll survive.

[ it's as much as the hedgehog offers to the stranger and the bird, from what he's seen, medically it didn't need much. just a human or adjacent to one's touch. ]

I should hope so.

[ It's more than he was expecting to hear from Shadow, having thought the fellow was quite finished speaking with him. He doesn't assume him to be opening up a conversation, of course, but while he is here it only seems proper to ask. ]

The picture is yours, is it not?

[ Dion would return it, but he doesn't know whether Shadow will accept the object or not. There are two Shadows here, of course, so it could belong to the one he'd already met... But he suspects there is a reason one of the chocobos brought it here.

Whatever the answer may be, Dion rocks back onto his heels and stands. His search is not yet concluded. Rather, he has not yet given up. He fears what it would mean for him to do so. ]

[ maybe he should have stayed to himself rather than say anything in general, especially when the other mentions the photograph. the hedgehog turns, one hand held out as if waiting for the other to return it.

it's nothing important, it doesn't classify deserving the same gentle care like the flower. it's only the past when he didn't know who or what he was, just a reminder of those days that are long gone, and what he is now. as unwilling as he is in the photo, it's not something he would do again.

that's why he'll take it.

shadow should probably burn it because of how often this picture has been making unfortunate rounds.

his attention is on the other before glancing to the chocobo. at least it's finally off his tail, he figures that it'll stay there waiting for when the other returns. ]

[ Dion takes the prompt for what it is, wasting no time in pulling the picture from his satchel and placing it on that waiting palm. What Shadow might do with it from this point forth, Dion could hardly guess. It isn't his place to ask and he's certain he wouldn't get an answer besides.

With that, he shoulders the satchel once more. ]

I shall take my leave then.

[ He only hopes there won't be any further injuries to chocobos here. It was fortunate he knew enough to help this one, but he sorely feels his lack of ability in the healing arts. Others could have mended such a wound in moments, but Bahamut's power was always intended for force of arms, and he was to conserve his strength for that. Perhaps it does not need to remain that way in this place. Perhaps.

For now he turns on his heel, giving the chocobo's feathered head a pat before he makes to return to his search. ]

[ what did the other say about these colored chocobos that they find those pained and hurting? it's something filed away in the back of shadow's head as the photograph is given to him, and as his eyes look down at it, he doesn't feel any pain... or sadness at this. no, his feelings are directed else where. ]

You.

[ the hedgehog looks to the back faced to him, the taller gentleman who placed his hand against the chocobo, the one who takes his leave without much conversation. they didn't need to say much to each other, just being in the same location with no resistance is what led to this.

minimum conversation, but there's something that needs to be asked. ]

[ Dion's strides halt, for that lone word could only be directed to him. No one else is in the area, save for the chocobos, and he doubts that Shadow would bother speaking to them. He could be proven wrong, of course, but he doubts the fellow would prompt the attention of the birds.

So he turns, remaining where he is. ]

Yes?

[ A word for a word. If Shadow has something to say, then he'll hear it, not that Dion can imagine what it would be. Between the two Shadows, it's clear to him neither is much for chit-chat. ]

[ his eyes shift to where he saw the other put the flower, and his gaze settles there for a few moments indicating that there's something there. ]

Yours?

[ nothing more than a question on the connection between him and that flower, he thinks by taking this photograph wordlessly was enough of an answer.

besides, he seemed sure, and there's only other black and red hedgehog who could fit the bill, but between the two, there's still light in one's eyes and the other only has years of pain and anger in his own. the hedgehog in the photograph is confident, the other one doesn't have that sort of strong foundation for himself unlike the hedgehog who stands across from a wounded chocobo and its caregiver.

it's easy to confirm the picture belongs to shadow, but what of that flower.

is it his? ]

[ Dion lifts a hand to where the flower peeks out of his armor, fingertips delicately brushing against petals as though to assure himself of its existence. Surely, a wild wyvern tail wouldn't hold particular significance to anyone else here.

Though Dion is not yet certain whether he sees himself as worthy of the gift he'd once declined, feeling he had not yet earned it, he cannot simply discard it. That would be worse. ]

Yes.

[ He replies quietly, for the flower and the sentiments behind it had a certain weight of their own. It is not simply a flower to him. ]

APRIL MINGLE

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