themoonlitmonarch

[themoonlitmonarch]

//Hi all. I just wanted to say, a quick apology for the sudden absence. A lots been going on and to be honest, it's kinda destroyed any muse/desire to write at this current point in my life. So, I guess I'm writing this to say im officially on a full hiatus until further notice. If anyone wants my discord, hit me up. I'm on there like all the time. But when it comes to writing, im struggling to form words into replies. Genuinely so sorry to everyone I owe a reply to and I think that when I do come back (whenever that might be) I might do some clearing out in my drafts. Unsure though. It really just depends on if my motivation comes back. Sorry everyone :(

[themoonlitmonarch]

🧠 Expertise

“I drew out some blueprints for a project recently. I was honestly just messing around, y’know, tossing some ideas up in the air. Just seeing what stuck and what didn’t. Honestly, what I had doodled on the paper didn’t really make much sense at the time. At the time, I thought they were pretty dumb so I tossed them as soon as I was done.”

“But, of course, after I threw it away, Palmo somehow got his hands on the drafts that I sketched out and he ambushed me when I got home from the baths and started rambling about how creative my idea was and even started pointing out parts of it that could work and how we could make it work and next thing I knew, I was assigned to the project of making my dumb little doodles a reality.”

“...”

“Palmo really is something. He really can make anything work, huh? I guess this means my blueprints aren’t half bad.”

[themoonlitmonarch]

Ryker snorted at the girl’s snark. While it was probably meant as an insult, the idea of a Sleeping Festival was definitely something that had crossed his mind once or twice. “I dunno, I’d have a good chance at it but there’s someone in this village that might give me a run for my money. I think she might be even worse than I am.” Give Elsje the opportunity to close down her restaurant and she’d do it in a heartbeat if it meant she could run off to take a nap. With Ryker, at least he managed to finish his work… eventually. Elsje would happily sell someone’s soul if it meant she could sleep in. … Maybe.

The idea of a Dancing Contest, however, was enough to bring a look of disgust to Ryker’s face. Holding out his hands, he quickly shook his head.

“Nuh-uh, no way. There’s not a single person in this village that will get me to dance in front of people. That’s absolutely not happening.” He wrinkles his nose a bit. “I don’t even know what this normincarena is but you won’t see me doing it. No offense to your… normin?” That was definitely a creature he had never heard of before.

As the girl explained the differences between these Seraphim and ghosts, Ryker had to fully admit that he didn’t quite understand though he supposed that they were different in the sense that the girl wasn’t dead and was instead just some other being entirely. Okay, thinking about it that way made it make a bit more sense. Still, he scratched at his head, lips twisting into a thoughtful line.

So, he had something called resonance. And had a high amount of it. “Well, I dunno what this resonance stuff is but me having a lot of it makes sense.” He grins proudly, his confidence in himself showing clear as day.

“That being said though, have you at least tried to talk with the other villagers? We have a lot of special types around here. I know that if I can see you, there’s a certain few here that would be able to see you as well. I’d probably bet money on it if I could even bother doing so. Who knows? Maybe some of the people in the village will surprise you. Might make your visit here a little less lonely.”

She raises an eyebrow. That offhanded comment about busybodies had her piqued because of his reaction. Welp, none of her business. ❛  With how you talk about wanting to nap, I'd say you'd be a shoo-in for a Sleeping Festival if there was ever one,  ❜ she dryly comments. She can't quite imagine him winning a Handicraft Contest, which is the opposite of being lazy—but in retrospect, they barely met, so she'll give him a chance to prove himself. So far, she concludes that he has some sort of ego complex. 

The more she listens, the more she is unimpressed. ❛  With how many contests there are, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a contest just to see which contest is the most competitive.  ❜ Now that'd be wild and hard to judge. That Tricky Treat Contest seemed promising to her with its candy benefits, but she isn't a child. ❛  In my opinion, I think there should be a Dancing Contest,  ❜ she suggests casually, a hint of mischief evident in her eyes, ❛  to see who can come up with the best version of the normincarena. It's a dance for humans to pay respects to normins all over the world.  ❜ She even shakes her umbrella a bit, letting her normin doll sway for emphasis. ❛  If there is a Dancing Contest already, then implementing the normincarena is a must.  ❜

Is she just biased for normins? Totally no. Does she just want to have fun? Absolutely yes.

An amused smirk is visible on her lips at his deflated expression. The disappointment is so obvious on his face, it's a little funny. No one's ever reacted like this before when she does the big reveal about herself. Interesting. 

❛  No, I can't just disappear like that. Ordinary humans just can't see me, is all,  ❜ she corrects, but he's not entirely wrong, per se. If he was a Shepherd and made a contract with her, then Edna can technically vanish and rest inside his head because the contract would make him her vessel. But he's definitely not the Shepherd, so... She curiously looks at him. ❛  So this is what excites you? From thinking about ghostly specters randomly scaring people?  ❜ Yep. Weirdo. 

A pause as she contemplates something. ❛  Although ... I do recall a friend of mine saying that we seraphim can show up in mirrors if we concentrate hard enough. Even if we put in a lot of effort, we'll only show up for a few seconds, though. Some ghost stories were made up from those incidents, but that's never happened to me before.  ❜ What can he get out of this information? She'll let him figure that out. ❛  So, in a way, I guess it's 'sick.'  ❜ 

Upon his question, however, this is stuff she's familiar with explaining already, so Edna replies, ❛  I don't decide that at all. It's only possible because of your resonance. How much resonance someone has differs from person to person, but those with above average amount of it can see us seraphim. You're not the first person who can see me, but you are proof that it's possible to be born with high resonance, I guess.  ❜ 

She slides him an unamused look. ❛  So no, your 'awesome' powers have nothing to do with it, Silverfly.  ❜ ( Maybe it's because of your 'awesome' ego, she thinks and never says. ) 

[themoonlitmonarch]

//bc life likes to hit me with everything at once, got hit with da super sickness so replies are once again on hold until I feel like I'm not gonna pass it simply from breathing lol

[themoonlitmonarch]

💚 Friends / family members

"I think most of the other guys in Rigbarth could stand to calm down and take a nap every so often. I can't remember the last time Murakumo took a day off, I'm not even sure Martin even knows what 'a day off' MEANS and Cecil runs across the entire town on the daily. I also think that Reinhard takes his job TOO seriously-- seriously, I don't know what his deal is. Yeah, Beatrice is some kinda rich lady, that much is obvious, but watching over her all day can't be that serious. Ares is also a pretty bad offender of not resting but at least I know he's capable of sleeping."

"As for Lucas.... That's a whole other topic entirely. I at least know that he sleeps since a bed was the only damn thing he ordered from Studio Palmo when he moved in. Palmo was horrified."

[themoonlitmonarch]

Make my muse talk about one of their...

✨ Deep interests ⚽ Hobbies 🧠 Expertise 🏆 Achievements 💀 Failures ☀️ Hopes / wishes 🔥 Fears / worries 💥 Regrets 💗 Relationships / lovers 💚 Friends / family members ⚔️ Enemies / rivals 👑 Role models / mentors ✔️ Merits ❌ Flaws ❗ Defining life events

[themoonlitmonarch]

//we're back on a mini pause on replies bc I got super hella sick and I feel like I'm actively dying.

//I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things, one step at a time.

Also some time ago, I mentioned making a RP blog for Ares and. Yes, that's still the plan. Blog is made actually, I just have to like. Find the time to Set it up LOL

But also I changed my mind. I have decided to make it a Ares and Alice blog instead since I headcanon them as twins and my headcanons for them are enough to consider them two different characters so like. Look forward to that when I finally have time LMAO

[themoonlitmonarch]

@talesofourworlds - continued from here [x]

It was entirely too early for this.

Ryker always hated going out and collecting lumber, despite needing it to actually do his job. Doing it during the day meant that he had to deal with that stupid giant flaming orb up in the sky. His mortal enemy, the Sun. Just being out in its light was enough to make Ryker feel a migraine coming on. But going out at night meant that, despite being in his element, monsters could easily get the jump on him while he was lugging the wood around.

Ryker had weighed his options and eventually decided, much to his annoyance, that going in the morning would probably be more ideal. A passing knight offered her help and while Ryker wasn’t too keen on hanging out with some stuffy knight all day, help was appreciated nonetheless.

Who knew that today was going to be a huge monster fest though?

Ryker couldn’t help but grumble to himself, wishing that he had just waited for nightfall. Maybe then he would’ve had the energy to deal with this mess. “Trust me, dying is kinda the last thing on my list of things to do today.”

Ryker took a quick leap back, dodging the swift claw of a monster before spinning his dual blades around in his hands before stabbing at the creature in front of him as he listened to the girl– she mentioned before that her name was Chloe right?-- call out the order to stay near her.

“Well, I was planning on just hanging around with this fella with the sparkling teeth but I guess I’ll stick by you for now." Even now, sarcasm came easily as he avoided another snap of teeth from a nearby beast. "You’re fast on your feet, right?”

[themoonlitmonarch]

//I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things, one step at a time.

Also some time ago, I mentioned making a RP blog for Ares and. Yes, that's still the plan. Blog is made actually, I just have to like. Find the time to Set it up LOL

But also I changed my mind. I have decided to make it a Ares and Alice blog instead since I headcanon them as twins and my headcanons for them are enough to consider them two different characters so like. Look forward to that when I finally have time LMAO

[themoonlitmonarch]

The complete 180 in attitude made Ryker realize that he may have just asked the wrong person for directions. Time and time again, he had been told that his overly casual attitude and the snark that followed would likely get him in trouble one day but he never once figured it would actually be true. Judging by the girl’s sudden grin, Ryker was beginning to assume that she was indeed from the town he was heading towards.

She had spoken of getting him blacklisted from multiple merchants in Norad but the girl didn’t look any older than he was. There was no way she had as much power as she claimed, right? … Right? She was small, maybe a little pouty but she held herself with confidence, which was something Ryker could respect… if he didn’t suddenly feel like he was in some kind of danger.

Ryker watched her warily as he turned to fully face her again, face twisting into a grimace. “I didn’t say I was lost…” And he wasn’t. Not really. But Palmo’s instructions could definitely be a bit more clear and his handwriting wasn’t necessarily the best. “I was just needing some… clarification that I was indeed going the right way.”

He was sure that once he got there, he would know it. After all, one of Palmo’s relatives apparently lived in town. Having been dragged to a few family reunions here and there as a child, Ryker knew he would recognize a Sainte-Coquille the moment he laid eyes on one.

“I’m the carpenter that was sent to come help with some repairs to some of the buildings in Sharance.” A typhoon had apparently hit recently and while the village could normally handle their own repairs, upon receiving a letter from his relative that lived in Sharance, Palmo had decided to lend out a helping hand in getting some of the repairs done, even if they weren’t that serious.

Of course, Palmo had a large backlog of work that had to be done so this particular job was thrusted upon Ryker to handle. It would be his first big job as Palmo’s apprentice so that alone was nerve wracking enough.

“I’ll take that as a yes then. You seem to know where Sharance is.” Ryker’s eyes narrowed a bit. He didn’t want to give up the scale but he could already tell that she wasn’t going to make this easy on him. “... Not saying I need help or anything but what do you plan on doing if I did need help. Which I don’t.”

You give a guy a chance to go on their way without further antagonizing and what do they do? Keep at it!! Fortunate that the merchant is looking away while Ryker goes about their continued quipping. The seething cheek-puffed face she was making was the furthest from proper respectable lady she had been in the last. Like. Eight hours.

Oh maybe I didn't hear you bluh bluh bluh. Good grief what kind of stupid conjecture is this she was freaking shouting. But with her path now set she was praying that the woods had something to pity her encumbrance and shit fucking bad crappy luck today.

"If you followed me now then you'd be doing all this completely on purpose and I'd have it in my mind to get you blacklisted from like... a million different merchants this side of Norad! I already let you have the scale, you really wanna play this, mister hoodie??" So much for hiding face, she did shoot a glare back at the other before finally, finally it seemed as though they could go their separate ways.

Never to see nor deal with one another ever ever again.

"Geez, can you even use a nickname without it sounding like you're trying to get my goat, too? I don't even have goats to get!! I could've had a scale but guess what?!" Those bells are jingling now, what with the way she was about facing and snapping her head in judgement. "...Sharance?"

He's looking for an inn in Sharance?

Heheh~

"I just might be~ what? You lost, buddy? Need some instructions? Lookin a little in need there suddenly, ain'tcha?"

[themoonlitmonarch]

//okay so here's the deal (vent below)

Okay so apologies for slow replies. Like genuinely very very very sorry. I'm trying my best but I'm fighting the world right now and it's very difficult for me to focus on replies right now.

1) I got into a car accident some time ago and I've been fighting for my life trying to get the car repair set up, which has been stressing me out

2) I'll be working from home this week and usually one would think I can work on replies better this way. Absolutely not, idk what it is but I just can't focus on writing when I'm at home.

3) currently fighting off a lot of pain, fatigue, crippling depression and anxiety. I barely have the energy to write this post. I'm not sleeping and I'm not eating like I'm supposed to. I'm just a wreck.

So. Sorry if I can't get replies out fast enough, if at all. I guess technically I'm still semi-active but yeah. Not doing that great guys I'm sorry.

[themoonlitmonarch]

HEROIC INTERVENTION. ( A PROMPT LIST! )

so i was writing this headcanon for one of my characters, and it got me thinking about how some characters are absolutely, to their very core, protectors, and even then they still need protecting! so i made this list which is similar to about five other memes i've made. feel free to add a "reverse" if you so wish! DO NOT ADD TO THIS LIST NOR CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN. THANK YOU.

FROM THE SENDER TO THE THREAT:

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " is there a problem over here? "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " can i help you with something? "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " i think it's time you were leaving. "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " why don't you and i go outside for a sec? "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " you wanna tell me why you're hassling my friend? "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " you better start running before i really get pissed. "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " i'm sure there's a rational explanation behind you upsetting this person? "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " i hope you're not thinking of staying here a moment longer. "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " get out. "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " right, either you leave or i kick you out. your choice. "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " i think it's fairly obvious my friend doesn't want anything to do with you, don't you? "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " leave them alone. now. "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " didn't you hear them? back off! "

[ TO THE THREAT ]: " don't even think of pretending you didn't hear me the first time: leave! "

FROM THE SENDER TO THE RECEIVER:

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " hey, are you okay? "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " don't worry. i'll take care of this. "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " why don't you go on out back? i got this, it's okay. "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " here. you go on into the car, alright? i'm right behind you. "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " is this person bothering you? "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " it's okay. hey, hey… look at me. they're gone. "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " hey… what's going on? what's wrong? i… has this person said something to you? "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " it's alright. the others just went out to the car; why don't you join them? i'll handle this. "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " hey, hey… talk to me, huh? what's the matter? you look like you've seen a ghost… who was that? "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " don't be scared. i'm going to take care of this. i promise. "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " you don't need to say anything. just nod if you want me to kick them out, okay? "

[ TO THE RECEIVER ]: " you're alright. i'm right here, don't worry. and they'll be gone before you can blink, that's another promise. "

ACTIONS:

[ HAND ]: sender, having seen the receiver's encounter with the threat, gently takes the receiver's hand to assure them they aren't alone.

[ INTERVENE ]: sender wordlessly steps in between the receiver and the threat, facing the threat while shielding the receiver from them.

[ BLOCK ]: sender steps in between the receiver and the threat, this time facing the receiver while turning their back to the threat and blocking them from the receiver's line of sight.

[ BACK ]: sender places a protective and gentle hand on the receiver's back, preparing to guide them away from the threat.

[ DOOR ]: sender firmly but politely insists that the threat leave the building, and escorts them out of the door.

[ EXIT ]: sender physically catches hold of the threat and drags them away from the receiver, and outside of the building.

[ PUSH ]: sender places a careful hand on the threat to keep them at arm's length, and steps forward again to give the receiver more space between them and the threat.

[ SHOVE ]: sender runs over and forcefully shoves the threat back and away from the receiver.

[ SPACE ]: sender pushes between the receiver and the threat and begins to move forward, invading the threat's personal space as both a means of intimidation and a way of getting them away from the receiver.

[ DIVERT ]: sender arrives behind the threat and gains their attention, distracting them from the receiver so as to give them time to leave the area.

[ CLEAR ]: the sender firmly and clearly tells the threat that they are no longer allowed in the premises nor anywhere near the receiver.

[ ARM ]: sender wraps a protective arm around the receiver and guides them away from the threat and out of the premises.

[ PUNCH ]: the sender, having seen the receiver's reaction to the threat and the threat's lack of consideration, moves forward and punches the threat in the face.

[themoonlitmonarch]

HURT / COMFORT : STARTERS

a collection of quotes, phrases, and sayings for when your muse needs a little TLC. change & alter as needed.

THE HURT:

“Nah, it’s not that bad. I’ve had worse.”

“I don’t think I can walk that far… or at all.”

“I’m fine. I don’t need your help.”

“Will you stay with me? Just until I fall asleep?”

“I’m sorry, I’m just—I’m just really tired.”

“I don’t need a break. I’m okay.”

“It was my fault. It was all my fault.”

“I think I need help.”

“So, I don’t think I’m dying, or anything, and it’s probably not that serious, but… I’m kinda bleeding. A lot.”

“Is the room spinning right now, or is that just me?”

“No, I’m okay, I just… I hit my head. Really hard. I’ll be okay, just give me a second.”

“I’m not sick! I’m fine!”

“No, I don’t think any of my bones are broken, or anything like that. Just bad bruises.”

“Yeah, but you should see the other guy.”

“I’m fine. This just happens sometimes. It’s normal for me.”

“I’ve got a headache.”

“Seriously, though, I’m fine! Stop making such a big deal out of it!”

“I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. I don’t need your help, and I definitely don’t need your pity. Fuck off.”

“Please tell me I don’t look as bad as I feel.”

“I think I’m running a fever.”

“So, what’s the prognosis, Doc? Am I gonna live?”

“Stop fussing over me! I’m not a baby!”

“Can I stay with you tonight? I just… really don’t want to be alone right now.”

“No, I-I’m okay. It was just a nightmare. Go back to sleep.”

“I… can’t actually remember the last time I had something to eat.”

“You shouldn’t be here. You’ll get sick, too.”

THE COMFORT:

“Honey, have you been crying? What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I think you’d better take a break.”

“It’s not your fault, sweetheart. You did everything you could.”

“You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m right here for you if you’ll just let me in.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Don’t ever let yourself believe that there is.”

“You really don’t realize just how many people love you, do you?”

“If you’re not going to take care of yourself, at least let me do it for you!”

“I’m sorry. I know it hurts.”

“You’re not alone, baby. You never have been.”

“Let’s get you some food.”

“You’re dead on your feet, poor thing. Come on, you need some sleep.”

“Stay where you are. I’m coming to get you.”

“Tell me where it hurts.”

“How many times have I told you to be more careful?!”

“It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m right here, okay? I’m not gonna leave you. I’m never gonna leave you.”

“Oh, honey, you’re safe now. I promise. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

“Go ahead and take a shower. I’ll fix you something to eat.”

“What happened to you, baby?”

“I’ll kill that bastard. I’ll kill him for what he did to you.”

“You look like shit, man.”

“Whoa, whoa, take it easy! You got pretty banged up back there, and you don’t want to go making yourself worse.”

“I’m not trying to baby you. It’s called taking care of my friends.”

“Sweetheart, you’re burning up! Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you tell anyone you were sick?”

[themoonlitmonarch]

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryker frowned, feeling a bit of a jab to his pride upon hearing that Yuri could see right through him at first, but then his face changes to one of interest when Yuri mentions having been down the same path as him once before. His defensiveness slacks and he ends up staring at Yuri, thoughtfully, as if trying to determine exactly what sort of life the man lived up until this point.

Ryker seemed to retreat back into himself again, once Yuri spoke up again, subconsciously tugging at the hood that rested over his head. “I already told you, I’m staying out of it. Things have gotten way too dicey for my liking anyway. You don’t have to worry about me sticking my nose into the problem anymore.” As for the back up, Ryker already knew about them, having spent a lot of time looking into this guy and what all he had on his side so that was of no surprise.

He was rather annoyed, however, that despite everything that he had found, he still hadn’t discovered SEED’s involvement until this guy had brought it up to him himself. He would have to do better next time. He would have to keep an eye out for SEED being the annoyances that they usually showed themselves to be.

As Yuri’s dog appeared, Ryker found himself tensing up a bit, taking just a few steps back from the canine. Normally, Ryker would be pretty ecstatic to see such a cool looking dog hanging around but the entire situation has him on edge. He didn’t know if this dog was loyal to Yuri or to SEED and the last thing he wanted was for the dog to catch his scent. But as he watched the exchange, he slowly but surely began to relax again as he decided that the dog was on Yuri’s side rather than being fully aligned with SEED.

“...Karol… I’m assuming that’s the kid that’s been wandering around with you.” Ryker spoke up, an eyebrow raised in question as he looked between Yuri and Repede. “You sure you should leave something like this up to a kid? I know better than to underestimate a kid–” After all, he’s seen the ‘play fights’ that Hina and Julian got into on a daily basis. They were rough. Maybe too rough but he wasn’t able to get in the middle of those.

“--But if this merchant is as skittish as you guys think he is, wouldn’t a single mistake end up tipping him off?” Ryker crossed his arms, mouth twisting into a frown. “Not only that, but don’t you think he or any of his men would’ve noticed this Karol kid hanging around you? I mean, I noticed that he’s been around you this whole time. What if this guy starts asking questions?”

Not only that but since when did SEED start hiring the assistance of kids? …Then again, they had hired Captain Livia back in Rigbarth. Even though she wasn’t technically a child (and come to think of it, Ryker didn’t exactly know what her race was. Only that she had been living there long before he moved in with Palmo), she still looked like one. Did SEED just hire kids sometimes? Or was this a special case?

“...You guys are kinda weird.” Ryker finally decided, resting a hand on his hips. “Not necessarily a bad thing but… I’m just trying to figure out what your deal is– What your group’s deal is and I’ll be honest: I don’t have a clue. Are you guys mercenaries? Do they normally let kids and dogs become mercenaries?”

As much as this guy didn't sound trusting at all... he was starting to remind Yuri of who he used to be. Untrusting of others' help, worried about the government, and trying to handle criminals on his own, even at the cost of becoming one. Even nowadays, Yuri still thought that sort of thing was honorable and understandable.

The biggest change in his state of his mind about it was that he preferred to do that if there were no other options and as a last resort. If a criminal was about to get away and had no chance of being caught later... yeah, Yuri would still do what he had to do. If he had to kill someone who had murdered innocents - kill them then and there or they'd escape with no hope of being found... he'd still do it. Still though, that was reserved for really specific cases.

Well, okay, that part of Ryker was like Yuri. As the man clamored on, making his dramatic reciting and poses, Yuri stared and nodded slowly, going along with it until he was done. What the hell? Weirdo. Bad person? Nah, probably not. Weird as hell guy? Didn't take long to figure that out.

For generations, he said... Jiri had done the same thing. The Dark Wings was a name known for generations. A title she'd taken up to steal from the rich and give to the poor. The poor that the rich wouldn't help. When it was Jiri, Yuri always respected it. Wanted to be like that too. When he was younger, he had tried to convince her to teach him how to do it so he could aid her. She had never budged. It always a no. In this guy's case though, he didn't know him well enough to say that he could have the sort of faith in his abilities that he'd had with Jiri's.

Again, Yuri nodded along as Ryker called being seen a fluke. "Or maybe it's just that a guy who used to do the same things you're doing now can see right through you and it wasn't a fluke at all." He doubted Ryker's skills just sucked with something like this. Doing this sort of thing meant not getting caught or your time for doing it was up. The only reason Yuri had been caught when he had with Cumore was because Flynn knew how to be perfectly silent. Knew how to get into his blind spot without Yuri noticing.

That was sort of similar to this. Since Yuri knew how this whole thing went, between himself and Jiri, he knew what to look out for. He knew what he was dealing with. It made it easy to notice the behaviors and actions of someone engaging with these acts. Flynn was as intimately familiar with Yuri's thinking and behaviors as Yuri was with this sort of work.

"Well, I can't stop you from doing this kind of thing once I leave... but since right now there are better ways to handle this particular case, you'll have to work with me here. Since law enforcement is involved, you're already risking being caught, and not just by a stranger passing through on a job. Plus, from what I'm told, this guy's got backup based on investigations. If we're too hasty, there are a number of things that could go wrong."

Before he continued, Repede walked over and sat beside Yuri's seat, patiently waiting for them to finish. Yuri's attention moved to Repede curiously, having left him with Karol. "Karol's not with you? Where'd he go?" Repede gave a few woofs and made a few gestures with his paw paws - enough for Yuri to get the idea. "Ah... Karol went to 'buy' something with their money from that merchant?" Repede nodded and gave a quick "rrf!" as confirmation.

"That's good. His guard will be completely down if it's a kid buying something. There's always the likelihood he might get suspicious about a kid having money depending on what they sent him to buy, but I'm sure he can pull an easy 'got it from my parents' or 'I work in a guild out of town'. If Repede here was with him, he'd probably get spooked knowing a dog has his scent. Definitely safer to just have what looks like a normal kid interested in buying something, and he can always use the tourist excuse. Well, not that a thief is likely to care if a kid is stealing from his parents or other folks to buy stuff, but it never hurts to play it safe and avoid unnecessary suspicion."

As if again confirming his understanding, Repede gave another quick woof. Yuri smiled and pat Repede's pat, giving him a few scratches and more pets. "That's good. Thanks, Repede. You and Karol work really well together." Judith could probably get away with it too, but she was being held back for now until the fighting started if it did. While Yuri's role was to keep an eye on the situation and determine the thief - Ryker - and convince them to stop, Karol was given the "innocent child" role, and Judith would be handling the guy's more dangerous backup. Once Karol had whatever he was buying, Repede could also keep track of the scent. It was one of the rare times everyone in Brave Vesperia had a very specific role that suited their best strengths.

In Karol's case, it wasn't simply being a kid, but the innocence he gave off that would leave their target unguarded. He could handle the talking and undercover stuff best, even if he was no doubt nervous about trying and definitely concerned he'd fail. He wouldn't, though. Yuri really believed that. He'd grown a lot, and Yuri was glad he could help in this situation.

[themoonlitmonarch]

"Yep, sure do. And I'd trade it in a second to do whatever the hell you're doing, weird-turnip-head-man."

"...You guys get to bake sweets?"

[themoonlitmonarch]

"Wait, dressing up in scary costumes is something that people do today? All we do in Rigbarth is have a sweets making contest!"

Ryker couldn't help but sulk and grumble. He loved sweets as much as the next guy but dressing up as something scary sounded a lot more interesting and cool.

[themoonlitmonarch]

//bc I'm an insane person, heavily debating making an Ares (side)blog and an currently losing the war

Because.... [Points] that's my son