what it means to live a life richly [OPEN]

[fauxmarth]

WHO: Lucina and many
WHERE: assorted locales, mainly MF or DC
WHEN: March
WHAT: Lucina gets a life outside war and television and attempts to live it
WARNINGS: tbd, hijinks


o1: high over maurtia falls
For Lucina, whose feet rarely left the ground for a good reason before, flying has not only gotten much easier, but more joyful. The sudden gales from between tall buildings no longer send her tumbling out of control, but rather become surprise springpads to launch her further, faster. With the temperatures gradually warming, she no longer fears becoming a frozen, teeth-chattering mess for just five minutes of flight out here, but it is still wise to keep these joyrides short, lest she catch cold.

She's hesitant to admit it aloud, but...she kind of gets where Owain and Cynthia are coming from with their whole "descend from the heights with cape flapping" dramatic entrance schtick. Maybe not so much for the whole air of drama, but just the feeling of cutting through the wind with such ease and confidence.

So whether she's an errand to run or not, Lucina is more keen to taking to the sky, losing herself to the free feeling that comes with it, descending to rooftops for a time to rest and take in the views they bring. It's times and places such as these where she can race ahead of any worries or fears and let herself be content with herself -- not the princess, not the warrior nor a doomed future's witness...just a girl having herself a bit of fun.



o2: a park (in maurtia falls or de chima)
Few places on the mainland seem keen to the sight of a proper blade, Lucina's found. And fewer places still: She's not heard word of her dear friend and sparring partner, Thor, in many days. Indeed, she's been told it's more than likely he's returned to his home, back to its rowdy halls and beautiful vistas. It hurts more than she'll admit aloud to lose such a fast friend so suddenly, but she's already assured herself that Thor would rather her face forward confidently than look back and lament.

But...gods, what she wouldn't give for those sparring matches again. There are fewer times where she feels more confident and at ease than when she's able to wield Falchion in a fair, just-for-fun fight!

Out here in this open park space, she can at least fine-tune her positioning and control on her own. Sabriel did mention training out in the open like this was fairly safe: perhaps because the authorities could keep an eye on things, and plenty of witnesses about keep a wide enough berth to let her practice.

"Haah-!"

Falchion darts forward in a level, horizontal thrust, with Lucina frozen mid-lunch, all of her weight coiled onto her tiptoes. I'd hasten to make a high strike, she thinks, rocking back to flat feet and slowly bringing the sword back down. Taking advantage of the disorientation of my speed...

In an ideal world, anyway. Rather -- in an ideal world, she'd be able to see it play out in front of her with a partner.

Sigh.



o3: the import-run clinic (de chima)
It's open to all, of course, but there is the special mention of being able to cater to imports. Not that Lucina's at all aware of what the difference in care would even be; she's just a volunteer, after all.

Even so, those who enter for whatever reason -- be it a bandage for a simple cut, or perhaps a quick check for fever or flu -- will be greeted by Lucina on those days where she spends some hours tending to the equipment, learning how to take blood pressure, and all the like.

"Greetings," she calls, smiling kindly. "How may we help you today?"



o4: a record shop (maurtia falls or de chima)
Music was one of the rarest things in Ylisse's failing years: what was left were old folk melodies sung in war camps, or the last few ballads crooned by the last few performers left. More often somber than not, it was comforting to hear all the same. Little shreds of humanity in better times.

Here, however, there is what Lucina perceives as quite a surplus: more music than any one person could listen to in a lifetime, rows upon rows of records with painted faces and abstract images to draw the curious eye to give the album a try.

She often defers to the guidance of the employees in the store to guide her to try different things to various results. Today's selections aren't so bad: She's standing at the little station they have with headphones and array of albums to sample. The only thing really jarring about it is how each sample lasts but half a minute and jumps straight to the next with no warning, which means she'll be at one moment enjoying a peaceful piano melody, and then the next--

"Eep-!!"

The next moment, she has guitars blasting into her ears, causing her to jump a little. Red-faced and with headphones half-pulled off her face, she smiles sheepishly at whomever's meandered nearby to have a try.

"A-apologies," she manages, ducking her head a little as she pulls one of the earpieces away. Aggressive guitar thrashing can be heard blaring. "It's...Well, it caught me off-guard, you see."



o5: whenever, wherever
MAKE ME A PROMPT (u can ping me @whyellewhy on plurk if u wanna ~*deep plot*~)

Comments

poe:

[fauxmarth]

[Lucina already knows she's not the only imPort who can fly, but she still finds it a surprise to encounter one out in the element like this.

such is the case this time: it's not even just that he's flying about, but that he's doing so aided by...something (a carpet? a pizza box? that's up to some weirdo named Britt to decide).

still, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she veers to match course with the stranger, calling:]

Greetings! Behind you!

[flightforfreedom]

[It is indeed a man on a carpet - a black and orange carpet to be precise - with a strange white and orange ball tucked up behind him. That he was a little surprised to be called to while in the sky was an understatement, and he did a full double take at the girl before turning the carpet and piloting over toward her. The weird ball behind him made a low, mournful whistle.

It did not like he carpet.]

Uh-- hi? You okay? Er, I mean, everything under control, there, or do you need help?

iris:

[fauxmarth]

"Iris-?"

Lucina pokes her head out of the clinic storeroom, frowning. She's already called for her three times to be sure she heard right about what items to grab, but there's been no response. She hesitates, then walks back out to the reception desk where her dear friend is busy with her stack of paperwork.

Gently, she puts a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you still with us?"

[eloquentness]

"Huh?"

No, no, Iris really wasn't with Lucina. Or anyone in the clinic, given the massive stack of transfer paperwork and medical-related books sitting precariously on her desk. She'd taken Dr. Watson's experience and advise for granted, and now, she could feel the pressure mounting.

"Oh, sorry," she apologizes quickly, flashing Lucina a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I asked you to get bandages, and here I am, still reading this last paragraph like, three times in a row."

d33:

[fauxmarth]

As promised, Lucina was certain to alert D33 when she'd returned from the island and was ready to meet again. Having learned a bit more about searching locations on her communicator, she had already taken an opportunity to scope out the cafe they were to meet at -- encountering Kaneki there instead that time.

But this will be the real deal this time! She's quite eager for the possibility of a spar -- even if a longsword against knives is a bit unbalanced. It doesn't matter! Real battles are hardly evenly matched, either.

Bedecked in her combat blues and cape, Lucina enters the cafe with Falchion fastened at her side, as it ever is. Her head is on a swivel, seeking out the sight of the young man she met at the library so many, many days ago...

[d33tached]

[D33 sits back in his usual corner, keeping his own eyes fixed on the Cafe's entrance. It's been a long while since he's actually seen the woman that he's awaiting now, but when she does walk through the door, she's rather unmistakable - she sticks out like a sore thumb, really.

[D33 raises a bemused brow at the outfit, but slowly pushes himself up from his seat and approaches her.]

Lucina. You've arrived, then.

hearth:

[fauxmarth]

[Lucina's very relieved to hear from Hearth again, even after such a short span of days since his check-in related to De Chima. it's touching to be worried for, yes, but she's selfishly more happy to know not all of her new friends are disappearing to their own worlds.

though...should anyone really deserve to return to a happy home, Lucina certainly thinks Hearth more than worthy. he was so disoriented and melancholy when they last met in person, and she with little experience or know-how to comfort him with, save the time to listen and an arm to offer.

so maybe she shouldn't be so happy for the offer of a picnic? but...she's not been on one before. not here, anyway. not since she was very, very small. it's such a charming idea that she genuinely can't stop herself from being delighted at the invitation.]

Hearth! [she sometimes forgets he can't hear her -- this is one of those times, with his back turned as she's hastening over to the meeting spot, dressed up all fancy-like (well...lemon yellow and periwinkle isn't exactly classy, but hush. she doesn't know any better).

it's alright; she has a chance to recover from the little goof-up, slow down, and gently tap him on the arm and wave hello.]

[plasticbow]

[Hearth turns easily at the tap on his shoulder, expression as flat as ever, but still shifting gently from alerted to...amused. He gives Lucina a quick once over, a small smile tugging at his lips when he sees her outfit - what in the world would Blitzen say if he were here to see it too, Hearth thinks. And that almost brings out a small snicker.

[He gives his small, signed greeting - something between a wave and a salute - then nods over his shoulder toward a the picnic spot he's set up. There's no cliche checkered blanket or anything like that. Just a nice, big oak tree to sit under - shady, but still bright enough for his elfish liking. In his hand, he's got the meal - a big white paper bag, filled to the brim with Middle Eastern cuisine. Hope you like falafel, Lucina!

[He starts making his way over to the tree, not waiting for her to follow, but trusting that she will.]

odin:

[fauxmarth]

[Lucina's had Owain's company for more than two months now. two months free from hell, that is. but even though they've been nearby, the hullabaloo of his television show (and all the dramas that came with it) kept them from actually interacting very much. of course, she's overjoyed that he has a world where he can happily chase new pursuits outside of war, but...well, she can feel a bit selfish, can't she? she would love more time to spend, just the two of them, be it talking or sparring.

so why not both?]

Now that you've taken to the mastery of magic, has your swordsmanship gone to the wayside? [she smiles, unsheathing Falchion as she paces about the room, all decked out the way it was for the welcome party.] You can set the rule yourself as to whether or not trickery beyond the blade is allowed this round.

[shadowglitter]

[ The very idea that his swordsmanship might have dulled over these past seven years is enough of a draw to lure Owain into a fight, but-- honestly, he cares less about crossing swords with Lucina for the sake of pride and more for the opportunity to spend some real time with her. The dramas of a rich socialite are fitting for someone who feeds on attention, killer entrances and fancy clothes, but Owain loves his family so much more than all of that. It'll be nice to reconnect.

He laughs, all good-natured excitement, as Lucina unsheathes Falchion. While the sword his father gave him is safe back home in the saved Ylisse, Owain's grown fond of the chromatic sword Archie gave him last year, a sweet and beautiful princess he treats with more love than he does most people. He's showing off a little, twirling the blade in his hand before pointing it at Lucina, eyebrows raised. ]

I'm stronger than I ever was, Lucina. I could take you blindfolded. With one hand tied behind my back. Underwater. Naked. [ Another little flourish - he's treating his blade with a little less respect than he normally would, just because he's been waiting for this, and he's too antsy and excited to reel his energy in. ]

I'm going to fight by the books. But you? You can use as many tricks as you want. It won't save you!

andy:

[fauxmarth]

Maurtia Falls, Lucina's come to learn, is no stranger to strife. And not just the supernatural, imPort-related happenings, either: petty crime is rampant, and worse things happen in unseen places time to time. Now, she's no roaming vigilante or would-be police officer, but she is a young woman driven by a strong sense of justice. On the chance she encounters wrongdoing, she takes it upon herself to put a stop to it as both a princess and a citizen of this world.

And so it is this early evening, as she's flying home from the teleporter Lucina hears what she's quickly begun to learn is the sound of gunfire below. She freezes in her floating tracks and turns about, straining to hear what direction it came from as she begins a slow descent over the warehouses she's flying over until her eyes catch glimpse of the quick flashing of automatic gunfire.

There-!

[killtime]

Andy is doing her part. Reluctantly, and half only because it kills the time — same reason she drinks so much these days. This vigilante work isn't so different from what she used to do back home: Her and her immortal mercenaries, doing contracts for intelligence agencies all over the world. Only this time, she's on her own.

It'd be a lie to say that doesn't make her more reckless than her functional immortality already does.

The automatic gunfire ripping through the warehouse is aimed at her. And the drug dealers on the opposite end of those automatic guns are increasingly panicked as they realize that every time a bullet goes through her, she'll get back up again. It's a gruesome scene — Andy is all blood and guts. She's taken a few shots through the skull even, but she's still coming for them, armed with only a pistol and steady aim.

One bullet catches her in the knee. She staggers. But they can only slow her down.

archie:

[fauxmarth]

[she may have barely just returned from a month long away from the mainland, but the idea of seeing more of this country's beautiful landscape is a bit too enticing for Lucina to pass up. Archie literally just had to make the ghost of a suggestion to go and see the countryside for her to jump up and agree wholeheartedly -- logistics and preparations be damned.

and really, what sort of preparations are needed out here? between the two of them -- his resourceful animal companions, her ability to fly and knowhow for outdoor camping -- Lucina's confident this will be a fine day trip of hiking and exploring.

she's the first to hop off the bus and trot away from the stop in front of the national park, smiling ear-to-ear.]

Oh, Archie! [she turns on her heel, waiting for him, arms outstretched.] The air already smells different than the city! Can you tell?

[h2no]

[he follows, grinning as he looks around. there's nothing more natural, to him, than a trainer and their pokémon being outside. he releases mightyena when he hops off the bus, the dog materialising in a bright white light and barking happily. it trots over to lucina, tail wagging as it presses into her legs.]

It's the lack of petrol, I think. Er, bus fumes notwithstanding.

[cause it lets out a cloud of black smoke as it drives off, as if purposefully proving him wrong.]

Is it similar to how your world is?

02

[heliophilic]

[Chance brought M to the park that day; it was a warm winter day out in De Chima and he just wanted to sit out and enjoy it. As Lucina began her solo spar, he sat up from his nearby bench to watch. Anything relating to fighting interests him, even if it's just training to be in one.

Besides, it's not every day you see someone with a sword.

As she pauses her routine, he helpfully shouts:]

You're overcompensating for an opponent that's not there.

[After all, what random stranger wouldn't want to be graced with his two cents?]

[fauxmarth]

-?!

[shouting's not unusual in an open space like this, and Lucina's of a mind to shut off distractions to focus. but opponent is not the usual sort of thing to yell about, and so her attention is drawn out of reflection and set to finding the source of the call.

hesitant at first, she looks about until she makes very distinct eye contact with the man who called out to her.

a beat more, and then she points to herself, just to be sure. who, me?]

04

[halfblaked]

David doesn't really frequent the music shops, but lately, he's had an inkling of an idea. It's better to work like this, as opposed to his other face, which garners so much more attention. Especially when his fingers trailed against the vinyl, looking for the right album to slide his influence against. He'd seen Kylo Ren in this store, and that meant that he would have to find something that spoke to his tastes.

He'd been halfway through sliding an album up to get a good look at it when she yelped, and he swung his head in her direction, stunned. His fingers -- all but one -- gripped the record a little tighter, before he realized who it was that was speaking, and he looked between her and the headphones, which continued to blare wailing guitars.

Well, that seemed a touch off brand.

"I can see that. Are you -- Are you alright?"

[fauxmarth]

"Oh, I'm fine, I--"

Lucina doesn't realize it's David until she looks back up, face still red with embarrassment. She lets the headphones slip down onto her neck as she reacts with surprise, quickly coming to smile, relieved.

"Oh--! Greetings, Doctor! I'm surprised to see you. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

02: A Park

[breaks_pots]

At some point, Lucina's audience grew in size by one small child with distinctively pointed ears to set him apart from the other children who occasionally stopped and watched before their parents drew them off. Unlike those kids, he was alone and didn't seem to have anywhere to be. The sword and shield on his back that was sized to him weren't particularly remarkable, seeming to be wooden toys.

When she made a particularly powerful thrust forward, he laughed in delight and clapped.

[fauxmarth]

Applause was certainly the last thing on her mind in that moment. In fact, the only folks she was imagining were enemies to strike, so imagine her surprise when an imaginary undead being pierced through suddenly began laughing like a happy child.

She eases out of the move and turns toward the sound, her face going pink as she confirms that, yes, that applause was for her. With a little chuckle, she plucks at her cape, deftly swinging one ankle behind the other in a polite curtsy, bowing her head in regard.

02, MF

[andtherevolution]

Utena wipes the sweat off her brow as she walks away from the court, fiddling with her gym bag with her other hand. She's not the only one getting some exercise in the park, though, and Lucina's workout is far more interesting than a quick game of basketball. Utena stops and watches, transfixed by her thrusts and parries, but it's not long before Lucina stops. She looks kind of tired, almost.

"Uh..."

She rummages in her bag and pulls out a bottle, and she holds it up as she walks closer.

"Hey there. No offense, but you look like you could use a drink."

[fauxmarth]

"Hm-?"

Lucina turns at the soft prompt, turning and catching sight of Utena as the bottle is extended out her way. The surprise in her expression is plain to see, but soon followed up by a kind smile.

"Utena, yes?" It's a unique name; she hopes she remembered it right. "It's nice to see you again. Thank you..."

She accepts the bottle, nodding appreciatively. "I was hoping I'd be able to see you again after the television show."

foggy:

[fauxmarth]

There we are.

[now that's she's caught her breath from hurrying over, Lucina carefully sets the coffee carrier down on a vacant spot on the nearest desk, letting out a relieved sigh. no one will know this is carrier #2, the first one being lost to an unfortunate near-miss with a skateboarding teen.

when she's gotten a second to catch her breath, she straightens up, starting to take her coat off and looking about.]

Foggy? I brought what you asked for. Forgive me for being late...

[cigarbribery]

[Foggy is actually already beginning to nod off when he hears Lucina's voice, and actually startles a little because, whoa, wasn't expecting that. He'd been drifting into a dream about New York, and Lucina's call drags him back to reality and to his office in Maurtia Falls. He sighs, and rubs at his eyes as he stands up and pokes his head out of the office.]

Forgiven! [He says cheerfully, before he emerges and grabs a cup.] It was the line, wasn't it? In retrospect, I should've sent you out before lunch break, that's when all the shops fill up.

04

[stretchy_girl]

[This is Gemini's first visit to De Chima and she's been throughly enjoying herself by doing some sightseeing, pottering about and exploring the city's attractions. It's not long before she spots the record shop, and wanting to maybe pick something up to listen to at night she wanders inside.

The sudden exclamation from the girl at the audio booth, just as she's leaning over to examine a David Bowie CD, has her jumping and putting a hand to her chest to calm herself, looking over with a raised eyebrow that turns to a smile as the other woman apologies.]

Oh that's totally ok, that happens to me all the time! Urgh that's loud.

[fauxmarth]

[Lucina has to attempt turning twice -- once, getting tugged by the headphone cord, and then again once she's taken those screaming speakers off and hung them back up. she chuckles with a bit of self-consciousness.]

Very, yes...It started off so quietly, I...wasn't prepared for it. Obviously.