Gentle Cynic

independent | selective luka roleplay

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

Odd how first impressions failed based on initial studies.  The enigmatic summoner — allying with perfect strangers.  Alex chalked it up to refusal to bond.  Besides, they inhabit a different environment.  Much akin to Luka.

“ Such a shame.  I’m not keen on baking much, either. ”

Alex decides to employ another form of approach: asking inane questions.  For pure shock factor (admittedly, low-hanging fruit).  Said mention’s compounded by a more deadpanned demeanor.  Finishing the last bit, savoring and swallowing before speaking.

“ … let’s take a dip in the pond. ”

⚜ ⑅  Although he’s not one to show disappointment over the smallest of troubles, Luka does take note of whether or not someone has the ability to bake.  Perhaps for his own desire, or perhaps to learn visually.  Not quite confident enough for the latter — he finds himself to be a very clumsy cook in general.  He’d rather leave such duties in the hands of more skillful comrades.  Perhaps the lack of motivation is why he’s more of a follower than a leader.

        Still, having a conversation with the odd fellow isn’t a bad time either.  There is something about Alex that intrigues him differently than others.  Mercenary types always come about with different backgrounds.  They tend to have the most interesting of stories and ideas.  Eye-openers of conflicts that is hidden by those of higher status.

        Yet with curiosity set on Alex, Luka finds himself hesitant as well.  Uncertainty — such as with the peculiar suggestion he now faces.  Brows furrowed only for a few seconds before the red-clad soldier puts on one of his best unbothered approaches, with a side of cluelessness.

❝ Hm ?  Oh, I’m not sure if I heard that correctly...  Wouldn’t it make more sense to leave the pond undisturbed ?  Although I have no qualms against others enjoying some child-like entertainment. ❞

        He’s certainly used to giving care to others, even those closer in age.

[xodayakana]

✧ divineforge

“Wash myself?” Oh, right, yeah. Most people would want to do that after a particularly bloody encounter. The very concept made Henry giggle in amusement–usually they wouldn’t bother to do that until the day was done! But in this special case, they supposed they could humor the other.

“Alright, whatever you say! Knock yourself out!” Easy enough said and done. It wasn’t like Henry had much else to do anyway.

The castle was quite boring. They couldn’t kill anyone in it, nor could they curse anyone for some well-needed fun. So many people, so many opportunities, and yet they could act on a staggering zero of them! The summoner was such a goody-goody it almost ached, but… something about them tickled Henry, thus their obedience to behave.

“Nya ha ha! You wear a lot of red! Is that to hide all the blood?” An innocent inquiry that could very well befit a child if not for the twisted implications.

⚜ ⑅  ❝ Right, then... ❞  With permission granted, Luka begins his search for injuries.  Careful fingers run down the fabric, tugging lightly on certain areas to bring out any possible tears — tears that would imply cuts from blades and magic.  He ponders over the defence of mages, spellcasters who are meant to strike from afar, and yet there are still chances of unexpected attacks.  Even so, he considers them more fortunate than soldiers in armour.

        He never wanted the life of a knight — a man used to shield others, and to protect.  Though a valiant cause to fight for, Luka has never been fond of fighting, merely a youth forced to become callous to such experiences.  A shield for others, and yet wanting to live another day, cursing his past of refusing his training routines.

        Upon finishing his examination, the ruby-clad soldier brushes aside those dreadful thoughts, prompting him to wonder about the mage in front of him.  In the most twisted way, Henry appears to be brave in front of death.  Luka, as someone who holds back his true feelings — wonders if he’s more similar to them in some way.

❝ ... Not quite, ❞  he responds as if unaffected, registering the implication,  ❝ though I suppose it does make injuries harder to notice. ❞

        He lets out a sigh, and quickly enough, he flashes one of his typically kind smiles.

❝ It’s reassuring to know that you’re unharmed, Henry. ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

Without sparing a moment, Alex plucked out a napkin.  Then proceeds to grab one.  Now, settled in the napkin, he focused on Luka’s face.  Scrutinizing — arriving at an hypothesis about his personality.  Taking a tiny bite out of the snack, savoring it.  Lifting a brow at its savory flavor.

“ Not bad.  Have you ever considered becoming a pâtissier ? ”

⚜ ⑅  His smile wavers slightly at the attention.  Is there something on his face ?  No, but there is surely something else going on here.  Again, Luka pays no mind to the small oddities for now, sheepishly addressing a small assumption.

❝ Oh...  The thought has crossed my mind once— but I can’t bake...  In fact, these fruit sandwiches were made by the summoner.  I merely offered to deliver them to anyone who might enjoy their deliciousness. ❞

[xodayakana]

{:  cleaned up luka’s accordion bio to make more sense.

and now i can go ahead and work on replies i owe !

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

“ Are you mocking me ?  Or is this an expression of concern ? ”

“ Either way, those sandwiches look awfully tantalizing now… ”

⚜ ⑅  Luka starts to recognise a trait, one that might become difficult later on.  He doesn’t dwell on it for now, easily putting on a smile instead, pleased to see the attention turned back on the sandwiches.

❝ — Take as many as you like. ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ condensational

“Hmm?” Henry seemed more confused than anything by the other’s concern, if not taken aback. Nothing in their expression changed, but the tone of voice alone would be enough to express such.

“Oh! Oh, you mean the blood! Yeah, it’s not mine.” Henry answered, plain and simple. Their hand mindlessly trailed against their shirt, where the rather large blood stain rested soaked against it. It stained their very fingers with such fresh blood, and their pale fingertips would color deep red as a result.

“At least, I’m pretty sure it isn’t. Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough! It might be, though. I don’t pay attention ‘cause I don’t feel anything!”

⚜ ⑅  ❝ ... I see.  Hmm... ❞

        How worrisome, especially for one of Henry’s age.  Without needing to figure out, Luka can only assume based on petite stature and other factors.  For someone so young to not flinch under the presence of blood is something to think about.  It may not be Luka’s place to pry, but he certainly has the urge to...

        Allowing himself to express some concern,  he also speaks it in clarity.

❝ Are you on your way to wash yourself ? ❞  A hint of a suggestion, in case the dark mage had other plans in mind.  There is still the possibility of the stain coming from Henry’s own wound.

❝ From one comrade to another, allow me to check for injuries. ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ vallablooded

✥ | “Oh!” Ruby irises blink when Luka approached the dragon princess, upon hearing her comment about the cold. Then again, it’s as clear as day to see and feel how chilly the weather’s become, even in this world of Zenith. Of course, there was a lot more unknowns to be discovered, but as long as the contract is still bound in the Order of Heroes, there’s still more to be seen.

“Ah…you make a good point, Luka.” She answered, remembering one of the soldiers of the Deliverance, from what this princess can remember. So many familiar and unfamiliar faces were all gathered in Askr, but that doesn’t mean Megan can’t try to make friends with all or most of them!

“It’s been sometime since I’ve last seen snow, I’ve almost forgotten how cold it can get…”

⚜ ⑅  The chill is starting to breeze towards him, yet he doesn’t shiver in sight.  Immunity ?  Not quite.  He certainly does feel cold at times, but as for someone who has lived between the warmer and colder climates, on a remote place at the border of Valentia, he has the experience of both sides.  He can handle the temperature for a little while.

        Luka's usual posture prompts him to stand even more proper, his arms settling behind him as a sign of restriction of any sort.  He looks to Megan with a polite smile, awaiting to hear a tale or two about one's home.

❝ Is snow uncommon from where you are ? ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

“ He’s ‘ occupied ’ elsewhere — says another person familiar to him. ”

“… I’m fine.  Losing’s injurious to my pride, though. ”

⚜ ⑅  ❝ I see... ❞  Luka should expect that when it comes to Fols of all people.  Oh well...

❝ Well, in the case you would need assistance, there is always a healer nearby.  Quite convenient, don’t you think ? ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

“ That middle-aged newcomer — a general in his realm, if memory serves — in red armor slaughtered me yesterday in combat practice.  Mind tanking his attacks while I clear out the battlefield ? ”

⚜ ⑅  ❝ ... Wouldn't you rather ask Fols ?  He carries a shield, after all.  Well... I'm willing to handle it if you insist.  But are you all better now ?  It must have been terrible. ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

“ Huh ?  Absconding so soon ?  I’ve a favor to ask. ”

⚜ ⑅  ❝ — Yes ?  What is it ? ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ brncut

“ Mn ? ”

“ Oh. Sure… I’m almost done repairing this Javelin, anyways. ”

⚜ ⑅  ❝ Hm ?  Of course, take your time.  I can leave these here. ❞

[xodayakana]

@condensational​

⚜ ⑅  ❝ Henry, I couldn’t help but notice the stain of blood...  If you need medical care, then I can assist. ❞  Calm as one needs to be in this situation, yet he hopes for a hasty answer if wounds are the cause to the stains in question.  A fellow comrade in this world, but an unfamiliar person from another — little is known about Henry, at least to Luka.  The soldier will have to expect the unexpected.

❝ Actually, I do have a vulnerary on me. ❞

[xodayakana]

✧ vallablooded

✥ | “Ah, it’s certainly getting colder…” The princess murmured, not knowing that both her pointed ears and her toes were starting to look a bit red, despite the chilly season having arrived. Not only that, Megan did manage to dress warmly for most part, though she was starting to get quite cold out here.

⚜ ⑅  ❝ Princess Megan ? ❞  Running into another from a different land is quite common, it seems.  Even though he meets those he’s most familiar with, he has also been involved with other people bound by the contract, whether for errands or on the battlefield.  A breather for now, the winter air settling in, and decoration done by those preparing for a festive time.

        He merely wanted to take a look for any indication of snow coming soon when he sees the effects of air on Megan, even though she's dressed in warmth, but there is something missing...  Luka considers bringing up a small concern.

❝ Ah, perhaps you may need some boots for weather like this. ❞

[xodayakana]

@brncut​

⚜ ⑅  ❝ Alex, was it ?  Would you like some fruit sandwiches ?  I have plenty on this platter here. ❞

[xodayakana]

What kind of herb are you ?

Oregano

You are home to so many people and yet you're not at home with yourself.  Everyone needs something from you and you desperately try to prove that you're enough but you're never enough, never good enough, never even you despite all of that.  Your hands shake but only when you're never looking at them and your smile is so ever-present you can't help but wonder if its fake, wonder how much of you is real.

You're a caretaker, but are you even good at that ?  Or are you faking yourself out into believing you're something that you wish you could, someone that someone else needed you to be when you were small and so full of need and hope and fragility ?  Who are you underneath the need to be someone's home ?  Who are you when you come home to yourself ?

[xodayakana]

{:  finally.  i’ve waited to see the echoes drama cd audio up for a long while.  i was actually going to purchase it myself, but money has been tight.  i already know everything that happens in it, but i needed the voices to help get a better grasp of what was happening.  and i was so delighted to hear luka’s original voice again.

and to finally hear this cute scene is definitely a treat.

[xodayakana]

✧ eiriini

She’s quick to notice. Alm never mentioned that he would have a sweet tooth. Or, rather, was he a food enthusiast? She can’t be for sure, but what she was sure about was that tone of his. The smile on her face blooms fully. “I have had a few, and thus far, they are all wonderful! There is one that the shop near the market square sells. I have seen some more catered to different realms, too.”

She could go on for hours, probably, but feared that she was talking his ear off. Ever since arriving, Askr’s had this strange feeling. A feeling of comfort, to say the least. “Have you tried some of the sweets the Summoner has taught the kitchen staff?” If not – well, Luka, hope your schedule is free!

⚜ ⑅  Now that he thinks about it, Luka hasn't tried what Kamui had mentioned.  He's usually a busy body, just as he was back in his world.  Truly a habit finding its way here, following whatever trail the soldier leaves behind.  Even here he runs errands, he helps with sparring practices and even breaks up a few fights, and most of all, he becomes a shield and support for his allies.  He can take enough hits more than he can admit.  It's never a wish for him to want pain, surely he doesn't want to die, but he has gotten used to war.  Any purity he had left is all gone.  At least he can protect the naivety of others, like Alm and his friends... maybe even Kamui.

        An opportunity certainly presents itself now, and Luka smiles fondly at the thought of sweets again — a good distraction.  He knows the summoner enough to understand their affection ways towards everyone.  They often wander off to see even him, dragging him out of his duties if they must.  They seem to have their way, but Luka doesn't seem to mind.

❝ I have not, but I can try to make time for the experience.  After all, I'm sure the summoner would be kind enough to let me try. ❞