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Who: Levi and YOU!
When: Various July dates, listed under cut
Where: Various locations
What: Catch-all open log for events taking place within the month of Delphine. Namely jobs, with a couple of extras.
Rating: ... PG? PG-13? Will update.

1. the shield, lasker: 6/25 - 7/15
[ The job on the table is assisting the refugees at the Shield. Important, no doubt and an effort that Levi wouldn't have needed encouragement to take up. However, compensating the Heroes of all people for reparations that the Blanc brass should consider themselves personally responsible for is a laughable prospect. And following his own sought after audience with the Prime Minister and his staff, seeing such requests coming from Verdoni himself has set something particularly alight in Levi.

He won't waste his time calling his displeasure to their attention again. They are surely already well-informed enough. So, he's stationed himself in Lasker for good until his next trip back to Caissa—and other Heroes offering their services at the Shield should see no shortage of him in the coming days, whether carrying in heavy boxes of supplies, tending to injuries the traditional way (with alcohol and gauze), or as he is now—strictly manning the cooking station with a few additions to the bean rations. ]

a) [ The line is long, but Levi is steady. He keeps each burner occupied with stew and goulash, managing the demand with swift hands. That being said, when he sees a fellow hero, he's not so magnanimous as not to quickly break away from the station to grab them by the elbow. ]

It's about time someone else showed up. Grab an apron.

[ ...Or look for a strategic escape, if you really think you can risk it. You can't cook? Nice try, but you can still serve! ]

b)
[ In the evenings, he can be seen joining groups of refugees around the fire as they chat. They tell stories, commiserate on their daily lives in the shelter. Sometimes, they even speak in hushed tones about the future that they wish for… but many struggle to move forward, many are spiteful and hopeless. Levi talks to them by name, both when insisting upon wiping some snotty child's nose with a rag and when convincing someone who's lost everything to the attacks to keep their head.

And so long as the Heroes who stay have participated in the relief efforts, they too are welcome, particularly given that they either speak soundly or keep their opinions to themselves. Some even share their drinks. That explains why, now, Levi hands off the bottle of whiskey to the Hero beside him. Subtly appreciative. ]

It's good you're here.

2. verheugd, petrosian: ~7/16 - 7/30
[ Heroes toiling in the sun over a farming job is a pretty funny-looking sight. But manual labor for colle? It was simple enough, and Levi didn't think it sounded so bad.

Then again, even a city-goer from the poor Underground of Sina couldn't possibly understand the toil of this kind of work. It's hotter than he can ever remember it being, even given a daily life of expeditions on horseback beyond the Walls, and his body isn't accustomed to it. Each portion of exposed skin burns red. The sun is scorching down upon the fields, and the mana-rich plants that physically move their tendrils towards the sky only add to the feeling that one is hallucinating from the extreme heat.

Though that isn't to say he's quick to give up. Because seemingly some fever dream or not, every plant must be managed—and unfortunately, some crops aren't as hardy as their more magical companions. The temporary workers are going to need to get water to them fast if they want to save them from wilting to the point of no return.

Carrying buckets from the well is a start, but it's not long into the joint effort before the prospects begin to look bleak. As he empties his bucket again out onto the dry soil, Levi sighs. ]

This isn't going to cut it. Isn't there something else we can do?

3. gobang alley, caissa: undesignated date between 7/1 - 7/30

[ Caissa's underground ring, a fixture of the infamous Gobang Alley. Not exactly a place for Heroes. So, why are you here? The crowd will certainly make the nature of the show known to you, if you had any doubts—and if you're recognizable as one of the Heroes, they may even mock you. It's a boorish, jeering group that spills out of the arena into the streets, bumping and bruising friend and stranger alike in their foretaste of fighter-on-fighter spilled blood.

In line with that, as the night goes on, their anticipation is met. Over and over again, as new faces (and new masks) come to test their skills. The atmosphere is never quite dissuaded from rowdiness, but for love of the 'sport,' the following of said matches moves people to everything from awe to riot. Taken bets likely account for a good deal of that, and as can be expected, there are known fighters already considered favorable options to bet upon.

Though some people, in particular, do like to throw their hand for a wildcard every now and then. Betting on a newbie for example, like the one dressed in all black who showed up and evidently turned some established fighters against them before even setting foot in the ring. Or so goes the talk around the bleachers.

"That midget has a lot of nerve. I'll teach him some respect." —And so on, though it should be clear that the matter of "he" or "she" is currently as variable as anything else. Ask around and of the right people and one will learn the reason for all the premature grudging and all the confusion: this fighter has carried themselves, thus far, in complete silence. They don't talk.

Ultimately, whether you had come to compete, come to watch the fight or you've just walked into the place, the trail of spectators and fighters seeking this silent fighter's attention make their surprise success in the ring clear. And if you're not moving, you may as well be going with them. The fighter is approaching you, moving quickly towards the back alley, and these people are prone to shoving. ]

4. caissa, lasker or petrosian: 7/1 - 7/30

[ This is the obligatory wildcard option! Have another idea in mind? I'm more than open to it; this log will pretty much cover the entirety of July. If you'd like a specialized starter or to plot something out, chat with me at shomonkai. ]

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[How had Gilgamesh wound up in this back-breaking mess? Good question. He made plenty of colle from his booming business and thus there was little reason for him to slave away in the fields with the commonfolk; he certainly led a comfortable enough lifestyle now to make this sort of work utterly unnecessary. And yet here he was, sweating alongside Levi, earning an honest wage. Kind of. Sort of. Look, he's not ordering anyone around, consider it an improvement.

Gilgamesh sighs, too. When he'd set out to show his face around other parts of Blanc and boost his fame, this wasn't quite what he meant.]

Find me the biggest container you can. I am through relying solely upon manual labor.

[Gilgamesh seems to have a plan... but is it a plan Levi will like? Probably not.]

[ Really, he's not sure what to consider it. This guy sure is proving to be an annoying pest as of late, which would almost make this seem like just another obstacle for himself if not for one thing: he is actually working. Even if they're not making nearly as much progress as either of them would like, an attempt is being made... and that just may be the only time Levi manages to mostly tolerate him.

Exactly how he has proceeded and will continue to proceed here. Since they could use any more efficient idea, he drops the bucket he has to take a look around the area for something bigger. Just a moment of searching lands his gaze upon the water trough for some farm animals. Pigs, to be exact. It's massive and full of water, but a Knight like him could lift it.

He just. Really doesn't want to since he's got to walk through that pen to do it. So he points. ]

What do you say? Willing to get dirty?

[Dirty, sweaty, and shirtless. Gilgamesh would make a crack about how this was the perfect lead-in to a romantic getaway, but there's nothing romantic about plowing fields and watering plants. But at least they did manage to get away. That's a start. Kind of. Sort of.

Gilgamesh lifts his hand and tells Levi thus:]

No need.

[Because he's not willing to walk through that pen, either, and he did say that he—and by extension, they—were done with ferrying buckets back and forth. At least on their own strength. Gilgamesh mutters a quick incantation, and waves of mana present in the air lift the trough up, up, up and over. It's a little wobbly, but seems to work.

Gilgamesh could dump it over Levi's head for a good laugh, which he sorely needs, but decides against it.]

We shall refill it at the well, with the buckets. And I believe there is someone else who will lend their aid.

[ He's not shirtless, but is that a good thing or a bad thing when every exposed part of his body is red from exposure? Regardless, Levi tends to think a getaway like this is the opposite of appealing—unless they're talking about how raring he's going to be take a goddamn shower when this is over with.

It should be pointed out that a shower from that dirty trough is not at all what he has in mind. Gilgamesh may just save himself from turning this into another fight, since as he does use his magic to lift it, for now Levi looks on without objection. In fact, since he can see it will probably work if he can keep the thing afloat, it's relieving. So he straightens up and starts to head towards the well right on cue.

Still, there is one thing he wants to know. ]

And who exactly is that?

[Gilgamesh just pitches Levi a grin and pinches his fingers together for a sharp whistle.

It takes a few seconds, but a trained ear will detect the approach of something—something big, and something fast. Eventually, that something assumes the shape of a great winged bird, screeching at the call of its master. Eventually, it slows to a fancy trot at Gilgamesh's feet, then dips itself into a bow. That cocky grin melts into an earnest smile as Gilgamesh gives it a fond rub on the beak.]

Do you think he'll still be grumpy when he meets you?

[Gilgamesh talks to it like Levi isn't even there... though that may not be very different from usual. The griffin chirps, curiously, and wanders to the other man. There's no aggression in the animal's stance, but he may draw a bit too close for Levi's liking right away. This was certainly no horse, at any rate.]

Dinoriel, this is Levi. Be good; he is helping us.

[ Familiarity with his own bird, perched on a fencepost somewhere preening, doesn't really prepare him for this creature. As the sound gets closer, Levi squints to the horizon—with a well-aimed notion of where it's coming from. Only it's... well, it's massive. It's wings batter the earth where it lands with wind that only manages to reach him, prompt him to take a half-step back.

If he didn't see the obvious conjuring of it by Gilgamesh himself, he'd be inclined to think far differently of letting it get this close. But surely there are many creatures in this world that he has yet to run into... so what good is it to balk over something he has few doubts he could take down, should the occasion arise? He won't tell Gilgamesh he was thinking it.

That said, it's not a horse, but if he considers the large animals he knows, they're the only one he has a semblance of an idea on how to treat properly. Which is why he takes his cue from there, outreaching a slow hand just short of the griffin's beak.

He's looking at Dinoriel when he says it, probably doesn't dare to look away, but he's talking to Gilgamesh: ]

Tell me... just where the hell did you get this thing?

[Dinoriel was a proud creature, but unlike many other members of his race, he's far from violent. When Levi touches him, he doesn't rattle or otherwise react negatively; to the contrary, he nudges closer to his fingers and coo-coos in a gentle sort of way. In short order, Levi gets a bow too, and from that it becomes clear: Levi has been recognized as a friend. And therefore definitively not food. Hooray!]

Something of a long story. Perhaps, if we finish this job satisfactorily, I shall tell you.

[Gilgamesh clucks his tongue for Dinoriel to follow, and nods at Levi to follow suit. He picks up several more buckets nearby with similar magic and heads to the well. With magic hefting the burden, it's much easier to fill them, one at a time. One bucket he hands to Levi, and the other Dinoriel dutifully accepts in his beak.]

Now, I must ask... are you brave enough to ride my bird? He'll get you about much faster.

[A questionable prospect, but Dinoriel looks to Levi with bright eyes. An intelligent creature; he appears to have understood, and accepted, every word Gilgamesh said.]

[ Now, it doesn't make Levi smile when the animal is satisfied to greet him... but something does go a bit softer in his expression. He's always liked animals better than people. To be honest, even things like titans are much easier to deal with. Mind you, for entirely different reasons than this creature here.

He can see the intelligence in his eyes, and because of it, he doesn't really struggle to keep going or to make a decision. With the bucket in hand, he raises his eyebrows at Gilgamesh. Did he really imply he might be afraid? ]

I guess it's better than taking a ride on a dragon.

[ He's done that. Twice, if you count the "Green Dragon." This time he talks to Dinoriel himself: ]

Do you mind?

[And so Dinoriel replies, and maybe even a little unexpectedly. In a gesture more suited to a knight than a beast, Dinoriel sweeps his claws over his chest, over the space his heart would be, and nods with obvious—if carefully restrained—enthusiasm. A very polite bird, indeed, and so ill-suited to his rowdy master. Gilgamesh chuckles at the display, and with a pat, guides Dinoriel down. Low enough that even a, ahem, vertically challenged individual may mount him.]

Seek out the spots in most need; guide him true. Return to the well, where you will find more buckets waiting. We will keep this going for a while.

[For long enough to sate the anxious farmers, anyway, and until his mana runs dry. Gilgamesh directs the trough, off in the distance, and dumps it upon a particularly parched patch. He draws it back to refill it, quickly getting a revolving system of floating buckets going not too out of place in an enchanted fairy tale.

With any luck, he'll even get Levi to be his princess.]

Let us begin. The sooner we finish, the sooner we may eat.

[ Seeing that he never had any sense of danger from the griffin, he doesn't get too startled when Dinoriel rears up. Instead, his head just lifts to direct his gaze that way, the bucket lowered so that it dangles to one side. What does surprise him is the gesture... a completely unintentional nod to the Survey Corps salute, which consists of putting one's putting one's right fist over their heart.

Impressed by that coincidence, when Dinoriel is led down, Levi is already walking to his side. His hand strokes the feathers along his wing before making a test of the pressure he'll have to apply to jump on. (By the way, he sees that, and he won't complain, but if it were actually brought up, he'd have Gilgamesh know he's never once struggled to mount a beast. Not a single one. 'Princess' that.) In this case, it's just particularly easy—as once he finds the proper bearings, he successfully takes the hop to the animal's back.

From there, he looks to the process Gilgamesh has started up and shakes his head. Not because he objects... because he's not sure why they didn't do this a long time ago. He was working for ages tilling those dry fields. ]

All right. [ But he does have to say: ] Next time you want to help me on a job, why don't you send this guy in your stead?

[ As he pats Dinoriel's back, the griffin stands tall once more, waiting to be directed. Sorry, Master. He does seem to be proud he can be so useful. And since he can easily understand it, Levi is at ease with his commands.

Hence taking one of those floating buckets, he points with it in his arm. ] This way. To the east.

[ This shouldn't take long. ]

Edited 2016-07-14 06:56 (UTC)

[And so they work. (Gilgamesh ignored that comment, by the way. Princess.)

And they work, and they work, and they work. Gilgamesh commands the trough, refilling it and splashing it over wide spaces; simultaneously, he manages the buckets, and just as he said there's always a fresh supply for Levi and Dinoriel to claim when they hop back to the well. It might be said that Dinoriel was a shameful excuse for a griffon, because he could not fly, and yet he bears Levi as regally as any other mount. He's as faithful to Levi as he would be to Gilgamesh himself, following every order without hesitation. They are a good team, so proven in how smoothly they ride together and coordinate with just a few words. One might even mistake Levi for the master instead, and there's no denying it: this animal was as reliable as any horse.

It's still work, though. It goes faster, and they won't be exhausting themselves quite so soon or putting in any unnecessary labor, but it's a big field and even a big bird and a plucky pair of handsome men can only cover so much. But they get it done. The sun's high in the sky once they're through, beating down on their backs almost too harshly, as Gilgamesh refills the trough for a final sweep. He sinks to the ground with a sigh, sweat prickling at his brow and his bare chest.

Levitation itself didn't require a lot of mana, but repeating the same spell over and over again... he's beat.]

I believe that's everything.

[Or everything they can address in a single day. Dinoriel still seems chipper, or maybe he's just hungry, too.]

Dino, are you ready to go on a hunt with your new friend? Fetch us some lunch?

[Oh, boy, oh, boy! Levi will definitely feel a bit of a bump as Dinoriel jumps up and down in excitement.]

[ ~~They must really have trouble then, since a pair of handsome men doesn't at all apply here.~~

But right, when you get down to it, they've managed to greatly hasten their work with these adjustments. It just doesn't mean their work is done right off the bat. Dinoriel may be smart, but he still listens to Levi for direction so that the two might cooperate; it's not a free ride. And even a few extra feet off the ground, the intensity of the sun has only increased its beating down upon Levi's back. Nonetheless, he pushes himself not to slow down despite it, because he'd never be willing to accept a half-assed job. Dinoriel does his part, too, thus with the three of them working at it, time is still saved in the end.

Just not necessarily energy. Physically, it's not as though riding the griffon demands too heavy of a tax, but the sun changes everything. For example, if it weren't for the blotchy red burns on Levi's skin, he might be looking a tad more pale than usual. How ironic to be pouring water over these fields for hours only to end up with such a dry mouth.

Lunch is just what they need. Though just as he's beginning to wonder if this well water is safe for them to drink, he's rattled to a different alertness by the griffon's sudden bouncing. ]

Whoa!

[ That's not an exclamation. It's the command that comes alongside Levi settling down heavier onto his back, communication for "stop." When the animal eventually calms down, he throws his legs to one side and descends. ]

Hunting, huh? It'll take some time.

[ If he sounds a bit on edge, it's partly that he doesn't like being ordered—but he can concede that Gilgamesh is probably more tired than he is, and they need some energy. That said, once he catches something, they do have to prepare it. ]

[A sharp hah resounds from Gilgamesh's lips.]

What a jest you make! It would not take any time at all, not with Dinoriel's aid.

[Dinoriel helps nudge his master onto his feet, and with gratitude Gilgamesh slips onto his back, petting at soft, soft feathers. He seems kinder, in this moment. Just as Levi placed more trust in animals, so too did Gilgamesh. Not because he disliked people, but because he knew them better. Knew them for liars, deceivers, and thieves. Gilgamesh knew and knew intimately what human beings were capable of, but animals were wholly innocent, obeying their instincts and nothing more.

Once again, the two men were alike in more ways than they could understand—or wanted to.

Gilgamesh sets Dinoriel off at a steady trot towards a wooded area. All of it seems a little off, a little strange for someone who pranced around in fancy vests and jewelry half the time... but there may have been a side to Gilgamesh Levi had yet to see. A side that spoke to his roots as an adventurer rather than a pompous King.]

He shall do half the work for us, just as before. Although as far as finding clean water goes, we may very well be on our own.

[ Half the work doesn't exactly equal no time at all, but rather than point that out, he'll just accept the fact that they have help. Although he's satisfied that he'd made the right decision to leave Engel in a barn away from the heat, their condition certainly wouldn't be better without Dinoriel's help.

Hopefully Gilgamesh isn't working him too hard. But they seem to have some kind of honest rapport going on, so Levi steps back to let him trot by when he's directed. They'll just have to do what they can. Which, as for the water, he contemplates while wiping the sweat from his face with his sleeve. ]

Easy. If we can't be sure, we boil it. [ ... but then, hot water won't be very pleasant to drink, so it behooves him to ask: ] Or do you have any better ideas?

I will find some.

[That's it. That's the better idea: sheer force of will. As to be expected from the great King of Heroes.

Into the forest they go, Gilgamesh on the back of a griffon, Levi on his own two feet. It still seems questionable, really; what did a stuffy King know about hunting? Yet Gilgamesh looks ever confident, ever ready, as they make their way further and further within the woods. It stinks of animals, but it also stinks of life—life they are going to take in order to feed themselves.

If Levi pays attention, he will notice Gilgamesh has ceased guiding Dinoriel. Rather, it is Dinoriel guiding them. What better way to track down a beast than with a bigger one? Dinoriel weaves around trees with surprising grace for his size, nearly soundless despite his weight, and only pauses when he catches the scent of something.

And if Levi looks to the clearing just ahead of them, barely visible in the distance, he will see it: a pair of speckled deer, feeding on the grass.]

[It's happening. We're going to do this.

Vietnam knew exactly who this masked man is. If his peculiar fighting style wasn't a dead giveaway, his stature certainly is. Put the two together, and it could only be Levi.

Though, this isn't the first time she saw him here. And as Levi doesn't ever talk at the underground battles, Vietnam doesn't either. At least not to him.

She keeps her face mask fixed firmly as she passes him, right after he leaves a battle.

Good job, her eyes tell him.]

[ True, though he carries only one for a change, he does little to disguise the way he wields his blade. A testament to who he is to anyone who knows the way he fights. His thinking is that other Heroes won't be so active in this place... and he isn't necessarily wrong. But it seems there are bound to be others who share the prospective use for this ring, no matter how risky to their reputation.

And it is risky. Though that he doesn't speak isn't only a defense against this, and is also a slight misnomer of reputation. Others' desire for him to stay mysterious. In the relative private of a low voice, of a necessary situation, he speaks close to another fighter's mask. In this case, to Vietnam, because her look towards him—even partially hidden in her disguise—confirms his suspicions. ]

Keeping busy?

[ After he's said this, he continues on for the alley. She may follow, if they stay discreet. It isn't as difficult as it could be because of the heavy crowd. Many eyes, not much movement. ]

[Only Heroes would recognise that blade, and in a way, it's suitable and it works. Because by recognising each other, they can tell friend from foe. They know who can back them up in a mess. Or at least, they should, anyway. Because while this arena is a contest, all Heroes are here and in the same boat, together.

She doesn't answer him, at least not yet. She follows, keeping step with her posture rigid, like she's some kind of soldier. Which she is here, she is a fighter who takes them down swiftly. No magic weapon of hers is here, only those she bought. The additional strength her rank has given her is enough already.

As soon as they're in the alleyway and out of hearing range--]

I have been. I watched you during the competition. You made quite a bit.

Do you have one that's frilly and pink?

[It's a bad joke, all in all. She's already got her hair under a kerchief, tied up and out of the way; her clothes are all dour practicality. She might have been coming here anyway.

All jokes aside:]

Where do you want me?

[She can cut and cook. Just...you can't be sure she won't spice it to kingdom come.]

[ From the look of her, it does seem she had some kind of work in mind. And if it wasn't this, well, screw it. She's dressed for the part and he's being insistent on purpose. They Heroes really have nothing to lose being compensated for a job that any person in their position should rightly commit to.

He does, however, remember the tofu. A spare, albeit plain white apron is hanging nearby. ]

Grab a ladle and start serving. [ Although, when he says grab one, he probably means the one he's using that he's just pushed towards her. ]

[Yeah, she's here for cooking or healing. She's already done some supply tossing earlier, so she could use the cool down.

As cool as a person can be in a kitchen anyhow. She grabs the apron one handed, and after laying it over her arm, she moves to take the ladle from him.]

Don't trust my cooking skills?

[Her voice was dry, but she really didn't care. Work was work, and she was moving to get to it. They'll get to the more interesting parts once she's settled in.]

[Kaito needed no encouragement to participate in the relief efforts for the survivors of the Lasker disaster either. he, however, was focusing his attention on delivering supplies-- clothing, non-perishable foods and the like-- to the families scattered around the area. and when he wasn't doing that, he was attempting to cheer up those who had lost loved ones with some comforting smiles and well-performed hand sleights]

[so when Levi grabs him by the shoulder and orders he grab an apron, it's not a surprise that a few seconds of stunned silence follows]

Eh? Me?

[he glances left, then right, then back at his fellow hero]

. . . I'm not really sure you want me in the kitchen. . .

[oh sure, he knew how to make meals for himself back home, that wasn't a problem. but Kuroba Kaito most certainly was not a cook]

Lucio had not been here long, but he already felt more comfortable in The Shield than he did in the Hall of Heroes. There was a sense of community here that was conspicuously absent in the Hall of Heroes. During the day, he helped out in the kitchens or anywhere else they were willing to let a hero help. During the night, he talked to people. Sometimes he told stories of his world, sometimes he listen to stories of the people who lived here.

So pretty much he was doing the same things Levi was. The only reason he didn't know everyone's names yet was that he hadn't been here as long.

He wasn't much of a drinker, but he took a small drink for politeness sake, then handed the bottle back. "Glad I am too. It reminds me of home."

[Akito had wanted to help out ever since learning there was an option to. It's not for the money that he's here, but because of the guilt at not being able to help so many people. So maybe here...here he can give back somehow.

When he's tugged to the kitchen, he blinks in surprise before nodding and locating one that won't drag on the floor on him]

What would you like me to do? I'm not that great at cooking, but I'll help however I can.

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UNDERGROUND!!!!!

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the shield

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1A!

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