hadriel_logs | Event Log: The Hope of a Child

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Event Log: The Hope of a Child

Who: All characters participating in the event
What: The event log for the The Hope of a Child event
Where: All over the city!
When: January 23rd-Feb 1st
Warnings: Youths

By now, the gods have probably done enough weird crap to you while you're asleep for you to be a little suspicious- but it's not like you can just not sleep, especially when there are a few supernatural forces making your eyes droopy and your body feel heavy.

And now, when you fall asleep, you'll wake up somewhere else and you'll likely have quite a different temperament- you'll be younger, maybe a little more naive and innocent, and you won't exactly remember all the wild stuff that's happened to your adult self. Maybe now you'll be a little more trusting and emotional, hm? The gods could definitely use a little boost in power, and what better way to do it than to harness the power of overemotional kiddos!

Or maybe you aren't affected at all and find yourself surrounded by youths. What are you going to do when your best friend doesn't know how to cook for themselves? Or your bitter rival is throwing a temper tantrum because they broke their favorite toy? Nobody asked for this kind of responsibility, but think about what would happen if nobody was around to take care of these babies...

► This log covers January 23rd-Feb 1st.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► Please tag headers of threads with content warnings where they apply
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!
► If you trip over a kid and die, please let us know here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The house he woke up in didn't have any of the drawers or jars labeled, so Barry had been pretty nervous about helping himself to any food in case it belonged to someone else.

But a growing boy has to eat, and after a day, the weird fruits in the cabinets were just much too tempting to leave alone.

Now when he goes out to explore the city, Barry makes sure to bring enough snacks with him to last a hot day in the suns. Weird almost-apples, almost-pears, almost-but-maybe-not-quite-lemons, all kept in a little drawstring bag at his side. After a couple hours of traipsing through the streets, he slips into a seemingly abandoned shop in the shade, looking for a cool and quiet place to chow down.

He's pleasantly surprised to spot a familiar face in the shop. It's the cute elf. Barry beams. Play it cool, kiddo. Be smooth. You got this.]

Hi! Um! W-Want an apple??

[The smoothest.]

[Taako's ultimately more surly when he's on his own; the time he spends away from Lup is few and far between, but every time it's unpleasant. Double so that he doesn't actually know where she is-- but she'll find her way back to him. He's sure of it.

In the meantime, he's set up a fort in the corner of this shop; a pilfered blanket and pillow from a nearby apartment, cardboard boxes stacked up to hold food he's hoarded and block out the sun. He's not paying much attention as Barry enters, hoping ultimately that he just won't be seen, until a kid's voice rings out. His ears tilt up, swiveling his head towards Barry, looking him over. Does this kid... want to give him something? Why?]

... What's the catch?

[He has to want something from him. That's how it goes. But he can't help but keep his eyes trained on Barry, obviously alert.]

[Barry blinks, frowning at what the elf says. Catch? What's that mean? Barry shakes his head firmly.]

N-No. No catch. I'm real bad at throwin'. [How can he share if he drops the apple and it gets dirty? That's just unacceptable.

He fumbles with the knot on the drawstring bag, reaching a hand inside and pulling out one of the apples. It's... blue? Kinda shaped like an egg? But he tried it himself earlier, it's definitely almost an apple, he's pretty sure. Not picking up on the elf's tension, Barry approaches with his hand outstretched, presenting the apple to the elf with a huge trusting smile.]

Here! I-It look a little weird, but it's good, I promise!

[He is literally so, so confused on what the hell is going on here. What is he doing? What does he want from him? This can't just be happening to him, the universe doesn't just give him things.

He looks between the 'apple' and Barry's face, staying completely still except for his eyes.]

Do you know what an apple is? 'Cuz, uh, they're usually red. 'Nn have seeds, and aren't shaped like that.

[But he's gonna... take it, very quickly, like a snatching motion. From there, he turns it over in his hands, like he's expecting it to explode.]

Where'd you get this?

Y-Yeah? I know what an apple is...

[It's mumbled softly as the elf snatches the fruit out of his hands. Barry can feel his cheeks heating up. Does he really look like someone who doesn't know what an apple is..? Does he look stupid..? He's not.

Barry shakes the thought away, instead fishing another almost-apple out of his bag.]

I-- I found it in the house. [Barry shrugs, taking a little bite out of his own fruit. It's juicy and sweet. A little sour.] Where I woke up. Where I... live? I guess? I-It's not my house. My house is a lot smaller. There's a bunch of fruits and veggies there though. All weird ones.

[The human boy tips his head, considering the elf.] Do you have a house here?

[Taako watches Barry carefully, but he seems to be eating it and not dying, so he experimentally takes a small bite. And... huh, yeah, that's. This is dumb. How is this thing an apple. There's no way this kid is a wizard or something.

... Maybe he knows a wizard. He takes another bite while Barry speaks.]

No? I mean, sorta. There's a place we've been hidin' stuff, but it's not good to go back there all the time. Otherwise people could take it.

[The twins' current bedroom, already perpetually cluttered, is worse now. The adult versions of the twins will laugh their asses off when they're back to normal.]

I'm just waitin' here cuz there was more stuff.

[Barry's happy to see that the elf is eating, a big smile on his face as they talk and share fruits. Though when he hears about the place they're keeping their things, his face falls a little, brows knitting together in a concerned frown.]

... Why would people take your stuff? That's mean. [If there's one thing Barry knows for sure, it's that stealing is wrong!] No one should take other people's stuff!

[The sound of that is just so awful, Barry can't let it stand. If his friend is nervous, he wants to help and make it better.] Want me t'walk you home after? I-- I promise I'm not gonna take your stuff. O-Or tell on you.

[His ear twitches suspiciously; what reason does this kid have to help him? Sure, he gave him a... whatever this thing is, a food, but that doesn't mean he can be trusted. Kids can never be trusted. If they're other street kids, they have the same motives as him. If they have families, there's always something their parents won't let them have- something sparkly, or tasty, or valuable. There is always theft. And he knows what this means- this kid gave him something, so he's looking for something back.]

It doesn't matter if they should. They do. How do I know you're not just lookin' to get somethin' from me? It's secret.

[Sure, it's the hardass option, but of course he's nervous. Why shouldn't he be? He's not Lup, so he doesn't trust him. End of discussion.]

[The human boy looks utterly bewildered for a moment. Why would the elf think Barry's looking to get something from him? What does that even mean? He just wanted to help!

His gaze finds the blue fruit in his hands, fingers running over the smooth skin.]

'Kay. [He shrugs, kicking a little at the dusty ground.] If it's secret, I won't... I didn't know it was a secret... 'm sorry.

[Something twists in his gut, something he can't really explain. Why should he feel bad for this kid? He's just some welp with a home to go back to. He doesn't need his-- what, pity? Charity? They can do this. Fuck everyone who turned them out here. He doesn't need anyone but her.

He picks a bit at the fruit in his hands, ears dropping low.]

Look, 'ss not... it's just cuz, okay? It's not you, it's everybody. Just cuz you gave me a fruit doesn't mean you won't decide you want somethin' once you see it.

But... B-But I wouldn't steal from you... I-- I don't want anything...

[Barry is studying the fruit in his little hands very intently, too confused and intimidated to look up at the elf just yet. Why would anyone think something like that? Why would anyone be so scared of thieves they don't trust anybody to just follow them home? It makes Barry wonder what kind of life they must have had to end up thinking that way, and that just makes him sad.

But it's not his stuff. It's not his choice. Barry needs to be respectful, let other people have their way. So he nods resolutely, trying to be brave and put on a friendly face. He doesn't want to seem upset or defensive. That's no way to make friends!]

You're right. It's okay. It's smart t'be careful.

[The kid relents. Good. He won’t play this game, he’s here to con it. He got free things and he owes nothing. He won’t give his pity, either.]

Yeah. It is.

[… Nnnnngh why does he feel even semi-friendly towards this chubby little dingus. He scoots over a little bit in his corner fort, leaving enough room on his makeshift bed of pillows and blankets for another person to sit.]

I guess you can come hang here though. If you like. Wanna, for a little.

[He doesn’t know how to admit that what he’s feeling is loneliness, doesn’t even know how to properly contextualize it. He’s barely ever been without Lup. But now, in her absence, he’s just looking to have a weight of a body near his, his own face looking back at him, something that feels real.]

[Barry watches the elf scoot over, offering him a place in the fort. He hesitates for a moment. Can he really come sit there..? The elf wants his company?

It doesn't take long before Barry putters over and sits down on the bed, setting his drawstring bag of fruits down on the floor in front of them. This is nice! Being friends is nice!!]

I-- I really like your fort.

[He adjusts his glasses, looks at the boxes stacked around them.]

Did y'build it all alone? It's really cool!

[At least this other kid seems nice. Sure, Taako isn't one for letting people in- not anyone at all- but without Lup he's finding it's better to have someone than be alone with his thoughts. He can't trust him, but that doesn't mean he can't talk to him.

Plus, he did bring food, so there's incentive to keep him around.]

Yeah, I did. It's all stuff I found. There's a lot of it around here, and people don't seem to want any of it.

[Which like, good, more for him.]

Plus, people don't see me back here, so adults don't come mess with me.

Wow! That's cool. You're super resourceful. [That's what that word means, right? He's pretty sure.

Barry munches on his almost-apple while the elf talks, taking big mouthfuls but chewing them slowly, methodically, savoring every bite. He's never really had to worry about being hungry before, so he likes to take his time enjoying his food.

When the elf mentions adults however, he stops chewing, blinking with confusion. That doesn't sound right. Adults don't tend to mess with kids. Adults are nice, most of the time. Their job is to protect kids, isn't it? Even adults who don't like kids too much - a couple of his teachers come to mind - still do everything they can to make sure kids are safe and cared for. That's what they're for.]

Why would adults come mess with you?

[He puffs up a bit as Barry compliments him, continuing to eat his non-apple too. Taako isn’t as finessed or as careful as Barry is- he’d like to be less hungry as soon as absolutely possible, and there’s usually a very small window of time between when you’ve stolen something and when someone will come looking for it, which means you have to eat quick and clean. He decimates that thing, and is careful to leave as little as possible, which he tucks into his pocket. He’ll find a space to bury it later so it can’t be traced back to him. Flawless.

He makes a face as Barry asks his question, though, once again looking blown away by how little this kid seems to know.]

Why wouldn’t they? Adults have laws n’ stuff about kids being alone, but all they wanna do is get you outta their way. They’ll kick you outta all the best spots.

[It’s a little too early for the twins to have earned their caravan scheme, the ploy that keeps them going for many, many years. Right now, they’re just two scrubby kids, finding the hidden places in the world they can borrow for a night- which means learning the rules of the street, like this.]

[ Oh. The elf has already finished eating. That was fast! How rude of Barry to not notice. He pulls open his drawstring bag of almost-fruits, wordlessly handing over another one of those weird apples, like it's no big deal. Glancing into the bag reveals a whole bunch of fruits, some looking like pears, others resembling bananas, small oranges or other approximations of citruses. If his size didn't make it obvious, the sheer amount of food on his person makes it clear Barry has never had to worry about eating.

He really has no idea what Taako and Lup's lives must be like. ]

They do? [ Now that he thinks about it, he supposes it makes sense. There aren't a lot of urchins and homeless kids in Barry's village or the neighboring towns, but he's seen a couple. Either hiding away or running with a shopkeeper or guard hot on their trail. It would make sense there are laws in place about kids being alone. For their own safety, right? Thinking about the elf being all alone with no parents makes Barry's stomach hurt. He doesn't even remember his own father, but thinking about him being gone forever still makes him really sad. If he didn't have his mom either... ]

Y'don't have anywhere t'stay? What about a temple? Temples let kids stay for free, I think...

[He sees the bag, and for a split second, considers just grabbing it and running. That’s an absolutely ridiculous amount of food for one fuckin’ kid, and who knows when he’ll stop handing it over. But… Lup isn’t here to provide the essential backup. Besides that, this kid’s in his fort. He’d basically be trading this area to sleep for all of it, because he couldn’t come back or he’d get caught. He weighs his options for another second, and decides against it, taking the next fruit from Barry without a break in the conversation.]

They only let you stay there a little. Then they wanna get you adopted or somethin’. But that’s dumb. The only people pickin’ kids up for free want ‘em to work. An’ if I’m gonna work, I’m gonna work for myself.

[He jabs his thumb into his chest, and then takes another big bite of the not-apple and oh so gracefully talks with his mouth full.]

I’m good at a lot of stuff. I don’t need an adult who’s gonna want a cut just for existin’.

[This is revealing a whole new world for Barry. He had no idea temples just gave away kids like that. He had no idea some people went to temples just to adopt kids for work. Who makes a kid work? What kind of adult does that?

Barry really has been sheltered and spoiled. All of this is news to him. All the adults in his life are nice, even the people his mom works for, nice and pleasant and friendly to him.

Urchins have it rougher than he thought.]

Y-Yeah... That's smart. [It really solidifies for him how resourceful the elf is. Barry is good at a lot of stuff too, but not much that's of use to anyone but him. He couldn't do most of that stuff all on his own.]

What kinda stuff are you good at, then?

[Taako doesn’t pick up on Barry’s discomfort, if any. He’s just using this conversation to be really, really validated. No one’s ever acknowledged that the kind of life he and his sister lead is hard; living without a home, without a support system, is fucking difficult. Not that he wants to be a sob story, but if this kid is rich, maybe he has some coins to spare. Or will keep bringing him food. He’d like either of those things.

At his question, though, Taako swings his arm out to gesture to the fort.]

I found all this stuff! There’s boxes and a place to sleep in that can’t be seen from the door and food. Plus there’s a place nearby with a bathroom that has running water that nobody locks the door to.

[Nobody lives there, either, but he and Lup don’t tend to trust abandoned houses. Very few good escape routes.]

Plus I’m really good at cooking. Adults even pay me t’do it. Or you can do the stone soup routine.

Really? All this?

[Barry takes in the fort again, as the elf gestures to it. That's a lot of stuff to find on your own! Not to mention how much thought has been put into it - construction, location, proximity to facilities and escape routes.

Urchins may have it tough, but they're super smart. Way smarter than adults give them credit for.]

Stone soup? What's that? [His nose scrunches up with thought. It's amazing that adults will pay a kid for cooking - can't they cook on their own? Barry's a kid and he can't cook, his mom does that - but he's never heard of "the stone soup routine" before.] Y'can't make soup with stones.

You can if you're smart.

[He grins again, poking Barry in his stomach.]

See, you get a big pot, biggest you can find. And you fill it with water n' a rock and you start a fire so it boils, and you gotta do it somewhere with people. So adults come up who're greedy and they ask what you got, and you say, it's stone soup. And no adult wants to know less than a kid, so they pretend they know it, and you tell em how good it is. Make them want it. And then, when they do, you say well you can't have any! It's not done. But y'know what'd make it great? Potatoes. It's the best when it has potatoes. And they go oh wait I have some! And they peel 'em and put 'em in the pot.

[He's gestruring all this with his hands, looking more animated than he has been, and still eating through the not apple Barry's provided.]

So you say you'll tell 'em when it's done, and then you get the next person and say the same thing 'cept you get carrots, and celery, and chicken bones for stock. And eventually you got a big soup, and you pack it up and run. People don't catch you, and you got it all for free. And if you hafta share, you still get people handing things to you and they don't even know it.

[It's hard to pull it more than once in a big town, but it's doable. And plenty sly.]

Edited 2018-03-28 19:32 (UTC)

[Taako has Barry's rapt attention, the human boy watching the elf intently as the routine is laid out for him. His eyes widen progressively with every escalation of the scam, with every new thing added to the pot, his not-apple completely forgotten as the elf talks with his whole body, telling the story so vividly.

The elf is a very good storyteller. And Barry is a fantastic listener, watching closely, nodding when appropriate, encouraging him to keep going. And then, when Taako ends with making off with the free soup, Barry gasps a little, gaping at him. He had not seen that coming!]

You can do that? [Isn't that the same as lying? Lying isn't very nice, and neither is stealing, but... it's such a smart scheme, Barry's just impressed someone's able to pull it off at all.]

That's amazing! A-And it really works? Y'really get people t'throw all that in the pot? Nobody argues about usin' stones in soups or nothin'?

[Barry is a good, encouraging audience. Taako is great at being captivating, with keeping all eyes on him, trained from experience of keeping scams from seeing Lup patter by. He’s surprised by every twist in a way that makes Taako’s heart soar with satisfaction, right down to the gasp at the ending.]

Yeah! Nobody wants to say somethin’ dumb and question and have everyone laugh at ‘em. So they just do it.

[He turns, pressing a finger momentarily into Barry’s chest, not hard and sharp but still with intent.]

You can do anything if you want it hard enough. Rules ‘r made by people. It’s all fake.

[And here Barry was, thinking rules were important and following them even more so. Rules are made by people, sure, but they're made to keep folks safe and happy, aren't they? Like, no lying, no stealing, no pushing, no punching...

... but then again, Barry knows adults get away with breaking the rules all the time. Why do they get to lie and steal and push and punch, and then yell at kids when they do the same thing? That's not fair!

The elf is right. It's all fake.]

Can I... [His lips pull together tightly, like he's having a hard time even getting the words out of his mouth.] Wh-What if I borrow a book from th'library a-and. And don't return it. Is that. Is that okay? If rules are fake an' all.

Event Log: The Hope of a Child

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