pullmeoutalive | Morgan/Noire; Catch-All

[ She's never once forgotten how ridiculous Morgan can be-- exhausting at times, but earnest and always endearing.

It makes Noire smile, even as she draws back enough to look at him with teary eyes. She likes to think she does so well when she can't see him, but then this happens and she falls apart at the seams. ]

I don't think it's either. You've gotten taller again, Morgan.

[ Oh... but he did forget how cute her smile was. He knew it was cute, but was it always this cute? A blush blooms its way across his cheeks, his expression brightening even more. ]

Well, that won't do! That just means I gotta work harder when I wanna kiss you.

[ Practical couple problems!! But that's an issue for another time. He lets go of her, only to reach for her hands. ]

... I think we can work together on that.

[ But it's so, so nice to be able to stand here and gaze at him with her hands in his and her face very warm. ]

As long as we're able to stay together this time, at least.

[ She can't deny she's a little jealous that the others can stay with each other. ]

Mm. Now that you mention it, what're we doing, standing around like bumps on a log? Let's make every second count!

[ He lets go of one of her hands so that he can help pick up her bag. Wouldn't want it to get trampled in the crowd... ]

If there's one thing I've learned about the Outrealms, it's that there's always something crazy going on. Let's figure out what it is this time!

[ Still an attentive boyfriend, and Noire smiles gratefully. ]

Whatever it is, it seems to be couple-related... unless I'm being paranoid, and I might be... but I've seen a lot of them around.

[ He glances around. ]

I think you might be onto something. Wow, that would've been depressing a minute ago!

[ But now he's got his girlfriend and everything is peaches! How lucky. He squeezes Noire's hand and drags her along to the nearest booth. When the merchant looks at him, he questions: ]

Say, what's this festival all about?

[ The merchant explains that it's the annual "Love is War" Gathering! It's a hot spot for travelers to find love and couples to strengthen their bond.

Everyone who arrives in this realm comes automatically bearing a Token of Love -- a small placard bearing the owner's name and face. They say that whoever holds the Token at sundown will become bound by fate to the Token's owner. Thus, couples typically exchange their placards, and single people use this as their chance to find a new fated romance.

But travelers beware: not everyone arrives with good intentions. Some look to pilfer the Tokens of promising strangers, forcing their fates to intertwine. Their motivations can vary from greed to desperation to simple attraction. In any case, it's important to protect your Token from unwanted attention. It's common for fights to break out in the name of love...

Hopefully, it won't be a major problem this year. Just keep an eye on your Token; it should be somewhere on your person. It doesn't hurt to double-check that it's safe and sound! ]

[ ... And to think she'd been hoping it was something subtle and sweet, like just walking around with your lover and being happy together, and not something akin to a fight to the death for love. Noire really should have known better.

More importantly-- ]

I don't think anyone would stolen mine--

[ But she still sounds more than a little concerned (as per usual) as she gives herself a one-handed pat down (because of course she's not going to let go of Morgan's hand now). ]

... Ah, this?

[ She'll pull out the placard from a pocket, holding it up curiously. Yeah, that sure is a likeness of her face.

WHY ARE THE OUTREALMS SO WEIRD. ]

[ A hawk swoops in and plucks the placard straight out of her hand.

And there it goes

flying up into the distance...

Morgan stares after it in a kind of muted shock. ]

... Er. Does that happen a lot around here?

[ The merchant also stares after the hawk with a sympathetic look on his face and shrugs helplessly. "That's new," he says simply. ]

...

[ Noire finally releases Morgan's hand, for the all-important task of sliding her bow off her shoulder. Next, an arrow from her quiver, because even in times of peace, she likes to be armed.

Yep, SHE SURE IS AIMING AT THAT BIRD. ]

[ Welp. That hawk sure is dead now. Noire's arrow strikes it true, and it plummets to the earth in the distance... Morgan applauds enthusiastically. ]

Wow! That was an amazing shot! If we weren't already a thing, I'd be falling for you faster than that bird did.

[ ???Smooth??? Anyway, he grabs for Noire's hand again so that he can drag her toward her fallen target. ]

Let's go! We have to find your Token before anyone else can.

I-I really don't think anyone is going to be that interested in stealing a--

[ But no. There's the dead hawk and it will probably make for good eating, but Noire's grip tightens on Morgan's hand and she releases a distressed noise.

Because the Token is gone. ]

Why?!

[ Morgan hums thoughtfully. Think evil... Think evil... ]

I bet stolen Tokens would make for an easy ransom. Or if you wanted to make a big ol' fated harem for yourself, this would be the place to do it. An event like this is bound to attract a villain or two.

I don't want to become part of a harem! Or pay anyone for my romantic rights!!

[ how did this suddenly become the Worst Day Ever. ]

Well, I don't want those things for you either! Don't worry, Noire. We'll get your Token back even if we have to face down an army.

[ He pats the back of her hand with his free one. ]

... I'm sorry.

[ "Don't worry", he says, as though Noire has lived her life any differently. ]

I'm sure you didn't come here to battle, and I've gone and dragged you into something potentially violent...

[ He shakes his head. ]

I've got just as much a stake in this as you do. This Token stuff might just be a gimmick, but if there's even a one percent chance it's real, then your Token's gotta be all mine! ... Not to be presumptuous, of course.

Please, presume away. There's no one else I would even consider giving it to.

[ And it's currently the... one person who doesn't have it.

Thanks, hawk. ]

Morgan/Noire; Catch-All

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