riverviewlogs | [closed] Give a man a fish, he'll eat once

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[closed] Give a man a fish, he'll eat once

who: Noctis (

brotrips) and Yu (

wildlinks)
what: Fishing at the river
when: Mid-January. Winter fishing isn't always intelligent
where: River
warnings: None

(The river will be a prime fishing spot once the sun warms up the land enough for everything to be warm and thawed. Noctis is better dressed for the winter now with a thick coat and full-length pants. He leads Yu toward a beach he'd discovered during his adventures. Living water is harder to freeze than dead water, and it does give them a few options. Noctis chooses proximity in order to make it easier for Yu to visit the location often enough to feed his two very important borders.

Noctis stops where the tiny, jutting piece of land tampers off into the water. The wind is colder here, but it allows them to get further from shore and closer to where the bigger fish live. His pole is over his shoulder, but he sets the box down in front of him.)

Here. You can catch a lot of smaller fish, but sometimes the bigger fish get hungry enough to come out too.

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Fishing at this time of year is difficult, huh?

[It was more of a statement than a question when Yu catches up with Noctis. He has scarf pulled up all the way to his nose. And he's extremely thankful for the grey coat he's wearing- it really did keep the chill of the wind at the bay.

He takes off the bag he was carrying and puts it on the ground, along with the fishing pole. The General store had everything they needed, but he didn't bother to buy a lot of bait. It's become a habit to make some whenever he cooks. Yu crouches and pulls out stuff they will need and then stands up again.]

Should we light a fire to keep warm a bit? We might freeze otherwise.

(The cold is harsh and bitter, much like it was the day they had met to explore the maze. The wind cut through the air, stinging any pieces of exposed skin. They did well to prepare.)

Yeah, it's pretty cold, and some of the places are hard to get to, but the river has some open spots.

(The mention of fire reminds him of the being that had cast the magic before. That would lend a certain ease to making a fire.)

We can turn some of the catches into lunch.

(The wind is always merciless near the river in winter periods. Samegawa was always like this too. The thought of fishing back at Samegawa makes Yu smile briefly.)

It is good that the river has a flow. That's what it keeps some parts not frozen.

(Yu sees some shrubs nearby and walks over to it, collecting some of the branches. They are damp from snow but if they are going to use magic to light it, then it won't matter.)

We need something more substantial than this, (Yu says when he returns and dumps branches on the ground.) This is a nice fire starter but it won't last long.

We'll have to go farther away if we want to get anything bigger. (Luckily, the river wasn't so far away from the forest at this point that it would an especially difficult excursion.)

I don't have anything on me that'd keep it burning. We can get more wood before casting the line.

(Rows of trees are visible, even from their current position. Gathering firewood, huh?)

[They really have chosen a really good place. Or rather, Noctis did. Briefly, Yu looks amused.]

I never used Persona to cut down a tree.

[Hopefully, it won't come down to that and they will find something more useful at the edge of the forest.]

Let's go together, we can bring more this way, [The fewer trips they make, the more they can focus on fishing.]

We shouldn't need a whole tree, just some thicker branches off the top.

(Camping isn't Noctis' forte yet, but past fishing expeditions have taught him a thing or two.)

Persona, huh?

(He sits his things far enough from the running water that it feels secure.) Our equipment should safe here until we get back. I've been here a lot, and I haven't really seen anymore come by.

Hopefully, it doesn't start snowing while we're here.

[He's not that worried about his own equipment- it is rather basic and more for a hobby. Noctis', however, looks more expensive.

When they arrive at the edge of the woods, Yu looks around. Delving deeper in there is not necessary.]

What do you think about this one? [He grabs one of the branches that were on the thicker side and tries to snap it with his foot to be easier to carry.

If it gets too bad, we'll have to go back, but some snow's okay.

(The sun is better. Noctis enjoys fishing the most when the sun is high but the weather isn't too hot, but it seems like the fish themselves also enjoys rainy weather. And early mornings. He loves to fish, but their choices don't compliment each other very well at all.)

Looks good.

(It's thick and dry, something that is needed for maintaining a fire, but those really are the only qualities Noctis knows to check for. Camping feels like something Gladio would excel at. Ignis could cook for them, and Prompto would keep them occupied.

Ah, it feels strange being by himself so much. Internally, he shakes away the thoughts and bends to gather some himself.)

Did you do a lot of camping?

Fingers crossed for a dry day.

[Hopefully the weather doesn't betray them for a while. It would be a disaster if it starts raining- it is one thing to fish in the rain during summer and other if they try to fish in the rain now, in the middle of winter.

He manages in cracking the branch and takes one more. Yu is not expert in campfire crafting, only what he saw other people do during the small camping out last spring.]

Ah, no, unfortunately. I went camping with school once, but I am not sure if that's even considered camping. [He crouches to pick up the wood,] We ended up collecting the garbage from the forest and around the campsite.

[With a soft grunt, Yu stands up,] Not something most people consider 'camping'. Our movements were rather restricted. We couldn't even stargaze.

(Noctis joins in cracking and gathering the firewood. It isn't very hard labor, and the larger the supply, the fewer breaks they'd have to take from fishing. Besides, if it does rain, it will be easier to protect their collection than to gather dry wood in a downpour.)

Sounds like a school project.

I was going camping when I came here. It wasn't why I was going, but there's going to be a lot of camping on the way. We have tents and a stove, though.

(Which help tremendously.)

But how do you not see stars? You just look up.

It is, [Yu laughs.] The whole trip had this title of 'bonding within the community' or something like that.

[He waits for Noctis to gather his part and then heads towards the place where they decided they will fish. There's a tree nearby which is good to protect them a bit from the windchill.]

That is a proper camping. Our school had some of the gear but and, well... [Yu's smile turns into a bit of a cringe-] The food that was made on it was not really edible.

As for the stars, we weren't allowed to be outside of tents during the night. The moment the clock hit 9PM, we had to be inside. No stargazing for us.

My school didn't really do those kinds of things.

(They were safe and protected inside of the city. Noctis had nature in the occasional trips outside, the public parks, and their own gardens within the palace. However, even if his class had ventured beyond the shielded city, Noctis likely would have had to stay behind.)

The few times I've camped before now was outside of it. It's not as fun when the rain begins.

(Kneeling in front of the small bundle they'd gathered earlier, he tries to stack the wood in a cohesive fashion.)

But I got to see some good fishing spots.

My school in the city didn't do it either. Only in Inaba did I get to experience the mountains and fresh air.

[And despite all the grumbling they did about the cleanup, they really did enjoy the camping. Well... everything except Mystery food X and being kicked into a freezing river. That was completely undeserved!

Yu helps in piling the dry branches and bites the inside of his cheek as he speaks:]

I bet. Rain tends to... dampen the mood.

[...

Yeah. He went there.]

Yeah, and when it rains, it pours.

(Why is he encouraging bad puns? It's easy to set up a casual conversation when they're miles from everyone else and the river roars behind them. Natural is beautiful, even with the brisk temperatures, and they're going to fish so Noctis' mood is soaring.

The rain really would dampen it.)

It could turn to snow, too.

It pours buckets. Hopefully, not on us. [Yu laughs.

There's nothing bad in 'bad puns'. They are always encouraged, especially around friends with "I am very serious" personalities. But only measured. One can handle "bear" puns only for so long.]

Well, snow is better. It wouldn't put out our fire.

[He fixes up the branches and dusts off his hands, stepping away.]

So... how do we light it again?

It wouldn't put out the fire, but it makes it harder to get home.

(Their small pile is assembled. Noctis moves back to his pack and pulls out a firestarter. Even when he had the magic to use fire, it was such a large radius that they couldn't use it just to start their campfires.

With a few strikes, the spark catches and ignites.)

I keep this with me. Sometimes, I'm out late enough that I just cook what I catch.

Perhaps. Still better than the rain.

[Yu and rain don't get along. Yu and fog also don't get along. There's just too many bad, fresh memories tied to both of those weathers. Snow, however, makes him happy. A bit.

The sparks bring fire to life and Yu crouches next to it to make sure it doesn't go out soon and to warm up his hands. He'll be needing them in moments.]

You didn't mention you knew how to cook.

I don't really want either. The sunshine's the best except in the morning.

(It's treasonous and tries to wake him from his sleep far earlier than he wants to wake up.)

Just a few things. I used to cook for fast food and I've fished a lot so I can make meals related to that. They're not spiced, but it keeps me from having to leave the shore to go back and eat.

Not a morning person? [Yu grins. He loves sleeping in as well, but school is school. If you have to go, you have to. No excuses.] Yes, sunshine really is the best.

[He takes a branch and pokes the fire a bit, making the flames rise more and then stands up.]

It's always good to know at least some basics. Big chance of avoiding making Mystery Food X for lunch.

So? Ready to start?

Why would anyone be? The sun's too bright, and you didn't sleep enough.

(It isn't Noctis, it's common sense, or so he would argue.)

Mystery Food X? You could just bring your own lunch?

(Says the boy with the best possible cooks making his meals.)

Yeah, we've wasted enough time.

(With the flames flickering in the cold air, Noctis begins unpacking his gear. The day is too bright for the flames to give off illumination, but the sound and the warmth it provides is a constant reminder it's staying strong for now.)

It's going to be our lunch, too.

Some people just feel more energetic in the morning. That's just how they are. I love to sleep in when I can, but I don't have trouble waking up.

[Grabbing the bag he brought with him, he starts pulling out everything he needs for fishing- from neatly packed, very new fishing rod to the baits he plans to use. There are a few lures too. It's nothing extravagant, considering he's being very frugal these days, but it's not bad.

...it will catch fish, that's the main thing.]

Oh, I was just talking about my previous misadventure with food. [He sighs through a chuckle.] I wonder if you could camp around here... it would be really cool.

[Yu gave Noct thumbs up-] I figured so I brought a knife to clean the fish and some salt. No need to eat it bland.

(His friends come to mind, but Noctis had never been among those people. The sun rose far too early for his liking, and it wasn't uncommon for him to nap on occasion throughout the day. Originally, before training and school took up all of his time, it was a defense mechanism against the boredom. Despite the sprawling castle and seemingly unlimited funds, his days could be boring when spent alone.)

Yeah, it should be easy to set up camp. It'd be cold unless you maintained the fire all night.

(Which, as established, would be easy only until the morning hours.)

I have a knife, but I didn't bring the salt. That would probably make it taste better. (Noctis will concede to a good idea.) Sometimes, back at home, we had it with lemon and vegetables, but only the lemon part was good.

Then perhaps camping can wait until the weather is better.

[And while Yu probably wouldn't have trouble maintaining fire throughout the night and in the early morning (he has a very light sleep when he's not sleeping in his bed), a lot of the activities would be restricted to the general area and tent. Card games can be fun only for so long.

Testing the lure he just attached to make sure it doesn't just float away when he casts the line.

Dang it, he forgot the lemon.]

No vegetables? [Yu grins.] I didn't take you for a picky person.

(Noctis' box is regulated to holding supplies not directly related to fish. When he walks to the shore, his arms are empty, but in the same way he can summon a sword, the pole appears in his hand. Checking the equipment, he nods to himself and throws back his arm and casts as well.)

It's not about being picky. If it's not good, it's not good.

(The river continues to move, adding one of the few natural sounds to the scene. In this weather, many animals are waiting for warmer temperatures.) Fish doesn't need a lot of extra stuff, just a little seasoning.

(That's one reason Noctis enjoys it as much as he does; it's easy for him to make.)

[ Well, that is mighty useful. Wherever he's storing the swords and fishing rod it takes up a lot less space than carrying it around in a big bag. Yu is impressed.]

Hmmm... but not all veggies taste bad. Tomatoes are great.

[But it is true. Fish doesn't need a lot, so Yu has nothing else to add to it. The fall into a relative silence, only the sound of the river flowing and the crackle of the fire behind them.

It's been a while since Yu felt calm like this. He should definitively fish more.]

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[closed] Give a man a fish, he'll eat once

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