TDM #5

[calderaevents]

ARRIVAL

It happens in an instant. A heavy weight in your gut, a trembling of your limbs, the world spins and you barely have time to register that you're falling before you lose consciousness. And when you awaken, it's not where you were last. Dark, unadorned oak walls surround you in a tiny room, the only furniture the bed you are currently resting upon, and the bedside table with a folded piece of parchment resting atop it that simply reads:

“The Tavernkeeper is awaiting your arrival downstairs.”

As you exit you find others like yourself emerging from the surrounding rooms. You are indeed in a tavern, but there is no hustle and bustle one might think to hear in such a place. The only person down on the main floor is a humanoid figure wiping down the bar, who smiles when they see you. They're familiar, but not, and you can't quite place their face. For some reason, however, their presence is comforting and warm.

“Welcome, Visitor. I'm sure you have a lot of questions.”

And you most certainly do.

Due to popular demand, the starter tavern and the drinks provided are available to in game characters via a portal accessible only to those with a faction gem.

DRINK MENU

FLAMEFRUIT SANGRIA a deep red wine based punch with chunks of softly glowing fruit floating in it. A single serving makes you feel relaxed, social, and maybe even a little flirty.

MOLTEN MEAD Though the thick drink itself is room temperature, it bubbles sluggishly, and feels very warm going down. The bold flavor affects your mood. You feel very bold! Like you could do anything!

BESALT BRANDY a hopefully staple drink for the brewery, this liquor is smooth and rich with a peppery bite. Ironically after consuming it, you kinda want to bite someone! Not hard! Just a little nip and nibble!

THAT ASHY ESPRESSO a single potent shot of dark espresso swirled with a gold-tinged cream. Intense and bitter with a hint of caramelized sugar. You are now very awake, hyper, and excited.

PYROCLAST'S WHISKEYa glossy black whiskey that turns a vibrant glowing orange when swirled. You now breathe fire.

EMBERMARK WINE a rich, velvety, spiced wine that immediately makes one feel mellow and calm.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

As the effects of your drink wear off, the Tavernkeeper speaks once more:

”It is time, my friends, for you to find your new homes.”

You are compelled to walk through the only door leading out of the tavern, finding yourself not outside, but in a deep black, seemingly endless room with five portals arranged in a circle. As the last of you leave and the door closes behind you, gone when you look back again and replaced with nothing but that black void, three of the portals illuminate:

The first portal is surrounded by an almost blinding light, prismatic rainbows shining brightly in the dewy air outside of the tavern. A soft breeze may gently caress you, pulling you toward it. The portal seems to lead to a city in the clouds, airships and winged beings of all sorts soaring through the skies. Of the little bits of visible land, much of it boasts giant waterfalls that look like clouds melting into the land below. The portal calls to those who crave independence and freedom; and especially to anyone that wishes to find the strong bond of a family not forged in blood.

The second portal is encircled by a fairy ring of spotted white capped mushrooms, the faint scent of damp stone and rich earth wafting from within the faint green glow. Peering inside, one can see a sprawling harbor city of gray hewn stone, a melting pot of humanoid beings going about their day, and beyond, rolling green farmland and cottages clustered in small villages. This portal is destined for those who crave stability and solid ground beneath their feet. A simple life, an adventurous one, and everything in between can be found within.

The last portal is adorned with shells and seaweed, the glow of blue around it catching on droplets cascading down the circular opening. Beyond it you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, spiraling towers encrusted with coral, and a variety of different creatures mingling about the streets. Outside of that bubble, merfolk swim, a massive squid engulfs the view from the portal as it smoothly glides through the water, and schools of fish disperse as it passes. A sanctuary in the sea that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid those in need. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you - the lure of the unknown in the depths that bids you explore it.

---

Upon following the pull of the breeze through the first portal, you are thrust into the beauty of a lively city that goes by the name of Heaven's Bow. Much of this main city feels exactly as you would expect on a city below, but there are clouds surrounding every direction you look. The walls of buildings are made with light-colored limestone, and buildings are generally built up to heights made even more grandiose by their position in the sky.

The Skyfall Docks are the first thing you notice, boasting hundreds of airships sailing in and out across the clouds with shouts that accompany a typical port city. Just outside is a fantastic market with goods not only from the other regions of Caldera, but from what some shopkeepers claim are other worlds--items sold or left behind by Visitors. Almost anything can be found in the markets if one is willing to look hard enough. Transport to other locations throughout the sky and even to the land or sea can be found here.

If the docks are too lively for you, you may instead find yourself roaming the underbelly of Heaven's Bow and finding brothels and gambling parlors filled with the promise of pleasure and fortune. The guild house for the Sylphs can be found here as well, giving out quests and training to prospective adventurers and guards alike--though none of them seem concerned with the illicit activities that surround them. Perhaps the freedom the Sylphs boast of extends to what others may deem an undesirable activity.

But most curious of all, you find a shimmering opal gemstone in your hand. When placed anywhere on the body, it will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

If it was the second portal that called to you, you will find yourself in the busy city of Grey Ward, with its cobblestone streets and sturdy grey stone buildings. You are in the heart of the city, the Glass Market, so named for the colorful stained glass windows of the surrounding buildings. The scent of cooking food and the sound of barkers fills the air; watchful guards keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves, and citizens go about their day. From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring skips transport people and goods. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers. The Hearthstill, the main residential area. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means.

Outside the city walls, one can explore acres of farmlands to the east and west, or follow Terra’s Pass to the less settled areas, but take care. Past the Skyward Range, out in the smaller burrows and villages, the influence of the city guard diminishes quickly, and you’ll have to keep your wits about you. Bandits along the road are always a risk, and the wildlife are less controlled by regimented hunting.

In your hand is a gemstone, a brilliantly green emerald that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

If the last portal beckoned you through it, you find yourself within that bubble covered city beneath the sea, the city of Salt Spire. Your ears pop with the change in pressure, and the smell of the salty sea fills your nostrils. All around you buildings made of dark stone encrusted with coral and seagrass tower high above your head, the backdrop outside the dome a deep blue, seemingly endless sea filled with fish and merfolk and all other manner of creature swimming through the water. You stand in the heart of it all, surrounded by people with gils on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin, all of whom seem intrigued by your arrival. You have many options of where to visit in the city under the sea, but where oh where will you go first?

The Salt Spire Library is right before you, an impossibly large building housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.

If scholarly pursuits aren't to your interest currently, perhaps a trip to Bluetide Market would be more your style? The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, apothecaries and healers in the Shimmer Quarter, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. There are also the Tideshore and Fogbottom docks on either end of the city. The former allows transport to the surface via large, magical bubbles for those that cannot hold their breath or make the swim themselves yet. The latter allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.

In your hand is a gemstone, a shining sapphire that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

IGNACIA'S CRADLE/EMBER VEIL

Months ago, a piece of land from Heaven’s Bow fell from the sky and scarred the land below, damaging a part of the city. From that chaos and ruin rose new life, a new ruler, and a new city: Ignacia’s Cradle. Just a short walk from the edge of Grey Ward, the gates of the city are guarded by two massive obsidian golems, and any who did not rise from the lava itself are warned at the entrance that to travel about the city will be most difficult, unless they have obtained a way to mitigate the extreme heat: be that with a charm, an ability, or a potion. The very streets themselves are paved in slabs of volcanic rock, tall spires of buildings constructed and shaped by rapidly cooled lava. The main method of travel are the mine carts, with tracks that wind through the spires ready to take one to almost any location.

Currently, the main feature of Ignacia’s Cradle is the Lava Flats, home of skilled smiths that use the extreme heat of the lava to melt the strongest metals and create unbreakable weapons, glassmakers and jewelers who fashion elaborate headpieces, rings, and amulets. These items are sold at the Ember Market on the outskirts of the Flats.

At the edge of the city lies the Ashfall Terrace, where a small farm using the rich volcanic ash and soil is in its infancy, as well as the Basalt Brewery where clever alchemists are researching ways to use the extreme heat to craft new and unique beverages that they are eager to find folk to test them out on.

---

The hot spring of Ignacia’s Cradle is a breathtaking anomaly located just beyond the Ashfall Terrace, tucked into a secluded crater formed by the celestial impact that gave rise to the city. Here, molten veins from the Lava Flats weave beneath the earth, heating a natural reservoir that bubbled to life amidst the chaos. The spring’s waters shimmer with an ethereal brilliance, hues of deep turquoise blending with molten gold and fiery orange, as though Heaven’s Bow itself left behind a fragment of its essence. Steam rises in curling wisps, carrying the tang of minerals and faint traces of sulfur.

The spring, known to locals as The Ember Veil, is both a sanctuary and a marvel of natural wonder. Its soothing waters are reputed to heal wounds and fortify the spirit, with the temperature kept in perfect balance by an intricate system of naturally formed vents and channels. The edges are lined with intricately carved obsidian benches, where patrons can soak their feet or meditate in the rising steam. Plants resistant to the intense conditions—vivid fire lilies and ash ferns—dot the perimeter, their resilience a symbol of life’s ability to flourish even in the harshest environments.

Sometimes, when two or more individuals share the waters, the spring creates a subtle connection between their minds, allowing memories to surface like ripples on its surface. These shared memories appear as glowing, translucent scenes that hover above the water, visible to all within the spring. Participants can relive moments from their lives, experiencing them through each other’s eyes, fostering profound empathy and understanding.

Another of the spring’s mystical properties occurs when bathers who enter the waters feeling drained, injured, or burdened by grief often find their vitality restored. The waters seem to draw out negative energies and emotions, replacing them with a warm, invigorating sensation that spreads through the body. In rare instances, the spring has been known to accelerate physical healing, mending minor injuries and soothing chronic aches, as though the magic itself is stitching the body back together.

A lesser-known but equally fascinating effect happens on particularly clear nights, when the moonlight reflects on the spring’s surface, some bathers report fleeting glimpses of potential futures. These visions are often cryptic, appearing as brief, dream-like flashes, but they have guided many to life-changing decisions. The alchemists of the Basalt Brewery believe this effect stems from residual cosmic energy, and they have begun experimenting with enhancing it through the addition of rare minerals and lunar elixirs.

RADIANT SUN

The day begins like no other, with the skies painted in hues of golden-pink as the Radiant Sun ascends. Its light spills over the world, warm and soft, caressing the land and filling every heart with a sense of peace. Beneath its glow, emotions of love and connection bloom like never before. Strangers exchange heartfelt smiles, old friends embrace as though no time has passed, and lovers find their feelings deepened, their bonds strengthened.

Even the air feels different—lighter, sweeter, as though the universe itself is celebrating. The songs of birds harmonize with the melodies of impromptu musicians who feel inspired by the sun’s radiance. Those with magical abilities sense their powers of healing and creation magnified, as if the sun itself lends its strength to their intentions. Long-held grudges seem to melt away under the sun’s tender gaze, replaced by tears of reconciliation and words of forgiveness.

The Radiant Sun touches every heart differently:

◾A widow finds peace as memories of her late spouse no longer bring sorrow but gratitude for the love they shared.
◾A timid youth finds the courage to confess their feelings to the person they’ve admired for so long.
◾A gruff warrior lets down their guard, laughing freely with their companions for the first time in years.

For a fleeting moment, the world feels as it should be—unified, harmonious, and drenched in love.

But as the day wanes and the Radiant Sun dips below the horizon, an unease begins to settle...

JEALOUS MOON

The golden light gives way to deep purples and silvers as the Jealous Moon rises, its glow pale and cold. Its light pierces the heart, not to warm it, but to expose the insecurities that lie buried within. Where love had flourished during the day, doubt begins to creep in.

Under the Jealous Moon’s influence, emotions twist and darken:

◾A once-reconciled pair of siblings argue over old grievances, as jealousy over perceived favoritism resurfaces.
◾A couple, who had spent the day lost in each other’s arms, now question each other’s loyalty and intentions.
◾A nobleman, inspired to be generous during the day, grows suspicious of those who received his gifts, fearing they may exploit his kindness.

The air grows heavy with tension, and the magic of the Radiant Sun fades, replaced by the sharp sting of distrust. The moon’s pale light seems to follow people like a judgmental gaze, amplifying every fear, insecurity, and lingering resentment.

Worse still, the night seems endless, as though time itself has bent beneath the weight of the Jealous Moon’s envious glow. For three long days and nights, the moon lingers high in the sky, its pale, piercing light casting a shadow over hearts and minds, amplifying discord and despair. Its power sows strife among even the closest bonds, driving some to dangerous extremes. Yet, when all seems lost, the scholars of the three factions unite their wisdom and uncover a glimmer of hope—a means to dispel the moon’s cruel influence. For those who have not yet succumbed to jealousy’s grip, there remains a chance to reclaim harmony, a chance for redemption before the damage becomes irreversible.

The solution lies not in complex rituals or rare relics but in the simplest and most instinctive actions: physical connection. To weaken the moon’s hold, people must embrace one another—offering a hug, a handshake, or even resting a hand on someone’s shoulder. These gestures of closeness disrupt the isolation and mistrust that the moon thrives upon. Sitting side by side or holding hands creates a barrier against its oppressive light, reminding the afflicted that they are not alone. Even small acts, like sharing warmth through proximity or clasping arms in solidarity, build a shield of connection that the moon cannot penetrate.

As these actions ripple through the night, the Jealous Moon’s light begins to dim, its sharp, cold glow softening until it fades from the sky entirely. The tension in the air lifts, replaced by a quiet calm that feels almost foreign after the chaos of the past three days. Slowly, the world seems to exhale, and the darkness that clung so tightly to the hearts of many begins to loosen its grip. People step back from the brink of despair, their minds clearing as if waking from a long, disorienting dream. Relationships strained by the moon’s influence begin to mend as apologies are exchanged, tears are shed, and bonds are reaffirmed.

ALL IS WELL(?)

With the Radiant Sun rising again, its golden-pink hues spilling across the horizon, life begins to return to normal. The birds resume their morning songs, markets reopen, and the hum of daily activity fills the air once more. Though traces of the moon’s influence linger in whispered memories, there is a collective sense of relief and gratitude among the people—gratitude for the light, for connection, and for a second chance to heal.

In the outskirts of Ignacia's Cradle, Aella and Terra, two of the three leaders of the factions, come together to address the gathered crowds. Together they assure the people that this celestial event was a rare anomaly, something never before recorded in the annals of history. They explain that while the Jealous Moon’s influence was unprecedented and deeply unsettling, it was a unique alignment of cosmic forces that is unlikely to occur again in their lifetimes—or ever.

The leaders thank the people for their resilience and compassion, emphasizing how their acts of unity—simple gestures of closeness and connection—proved stronger than the moon’s envy. They commend the scholars for their quick thinking and the Visitors for their role in guiding others through the chaos. Finally, they urge everyone to move forward, not in fear of what has passed, but with the knowledge that even in the darkest moments, their strength lies in the bonds they share.

QUESTBOARD

Settled in? Good. It's time to make your way to the Questboard located in every city in numerous, easy to access locations. That is, if you want to make any kind of impact on the world or just get some Bones for anything you might wish to purchase. Visitors are given a very small stipend in which to survive every month, but all it does is keep you fed and housed. These quests will assure you greater wealth, and they're the main reason you're here: each finished quest helps the Calderans fix their shattering world.

Quests can be accepted at the questboard via magically signed parchment upon the board. Just sign your name to accept and the paper will be whisked away... somewhere. You're not actually sure. Probably nothing to concern yourself with.

Once quests are completed, earned Bones will be dropped off at the character's residence by Bonita, the mysterious artisan who has supposedly handcrafted every Bone circulating in Caldera. Please do not speak to her, she startles easily.

*February will be the last month to complete quests for this rotation. New ones will go up on March 1st.

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Caldera's fifth TDM! All characters awaken in a strange tavern with nothing save the clothes on their backs, all of their powers stripped, and a piece of parchment directing them downstairs to the Tavernkeeper. There is a thread of all questions answered by the Tavernkeeper here, and if you have more, feel free to ask there for what would be offered ICly.

For OOC questions, please direct themhere.

All locations are available to be explored! Ignacia's Cradle and Ember Veil have been added, along with details about the Violet Drop regarding the Cult of Triton.

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

Participation in the Radiant Sun/Jealous Moon effects is not mandatory.

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Comments

[theydrewfirstblood]

John lets out another of those husky, breathless hums that pass for a whine and can't control the way he arches under Finnick out of sheer reflex, those two little words, that soft good boy setting off a far different kind of electricity that makes his skin flush and his gut clench with even deeper lust.

Always so good for me...

"Yeah, fuck--please, wanna be good for you, please...please, more...wanna be good..."

He makes a sound of protest when Finnick lets go of his hands, but when he realizes what he's doing he keeps his hands in place as best he can while arching and shifting so Finnick can pull his shirt off.

He leaves his hands there as Finnick trails fingers over his arms, his chest, his scars...

John knows what his scars are. Flaws, defects--they're a source of shame that he tries to hide because they're just a physical display of how badly he's broken. The reflex is to say something, tell Finnick it's okay, that he doesn't have to--but he's sliding his fingers over them so carefully, kissing them like they matter...

And the words wither up and die. They burn to ash on his tongue, and those ashes taste oddly sweet as he arches into every brush of lips and hands, moved and aroused at the same time. He's sinking into that mix of feeling, sticky and sweet and warm, down and down and down.

With Halsin, it just...sort of happened, that strange soft golden fog his mind slipped into. Now it's like Finnick is deliberately trying to take him there with the wet heat of his mouth on a nipple, in the sharp rake of nails along his sides, and he finds he wants it, wants to just fucking drown in him. Give him everything, every part of his body, his heart, what's left of his soul.

"...Fin...Fin..."

He can't even beg, and just saying his name feels as good as his palms skimming his bare stomach--and when his teeth pinch his nipple and tease, clench, worry at it, John cries out with pleasure, mind finally shutting down totally as just feeling consumes even his need to come.

[toolatetochangethename]

Is it possible to die of embarrassment? Stay tuned because Scott may solve that mystery tonight!

"Yeah," He croaks. "Water good." Better to sound like a caveman than spewing saucy lines at some random dude, who still looks...kinda familiar? He slams the water back, and stares at the empty glass, refusing to make eye contact with anything for a minute or two. Can't flirt with an empty glass, right?

But.

Oh. Oh NO. Loki? Like that Loki? Loky doky aliens in New York Loki? He may just choke on his next sip of water.

[holdshisown]

Let's. [He agrees.] Good thing my people tend to be lighter on our feet than our height might indicate.

[And he is indeed not making all that much noise as he makes his way into the graveyard. He's not terribly bothered by their surroundings, though he does not exactly like disturbing the peace of those that rest here either.]

[toolatetochangethename]

It's better than the hootch they made in prison, at any rate. "The kind where you drink to forget, mostly." At least lately. He doesn't drink much, but sometimes you just want to erase a certain set of brain cells.

"Yeah I believe it." Japanese fashion was a little...look, Luis likes that harajuju stuff. Scott had to borrow his phone once. Somethings friends should keep from other friends. "California." So, you know, not so far away. "Anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on a guy?" Some men have hairtrigger reflexes. Not Scott, but, you know, some men.

[toolatetochangethename]

Well, this was actually kind of relaxing. Sure the walk up here was full of yikes but this was kinda nice. Warm, relaxing, no one surnamed Pym telling him he was doing it wrong, peaceful.

He let out a deep sigh closing his eyes. Yeah, nice.

Then he heard the splashing--or not really splashing--but moving water. He cracked his eyelids open just a bit and then

"OH MY GOD!" And the world got treated to Scott Lang's very Scott Lang taste in underwear: Daffy Duck boxers, as he tries to throw himself out of the pool.

[makingmyway]

Dorian nods in understanding, even as different thoughts race through his mind. “That certainly wouldn’t be good. But I wonder if there is anyone really responsible for the magic influencing people right now, or if it’s just the magic of the world itself.”

Probably not what Gadriel would want to hear, the idea of “rogue sorcery” being pretty much just that. But honestly Dorian had to imagine that if there was a party involved in swaying people’s emotions, they could have done much worse.

[ofravensanddaggers]

Making a big guy like John blush? Always a win in Vax's book. Still he doesn't tease too much and keeps his demeanor gentle.

"I could do that, it'd be rude to leave you like this to send you off on your way. Not to mention I'm pretty sure I'd meet the business end of our dear Finn's trident." Taking the hand that John had placed over his own, Vax shifted to stand, gently moving to help the human up with the hand he had.

"Take your time."

Tempting offer, Gadriel knows.

[thecodexabides]

These are all interesting questions, but Space Marines are not the ones to answer any of them. They're more the 'genocide' guys.

Where...where are your shoes? Because that's weird. And just a tip, when Gadriel is the one saying you're weird...you're weird.

Either that or you're totally normal and he just doesn't get it.

"I am average for my kind. We never know how the surgery will go." The geneseeds do their thing. He was lucky that his chapter had the least problematic geneseeds, with few mutations. Didn't mean there wasn't some variation.

[coldsong]

"Easy, tiger," Loki can't stop being amused, but he also doesn't want to ruin some poor newcomer's life. Not today, anyway. "If I thought it wasn't the drink talking, I'd be flattered, but I'm not about to take advantage of you, either."

Not his style. He would rather hold back and make someone beg for him than push himself into their personal space if they've got even a shadow of a doubt.

Meanwhile, communication remains difficult here, but some of the mirth fades from his face when Scott chokes on his water. Hmm. "A familiar name, I take it?" Sooner or later there was bound to be someone...

you reach out to slap the label on and I high five you

[dalishoriginal]

Throat bared to his teeth, Mahariel bites, wolflike, and hangs on for a moment, long enough to make it nearly a threat. He could hurt you, Zev, he could rip out your throat with his teeth, and leave you here to bleed out in the water. He could destroy you. But he won't. Isn't that love?

"Well, there's only one way to find out, isn't there?" And Zevran, already rutting against him noticeably enough to send out ripples into the steam-hot water, has never lacked for the confidence required to do it. Mythal'enaste, he's already hard, and so ready; it's been so damned long, "Zev, I—"

The ripples return and the memory rises up in them like the maw of a dragon. Exactly like the maw of a dragon, the ugly, bone-shriven jaws of a blighted Archdemon snapping sideways against his shield with enough force to rattle every aching joint.

All around the tower the battle is joined, hewn by the dragon's claws and tail so that Mahariel has at least enough space to swing, except that those damned claws rise and fall, battering shield and sword as if they were no sharper than the slick black cobbles he's stumbling over, half-stunned. The dragon raises it's head and roars a goad to its troops, spouting violet flame, and then bends again and—

There! I have you, you great ugly bastard!

The dragon roars again, this time in pain, and Mahariel rises with it, dragged by his iron grip on the hilt of his sword, buried in its eye. Up and up, and down again, and there's no time to think or hesitate. He looks up, and see there a pale-haired elf, eyes wide, watching with daggers bared and blood on his armor.

Oh my love, He thinks, and then, If this doesn't work— I'm sorry.

Up the blade and down again, and for a moment there's nothing but silence. Then world rushes away in light and terror, the endless scream of the dragon's last breath attenuating in his ears until it is nothing but a high and terrible tone, the ringing of some distant bell that only rings and rings and never fades... And then nothing. Blackness.

Mahariel comes back to himself still in Zevran's lap, head bowed and forhead pressed against his shoulder, breathing hard. What the fuck?

"What the... fuck?" He says, intelligently, "That was the Bli— the Archdemon!"

[makingmyway]

Dorian chuckles softly with a nod. “I understand that. You never really appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”

And maybe it’s because now he’s thinking of his own family, but the water begins to shimmer in front of them as another vision begins to appear. Dorian watches, curious for a moment, before his eyes widen when a figure forms in the shimmering image; the same blue skin as Dorian’s, but shorter hair that settles at his shoulder. A square jaw, sea-glass green eyes, and a gold septum ring, and a bright smile on his face that bears a strong resemblance to Dorian’s.

And while a small smile flashes across Dorian’s face as well, it’s a bit strained, and doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

[makingmyway]

Dorian nods in agreement, taking the time to soak in the sun as he watches the people around them. “It seems infectious, whatever it is. Everyone looks to be in good spirits today.”

Which… maybe should have been a bit suspicious? But it was difficult not to just enjoy the feeling.

[makingmyway]

Dorian blinks in surprise as he listens to Barcus. And for a moment, he wonders if maybe he’d been a bit too resigned to the thinking that people did separate, and that it was just the way things were. Had he really given up that easily that he would just accept such a thought?

Not just here, but back home as well?

And honestly, why should they just have to accept that? Were they not fighting to make a difference, to make changes? Why couldn’t one of the things they were fighting for be that people from different worlds could stay together, or at least keep those memories as part of themselves? It would only be fair.

After another moment, Dorian manages a small grin.

“Well,” he finally says, “I don’t know if there’s anything I can do to help that. But if I can, just let me know. To be honest, there are memories I have of this place that I’d like to keep as well.”

Not just of the friends he made from other worlds, although they were important too. But even the time he’s spend here with Orym and Ashton, growing close to them in a way he wasn’t sure he’d really have the chance to back home. Perhaps it was selfish of him to want to hold on to all those moments, but there was a part of him that had always been a bit selfish anyway.

Especially when it comes to the people he cares about.

[makingmyway]

“More or less,” he admits with a shrug. “Although during my time here, it hasn’t been entirely terribly. I’ve had more downtime here than I’ve had back home.”

Which was… an issue he’s not going to go into right now.

“Apologies, I should introduce myself.” He bows a little, putting himself a bit more to her eye level as he smiles. “Dorian Storm, at your service.”

[goethbeforethefall]

"An enviable simplicity," He says, quietly amused. You don't know how good you have it in life, until it's all so... terrible, "Believe me when I say, if I could wash my hands of it all, and simply live an ordinary life, I would. But there is no path except the way forward, now."

Or death, of course. The world swallowed up forever by the Blight, a final vengeance that devours everything in horror and corruption, and what little remnant of Elgar'nan that remains, to rule over it. Until he too is eaten, at the last...

...No. No, it cannot, will not, be so. It will be stopped, and all things returned to as they were meant to be.

"Beleth is mortal. I never intended to fall in love— in truth, I have done everything in my power to separate us. But she is...Utterly indomitable," He says. Despite himself, Solas can feel the unwilling tenderness come into him at the thought of her. Soft, Dread Wolf, you've gone soft, "I do not believe I can survive watching her die. So I must succeed."

[holdshisown]

"Truer words have never been spoken, I fear." He says with a tinge of sadness in his tone, even though he's still smiling.

Once the vision has taken form Maedhros looks between Dorian and and the image of the other man, noting the similarities between them. Seeing the strained look on Dorian's face he feels a bit bad about having caught a glimpse of something that he likely shouldn't have.

"Family?" He asks, nodding towards the image of the man. "You don't need to awnser if you do not wish to, though."

[makingmyway]

“Oh, um…” Dorian hums under his breath, suddenly looking a little uncomfortable. “Well, there’s been helping out where we’re needed. The winter winds have been especially bad in the Sylph area. And then a whole volcano appeared just last month and that involved some trial to go through. But uh…”

How does one explain a personal distraction?

[youknowwhothisis]

The water thrashed against that tail as it motored in, wanting to take a bite and truly begin Duck Season.

But he was fast- faster than he anticipated- and was scrambling out of the pool in his underwear. That was odd. Did he not read the signs about clothing? Oh well-

The water clashed against the poolside and there was red smoke and glitter. In the place of the murderous shark was a man(???) who was currently riotously laughing himself wheezing, bobbing in the agitated water like a cork all the way.

"WOW! You should have- you should have seen your face...!"

[holdshisown]

"Do so," he says as he returns the hug. "We all might have a few people we want to send off in a more proper way than we had a chance to in our own worlds."

Judging by the somewhat pained smile on the elf's face he might have a few people he'd wish to say farwell to as well.

[makingmyway]

Dorian nods as he listens, while also trying to slowly guide her away from the bar and towards the door.

“I don’t blame you, I wouldn’t want to have such misconceptions tarnishing the truth like that,” he agrees, genuinely, even while worrying about her current state. “It sounds like it would be a rather lengthy book to write about, though. Have you had a chance to get started?”

Let’s start with one of hers!

[makingmyway]

[ Blinking his eyes open at that, he lifts his head in time to see something shimmer just over the water, and he sits up when an image begins to form in it. ]

I’m definitely seeing something.

[makingmyway]

Drawn out of his daze, Dorian blinks and shakes his head a bit before glancing back at Maedhros with a smile, this one just a bit more guarded.

“No it’s all right, I don’t mind.” It was, after all, only fair since he had seen a personal memory of Maedhros’ as well. “My older brother, Cyrus. We had been close in our youth, but drifted apart as we grew older due to our responsibilities. Fortunately we were able to reconnect recently.”

That’s as much as he felt comfortable explaining without getting into too many details.

[holdshisown]

Well, Maedhros is not one to pry. Especially not when he can tell someone does not particularly want to go into details about something.

"Responsibilities do have a way of pushing people apart at times," his own had certainly done so from time to time. "But I'm glad you were able to reconnect again."

[thesunreturns]

"Simon. It is... good to meet you, Cadence, especially in these circumstances."

[thesunreturns]

Simon nodded. "And it can be good to remind the living that sometimes a friend or family member would prefer they come home to whatever goal they are trying to achieve," he added.