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

[arlathvhen]

"I gave her the tools and opportunity." Or maybe Florianne had, but Beleth had allowed it to happen. Watched a single dagger end the reign of an Empress. "She was the one who wielded them."

But now Beleth has her head cocked, and she's examining Felassan with a keen interest, taking in his features. His coloring was similar enough, she thought--save the eyes, of course, but Beleth knew better than anyone that those purple eyes were a rarity these days. Even moreso for someone who had not been whisked away into a Circle. The mother would have to be a little paler, but--

"I think, Felassan, that it would not be graceless to say that I have been very forthcoming with you," Even when you were not, is not said, but implied. "If you would indulge me for but a moment... May I ask why the interest in Briala? How did it come to pass that you came to know, and take an interest in the welfare of a city elf embroiled in The Game?"

[wildwarden]

If he expected her to stop crying when he burst into song, he was sorely mistaken. Night Sky's eyes widened, her chin resting upon his shoulder, angled so she could see the glow of the mist around them. Ethereal. Otherworldly. His voice was like an angels and wouldn't it be funny if she said that aloud to him.

Speaking was difficult, however, as she listened to him. Night Sky's eyelids drooped to half-mast like she was entranced; her fingers flexing against his back and her weight leaned into him. She felt so... safe. So loved. He held her like she was something precious and sang in a tune she understood better than spoken words could truly express. The tears kept falling, her shoulders shaking, but she gripped him tight to silently insist that he not let go.

"You sure you're not a siren?" She laughed softly.

[theydrewfirstblood]

For a second the question doesn’t register. Finnick’s fingers are working in and out of him, he’s rocking back onto them, being fucked by his fingers and it feels so good he wonders if he could come like this…

The question finally sinks in as John realizes how badly he wants Finnick inside him—not just his fingers. He should probably give it more time, but Finnick is hard and dripping for him and John—fuck, he wants it so bad he can’t stand it.

So he nods as he kisses Finnick, thoughts hazy but orderly at least—not so far gone he forgets caution.

“Want you, please.” He breathes, rocking back onto his fingers one more time with a moan. “Just—lotta lube, go slow, ‘n s’ fine.”

[arlathvhen]

There's a little pang of guilt--she hasn't even begun to tell him what has happened with their beloved Creators, how the devotion they had given had never been earned, how their gods had been monsters crafted out of blood. Death. Hate. But she's in the middle of a story, and she doesn't have it in her to interrupt it to casually deliver news that had, once upon a time, broken her heart.

It's much easier to match his wonder and excitement, that he's definitely feeling, and isn't faking, even a little.

"No clan at all! They were not even Dalish, though they wore the vallaslin." Slaves, She thought, then pushed the thought aside. They were free now, in any event. "They were ancient elves, born millennia ago, and had pledged themselves to protect the temple, resting in uthenera, until they were roused to defend it. Of course, I had many questions I wished to ask them, so much information that had been lost--but as much as it pains me to admit it, they were not pleasant people to speak to. Abrasive and condescending. I called them kin, and they called me a shadow."

It still stung, even knowing what she knew now. Maybe even worse. They had survived and adapted, what had those idiots expected? Them to be wiped out entirely? "But I followed the traditions of the temple to make my appeal, and they could not deny me my right. So, even with their leader--Abelas, sorrow, he was called--scowling at me the whole way, they allied with me, and took me to the Eluvian. It was there that I encountered the means to be able to control it. The Well of Sorrows. The gathering of the knowledge of all of Mythal's servants. It is then that we realized his true goal--To have his lieutenant drink from the well, and learn all it's knowledge, in exchange for being bound to Mythal."

Another long pause, to let this knowledge settle in his mind. It is, of course, quite a lot to take in, and perhaps not a pleasant tale to hear. But he had asked.

"I, of course, could not let some shemlen fool steal the knowledge. Both as the enemy of Corypheus, and as a Dalish. Which meant I had only one option." A lie, kind of. There was another option. But as far as Beleth was concerned, that one hadn't even been considered, despite Solas' cries against it.

sorry kiddo better luck next time

[loosed]

Seeing a nine foot tall man trying to shout the world into obedience and order was always going to make Felassan think look, a baby Elgar'nan, with approximately negative five thousand approval. That's a deep pit to climb out of.

Those who brought us here are no 'gods' is a start, though.

Maybe.

"How can you tell?" Felassan says, then holds up a hand. "Wait. Think about that and tell me when I get back."

He's collected enough shingles to roll off and add to the pile. But it's a short trip.

nah he's run off with the Chaplain for *secret activities*

[thecodexabides]

No one should hold up any Astartes as paragons of maturity. Paragons of physical development and xenocide, perhaps. But his kind are made up of testosterone and having two daddies, so....lower those expectations.

Listen, their mission is to rebuild these houses and that is not work that is going to happen if these wind sprites go around tearing off shingles and dropping them on people's heads. Hence: sprite prison.

When the other returns: "They have no true cause. Every god has a purpose. Slaanesh, in excess. Khorne, in blood and pain. They have no aim and the reason they give for stealing us does not hold."

Sorry this took so long!

[lonelysmiles]

"I'm afraid not. There's a lot of princes and princesses from different forests here so picking one in particular out is quite a challenge just from title alone," Alastor told him.

Well, not all of them were from forests but best to use language the fawn would more easily understand.

It was amusing in a way to be talking with the young creature. And judging by the description of this "Great Prince", the deer in question was likely a fully-grown stag rather than a young buck.

Still, this was still a young fawn. His mother should have been constantly close by. Why would he be more concerned with his father's location?

"What about your mother? Aren't you concerned about finding her as well?"

Sorry this took so long!

[lonelysmiles]

"I was once!" Alastor chirped merrily. His smile was no less merry...though perhaps a bit too fang-filled for her liking. He bowed to her. "Alastor! Pleasure to be meeting you, sweetheart! Quite a pleasure!"

Sorry this took so long!

[lonelysmiles]

Honestly, the music wasn't that much to Alastor's personal tastes but he hummed along as best he could, trying to get the feel of it.

Music was a universal language, after all. Everyone enjoyed it in some capacity even if their tastes were different. Perhaps he could figure out a jazz riff on it.

[needsexcitement]

No, no, no, that's Discord, silly! What makes you think that this sweet, innocent pink pony has anything more than cotton candy fluff in her head?

"I guess. Maybe a lollipop would be better? Swirling your tongue around the hard candy or sucking on it?"

[needsexcitement]

"Same here but you never know. Maybe they need less 'saving the world every week' and more 'can occasionally jump in when the people who save the world every week are busy'."

[needsexcitement]

"I'd appreciate it. Starting with the sun and moon not needing somepony...someone to move them. I didn't even know that was possible!"

[needsexcitement]

"I come from Equestria which is similar in some ways to here but I keep expecting ponies to come of these houses, not creatures that walk on two legs. I've never seen one of you humans before now!"

She then glanced sideways at a horse tied up to a cart staring blankly in her direction.

"Or seen equines that are just...vacant."

Creepy.

No worries! <333

[proto_alpha]

Allison can’t help it: he’s being so friendly, and she feels so good. It’s still new, so it’s easy to get a little swept away.

Giggling, she returns his bow with a playful little curtesy, showing the fact that her feet are bare as her skirt lifts a little with the action.

“Allison—and it’s my pleasure.” She replies, reaching out to fearlessly hook her arm through his as she beams up at him. He’s so tall, but…nice.

“Want to help me shop?” She chirps brightly—very nearly literally, upbeat and sunny as she is. “I’m getting what I need to make beef bourguignon. You can come over and have some! My family is French, so it’s authentic. I literally learned the recipe in Paris three years ago and it’s c’est magnifique!”

So apparently I've been using the wrong spelling for MLP of "griffon". Whoops

[needsexcitement]

"I think so, too! Though how long ago were you separated from other griffons? I'm pretty sure Griffonstone's a few hundred years old at least." She tilted her head in thought. "Maybe the magic of that area caused them to shrink overtime. Most of them are about this tall."

She raised up her hoof to something a little shorter than herself. Definitely much smaller than Skandranon.

[halfling_dad]

Oyrm pulls away slightly flushed and smiling. "It is a beautiful day for a picnic...would you like to have one with me?"

[makingmyway]

Dorian can’t help a pleased smile of his own, taking in the flushed color on Orym’s cheeks (while ignore the blush on his own). It was a good look on him.

The invitation has his smile brightening, and he gently squeezes Orym’s hand. “I would love to.”

[loosed]

He hears the implication so loudly that it makes him cock his head at her across the water, smiling in a way that's rather pleased with himself. Not being forthcoming gets an infiltrator surprisingly far, he's learned; people's incuriosity, unwillingness to look foolish, and good-mannered reluctance to pry can paper over a lot of inconsistencies. Rare to be asked a question that requires an outright lie —

Which this one does not. Not here, in this strange world, with his feet willingly dangling in a pool of magic-tinged water that might pull his secrets out of him to display.

"I taught her everything she knows," he says, pauses to think, and amends: "Most of what she knows." Hmm. "Around half of what she knows. I found her when she was a girl out searching for the Dalish. Do you know most of the elves in Orlais thought your people were a myth?"

A rebuke, but not one aimed at her. To wit:

"I suppose you changed that quickly."

[borelblue]

Go ahead and be broken with him if you need to, Halsin. Aymeric's embrace remains steadfast; he'll hold you together for now.

He smiles and whispers back, "I was about to say the same."

The next kiss is more than just a tender brush of lips - Aymeric leans into it, heating them both beyond the warmth of the spring. His hand at Halsin's head boldly strokes along his ear to the tip; his hand at Halsin's chest trails down his body by the fingertips. Aymeric's touch shifts over the other man's cock and takes him in hand. Long, sure fingers begin massaging him to full mast.

They said they needed each other - no need to wait.

[pokeabear]

Halsin doesn't know if Aymeric will ever understand how much he has needed him in the moment despite his words. Not just for pleasure but to hold him together.

The heat rushing through him has more to do with the man kissing him than the heated waters. Normally he is the one to lead, to take over and be dominant, but he melts this time as Aymeric teases him with touch. The brush of his fingers against Halsin's ears, then down his chest and further. It nearly makes him tremble with a low groan that is barely muffled by the heated hungry kiss. At least until Aymeric's hand curls around him, causing his hips to jerk forward as he breaks the kiss and tilts his head back.

His cock hardens swiftly under his lover's caress while he rocks his hips again, every muscle tensing in him. "Aymeric." He sounds pained but it looks blissful too, his eyes closed.

[pokeabear]

"But sometimes such things can be a good distraction and a way of bonding as long as they're not cruel. Which they don't sound like they are." He chuckles softly. "I used to enjoy such pranks but it's been a long time since I have played any."

He smiles faintly at the feel of Finnick stroking his shoulder, enjoying the soft touch.

Then he gives a warm, rumbling laugh. "That sounds like a fun time to me. Perhaps I will come and join you sometime. I don't often take the form of a sea creature since I usually choose to be a bear but a change could be nice. Playing with a friend? Even better."

[pokeabear]

It is a nice break from being suspicious or troubled by something he had no control over. He has spent enough time wallowing over the last week or so, he is tired. Plus he doesn't talk about music enough and it is always a pleasure to listen to someone who is far more talented than he could. "What is your favorite song?"

[loosed]

Felassan nods – other than that speech, yes — with a smile that turns wry as she clarifies how little she knows.

"I was hoping you would tell me that we have been trapped in an unexplored portion of the Fade by a collection of powerful demons who think they're funny," he says, leaning his head back to look at the ceiling. He does not try to peel it away with his will. It doesn't feel like his magic is weak; it feels like his magic is gone, so there is nothing to try with. "If you can't rule it out, maybe I'll keep hoping."

[youknowwhothisis]

This pony was definitely messing with him.

"Much better! Especially the ones with a filling inside. A little reward for being so diligent!"

[wrathstrikes]

"Oh... That sucks."

Being taken away from your wife, and everyone you knew, that has to hurt.

"Can you ask them to bring someone here?"