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

[wrathstrikes]

"No, obviously I don't understand having fire powers that burn me, but I understand not wanting to sacrifice an ounce of your strength, even when it hurts." He doesn't say this in any kind of sappy or sympathetic way- it's blunt.

"It's bullshit, huh."

A beat.

"Wait, what do you mean, the last place?"

[odare]

It is hard to think when the desire is so palpable, but Finnick feels his own judgment is sound. Still, he enters a third finger into the mix and works into John for a few more moments as he pleads and fucks himself on them. It's so goddamn hot, and Finnick knows the moment he enters John after so much buildup is going to be mindblowing.

"Of course," he breathes, and slowly removes his fingers. Then he takes John by the waist and flips both of them around, so that Finnick is on top and John is laying on his back on the bed. He finds the lube and straddles John's waist, just the way his partner had just done to him, but sitting up straight. He pours lube into his hand and begins stroking his own cock, moaning softly and closing his eyes, showing off a little.

He then manoeuvres himself between John's legs and grabs him by the back of his knee, lifting it gently toward his chest. Lining himself up to John's relaxed hole, he looks in his eyes.

"Ready?"

[loosed]

Ancient elves!

Born millennia ago!

Abrasive and condescending —

— he is only one of those, at least.

He begins to guess where this story is ending from the moment she says Abelas, the answer to how she might have come to speak Elvhen so well suddenly visible on the horizon. But being much less surprised by all of it than his expressions may imply does not mean he is not feeling something.

"You bound yourself to her," Felassan says. The hushed quality of his tone could be reverence instead of mildly horrified dismay. Worship and terror are not so far apart. But it is still probably not what an upstanding Dalish elf would have to say. He tries to recover with, "I suppose that doesn't mean anything now. And all of that knowledge..."

[wrathstrikes]

Felix again doesn't have time to dodge, and he's quite small and easy to yank, especially for someone as huge as Gadriel. He stumbles forward, feet hitting the ground hard. His hand braces against the ground to keep from completely falling, and he recovers quickly. He pivots to turn and slash at the backs of Gadriel's knees.

[theydrewfirstblood]

Honeymoon phase...yeah. Yeah, that kinda makes sense. Makes a lot of sense, actually, in a way that makes his chest ache. This is a good pain, though, warm and sweet and full of longing instead of isolation. It's a puppyish desire to see Finnick and reach for him, not a need that ignites bitter agony in his bones.

It--makes way more sense than the return of that agony, the constant companion of pain and suffering that has ceased to be omnipresent since moving in with the guys. Finnick and Stiles and Maedhros, none of them shy about casual touching or sharing personal space. He's not in constant pain, and he's nowhere near as cold--like now. The chill of shock has faded, and she's right: the tremors are gone. He feels shaky, but he's no longer shaking.

...and he has his head in this young woman's lap, with her stroking his hair like a child.

"Better." he replies, shifting to start to sit up. "I--thank you, Jesus I'm sorry, I don't know why I lost it like that..."

[theydrewfirstblood]

Despite his assurance, Finnick keeps going--and it's wonderful, so good John can't be impatient about waiting or taking the time when he's trying to ride Finnick's fingers, and that delicious burn relaxes into more heat and pleasure. He feels like he's losing his mind in the best way possible, and that golden haze can't compete with the electric sensation of Finnick's touch. He feels, but he isn't lost this time. He knows exactly where he is in all that sensation, wants more, wants all.

He feels greedy and wild and when Finnick withdraws his fingers--yeah, that feeling is new and strange and not bad but not remotely fun, empty and longing for--

Finnick flipping him onto his back stops his thoughts dead, because having him covering John's body is a wonderful feeling...and being with someone who can take advantage to get the upper hand on him, physically, is debilitatingly hot.

The show Finnick puts on is appreciated, and as John watches him slick up his cock, stroking himself, he has a wild fantasy of pushing Finnick into that submissive headspace, instructing him to touch himself, to come exactly the way John tells him to come...

He's hooking his leg around Finnick's hip almost at the same time he's reaching for him, hands sliding up Finnick's chest and over his shoulders--body aching to feel him again with an anticipation that makes it hard not to move, to try and pull him closer. He wants, but even with his head rapidly clearing he likes this--taking what Finnick allows him, waiting and wanting and anticipating before he's finally bathed in new sensations and experiences that damn near blow the top of his head off.

"Yeah--need you." he breathes, winding his arms around Finnick's neck and trying to draw his knee up still higher. "Please, fuck I want you inside me so bad. Please."

[holdshisown]

[Quite frankly he's glad that she chooses not to get to close to the spirit. He does not know how they are in this world but if they are in any way like the housless spirits in his own he'd rather it focus it's ire on him than her if it turned hostile.]

Do so. I'll try to be quick... hopefully the spirit is not very old and still remembers itself. [It would make communicating with it easier.]

[lost_and_foundry]

There's a flicker of a smile at being called 'babe'. Despite being far less personalized than Pebble, it strikes him as almost as adorable. "Maintaining some level of dignity and...and propriety is important in a city like Baldur's Gate. Doesn't seem to matter so much here, and I...think I need the physical contact, sometimes."

He makes a frustrated sound and twists his hands once, anxiously, then gives in and settles close to their side. "I can't get enough."

[lost_and_foundry]

For a second they're nearly pressed chest to chest--at least, inasmuch as they can be, with their size differences--and Barcus thinks his heart is trying to hammer its way out of him in an effort to join Ashton's. It aches in a way that's just as pleasant as it is distressing.

He gives a breathless groan when they pull back, gaze drifting to their lips as if checking he didn't actually draw blood. Apparently it's fine, though, because all he gets is a playful threat that makes him shiver. Little shit, Ashton says, and instead of feeling insulted it just makes Barcus feel absolutely pleased with himself.

"I don't know," he manages to say before ducking his head to start nibbling along their jaw line. A little gentler than the last bite, at least to start with, but that may not last long. "I feel..." a ragged breath, "compromised. Can't think right now."

[relocator]

Doesn't it just — they're all being held against their will, here, which is what imprisonment is, at its core. They might not be held behind bars, but that doesn't change what it is.

Remi raises his glass, too, and drinks — here's hoping there's no adverse effects... He pauses to look at his own hand, then, as if making sure he's not seeing double or feeling otherwise different.

[troubadamsel]

Well then, let's see. What else would Cadence need to know here?

"The horses you'll see here don't have the power of speech that you do. As far as we know, they don't have the intelligence you share either. Typically, they are used for transportation, when the terrain is too long or difficult for our mortal bodies to endure."

Ingrid Brandl Galatea | Fire Emblem Three Houses: Crimson Flower | Sylph

[hegemons_lance]

Tavern

Waking up in a strange inn, without her lance and her pegasus missing and the only explanation at hand is a cryptic note isn't how Ingrid imagined this day would go. The Tavernkeeper offers answers, and a drink. So she's been brought here to help save a world?

She's mulling over the request, and accepted some wine from the Tavernkeeper while she does so. It seems to be helping as she feels...oddly calm about the whole situation while she stands near the counter, a thoughtful look on her face. Is there a food menu available? Can't save the world on an empty stomach.

Skyfall Docks: Markets

She doesn't have Luin, but she needs a lance. Fortunately, the markets here are large enough that tracking down a weapon isn't hard. Finding one that is both serviceable and affordable on the bit of money Ingrid was given to start is proving more difficult...

She tests a lance, trying to get a feel for its weight, and balance. It feels right. Sturdy construction, quality metal. It'll do in place of Luin. "I'm afraid I don't have enough to offer you what this lance is worth." She says somewhat regretfully. "But perhaps you'd let me work off the debt somehow? I'm no stranger to hard work."

Unfortunately, the merchant doesn't seem enthused about the idea on losing out on money for such a fine weapon. "Please, I'm sure I could find some way to repay you. Is there no way we can work something out?"

The Winds of Winter (Quest)

Escort
After procuring a lance, Ingrid quickly finds ways to make herself useful. The wind sprites are posing a problem, so she offers to act as an escort for a caravan traveling between Sylph cities. It may not be the most glamorous work, but it's important that people be allowed to move freely.

"I wish I had my pegasus with me. It'd be easier to scout from the air."

Wildcard
I'm happy to take on some of the more plot-important prompts if you have ideas! Hit me up via my journal or over Discord/Plurk both at samuraimarmoset and we can work something out.

Ingrid Brandl Galatea | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Sylph

[hegemons_lance]

Hungry bitch hours.

Almost forgot, thread is NSFW now!

[borelblue]

Aymeric hums under his breath from the way Halsin says his name. For a moment, he simply continues this - stroking Halsin's ear and cock both while holding him close. His own cock is quick to harden from his lover's pleasure.

"You are ravishing like this," he says quietly, the rich, deep timbre of his voice vibrating in Halsin's other ear. "You wear softness well. And that you should trust me with being so soft...I'll ensure your trust feels well-placed."

Aymeric's strokes slow, and he shifts around in front of Halsin. There's mischief in his voice as he continues. "Did I mention that I can breathe underwater now?" he asks - and doesn't wait for an answer before sinking beneath the surface. His lips follow the trail his fingertips left along Halsin's body until they begin along the length of his cock.

Grey Ward

[lost_and_foundry]

"Oh! I don't think you're meant to sell them. Actually, I don't even know if you can. They're meant to identify which faction you've chosen, for whatever that's worth." The person who approaches is...actually maybe an inch or two shorter than Sam, which makes them both an oddity in this city, at least among grownups. Barcus is always on the lookout for his own kin, and therefore halflings, gnomes, and other smaller folk are quick to catch his eye. He doesn't look much like a hobbit, aside from the height, though: his skin is the color of slate, and the proportions are odd, more willowy than a hobbit should be. That, and he's wearing boots.

There is a small emerald in the earring in his right ear, and he taps it now to illustrate his point. "Usually it just turns into a piece of jewelry."

Maybe it's being courteous to someone who's had negative experiences with magical jewelry in the past.

"Are you a new arrival? I can help you get settled if you'd like. You won't have to worry about starving; they'll give you enough currency to feed yourself."

((The scream I scrumpt! Sam! ;_; ))

[lost_and_foundry]

That's an intense look, and Barcus is mildly startled by it. It's perfectly understandable, though. This is probably why you're supposed to let the Tavernkeeper talk to new arrivals first. Oops, his bad.

His expression takes on an apologetic air, and he nods. "Some of us are plucked right out of our beds, others have come from battle or some other dire situation. I'm afraid a few have been...interrupted on their way to the afterlife." His gaze strays toward that helm. That's as clear a sign as a headstone, really, but he'll let the strange elf draw his own conclusions.

"The story is that this world, Caldera, is on the brink of some sort of magical or spiritual collapse. The nature of it hasn't been fully disclosed to us, but we've been brought from various worlds to...help. Somehow. With our wildly varied skill sets."

He, for one, would be squished into paste on the battlefield. But he can repair your armor or make a mean fireworks display.

"...you'd better sit. Let me get you some water. The drinks in the Tavern are fun but they're not going to help you get oriented."

Phone tagging sorry

[thecodexabides]

Skyfall Docks

There are two things Gadriel relates to here and that is weaponry and a very weak understanding of capitalism. In the Imperium, he got whatever he requisitioned, or did without. This whole concept of having to purchase things that were mission essential was still bizarre to him.

He had hated arriving here without weaponry. The start of his Astartes sized grudge against this place. And he had sworn that if he could have someone else avoid the same discomfort, he would.

"How much do you owe?"

Not a problem!

[hegemons_lance]

Ingrid turns around when the stranger speaks, then looks up. She's never seen anyone the size of Gadriel.

"That's kind of you, but please don't put yourself out on my account." Ingrid insists. If not this lance, she'll accept one of lower quality until such time as she can afford a better one like the one she's holding.

"I'll work something out." But the merchant, sensing a potential sale to be made, and not caring to whom, turns to Gadriel and tells him the price directly.

[swordbreaker]

"I will pay for it." Dimitri said from beside Ingrid. Blame the crowded market for his ability to somehow sneak up on her despite his stature. He had recognized her from halfway across the market — had been sure he wasn't hallucinating when he heard her speak. Dimitri set down a handful of Bones for the merchant.

"Hello, Ingrid." His tone was neutral. Happy to see her? Yes, of course, but after his discussions with Felix... he was not sure how openly he should express as much.

[hegemons_lance]

Ingrid's protest dies in her throat when she turns to see who is paying for the lance. His neutrality is warranted; the expression on her face when she sees him probably tells him all he needs to know.

"You're alive?" It's all she can think to say.

It had been hard to look at him, lying in the mud of Tailtean where the Emperor had struck him down, but Ingrid had made herself look. She believed in Edelgard and her plans for Fódlan, but neither could she make herself turn away from the consequences her choice.

And she owed it to Dimitri, for the memory of the friendship they'd once shared, to say goodbye. And now here he is, saying hello to her all over again.

Markets

[wrathstrikes]

Felix is coming back from the Guild and walking through the market, eyes browsing around but not set on buying anything, as he needs to save his Bones to get his swords back and to, well, eat.

But his eyes catch a familiar blonde head of hair that stops him in his tracks. No. That's not her, is it?

Creeping closer, it is undoubtedly Ingrid, haggling for a lance. Similarly to how Felix haggled for his current mediocre sword upon arrival, though he went about it in a much meaner way.

Well, fuck it. If she's here she needs a weapon, so saving for himself can take a backseat. He sidles up next to her and places some Bones on the table in front of the merchant.

"That enough?" He asks.

[hegemons_lance]

The merchant eyes the bones Felix has added with what Ingrid had initially offered, and is quick to take it. A sale is a sale. Ingrid doesn't even have a chance to protest before the lance is hers.

She'll be annoyed about that later (she's annoyed about it now), but Felix is a familiar face, and an old friend. "Felix! It's good to see you." She clasps him on the shoulder in relief. "I thought I might be the only one of us here." It is a relief to see Felix, alive and well. He'd taken off so suddenly at the war's end...without much of a goodbye to Ingrid, despite everything they'd gone through together. Gone off to be a sellsword in the Emperor's new world.

"...Have you been eating?" She can't help herself, he looks a bit leaner than usual. "You haven't, have you?"

Grey Ward (SAAAAAM!)

[borelblue]

"Fortunately, that won't be necessary."

One of the nearby tall folk approaches, his smile amiable. His ears are pointed, but he's not quite an elf, either. Not to mention that proportions are more elongated, especially in the neck and limbs. Nor does Sam resemble any race from his own world. The closest would be the Lalafells, but all they really share is height and pointed ears.

"Forgive me for intruding - I happened to notice you appear here, and thought perhaps I might lend my aid should you need it." He bows. "I am Aymeric de Borel. Welcome to Grey Ward, and to Land faction."

[wrathstrikes]

He's prepared to tell her not to argue, but she doesn't. Her friendly greeting takes him slightly off-guard, since it's been a while and he expected she might be more confused to find him here. He has to wonder if this is the Ingrid he knows or some other version, like the boar.

But it feels like his Ingrid, and he can't help the tiny smile that tugs at his lip.

"Us and the boar," he mutters.

The smile falls as she starts fretting over him, replaced with a small scowl.

"I'm fine. I'm eating," he insists, waving a hand. And it's true, he's eating- perhaps not particularly well, but enough to keep his strength. He does have some Bones now from quests he's done, he's just being very frugal with them.

[pokeabear]

Halsin feels another shiver working through him at the combination of the teasing touches and the low timbre of Aymeric's voice praising him. It causes him to melt further as the shadows are chased away by how good Aymeric is making him feel, groaning softly again as he rocks his hips. He craves more even as he preens, pleased that he is pleasing the other man as well.

Then hint of mischief catches his attention as he forces his eyes open, the look hungry as he tries to make sense of what he is saying. It clicks quickly though when Aymeric sinks beneath the surface and Halsin gasps at the feel of his lips sliding along Halsin's cock.

"Oak Faster," he breathes as he slides a hand into Aymeric's hair, feeling his cock leap a little at the touch. It's just a tease but he is already imagining how good it will feel to sink between his lover's lips.