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

[assjerky]

"Probably," the Ghoul replied, rolling his shoulder in a shrug that both punctuated the statement and slid his shirt off and down his arms. His belt jangled as he undid the buckle and his pants, shucking them off and kicking them into the rest of the messy pile. He wasn't much of a stripteaser, but who cared, naked was the point. Unabashedly nude, he slid into the steaming pool, settling down across from her with a groan and a sigh. "Mmm...gotta admit, that's pretty fuckin' nice."

[lettersfrombel]

Bel winks. "Be back soon, dear. I'm already missing your company."

Is he playing it up? Yes. Because flirting is fun, and having actually talked about where they stood, it wouldn't be misinterpreted.

[okiedokies]

He didn't need to be much of a stripteaser for her to enjoy the show. Smirking to herself, she watched as he peeled off the rest of his clothes until he was naked and joining her in the steaming pool. She was tempted to swarm close and climb into his lap but she merely nodded, tipping her head back with a content sigh. "It's amazing. I wish we had something like this at the farm where we could pop outside whenever we wanted."

[lost_and_foundry]

She needed me. Barcus feels his heart twist a little in his chest; millennia-old spirit or not, he can read the emotion in Solas' voice easily, just then. Wouldn't he have done the same sort of thing for Wulbren in a heartbeat, if he'd just asked? If at any point he'd had said to Barcus he needed him, he'd have been willing to try to move the entire planet for him.

It casts their situations into sharp relief, which--maybe it shouldn't, because while the emotions are parallels, the stakes of the the situations aren't the same.

Still. Maybe Barcus should be grateful that Wulbren wasn't that interested in him, that he thought he was an annoyance and not an asset.

As Solas goes on, the weight of grief and guilt in his voice makes the gnome ache for him. The horror that he caused is no doubt shocking; Barcus couldn't bear the thought of murdering a single congregation, much less an entire race. There are few crimes more heinous. And yet, as if he were prophesying earlier, not just talking off the top of his head, he can't feel any hatred. Shock, distress, horror, yes, but it seems unlikely that anyone could hate this man as much as he seems to hate himself right now.

"I wish I could tell you it wasn't your fault," he says softly. "I mean...it doesn't sound like it was, entirely, but...degrees and percentages don't matter much, do they, when you're talking about suffering on a scale so big."

"Except it sounds like...you were as much the weapon as the thing you made." Used, manipulated, cruelly. Maybe out of desperation, or maybe out of mere ambition. He can't know.

Barcus wrings his hands a little, the urge to reach out still present, though he stifles it. It's not his place to render judgment against a being that's probably older than his entire species. Equally laughable, perhaps, that he would wish to offer comfort, but--here they are, nevertheless.

"I'm sorry." His voice is gentle. "I wish it hadn't happened. I wish it could be fixed."

[songbird_slayer]

She nodded. "This place isn't as technologically advanced as the last one, but the sun and moon have been looking... familiar... lately, and I thought I'd ask."

She scrunched her nose a bit in thought.

"Is this typical, or is this new? Maybe I could loan my expertise."

[songbird_slayer]

He couldn't? Oh, sweet thing... she should never have assumed.

"Ha... tell that to all the taverns I've been in. The city guards? Useless. Anyway, be careful- coffee's hot. I brought a little milk and sugar if you need it, but I make a fine cup of coffee."

She had herself a drink and wrapped her hands around her mug to warm her fingers.

[shuffled]

"Familiar?" Now that was interesting. Or it was an odd coincidence.

Anthem gave a half shrug, one shoulder tilted up. "It varies. There are quite a few who have been brought to various worlds before, and plenty that have not. I am not opposed to hearing about your experience regardless."

[thecodexabides]

Her assumptions just run headlong into a few centuries of hypno-indoctrination. Hard to get through that wall.

"It sounds like they wish people disarmed so they can be preyed upon." It's not something Gadriel has any personal experience of. Not many natural predators of unnatural space marines.

He took a cautious sip because food around here...had too much flavor for him, mostly. But this was...good? Like recaf, but better. A lot better. Less...pharmaceutical.

"Are you cold?" The way she had her hands wrapped around her cup looked like she was cold, at least.

[songbird_slayer]

"It's a risk they're willing to take in exchange for not having a fight ruin their tavern," she added, rolling her eyes a little.

Thank you. She's glad it's not pharmaceutical.

"A little. I was just short of nabbing a coat I saw in one of the shop windows. Couple more work shifts and it's mine, though!"

[ofravensanddaggers]

Vax can understand just wanting to feel like a normal person from time to time, when you're toted as heroes sometimes people forget that you weren't always that way.

Seeing the arm and the scars that are revealed, Vax winces. That looks like it had been painful. At Beleth's question however, he freezes a moment. People always take it badly when they hear about the Raven Queen, still.

"A god?" He offers, the lilt of his voice making his voice crack just the slightest touch. "I went against the god that I am a Champion for and she didn't...she didn't appreciate my messing with the threads of fate."

[thecodexabides]

"They need better people. With discipline. Who do not fight each other." A bar of heavily armed space marines would be the safest place in the galaxy. Until it wasn't.

Right. How to word this so it doesn't sound...weird. "I am warm if you need." Between the promethium powered armor and his body heat he's generally leaking a good amount of excess heat. He would offer to help her buy the coat, but based on what she had told him, that sounded like a transaction. He didn't want to make it transactional. She was cold, he was warm. Simple practical solution.

[assjerky]

"That's called a hot tub, Vaultie," the Ghoul drawled, opening an eye to peer at her with a smirk. "Had one, back in the day. And you're really gonna want one once we get some animals in the barn. S'hard work, keepin' a farm. Achin' muscles are gonna come with the territory."

[okiedokies]

"I would ask why when I have you to give me massages but I can see a hot tub being very nice to have." She teased him before closing her eyes, sinking down a bit further with a happy sigh. "Maybe I should see if we can get one soon. I'll have to get the gardens going again."

[songbird_slayer]

Of course. Simple and practical. But when she reached out and lay a hand against the armor, she was surprised to realize why he just didn't seem phased. He was a walking space heater!

"You're not kidding," she laughed and stepped closer, nestling against his side. Perhaps it wasn't the most comfortable circumstances, given that armor wasn't the softest thing in the world, but having the cold brushed away from head to toe was enough of a trade-off.

"Thank you," she muttered, and tried her best to loop an arm around the waist, where the layer was thinnest. Like hugging a damn tree trunk.

[thecodexabides]

His waist has large gaps on the side where there's no armor, just the thin black bodyglove he wears under it. So it's very warm and he may twitch at the contact--he's normally getting stabbed if something gets that close to him.

But it passes quickly.

He debates telling her that it's probably warmer right between his legs, but that did not feel appropriate. If she were a brother in need of warmth, he would mention it, but females are complicated.

[songbird_slayer]

Very complicated.

"You know... I bet if you took all that armor off, because that looks to be at least a few hundred pounds alone, you would be just fine coming in. You can just leave all that stuff on the porch."

She blinked up at him. "Could we give that a try?"

[thecodexabides]

All right, confusing. Definitely confusing. Because he has a puzzle here. She is cold and wants to warm up and it's obviously warmer in her dwelling and she was asking him to do something and it seemed harmless....

"If...you want?" It takes time to take all of it off, especially by himself, but he has gotten used to the disconnect procedure: first the heavy ceramite outer plating, and then the under plates. It might be fascinating to watch, or it might be boring. But it is definitely a lot of heavy metal that he is used to carrying.

[assjerky]

"Ain't nothing says you can't have both, sweetheart," the Ghoul pointed out, his smirk growing. "You loosen up first in the hot water, makes the muscles easier to work out the stiffness. We got some time. Figure we can start small, get some chickens. Hit up one of the farms outside the city, ought to have chicks for sale. All goes well, we'll look into goats. Maybe a dairy cow."

[okiedokies]

While she doesn't open her eyes, the smile on Lucy's face continues to grow because she likes what she is hearing. plus how could she ever complain about the idea of having him give her a massage? The fact they could enjoy a hot tub beforehand just made it better in her mind.

"I'd love to get some little chicks." She decided, finally opening her eyes to watch him. "Can we get some small goats?"

[songbird_slayer]

"I do!" Woo! House guest! If she weren't already so horrendously tidy, she'd be worry about the state of her home.

Was it fascinating to watch? Yes. Of course it was. It meant she got to get a look at just how hefty the armor pieces were and how impressive that he was that he simply carried it around without any evident discomfort. She also got to see the body suit!

Just don't mind her ogling a little. "My neighbors aren't for over a mile or two. It'll all be safe there."

Nobody likes a porch pirate.

The interior of her cottage was simple, tidy, but warm, a few instruments eased against a far wall, interesting knick-knacks, trinkets and even a few intriguing gemstones glimmering along the mantle of the fireplace that bore smoldering embers. Madhuri took a log from the ever-drying stash to the side and set one in to catch before she went to put the other cupcakes and coffee fixings away. Over the kitchen space, bundles of fresh spices were tied together with simple twine and left to dangle. There lingered the scent of coffee, a little bread, and toasted sugar.

"So... what's with the 'magic' stuff when it came to the cupcake? I'd imagine you don't seem the sort to hit up a bakery, but do you not get any home-cooked somethings-or-another back home?"

[songbird_slayer]

"Well... Lunatia had three moons, named for their three gods: Sanguis, Cordis and Iris. When each grew full, those of us granted with a blessing of that respective god began to... change. I saw the moon and wondered if somehow I would, but that didn't seem to be the case.

"But it's a strangeness in the air regardless, even in the sunshine. I half expected people to just start pairing off and going somewhere more comfortable. Everyone was rather comfortable with everyone else."

[thecodexabides]

Gadriel isn't afraid of anyone stealing his armor because not many people could even lift it, and without a Black Carapace, they wouldn't be able to operate it.

He's, well, not used to, but inured to being stared at when he's not in his armor. He has been told that his bodyglove was indecently snug, but Astartes really didn't have much of a concept of personal modesty at least about their own bodies. Because they were just gifts from the Emperor, a temporary vehicle.

He ducks his head, following her into the small space, watching her bustle around all this...stuff. It was warm at least. His mouth quirks in something like a smile. Home cooked. Right. "We eat combat rations, carefully engineered nutrients. Semi liquid." Think about gloop. Then think about bland gloop. Basically that.

[songbird_slayer]

She smiled wryly. "Yeah, I sort of figured."

Then she clapped her hands. "Alright, so, I can't stand for that because I honestly think eating like that can make you really depressed. Ser Gadriel, I have a proposition for you."

Madhuri propped her hands upon her countertop. "I work five days a week at that café and get out around this time each of those days. If you escort me home, I will fix you an actual meal. You'll get nutrients... well, for the most part... but you'll get flavors and textures and all the really nice things about eating. You play a bit of bodyguard for me, and I'll feed you."

[youknowwhothisis]

"I am unshaped clay before your mastery." You might need to talk him down from just wearing pajama pants or something. His overdressing is a bit of a problem.

What was far less of a problem was the goldenrod color to the face. Seemed to be triggered by smooches to the cheek spots. Quite the phenomenon. "As you do in mine. Makes it all worthwhile."

The mint popped into being and he hummed his approval. He thought he was missing something, and here was a nice aroma and a pop of color. He took up the other glass and offered it to clink.

"To bringing light and joy, not catching fire in the volcano, and saying 'fuck it' to wearing pants."

[holdshisown]

[It is and it's voice, while faint, is understandable to him. Though it does not really shed all that much light on the situation at hand. But someone, it seems dig up this spirits grave. A stranger that has been prowling this place quite often, it seems.]

My thanks, kind spirit. I shall leave you to your rest now and I do hope you will find it, despite this unfortunate turn of events.

[Then he turns back to Maribelle, the look on his face one of deep concern.]

The spirit could not offer much help beyond confirming their grave had been disturbed and there has been some stranger wandering about here quite frequently.