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calderaevents ([personal profile] calderaevents) wrote in [community profile] calderamemes2025-01-29 01:35 pm
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TDM #5



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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ofravensanddaggers: (pic#17455264)

Jealous Moon - been meaning to toss Vax at him!

[personal profile] ofravensanddaggers 2025-01-30 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's not often Vax finds himself wandering these days, but something about the night has the rogue on edge. He's a shadow in the night, keeping mostly to himself as he seems unaffected by the moons pull.

Which is probably for the better as he finds himself all but stumbling over the large man. It takes a moment before Vax realizes that the man is...crying? Then he takes it in more and he really sees poor John as he is. A sobbing, in pain, mess of a man, and it's no question on if Vax should stop or not. Within moments the elf is kneeling next to John, a hand hovering close to his shoulder.

"Hey, hey are you okay? Can you look at me? It's alright." His voice is even and gentle as he makes to reach out to John's face, stopping short, unsure if it's safe to touch the man.
theydrewfirstblood: (trauma{ the past)

FUKKYEEEEEAAAAAAH XD

[personal profile] theydrewfirstblood 2025-01-30 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
It’s only the proximity of the quiet voice, soft as satin, that pierces through the pain. It’s close enough to touch, but there is no touch.

As it will always be. As it probably should be.

John’s eyes flutter just a little, then focus on the face of the man in front of him. He’s all contrasts, dark hair and light skin—telling lies.

It’s all right.

“S’ok—m’ used to lies.” He breathes, shaky and stuttering through shaking so intense his teeth are chattering, cheeks glistening with silent tears that continue to stream from his eyes. “You…don’t need to be here.”
ofravensanddaggers: (pic#17455264)

[personal profile] ofravensanddaggers 2025-01-30 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
"Hey now," Shaking his head Vax shifts and sits cross-legged in front of the man, this time the hand that reaches out doesn't hesitate as it moves to rest in John's hair. "Do I look like a liar?"

The voice is still soft, as are the fingers that glide through hair, catching tangles and easing them away before moving on to the next. "What's the matter, Big Guy?"
theydrewfirstblood: (fear{ i'm not prepared to run away)

[personal profile] theydrewfirstblood 2025-01-30 05:27 am (UTC)(link)
John flinches hard when he’s touched—but he jerks into the contact, head pressing back into the burning touch of fingers like an animal desperate for attention. It’s like fire, but the way his eyes slip shut as the other man starts to gently stroke and pluck away the tangles in every strand communicates no trace of that pain.

Nor does the way his breath hitches, and then comes a little steadier. Or the way his head presses back harder, more deliberately as he becomes a little more aware of his environment.

“Hurts.” He manages…then after another labored breath…

“It—it’s been…better. The…uh—didn’t have any…human contact for a…years. Been better, I’ve had more but uh—it’s like it was all…all just gone and it got bad again.”

The longer he touches John, the more regular his breathing becomes, the less labored his speech. He should pull away, get his shit together…but he can’t.

It burns, and he can’t get enough of it.
ofravensanddaggers: (098)

[personal profile] ofravensanddaggers 2025-01-30 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
At first Vax thinks he should pull away, but then he realizes that the man is leaning into the touches and instead he shifts to sit closer. Hand trailing from hair down his neck to pet along shoulders.

Not being touched for so long only to finally get it and apparently have it torn away? Vax can only imagine how it must feel mentally, add to that whatever the moon seems to be doing to make that pain physical. "Well, I don't normally just offer myself up for touching but, I'll count this as a special occasion, hm? If it's closeness you need I can offer it, just be gentle. You look like you could break me in half if you wanted."

He's teasing of course, and Vax knows he could probably give the man a good fight if he needed to, however that didn't seem to be in the books for now. Which was probably for the better.

Hands are gentle but also firm, grounding. He's there and he's not letting anything make John think he wasn't.
theydrewfirstblood: (smile{ fond)

[personal profile] theydrewfirstblood 2025-01-30 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
John huffs out a silent near-laugh at that, moving and shifting with every touch with a pleasure that’s more animal than sexual, neck arching into his hand, shrugging his shoulders to press into the palms smoothing over them. He’s every bit the personification of a cat being petted.

“This…s’ good, thank you.” He assures the man—and falls silent for a few moments. The longer he’s touched, the further the pain recedes until those greedy presses turn to more relaxed stillness, the shaking fading to almost nothing.

“…I have people here. A—well, I want him to be a partner. To be mine…it’s complicated. I’ve been recovering…then it got dark, a-and the moon came out, and…I just knew no one would ever want to touch me again. It happens—I worry, it hurts, spirals if I can’t stop it. This time…I didn’t even try. I don’t know why.”
ofravensanddaggers: (064)

[personal profile] ofravensanddaggers 2025-01-30 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
"Of course," even with the thanks out of the way and John's words becoming clearer, Vax doesn't stop. Well, he stops the petting at least but his hand still rests on the other. Almost leaning on him to add pressure. "Oh? Do I know the lucky lad?"

"I understand that, the fear that you'll look away and suddenly everyone will be gone. Somethings going on, I don't think this moon is too normal." People Vax had never seen be aggressive around town were suddenly at one another's throats, definitely not normal. "I can stay with you until it passes if you'd like. You should tell me more about this person you want to be your partner."

Something to help focus John but also pull his mind away from the moon and the pain that threatened to return.
theydrewfirstblood: (smile{ just a little one)

[personal profile] theydrewfirstblood 2025-01-30 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
The moon--now that his head seems to be clearing a little, he realizes the dark--it's been dark too long. The moonlight, things felt...bad before he started to realize--no, not realize, because there just wasn't anything to make him think that. Was there?

The guy asks about Finnick, though, and...and John doesn't want to hurt. Thinking of Finnick now, with that heavier pressure in the other man's touch, it doesn't hurt. In fact, without even thinking he ducks his head with a wan smile, and his cheeks color a little.

"...Finnick Odair."

Saying his name now, it feels like he can breathe easier, like the air is fresher in his lungs.

"He's...he's the ocean, deep and fascinating and--beautiful." he finds himself admitting. "His heart's as big as the damn sea, too. Been through the wringer but he's always saving people like me, and--he's good looking, too. It's nice to be able to say that out loud...to be able to just, fucking be lucky enough someone like him likes me..."

The more he speaks, the more he relaxes under the man's touch--the harder it is to remember why he was so convinced it was all just gone, that they would all just be gone. His friends, his growing found family...

...the man he's falling for too hard and too fast and too deep, a stone tossed into the waters of loving him with nothing to keep him from plummeting to the soft silt bottom.
ofravensanddaggers: (026)

[personal profile] ofravensanddaggers 2025-01-30 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Hearing the name Vax has to bite his tongue to keep from interrupting John. Oh he knows Finnick. Knows the man well enough to know that the words this one says are very true. Instead he nods, listening, smiling. At least for a while before he has to say something.

"Oh I know Finnick. Met him when I was still settling in here," Nodding Vax smiles. "He's just as you describe, though I will say...you must have it bad. They way you talk about him, you'd almost think him some mysterious siren from the sea." He teases but it's all in good nature and not at all to belittle how John spoke about Finnick. Hell, Vax thinks it's sweet.

"Should I call him? See if he can come and help me get you home?"
theydrewfirstblood: (prisoner{ do we get to win this time?)

[personal profile] theydrewfirstblood 2025-01-30 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
John's gaze sharpens a little when the man says he knows Finnick and agrees with him--but that sharpness is bright and alive and warm.

...and turns right to blushing when he comments on just how far gone John is on him. Yeah, he's a pathetic mess, but the way this guy talks? That might not be the worst thing in the world. When he risks a peek at his face, he kind of sees it there, too.

The question gives him pause. The knee jerk is to insist he can get home on his own, he'll be fine...that Finnick won't want to bother with him and he shouldn't have to. However, at this point his head is clear enough to be aware that...that there's something wrong with that.

The moon. It's got to be the moon.

He tries to agree, but it won't come out. Brow furrowing as he tries to shake off the last of that grim and painful certainty that he's alone, he tries again with something else.

"I...you could let him know I'm coming, and I maybe can get home myself, if you can help me?"

He hesitates, then reaches up slowly to cover one of the man's hands with his own.

"...head's clearing, pain's fading. Think the touching helps--I dunno, beat back this moon bullshit."
ofravensanddaggers: (080)

[personal profile] ofravensanddaggers 2025-02-04 08:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Making a big guy like John blush? Always a win in Vax's book. Still he doesn't tease too much and keeps his demeanor gentle.

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

"Take your time."