calderamemes | TDM #5

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!mod post,
!tdm

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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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

This was stupid, but with little else to go on save the initial description given and a vague timeline of events, they didn't have much else they could do. Dimitri strode forward down the road, acting like the coin purse on his side was loaded with Bones.

He had grown up a nobleman, but damned if his humility always had him downplay his station. Not now — and what luck that it worked as their target slipped up behind him with the intention of grabbing Dimitri and snatching up his appearance.

Imogen continued to glance around casually though she never let her gaze stray far from Dimitri who continued to walk ahead. So she clocked the moment someone slid in behind him, the figure reaching for him as though all he needed was a touch.

Her gaze sharpened as she darted forward to intervene.

Dimitri was not defenseless, weapon or no. Even without the boons of his crest, he was strong, trained in martial combat, and still hot off the tail end of a very bad time in his life. He wouldn't kill anyone, but he sure as hell could hold his own.

That said, he was not displeased to see Imogen moving as he turned, stepping away from the creature's — some indescribable thing, almost like the Tavernkeeper — creeping fingers. It must have realized in that instant that it had been spotted and was about to be attacked from both sides, because it was merciless in its mental assault then, sending visions into Dimitri's mind that could only be described as inappropriate.

It must have been because she was there already in his line of sight, but the sudden urge to grab Imogen and push her against the nearest sturdy surface was absurdly intense. Dimitri's eyes widened. He shook his head. "What are you doing, foul beast." He snarled.

Imogen was impressed when Dimitri seemed to sense the creature before he could reach him, twisting around to face him as he evaded and she drew closer. She was ready to swing the lance out but the creature seemed to realize the spot it was in and so it lashed out.

Stumbling when its power rushed over her, she felt a throb of heat slam through her as different mental images filled her mind. She didn't know if it was because she was looking at him or for some other reason but she had the strongest urge to fall to her knees before Dimitri.

"I..." She clenched her jaw as she shook her head to try pushing away the thoughts but that seemed to only make them more intense as she whimpered in the back of her throat.

The absolute filth polluting his mind! It had to be the creature forcing those images upon him — visions of Imogen cradled, back against his chest, her breasts heaving while she rode him like a damn stallion. He felt an odd sort of thrumming in his loins, a sensation he did not actively indulge or engage in.

"Imogen!" He saw her somewhere in the haze — the real her, not the visions the creature was foisting upon him. "Get away from it!" He, in an attempt to get the beast as far from her as he could, grabbed them by the arm and tossed them halfway down the road, teeth bared in a snarl. Focus on the creature, not how painfully warm he was.

"Go."

It wasn't that she hadn't indulged or engaged in all different kinds of sensations but she usually liked to be in control of when she was. But even now, she was seeing images of Dimitri pinning her to the bed, one hand pressed over her mouth to muffle the cries of pleasure coming from her as he rode her. Further scenes were of her on her knees, her lips wrapped around him as he used her mouth to burn off some of the lust burning between them.

It made her weak-kneed as she tried to hold on but her whole body was shaky. But her head jerked up when she heard Dimitri snarling at her, his voice too harsh to be a cry of pleasure. Her pupils were dilated and her gaze dark as she stared at him. She managed to nod, gathering her wits just enough to whirl, stumbling for a second before she broke into a run. She had never run from a fight before but she was running from this.

If there was one thing Dimitri was good at, it was channeling his rage when he had an enemy in his sights. He felt the pulses of pleasure, but since he never allowed himself to feel it so prominently before, he pushed through, occupying the doppelganger until he was certain Imogen was out of its sight. It accosted him with vision after vision still, making him ache for the touch of her; soft skin against the scarred mess of his broad chest, her lips on his, her hands wandering he length of his body and his own exploring hers.

He sounded like an animal the way he growled in some twisted fit of pleasure and fury, chasing the thing until he had no choice but to stop. It got away, but he was determined to hunt it down in the future, kill it for the things it had subjected them both to.

Panting, he stumbled back, falling to the ground with his head in his hands. He was so painfully aroused, flustered, and angry, he didn't know what else to even do.

It wasn't as if she weren't attracted to him because she had known she was from the moment she met him but she also knew he wasn't like the others. He seemed very unsure of himself around her, not at all interested in anything but being her friend and occasionally holding hands. Or maybe he still just viewed her as an ally still.

Either way, she fled the scene before the influence of the creature could make her do anything she might regret or cause a chasm between them. It was torturous to have to tend to herself after, to burn the lust out of her system but she had thankfully found a store that had toys to help with that. Toys that were now hidden away in her room where he would hopefully never find them.

Then the news of the hot springs reached her some time later and that was where she decided to go after still not seeing Dimitri around. It bothered her that he would go this long without seeing her and it made her worry about the fact that he might continue to avoid her forever. It was still on her mind when she settled in the springs later on, clad only in a pair of shorts and a top that was barely a bra. Blowing out a breath, she looked up and across only to freeze once she realized who was across the small area from her.

Once he had recovered, Dimitri had decided it best not to approach Imogen again for... a while. If she had suffered the same as he had, the awkwardness and tension between them would be insurmountable. So he opted to meander off to a tavern after, at the very least, checking to see that she had made it home — flickering candlelight in her bedroom window telling him all he needed at the time.

And now he was here, lost in thought and half thinking he was hallucinating again when he saw her across the way, his cheeks immediately turning red. Blame it on the heat. Yes.

"Imogen." He cleared his throat. He was naked, completely and utterly, scars crisscrossing his entire body. Thankfully, the water and steam obscured anything below the waist. "I can go. I apologize."

Even if the sight of him had surprised her, she was still relieved to see him and it showed briefly on her face before she noticed the scars. She had seen that kind of before on other men but she still felt a flicker of dismay when she saw them on him. It made her want to stab everyone and everything that had caused those scars unless he was responsible for some.

She had a few scars of her own but they were hidden by the water.

Meeting his gaze when he cleared his throat, she gave a quick shake of her head while lifting a hand as though she would catch him even though there was a bit of space between them. "No, please don't. I'm not bothered by you being here, Dimitri."

Not only had he revealed that dark, violent part of himself in her presence, but he had imagined her in such deviant scenarios without her consent. It was so terrible to think he had somehow violated her without her knowing. He was disgusted and terrified all at once.

But she was here, and for some reason she wanted him to stay.

"Are you certain?" He asked anyway, gaze averted out of politeness and... ugh. Goddess help him, he could still envision so much of it. "I should apologize either way for leaving you as I did — I assured you were home before I headed elsewhere, but I fear I lost our target."

But some part of her did know as the same thing had happened to her, so it wasn't that far of a leap to think that the creature had done the same to him. She didn't know for sure that his thoughts had been filled with her but it would make sense, wouldn't it? Especially given he had avoided her for so long after.

"I don't care, we'll find him later." She waved a hand in dismissal though it was no simple thing since she could only imagine the creature was out doing the same thing to others. But her focus was on Dimitri. "Why didn't you come back home?"

"We will." He was sure of that. That thing needed to be stopped.

Dimitri wasn't sure how to answer that question. "I... needed to clear my head." He murmured. "That thing infected my mind, and I did not think it safe to be near you."

"You wouldn't have hurt me." She said it quickly with a shake of her head. She didn't expand on whether she was sure of it because of him or because she would do something to keep him from hurting her.

"Unless you're worried I would do something to you?" She frowned at that sudden thought.

"You cannot be certain of that. Even without my crest, I am stronger than most." And it was... difficult to control, when enraged.

He shook his head. "No, of course not. That beast just placed images in my mind and I needed them gone before I returned. I apologize."

"Then we should put it to the test sometime." She answered plainly with a shrug. "Maybe you're stronger but I am fast and harder to catch."

Then she sighed, trying to be casual. "The beast put images in my mind too but I would have come back sooner so you didn't worry."

Unless he wasn't worried about her at all.

"I would rather not." She wasn't getting it. He was a monster, plain and simple.

Oh.

Dimitri bowed his head. "I'm sorry." He muttered again. "I should not have left you alone after that, to suffer it on your own. But I feared what I might do. It was safer for you."

He wasn't getting it either. She didn't care.

"Were you worried that we would do some of the images he was showing you?" She was going to ask it plainly and watch him closely, trying to figure out what exactly bothered him.

"I—"

He didn't know what to say to that. The images he had seen were so graphic he always certain his mind could not conjure them on his own.

"Imogen, I cannot even speak aloud of the images I saw."

Oh.

Oh.

She pushed away from the wall where she had been leaning against, drawing closer to him but only so he could hear her whisper. "Dimitri, are you a virgin?"

It would be so cool if the volcano erupted and killed him right now.

"...I do not see how that is relevant."

"It sort of is." Because now some of his behavior made sense.

"I'm doubly impressed now that you were able to handle the creature." She slid forward to settle in beside him. She wasn't quite touching him, someone could still get a couple of hands between them but she wasn't going to sit across from him anymore. Call this exposure therapy or something.

Dimitri did not move away from her, but he also refused to make eye contact, staring ahead at a rock formation that might just be the most interesting thing in the world.

"I needed him away from you. It was difficult to push through such intrusive thoughts, but I have... I have done similar before." Less sexy thoughts, but you know.

Imogen was silent for a long minute as she turned her gaze to the same rock formation he was staring at. As though it somehow had all the answers they needed to navigate this situation.

“Thank you,” she murmured softly. “Normally I wouldn’t have someone to do that for me. I’m usually alone.”

He knew well enough what it was like to be alone, to fend for yourself, to have nothing and no one. Sometimes, he still wondered if he should be allowed the alternative.

"Think nothing of it." He offered. "I will not abandon you again. I apologize if I upset you."

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