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

[youknowwhothisis]

With his arms at a proper length, he could loop them around her properly. His face tucked against her neck.

"It was a long and arduous duel, many blows exchanged. We then came to an accord over not only our mutual affection for the mermaid of the Ember Veil springs, but just how much we agree upon scallops being tasty. We play cards twice a week."

[wildwarden]

Night Sky hummed and leaned back against the edge of the pool, pulling Lulu with her so, if he wished, he could settle in her lap or between her legs or whatever configuration he wanted. She stroked her fingers through his hair.

"Good. I'm glad it was solved amicably." She laughed. The sound trailed off into a sigh. "You are a very bright light in my life, Lulu, and I'm happy to have you, but I... I have a question. Or. Several. About what happened when my mirror self was out."

[youknowwhothisis]

He opted for the lap. It was a relief to know that at least this place wasn't too hot for her, though he can imagine there would be hotter spots in this spring alone.

The tale of the otter was brought to an amicable end, and he was also grateful for it.

He was suddenly a little numb to the heat of the spring with the word 'but'. He couldn't mask the small wince.

"Oh. Ah... wh-whadda you mean?" He was running everything through his head again. She'd said she was able to see and experience everything that double had, which definitely included how it all ended.

He'd already explained his reasoning, the call he'd made. But... what more was there to know? It was all so chaotic, it was so MUCH, he could scarcely remember anything outside of holding off Halsin and the fallout.

[wildwarden]

Despite how it might have sounded, it really wasn't anything bad, she thought? She already knew 'Lulu' wasn't his actual name, knew that powerful demons could be summoned by sigils, and she knew he dealt in deals. All of which had been spoke or written sometime during that battle.

"The sigils on the stone, the name—" She paused, tongue set against her teeth, about to say it, but stopping herself. It wasn't hers to say, yet. Not until he let her. If he let her. "Were they yours?"

[youknowwhothisis]

The sigils. FUCK. He'd been so engrossed on pulling out as many stops as he had to try and basically flip the double birds and call out the Green Knight, that he neglected the connection that the double- and by extension she- would have had a little peek at that, enough for a recollection.

His heart raced. He couldn't say, 'Why? What are you talking about?' Not after everything. He'd messed up and dropped so much so far that it was any wonder he'd kept anything he had under wraps this long.

But she knew the importance of names. She, more than anyone, he'd say.

"...Yes. The sigil, and the name, are mine." There was no undoing what she'd seen.

"I am Lucifer."

[wildwarden]

Night Sky gently brushed her fingers under his chin to tilt his head up. There was no obvious recognition in her eyes — she did not know the true meaning behind the name, what it was associated with, or any of that. What she did know was that it was his, his true name, something he kept hidden for a reason.

"Not quite how I wanted to find out." She said with a soft laugh. "But it seems like I know your true name now." How sad that it had to be done through the eyes of a clone that he was helping to mercy kill. "Can I say it? I understand if not. I kind of put you in a corner here."

[youknowwhothisis]

"Yeah... sorry." He tried a smile, but it was brief. Things had a way of happening that ruined what could have been a fun surprise. But there was no putting a cat back in the bag.

He reached up to touch her wrist. He leaned forward earnestly. "You didn't! I should have thought of that when you said you saw everything the simulacrum did, but it all got buried under the... everything else in my head."

He tipped his head to nuzzle his cheek against her palm, anything he could to try and settle his somewhat frazzled nerves. If it was anyone else right now, he'd have denied the request outright. Perhaps asked for time.

"...Well, you did endure my otter bit, and I think this more than counts as asking very nicely."

The Night Sky Discount. Though, maybe it was a little silly to keep a lot hidden away when you were literally sitting naked in a hot spring together.

Lucifer gave a short nod. "Yeah. Fire away."

[wildwarden]

"It's okay." She assured him. "Not much really goes as planned in my life." Things just sort of... happened and she rolled with them as best she could.

Night Sky stroked her thumb under his eye, her other arm still curved around him to keep him close, fingers pressed to his hip. She would have understood if he said no, if he needed time. It was a lot to reveal, and he had done so in a less than ideal manner.

"I liked your otter bit." She chuckled. She liked all his bits so far, honestly.

Then, a pause. Permission granted, and Night Sky seemed almost... nervous. Sylvan sharing private names was a big deal, and only three people knew hers here in Caldera.

There was about to be a fourth.

"Lucifer." She purred. She liked the way it sounded. "My sweet Lucifer. I think it's only fair I tell you my name, too." Her head tilted, a kiss pressed to his forehead. "You can call me Daeleth, when we're together."

[youknowwhothisis]

You and he both! Plans were pretty hard to make back home, but here? Here made home in Hell feel like the height of organization some days.

But Lucifer gave permission, and was happy to have that slight weight off his shoulders. He wouldn't scream his name off the rooftops, but he hadn't heard his own name spoken in so long that- surely- it'd be a treat to hear it from her.

He had no idea, fool that he was.

There was speaking a name, making conversation. But then there was taking a word and wrapping it in aural silk, from a voice he adored listening to, with a laugh that was infectious and stuck in his head. The heat of the hot spring came right back and drove up the color in his face, giving him a rather sunny shade of yellow.

Pardon him and the way he stared. To be addressed so warmly, name and all, was something he wanted so damned much. But his chest felt tight, and tighter still as a guarded secret was placed freely into his hands, with a touch to his forehead.

Oh... God. He didn't deserve this at all.

Lucifer tried on a smile, charmed by such warmth, even if he felt like he was holding such a precious, fragile thing right now. "But... that's so important to you, isn't it? I'm- I'm honored, but there was no need to be 'fair' at all...!"

[wildwarden]

"It is." She confirmed. "Sylvan private names are only shared with family and loved ones. I think you deserve it, for everything." Wanting to be with her, for one; for being the voice of reason in that fight, even if it hurt everyone involved. He understood why she would want freedom in death where so many others wouldn't.

She chuckled and brushed her fingers through his hair. "Just say it back to me, sweetness. I want to hear what my name sounds like on your tongue."

[youknowwhothisis]

His heart was pounding. He really was holding such a precious, fragile thing, but he would hold it close rather than give it back somehow. Nobody... gives him anything, or had for longer than he could remember.

The smile warmed. He could sing it. He could imbue magic to it. But that could come later.

He swept a hand along her temple, drew some of her hair back and away from her face. "However could I refuse... O bewitching Daeleth...?"

Oh, that was fun. What a treasure, this name that dances against the tongue...

[wildwarden]

She leaned into his touch, a shiver rolling through her that had her breath catching. Hearing someone she cared for so deeply say her name like that was always so exhilarating. It made her feel loved, adored, cherished, like she was precious. Like she wouldn't be forgotten.

Night Sky cupped his cheeks and kissed him softly. "Sounds so nice when you say it, Lucifer."

[youknowwhothisis]

This wasn't how he expected this talk to go, but he was glad he'd decided to take the plunge. ...In this, at least. The jitters in his stomach were eased into that of a thrill- God, say it again, say it again, never stop saying it- but he needed to contain himself. In private, they could be just like this.

He shared in the kiss, grateful simply to be, even in such a seemingly small capacity as someone knowing his name.

"Daeleth... I'll say it as many times as you'd ever desire." He hadn't noticed the faint aura of gold emanating from his form. But how could he not glow a little when he was feeling spellbound?

[wildwarden]

If one good thing came out of all that misery and chaos, let it be this. It wasn't how she imagined she'd be given his name, but nothing in her life ever truly went as planned — if she even had a plan to start with.

Night Sky hummed and resumed stroking her hand through his hair, curling little golden strands around her fingers.

Speaking of gold... "are you glowing, darling?"

[youknowwhothisis]

His response at first is a quiet laugh, absent. Mind elsewhere. So long as she was stroking his hair, he was rooted, eyes half-lidded in utter bliss.

"...Hm...?" Oh. The light in here had gotten a bit more on the white-yellow side, it seemed. If someone turned on a lantern somewhere and they hadn't noticed, he needed to give them a talking to about disturbing people's privacy.

Then his peripheral noted his hand, the fine gold that radiated from it. His eyes snapped open, quickly turned back to hers.

"I- oh- that's... hold on." Too bright, maybe? Give him a second to quiet that down with a thought. How does he explain that away?

"Ahaha- kinda wish I got goosebumps like everyone else, but nnnope! I just turn into a bit of a night light."

[wildwarden]

Too bright? Most assuredly not. Night Sky felt like she was being bathed in soft sunlight, like the kind filtered through the canopy of the forest she once called home. So when it dimmed, Night Sky reached up to gently grasp his hand like she was trying to catch that light.

"I don't wish that at all." She murmured, her voice soft and her tone sincere. "It's unique, and beautiful, just like the rest of you. Don't hide it." She bit her lip. "Please."

[youknowwhothisis]

How did she... always seem to do that? How did she say things like that so earnestly, enough that he'd started to actually believe it himself? So often, and for so long, something in his head always found the means to question things and chalk it all as platitudes.

But she said it was unique, and he believed her. It was beautiful, like... the rest of him? Maybe he should start believing that a little, too.

Hadn't he enjoyed it once, too? Back when everything first began, he remembered finding his own inner joy in drifting through the void of the cosmos. He would be a singular point of light in the endless black ink, reaching into the pockets of his holy raiments for the newborn stars he'd painstakingly created. He'd toss them out without thought of where they'd land, because those too were unique and beautiful exactly where they were. The Council would scold him again for the disorganization, but... he didn't care.

"Okay. Alright. ...For you." He shut his eyes and held to that fragment of memory. It brought in him a sense of relief not to dim. He couldn't possibly, when he felt the way he did now. He was Lucifer, the bearer of light, the morning star. The lamps used to light the way through the springs simply paled in comparison.

He cracked open one eye, if anything to check and see if he'd done it. They both opened again with his sigh of relief. He was exactly as he was so, so long ago.

"Boy, I haven't done... this... in a while. Just give me a tap if it's ever a little much though, okay?"

[wildwarden]

For you. Night Sky sighed aloud, lovestruck by the thought that he would do anything just for her. First his name, now this beautiful light that radiated off him that she had apparently encouraged with her affections.

He was... so bright. Like the sun. Like a star in the night sky. The dryad seemed dazzled; her eyes wide as they scanned across every visible inch of him.

"Okay." She agreed, but she hadn't even heard what he said. Why would she ever want him to dim his light? How could this ever be too much? Night Sky would have happily gone blind, so long as the image seared forever in her mind was of him glowing, happy, and bright. She twirled a strand of his hair between her finger again and grinned.

"I like it." She murmured. "Gold really suits you." A given, she thought. "Were you trying to hide it?"

[youknowwhothisis]

He laughed quietly. "Well, I mean- You've got a lot of demons able to cook up plenty of dark magic, curses, all sorts of wicked little things, right? But then there's... me, making like a firefly on a summer's night because I got worked up or my day's just been really nice for a change."

Lucifer shrugged a shoulder. "...So I keep it under wraps as best I can. No probing questions from random denizens of Hell, no goofy nicknames... and the people that earned it can see it and nobody else. Saves on the light bill, that's for sure! ...Miiight be a pain when people are trying to sleep, though."

[wildwarden]

"So, wait, is glowing gold not normal for demons?" She asked. Maybe she had missed something obvious, or maybe there was even more to him than she previously assumed. She cocked her head curiously, deep brown curls bouncing with the motion.

[youknowwhothisis]

"Oh, haha, it's not, really! But I've always been kind of a weird case, looking the way I do when you look at the depictions of demons in all mortal storybooks. Y'know, the horns and the fire."

The humor was brief, but that died down into uncertainty. His hands moved up and down along her upper arms. He focused on her face, something to keep himself steady while laying a few things on the proverbial table. It was okay. It was okay if she knew.

A little more was okay.

"I'm what other worlds would call an archdemon. ...A pretty big deal. I've been keeping a low profile to prevent the... well, 'aahh, don't corrupt the innocents, don't eat people'...!"

[wildwarden]

Night Sky had run face first into an archdemon once, and Lucifer didn't exactly fit the bill. Of course, at this point, she was very aware of how things varied between worlds.

Still, she was... a little surprised by that revelation. Not enough to disgust or terrify her, but the widening of her eyes suggested she had not anticipated it, even if she should have with all his previous talk of deals and souls and his grand display during the fight with her simulacrum.

She slipped her hands down to his hips, gripping tight like she worried he might try and hurry off when she did not respond right away.

"A lot of stuff makes sense now." She managed to say after a moment. "I don't think people would lose their minds over it— well. Some might?" Like Gadriel, probably. "But you're not doing anything terrible. You're... a really good guy, Lucifer. Probably one of the sweetest people I've ever met. The archdemons I know of would have just tried to take my soul themselves." Actually...

[youknowwhothisis]

That was okay, right? That was fine? A little truth! A little honesty as a treat. The giving of his name was taken from him, so he could at least offer this freely.

Well, she wasn't telling him to get the fuck out or trying to leave. That was a massive relief. But he was realizing that it didn't really seem like it'd be a massive deal if he was more open about it. The tieflings had been a shock, and people were just... ho-hum it's another day with them, while in their own world they were treated rather harshly.

Gadriel, though? Yeahhh. He, uh. Yeah.

His eyes widened with talk of soul-taking. The laugh he gave was sudden, a little awkward. "Uhh- oh! Oh, um... yeah, I mean... ahaha..."

He could wait a bit. Or- before anything else happens- he could just swing right for the fences.

"Iiii... wanted to pose an idea I had with you, actually...! Y'know, the uhm- the predicament you're in, and now that I've seen what happens if that Green dickhead finds you, I'd been stewing on the possibility of..."

He cleared his throat. "...Taking you away from him."

[wildwarden]

Silence. Night Sky blinked dumbly in reply, her lips parted to speak, but unable to form a coherent sentence while her brain connected the dots.

He was essentially an Archdemon. He dealt with souls. He was... probably stronger than the Green Knight, and the Knight hadn't technically made a deal with her because, well, she had been dead at the time he decided to just bind her soul to him. She hadn't thought about it much beyond that, but if someone could override that—

"Can you do that?" She asked, her tone oddly hopeful considering the topic of conversation. "Could you take me away from him? I would—" a beat. She was absolutely about to just say yes, she would do it if it was possible. No questions asked. "If you can, I would need to talk to Halsin and Connor, at the very least, before I agree to anything."

[youknowwhothisis]

Well, that's that. It's out there, that thing he'd been thinking about for a while after the mirror incident.

"I'd-" Be honored. But she paused and he bit that back. But Lucifer straightened up immediately with the caveat. "Of course...! I wasn't expecting an answer right away anyway, I mean- the offer is admittedly a lot."

There he was, being 'strange' again. But he found the idea of Soul Deals distasteful, a method of control flying in the face of his own rebellious spirit. But this... this was to be an act of rebellion.

She seemed agreeable to it, but refreshingly cautious. Very good girl. He eased with a short chuckle, if anything to dissolve a bit of tension. He manifested his tail to wind loosely around her middle, spade drawing along a thigh.

"Oh, how sore he'd be knowing something was stolen from him, control ripped from his hands, or... claws, or... whatever the Hell he's got, I don't care."