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

[pokeabear]

Halsin wasn't paying attention to the other people, letting it all fade to a blend of background noise. He was used to being surrounded by activity as the Grove and all the noise that came with that but there was no missing the gold and white duck swimming towards him. At first, he could only blink until he recognized who it was and a small smile stirred from him.

"I'm better." Which wasn't really a lie but he still wasn't back to himself yet. He waited until Lulu drifted closer before reaching up to brush a finger along his breast. "I like this form."

[youknowwhothisis]

The little brush and appraisal had him chuckle, give his head a proud little swaggle. "Figured you would!"

He paddled a little circle. Have all the angles! The majesty, the perfection...! But the duck soon drifted over to bump against his chest. He needed to crane (heh) his neck to regard the archdruid's face.

"I'll be your therapy duck for the evening. Don't worry about payment- just put it on my bill."

[pokeabear]

The corners of Halsin's mouth twitched when Lulu paddled in a little circle so he could admire all of him. Then he shifted to wrap his arms gently around him in his duck form, cradling his small body against his chest as a low laugh escaped him. It felt good to laugh but he couldn't help it with that pun.

"Thank you," he tilted his head as he couldn't resist even in his mood. Lulu was trying so hard to lighten his mood and he didn't want to let him down. "You quacked me up with that one."

[youknowwhothisis]

Hohoh, got you~

He squirmed his little duck body to get comfy. He had some important duties to perform now as a self-certified Therapy Duck, and the laugh was encouraging. He'd been so quiet for a while, and not in that usual thoughtful way that Lulu could so far associate with the big fella.

"HAH, nice comeback! If we keep this up, we might be banned from this place for causing a disturbance, and then waddle we do?"

[pokeabear]

Very clever, Lulu, using one of his weaknesses against him.

Shifting one hand under his duck form to make him more comfortable, Halsin shifted to lean back against the ledge where he had been resting. He glanced around briefly as though looking for something or someone but it was pleasant to spend time with Lulu.

"We will have to duck for cover when they throw things at us for all these puns."

[youknowwhothisis]

Look, if you're seeking an escape, you can always just chuck the duck. Most beings wouldn't blame you, and to be fair, neither would he.

"If they throw anything, we can tell them to flock off! Can't a guy have a soak after a rough week? Sheesh..."

He chuckled, but it trailed off.

"...So, ah... no hard feelings about the little scrap, right...?"

[pokeabear]

He would never chuck the duck! What kind of monster would do such a thing?!

Shaking his head in amusement at the pun, he chuckled again as well. At least until Lulu mentioned the scrap, surprising him as he pulled his head back to look at the duck. "Not at all. I...honestly, if everything else hadn't happened, I might have enjoyed it. Maybe not the actual trying to tear each other apart but..."

"Your forms were magnificent. Are magnificent."

[youknowwhothisis]

The duck visibly deflated in relief. They hadn't held back with each other at all back there. He wasn't surprised that he had his forms and knew exactly how to use them.

The duck's red eyes grew a touch shinier, touched. "Yeah? Hey, the feeling's mutual! You were a hell of a scary bear and, what was that, sabertooth tiger?? Y'know, I'm the only full shapeshifter I know from my neck of the woods. To learn there were others when I popped up here... I had to meet them."

Lulu canted his head when he realized he'd only really used his animal forms to distract and tangle up an opponent. A full-on fight? He couldn't remember the last time he'd done that when his true form didn't take the cake.

"I think a little friendly match sounds pretty nice, actually. How's that work- Do we shake paws as bears and then wrestle or something?"

[pokeabear]

Halsin continued to pet Lulu gently, stroking his fingers along his feathers as he felt good at pleasing Lulu with his compliment but he genuinely meant the words he said. "Thank you. Taking bear shape is the form I often choose the most but, yes, that was a sabre tooth form that I used in the beginning. I have a few forms of different sizes and a couple of elemental forms I can take as well."

He tilted his head in the other direction. "I could show you my other forms sometime so you can learn them. Then they will be in your arsenal as well."

"I think we have to agree not to bite or use claws on each other. But you should know that sometimes certain urges can get stronger in beast shape." Sky had found that as well.

[youknowwhothisis]

"I've finished a dragon form, actually! I realize I should branch out with beasties from other worlds, too, but some visual inspiration would help a lot."

Hmmm. A sage, avian nod. "No bites, no claws. That's fair. The urges is an interesting bit. I tend to be alright keeping those in check."

He paused, and he turned his eyes away. "...Mmmostly."

[pokeabear]

"That's where you would have the edge as I wouldn't have seen creatures from other worlds, only from mine and now here." Which there didn't seem to be much of a difference from.

"I can struggle at times." He hated to admit it but he did so with a sly grin. "But sometimes when the blood runs hot..."

[youknowwhothisis]

He laughed openly. "Been there! I, ah..."

No, it was- it was alright. He suppressed the way he felt his stomach squirming. "...I was married once, a long time ago. The missus would often encourage the 'blood running hot'. What a way to bond, huh?"

[pokeabear]

Halsin chuckled, unbothered by the mention that Lulu had been married before. He merely nodded with a knowing look. "It would be as long as both people are willing."

"But I promise, I will keep control of myself."

[youknowwhothisis]

He nodded quickly, inwardly deeply relieved for no further questions. Charlie didn't just pop out of nowhere, yes, but he wasn't ever sure how to approach the topic of Lilith, and the falling out.

If he wasn't careful, he'd drive these people away, too.

"Oooh~... well, if it gets a little tricky, I'm nothing if not versatile."

[pokeabear]

Despite his usually cheerful nature, Halsin had a lot of dark things he didn't like to think or talk about. So he would understand the hesitancy even when something was brought up. But he also didn't know about Charlie as he hadn't heard mention of any daughter.

But he was curious. "How long ago were you married?"

He figured it didn't need to be said that he was versatile too.

[youknowwhothisis]

Ah. Well. Shit. Then again, he did start it.

"It's, ah- it's been a while. Years? A number of years."

He counted at first. But as the weeks and months went by of complete silence, he'd started losing count until he wasn't sure what day of the week it even was anymore.

"So! If you ever take that plunge, take good care of your partner, y'know...!" Because he heard some things on the grapevine, you see.

[pokeabear]

Halsin couldn't remember if Lulu knew or not that he had proposed to Sky. So that comment caused an inner wince because he had decided to take the plunge...and he had failed her already.

He didn't voice that thought though as he remained focused on the little duck in his arms. "What happened to her?"

[youknowwhothisis]

He tipped his head to regard him, wearing the sunniest face a duck could manage. "Oh, she's well! She just up and left one day."

He brought a wing to his chest. "Tough lady, though. I'm sure she's living her very best life out there somewhere!"

The wing swept out toward... life, he supposed?

[pokeabear]

Halsin's eyes narrowed a bit as he looked at Lulu because he knew what it was like to pretend otherwise when there was a deep-seated wound that would never fully heal. At least, that was the sense he had as Lulu extended a wing like he was shrugging.

"Then she's a fool." He decided with a firm look. "To just up and leave you."

[youknowwhothisis]

He'd heard that before. Deep down, he knew some level of his worth and what he gave to a relationship when he wasn't wallowing in... a lot... yet he could never speak ill of the person he'd spent so much of his life with. They'd married. They'd had a child together. They argued... a lot... and should she somehow show up- oh god please don't he's begging you- he would likely find himself in a gut-wrenching spiral.

Despite that. Despite that-

"Thanks, Hals. It was all me, though. I kept messing up, and-"

The duck froze. His feathers began to fluff up.

"-Ahaha, whoawhoawhoa- I'm here to comfort you! I'm the therapy duck here!"

[pokeabear]

Halsin shook his head with a click of his tongue, ignoring Lulu's protests about being there to comfort him and being the therapy duck. He was better at this, he was better at supporting and comforting others than wallowing in his own despair.

"It is never just one person," he continued, turning the conversation back. "You might say it was all you but she had to play a part in it if it caused the demise of your relationship. Maybe it wasn't equal, maybe there is a lot for you to make up for."

"But she could have done more than just leaving." Then he tilted his head, thinking. "Are you sure thought that she left of her own free will?"

[youknowwhothisis]

Lulu curled his neck to tuck in his head, assuming his very best duck-ball impersonation. But... maybe Halsin was right. His role bore the greater weight in what happened between them, but to just leave the way she had was far more hurtful than anything else.

The question had him laugh quietly. "I have no doubt. She's... she's always been independent. The world was so full of idiotic Plans and rules and she didn't want her life planned for her, and defied everything. It's a big part of why I was so crazy about her when we first met."

He fell silent. "It was... just a shock when she left. I spent so long looking back for signs. Did I fuck up here? Maybe I should have said something different on that particular day or something. It got me wondering for some time if I was..."

The best shrug a duck could ever perform. "I dunno, ever... good enough... to be worth another person's time again, as irrational as I know the thought is."

[pokeabear]

"It seems her past affected her quite a bit, maybe more than she realized and that played a bigger role in her leaving than anything else. Still, she could have found more positive ways to work through those issues." He was guessing but he couldn't say for sure as he didn't know Lulu's wife or the situation with him beyond what the man duck was revealing to him.

"And while it is good to look back to see your past mistakes and to acknowledge what you can do differently," he started but trailed off because he could already see how he should be taking his own words to heart. The realization passed his features before he cleared his throat and continued. "You can't let it control you either. You can only take the lessons and move on. Try to do better."

"Lulu," he sighed, lifting the duck and turning him so he would have to look Halsin in the face. "You are good enough. I may not know you well but even I can see that. Sky most definitely sees that as well or she wouldn't care as strongly as she does for you."

[youknowwhothisis]

Her own independence perhaps led her to feeling trapped by him, too. The possibility had never left his mind. In a strange way, it offered him a sort of comfort. He always preferred someone be free at any cost, rather than wear that yoke. Oh, but he wished they'd had the chance to talk. But back then, was he in any position to truly listen?

He canted his head when Halsin seemed to pause. Hm. Something like that had been bothering him lately. Lulu always thought the fellow shouldn't be so hard on himself.

But... take lessons to heart, move on, do better. It was what he was doing here, and he hoped he could keep things going.

Yet any cool collected demeanor he could possibly hold was gone in a flash. Forced to face him, told he was good enough... the little ruby eyes of the duck welled up.

"Thank you," he squeaked. "I, um, try not to let a lady like that down, and she's one hell of a lady."

He was good enough. Maybe if he thought that enough, maybe said it enough in the mirror, he'd have more good days than bad ones. That'd be nice.

"Hey... But you're a hell of a good guy, y'know? I caught on to that pretty quick. I did the duck thing, but... I'm trying to work out being a better listener. So either here or whenever, if something's bugging you, we can go somewhere and shoot the breeze. Could even do it as cats in a sunny spot or something, if that helps."

[pokeabear]

He would probably figure out pretty quickly, if he hadn't already, that Halsin was always hard on himself. He just hid it well most of the time until he couldn't. But his words seem to have struck a chord even with himself but he brushed it aside for now since his focus was on Lulu.

He smiled gently when he saw the unshed tears in the duck's eyes, nodding his head. "She is that."

It was his turn to look briefly bashful as he started to lower Lulu back into the water while being told he was a hell of a good guy. He wanted to say that he tried his best but he was quickly distracted, a smile appearing again. "It's been a long while since I've taken cat form and just lazed around for a while. I would be happy to do that with you, whenever you want."