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

Hayden Daniels | OC | Dryad(?)

[senriofmagic]

Drinks! Magical Drinks!
Color Hayden surprised when he wakes up in a place more like on of his video games than his actual home. But Sabu thinks everything is...well not alright but as close as they're going to get so, 'when in Rome' or whatever. Right?

"Should you really be trying one of the drinks? Who knows how it might react with your magic..." The spectral snow leopard perched next to Hayden's stool, looking around at the different people before looking back at the wizard.

"A small one won't hurt, besides you heard them. No magic from home right now so no worries." The man leaned forward on the bar, grinning as he looked at the menu. It sure does seem to everyone around like he's talking to himself though. What's up with that? "What to get, what to get...oooo, brandy sounds good."


The Ember Veil
Being primarily from a pretty busy big city, Hayden had never been to a proper hoit spring before, so he definitely was all for checking it out! He strips out of his hoodie and button up, tucking them aside with his boots and leaving himself in his jean shorts with golden piercings glinting and the large tree tattoo that hid deeps scars on full display.

(a)
A day or so later Hayden found himself in a small cafe with his brother sitting across from him. The two had met up to talk about various things, partially because his brother wanted to know about the job he had done and also in part to the fact Hayden wanted to try and convince him to talk to Margaret. He wasn’t sure if Ezekiel would go for having another stranger on the grounds but he hoped that the fact he’d be there to help would lessen any apprehension.

“So, how’d it go?” Andy sipped at his coffee as he sat back.

“Not bad, they were all really nice.”

“Okay but the ghost? Was it really a ghost?”

Shifting in his seat Hayden just nodded with a wide grin before drinking from his own espresso.

“Really? Damn, what’d you use to talk to her before you used the potion?”

“The yes/no prism, left it with Ezekiel so she could communicate with him but I want to get them a more permanent solution. Something that maybe more people could see and hear her you know?”

“Hayden,”

“I know I know, you don’t like talking to spirits anymore.”

“No I don’t, and I’m not going to help you. Well, not like that at least. But...I might have an idea of how I can help. We’ll have to talk to dad though.” The taller brother leaned forward in his seat as he spoke, voice lowering carefully. Hayden did the same, arching an eyebrow at his twin.

“Oh?”

“There might be a potion that will allow me to pass some of my powers to something, and you said you made a barrier for them right?”

“Yeah but it’s already buried and I would have to completely redo it to change anything.”

Andy shook his head, hazel eyes closing as he sighed.

“How is it that I, the one who didn’t go to magic school, know something the great wizard Hayden doesn’t?” He teased quietly. Looking like he was about to say something else he was interrupted as his attention was on something over Hayden’s shoulder. “Who is that?”

“Huh?” Hayden glanced over his shoulder in time to see a very familiar face and he couldn’t help but grin. “Oh that? That’s just Ariel, she’s a member of the pack. Wanna meet her? Here I’ll introduce you--”


“No-no! Hayden!”

“Ariel! Hey! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before.” He grinned and waved the woman over.

“Hayden, hello~” She smiled as she walked over, eyes falling on the man across from Hayden. “And who is this? Brother? Cousin? Way too young to be your dad but definitely cute enough to be family.”

Hayden laughed at how his brother’s jaw dropped before he tried to cover the reaction up by taking a drink from his coffee.

“This, Ariel, is my twin brother. His name’s Andrew and yes, before you ask, he is single.”

"Why, how dare you, Hayden. A lady never asks questions like that." She playfully reprimanded, for all the wink she sent Andrew’s way was telling.

“Oh you’re right, sorry. Andrew this is Ariel.”

“Hullo.” Andrew gave a small wave with his free hand.

“Well it’s good to see you boys, but I have to pick up my order and get back to the house.”

“Oh, okay! Tell Ezekiel and Arachne I said ‘hi’.” Hayden waved at the woman as she walked off to get her order and leave. It wasn’t until Ariel was gone that Andrew set down his coffee and reached across the table to swat at his brother's ears.

“Don’t ever do that again!” He groused before sitting back down.

“Aw, I’m sorry.” The smaller of the two grinned and laughed before calming himself down. “Okay but you had an idea right?”

“I don’t know if you deserve it anymore…”

“But Andyyyy it’s for her too!”

Andrew just about spit his coffee out before he started coughing.

“Seriously, Andrew.” Hayden handed his brother some napkins. “They need this, Margaret needs it.”

“Fine, let’s go talk to dad.”


(b)
Hayden woke with a start, at first he wasn’t sure what it was that had jolted him so suddenly from his sleep until he heard it. The all too familiar sound of broken glass being stepped on coming from downstairs. Without a second thought he grabbed the bat and phone from his bedside and raced for the front door of his loft, locking it before ducking into the closet to hide. Fumbling with his phone he dialled 9-1-1 and waited to hear a response.

“9-1-1 what is your emergency?”

“Someone is breaking into the shop below my apartment.” His voice shook as he spoke quietly, hearing the breaking of glass, ceramics and other things. Crashing shelves and jars. “They’re just breaking stuff. I can hear them.”

“Are you somewhere safe?”

“I’m hiding in my closet with the door locked.” Another loud bang made him jump, ears pinned back.

“There is a police officer making his way to you, he should be there in a couple minutes. Can you stay on the phone with me?”

“Y-yeah.” He starts but then he hears footsteps on the stairs leading up to his loft. “Oh god I think someone is coming up….”

Fear coursed through the young wizard as he shook and started to cry to himself. He didn’t want this to be how he died, killed in some home invasion. He was a Wizard. Shouldn’t there be some more ‘interesting’ way for him to die? His free hand gripped the bat as he listened to the woman on the other end speak calmly to him. She directed him to tuck himself as close to a wall to stay hidden as he could. Hiding in the mess of jackets and other things.

The steps stopped at the door, jiggling the handle once or twice before he heard muffled words and the steps went back down.

“I...I think they went back downstairs…” There was more breaking of glass. Why hadn’t his alarm system gone off the entire time? What was wrong?

He had never been so happy to hear the sounds of sirens in his life until now, of course he wasn’t the only one that heard them. Whoever it was downstairs heard them as well and suddenly all noise seemed to stop. He didn’t even hear them fumble to leave. Still shaking Hayden staid hidden away until he heard the knock on his door, and the police announced themselves before busting down his door.

What followed was mostly a flurry of activity that Hayden didn’t want to remember. He was led out of his closet and sat down. A young woman officer talked with him, asked him questions about what happened and if he knew anyone who might have wanted to hurt him or his shop. Of course he couldn’t give them any proof so all he could tell them was that he had no idea, however inwardly he couldn’t help but have his suspicions. The Crows really hadn’t taken well to him turning them down, even with the leader sending his son and the boy's friends around so often to try and ‘recruit’ him.

When he was led downstairs to the shop Hayden felt his heart nearly break. Every glass surface in the place had been smashed, the windows, glass panel in the door, even the display cases. Books were torn from the shelves and either in shreds or had ink or oils poured all over them. Many of the jars of herbs and dried ingredients were smashed on the ground while the athemes from the display case were bent or scattered. Scrolls and altar cloths torn from the walls, everything was absolutely ruined. It was enough to actually make the Wizard cry.

He had worked so hard to start this shop, his father had helped him with a small seeder and he went from there. This had been his dream and now everything was gone. He hadn’t felt so violated in his life.

But nothing was stolen, the money was still in the safe and he couldn’t see anything as being unaccounted for. After taking the valuables and money that he could he packed a bag and set about taking the officers suggestion and leaving.

Checking into a hotel room not too far from his now taped off shop, that he texted Ezekiel. The man had been a strong and protective presence lately and honestly he helped Hayden feel safe, something he hadn’t felt in a while.

Are you up? I need to talk to you about something that might be relevant to the bird problem.

Setting his phone back down on the bed Hayden went about getting ready for a shower and flicking on the tv. He wasn’t tired with the adrenaline still pumping through him.

When he finally got out of the shower, towel slung low on his hips as he scrubbed grey and green hair, he plucked up his phone to scroll through his notifications, hoping for something from the Alpha. Seeing nothing he checked the door, making sure for probably the third or fourth time, making sure it was locked. He flopped over on the bed, still in just the towel as he flipped through the channels, occasionally looking at his phone. He couldn’t sleep, all he could think about was waking up to the sound of breaking glass and the fear that had pumped through him in those moments.

Every time he closed his eyes he could see the broken and busted remains of his shop and hear the steady footsteps up to his loft. It made his eyes snap back open as he shifted to wrap himself in the scratchy motel blanket and just watched the tv, not making sound as tears leaked down his face and soaked into the pillow.

If you’re up I REALLY need to talk to you.

Pls

Setting his phone aside a last time he focused on the tv and tried to calm himself down. He’d be fine, he was safe now and he would talk to Ezekiel when the man saw his messages. That was all that mattered, he’d deal with everything else later.

(c)cw: transphobia, misgendering, misogyny

"No." An older man with greying blond hair glared at the child in front of him, tiger striped tail flitting dangerously. "You are a girl, a Daniel's woman does not--"

"I'm not a girl!" A young Hayden balls his hands into fists as he glares right back at his grandfather. The Daniel's family name, that was all that was ever important to him. An old family with older ideals, ideals that Hayden hated.

"A Daniel's woman does not practice magic. End of story. I told your father this already."

"But grandpa-"

"XXXX," A name that Hayden refuses to remember leaves his grandfathers lips and he has to bite back another growl. "Why can't you be like your aunt or your cousins? They have gone on to become wonderful mothers and teachers-"

"Because it's not me! Andy doesn't want to practice magic! He hates it! I have the potential for it! Why can't I!? I'm just as good as him and I want to! Please! I do exactly as you say-"

"The simple fact that you are not listening to me now tells me otherwise. My answer is no and it will stay that way. I refuse to endorse your entry into the Institute. If you want to get in you will just have to do it as every other student. Without your family's help."

"But-"

"Final, XXXX-"

"MY NAME IS HAYDEN!" The outburst is accompanied by a surge of magic, papers fly off of the old mans desk and this time Hayden doesn't stay. He turns on his heel and without even touching the door slams it open to leave. "I am going to study and I will make a pact with an Anima. AND I'LL BE STRONGER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE YOU FUCKING PIG!"


(d)
Standing in the center of a circle of wizards, Hayden focused. He focused on the air around him, the cool water lapping at his feet, the stone beneath that, and finally on the sound of the candles that lit the area their flames flickering in the breeze that began to pick up. The crackle of electricity pulsed through the air as he felt a warm glow within his chest.

Earth, Fire, Water, Storm, and Spirit. The five elements of magic that pulsed through ever living creature. All brought to one singular point for a ritual.

It had taken him years but he did it, he was going to prove his grandfather wrong. An Anima would chose him, a good one. No, a great one! Closing his eyes, Hayden focused on his breathing until...everything went silent.

"What happened? Is everything--" Openning his eyes teenaged Hayden looked around confused. The place was dark, only blackness reflected off the water that lapped at his barefeet. "Hello?"

"Hayden Daniels." An unfamiliar voice came from everywhere as he spun in place, stopping when from the depths a whisp of magic seemed to climb and climb until taking form. Before him stood an Anima, a spirit of magic who's ehtereal self took the form of a small snow leopard. "You aren't the first child of the Daniels that I have met, it's been a long time."

"Wow."

The leopard laughed, eyes crinkling as his lips pulled back over dangerous fangs. "She had the same reaction."

Hayden's blood went cold. "I'm not-"

"I know," He shook his head, fur fluffing out before sitting on his haunches and yawning. "you are who you are. Magic doesn't care about the physical body."

Color Hayden surprised. And incredibly excited.

"With that out of the way, you can call me Sabu. You have called for an Anima and I am here to answer that call, Hayden Daniels."


Wildcard
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANNA THROW AT HIM!? Have at, he's pretty chill.

Ember Veil, C

[coldsong]

There's a man sitting on the side of the pool a few feet away, only knee-deep in the water with his trouser-legs rolled up. Loki is unsure about actually immersing himself in a hot springs, even with his Aesir skin and shifting powers, but he's curious about the healing properties, hence his presence.

And he's trying desperately to mind his own business, but the pull of this particular memory is...powerful. Painful. By the end of his, he's rubbing the center of his chest with the heel of his hand in a nervous gesture. There's a pause while he looks the young man nearby over, meets his gaze apologetically, and clears his throat.

"Sounds like every conversation I ever had with my father." For similar, if not quite identical, reasons. "Well met, Hayden. I'm Loki. And...I can forget I saw all that if you'd prefer."

No he can't. But he can pretend like a champ!

[senriofmagic]

Ears pinned back, Hayden glared at the surface of the water. Did it really have to dig that up? At least it was around someone who seemed at least somewhat friendly...or more so. Of course then the man gives his name and Hayden blinks a couple times. To be fair, it wasn't uncommon for people to use the name, especially if they were any kind of 'queer'.

"Uh, thanks. Yeah...he's...my grandpa is a lot. Before I came out he was really sweet...so long as I wasn't interested in magic."

"So long as you weren't being your true self. That doesn't make it any better." A voice only Hayden can hear sighs in his ear as he slumps. Sabu was right.

"So, Loki? As in Norse god of trickery and patron god of all queer kids?" The upset look turns to a small grin. "Nice choice."

He sure does think Loki just chose his name.

[coldsong]

"They love you best when you're doing exactly what they want you to," Loki says dryly. "Yes, Odin was the same way. Not that he was ever particularly effusive, but he used to tell me stories when I was little."

He leans back, resting his elbows on the back of the bench behind him. "God of mischief, lies, outcasts--" he begins, and then something in his face absolutely lights up. Patron god of all queer kids? He matters to someone, then. Still, after all his mistakes and all these centuries.

"It used to be Loptr, for the wind," he says. "But Loki suits me far better. I wouldn't presume anything about your world, but I am the Loki in mine. And I love a seidrmadr and a shape-changer."

[senriofmagic]

Hayden is frozen, blinking at Loki with ears perked and tail puffed up despite the fur laying down from the humid air.

"Wait...seriously? Like seriously? You're The Loki?!" He goes from shocked to excited quite quickly.

[coldsong]

The ears are terribly expressive. He's charmed in spite of himself. And this is the most positive reaction to his introduction he's experienced in a long, long while.

"Seriously. Inasmuch as I'm capable of being serious and/or truthful." But for the moment, Loki is at his best. He's easily won over, perhaps, by a young person with alignment and interests in common with him.

"Not everyone recognizes my name these days, and some of those who do aren't happy to hear it. Nice to meet a friend for once."

[senriofmagic]

A trait that Hayden had to learn very quickly to control when possible, however nothing could really prepare him for meeting a literal god in the flesh. Let alone the same one who he had sold many a statue of to young members in the community. Or even gifted in some cases.

"Wow, sorry...that's weird right? I mean just saying 'wow'...I'm just...it's..." Yup, excuse him as Hayden pauses, eyes going distant for a moment with a small frown.

"Take a deep breath and stop being a fanboy." The laughter in Sabu's voice practically rings in Hayden's ears as he flushes, ears tilted back again.

"Sorry, it's not like it's every day I get to meet a god, Sabu." Is muttered before he looks back at Loki. "Uh, I mean. Sorry I'm Hayden, which you learned from....that." He motions to the water. "I'm a Wizard from my world and I promise I'm not talking to myself. But yeah, you're name is....pretty popular with a lot of my clients. I think after I opened my shop I've sold more statues of you than even Odin. To be fair most of my customers are kids trying to find their own way."

[coldsong]

Loki continues to grin, holding his tongue patiently to allow Hayden to try to string words together. For a moment he thinks of himself and Thor on the street in New York, and the handful of wide-eyed young women gathering around his brother for selfies. Naturally he was jealous, he always is, although in retrospect it's probably for the best that he wasn't recognized just then.

Pity Thor isn't here to see this. It might actually make him think a bit better of Loki.

"You've a familiar or some such, I take it? Well met to them, as well." He's curious, but questions can wait. The more important matter is that someone is selling statues of him. He takes a deep breath, resisting the urge to preen.

"Actually, I'm grateful. My stories are what make up my lifeblood. As long as I mean something to someone, I live. I hope my image brings comfort to whoever holds it, though I doubt I have any power across worlds." He smiles again, a little softer. "But with any luck, there's an iteration of me in your world who's just as interested."

[senriofmagic]

"Yeah, they're called Anima." Hayden nodded, finally calming down a bit as they talked. "They're like, spirits of magic who take animal forms. Sabu is a snow leopard," He motioned to the ears on his head, tail lazily thumping on the stone bench next to him. "hence the ears and tail. We take on attributes of our Anima."

"Tell him I said hello back."

"He says hello."

Then they're talking about the statues and Hayden nods, a sort of sad look. "Christianity really did a number to a lot of practices unfortunately. I've got one kid, he's a crow shifter, who'd been eyeing one of a while. He doesn't know it yet but he's getting a starter altar set for his birthday. Or he will...when I get home.

"Trust me, your stories and stuff, it gives people like me and some of the others a sense that ... that we're not alone? I mean most people don't believe in any or the Norse or Greek pantheon and they think it's all stupid stories, but to some of us it's not about if you exist or not. It's that someone at least wrote it, or told the story, showcased someone like us."

Woops, he hadn't meant to get so sentimental about it! It was just that, those had been his feelings the first time I stepped into a shop with his brother. A couple of dumb teens wanting to look at tarot cards and there it was, a stone carved relief of Loki, hood up, with Jörmungandr surrounding his head like a halo, Sleipnir and Fenrir there as well. He hadn't even known who it was when he had picked up the statue, not until the shop keep taught him to read the runes that spelt out his name at the base.

"Sorry...I get a little lost in it sometimes."

[coldsong]

"Snow leopard...now there's a form I've never taken, though I've been other big cats." Loki looks thoughtful for a moment. Why the hell hasn't he ever been a snow leopard? Too on the nose for a Frost Giant? Food for thought.

He smiles a little at he says hello, and gives a slight, shallow bow from where he's seated.

"I'm curious now," he says after listening for a moment, "what your spiritual practice is like. There are sorcerers where I'm from, and they don't necessarily bother to worship, or share stories, of any pantheon. But you speak of it as though your spiritual practice and your magic practice are adjacent, if not overlapping."

He studies him for a long moment before his gaze drops back to the water. Truthfully, he's a little misty-eyed. It's been a long time since he spoke to someone who cared about his stories. There have been people here who were receptive to them--Finnick has been interested, for one--but this feels almost like coming home.

"God of outcasts," he says softly. "They see themselves in me, and I in them. All of us alone together."

"I have made so many mistakes that aren't in the tales you'll have heard," he adds. "I've hurt people, often on purpose, out of sheer spite. But that's what I wanted to be. A safe haven for people who have no one else to turn to. The world is vicious to those of us who are different."

[senriofmagic]

"Oh uh, I mean it's not really tied to my magical studies. Actually there are quite a few who are Wizards like me but aren't spiritual at all. I had a roommate at the Institute who was actually weirded out by my altar. Some people think it's archaic and not necessary, magic comes from the Anima and is just a natural occurring thing. It doesn't come from gods or anything, at least that's what some people believe. Kind of hard to use science to study magic though, right?" He shrugs, leaning forward to dip his hands into the water and scoop some up to rub over his face. It felt nice.

"But some people do still pray to various gods and tie it to their practice. It's...complicated I guess. But then I feel like that is just people in general. We tend to be pretty complicated being individuals and all that."

Glancing over again, Hayden's ears flick back before turning forward. "I mean, everyone fucks up. We make mistakes and do things we regret. But regretting means we can learn from them and change. At least that's how I feel, but then again you haven't done anything to me so maybe I'm biased." He laughs quietly. "But you're right, it can be a hard world for people like us. Not even the gender or sexuality stuff. Back home there are people...they're trying to...cut people off from their Anima. Trying to take magic away because they think it's evil or corruption. It's been common practice for hundreds of years, there are schools all over the world. But there's always gotta be some assholes who don't like something and have to make it everyone else's problem, huh?"

[coldsong]

"Oh? Well, I imagine it varies from one world to the next," he says. "I always thought of magic as the invisible threads that stitch the universe together, space to time and matter to energy. The gods have easier access to it, and perhaps a deeper understanding, but that doesn't mean it comes from us. Odin transcribed the power of the Runes, but he didn't create them."

"Both science and magic are the study of what holds reality together, just approaching it from different angles."

He studies him, visibly concerned to hear this, but unfortunately there's not much Loki can do about it. "These things go in cycles. They fear you now, but the wheel will turn some day and your world will realize it has need of you."

"Trying to hold on until that happens will be painful, though. You have my sympathy for that."

[senriofmagic]

"There are some people back home trying to use scientific methods to help study magic, it's kind of interesting. But yeah, I don't really see them as a connected thing, my worship and my magic I mean. It's empowering and stuff, but it's different." He nods, listening as the conversation shifts to how things move in the world. It's something Hayden knows well. He remembers hearing of the witch hunts, women who were said to be trying to steal magic from anima or something...it was dumb. Native tribes thought lesser because their practices were more in tune with the earth than whatever the people of the time thought they should be.

And now this. People who thought that Anima should never be tethered to a person, that magic was not meant for man to touch. Even when so many were born with the aptitude.

"Thanks, even if you aren't the same Loki from my world, it's good to know that some version of you is supportive. It's one thing to think it and another to know." Idly flicking his wrist, a motion he was used to doing to manifest Sabu, Hayden is surprised when the familiar tendrils of magic seem to leak from his finger tips and coalesce into an ethereal form of a snow leopard who hovered over the water a moment before turning to blink owlishly at the wizard.

"Uh....huh. Thought they said I couldn't cast."

"You didn't even think to try?" Aaand there's the judgy look he knows all too well.

[coldsong]

"Oh, some things can definitely be measured scientifically. Some magic manifests as one kind of energy or another, and then if you have a way of studying quantum wave-forms there's an awful lot that can be gleaned from that, but--"

He blinks, trailing off as Hayden waves his hand and the light shimmers around his fingertips. Well, then! The methodology, and the color of his magic is so familiar it's almost like looking in a mirror. Except a snow leopard has never been the end result of Loki's casting.

He looks from Sabu to Hayden and back, and grins. "Oops?" A shrug. "I was powerless when I first arrived, but mine returned when I least expected it, too. Maybe you slipped through the cracks because you're a spirit?"

[senriofmagic]

Hayden smiles, a soft sort of look with a deep sigh. At least he can feel that small tingle of his own magic.

"Guess we're lucky, huh Sabu?"

"Or I'm too powerful for them to hold back." The leopard huffed, shaking his head a few times before addressing Loki directly. There is a long stare at the man before the Anima finally gives him a bow that is more a lowering of his feline head.

"Well, at least that means it'll be easier to prove I'm not just talking to myself sometimes."

[coldsong]

Now that is a cat response if ever Loki heard one. He smiles at him, getting the impression he's being threatened to behave himself where Hayden is concerned, but since he was going to do that anyway he chooses not to acknowledge it. "A nice thought. I've seen an awful lot of magical firepower here already, not even including myself. But I'll live in hope that you outrank a god or devil or two because that would make things fascinating."

He gives a slight bow in return.

"You could always just tell people the old chestnut about how talking to yourself is the best way to get an intelligent conversation," he tells Hayden. "Honestly, even if you were, it's hardly the strangest behavior we've seen so far."

[senriofmagic]

There might be the slightest threat but if there is, it's not one that Sabu can follow through with. At least not for now. Maybe later...with Hayden's help of course. For now however the large cat simply stretches out along the pool, head resting on his paws.

"That could work," Hayden's eyes travel from the Anima and then back to Loki, smiling and shaking his head. "Pretty sure I've said something similar before but I'm also used to growing up around Anima. It's only been more recently that I'm the only one with one...well...only adult with one. Other than some...friends from school."