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

[songbird_slayer]

"I wouldn't mind whatever stories you're comfortable sharing. ...Especially if they involve the chainswords."

He seemed to enjoy a little touch. Having been on her feet all damned day, she decided 'to Hell with it' and helped herself to a seat side-saddle on the big guy's lap. He's warm and comfy.

"Or your comrades! I don't know what your rank is or if you command a whole unit or anything, but the armor looked important. Too much so for 'just a regular old guy fighting for the cause', you know?"

[thecodexabides]

Ma'am, he will bore you with chainsword stories. And the chapter relic weapons. "I can try to get one to show you." He might have enough Bones, if she really wanted to see one.

Gadriel was a little surprised at the way she just hopped on his lap, but he did say he was warm. He put out an arm to brace her back if she needed it.

"Sergeant," he says, with something like a shrug. "It means nothing here. Back home I was in charge of a squad of men. Most of them have gone to the Golden Throne." Which is to say, dead.

[songbird_slayer]

"See one? I'd like to swing one!" She sounded so sure of herself. Who knows...?

She seemed to be getting awfully comfy, though. Idle conversation abound, but her hand was wandering, curiously tracing along hard creases evident through the bodysuit. Hope he wasn't ticklish.

But she looked up. The Golden Throne... how glorious that sounded. What a title to give to the afterlife! It was easy enough to deduce what he implied. She hoped they were resting as well as they could. Unless it was a Valhalla situation in which she hoped they were kicking afterlife ass...???

"Well, I dunno- I feel significantly more secure hiring a Sergeant who's seen combat as a bodyguard over a random guy with a sword and a dream or something."

But turned her head back to peek. "...You can touch, if you'd like. I promise I won't burn your hand."

[thecodexabides]

"I will see what I can do." If she wants to see one so badly, and to be honest, he does love a good chainsword, he will do his best to get one.

Ferocious against tyranids and heretic Astartes, completely helpless against a...whatever she was.

He is, in fact, a little ticklish--the parts she's touching are normally under several inches of ceramite and steel. He manages to control himself, other than a few twitches of his chest under her exploring fingers. But it does take most of his concentration, so he is a bit slow to answer, watching her fingers trace lines over the black fabric.

"I will let no harm come to you." To be honest, he needed a purpose here, something to do that didn't require him to change, like everyone seemed to think he should, into someone who would wear strange clothing and play...party games?

This was more than he had ever had, and he found her Warp-touched eyes fascinating when she tipped them back up to his own. "Do you want me to?" Sorry, but he's going to err on the side of very, very careful.

[songbird_slayer]

Her eyes warmed in a little amusement. He was twitching a little... by the gods, the big man was ticklish! This is important information to stow away for later. Your secret is safe, Gadriel. This is something fun solely for her.

Today was turning up real lucky, too. She wouldn't be bothered for trying to live and go to and from work. He had his scariness about him, for sure, but he reminded her of a dragonborn paladin she once knew... right down to the facial scars. She felt an odd, familiar pull, an intrigue in her mind. It fed into her curiosity as her hands smoothed over his chest and shoulders in earnest.

"...Yeah. I want you to." She shifted then, moving from side-saddle to a straddle of his lap.

"You're a very good boy for asking..."

[thecodexabides]

She wasn't supposed to notice the twitching, especially when her fingers grazed the armor connection points.

Well, this felt...compromising. He has a brief flashback to Night Sky, and a warm bath, and then her telling him she had been the one who had killed him, and for a moment, his whole body tenses, before he pushes it aside with a sharp exhale, resting his hands along the dip of her waist, as if she were very very fragile and he could break her without much thought.

His hands tighten around her waist with the praise, his face doing...something, eyes lidding briefly, with a sudden intake of breath. Someone has discovered his not very well hidden praise kink.

[songbird_slayer]

That change in him caused a warm twist in her belly, squirming further with the tightening grip upon her waist. Her experiences in the last world she'd lived offered some lovely potentials in her mind, from his rough hands brushing over her stomach or her thighs to- dare she dream?- grabbing her tail and keeping her still.

But as it were, his tightening grip was a promise, a tantalizing little bite she wanted to explore further. She eased closer until their bodies touched, her fingers slow in tracing the shell of one his ears, running through his hair.

He'd talked about how people thought he was wrong, and wrong about his world. But to be urged on what he'd done right... ahhh. She understood him a little now.

"I really like the way your hands feel on me," she purred, her lips making soft touches along his jawline.

[thecodexabides]

It's not quite a squirm, but something close, as he shifted his hips under her. The only good feedback he was used to was the fact that he'd survived and he'd brought most of his men back alive as well. And that felt like enough.

But this was something more, and he felt acutely aware of the front of his body, like every nerve ending was incredibly awake and sensitive to the warmth of her shape against his chest, the little movements of her thigh muscles around his hips.

And the soft vibration of her voice in his ear pulled a sound from his own throat, something like a low whimper. He lowers his face to try to nuzzle against her cheek, one hand drawing its weight slowly across her lower back, down her thigh.

cough, ahem, puts up the [NSFW] flag from here on out

[songbird_slayer]

Maybe it was the product of all her time in her prior world. Maybe it was the weird sun today. Might be both... but whatever the case was, the shift of his hips reminded her that it'd been more than a little bit since she'd been truly touched.

She tipped her head and nuzzled in kind with a hum of content- this softie- fingertips giving a laborious drag through his hair, along the scalp. The other ran down his side, swept around the small of his back, trailed lower rather curiously. She wanted more of those little sounds from him.

But her leggings, a simple pair to keep away the cold a little, were officially a burden. The more his hand moved down her body, smoothing over her thigh, the more her mind raced.

Oh right, yes, that.

[thecodexabides]

Most likely she would regret all of this in the coming days, when she learned about his history here or when the sun effects wore off. But she seemed to want this, the way Nina had wanted to spar him when they first met, to work out some external issues on him. He was a good punching bag. And he was also, well, a warm body with a lot of surface area to touch.

When her hand slid behind his back, he found himself arching up against her, making a sound like a hiss of surprise, and his hand on her thigh gave an involuntary squeeze, before releasing. He liked the touch along his scalp, tilting his head into her fingers, and tried the same with her, his other hand gently stroking her hair off her face, the backs of his fingers grazing along her cheek.

[songbird_slayer]

Future Madhuri's problem. But the way he seemed to solicit that further touch right now, she couldn't possibly deny him.

She nuzzled against his fingers, her hooded gaze focused on him. The way his fingers tightened against her thigh wasn't helping her poor mind, especially when her legs tightened around his hips in response.

She drew in closer again, brushing her lips against his neck as he'd tipped his head against her stroking fingers. She then pressed in earnest, a lingering kiss that would let today's lip rouge linger, a little mark before she selected her next spot against his skin.

The little arch was fun... let's get another one. She slipped her hand between them, running her palm past his stomach. Not an ounce of hesitation, but she had to wonder just what else she'd be working with...

[thecodexabides]

Gadriel had learned to count on nothing when it came to the future. The next day's sun might be someone else's to see. So when/if she decided that none of this had ever happened, he would accept it, as he had accepted Lydia's explanation.

Her mouth was warm, soft and somehow insistent against his throat, and the gentle brush of the fringes of her hair sent little shivers through him. He wondered what it would feel like on bare skin, and almost asked her, but then her hand brushed along his belly, under the part his plastron usually covered, and his whole body seemed to tense and quiver and any thought he might have had slipped out of his head and the only sound that came out was a tight sounding moan.

[songbird_slayer]

Her stomach gave a hard twist with that moan. Goodness.

She cooed and raised to kiss his cheek. "I'd like to see more of you. Can we get this off...?"

It'd been such a tease, form-fitting and yet a barrier nevertheless. She brushed a thumb against the hem of that bodysuit where it nestled against his neck. He knew it best.

"We'll do a little trade~" She sat back and reached down, unhooking the buttons of her top before prying it open, giving it a careless toss. The simple black bra beneath was hooked at the front.

Her fingers went for that clasp and paused. "...More of me for more of you."

[thecodexabides]

He dragged his hand down off her leg with something like regret--though temporary--before reaching back with both hands for the tricky catch at the back of the neck. He moved with the easy familiarity of someone who had taken it off thousands of times, skimming one hand between the suit and the opposite shoulder, rolling that arm forward to peel it off, keeping his eyes on her, as though afraid she would evaporate or shimmer out of existence.

He had nearly stripped the second sleeve when she tossed her blouse aside. He paused and then yanked the sleeve off his wrist, freeing his hands. Gadriel's eyes dropped to the paler skin under the blouse, then back up at her face, a sort of unknowing longing in his eyes. He reached his hands to cup her face up to his, leaning closer to kiss her, gently at first, as though seeking permission.

[songbird_slayer]

She felt a strong surge of pride with the way his eyes trailed over her body. She wasn't immune to such things herself, getting a feast for her own eyes with each inch the suit was peeled off of his body.

With a hooded gaze, warm and focused on his eyes, she practically purred as he cupped her face. Her lips were so soft, opening to his kiss as her now-shaky fingers unclasped her undergarment. She let it fall away as her arms slid around his neck, her now-bare upper body pressed to his.

Madhuri felt so, so hungry, heart pounding. She canted her head and gently caught, suckled against his bottom lip as her hips squirmed to get comfortable. Her tail urged his thighs a little further apart to allow for that slow grind against him, her nails dragging along his upper back.

[thecodexabides]

In Gadriel's mind, he was not much to look at--scars from his Black Carapace surgery, from old injuries, mapping over the hard planes of muscle. But she...had all these fascinating shapes, and her skin against his was warm and smooth and he could feel the soft swells of her breasts against his broad chest.

He kept one hand near her face, stroking along her jawline, letting the other trace a long slow line down her back, down the bared skin, the silky texture of the muscle along her spine, down to where the waistband of her clothes was.

He made a soft sigh, as she kissed him, rocking his hips up into her movement, not knowing exactly why, but just that it felt...right?

[songbird_slayer]

She felt those goosebumps lift along her skin as he touched her. Going without 'moonlacing' for as long as she had made even their clothed touch led to a soft moan into his mouth, a mingled whimper to voice her growing craving to be filled.

She drew her fingertips along the back of his head, trailing down the back of his neck as she pulled back a little to nuzzle his cheek.

"You can take those off for me, if you'd like..." She can feel where your hand it, Gads. Simple leggings would be no problem whatsoever with a little tug.

"You've been so good to me, keeping me warm..." She slowed her grind as she purred against his ear, and eased her hand beneath the suit at his waist, running her palm over his skin. Let's see what she was working with... she could risk it- she'd had big lugs for partners before.

[thecodexabides]

His breath hitched at the soft sound of her voice against his ear. His eyes lidded, tucking his head against her, tasting the skin of her throat, his breath hot on her warm skin.

He presumed the words meant she did not care if he damaged the garment. If she did, he would buy her another. He squeezed a handful of the fabric and tore at it, feeling it shred under his hand, the waistband snapping against his wrist, and putting his hand back on her thigh, the bare skin now, and the strange, and strangely thrilling contrast of her silky skin and the hard, glittering scales. He wanted to lick them, to see if they had a different taste than the rest of her skin.

As her fingers trailed lower, below the bunched fabric of his bodyglove, he stiffened, his other hand tightening in her hair, his voice a soft, apologetic whimper. "I cannot."

[songbird_slayer]

She eased her head back, helplessly shivering under the warm breath. This was too familiar to her experiences under the full moons, everything in her taut and all too receptive, each minute touch plucking her like so many harp strings.

But then he bunched her leggings' material in that hand and tore. She should have yelped in surprise, maybe voiced in protest. Instead, her thighs tightened and her body squirmed a bit. Maybe she should've asked him to tear off her clothes... this is part of why she -loves- the big fellas, even if it raises the tailoring bill.

It left her completely open, now. With not a shred of cloth on her body and not an ounce of shame in her face, she bit her lip and enjoyed the feel of his freely-roaming hand.

Her eyes flew open with the whimper. Her hand stopped. "Oh- What's wrong...?"

Gadriel ruins everything part infinity

[thecodexabides]

Gadriel closed his eyes for a long moment, holding her against him as though trying to memorize the feel of her against him--her satin skin, and warmth and the smell like vanilla and sugar in her hair, the way you hold something precious you know is not yours and you have to give back soon.

He had hoped--never mind what he had hoped.

He took her exploring hand and brought it up to plant a soft kiss on her palm, rubbing his cheek against it for a moment, before he moved: his other hand steadied her hips and took her weight as he stood, and twisted, to lay her down on the couch, kneeling over her. The movement was swift and sudden, but he was careful, sweeping her tail out of the way so it didn't get bent at a strange angle or worse yet, get pinned under his knee.

His pale eyes sought hers for a long moment and then he lowered his head, pressing another kiss against her breastbone, and then lower, nipping at the spring of her hip from her waist, catching the scent of her desire with a long, feral intake of breath that sent a shiver through him. He wanted her so badly and he could feel a high pitched animal keening building in him, as he slid himself back up, holding his weight off her, just enough for her to feel the heat of his skin as he whispered in her ear, his voice hoarse, face buried against her. "My body. I told you. It does not...do that."

A few thousand years of hypnoindoctrination rewiring the average Astartes brain away from the very idea of sex, turning it into aggression, a prey drive, was to blame. She must have noticed he had no erection. It was not her. It was, in fact, him that was the problem.

He sat back, slowly, between her legs, looking at her beautiful body, the late afternoon sun slanting in through the windows, gilding her curves into arabesques. He let his hands trail over her breasts, and down to trace parallel lines up her inner thighs with reverence. "I will leave if you want." Why not? He could not give her what she wanted.

cw: liiiittle bitty gore mention? vague?

[songbird_slayer]

She watched him curiously as he moved, offered no fight as he lifted her, moved her. His touch was so tender, from the way his hands settled on her to the way he kissed her palm.

It masked something odd, yet... maybe not so odd. Familiar. After something so soft, gentle and needy, it was when he lowered that something prickled at the edge of her senses.

She was reminded of her first time under the red moon. Her body changed, and her mind burned. She sought opponents, sought glory, sought to practically dance in the blood of her slain enemies before taking a lover and demanding they take her right on top of all the gore.

If anyone recognized the beast that burned beneath the humanity, it was her. But it ran deeper than that for Gadriel. She was confused, if she were honest, that she hadn't touched hard flesh after everything. He'd felt like they'd been sitting and having tea all afternoon, and everything clicked into place. He well and truly couldn't.

Madhuri couldn't help the way she stirred under his touch, the way he was looking at her. She reached down and lay her hands over his, not to stop them- gods, never to stop them- but to connect.

"I didn't understand, and I'm sorry for that, Gadriel. But I don't want you to leave."

She tightened her grip a little. "Is... being like this too much? I'd like to understand."

FTR he would totally do that with her

[thecodexabides]

He gave an awkward shrug. All his years of life and it had never been even an issue, a concern or anything he even thought about. And here it was just a constant...thing, that not only did he not belong, he was fundamentally broken in some way everyone else found so easy.

Gadriel did not want to stop looking at her or touching her. There was something fascinating, in general, to him about female bodies, after spending centuries around men who looked like him, or were hollowed out servitors. The whole...geometry of their bodies was captivating. But it was more than just that, or the textures of her skin, or the warm animal scent he could catch on her, it was the way she just was--neither modest or wanton, but something in between--a confidence that she was beautiful and desirable.

He let her hands cover his, or try to, as he skimmed his hands down her thighs, along that seam where they joined her body, and then upward, bracing one hand next to her head on the edge of the couch as he bent closer, seeking another kiss for a long moment, and then pulled away, so she could meet his eyes. "It is not too much." It was the best thing he had ever felt in his decades of fighting, as far back as he could remember, and he wished he could show that to her, slipping one hand down the soft plane of her belly, between her thighs. "Tell me what you want."

[songbird_slayer]

That was a relief enough, knowing she wasn't... well... setting something troubling in motion. Should the moon's pull take her again, she at least knew a guy who could handle whatever she could dish out. If anything, he seemed the type that would appreciate and enjoy it.

Maybe it was the sun's influence that drove this awkward guy to such comfort in kissing, but she wouldn't turn her nose up at it. Her hands flew to his cheeks as she joined in the lingering touch. She remained close, drawn to his eyes, tickled pink by the way he'd been taking her in.

Made a lady feel like something akin to a queen.

Madhuri dragged her fingertips along his chest. The tip of her tail caressed the back of his hand, lingering with his touch between her thighs. If he had any doubts on his own ability, she was all heated up between her thighs from all their play, and slick to the touch.

"I want your hands on me... your mouth on me."

[thecodexabides]

It was not the sun making him do that. It was Gadriel using his Remembrancer organ, but he had never been able to explain it. Even if he had, it would have sounded...strange. Like cannibalism or sorcery. It was neither: just one of his augments.

It was less a comfort than a feedback loop for him, one that had him give a soft, muffled groan as his hand slid between her thighs, his own body shivering above her.

His eyes lidded briefly at her words, as though he'd been given permission and was savoring it. His hand slowly explored the slick heat, and he gave another shiver when he caught the scent of her, dropping his head down to make a gentle bite on her throat, careful to keep his weight hovering over her.