calderaevents: (Default)
calderaevents ([personal profile] calderaevents) wrote in [community profile] calderamemes2025-03-30 11:57 pm
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TDM #6



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
SHADOW ELIXER an inky black liquid that seems to absorb light rather than reflect it. Grants temporary invisibility in darkness, but also makes the drinker whisper secrets unknowingly.

WIDOWS KISS A velvety red-black wine. One sip fills you with irresistible charm.

FOOL'S ECLIPSE A deep, glossy black drink with a golden swirl that never fully mixes in. Every sip tastes slightly different: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, sometimes oddly salty for no reason at all. After one drink, the drinker's speech becomes hilariously jumbled, replacing random words with completely unrelated ones.

BLURBERRY FIZZ A deep blue liquid that constantly fizzess with tiny silver bubbles. When poured, the bubbles briefly form random shapes: sometimes a cat, sometimes a shoe, sometimes... a tiny screaming face (but only for a second). The drinker will also hiccup tiny, harmless floating bubbles for five minutes.

VEIL OF MIDNIGHTA crystal-clear vodka cocktail with shifting black, shadowy swirls that never settle. Causes the drinker's shadow to detach and do whatever it wants for five minutes.

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 broken shells and torn seaweed, the glow of blue around it flickering like a dying flame. Beyond it, you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, its once-grand spiraling towers cracked and crumbling in places, encrusted with coral and debris from the destruction that came before. The streets are bustling, but an underlying tension lingers. Outside the bubble, merfolk swim, but some still bear the scars of battle, and the deep waters beyond are darker than they should be, as though something still lurks in the abyss. A sanctuary in the sea, one that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid in rebuilding what was lost. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you, the remnants of a catastrophe yet fully understood 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. However, signs of destruction mar the once-thriving marketplace. Some windows shattered, stalls bearing scorch marks, and a few buildings reduced to rubble. The scent of cooking food still lingers in the air, but so too does the acrid smell of smoldering wood. Watchful guards keep an even keener eye out for pickpockets and opportunists in the wake of the recent chaos. Citizens go about their day, some with a newfound wariness in their eyes.

From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring ships transport people and goods, though repairs are ongoing in some areas. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers, where efforts to rebuild have begun in earnest. The Hearthstill, the main residential area, bears the scars of collapsed roofs and damaged homes, with families working together to restore what was lost. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means, has been hit the hardest, and aid workers scramble to provide relief to the displaced.

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, but some are marred by cracks, with scaffolding and patches where reconstruction has begun. The backdrop outside the dome is a deep blue, but lingering shadows in the depths hint at what once emerged from below. People with gills on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin move with a determined purpose, their curiosity toward newcomers now mixed with cautious wariness. 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.

SOLEMN CELEBRATIONS
After the chaos and destruction, the people of Caldera come together to express their gratitude to the Visitors, whose sacrifices were crucial in summoning Vesper, the newly awakened star god. This event, though filled with warmth and appreciation, carries the weight of what is still to come.

In Salt Spire, the bubbled underwater city, the heart of the celebration takes place. The bioluminescent glow of deep-sea creatures lights the festivities, their soft illumination casting a peaceful glow on the gathering, even through the haze of darkness beyond. Tables are laden with treasures from all three cities—gifts of wood and stone carvings from Grey Ward, textiles and plants from Salt Spire, and intricate glass orbs from Heaven’s Bow. It’s a moment of unity, as everyone, native and visitor alike, celebrates their survival and the hope Vesper now represents.

Above the sea, in Grey Ward, a quieter but equally heartfelt celebration takes place. The city, normally known for its steady hands at rebuilding, hosts a gathering of its people and the Visitors who have come through. Lanterns hang from the buildings, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. Music from the land flows through the air; melodies of hope, of survival, of community. The people of Grey Ward offer their craftsmanship, beautiful wood carvings, practical tools, and heirlooms passed down through generations. Their gratitude runs deep, though they know the fight ahead will be long.

Heaven’s Bow, distant and high above the rest, holds its own subdued gathering. The people here are quieter in their celebration, reserved in their gratitude. Though they were not as directly involved in the summoning of Vesper, their support is evident in the delicate glass orbs they offer, each infused with starlight—a symbol of their unwavering faith. Their contribution may be less physical, but their presence and belief in the unity of Caldera is no less important.

In Salt Spire, the people raise their glasses high. "To those who fought to protect us," they toast, their voices rising in harmony. The people of Grey Ward join, their songs and music a reminder of the resilience of the land. Even Heaven’s Bow contributes with their delicate, glimmering orbs. The Visitors, new and old, are welcomed with open arms, gifted with tokens of appreciation. No one is excluded, for their presence, newly arrived or not, is valued deeply.
VESPER'S REQUEST
But, as the celebration continues, an undeniable presence looms at the edge of Salt Spire. Vesper, a massive, shadowy knight, the star god born of the Visitors’ sacrifices, stands apart from the merrymaking, watching quietly. His form, still flickering with the remnants of his connection to Triton’s darkness, is not yet fully settled. He speaks to the crowd, his voice calm, though tinged with the weight of what lies ahead.

"I was born of your sacrifices," Vesper says, his gaze sweeping over the Visitors. "I will not forget what you’ve given me. But our fight is not over. The darkness that birthed me still lingers, and Triton’s influence has not been erased. We must prepare. I will stand with you, when the time comes. And together, we will face what threatens this world."

The mood shifts slightly, a quiet understanding passing between the people. The celebration, while still joyful, carries the undercurrent of an impending storm. Triton’s return is inevitable, and though Vesper has emerged as a beacon of hope, his power is still growing. He will need the strength of those who summoned him, those who sacrificed for him, to confront the coming challenge.

As the night wears on and the festivities continue, the people of Caldera remain united in their shared resolve. The threat of Triton still hangs over them, but for now, they take this moment to honor the Visitors—those who sacrificed so much, and those who have only just joined the fight—and to strengthen the bonds that will be vital in the days to come.

Vesper welcomes conversation, yet it does not come naturally to him. His words are brief, precise—always tethered to his purpose, the reason for his existence. And therein lies his quiet concern: that something is missing. He yearns to connect, especially with the Visitors—the ones who gave of themselves so that he could become what he is now. A new star god. The light meant to stand against Triton’s encroaching darkness.

He speaks with certainty: he is the good that Triton once was, the lost brilliance of a god now twisted by corruption. But he does not wish to be merely a reflection of what once existed. He wants to grow beyond the shadow of the past, to forge an identity that is wholly his own. And so he seeks help—not only in understanding what he is but in becoming something more.

"Find memories," he says. "And craft new ones with me."

Memories of Triton’s past linger in the world, echoes trapped in places of significance. These must be sought out, for they hold the key to understanding Vesper’s origins.
SPECIAL QUEST: ASTRAL ECHOES
Vesper seeks the Astral Echoes, shards of violet light scattered across Caldera, each holding a fragment of Triton’s past. To understand himself and shape his future, Vesper asks the Visitors to retrieve them. This special quest will last the duration of the TDM, and will reward 400 Bones when turned in.

MEMORY ONE: THE DESCENT:
Near Salt Spire, a Violet Crystal Shard hums softly in an ancient ruin. When taken, it pulls the mind into a vision.

Triton falls, a streak of violet fire tearing through the sky to Caldera, a barren wasteland below. He crashes, sending stardust into the air, his form radiant with light, deep indigo skin marked with glowing lines, and eyes burning violet. He touches the earth, rivers of light spread, and the world begins to take shape.

But he is not alone. Aella, the sky, sweeps through the heavens, breathing life into the winds. Cordelia, the sea, shapes the waters and the depths. Terra, the land, molds the earth, forming mountains and valleys. And in the shadows, another lingers, a distant vision, hard to define, their presence felt but not fully understood. Together, they craft the new world.

"There will be law where there is chaos," Triton says. "Light where there is shadow. Justice where there is none."

The vision fades as the Violet Crystal Shard is given to Vesper. He holds it, feeling its pulse.

"He did not come to rule," Vesper murmurs, "He came to protect."

The shard dims, its purpose fulfilled. Yet its memory lingers, a quiet ember.

"Caldera was formless," Vesper whispers, "And they shaped it into something just."

He lifts his gaze, something stirring within him—understanding or perhaps the weight of his path ahead.

MEMORY TWO: THEM:
In a cave deep within Ignacia's Cradle, a faint Violet Crystal Shard pulses softly. When a Visitor holds it, they are pulled into a distant memory—one of doubt and rebellion.

The world is young, full of light and order. Triton stands with his companions—Aella, Cordelia, and Terra—shaping Caldera. But in the shadows, something stirs.

A figure, hard to define, stands apart. Their form flickers between light and darkness, their eyes filled with uncertainty.

"This world was meant for something more," they whisper, voice tinged with frustration. "Why does it feel so controlled?"

Triton watches them, sorrow in his eyes, but they step further into the shadows, their form dissolving, lost to doubt.

"Maybe it should burn," they murmur. "Maybe it should fall apart and rise again—wild."

The Violet Crystal Shard pulses as the figure vanishes into the darkness, leaving only the echo of Triton’s sorrow: "They were never meant to follow the order. They were always meant to fall into the shadows."

The memory fades, the figure still a mystery, their true nature lost in the shadows of the past.
MEMORY THREE: THE EXILE:
On the broken cliffsides near Grey Ward, a Violet Crystal Shard lies half-buried in the earth, its faint glow drawing the Visitor in. Upon touching it, a vision fills their mind—Triton stands, his form radiant with celestial light, yet his expression is one of deep sorrow and rage.

A shadowed figure, barely discernible, is ripped from the land. The figure’s volcanic home follows, both hurtling into the sky. The moon is born from their exile, the caldera formed in the center of the realm all that remains.

"You cannot do this," Triton’s voice shakes with grief. "They were meant to shape, not to be cast away."

The figure fades into the distance, and Triton’s grief transforms into fury. "They were not yours to remove," he says, the words heavy with loss.

As the vision fades, Vesper holds the shard, feeling the surge of sorrow deep within. He breathes in slowly, understanding the weight of Triton’s loss.

"I was not meant to be a reflection," Vesper murmurs. The echo of Triton’s voice lingers: "I should have protected them."

The memory settles into Vesper’s heart, shaping his resolve. The past will not bind him; he must grow beyond it.
MEMORY FOUR: THE LAST STAND:
At the foot of Cordelia's tower, the final Violet Crystal Shard rests upon the weathered steps. It lies half-hidden, barely visible to the eye, as if waiting for the right moment to be found. Only now, as the Visitors approach, does it reveal itself.

Triton stands before Cordelia, his violet glow dimming as his power fades. The air between them crackles with tension, and his voice trembles with disbelief:

"You would strike me down, Cordelia?"

Cordelia stands tall, her sorrow evident but her resolve unshaken. "You leave me no choice."

With a final, desperate lunge, Triton reaches for the stars—the same stars he had once shaped—but they remain silent, indifferent. Cordelia’s blade pierces his chest, the sound of shattering power filling the air as Triton’s body cracks into violet shards, scattering across the land.

His final words echo through the vision, filled with regret: "Was I wrong?"

The vision fades, and Vesper stands on the steps, his hand still holding the shard. The weight of Triton’s question lingers, heavy in the silence.

Vesper’s breath catches, the sorrow of the moment settling deep within him. "He was more than just a fallen god," he whispers, his gaze searching. "He was a part of this world—his doubt, his pain. And it shapes me now."

The shard pulses one last time, and Vesper knows this memory is not just a reflection of the past—it is a part of his own journey, one that will lead him to forge his own path.
CHOOSE [HIS] DESTINY



When all shards are given to Vesper, he stands in silence, the weight of Triton’s past pressing upon him. Then, he speaks:

"I was born from a fractured god. But I am not him. The past shapes me, but it does not define me. So I ask you—what will I become?"

Visitors may influence his choice:

Option 1: Embody Triton’s Lost Virtues
Vesper embraces Triton’s virtues of justice, wisdom, and light, becoming a beacon of hope for Caldera. This choice grants him the strength of a god, with a deep understanding of the weight of justice. He will fight against the corruption Triton once embodied, drawing on the wisdom of the past to prevent its recurrence. "By standing for what is just, I will be ready to fight against what Triton has become."


Option 2: Forge a New Path
Vesper rejects the past, creating his own identity free from Triton’s shadow. This choice grants him freedom and strength, allowing him to reinvent himself as a new kind of star god. He will fight against Triton’s darkness, symbolizing the triumph of free will over legacy, and gaining the power to face both external and internal battles.

"I will not be a shadow of what came before. I will become something stronger."
Option 3: Balance Light and Shadow
Vesper accepts both the brilliance and downfall of Triton, walking the path of balance. This choice gives him the strength to wield both light and shadow, allowing him to understand Triton’s corruption and fight it from within. Vesper’s knowledge of both sides of existence will make him resilient in his battle against Triton’s darkness.

"I will fight with the strength of both light and shadow, knowing each part of me is necessary to stand against the darkness."


Once the Visitors make their choice, Vesper will stand in silence, the decision settling within him. He is no longer just the fractured god he once was, but something whole—ready for the battle ahead. Triton’s darkness still threatens Caldera, but Vesper is stronger, more prepared, and more determined.

"Thank you," he will say. "With your help, I’ve chosen my path. When the time comes to face Triton, I will bring the light he lost—or create something new to stop his darkness."

[With Vesper's awakening, shadow abilities have been unlocked for the Undine faction]
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.
OOC NOTES
Welcome to Caldera's sixth 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.

To Choose Vesper's Path, please state which option you would like to choose here. prospective players are encouraged to weigh in!

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

The following pages have been updated:

Additional rewards have been added under the Undine section of the rewards page.

Vesper has been added to the NPC page.

Have fun, Visitors!


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nightmatron: (07)

Nyx ★ Hades ★ Undine

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
★ TAVERN ★
What an odd little twist of the Fates.

Standing quietly at the back of the tavern, Nyx studied the room and the people contained within. She had no idea why she had been brought to this place. Surely there had been a point?

Even without the power, Nyx stood at the threshold of shadow and silence at the back of the tavern, her tall form wrapped in darkness, her robes woven seemingly not from fabric but as if from the very essence of the night sky. There was a shimmer and shift in the folds, mimicking stars flickering into existence before vanishing into the abyss. When she shifted her weight, the fabric moved without weight, curling like ink in water, an extension of the void itself. The robe was sleeveless, exposing the ethereal gleam of her skin, while the fabric at her throat fastened high, dignified, yet open just enough at the chest to reveal the midnight jewels that rest against her.

Golden pauldrons rested upon her shoulders, shaped like crescent moons, each adorned with a thin, violet bat-like wing that stretched outward. Hanging from her forehead, ears, and chest were teardrop-shaped dark crystals, their inky depths seeming to hold the shadows that lingered around her. The skulls that rested upon her form, three white ones at her chest, each with eerily glowing pink eyes, and a golden one upon her crown with the same haunting gaze, seemed less like ornaments and more like quiet reminders of the domain she inhabited in another world.

Her skin was pale as moonlight, bordering on a strange hint of grey, smooth and untouched by age despite the eons she had witnessed. Her dark purple-black hair fell past her waist, immaculately arranged with two thick braids framing her face, leading upward to a high, coiled bun, secured in part by a golden crown. But it was her eyes, a piercing, luminous gold that commanded all attention. They burned like twin suns against the darkness of her form, watchful and knowing, their glow unwavering in the dim shadows where she stood. At just under seven feet tall, she also couldn't quite blend in, given she couldn't blink herself away or wrap herself in invisibility.

She had no drink, nor did she sit. She was merely standing and watching, seeing what she could learn before she moved on.

★ SOLEMN CELEBRATIONS ★
Having moved on, Nyx now stood near the celebrations that took place in the Salt Spire, her golden yellow gaze focused on the people gathering around the tables filled with treasure. She felt a hint of dismay for all the misfortune they had faced, all while knowing she could do nothing about it. Perhaps she would have to make strides in opening the access to her powers again, disliking the distant hum of them existing just beyond her fingertips.

Turning away from the scene, she moved with graceful glides closer to the border created by the bubble, narrowing her gaze as she focused on the shadowy figure in the distance. Sensing someone drawing closer to stand at her side, she lifted her chin slightly as she spoke, her voice smooth as silk woven from the darkness itself. "He seems troubled."

★ ASTRAL ECHOES ★
"What are these things we are supposed to wear?" Nyx asked, holding one of the rebreathers in her pale hand, her fingers, adorned with rings of violet and pink gems, curled ever so slightly around the object, showing off each nail coated in a soft periwinkle polish.

It was hard to detect the slight wrinkle to the slope of her nose as she looked at the rebreather again, but it was as though the idea of having to put it on somehow displeased her.

"Is there no other way to go fetch the shard that exists out there?"
guidingnight: (pic#17770544)

tavern;

[personal profile] guidingnight 2025-04-04 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Melinoë had been staring at the woman in the corner since the moment she locked eyes on her. She had never had the pleasure, the honor, of seeing Nyx up close, or at all. But she had heard tales of her beauty, as majestic and radiant as the night sky she embodied. As a Silver Sister, it was her duty to serve her, even while she was locked away with the rest of her family. That she could be here was... almost impossible to consider.

Did she dare approach her? She had to know, one way or another, if the impossible was truly happening now, in this odd tavern in a world she did not know. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, and when she stepped before her, it was with a readiness to bow deep the moment she had her confirmation.

"...Lady Night?"
nightmatron: (01)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
How strange it was to recognize and be recognized in this place, but there was no mistaking who stood before her now. Not that she was 'knew' the young woman before her and yet the mismatched eyes would have told her everything she needed to know at first glance.

Still, how had she come to be here too?

"It seems no one is safe from the powers that would bring us here for aid," she murmured in her silky voice, her gaze sweeping over the young woman from head to toe. It was an assessing gaze but also one that could be taken as holding a hint of concern, as though to make sure she was unharmed. "What is your name, child?"

She needed to be sure.
guidingnight: (pic#17761927)

[personal profile] guidingnight 2025-04-04 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Melinoë tensed, back ridged, like a soldier being assessed for duty. This had to be her — the night itself manifest; the mother of so many she knew as her children in the Crossroads and beyond. Last she knew, Nyx was locked away with the others save for dear, sweet Hypnos, meant to be saved by the odd-eyed woman she was staring back at now.

"Melinoë, my lady." And now she bowed, deep and respectful, ghostly hand over her chest. "It is an honor to meet you."
nightmatron: (09)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
So it was her, all grown up and with so much already resting on her shoulders. It seemed the Fates had many plans for the royal children of the Underworld, as she had known and sometimes, secretly, wished she could spare them from. But she had learned long ago that such plans couldn't be avoided.

"How strange to see you fully grown," she murmured, watching Melinoë bowing before her. "Such a gesture is not required, child, but it is received with grace and meaning. It is rare to see such genuine respect. I assure you, though, you can relax in my presence."

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swagreus: (mom)

[personal profile] swagreus 2025-04-04 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
You know, if there was one good thing about being a singularly unique being that stands out in the crowd, it's that your adoptive son--also a pretty unique being that stands out in the crowd--can find you really easily.

"Nyx!" Dodging past other newcomers, Zagreus made as much of a beeline as possible to her, both of his mismatched eyes lit up, eternally boyish features beaming a smile. "I can't believe it, you're here too!"
nightmatron: (09)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Somewhat disturbed by the fact that she hears him before sensing him, Nyx pauses as she turns back, her eyes a touch wider than before as she scans the crowd until she spies him barreling towards her.

"My child," she breathes, her normally composed features softening into a smile. She doesn't often show affection or tenderness, yet there is no hesitation as she lifts her arms slightly to him.
swagreus: (mom)

[personal profile] swagreus 2025-04-05 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Zagreus moved into the embrace without hesitation and held on tightly, eyes closed, inhaling and exhaling as, somehow, she still carried the scent of home in the folds of her starry robe. He never in his life thought he would miss that scent, but he did. "It's so good to see you, my lady."
nightmatron: (09)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-06 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
"It is always good to see you, my child." Nyx murmured, finding comfort in the embrace as well. She let him hold on for as long as he needed, even though she wasn't often one to show affection so easily.

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wildwarden: (pic#16740412)

[personal profile] wildwarden 2025-04-04 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Meanwhile my other dipshit character who has no idea who Nyx is-

Night Sky only ever went to the tavern to drink weird things and greet newcomers each month, and this month was no exception, clearly. She was sitting nearby when Nyx seemingly apparated into the shadows (or maybe Night Sky simply had not been paying close enough attention to somehow miss the giant woman), and the dryad honed in on the obvious theme of her... everything.

The crescent moons, the shimmering stars in the pattern of her robes, the ethereal glow of her skin like moonlight against a backdrop of deep velvet.

"Hi." She said, taking a sip of her drink. "I'm going to guess you're new, because I feel like I definitely would have noticed you before."
nightmatron: (15)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Lowering her gaze, Nyx focused on the woman who was addressing her, drawing the hint of a smile to her darkly colored lips. She had been aware of her, given her close proximity to where Nyx had been standing, but the woman seemingly had all of the Goddess's attention now.

"Would you have?" She hummed, still studying her closely. "And why is that?"
wildwarden: (pic#16740417)

[personal profile] wildwarden 2025-04-04 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Night Sky didn't need liquid courage, but she still slammed back the rest of her drink and set it aside so she could give Nyx her full attention.

"Tall, dark and gorgeous — how could anyone miss you?" She purred. Laying it on a bit thick? Wasn't really new for Night Sky. "I've been here a while, if you need any help adjusting."
nightmatron: (06)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Her golden gaze followed the woman's movements as she slammed back her drink as though bracing herself. Or to give herself courage to continue?

"You would be surprised at what one could miss. As much as you would be surprised at what they would notice." Nyx replied, perhaps somewhat coyly. "I appreciate the offer, especially given that I am newly arrived. Tell me, how long is 'a while'?

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lostinasong: (maybe if I paddle hard enough)

solemn celebrations

[personal profile] lostinasong 2025-04-04 07:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Grace felt like she must be getting in better harmony with her eidolon, because something in her recognized another goddess when she saw one, even if she didn't know her by name. She reminded her a bit of Hecate, but...grander. No doubt Freddie would've been able to guess who she was immediately. Grace could only shuffle up to her and hope she didn't make a fool out of herself.

"Um." Sorry, what did she say?? Oh, Vesper, right! Grace forced herself to stop staring up at the breathtakingly ethereal woman and glanced back out at the depths. "I...suppose he does. I guess, in a way, he was just born, and now he's got the weight of the Salt Spire on his shoulders."
nightmatron: (08)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"As do most who are born into such circumstances," Nyx murmured, her thoughts drifting to another, and more, who were born to bear such a weight. She stood silent for a moment longer, still watching the shadowy knight who seemed to sense he was being watched as he turned his attention briefly in their direction.

Perhaps there was a moment of silent communication, but eventually, Nyx turned her attention to the young woman beside her. There was a flicker to her gaze, a shifting in the golden depths, before she tilted her head with a hum. "I feel as though I should recognize you."
lostinasong: (not cool screw you)

[personal profile] lostinasong 2025-04-06 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
Grace shifted a bit awkwardly, resisting the urge to pick at her nails. Instead she tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat, drawing her shoulders up a bit. "I feel the same way, honestly. My name is Grace...but it used to be Calliope." Will be Calliope? Technically is Calliope? It was complicated and confusing, even for her, and she was living it. Maybe especially for her.
nightmatron: (08)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-28 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
"It used to be?" Nyx questioned softly, watching the way Grace fidgeted.

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youknowwhothisis: (pic#16966224)

tavern

[personal profile] youknowwhothisis 2025-04-04 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
He knew better this time. He spent a considerable portion of the evening observing others and their choice of drink, doing his best to deduce what it seemed to do to each of them. Having bits of candy fall off of him was fine, or even feel an intense sense of bravado, but there would surely come a day where he would stumble into something that would be more ruinous than entertaining.

Mostly, he was here to people-watch, and oh what people there were. After speaking with countless creatures of shadow of late, he'd gotten into the habit of making out shapes in the darker corners of the world. It helped when one had a most intriguing shape and a cool, golden gaze.

Well. People-watching over.

He hopped off the stool he was seated upon, and snatched a hand through the air to grab the cane that wasn't there a moment before. His fingers set it to a twirl as he made long strides (for him, anyway) before planting himself beside a lady what looked carved from the evening sky.

The cane gave a gentle tap as the end planted to the floorboards, and he leaned a hand upon the end. A thumb edged up the brim of his hat, allowing him a better look at the woman that essentially towered over him.

"...We don't bite, you know. We always ask first."
nightmatron: (05)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-04 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Nyx could only imagine the fun Aphrodite would have with him.

It wasn't often that people approached her so brazenly, yet perhaps she should get used to it here. This wasn't the House of Hades she was in, so people weren't familiar with her here. Not that she particularly seemed to mind it as she studied him, the hint of a smile appearing on her lips.

"And yet you assume I would ask first?"
youknowwhothisis: (pic#16979409)

[personal profile] youknowwhothisis 2025-04-07 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
The reaction was a quick blink of surprise, but he recovered quickly enough. The smile was definitely amusement, though pardon the bit of gold that rose in his face.

"Ah. Well. I'll just wave my green flag for any wanton nibbling urges, then. Do you drink?"
nightmatron: (11)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-28 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
She let out a soft, low chuckle, dark and velvety as a night breeze. She studied him, the amusement in his smile, the gold in his cheeks, and found it... charming.

"Sometimes," She answered with a slight nod of her head. "Though not often, and not lightly. I rarely indulge, rarer still that I find company I would care to share it with."

Was she saying that he might be an exception tonight? Possibly.

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coldsong: (Jotun 6)

Solemn celebrations

[personal profile] coldsong 2025-04-06 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
"He is new," Loki lets his Aesir illusion fall away as he approaches. In the face of this ethereal, dark goddess it feels more appropriate to appear in his base form, stripped of all pretense. The air chills as he gets closer. "Newly born, or reborn, from the power of Queen Cordelia and the energy offered by sacrifices from the Visitors."

"And he's had a tremendous responsibility placed upon him already. There's a battle to be fought."

"I'm not sure if pity is the appropriate emotion, or if he'd be offended by it, but I feel it nevertheless."
nightmatron: (13)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-06 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
The chill in the air doesn't bother Nyx as it often gets cold in the dark. She merely turns her golden yellow gaze towards him, noting his form while listening to his answer. "Pity will do little to help him in the battle ahead then. It seems what he needs is guidance or perhaps simply faith in what he must do."

"Has it been made clear yet what he must fight?"
coldsong: (Jotun 3)

[personal profile] coldsong 2025-04-06 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Absolutely stunning, this entity. He feels a little lost, but then he's been around a lot of goddesses in the past. More than any others, she reminds him of Ran, the sea goddess, in the abyssal pressure of the depths. Mysterious, dangerous, but sometimes surprisingly good company.

"I believe that's why he's asked us to retrieve these memory shards," he says. "Although...I don't know. Maybe it's unfair to give him even those to go on. He'll be a happier creature in the long run if he builds his own sense of individuality."

"Triton," he answers. "A fallen god. We have reason to believe he's Cordelia's ex-lover, but...whatever was between them, he has certainly become a danger to the innocent mortal people here. Vesper is...akin, I think. A shadow to fight shadow. But aside from that, we can know little of her intentions for him."
nightmatron: (15)

[personal profile] nightmatron 2025-04-06 05:44 pm (UTC)(link)
He is stunning in his own right, both in the form she had glimpsed before, and in the one that stood before her now. She watches him steadily, sensing the way he feels before her, which isn't unusual. But she also knows that while it is easy to feel lost in the night, it is also possible to find comfort.

"Perhaps. Or perhaps it would be kinder to give him those shards, so he can avoid the mistakes of the past. He doesn't need to be chained to them forever. If he can form his own sense of identity and individuality, do you think it will keep him from being used by this Cordelia? Is that your hope for him as well?"

She is filing away every bit of information he is giving her as they talk.

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