TDM #1: WELCOME VISITORS

[calderamods]

TDM #1

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.

SIT, STAY A WHILE

The Tavernkeeper offers more than just answers. This is a tavern after all, and what is a tavern without drinks?

"I know just what you need." They say, giving you little time to reply before some manner of drink (alcoholic or not) is set before you.

DRINK MENU

PEOPLE SKILLS: A deceptively simple looking cocktail that when imbibed makes one feel very social. Time to make friends and influence people!

A SPOT OF COURAGE: a tasty concoction so nice on the tongue it loosens it up. You suddenly want to reveal something about yourself!

SKY HIGH: a fizzy blue drink billowing with white smoke and served with a lemon slice as a garnish. It has been known to make the drinker giggly and sometimes even float a few feet off the ground.

CRYING FROG: a swirling bright green drink that makes you want to cry - or is it something else about this place that just makes you want to tear up…

SHARING IS CARING: a large, delicious frozen concoction that comes with two straws. You can't finish it alone! (No, like, you quite literally can't finish it alone.)

52 PICKUP: It's just whiskey. But for some reason it really puts you in the mood for cards, or a game of mahjong, maybe a couple rounds of checkers

QUICKSAND: The thickest chocolate milkshake you've ever had. The flavour is rich and delicious, but it moves like concrete. Sucking it up the straw takes effort. Makes the drinker mellow and lethargic. It's all good, man. Don't worry, be happy.

BEER: Beer? I thought you said bear! (animal transformation)

SEX ON THE BEACH: literally just sex on the beach, but also an aphrodisiac. Have fun! (The rooms upstairs are still open, for the record…)

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.

A NEW NORMAL

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.

---

Visitors in all starter cities are offered a standard home with basic necessities provided (your choice in design, etc.) that can house 1-4 people if they so choose. Home upgrades can be purchased via rewards.

THE 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

Welcome to Caldera's first 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 them here.

All locations are available to be explored! Please mind that it is an active work in progress and will hopefully be finalized by June 8th.

We are looking at an opening date of July 1st with reserves opening on June 28th and and applications on opening day.

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

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Comments

[enjoins]

Unlikely but not impossible, there are sure to be a few wolves in sheep’s clothing lurking about. In fact, I’m almost certain of it. No place as beautiful as this comes without certain stipulations.

[ it’s an unknown factor and he doesn’t like that, so he frowns as he slides an arm back around him and leads him through the crowd. ]

Everyone is entitled to secrets, if they keep them it must be for a good reason. What kind of man would I be if I tried to steal them from you? A poor excuse for one, to be sure.

[ he can’t help but laugh when he brings up being dramatic, shooting him a look. ]

Dramatics, he says! You didn’t see what was on the other side of that handkerchief, you would have been just as appalled. I stole it because you were crying and mine is missing. But, if it bothers you so little..

[ he lifts the hand that was holding the handkerchief and mimes the gesture of touching his face with it. ]

And I have it on good authority that eighteen hours is an awfully long time ago, especially once you have been spirited away to another land. Time could work differently here, for all you know it could have been days for me.

[ he suddenly shifts into business mode despite the smile on his face, crossing both of his arms in turn as he leans down until they are face to face. ] Then we’ve reached an accord? A very detailed refresher is not only in order, it is a necessity.

Every detail, what do you take me for? I am nothing but thorough with my hands.

[ and since he’s already here, he tugs him around the corner of an alley where there are less people bustling about, presses him against the wall and kisses him hungrily after tangling a hand in his hair—a taste of things to come later. ]

[roblet]

Oh, naturally. When aren't there? We can figure it out, though. It's strange, isn't it though? Seeing the sky.

[ being at the bottom of the heap really does make for not seeing the sky really ever. they'd seen it that day, though. he doesn't think about that right now.

he leans easily into branlon's hold as they walk, and he is, apparently, still good at putting on the face of the ingenue that used to come naturally, because while he does so, no one so much as gives them a second glance.

he makes a face at the miming gesture, flapping a hand as though shooing it away. but then he's breathing out a quieter laugh, lids lowering so he can look up at him through pale lashes. ]

I suppose it's only fair we see to it that eighteen hours never pass without again, hmm?

[ he's grinning by the time they're almost nose to nose and he cants his head juuust a little before nodding decisively. ]

We have an accord, naturally. And I thought I was the hands—Branlon!

[ but it's on a laugh and he's kissing back just as hungrily so soon as his back hits the wall, a hand gripping at his nape to keep him there.

and a taste of what's to come nothing: he uses that grip and the leverage of his back against the bricks to hop up and wrap both legs around his waist, breaking the kiss only to murmur against his mouth. ]

Careful, darling, or I'll let you show me right here.

[enjoins]

It is. What do you think one has to pay for a view like this? Not monetarily. I’m going to firmly place my bet on there being cannibals here. Man-eating trolls would be my next guess, perhaps a swarm of undead creatures. [ is he being serious? hard to tell with how thoughtful he looks as he purses his lips and continues. ]

They would not take our weapons for no reason, or the things we value most. They gave me the most important thing, however, so I’m not especially cross with them. Ah, no, I’m simply thinking aloud now, pay it no mind.

[ he waves the hand he was threatening to poke him with as if to dismiss the thought. ]

My word, is this you flirting? And in public, no less, where I’m forced to behave myself. Either you are very calculating or you know me all too well, both are likely.

Winslow. [ he mimes right back, curling both arms around him to support him. the fingers of one hand creep under his shirt to press into the small of his back as he grins against his lips. ]

Fortunately for our current audience, I am both a gentleman and not particularly eager to share you with anyone else. [ he groans nonetheless, thumping his forehead against him. ]

There has to be an Inn around here somewhere.

[ okay, he can start being a gentleman again tomorrow. after everything that has happened, curling up beside him is a necessity. even if he wakes up after this and it has all been a dream, it would be worth it. ]

[roblet]

Mm. There are certainly plenty of odd types in this place. I briefly thought I saw someone from... home, but I was mistaken. It was unsettling for that split-second, though.

[ the way he says home, it's clear he doesn't mean their hometown in sharn. he means where he grew up, in the forests, with the—well, branlon's heard the story before. he doesn't have to get a refresher, nor does he have to know that the reason winslow was so briefly unsettled was because he didn't want to be executed for all the grave robbing he's done.

in any case: ]

I'm in agreement right down to them giving me the most important thing, though. I'll pay it mind if I like. [ then: ] What, have I gotten bad at flirting? I haven't been practicing it, you know!

[ but he's teasing, which is sweet: he is calculating and he does still know him all too well, and it's obvious.

he briefly catches branlon's lower lip with blunt teeth as he's making his little gentleman speech, then breathes a laugh and starts to stroke his hair when his head thunks down. ]

I love you so much, darling. But were they not meant to give us a place to live? Certainly that's better than an inn. So many surfaces to break in, and in our own space. Perhaps there's a counter or table you'd like to set me on first.

[ there's definitely some grouping of places they can just pick from, he remembers being told that. and now, it's top priority. ]

fml i could have sworn i replied

[enjoins]

You’re certain it was a mistake?

[ it’s because he knows the story that he asks, he even looks away briefly to see if they are being tailed at all. if this place can bring him prior to his death and Winslow from a fair time after that, it means anything is possible.

sharp eyes make one more pass over the crowd before he looks back over at him. he won’t push it, he never has, but he will be on the lookout. ]

I would expect nothing less. [ bad? hmm, he looks a little too thoughtful as he calculates his next answer. ] How can I be a proper judge when you are so out of practice? I will reevaluate your skills in a week or two.

[ his shoulders shake with a laugh he tries to stifle. of course he isn’t serious, all he would have to do is look at him and he would be mesmerized. ]

Old habits. When your typical options are a run down home with paper thin walls or an inn, and you do know how much I enjoy tormenting Harold, I find myself opting for the latter. Something about this doesn’t feel right to me, I’m not eager to put any faith in a place that has already stolen from me.

[ says the thief to the other thief. oh, he feels the need to correct himself, so he lifts his face and grins rather sheepishly as he goes nose to nose with him. ]

Even though it did give me you, darling. You are clearly the highlight of this excursion.

i thought you were just busy with work lmao

[roblet]

Yes. I made sure. It does leave me wary, though.

[ thankfully, he just arches a brow at the tease, then rolls his eyes. ]

I'm never going to flirt with you again. You're going to mourn for the days before you told me my flirting was out of practice.

[ but he's in such a better mood than he was even just a few moments ago, and it shows. amazing what getting exactly what you've wanted for the past several years can do for a guy.

then: ]

Mm, no, I understand. I'm angry for everything they've stolen from me, but I can't be too angry in light of what I've been given in return. That said, I have little faith in this place granting anything else out of the kindness of their hearts, but I do fully intend to take advantage of the situation in any way we can.

i am never too busy to spam my bestie

[enjoins]

Then we are on the same page, at least we know what to look for.

[ creepy cult elves with hard-ons for the dead. he doesn’t have to voice it, they both know it. at the eye roll he feigns hurt. ]

You will make it a day before you lock eyes with me and give in. I’ve been told I’m quite handsome and persuasive. I also recall you saying something about the way I smile at you. How did that go, again?

[ which is the same smile he turns on him now, though posing the question takes time because he kisses him between each word. ]

You can’t very well take advantage of anything from that vantage point, can you? I suppose I’ll have to let you go.

[ eventually, because he is definitely pulling away from the wall with his man still in tow. he is all smiles until he glances around Winslow just in time to spot a certain mark running into view across the way—and he has friends. ]

Shit.

[ he sets him on his feet again and takes his hand, trying not to look too amused through his exasperation. they couldn’t just give him five minutes, could they? oh well, they could make up for lost time later, now it’s time to run. ]

We have company, he must be really partial to that wallet.

the dedication.........

[roblet]

Mm. Always. They can't do anything in this place though, so I'm less worried than I might be otherwise.

[ then, at the smile, he scowls. there's no fire behind it though, because there never is. doubly so with the sheer amount of relief still pouring through him. ]

Hmph. You are handsome and persuasive and I'm cursed to endure it.

[ cursed, he says, as his pseudo-anger melts into a smile of his own that spreads further with each ensuing kiss. he's also clinging tightly as branlon draws back with him, then when he notes the mark in the same moment he sighs, dropping to his feet as he's set down. ]

Horrible. How many times will we be interrupted? I feel we were busy enough to warrant being left alone.

[ he threads their fingers and shoots branlon a sly look, rolling up on tiptoe again to press a kiss to his mouth and then tugging him off and aside, eyeing the distance from the mark through the milling crowd and then nodding. ]

Off we go before he spots us again. I'll make the interruption up to you, come on.

[ time to run indeed. at least the throngs are thick and Winslow is shorter than many of the crowd so if he keeps his head down, it's harder to spot him. ]

i am a one woman army

[enjoins]

I hate to say it, but I wouldn’t rest comfortably on that fact. If we can earn our items back, so can they. I’ll be more than happy to admit I was wrong if it comes to that.

[ the scowl might as well be a smile, it does wonders for his mood at least. ]

I will be sure to remind you how cursed you are later. If you can endure it. [ certainly not a challenge, not judging by the eyebrow he raises. oh, no, that is a certified promise on his end. perhaps when they reach the room they will both be inhabiting later. ]

One would think, but I feel he cares little about our affairs. We will simply have to make up for lost time after, unless you protest?

[ the sly look is returned with interest but, when he leaves the distraction up to him, he clicks his tongue. before they start running, he manages to find a dark cloak and something that will at least pass for Winslow’s hair color from a distance. up close? it looks abysmal, but these are his tools right now. ]

I do have a plan but you aren’t going to like it. Would you be willing to meet me somewhere in twenty minutes?

[ he nods in the opposite direction, to an especially crowded area of the market. ]

Trust me. I can lead them in that direction and lose them in the crowd, they will never get close enough to see my face.

youre so strong

[roblet]

Certainly. But not in the next five minutes.

[ truly even the charade is short-lived. he lists toward branlon easily, a flower to the sun, and his lashes practically brush his cheeks as he looks up at him. adoration, pure and simple.

at the question he stills though, chewing on his lip as he looks from the mark to branlon and back again. the anxiety spike is clear and real amd he ends up looking up at him a moment too long before he finally nods.

trust and faith. trust and faith. he has both of those in branlon, but not in the place around them.

when he speaks his voice is quiet but even. ]

Where will we meet in twenty minutes? Not a second longer.

it’s a ruse shhh

[enjoins]

Thirty minutes at the most.

[ would it be a hair too dramatic to say he has missed this face? he saw it such a short while ago but it was pinched due to pain and their situation had been beyond hectic. when he leans closer, he runs the backs of two fingers along the length of his jaw before catching him by the chin.

Branlon searches his face nearly as long as he searches his, finally smiling when he agrees to it. they don’t know these streets as well as the mark does but they also aren’t as dogged as he is. experience is key here and he has it in spades, so he leans down and chuckles a bit. ]

I could make it in eighteen minutes but I would rather lead them far enough away that they will have a tough time tracking their way back. This place has to have a sordid underbelly of sorts, I don’t see his type setting foot there even with his friends.

Far too dangerous, my dear, to rub elbows with such unscrupulous folk.

[ the voice he portrays is dripping with arrogance and disdain as he puts the equivalent of a Party City wig atop of his head. look, he appears just as annoyed by it, giving it a disgusted look as he tugs at one of the strands. what is it even made of? no matter, it will do in a pinch. after throwing the cloak over his shoulders and making himself look smaller by hunching over, he sneaks one more kiss. ]

The shadiest looking bar you can find down there—twenty minutes. I love you.

[ when he darts away after hearing what he has to say, he purposely lifts his head to let the light colored hair peek out. a sharp whistle gets their attention but it’s what he does after that has them chasing him with renewed fervor.

what is the easiest way to piss off a nobleman? getting flipped off by the little “whelp” who stole your purse while he is holding it between his other fingers. as if marveling at the efficiency, he winks at Winslow before taking off through the crowd.

missing something from your pocket, darling? ]

[roblet]

[ winslow, personally, is feeling quite dramatic so any dramatics branlon has may simply fall in line with his own. besides, it's true their last meeting for branlon had been fraught: winslow near death from injuries with branlon facing down certain death of his own.

so no, it's not too dramatic.

winslow can never help but smile back, and he listens to the continued plan, finally giving another nod. it's a solid plan, and the haughty voice makes him snort. it's been a long time, even with the echo of branlon he has back home, that his lover has needed to put on another voice. or even done it for fun. why would that matter, when winslow is the only one that can see him?

but now...

gods, but the wig is ridiculous. winslow tugs idly on a strand of it but doesn't dislodge it, tipping up into the kiss with a hum and another lingering glance. ]

The shadiest bar in town. I love you too.

[ and it's likely the most passionately branlon's ever heard him say it. winslow takes no chances: he's off like a dart into the crowd in the opposite direction so soon as branlon's led the mark and his friends off, and he doesn't stop until he's well enough out of the area that he can poke around the discussed seedy underbelly and find a suitable spot. there are a couple of places, but one is just slightly worse off than the other and winslow picks that one.

it's easy to settle in at the bar and pretend he belongs, hailing the bartender and ordering a drink to nurse while he waits for branlon to find him.

when he reaches into his pocket for some of the gold he's pilfered through the day to pay for it, he notes a fussy little trinket he'd snatched is gone and rolls his eyes fondly.

of course. a reminder of just how real he is.

it puts a soft smile on his face as he tucks into a corner to watch the door, hood up and drink so, so slowly inching downward. he's still anxious, still on high alert, but he's being left alone to keep his vigil and that's enough for him.

tick tock, tick tock. ]

[enjoins]

[ twenty minutes come and pass with no sign of him, which is unusual enough. if he says twenty minutes, he means twenty minutes or less and is almost obsessive about keeping to the time frame. it takes another five minutes for him to walk into the bar and find him, but less than twenty seconds for Branlon to sink into the chair next to him with a groan.

he winces when he looks over at him, knowing he likely worried for those additional five minutes, but it took longer than expected to lose them, especially when they herded him up to the Skyfall Docks and nearly cornered him.

holding up his rope-burned palms, knowing he is unable to hide them from him, he laughs. ]

I may have underestimated their tenacity, but they underestimated my willingness to do something idiotic. Maybe it was the rude gesture?

[ but he is in one piece and sans the wig, which he is certain was harvested from some sort of very smelly animal. he can still smell it even though he made sure to ditch it and the cloak shortly after losing the group. ]

Apparently he is universally disliked, or so my unwitting accomplices informed me after pulling me onboard the airship. [ he kindly leaves out the fact that he thought he was going to drop out of the sky and that he thinks he may have aggravated his shoulder during the ordeal. ]

I suppose I should return this? [ he reaches into his pocket and pulls out both the trinket and the wallet, sliding them into one of his hands as he leans over and nudges their foreheads together. ]

Forgive me for being late. Now that I know what I’m dealing with, I can adjust the time accordingly.

[roblet]

[ he's late.

he's never late.

those five minutes are absolute agony. winslow sits hunched, eyes never leaving the door, barely blinking, barely breathing, and his inhale shakes so hard it almost rattles once branlon does walk through the door.

he's alive, and that's what matters. he's alive because winslow can't see ghosts here and he can see him right in front of him, corporeal and not semi-transluscent and he can reach out and touch him, which he would have been able to anyway but does nonetheless, his hand dropping to rest on his knee like he's testing, like he's making sure.

he's barely listening to what branlon has to say, just looking at him with a strangely far-away gaze as he works himself back down from the precipice.

finally he seems to snap out of it when their foreheads touch and he lets out another shaky little breath, eyes closing as he nudges in closer, fingers of that free hand curling around the items that've been returned to him. ]

I—

[ he swallows. swallows again. nods. ]

Sorry. Sorry, I'm still— I have to get used to— I'm so glad you're alright.

[ there are relieved tears biting at the backs of his eyes, but he doesn't let them fall. ]

[enjoins]

[ shit, shit— ]

Winslow..

[ they may not fall but his entire demeanor has him hooking a foot around the leg of his chair to angle it towards him. the way he talks is slow and deliberate because, while he sees him coming out of his fit, he is still lingering. he approaches this in the same manner he does when he finds himself haunted by a memory, by gently lulling him out of his unease with the best weapon he has—his voice.

to drive the point home, he cups either side of his face and murmurs a series of reassurances, fingertips brushing against his cheeks to ground him again. it’s not dream, he is actually here, and he is not going anywhere without him. ]

You can doubt this place, but never doubt me. If I tell you I am going to be somewhere, I will be there no matter what. It could have been a small army and I still would have found my way here, albeit later than I would have liked.

[ once he is certain his voice has reaches him, he sets his hand atop of the one resting against his knee to give it a squeeze. ]

Why are you apologizing? Of course I’m alright, oh ye of little faith, I had someone very important waiting for me. Have you seen him?

[ one last attempt to ground him before he draws that hand up, to press a kiss to the back of it. at this point the humor has left his face and the only thing remaining is the adoration from before, along with the warmth that came from hearing Winslow tell him he loved him so earnestly.

fondly: ]

Are you alright?

[roblet]

[ the touches help, the way branlon speaks to him helps. the next time that his exhale is audible it doesn't tremble and he leans into the hold on his face, eyes lidded but focused. ]

I should've trusted more. I'm sorry. I just need to get back into my old skin.

[ when things were easy and certain. he smiles though, at the admonishment for apologizing, reaching up to brush a strand of hair out of his face. ]

I got used to apologizing.

[ a strange thing to say, but he doesn't linger on it and instead huffs an almost laugh, tipping forward to steal a kiss. ]

Don't tell me you've started to go blind like that old bastard, because I'm right here in front of you.

[ then, with a decisive nod: ]

Yes. I'm alright. I'd like to figure out where we'll be staying, I think.

god they’re gross lmao

[enjoins]

It’s a new place, I think it’s safe to say that we are both out of our element right now. And you don’t have to do anything, all I’ve ever wanted was for you to be yourself. Whatever has changed about you, know that my feelings have not.

[ aaand there he goes apologizing again. it has him reaching out to grab his chin again, to turn his face so he can really get a proper look at him. it’s more than obvious he is searching his face for something.

instead of the oftentimes violent Branlon he has grown accustomed to, this one carefully takes up both of his hands and looks him in the eye. he never raises his voice or sneers at him, but his smile is almost sympathetic. ]

Stop apologizing, Winslow. You may have gotten used to it but you’ve never had anything to apologize to me for as far as I’m concerned. Nothing.

[ the comment about Harold get a snort of laughter out of him after he returns the kiss and he lingers. ]

I’m thirty-five, not ancient, I— [ he was about to say he has several years to go until he reaches that point but he catches himself. thirty-five years is all he will be given. he managed a quick enough save, at least. ] —can’t believe you would lump me in with Harold.

Well, then! [ he rises from his seat, bows and offers him his hand, like a gentleman about ready to sweep his dance partner off their feet. ] Would you fancy going on an adventure with me?

absolutely disgusting smh

[roblet]

[ there's a moment where he remembers a conversation that went simply "it's my fault" followed by "of course it is" from the thing wearing branlon's face he'd gotten so used to, but that's not here. branlon is, genuinely, and winslow needs to get used to that again and quick. he doesn't need to hear all the horrible details about what the false version of himself did either. or know it existed at all.

so he does snap to attention when he's told to stop apologizing, nodding. it's nice to hear, and he'll need to hear it many more times before it sticks for real, but it still makes him happy. ]

He's younger than me and I called him that, darling. Old has nothing to do with age. [ wry. but still, he's mollified by the returned kiss, eyes lidding. ] You're the one that pretended you couldn't see me, so that's what you get.

[ he hops to his feet by tugging himself up via branlon's hand, only letting go so that he can do a cat-like stretch before looking up at him, hands coming to rest at his shoulders and drumming against them. ]

I think I wouldn't be myself if I said no. I'd love to go on an adventure with you.

adds onto the filth

[enjoins]

To you, maybe. He looks like he was present for the dawn of time. [ he hums, throwing a lazy smile his way. ] Saying I couldn’t see you was a ruse, darling, how else was I going to pull you from your thoughts? Time may have passed but I still know you.

[ he drops his hands to his hips, fingers kneading into the tender skin. while tapping out an unheard melody, he sways with him, imagining it’s been quite a while since he danced with him. ]

Well, then, where shall we adventure to? The stars, the sea, the hills? The sky is the limit and the choice is in your very capable hands.

[ just as long as the place he chooses has a bed because dear god, he has a need. catching one of his hands, he spins him around and catches him to pull him flush when he faces forward again. ]

Whatever it may be, it’ll be ours.

[ are people staring at them? probably. does he give a shit? absolutely not, they are the only two here as far as he is concerned right now. ]

[roblet]

Yes, well, you look like I'm robbing the cradle, so watch it. [ this is a lie; winslow still looks like he's barely in his twenties if he were a human. good thing those pointy ears let people know he's actually an old man or whatever. he snorts, carding a glance up at him that's a little sly. ]

I could never forget your ruses. You still get teased for it. Though you are right. As always.

[ he leans into the grip easily, a familiar flush beginning to dust his cheeks. his arms lift just a little more to wrap around his neck, hand bracing gently at his nape to let his fingertips brush through the very ends of his hair, expression nothing short of adoring.

and the sway is nice, it is, but he also doesn't care that people are looking at them because he hops up easily once again, legs around his waist and forehead pressing to his as he hooks his ankles to keep his grip. he's even more athletic than before, which is a bit of a feat. don't worry about it. ]

I want to stay in the sky. [ quieter, a whisper: ] I want to steal an airship, but that can come later. [ and back to his normal tone: ] Most of all, I just want to be with you. So let's get out of here and take our place to stay.

[enjoins]

Hardly, they’ll wonder which nursery I stole you from at this rate and there will be questions. [ if that was meant to reassure him it does it not, even if he wasn’t returning home to die, he would be unrecognizable in twenty years or so and downright feeble in thirty. ]

As always? Darling, never tell a man that he is always right, it will go to his head and he will become incorrigible. I’ll settle for right most of the time, however.

[ ah, there is the man he remembers, the flush is a most welcome guest. while adjusting his arms to support him under his backside, he leans over to press a series of kisses to one cheek, then his nose and finally to the other cheek to map out the color in his face.

it has been such a short while since he saw him last but, even with all the beauty around them, nothing takes his breath away quite like he does. in fact, it appears he is taking a moment to savor just that, eyes lingering on his as he allows the silence to persist. he would be content, he thinks, to never take on another job again if he could just hold him like this. finally, he lets out an exhale. ]

Do you know how beautiful you are? The beauty of this utopia pales in comparison, I hope you are thoroughly prepared to be reminded of that. I’d give up everything here for five more minutes of this. Just holding you, knowing you’re in my line of sight. What more can a thief want when he has already stolen the ultimate prize? Your heart.

[ he’ll meet this whisper with one of his own, nudging their foreheads together. ] Then the sky is yours—ours, perhaps we should let the heat from your last mark die down before we set our eyes on an airship. But, if that’s what you want, you know I won’t be against it.

[ when he notices someone staring at them he pauses, tilts his head to look at them and raises his brows once to silence them with one of his roguish smiles. then his attention is brought back to Winslow as he starts for the door with his prize in tow, stealing kisses occasionally. ]

I’m yours, I always have been. To the sky, then.