sticks and bones. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sticksandbonesmods) wrote2023-08-24 11:28 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote2023-08-24 11:28 am
Entry tags:
NPC CONTACT
NPCs
To request a thread with an available NPC, put their name in the subject line and anything else you feel is relevant. NPC threads cannot be used for Main AC, but can be used for Bonus AC.
Available NPCs:
Shopkeeper / Heimr.
(he/him)
A tall, heavier man who dresses in slightly oversized clothing not unlike that of a wandering merchant of sorts. He has golden orange eyes and long, curly dark hair that's starting to turn silver here and there, and though he carries a certain weeriness, this does nothing to mask his kindness. He has absolutely no pokerface whatsoever. During the day and late at night he mans the General Store with the help of Plum's magic, though now that he needs to sleep, he's more prone to catnaps at the counter. That said, he'll always be ready to listen or offer a cup of tea. Late winter/early spring, he became human — but not the man he used to be. Heimr gained his name from Mizuki.
A tall, heavier man who dresses in slightly oversized clothing not unlike that of a wandering merchant of sorts. He has golden orange eyes and long, curly dark hair that's starting to turn silver here and there, and though he carries a certain weeriness, this does nothing to mask his kindness. He has absolutely no pokerface whatsoever. During the day and late at night he mans the General Store with the help of Plum's magic, though now that he needs to sleep, he's more prone to catnaps at the counter. That said, he'll always be ready to listen or offer a cup of tea. Late winter/early spring, he became human — but not the man he used to be. Heimr gained his name from Mizuki.
Trader / Ydalir.
(she/her)
A large woman who adorns herself with rich colors and baggy clothes to hide her shadowy form, and the Shopkeeper’s sister. Like her brother, she has given her name to the forest and with it, her identity and humanity. She is much more energetic, but more likely to anger as well. She runs a trading booth, armed with magical items from who knows where and a mirror that allows her to reach for items across dimensions, which she will use for the new residents of the Grove! For a price. Her name was given to her by Mizuki.
A large woman who adorns herself with rich colors and baggy clothes to hide her shadowy form, and the Shopkeeper’s sister. Like her brother, she has given her name to the forest and with it, her identity and humanity. She is much more energetic, but more likely to anger as well. She runs a trading booth, armed with magical items from who knows where and a mirror that allows her to reach for items across dimensions, which she will use for the new residents of the Grove! For a price. Her name was given to her by Mizuki.
Rusty.
(he/him)
An old dog who desperately wants to go home. Before the fence erected itself, he spent most of his days trying to get into the manor with little success. The Shopkeeper says the children of his former master are inside the manor, and he wants to return to their side. He can be fussy and has a flair for that doggy judgmental side eye, but he’s gentle and loving as well. What secrets does he hold?
An old dog who desperately wants to go home. Before the fence erected itself, he spent most of his days trying to get into the manor with little success. The Shopkeeper says the children of his former master are inside the manor, and he wants to return to their side. He can be fussy and has a flair for that doggy judgmental side eye, but he’s gentle and loving as well. What secrets does he hold?
Zahliya.
Played by purifier
(he/they)
A Gargoyle rescued from the fog who is very fond of his titles. Known as "the Purifier, He Who is the First Sentinel, the Grove's Guardian" and fifteen other things, Zahliya is short, combative, and possesses the ability to cleanse corruption by taking it into himself, or burning it out with magic. While formerly unable to conjure said magic, Zahliya is now capable of curing all but the most dire forms of Corruption. His true name is "Amun-Ra", given to him by the Goddesses who created him. He can typically be found perched on the roof of the church, and wields two holy blades called Daybreak and Nightfall.
purifier(he/they)
A Gargoyle rescued from the fog who is very fond of his titles. Known as "the Purifier, He Who is the First Sentinel, the Grove's Guardian" and fifteen other things, Zahliya is short, combative, and possesses the ability to cleanse corruption by taking it into himself, or burning it out with magic. While formerly unable to conjure said magic, Zahliya is now capable of curing all but the most dire forms of Corruption. His true name is "Amun-Ra", given to him by the Goddesses who created him. He can typically be found perched on the roof of the church, and wields two holy blades called Daybreak and Nightfall.
Zonari.
(she/her)
A Gargoyle constructed by the Fallen Sun/Forest who was brought back to the Grove with some reluctance. Zonari is firmly on the side of the Fallen Sun, though she will entertain being spoken to, and is operating under a truce with everyone here under the promise that they will reunite the Fallen Sun with Beiwe and repair the trust lost between the siblings. She refers to Zahliya as her brother. Her magic deals in Corrupting and modifying memories, and she has a small amount of control over Time. She rarely visits the Grove to "check on you all", and will not get directly involved in affairs of the players at this time.
A Gargoyle constructed by the Fallen Sun/Forest who was brought back to the Grove with some reluctance. Zonari is firmly on the side of the Fallen Sun, though she will entertain being spoken to, and is operating under a truce with everyone here under the promise that they will reunite the Fallen Sun with Beiwe and repair the trust lost between the siblings. She refers to Zahliya as her brother. Her magic deals in Corrupting and modifying memories, and she has a small amount of control over Time. She rarely visits the Grove to "check on you all", and will not get directly involved in affairs of the players at this time.
Moder.
(she/her)
A terrifying, two-story tall moose monster known as the Guardian of the Forest. Moder speaks exclusively in a language that sounds similar to Old Norse, but her words are automatically translated in the heads of those who hear her into something legible. She roams the Grove freely and slips in and out of the fog, regularly killing dangerous monsters to protect the people within the fog's protective bubble. If you ask nicely, she will give you rides around the Grove. During Spring and Summer, mosses and flowers grow along her back and bloom in her hoofsteps.
A terrifying, two-story tall moose monster known as the Guardian of the Forest. Moder speaks exclusively in a language that sounds similar to Old Norse, but her words are automatically translated in the heads of those who hear her into something legible. She roams the Grove freely and slips in and out of the fog, regularly killing dangerous monsters to protect the people within the fog's protective bubble. If you ask nicely, she will give you rides around the Grove. During Spring and Summer, mosses and flowers grow along her back and bloom in her hoofsteps.
Sinann.
(it/its or they/them)
The River Guardian, Sinann is a five-foot long fantail fish. It is the reason the river flourishes, and it is the reason you should return the bones of fish you take from the river back to it. Despite appearances, Sinann is just as powerful as the other Guardians. It has the ability to enter a humanoid form to go on land, but will largely still be a fish in the river. Sinann's healing water can heal all but the most fatal of injuries, and it recommends carrying a bottle of it with you just in case.
The River Guardian, Sinann is a five-foot long fantail fish. It is the reason the river flourishes, and it is the reason you should return the bones of fish you take from the river back to it. Despite appearances, Sinann is just as powerful as the other Guardians. It has the ability to enter a humanoid form to go on land, but will largely still be a fish in the river. Sinann's healing water can heal all but the most fatal of injuries, and it recommends carrying a bottle of it with you just in case.
Callan.
(he/him), art by ![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
winterbolt
The Lake Guardian, Callan, lives within the lake primarily, but his "mobile home" is in a fishtank in Pure Vanilla Cookie's house. He has the ability to charm people with his siren's song, though lately he's learnt to "be good" and ask first before he tries to take bites out of people. To make matters worse, he's also a shapeshifter, and tends to take on amorphous forms. He cannot shapeshift to something that would break his usual powers — no birds/flight, and no saltwater creatures. Mostly, he wants to play and taunt people. He acts much stupider than he truly is, but he's not going to tell you that.
The Lake Guardian, Callan, lives within the lake primarily, but his "mobile home" is in a fishtank in Pure Vanilla Cookie's house. He has the ability to charm people with his siren's song, though lately he's learnt to "be good" and ask first before he tries to take bites out of people. To make matters worse, he's also a shapeshifter, and tends to take on amorphous forms. He cannot shapeshift to something that would break his usual powers — no birds/flight, and no saltwater creatures. Mostly, he wants to play and taunt people. He acts much stupider than he truly is, but he's not going to tell you that.
The Sky Guardian/"Aurora".
(she/her)
Dubbed "Aurora" by the residents of the Grove, The Sky Guardian, the "bird of rainbow", was killed by the Fallen Sun when it Fell. Thanks to the efforts of Pure Vanilla Cookie, she has been resurrected. When she initally perished eons ago, it is said the stars fell from the sky with her; with her return, the stars, too, have come back. She is kinder and more patient than the other Guardians, and can shapeshift into various types of birds. When in her real form, she stands at three stories tall. A single rainbow tailfeather can bring people back from the dead without consequence — but the offerings required can be steep.
Dubbed "Aurora" by the residents of the Grove, The Sky Guardian, the "bird of rainbow", was killed by the Fallen Sun when it Fell. Thanks to the efforts of Pure Vanilla Cookie, she has been resurrected. When she initally perished eons ago, it is said the stars fell from the sky with her; with her return, the stars, too, have come back. She is kinder and more patient than the other Guardians, and can shapeshift into various types of birds. When in her real form, she stands at three stories tall. A single rainbow tailfeather can bring people back from the dead without consequence — but the offerings required can be steep.
Dragon Hatchlings.
(varies)
A clutch of seven dragon young who hatched upon the beach midwinter. The young vary greatly, but are friendly and playful little things. They like to play at the Rec Center or can be found in various places around the Grove, though they all have favored guardians and caretakers.
You may ask them for a blessing or two, threaded here.
A clutch of seven dragon young who hatched upon the beach midwinter. The young vary greatly, but are friendly and playful little things. They like to play at the Rec Center or can be found in various places around the Grove, though they all have favored guardians and caretakers.
You may ask them for a blessing or two, threaded here.
Nene.
Played by mermaidcursed
(she/her)
A young girl who was previously corrupted, but healed by the Cosmic Serpent's holy rain and Pure Vanilla Cookie's efforts. This has resulted in the more malignant plant growths on her to drop and die, but at this point she is still significantly plantlike, as she's come to rely upon these mutations to survive for thousands of years. At a glance Nene will stand out due to her eyepatch, metal legs and the flowers growing out of her hair. As she's now free of the Forest, her exuberant and bright personality is starting to really shine through. Upon death and revival, Nene will personally lead you back to the Grove. Just don’t let go of her hand on the journey.
mermaidcursed(she/her)
A young girl who was previously corrupted, but healed by the Cosmic Serpent's holy rain and Pure Vanilla Cookie's efforts. This has resulted in the more malignant plant growths on her to drop and die, but at this point she is still significantly plantlike, as she's come to rely upon these mutations to survive for thousands of years. At a glance Nene will stand out due to her eyepatch, metal legs and the flowers growing out of her hair. As she's now free of the Forest, her exuberant and bright personality is starting to really shine through. Upon death and revival, Nene will personally lead you back to the Grove. Just don’t let go of her hand on the journey.
Elsword.
Played by simplicitas
(he/him)
A young man who was once living among the Grove's residents and formerly Corrupted. Elsword formerly resided in The Garden, where he greeted and spoke to the dead, as well as researched the secrets of it. He decided to resurrect for a chance at attacking the Fallen Sun out of revenge. Fully blind, he can be found living with Mizuki, but spends a majority of his time outside camping out across the river and upstream from Vash's House.
simplicitas(he/him)
A young man who was once living among the Grove's residents and formerly Corrupted. Elsword formerly resided in The Garden, where he greeted and spoke to the dead, as well as researched the secrets of it. He decided to resurrect for a chance at attacking the Fallen Sun out of revenge. Fully blind, he can be found living with Mizuki, but spends a majority of his time outside camping out across the river and upstream from Vash's House.
Callisto Abella.
(she/her)
A merchant and 'treasure hunter' if you believe her words, Callisto is a cynical woman who has the unfortunate crime of freeing the Fallen Sun, letting him claw his way back to power. He's kept her as a personal pincushion for centuries, killing and resurrecting her at whim, and though she's still full of fire, she is also weary from years of guilt, suffering and the realization that everyone she knows and loves is dead. Callisto keeps to herself but can be drawn from her room at the inn with good company, good food and good wine- which she also enjoys making.
A merchant and 'treasure hunter' if you believe her words, Callisto is a cynical woman who has the unfortunate crime of freeing the Fallen Sun, letting him claw his way back to power. He's kept her as a personal pincushion for centuries, killing and resurrecting her at whim, and though she's still full of fire, she is also weary from years of guilt, suffering and the realization that everyone she knows and loves is dead. Callisto keeps to herself but can be drawn from her room at the inn with good company, good food and good wine- which she also enjoys making.
Semi-Available NPCs:
Semi-Available NPCs are NPCs that are only able to be spoken to under specific circumstances. The circumstances are outlined under each NPC's informational blurb. These NPCs may or may not be moved to Available or Unavailable status depending on further plot updates. Characters who do not fulfill the requirements will not be able to thread with these NPCs. They live under a cut to save page space.List of Semi-Available NPCs (Click to Expand):
The Behemoth.
(she/her)
The "daughter of Callan", The Behemoth is an enormous, many-eyed crocodile who is now trapped outside of the lake due to the fog wall. She has interest in humankind, and will regularly stalk anyone near the river, but will not try to harm them unless she is harmed first. She claims that she will side with whoever makes her home better, be it humankind or the Creature in the Woods. She can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
The "daughter of Callan", The Behemoth is an enormous, many-eyed crocodile who is now trapped outside of the lake due to the fog wall. She has interest in humankind, and will regularly stalk anyone near the river, but will not try to harm them unless she is harmed first. She claims that she will side with whoever makes her home better, be it humankind or the Creature in the Woods. She can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
Plum.
(they/them)
A little fox spirit within the General Store, Plum is the reason that Heimr can get so many supplies and keep it stocked year-round. There is a shrine to them in the back of it. Plum can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
A little fox spirit within the General Store, Plum is the reason that Heimr can get so many supplies and keep it stocked year-round. There is a shrine to them in the back of it. Plum can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
Beiwe.
(she/her)
The Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe's statue rests next to the well. She traditionally wears armour and wields a sword. She is boistrous, loud, and passionate, and praying to her will make the area feel warm for a time. At one point, she rode on the back of a giant dragon named Sehul. Her statue shows her without her horn-halo cracked, but the real Beiwe does indeed sport that injury. She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
The Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe's statue rests next to the well. She traditionally wears armour and wields a sword. She is boistrous, loud, and passionate, and praying to her will make the area feel warm for a time. At one point, she rode on the back of a giant dragon named Sehul. Her statue shows her without her horn-halo cracked, but the real Beiwe does indeed sport that injury. She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
Ourania.
(she/her)
The Goddess of the Moon, Ourania's statue rests next to the well on the opposite side from Beiwe's. She wears a flowing gown and a scarf in her statue. Little is known about her, though she is said to be "very ill". Another humongous statue of hers lies underneath the far-off lighthouse, built into the cliff face. When prayed to, she makes the world feel colder for a moment.She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
The Goddess of the Moon, Ourania's statue rests next to the well on the opposite side from Beiwe's. She wears a flowing gown and a scarf in her statue. Little is known about her, though she is said to be "very ill". Another humongous statue of hers lies underneath the far-off lighthouse, built into the cliff face. When prayed to, she makes the world feel colder for a moment.She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
Felicity Morais.
Played by amethystic
(she/her)
A young witch and Star who was called to an uninhabited star shrine to empower it once more. She stays to both provide a beacon of safety to other Stars in the forest, share her power and a third, much less pleasant reason: to be live bait for that which would kill the holy lights and give them time to protect themselves best.
amethystic(she/her)
A young witch and Star who was called to an uninhabited star shrine to empower it once more. She stays to both provide a beacon of safety to other Stars in the forest, share her power and a third, much less pleasant reason: to be live bait for that which would kill the holy lights and give them time to protect themselves best.
Unavailable NPCs:
Unavailable NPCs are, well, not available for threads for one reason or another, but are listed here for bookkeeping/lore reasons. They may or may not become available at a later date. Available NPCs may also become unavailable at a later date, and will be moved to this list accordingly. To avoid clutter, this list lives under a cut, but all NPCs are lore-important and should be considered part of the story even if they aren't necessarily contactable.List of Unavailable NPCs (Click to Expand):
Aldric.
(he/him)
The founder of the Grove, owner of the manor, and Rusty’s previous master. He had planned on establishing the Grove as a pitstop town within the woods while trying to clear space for a shortcut trade route between towns. It seems that he invited people who needed to get away from their hometown as means of refuge as well. ... Recently, the Shopkeeper has confessed to being Aldric, though he can no longer call himself by name.
The founder of the Grove, owner of the manor, and Rusty’s previous master. He had planned on establishing the Grove as a pitstop town within the woods while trying to clear space for a shortcut trade route between towns. It seems that he invited people who needed to get away from their hometown as means of refuge as well. ... Recently, the Shopkeeper has confessed to being Aldric, though he can no longer call himself by name.
Renard.
(he/him)
Aldric’s best friend and the co-founder of the Grove. Currently, he is deep within the forest, sealed into a tree and awaiting rescue. He is said to have taken a magic artifact long ago that the forest wants, intending to hide to protect it.
Aldric’s best friend and the co-founder of the Grove. Currently, he is deep within the forest, sealed into a tree and awaiting rescue. He is said to have taken a magic artifact long ago that the forest wants, intending to hide to protect it.
Olivia.
(she/her)
Aldric's sister, who lived within the grove. Apparently she guards the star shards. Through magic and great sacrifice, Olivia gave up her name and with it, her humanity, to become the Trader.
Aldric's sister, who lived within the grove. Apparently she guards the star shards. Through magic and great sacrifice, Olivia gave up her name and with it, her humanity, to become the Trader.
Audrey.
(she/her)
Aldric’s youngest child. Her body was discovered in the manor, laid to rest within her bedroom. She has a gravestone outside of the manor, and both Rusty and the Shopkeeper can be found there sometimes.
Aldric’s youngest child. Her body was discovered in the manor, laid to rest within her bedroom. She has a gravestone outside of the manor, and both Rusty and the Shopkeeper can be found there sometimes.
Rillian.
(she/her)
Aldric’s oldest daughter, the middle child. She remains within the manor for reasons unknown, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
Aldric’s oldest daughter, the middle child. She remains within the manor for reasons unknown, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
Evan.
(he/him)
Aldric’s oldest son. He remains in the manor alongside Rillian, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
Aldric’s oldest son. He remains in the manor alongside Rillian, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
"The Forest".
(he/it)
Or rather, the entity possessing the forest as a whole. Childish, sadistic, and power-hungry, the Forest has invited you to play! And you will play, whether you like it or not. Though it can show acts of kindness, it views all life as its toys, and will not be convinced otherwise. Known also as the Creature, the False God, and the Fallen Sun, the entity possessing the Forest was formerly a God that Fell and has seen fit to wreak havoc upon the world. The Guardians will tell player characters to call it anything other than a God so that it doesn't regain any more power. While not available for direct threads on request, the Forest will interact with characters through major events and storylines. At one point, it was named "Suri" by Affogato Cookie, though this name is not known by other player characters and should never be used ICly due to that. Do not do a metagaming, thank you.
Or rather, the entity possessing the forest as a whole. Childish, sadistic, and power-hungry, the Forest has invited you to play! And you will play, whether you like it or not. Though it can show acts of kindness, it views all life as its toys, and will not be convinced otherwise. Known also as the Creature, the False God, and the Fallen Sun, the entity possessing the Forest was formerly a God that Fell and has seen fit to wreak havoc upon the world. The Guardians will tell player characters to call it anything other than a God so that it doesn't regain any more power. While not available for direct threads on request, the Forest will interact with characters through major events and storylines. At one point, it was named "Suri" by Affogato Cookie, though this name is not known by other player characters and should never be used ICly due to that. Do not do a metagaming, thank you.
Sehul.
(they/them)
A long-dead Guardian, formerly Beiwe's mount and said to be a flame-coloured dragon. Sehul was killed by the Fallen Sun in an attack. The Guardian's skeleton can be found at the lake's edge, sunken into the sediment.
A long-dead Guardian, formerly Beiwe's mount and said to be a flame-coloured dragon. Sehul was killed by the Fallen Sun in an attack. The Guardian's skeleton can be found at the lake's edge, sunken into the sediment.
The Cosmic Serpent.
(any/all)
Lying in the whirlpool in the middle of the ocean viewable from the cliffside, the Cosmic Serpent is a long, glittering leviathan who feasted upon the fallen stars eons ago. They will not entertain conversation, and their preferred hobby is taking a nap.
Lying in the whirlpool in the middle of the ocean viewable from the cliffside, the Cosmic Serpent is a long, glittering leviathan who feasted upon the fallen stars eons ago. They will not entertain conversation, and their preferred hobby is taking a nap.
no subject
[Still anxious. His face burns when Luca looks at him. He feels sick when he thinks of how he simply up and left. He wishes he could take it back, but he's still unsure how to be fucking Normal about any of this. There's something stirring in his chest that he hasn't actually felt before, and it feels like suffocating and drowning and flying at the same time.
He's not better. He's just going back to his normal role of killing things and watching over the area. He looks better because, as it turns out, he's adept at masking things when it comes to unrelated people. Not Luca.
His tail flicks.]
—you made me something? [He falls into step at Luca's back. No closer.]
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[Only now does he glance back, just enough to show the way the corner of his lips lifts upward. He hasn't missed that there's something eating at Zahliya, but he hasn't been able to put his finger on what. Logically, the night they spent together doesn't make sense, not when it had been the gargoyle that insisted that they share a bed in the first place.
How's he meant to know that they'd wound up so close? And even if he did, why would he be bothered? His on-again, off-again affair back home usually ended that way, or in Luca himself being the one to sneak back out.
But perhaps that doesn't matter. Right now, he's focused on opening the door to the bar. There's a makeshift closed sign on the door. Like hell he was going to let anyone steal his creation before he got back.
Or, you know. Witness him cooking. He can already hear his sibling's scathing remarks.]
Wait here. [He motions to a table, before making his way toward the storeroom door.]
no subject
For now, though, he simply sits. Plops down in a chair like a human person would, resisting the urge to do the male miqo'te /sit motion. You know the one. His tail sorts itself into his lap, curled over his thighs.
He waits. Patiently.
For 20 turns, and then—]no subject
The pie is set down in the center of the table, between two already laid out plates. For his reward for not acting like a
fuckcatboy, Luca serves him first, cutting it with the wedge shaped knife, then balancing the slice on the flat of the blade.]Here.
[Luca serves himself, then leaves the knife in the tray in favor of sitting down across from him. He doesn't take his own bite yet. Instead, he's staring expectantly at the Gargoyle.]
no subject
Is this your medium-rare [that is not what he said last time hello] apple pie?
[Clearly he did not fully register the meat conversation.]
Do I just... [Moving his hands around... not sure how to eat people food..... picks the pie up in his hands and takes a bite like it's a pizza.] ...oh! It's sweet!
[The tail wagging increases exponentially.]
no subject
Sweet without being overwhelming, and tart enough to distract.
[Luca opts to take a bite of his own with a fork. The carefully woven crust practically crinkles as he cuts into it, then lifts it up for a bite.]
What do you think beyond that? [He waits until he finishes his own bite to talk, at least.]
no subject
You know, with his sticky-ass fingers. It's fine he's fine. He's eating with a fork now.]
It's good. It tastes like bread and fruit and synonym. [no—] Oh, and it's sticky. Is it supposed to be sticky? I like it either way. It isn't overwhelming, either.
[Help how do you review foods]
no subject
Cinnamon. [It's a... mostly gentle correction. Luca might be smirking a bit though.] It is supposed to be sticky though. That's the sugars. You'll want to wash up afterward.
[God, why is this so endearing to him.]
no subject
[Okay not exactly but you're getting it—]
Shall I say this? It has the essence of... [shoving a bite in his mouth] ...apple.
[Tail wags. Luca's smirk is cute.]
no subject
[He muffles a laugh into his hand at that. His gaze flicks toward where the spirit tends to make his home. With Luca's presence, and no customers to be found, it doesn't seem to be present but... that's fine.]
I think your review is adequate. Mistaken words not withstanding.
no subject
[That pie is going to be gone in the next 30 seconds by the way, Zahliya tends to eat fast.]
no subject
There is a spirit here that watches over the place. He seems to handle the routine details. [Subject change. Quick.]
It has the taste of wood in it because of its fermentation process. Most alcohol is stored in barrels. The longer its in there, the more likely it is to retain some of the wooden taste.
no subject
Anyway, the pie is gone, and he's thinking now about how the fuck he should say "sorry for bailing on you when we were in bed together I'm kind of stupid about this shit" in words that are not those ones.]
In either case, thanks for the pie, Lu. [Inevitably, he'll be back for more.] It, uh... it means a lot to me that you made it just to show me.
[Motherfucker he is So bad at this. Emotions hard.]
no subject
I was away from most comforts for a long time. Nights that I tended bar were probably the closest I got to civilization, and even then there was little time for fanciful projects such as this one.
[He clears his throat.]
In any case, I hope having something sweet aids in your recovery. Not that you look to need it.
no subject
My wounds heal swiftly enough. I'm particularly hardy, you know, and I've survived multiple encounters with monsters that would kill anyone else here. Combat is all I'm good for.
[Which, speaking of things that he's good for...]
...not anything else. Certainly not cuddling up to someone, for instance. I didn't mean to run off the way I did, but I'm not— [good at this, yeah, but he fumbles saying it.] I'm not used to being touched, nor am I used to that touch feeling very safe. In the past, being touched is because I'm injured, or because something wants to injure me. It's not that I didn't like waking up in your arms, but I can't exactly put into words what the hell that was, or why I felt the need to run off.
...
Sorry, Lu.
no subject
[Somehow, this is news to Luca. Yes, they'd spent the night together in only the strictest of definitions, but when he'd closed his eyes, they'd been on separate sides of the bed. He didn't really remember anything from that night, beyond feeling maybe the slightest bit more comfortable than usual?
... Ah.]
Zahliya, I... apologize if I gave you the wrong idea. Or made you feel as if you were involved in something you were uncomfortable with. [For some reason, it makes his heart flutter, then immediately drop like a stone. The taste of the pie turns to ash on his tongue. The only type of intimacy he's used to is the physical kind, and even that usually verges on the mutually hateful.
Zahliya deserved better than that. But he also deserved an answer. Some kind of reassurance.]
Truth be told, anything I do with other people, like that, I mean, is... largely only physical. It's quite normal for anyone like that to leave before the morning.
What I mean to say is... I am used to it.
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Yes, I believe cuddling is a physical act.
[The braincell is not firing on all cylinders.]
Still, you were owed an explanation. It isn't that I don't enjoy your company — far from it. My avoidance was simply...
[It's difficult to explain, and he hums, looking off to the side. A normal person would say something like "I think I'm developing feelings for you" or "hey, trauma-brain doesn't want me to get closer but I want to be closer, I'm just bad at this" or even something as simple as "I have anxiety". Zahliya does not have normal brain. He has gargoyle brain. He has ingrained duty to protect people from harm brain, not "be calm and learn to love" brain.
There's something strange and tight in his chest whenever he looks at Luca, so he doesn't. It's an unidentifiable nebula he can't sort out.]
...I needed the time to sort myself out. ......and I also thought you might be angry with me. .........and I also think I may be exceedingly horrid at this, despite the fact I would attempt to sleep with you again.
[WHY DID YOU SAY IT LIKE THAT.]
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Well. Mostly let it happen. He sputters at Zahliya's final statement, then devolves into outright coughing. If he'd ad a drink, he might have spit it everywhere. Small miracles, then, that he's not making an absolute mess.]
You want to - [He has to calm himself mentally. Zahliya's always said things strangely, this is probably no exception. Polite as he can, he offers: ] Most people use that phrasing when they want to have - [He feels like a teenager again.] Sexual relations with someone.
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[Well now it's his turn to be red.]
...that's not what I meant. [Yes sweetie he knows.] I meant what we did last time. ...if you wanted to, of course. I think the general anxiousness will wear off eventually. I did volunteer to hold your hand while we rested, so I'm sure I just need to get used to the sensation of... [He's grappling for words again, gesturing into the empty space next to him with a hand.] ...safety? With you. You're safe. You feel safe.
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That's never been him. Or rather, it hasn't been him over the past few years. He was always the one leaving, just as Zahliya had done.]
I... have to admit that the concept is unfamiliar to me. Sharing a bed in that regard. [But...] I can't say I feel dissimilar to you... I feel quite at ease with your presence as well.
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[It's a little off the path from what Luca actually means. Zahliya doesn't know how to distance himself from what he was made to do, so if he feels "safe" that obviously translates to "good at his job of Guardian and Killing Stuff". Right? Yeah, right.]
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Yes, well... [His tone grows distant. His eyes drift elsewhere.] I suppose I shouldn't keep you from your duty overlong.
my dumb ass: i responded to this tag (narrator: you did not)
He's not really sure what's happening anymore. It seems like he was going to maybe bonk their foreheads together, local creature doesn't know a single thing about anything right now, but Luca pulled back, so Zahliya does too. The conversation has grown awkward, and maybe he shouldn't stick around...
Hesitantly, he nods and stands.]
Perhaps... but I do enjoy the reprieve. I do enjoy spending time with you. ...but yes. I'll see you later, Lu.
HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US....
[Luca stands as well. For a moment, he feels unsure of what to do with his hands. It all feels very much like being a child, trying to learn the manners of high society again. Only instead of feeling humiliated, there's that damnable undercurrent of warmth and joy and attachment of all things. If Luca thinks about it too hard, it makes him dizzy.
So he doesn't think. He marches to the door and opens it. Bows at the waist as he motions Zahliya out with every bit of manners he's ever been taught. And if he doesn't meet Zahilya's eyes? Oops.
He very nearly makes it out without sticking his foot in his mouth. Almost.]
If you find you need another break, at any point. You can come to me.
[Dammit.]