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 i love him
Anyway, that's where he'll be standing when Adrian comes roaring out. And rather that shying away, he just lifts a hand in a halfhearted greeting.]
Good to see you've still got plenty of energy!
no subject
He's left on the stairs, crouched down on all fours with his wings buzzing at his back, the claws of all four hands scratching restlessly at the worn staircase. It's in no better shape than when Vash saw it last, crumbling and old yet still standing despite the years.
Since Adrian is still very corrupted, and doesn't have Goddess Intervention snapping him out of it enough to be able to speak as coherently as before, Vash might not...get the kind of interaction he's expecting. But he will get A interaction!]
Go away.
no subject
Here he is. And here he'll stay.]
Don't worry, I know this place is important to you. I'm not gonna go trespassing again. Really sorry about that, by the way. But hey, looks like I learned my lesson, huh. [He motions to himself loosely.]
no subject
You're......a fool.
[Now that he realizes it's Vash...he must truly have a death wish to come back here. That, or he's trying to taunt him and his inability to come out to get at him.]
What do you want.
no subject
You can say that again.
[The question gives Vash pause. Really, he hadn't been thinking all that clearly when he'd came this way. He'd meant to drape himself over Ourania's statue. And yet now here he is.]
I don't really know. Guess I just needed somewhere to be. You can't hurt me. I can't hurt you. It's less risky, right?
no subject
Maybe he needs to send a clearer message, he thinks as the base of his throat glows red hot. A warning.]
I don't want you here. You are TRESPASSING.
no subject
Then down again.
Then back up.]
Nuh uh.
no subject
Adrian is just going to blast fire in your direction. Get fucked.]
no subject
Anyway. Vash is just gonna stop drop and roll for a second before something in him breaks. He's so tired of being lashed out at tonight. His head aches, his chest feels raw, and now half of his body is burnt. Great, wonderful! Amazing!]
Come on! You're the only one who gets how I feel right now! We're both - monsters, right? Never mind the fact that you DID THIS to me. The least you could do is have a little bit of empathy!!
no subject
Adrian growls again, a deep, gutteral sound. It's not nice, it is not rational. It is bestial and angry, because Vash is dancing just out of reach. And he has the gal to talk to him about empathy?]
Who's fault is that? You came here!!
no subject
[He cuts off. The lump in his throat is back, and he wants nothing more than to rip it out. His fingers lift up toward his throat, wrapping around the column of his neck. They tighten, but don't squeeze enough to cut off any of the air. It's just pressure, a hope of alleviating some of the horrid feelings building up within him.]
Because I thought you would understand. I - [He isn't allowed to cry, but his eyes burn and his chest hurts and his throat constricts all the tighter.] I just want someone to understand.
[No one ever has. Not his brother. Not his friends and family. Not even Wolfwood.]
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here. I just didn't know where else to go.
no subject
The instinct to guard. Protect. To keep his lighthouse safeguarded from anyone who would harm it, because- once upon a time- it meant everything. To the Grove, to Adrian.
And Vash, at least while Adrian is in this state, isn't someone he wants to protect. He's an intruder. He's something he needs to purge, the Creature whispers into his ears.
Do your job.
Adrian's throat burns bright, the sparks of flame crackling in the back of his throat as he aims to breathe another column of fire directly in Vash's path.
...
As if acting as divine intervention itself, the ground around them shudders. The very world itself seems to shake as the sea opens up not far from the Lighthouse, the serpent that sleeps there suddenly coming up from the depths. It nearly knocks Adrian over as he flies up a few feet, clinging to the side of the lighthouse as he looks out towards the ocean, bewildered.
As it begins to rain.]
cw: suicidal ideation
It would be okay.
But then the world upends itself. Like Adrian, Vash is upended by the force of the earth shaking. His wings don't catch him like they should, and he realizes why as he tries to flutter them — the lower left wing is nearly gone from the first blast fired, while the upper is singed at the bottom.
Wonderful.
But there are more important things to worry about. He sees Adrian go flying, and while logically he knows that he's probably fine, Vash still charges forward as if to catch him. Yep, he is absolutely on the grounds of the lighthouse, but he doesn't care. Nor does he seem to pay attention to the rain.]
Hey - you okay?!
[And while he waits for a response, he turns his eyes to the old Lighthouse. He puts his hands to its walls, trying to make sure there's no damage to something that's clearly important to the guy.]
cw: decay
He's not actually looking at Vash right now, as startling as that might be given how he was trying to rip him apart just a few moments ago. Because from where he's standing, drops of rain are coming down and pattering against his face, rolling down his neck, sizzling against his blackened arms. Smoke rises from his body as the water literally extinguishes the flame, and at the same time...the corruption within.
It isn't a fast process. He isn't even sure he understands that's what's happening to him. He just knows that the water doesn't hurt like it usually does, which is why he's looking up towards the sky as the colored rain comes down, trying to parse why that could be.]
...
no subject
Namely the fact that Adrian is suddenly smoking. Or is it steaming? It's hard to tell what exactly is happening, only that it's different than the roiling smoke that he's used to seeing from the strange man.
The longer he stares, the more rainwater seems to run into his eyes. He doesn't really process that his vision distorts (or perhaps undistorts) as a result. At this point, he's more convinced that it's the water causing his issues, rather than anything else. Though, really, maybe he should be worried considering the strange color of the rain. The last thing he needs is to learn it's radioactive about about to make them both super corrupted.]
Hey - maybe we should duck inside?
[Don't do that idiot. And to his credit, he doesn't. He remains outside, rubbing at his arm as it tingles in a way that's far different than burned nerves might.]
no subject
But it doesn’t seem to be hurting him. If anything, it’s making everything less…hazy, and heavy. It’s clearer than it’s been, and the dissonance makes his head ache. He brings his claws up to his face and tries to wipe the water off, only to realize that he can even see a little clearer than he could before. No constant, dark fog everywhere, suffocating him.
What’s going on…where is he? Where was he?
Thoughtlessly, he tries to wander past Vash off the Lighthouse steps, but only then does he finally react, pulling back with a pained hiss like he’s been stung. His body tightens all over, his muscles locked up like something really did shock him when he attempted to leave. But just as quickly as it happened, it’s over, and he’s back to standing listlessly on the steps.
The rain keeps falling.]
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Wonders as much until he turns his head to the sky and...]
Oh -
[He doesn't know much about the Cosmic Serpent, or any of the gods, really. He's had his head too far up his own ass, dealing with his own problems, to really try to help out with the Grove. But he's at least pretty sure he knows what he's looking at.
His attention doesn't go far for long, though. Eventually it turns back to Adrian. He doesn't dare get too close, and definitely doesn't reach out but...]
You still with me?
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He’ll notice that his eyes aren’t black anymore, with pinpricks of amber. They’re fully amber now with dark pupils, like the colors completely reversed.]
Wh…what’s goin’ on…?
[He whispers that, looking back up at the sky as the serpent slowly swims overhead, the brunt of the rain hitting their area first as it moves over towards the rest of the beach.]
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[Vash matches Adrian's volume. ANd hey, now that he's talking, Vash feels a little less hesitant about taking a step or two forward. He's seen the man lucid before, but never like this. Another glance toward the sky leaves him feeling more confused and curious than ever.
But for now...]
I think the rain might be helping you.
[Both of them, really. It can't do much for the nearly eradicated wing, at least aside from easing the pain. But its upper counterpart seems to be mending itself, to say nothing of the state of his arm.]
How do you feel?
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[Which is a weird thing to say, he realizes, but.]
The Voice…ain’t so loud anymore.
[He brings a hand up to cradle his head, which is quite frankly throbbing, but the water continuing to drip down his face is helping soothe whatever aches he’s feeling. The corruption is a much taller order, but…it’s done something.
For the first time in hundreds of years, Adrian is more lucid than he’s ever been before. He can’t leave the lighthouse- that much is evident by the pain he expressed trying to leave the steps- but…he isn’t trying to kill Vash either.
…
He grimaces, and decides…that he has to sit down. So he’ll slide down the door of the Lighthouse, so he’s half-in, half out, sort of angled towards the inside yet still in the doorway enough for the rain to hit him.]
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He shifts a few feet, eventually settling down beside him. For the first time, he can really take in Adrian's appearance. It goes beyond the corruption, taking in his eyes, the posture, all of it.
After a moment, he holds out his hand.]
Guess I should say it's a pleasure to meet you! Since we've never been properly introduced. Name's Vash.
[He doesn't know if this will last. Even if it does, everything that has chased Vash up until this point, the fight with Wolfwood and the knowledge of what he'll come to do, will come crashing back in. But for right now, he can hold it at bay.]
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…he huffs and seems to decide, fuck it, as he takes Vash’s equally corrupted hand in his own.]
…Vash. Yeah. You’re the blonde guy.
[He sounds a little breathless just sitting down. It’s clear he’s not super okay still, but he’s at least no longer in the danger zone of snapping and ripping Vash’s head off.
When they part, Adrian looks back up towards the sky, eyes half open as he lets the rainwater patter against his cheeks, saturating his skin and continuing to heal what little bits of him it can.]
You…prolly shouldn’t stay here. Dunno…how long I’ll be like this.
[Who knows if the rain is just temporary, like how the Goddess helping him was?]
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[At least he flashes his winningest smile! It won't do much to help Adrian feel better, but maybe the mood will prove to be contagious.]
I won't linger too long. Especially if you feel like you're gonna start biting and clawing again. But some company won't hurt for awhile, yeah? Seems like you've been alone for a long time. [He pauses, eyes sliding downward. he stares at the stone of the steps beneath them.] Maybe I can relate.
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[…He looks confused. Then a little stressed, grimacing as pain lances through his head.]
I…I think… […] S’…Adrian. Yeah. Adrian.
[It takes him a while, but he gets there. His memories are hazy, his ability to form coherent thoughts is still trying to claw its way back to the surface, so Vash is going to have to be a little lenient with him here.
Anyway, Adrian exhales slowly, keeping his arms to himself just in case.]
You could…say that.
[Time has been strange for him. Like it’s gone by quickly, but extremely slow all at the same time. And then there’s…
…
He’s quiet for a bit. No longer looking at the sky, but down at the ground in front of the stairs. He’s realizing that he still can’t leave, and it may be some time- or, honestly, never- before he can actually set foot outside of it again.]
I ain’t…really in a position t’ask, after I’ve almost killed you so many times. But I need a favor from you, before you leave.
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[And it is. From the moment they met, or perhaps the moment Vash realized there was someone in there that could be spared, he's wanted to know this man. Now that he has a name, it gives him hope. Or maybe it's just the rain, and the way it seems to cleanse both of their sins away in one fell swoop.
Maybe things couldn't be mended in his world. But if that was true, he could at least stay here and try to make something right.
Busy as Vash is making promises to himself, he doesn't see the way Adrian's posture shifts. It's only once the man speaks and Vash's attention flickers back to reality that he sees... something isn't quite right. It's why he doesn't hesitate to offer a gentle smile.]
Hey. I've never once held that against you, so don't start with me there. [He leans forward, just a little too eager.] Tell me what you need. I can make it happen.
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cw: decay
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cw: child death/decay cont
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pointing. rosso spotted.
:)
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