sticksandbones | EVENT & TDM 022

EVENT & TDM 022

WAKE UP

Being out in the woods is, for some people, an ordinary day. You may or may not be one of those people — you almost certainly don’t remember going camping, do you? — and yet you emerge from a tent and think to yourself, hm, that’s quite odd! Where is the nearest civilization anyhow? If you’re brave enough, perhaps you set out to seek it, walking toward where you think you hear noise in the far distance. It sounds a bit like cheering. A party? A bonfire? You can’t be certain, not at first.

As you step onto the worn trail, something nearly clocks you right in the head. A nimble dodge to the left and a quick glance at the ground tells you that it’s some kind of tree branch made of… flesh? It’s certainly flesh-textured, though the colour is a deep blue that glows white. It seems to be rapidly rotting into the ground, and as you look up… a giant, several hundred foot tree of a similar eldritch makeup is falling apart before your eyes. Your walk back to civilization will be full of dodging probably-dead flesh tree bits.

Should you make it in one piece, the source of the noise becomes obvious: the people making up this small town are cheering and yelling about something else of eldritch makeup. It seems that some of the creatures who have lived in this civilization’s river for the last year, the Seaborn, have decided to evolve to be capable of flight. Some residents of this town seem extremely enthusiastic with this. Some are wary. Some simply don’t care.

You? Well, that’s for you to decide.

Welcome to the eldritch horror fae woods, dear friend. Enjoy your stay.

A SNAKE IN THE GRASS

While the black fog returns, some paths are left clear, or at least not as impacted as other areas of the woods. Mist fades in and out, and even if you aren’t one for nature, surely exploration can sing its siren song when the size of the town is too small and all the faces look the same. Paths line themselves with daffodils and chamomile flowers, with arctic poppies and clearings of wildflowers- foxglove and lavender especially prominent. They’re lovely, all of them, and bloom far more rapidly than anything else should be this early into spring, this late into winter, but they do.

But something creeps beneath the flowers, and something large digs through the earth, leaving upturned grooves in the dirt and grass, trails of flattened mud and roots with only bushes of camelia on the outskirts left behind. It’s quiet in the forest, not even birds singing. It makes the hiss of tongues all the more noticeable.

If you’re lucky, you might see a purple and grey stone shift in the distance, gone just as quickly as it was there. If you aren’t, you don’t see its much smaller, flower-patterned counterpart strike from the shadows. Snakes are working their way into the Grove, hiding in bushes and under steps, anywhere they can lurk and strike the unsuspecting, and their bite is venomous.

One bite brings excruciating pain, bone-deep cold, an increased frailty of the body and hallucinations. A second bite brings a deep, nightmare-filled sleep. A third bite brings death. All of them scar with a black sun over the bites, a mark of divine wrath — the Fallen Sun sends his regards, and his hate.

Those who perish to the snake bite will awaken in their bed in a few days, feeling nauseous and weakened, but…

'NEATH SERPENT'S GAZE

… This simply isn’t tenable. Between the paranoia and the snake’s stealth, it’s hard to feel safe outside of your home, and maybe inside, despite the fact that once again your homes offer refuge from the forest’s attacks—they hadn’t once upon a red, hot summer, after all. How did they face this last time? It was a flower, wasn’t it? And the new flowers in the forest seem special, if only because of their strong growth compared to the rest of the forest.

But if you go into the woods, two large stone snakes wait, ready to protect the natural gardens. Breaking them does little but slow them down for a time, and their bite is both larger and their venom stronger—the true version, the one that crippled a household in seconds. The severity of the symptoms are worse, murderously so, but survivable if it’s not the third bite.

They block the way, ambush would-be travelers, coil around the flower patches, and will not be stopped. Does this confirm that the flowers could help? Or are they simply protective of their master’s property? Is it play?

Regardless, they wait and watch.

CITIES & BONES

When all the violence of the month ends, and thank goodness for that, you decide to head to bed. For once, you might sleep well — there are no threats of snakes making you wonder if you or your friends might die tomorrow, and the Grove as a whole feels much safer. It’s as if someone or something is guarding over it — different from the Guardian Deities and the Goddesses as a whole.

For the next several days after the snakes disappear, your dreams are strange, as if you’re receiving a vision from another world. A modern city, so different from Aldric’s Grove that you’re not entirely convinced it lies in this dimension, blinks in neon lights behind your eyelids. Between the cacophonous sounds of motorized vehicles rushing by, the din of people talking in a language you don’t understand, and the distant electrical humming from the street lights, perceptive dreamers might hear something else:

The soft clacking of dry bones.

Spark Notes

summary

Wake up: You were apparently camping. You don't recall this. As you head out toward the sound of civilization, bits of giant blue flesh-tree nearly hit you in the head. You'll have to dodge the remaining flesh tree bits as it crumbles while you walk back to town.

A Snake In The Grass: Flowers spring up far too early in the season, and the fog wall returns. Purple and grey-coloured stone snakes begin to attack from the bushes and flowers where they're hidden. One bite brings cold and frailty, a second bite brings nightmares, and a third bite brings death. All bites scar with a mark of the Black Sun.

'Neath Serpent's Gaze: You've heard of a flower that can cure the poison, but to get there, you have to face two far larger stone snakes who are guarding over nature here. Whether they want to play or simply kill isn't clear. You're in danger of death either way.

Cities & Bones: While you sleep after the snakes disappear, you'll have strange dreams that feel like visions and feel watched by something safe and kindly. While your dreams are absorbed in that of a cityscape that feels almost too real, you can sometimes hear the clattering of bones.

out of character

Welcome to March's TDM and Event! Spring is springing and we've got a lot of really cool events coming up in the next few months. The magic system should debut this month as well, which we're very excited about. It is a slow process but the rewards should be well worth it.

updates

Any potential updates, such as characters damaging something important or whatever else, will be put here.

submissions

❖ Questions
❖ March Plotting
❖ Past Life Plotting (Closed to Game Members)
❖ Investigations

code

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

["Do not worry," Joshua says, as if Dion is physically capable of restraining himself. He fixes a look upon the man, before he shifts to set his bowl upon the bedside table.]

Bring me a mug. [It is not an ask, but a demand. While he waits, he reaches for the bread that had been brought and splits it in twain. He finishes just in time for Joshua to return, and snatches the mug before he can protest. He has no doubt that it's obvious what he intends to do.

He doesn't wait for permission, instead carefully pouring half of his soup into the mug. He nods to it sternly.]

For you. [And before anything else can be said.] My appetite is yet to fully return. I have no doubt that this will be enough to satisfy me. Moreover, I would not be able to eat knowing you might yet be languishing.

[ The fact that it is a demand is enough to make Joshua's back straighten. That is a tone that brooks no argument. ]

... yes. Of course.

[ He nearly asks why, but as he turns to hand it to Dion, his question is all but answered. The bread has already been broken, and he is hardly surprised that some of the soup is poured into the mug as soon as he has his hands on it.

This, too, brooks no argument. He knows it. So, Joshua sighs softly, picking up the mug but leaving the spoon for Dion. ]

Thank you.

[ Dion has the bed, so he takes the seat beside it, not really thinking as he lifts the mug to his lips to take a sip.

And immediately bites down on a piece of carrot, much to his dismay. The look he gives his mug is an odd combination of a grimace and a kicked puppy. Politely, once the broth has been properly swallowed around the offending vegetable, he turns his head to spit the carrot into the trash bin beside the bed. ]

Founder, I forgot about the-- Dion, may I borrow your spoon? Just for a moment.

[The moment Joshua's expression shifts, Dion realizes his mistake. He looks to his own soup, watching the carrots float upon the surface, and then immediately turns his attention back to Joshua. There are a thousand apologies written up on his face, and a thousand more jokes he could make.

As it is, he barely restrains a smile.]

Ah, of course. [He reaches out with his spoon, then uses it to motion Joshua all the more forward.]

It seems I've already failed in my sacred duty. [Perhaps it's wrong for him to joke in this state. He hopes Joshua will forgive him for it all the same. He'd like to think it's helping, at least. ] But pray, let me make it up to you.

[If Joshua will let him, he'll be the one to do all the scooping, thank you.]

[ As the spoon is extended to him, Joshua moves to reach for it. And then hesitates, as the spoon is then used to gesture for him to come closer.

He does, of course, tipping his head aside curiously. ]

Your...?

[ ... oh. Oh, what he'd said the night they were all reunited here. He lets out a soft, surprised laugh, shaking his head slightly. Dion doesn't have to do this, but he can tell that this is in jest. As their conversation had gone the night they walked home from the bar.

It's... nice. He enjoys it. It's charming, to see Dion so relaxed, and particularly so after being so ill. He sets his mug on the tray, nodding. ]

Of course. Please, feel free.

Edited 2025-03-09 07:11 (UTC)

[Dion's reasoning is two-fold. One, it's a relatively effortless way to give back to Joshua after all he's done. Moreover, it's a distraction from the horrors they've both experienced over the last few days. A touch of humor would go a long way to alleviate the tension within both of their minds.

So... he sets to diligently scooping away each carrot, setting it upon his own plate. Joshua will have more than one reason to be pleased about it. Not only will he be free of the pesky vegetable, but Dion will have yet more sustenance to enjoy.

As the last carrot is scooped up, Dion shoots a glance through his lashes up toward Joshua. The smile he offers should be teasing, but it feels softer and more tender at the edges than it rightly should.]

You are saved. [He turns away, spooning one of the carrots into his mouth.] And I am all the richer for it.

[ Joshua watches carefully as Dion spoons the carrots from his mug - and into his own meal, which brightens his smile a bit, because it means they won't go to waste. But it also serves to give him an idea of whether or not Dion's hand-eye coordination is off. And it seems like he's doing well enough, which is a big relief.

But the smile he's offered as the effort is completed is so gentle that it makes his heart flutter anew. He can't help but return it, and he reaches out to take his mug and the half piece of bread. ]

Well, thank the Founder for that. Thank you, Dion.

[ He lifts the mug to his lips, settling back in the chair while making sure his wings are situated over the back of it, rather than being squashed by it. It's a good soup, all told. The broth is richly flavored and just a touch salty, good for warming the bones in the cold. It serve Dion well. ]

Are you still experiencing aches and pains? Your sleep was incredibly fitful. I wouldn't be at all surprised if you felt worn out at the very least.

[Dion tries everything in his power to keep from smiling into his soup. By all means, he should be in much rougher shape and spirits than he is. It's true that his body still aches, but his soul remains warmed. Joshua's kindness has done far more for him than he cares to admit.

Moreover, he can't help but think about his conversation with Ezell. Even if Dion had felt he'd resolved things with Terence, there was still a lingering sense of duty there. Yet if what the man had said that night was true, love was not something that actually needed to be divided. He was no worse of a person for feeling the way that he did. It's a strange revelation to have now, of all moments, but he supposes it makes sense. Once more, he'd been on death's doorstep. It wasn't the first time clarity had come to him as a result of that.

Nevertheless, it's not something he intends to act upon right away. There was a right way of doing these things, and part of that would involve speaking to Clive and asking for permission. He wouldn't dare cross this line unprovoked without doing so.

Naturally he realizes he's been silent for far too long. He blinks once, before sheepishly glancing toward Joshua. He'd said something hadn't he? Dion searches back through his mind and — ah, yes.]

I will admit that I am sore. It is of little surprise, considering the state of my dreams. But it will pass, as most muscle aches do. You needn't worry.

[ Hmm. That silence is noted, and Joshua wonders if it has anything to do with the wounds and the venom, or if he is simply thinking. Processing what happened, perhaps. Regardless, he doesn't call Dion on it. There's no need, when he's catching himself and answering. ]

That is good to hear. Though, I do have more oral pain medicines, should you need them.

[ He takes another sip of his soup, this time getting a small chunk of potato to chew. As he does, he busies his fingers tearing a chunk off his piece of bread. ]

They... did leave a mark. The snakes. You will see it when the bandages are removed.

[ He frowns at this, clearly troubled. ]

It is that false god's mark, I am sure of it. This is his doing.

I have suffered far worse. [He pauses, knowing full well that won't do for an excuse in Joshua's eyes.] Ah, I only mean... they come nowhere near the pain I have suffered as a result of my injuries from Twinside, or of my demise. I am no stranger to muscle aches.

[He wwatches Joshua eat, relieved to see that it's not a matter of simply humoring Dion. He seems to be enjoying the meal, despite whatever minimal appetite he might well possess.

His eyes drop to the new bandages on his arm. His mouth twitches into something close to a scowl.]

It will join the legion of scars from my other enemies. And I will regard it with the same attention I give the others — minimal.

[ Dion's clarification gets a small smile. He understands. He has used the same reasoning before - withstanding the pain of the curse, the horrible coughing, the blood, because he has been through worse. But, Dion is also correct in knowing that it isn't a particularly good excuse. Goodness knows the trouble he's put Tarja through with skipping his own doses of medicine. ]

I will let you off easily, then, so long as you can promise me you will take something if the ache is too much. We are allowed to afford ourselves a kindness from time to time.

[ The hunk of bread gets dipped into his mug, but he eyes Dion as he eats it, careful not to drip broth on himself. It's probably for the best not to give it too much attention - it gives the thing power, after all. But even so, the fact that both his brother and Dion have been harmed by that thing in the woods...

He doesn't like it. He has always chosen the better way, has always chosen kindness, but not when it comes to gods going after Clive. And now, not when it comes to Dion. ]

If you insist. Though, I might ask Beiwe if there is a way to remove it. I know not whether it might inflict the corruption, but it is better safe than sorry.

[He's relieved that Joshua doesn't press. While Dion hardly minds the medicine, he's also a hardened warrior. It seemed almost silly, to take pain relievers over an ache any soldier on the field might face. That said, Joshua has made many sacrifices for the sake of Dion's own desires. The least he can do is acquiesce to this.]

If it gets any worse, I shall. I would hate to add to the stress of my dearest healer.

[Where Joshua's thoughts are troubled, Dion grows curious. He's heard whispers of the word "Corruption" throughout town, but he has not yet pried. A glance down at his bandaged wounds does make him worry, but he's certain that if there were a risk, Joshua would have made it known by now.]

Whatever puts your soul at ease. I will gladly accept whatever treatment you and yours deem necessary.

[ Joshua very nearly takes another bite of the broth-soaked bread, but his hand pauses an inch from his lips as his mind comes screeching to a halt. While "my healer" has become somewhat of a common thing to hear, now, the addition of dearest is clearly enough to make his entire mental processes cease to function.

It takes a moment before he realizes that he's been possibly staring at his bread a second or two too long, so he puts the bite in his mouth and focuses on chewing it. The flush on his cheeks is clearly just a trick of the light. ]

Of course. They are not difficult to take on your own, so I would be happy to send them along with you when you return to your room, if you like.

[ Hmm. He will have to commune with Beiwe, then. Probably tomorrow, during the day. She is a sun goddess, after all, and it feels somehow rude to contact her at night. ]

I will always take the side of caution when it comes to possible corruption. It... isn't pleasant. It allows that thing in the forest to control you, to see what you see and hear what you hear. So, it is wise to make certain we are not dealing with it.

[Dion only seems to notice that Joshua has locked up just a few minutes too late. He glances toward the man, brow quirking upward in the slightest. Before he can ask, though, he seems to come back into himself, and returns to eating. Perhaps, then, it's better that Dion not pry.]

I suppose I should return to my own quarters before long.

[He glances at Joshua's own bed and makes a face. He recalls both excrutiating heat and bone chilling cold. He can only imagine the state it's left the bed in.]

I suppose you will not let me offer to clean the sheets before I go, will you?

[His attention shifts back to the thought of corruption. He... doesn't like what he hears. He draws his wounded arm ever closer to his body. No, he would sooner hack off his limb than let himself lose control ever again.]

In that case, I would be immensely grateful if you would do so.

[He's sure he doesn't need to elaborate as to why.]

[ Joshua shakes his head. The last thing that he wants while Dion is recovering is for him to overextend himself. ]

One more night here. Just tonight. I would like to make certain you are steady on your feet and experiencing no ill effects before I set you free. And I will allow you to help me change the sheets, should you be all right to do so.

[ There's a small smile that comes with the declaration. Changing the sheets is not a difficult task, but certainly one easier done with two people. He won't say no to the help, but he also won't ask for the help if Dion ends up too unsteady.

Bur he knows why Dion supports asking. He remembers all too well the way he had lost control at Twinside, and knows that Dion would rather die than lose control again. He nods, affirming.

He wonders which is worse: being out of control and not knowing in the moment, or having your body controlled while being trapped fully aware within it, unable to stop the destruction? Both seem equally awful in different ways.]

I will confer with her, then, and let you know.

[It's a compelling offer that's put on the table. Dion squints at the other man as he rotates it within his mind. It's more time with Joshua, which Dion can no longer deny that he's interested in. On the other hand, he doesn't relish stealing away such precious, comfortable space. He's already stolen the man's bed once before, after all.

Never mind the fact that Dion enjoyed it so.]

As skilled of a negotiator as ever. I am glad to see your time away from home has not dulled your mind or softened your tongue. [Once again, Dion finds himself smiling. Who cares if he'd only just been on death's door.] I accept your terms. Though I suspect I did not have much of an option.

[To Joshua's second statement, he gives only a nod. He could wait as long as the morning for this. Especially when he had far more to focus on this evening.]

[ The clear contemplation of his offer makes Joshua have to mask a smile with the rim of his mug. It's like their meeting all over again, but this time with considerably more levity. The foot of the leg crossed over his knee bounces subtly, just a couple of times, as he awaits Dion's response. ]

You are correct. My experiences with healers over the years has caused me to learn that it is a very good idea not to cross them.

[ But there's mirth in his voice, and in his eyes. It's not a threat. ]

I will accept your compliment, however. It is good to know my skills can still be put to good use even here.

[Dion Lesage does not snort — to do so would be most ungainly. If there's a rough exhalation from his nose as he goes to take another sip of his soup, and a tremble of his shoulders that very nearly spills some of his dinner, that is between him and Greagor herself.

But the smile he wears after? There's no denying that.]

I am ever grateful to be on your side, rather than opposed to you. You are truly a force to be reckoned with, Joshua Rosfield.

[He doesn't notice that his tone is absolutely dripping with warmth and fondness. If he did, he probably would have kept his mouth shut. Oh well.]

[ Oh, is that warmth he hears? Joshua's expression brightens, and he can't help but laugh. It's a soft, delighted, warm sound, not at all teasing or at Dion's expense. Hearing Dion this happy is just so... endearing. He can't help himself.

Let alone the way Dion says his name, with so much fondness. Ah... Maybe Clive had been right. Maybe Dion does truly care for him. But for now, he'll cherish this moment. He's content with this. ]

The Phoenix is a protector. If I did not do my duty to see you safely recovered, Dion Lesage, then what kind of Phoenix would I be?

[ His voice, too, is laden with warmth and fondness. His eyes, as well, as he looks to Dion. Hopefully, the flutters in his heart don't translate to his expression. ]

Finish your meal. Then, we will see whether or not your legs are sturdy enough for assisting me in changing the bedsheets.

[Is Dion imagining things? As he meets Joshua's gaze, holds it boldly, he swears he sees something there. It feels like a mirror of the way he surely stares at Joshua himself. It gives him the faintest glimmer of hope, that perhaps attempting to court him won't backfire terribly, or result in him being laughed from the room.

More importantly, it all but beckons him to try and capitalize on it. It would be so easy, romantic even, to lean forward and steal a kiss. But he's already resolved to speak with Clive first, and won't dare stumble with that crucial first step.

Wooing him with words on the other hand? That can't exactly be ruled out.]

And yet you are far more than just the Phoenix. You are Joshua Rosfield, the very man who pulled me from the brink. By your hand you saved not just my own world, but the world at large.

[He isn't sure what flusters him more — his own words, or the way Joshua's voice sounds. He tries not to dwell on the thought in any specific direction, though, instead tipping his head to finish his soup.]

[ ... oh. If Dion is trying to woo him with words, it's certainly... working? Not that Joshua knows that's what he's doing, of course, but the way that Dion says them brings warmth to his ears, and then to his cheeks.

Ah. Damn it all. He lifts his mug, trying to hide the flush on his face with it. He'd been trying not to be obvious. ]

I... I am glad that I could help you that much, Dion. Truly, I would have it no other way. But you, too, have done so much. To have come to our rescue not once, but twice...

[ And to their uncle's aid, as well. He truly owes Dion so much. They both do. ]

[It is... next to impossible to miss the way Joshua's cheeks seem to warm. The very sight sends Dion's pulse into a frantic pound. Even for all his own attraction, he would have thought a return of those feelings to be an impossibility. This reaction alone calls that all into question.

Of course, it could just as easily be the heat of the soup. That thought sobers Dion, and just as quickly as his heart had leapt, he feels it sink. He's letting his own emotions play tricks on him, that's all.]

It all feels so small in comparison. Though I suppose you must think the same in reverse. It is... strange how our minds try so desperately to diminish our accomplishments.

[ Joshua busies himself for just a moment with a mouthful of soup, as if doing so will make the warmth in his cheeks dissipate. But the amount of soup in his mug is little more than half a mouthful now. Not much of a distraction left.

But Dion's words ring true, and he sighs, lowering the mug for the moment. ]

It is, isn't it? But that speaks to your nature, Dion. You, too, have a kind heart. I have seen it.

[ In the way that he cares so much for Kihel. For... his important person back at home.

Joshua hesitates, then parts his lips to speak again. But the words die on his tongue before he can ask, so he chooses not to. Not now. Dion still deserves time, and he just awakened from a three day coma, for the Founder's sake. ]

... that I have saved you as well as your world... I could not be happier to hear it.

[Likewise, Dion has little more to distract himself with than a mouthful of soup and a few more hunks of bread. He does away with the soup first, then takes a bite of the bread. He chews thoughtfully as he considers those words. He has his doubts, but Joshua Rosfield was no liar. And if a man with as pure of a heart as his could believe Dion a good person, perhaps it was best to believe it.]

Would it be too much to ask you to keep reminding me of such? I suspect that the more I hear it, the more I will begin to believe it.

[And maybe he just really likes the sound of it when it's Joshua's voice. Or Joshua's voice in general. Greagor, save him.

It isn't lost on him, the way Joshua seems to hesitate. His brows draw together, head canting in the slightest. He takes another bite of his bread, wondering if it's too much to pry, before setting his mind to it.]

Does something ail you? You seemed as if you wished to speak.

[ That request makes Joshua smile. Makes his heart clench in his chest, because the fact that it's so hard for Dion to believe his own kindness pains him in a way that's difficult to put into words. But oh, if Dion gives him that chance... ]

Of course, Dion. I shall find a way to remind you daily, if that it what it takes. Even twice daily, if necessary.

[ ... but ah, Dion noticed his hesitation. His expression sobers, and he takes a quick swallow of the remainder of the broth in his mug, just to keep from having to answer right away. ]

Oh, 'tis nothing, truly. I am quite all right, I assure you. Simply a thought, nothing more.

[ Founder, he doesn't want to lie. But he can't bring himself to tell the truth yet, either. One day... ]

[It takes every ounce of Dion's being to not ask for Joshua's promise. To do so would be to tip his hand too early, he suspects. Not that the concept of spending every day with such a reminder does him any good. His head swims with the idea of years of days spent in Joshua's company.]

I shall hold you to it.

[He'll settle for that, same as he'll settle for the way Joshua seems to dodge the question. Dion still seems troubled by it, but if Joshua truly does not wish to discuss it, then he would not be the one to press.]

If you ever do wish to speak of it, you know where to find me. Closer than usual, as it stands.

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