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

[ 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.

[ To that, Joshua does not hesitate to nod. He would promise, if Dion asked it. He wouldn't think a thing of it, either. There is a great deal that he would do for Dion, he thinks. The man deserves it, selfless and martyring as he is.

But at least Dion doesn't press the issue. Thank the Founder for that. He gives Dion a smile, soft and warm, as reassurance. ]

Of course. Thank you, Dion.

[ But with the two of them now more or less finished with their meal, he stands from his seat, setting the mug on the kitchenette counter to be washed later.

It isn't a diversion of the topic, not at all. ]

Well, if you are finished, would you care to test your balance? Or would you rather rest a bit more?

[A nod is given, though Dion's curiosity still wriggles within the back of his mind. He has more important things to focus on though, such as finishing off his very last bite of bread, and then arranging his dishware properly. He stands, thankfully without swaying this time. His knees do still feel a touch jelly-like, but he'll be able to manage well enough like this.]

How about that? [He flashes confident smile, before crossing the room just as Joshua had. His own bowl is set down before he turns back.]

The bed, then? [He nods to it before... realizing that might not sound quite like he would have liked. Quickly, he adds:] The sheets, I mean.

[Greagor smite him.]

[ Well! Joshua is quite impressed! His expression lights up as Dion makes the trip to the counter without much of a wobble, though Joshua is fully prepared behind him to catch the man if needed. The last thing Dion needs is to collapse to the floor.

But Founder, he looks so proud. Dion has recovered well. ]

Look at you. You're making quite the recovery.

[ But ah, yes, the bed. Despite Dion's slip of the tongue, Joshua thinks nothing of it, nodding with a pleased smile. ]

If you would like to go ahead and remove the sheets, I will retrieve the spare set.

[ And he moves to the closet where they are stored... but not without keeping an eye on Dion. He's giving him a task to do alone, to see how well he is able. He doesn't anticipate any trouble, though, just based on how the prince seems to be handling himself. ]

[Dion isn't sure if he's being teased, or if Joshua means it genuinely. He searches the man for an answer, before ultimately deciding that it isn't something his companion would joke about. He tucks the praise into the back of his mind then, smiling to himself even as he does.

Don't mind the fluttering within his chest.]

Very well then. [He gives a quick nod, before ambling over to the bed. It is... surprisingly exhausting work, stripping down the bed. The comforter is moved to the side, along with the pillows once they've been stripped, before everything else is removed. By the end, he's worked up a faint sweat, but he doesn't seem uneven on his feet, at the very least.]

The spares, then?

[ As he goes about removing the sheets from the closet, Joshua smiles at the ease with which Dion seems to be handling everything. Not even a stumble. That's good. He'd expected the worst, with the venom disrupting his sleep as it had, but perhaps his treatments have done some good after all.

Nodding, he cradles the spare sheets in his arms, closing the closet door with the toe of his boot and carrying them to the bed. ]

Here. The thicker one is to be folded around the mattress, so we will do that first.

[ But... Hmm. He can see that light sheen of sweat. He frowns in concern, tilting his head. ]

Are you all right? Do you need to rest?

[Dion reaches for the sheet, nodding at the instruction. He shakes it out, nearly missing Joshua's question as he does. Instinctively, he begins to shake his head, only to stop short. Instead, he wipes the sweat from his brow and... gives a little shrug.

Lying isn't going to get him anywhere, after all.]

Perhaps a hand to help me spread it out would go a long way?

[He doesn't think he's about to keel over. He could probably manage by himself, only to be exhausted later. Sharing the load, however, would both do wonders for increasing his endurance, while also making sure he didn't somehow collapse.]

[ Hmm. Joshua narrows his eyes for a moment, looking as closely as he can at Dion from across the bed. ]

You aren't feeling feverish, I hope.

[ If it's just the exertion, that's to be expected. But the fever while he slept had worried him, and he doesn't want it to come back. Just because a fever has broken doesn't mean it has vanished for good - he knows from experience.

But he does nod, taking the sheet on his side and moving with Dion to ensure it is spread evenly and then folded in where it needs to be. Many hands make light work, after all. ]

Nothing like that, no. [There's no chill to go along with it, nor does his body ache in the way illness might make it. He's simply not used to being on his feet like this after two days of rest.] But I assure you, if it gets any worse, I shall gracefully bow out of our efforts.

[For now, he works on spreading the sheet out, then tucking it under. When he's satisfied with his own side, he reaches for the top sheet. One end is cast toward Joshua, shaking this one out in kind.]

I don't suppose you will let me take the couch this evening. You may protest and say that my injuries still need healing, to which I say you have not slept well since I fell ill. You are far more deserving, in this case.

[ At the assurance, Joshua pulls in a breath, nodding in acknowledgement. It's a relief, then, to know the fever hasn't returned. ]

All right. I shall hold you to that.

[ He catches the other side of the top sheet, pulling it taut on his end and ensuring it gets spread evenly. This one is only tucked beneath the mattress, not folded around it as the heavier sheet had been.

But that isn't what he expected Dion to say. Dion is turning his own insistence around on him, and for a moment, he stands with his eyebrows lifted and lips parted. ]

Are you certain...? I am more than comfortable on the couch, truly, and it is only for one more night. I promise you, I will get restful sleep.

[Even when surprised, Joshua manages to look utterly precious. It dispels whatever attempt at smugness Dion was on the very of summoning up, and he finds himself staring at the man for far longer than is entirely necessary.

Right. Where were they?]

Indeed you shall. Upon the freshly made bed, knowing full well that you have mended my wounds and brought me back from the brink.

[Smugness re-acquired at least. Slightly distracted smugness, but smugness nonetheless.]

[... well, there seems to be no convincing Dion otherwise. Joshua frowns down at the bed, but it isn't truly a frown of upset or anger. More bordering on a pout.

Just don't mind the bit of pink dusting his cheeks as he does. He can't help the way that Dion's concern for his wellbeing makes his heart flutter. ]

Well, I... suppose I could.

[ If the bed were bigger, he would insist that they share it. He and Clive have shared it before, when Torgal wanted a cuddle pile, but even then it was a bit of a tight fit. Alas, only one of them can rest comfortably on it.

He is trying not to think of the way they could rest comfortably otherwise. It's inappropriate. ]

But only so long as you are comfortable on the couch. Should your aches return, you can wake me, and I will gladly switch places.

[The idea of sharing does similarly cross Dion's mind. He imagines waking with his face nestled within Joshua's hair, or his head upon the man's chest, and feels his heart pick up a beat or two. He dips down swiftly, before his face can warm with the thought, and sets to ensuring the sheets are properly tucked.]

I appreciate you being willing to do so. It would go a long way, to putting my guilt at ease. [Without looking up, he holds a hand out to quell any protests.] I know I do not need to feel it, but it happens all the same. To know that you were robbed of comfort these last few nights is difficult for me to stomach.

[He takes a deep breath and, once he's sure he no longer looks a fool, straightens up. He moves over to where he's placed the pillows, and sets to properly replacing their coverings.]

If I find myself unable to sleep due to the pain, I will surely let you know. You have my word.

[ If Dion looks at all foolish, Joshua doesn't notice in his own bid to will away the same. He pulls in a deep, slow, calming breath as he smooths out the sheets, focusing on the way the wrinkles of fabric disappear beneath his fingers. Slowly but surely, it works. ]

I have spent many nights sleeping on the ground over the last few years. I am used to finding sleep where I can. I admit, I have a rather embarrassing habit of falling asleep on a book or at a table, as well.

[ He lifts his head again, angling a soft smile at Dion as he retrieves the thicker outer blanket. He tosses it across the bed, for when Dion is finished with the pillows. ]

But if my comfort means that much to you, who am I to say no?

[Dion considers pointing out his many years sleeping in the field, but decides against it. He knows that if he were to continue, they would only go back and forth. Teasing though their arguments have proven to be, he doesn't dare push his luck too far.]

I am glad we could come to an agreement.

[He places each pillow with care, making sure to even fluff them. Nothing but absolute comfort for Joshua. He'll go above and beyond if he must!]

And now that that is settled... [He makes his way to the couch and... just sits for now. Makes himself right at home.] Perfectly comfortable. No complaints here.

[ He knows better than to argue at this point. Like with Clive, Dion will simply insist time and time again, and Joshua has found it is easier to just give in and accept the doting. Whether or not it is truly doting in Dion's case or not is still left to be seen, but... he's reasonably sure, at this point, that it could be more than simple kindness.

The fluffed pillows get a soft laugh, though. Dion needn't go so far, but all the same, it warms his heart to see his friend so concerned for him. As though Joshua was the one that had been injured. ]

Your chivalry knows no bounds, Your Highness.

[ The gentle, teasing tone is back, but he doesn't mind it at all. As Dion moves to the couch, he takes the bed, seating himself on the edge of it. Dion had been here only minutes ago, but his warmth has already begun to fade from the mattress.

It's for the best. It would be a selfish indulgence to keep it. ]

I am glad that it seems to suit you. I daresay Clive has broken it in quite well, so it is very soft.

[Dion rolls his eyes, but it does little to diminish his mood. Now that Joshua is settled properly, he can fully relax. And really, the couch isn't so bad. He could just as easily settle back and fall asleep.

Or maybe he's still exhausted from his ordeal.]

The man does know how to break things, at least.

[Said with a teasing smile. He won't tease Clive any more than that, since he isn't here to defend himself. Nevertheless, there's no malice there. They both know the outlaw has far more than that.]

I'll have to thank him later.

[ It's good, seeing Dion relax as he is. Even after sleeping for a solid three days, he wouldn't be surprised if Dion needs to sleep more, especially now that he's eaten and hydrated. Probably for the best that they both get to sleep soon, really. ]

He is quite good at breaking things, in fact. Particularly when it comes to the mothercrystals.

[ He is the little brother. He's allowed to tease. It's done in love and affection, after all, even when Clive isn't here.

Joshua folds his arms on his knees for a moment, turning to look at Dion. A vague memory returns to him from the fog of sleep earlier, when Dion had finally awakened. Fingers gently brushing his hair and his cheek. He'd thought it had been a dream, but... what if it hadn't been?

Once more, he contemplates asking. But again, he can't bring himself to. It isn't the right time. ]

You should get some more sleep. It would do you well. Your body needs the rest to finish recovering.

EVENT & TDM 022

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