MOD EVENT #001

[oblivium]

A CHAOTIC RESPITE

It isn't rare for the seasons in the Netherworld to be a little erratic, though many days have passed now without much of a hint of its typical mercuriality, a good and a bad omen all at once. This respite is commonly referred to as the proverbial "calm before the storm", but it also marks the beginning of merrier celebrations. The Moons above are gilded silver, the twilight sky edged with faint pink and orange -- a sunrise phantasm, spilling over the horizon. It's an infrequent spectacle, accompanied by a dulcet breeze and light drizzles that seem to encourage growth nearly everywhere. Unfortunately, under its influence, people seem a little on edge, quick to anger, but no matter; around Stygia, Restless have begun hanging decorations and ornaments on trees and windowsills, left to catch the moonlight and give off marigold and ginger glows, warmly lighting up the city. Rather than fish, the smell of freshly ground spices permeates the air in the Harbors, Mirth keeps its doors opened to all, but just before the festivities officially begin, a cacophony of chimes resounds all over, a transmission difficult to ignore.

On the screen of your cellphone, nothing; only a voice, ragged, out of breath...

“The woods... Oakwoods! They've come alive! O-One minute he was complaining about the water seeping into his boots, and the next he was... he was being yanked up into the trees! We didn’t see what happened to him, but we heard... the screams, ohh, the screams. Please! Come to Serene, I beg you. This is our safest sanctuary, and the lan... oh, no... wait, no, please... please... NOOO--”

...and the feed abruptly ends, a dull chirr of static. Will you ignore the stranger's call for help and feast, or venture into the woods?

► I. KNOCK ON WOOD (OH PUCK, HE'S HOT!)

When you cross the gates of Serene, an old woman welcomes you, palm flat against her chest and disquiet in her eyes. Myrtille, her name. Oakwoods loom dense and dark in the distance behind her, groaning low as leaves rustle without wind. The Mourning Lantern was stolen, and malevolence rose in turn, dooming them all.

“It was once kept here, a sacred Artifact crafted from the bones of Serene's first founder, who gave her heart’s blood willingly to the woods in an act of contrition. It's the absence of the lantern that is contributing to the wood’s unusually active malice, and if you lot cannot retrieve it, then we must sacrifice another. Go! Take these torches and go, before Oakwoods swallow us whole.”

So you've decided to be brave. Commendable, or foolish? The wood is dark and shrouded in mist, and the trees crowd around you, an absent wind somehow whispering foul nothings in your ear as dead leaves rustle around your feet. Your Shadow basks in the murmurs, sensing the malign presence in Oakwoods as a faint, garbled scream echoes in the distance. You wander deeper and the canopy thickens, thin streaks of moonlight peppering the woods in deep patches of darkness. Behind you, a creature you can't see hisses, and a fluttering of wings nearby alerts you to the arrival of snickering harpies lurking on branches. “Dead,” they croak, in a sing-song chorus. “Dead as daylight.” Oddly enough, they seem content to just watch and stalk you, perhaps expecting you to die quickly, an easy and effortless meal.

It's a frustrating errand if you've ever known one. You barely know what you're looking for, and your Shadow thrives in the dark, taunting, coaxing. You hear it then; a haunting melody, the silhouette of a boy on a fallen tree trunk, strumming. “Come,” he says, with a voice that shimmers like the sun on moving water. If you remember what that's like. “Rest a while. Forget your troubles.” For anyone familiar, you'll recognize him as a Puck, famous prankster, and from his hand dangles a lantern.

► If you attempt to take the lantern from him, he'll immediately drop it to the ground, causing it to break. You may choose to kill him and offer his blood to the woods, or let him go and bleed in his stead. Myrtille should be able to repair what's left of the lantern once the offering's been made.
► If you politely ask to return it, he promises that he will... if you indulge him for the night.

No matter what you choose, you will come across camps, either on your way in or on your way back: pitched tents, most moth-eaten, and some containing vestiges of prior expeditions such as putrid corpses or rotten food. You've been wandering for a while, and sleep sounds terribly inviting. Unfortunately, a wind finally picks up, and leaves begin to blow around you. A nick, then a cut, then a slash reveal the leaves to have razor sharp edges. Sleep well yet? If you've spared the Puck, he'll encourage you to sit with him around a campfire, where he'll sing and tell stories. Or are they. Perhaps you've heard of Bloody Mary before. Slenderman? The Devil that'll make you dance until you die? While the lantern remains in stranger hands, the thread between reality and fiction narrows; protagonists from the Puck's legends come to life, and the only way to rid of them is by quenching the flames of the fire.

Your journey unfortunately doesn't end there. The Puck has a riddle for you: I am a word that is hardly there. Remove my start, and I'm an herbal flair. What am I?

If you fail to answer correctly, he'll vanish before you, and you can bid the lantern goodbye. You'll be forced to gather the bones from the corpses scattered across the woods, and feed it your blood -- or a friend's -- before you escape and return to the woman. The offering will leave you drained and exhausted, weak on your legs. If, on the other hand, you do answer correctly, the lantern is yours, and you'll be teleported out of the woods with a boon in your pocket: a piece of parchment invites you to visit your home in the Shadowlands. There, you'll find an object (or a pet) that belonged to you in your world.

the answer to the riddle is sparsely! it's up to you whether you'd like your character to fail.
legends told around the campfire can be any of the ones mentioned above or any other that might strike your fancy! go wild, have fun!
remember that if you pick an item from your character's world as their boon, it'll eventually disintegrate unless reforged with a soul.

.

► II. GO BIG OR GOURD HOME

Welcome to the Frightful Harvest, a festival that marks the beginning of the Respite, a temporary period of tranquility between seasons. It acknowledges the blessings offered and the role that both good and evil play in the Netherworld. It is a time to give thanks, but more importantly, it is a time of reflection and warding. Warding against not only the darkness of the next seasons to come, but of the nefarious creatures and struggles that will undoubtedly follow.

Carved pumpkins and straw bales are placed everywhere around the city, and streamers and banners are hung from every home and storefront. Decadent cakes, candies, and pastries are made in over-abundance in order to accommodate everyone, and from the lush gardens of Radiance, an elderly, dark-robed man addresses the Netherwork. You'll learn by eavesdropping on nearby Restless that his name is Doran, the oldest among you and loved by all. His smile stretches kind, and while not an official member of the Hierarchy, it's clear he has certain privileges -- well-deserved, or so you hear.

“Let us gather, feast, dance and celebrate. Let us hold our glasses high for those who heroically perished, for goodness, and for the Ascended. May their journey inspire us to change our lives and the lives of others, to resist evil, and to triumph. To you, dear friends!”

And without further ado, let the festivities begin!

► BARDIC BLITZ
The bardic blitz is a friendly competition that pits talented musicians against one another in an attempt to win over the affection of the crowd through festive melodies or personal compositions. Although it can be hosted just about anywhere, the bardic blitz is normally held in a large canvas tent directly in the heart of Mirth, though smaller crowds also gather in Serene and the Harbors around bonfires.

► FEAST
Although all cultures around Stygia bring their own tastes and specific flair to the celebrations, there are a few staple trade goods that you can find at nearly any celebration of the holiday throughout the city. Many producing the various cakes, beverages, and cookies also use the time to test and perfect their recipes, teaching others or using them as guinea pigs.

► Firstdawn Tea: This revitalizing crimson tea soothes the mind and body and is brewed from the roots of the dawn flower, which only sprouts during the Respite.
► Grablenuts: These fist-sized brown nuts have a hard, stippled outer shell and soft, delicious spicy centers. A single bite will slightly lower your inhibitions, and you may find yourself seeking proximity and warmth.
► Elysium: A nonalcoholic beverage that smells and looks as bad as it tastes. Only those with the strongest will manage to gulp it down. Once drunk, the person experiences true bliss, which seems to last for hours; in reality, it's only a few minutes.
► Will-o-the-Whiskey: Whisky with minor hallucinatory effects, visual and auditory.
► Sundrop: A pound cake coated in a sugary lemon drizzle. No side-effects, just delicious!
► Shadowfell Candy: Chewing on this candy will grant the character a deep and rejuvenating sleep, during which they will appear dead to anyone.

. ► HARVEST HUNT
The harvest hunt happens in a corn maze located in Mirth's amusement park, specifically created for the occasion. Because of the labyrinthian horrors dwelling in the Tempest, some find the terror-free replica a little inappropriate, yet participants still abound every time. A favorite seasonal game of the exuberant and athletic, characters take on the role of either hunter or prey, racing through the maze to either corner their quarry or escape the hands of their pursuer. As long as Shadows behave, it's a relatively safe activity. Friendly spars sometimes occur, picnics, and star-gazing.

► THE PARADE
The parade is the activity most looked forward to by younger Restless. Citizens clad in colorful costumes walk the streets to the rhythm of festive music, and according to tradition, it helps ward away any lingering evil that might try to hide in the community. For reasons unknown, incidents where Restless unwillingly swap bodies sometimes occur.

► III. WAYWARD SUN

The Warding Ritual is a private affair, a behind-the-scene execution on the last day of the festival as you dance and feast and frolic, blissfully unaware. Something goes awry. First, a shriek in the distance, and soon, birds flying away in apparent surprise as the landscape rustles with the sounds of creatures and Restless alike fleeing. A vague sense of dread knocks the air out of your lungs, an iron grip around your throat. And you see it then, a headless figure shrouded in a black veil of cloth, sword in one hand and a bright flaming pumpkin in the other. Its head. It thunders through the night on its skeletal horse, its blade flashing in the moonlight in search of prey. Heads fall. You might get injured during the chase -- collateral damage. 10 members of the Hierarchy won't ever rise again, and the rider eventually charges into the Tempest, leaving behind bloody puddles and a slather of confusion. If you opt to help clean up the mess, you might come across stained sheets of paper on the ground, a painting of a white scorpion in the middle. Otherwise, it's time for you to go home.

---

ooc note

► Welcome to Nightfell's first event! If you'd like additional, more casual prompts, the Notice Board is right here! New prompts will be added next month, if you've already had your fun with them!
► You'll find some answered questions here, but if you'd like to ask something else, please comment below!
► For a little spooky ambience in the woods.

Comments

[windsongs]

[ It's all she can do to focus on her breathing, forcing air in and out in time to help stay in the moment. Her nails continue to bite into flesh, although when she feels her hands start to unclench, she doubles down. In and out; hold steady. Focus on the moment, on what's going on in front of her. The lantern. She has to get back the lantern.

That selfsame lantern that the capricious fae jingles at her, the smirking at her with eyes that likely know exactly what's going on. Or maybe he doesn't, and he's just a lantern-stealing asswipe whose found a delightful human-shaped toy to play with. Regardless, as he beckons her to join him at his camp, that there will be a warm fire that she can rest beside. Hibiki takes a slow, lumbering step forward, her nails finally drawing blood.

T̵h̶e̴r̸e̴'̶s̴ ̴n̶o̷ ̸o̸n̷e̵ ̵h̶e̶r̴e̸ ̷t̸o̸ ̷s̶e̷e̵ ̵y̶o̸u̸ ̸d̴o̶ ̸i̶t̸.̷ ̶J̵u̷s̴t̶ ̶r̴i̵p̵ ̷t̵h̶e̴ ̴a̵i̶r̴ ̷f̵r̷o̴m̵ ̸h̷i̸s̷ ̷l̷u̵n̸g̶s̵;̶ ̴I̵ ̸k̸n̸o̴w̵ ̴y̴o̴u̷ ̸k̴n̷o̴w̸ ̸h̴o̶w̶!̴ ̶D̴o̵ ̵t̶h̶a̸t̸ ̷a̴n̴d̷ ̶e̵v̵e̴r̷y̷o̴n̵e̷ ̴c̷a̸n̸ ̵g̶e̶t̴ ̴b̵a̸c̴k̵ ̸t̷o̷ ̵t̵h̵e̷i̴r̶ ̸u̵n̶-̴l̴i̷v̶e̴s̴.̸

...If she does that, then they won't have to worry about the dangers of the Oakwoods. If she can pull in the air around, it should be easy enough to--

W̷h̷a̸t̸ ̵t̶h̶e̸ ̵f̴u̶c̸k̶?̶!̷

She would have snapped her back to reality (gravity sold separately) after finishing her thought, but instead, in these Super Cursed woods, someone had to be a showoff by literally rolling in unannounced. It's enough for Hibiki's eyes to snap open as she stares forward in bewilderment, her hand held up and ready to start pulling air out of thin air. She doesn't even have to look to see who just slid into the scene. ]

I...

[ H̵a̶d̶ ̸y̵o̷u̵r̶ ̸c̷h̴a̸n̷c̸e̴ ̸t̵o̷ ̶d̵o̸ ̵t̶h̷i̷s̸ ̵q̴u̷i̸e̶t̸l̴y̶.̵ ̵B̸u̶t̴ ̷t̸h̷a̵t̷'̴s̴ ̷o̸k̵a̶y̶.̷ ̵T̵w̵o̷ ̴s̷h̴o̷u̴l̴d̶ ̴b̸e̷ ̴j̵u̷s̸t̵ ̴a̶s̸ ̸e̴a̷s̴y̴ ̵a̴s̸ ̵o̵n̵e̴.̵

Hibiki still doesn't look at him. She doesn't move, even if she looks like she's going to be violently ill at any moment. ]

...I need you to leave, Kaito-san.

Please.

[nagano]

[ He's careful not to pick himself up too quickly. Although this Puck (Puck #2? #55?) and the lantern are behind him, he focuses entirely on the blonde and the tumultuous emotions starting to swell in her aura.

The fact that her hand is raised with the clear intent of death singing from it is...

No, he can't judge. It's too early to judge.

Y̵o̵u̸'̸r̶e̶ ̴t̴o̶o̶ ̸s̵o̷f̸t̵.̷ ̸Y̷o̵u̵ ̷k̸n̴o̵w̸ ̸n̷o̶t̷h̷i̵n̸g̸ ̷o̸f̸ ̵h̷e̵r̴.̵

̷J̷u̶s̷t̶ ̴b̶e̷c̴a̸u̵s̴e̶ ̷s̵h̷e̷'̴s̸ ̵n̵i̴c̵e̸ ̴t̵o̵ ̷y̵o̵u̵ ̸d̷o̵e̴s̸n̵'̸t̶ ̷m̷e̸a̵n̸ ̴s̶h̴e̷ ̷w̴o̵n̷'̷t̴ ̴k̵i̶l̵l̵ ̴s̷o̸m̴e̶o̴n̴e̷ ̸t̴o̶ ̴f̶u̸r̷t̵h̷e̷r̶ ̸h̸e̵r̵ ̶o̵w̶n̴ ̴n̵e̵e̴d̷s̷.̸ ]

...

[ That Shadow of his is all the more reason why he can't hastily make these calls.

He takes a step forward, completely blocking the Puck from her view.

Heels dig in.

Eyes illuminate with a ethereal blue glow that he'd hidden from her and Zagreus during their first exploration. The words that follow his aura expanding into rumbling waves form a gamble—one that he hopes beyond hope will work. ]

There's no going back once you take someone's life, Hibiki.

You don't have to cross that line.

[ I won't let you cross that line. ]

[windsongs]

[ Her hand is raised, it begins to tremble even before Kaito places himself between her and Puck (#69) as she tries to force it back down at her side. She feels warm and dizzy, like she could and very well might be sick at any moment. The harpies continue to crow in the distance, their voices only faintly audible from where they stand.

But between that and the voice hammering in her head, it's too loud for her to think. Her hand starts to lower by force, as she has to focus in order to push it down to her side. Her shoulders stiff, Hibiki looks at Kaito as he slides in-between her and the fae, his bright cerulean aura looming like a tsunami ready to pull her under.

G̵e̴t̸ ̵r̸i̸d̸ ̷o̶f̸ ̷t̶h̷e̴m̸ ̶b̵o̴t̴h̴ ̶a̵n̷d̴ ̵y̷o̷u̶'̷v̵e̵ ̴w̸o̸n̸.̵ ̵Y̷o̸u̷'̷r̵e̶ ̴t̷h̵e̸ ̷h̴e̶r̵o̷.̴ ̶Y̶o̸u̸'̷l̵l̴ ̴h̴a̶v̵e̶ ̶d̴o̶n̵e̵ ̷s̶o̴m̸e̴t̴h̶i̷n̷g̵ ̵r̴i̶g̶h̸t̸ ̴f̵o̸r̴ ̸t̶h̶e̷ ̷f̵i̶r̶s̶t̸ ̵t̶i̴m̸e̴ ̵i̴n̶ ̶y̷o̷u̷r̸ ̷s̵h̴o̵r̸t̴ ̶e̴x̴i̸s̶t̶e̶n̷c̶e̸.̵

Her hands balling up into fists at her side, she keeps her eyes on Kaito as he speaks, his words chilling her to the bone. She can't go back if she does it. There's no going back, she--

O̷h̸ ̴m̸y̶ ̴g̷o̶d̵d̷d̵d̸,̶ ̶w̷h̵y̷ ̴a̸r̴e̸ ̷y̷o̵u̶ ̷l̵i̵k̷e̴ ̷t̶h̷i̸s̵?̷ ̷J̸u̴s̶t̶ ̷d̴o̵ ̸i̴t̴ ̶o̶r̵ ̸m̸a̴k̷e̷ ̷t̸h̶a̵t̴ ̸t̴h̸i̷n̴g̵ ̷d̴o̶ ̵i̴t̷ ̷f̷o̶r̵ ̶y̶o̶u̷-̸-̸ ]

I don't want to hurt either of you!

[ It's rare that Hibiki raises her voice. It's ingrained in her that she needs to keep calm and collected, that her voice should be measured and without any kind of emotion. But when she practically yells those words, they hit like a truck with a mixture of frustration, anger and overwhelming fear. ]

I don't want to, but...

[ Hey he's still here too. You know, the one with the lantern? Jingle jangle? ]

[nagano]

[ Shhhh. The adults are having A Moment™, Puck #69 (nice).

Hibiki's outburst of emotions slam into Kaito's psyche like a truck flying at Mach 3. The impact is enough to illuminate his head with a searing pain as the weight of her turbulent feelings threatens to sink him.

Yet he refuses to budge. He doesn't even flinch. Ghastly blues remain calmly fixated on the blonde, even as her composure wavers. The word 'but' hardly has time to finish rolling off her lips before he interjects. ]

—Then don't. You have the option not to. You can make the decision to keep whatever intrusive thoughts are fueling that reckless intent down.

[ A beat, then a breath. ]

Despite whatever you may be thinking is influencing you to do otherwise, you're in control. You alone are in control.

Don't let anyone fool you into believing anything else, you hear me?

[windsongs]

--!

[ His words hit just as hard, as smoky-blue eyes search his for some note of malice. That's right, she doesn't have to give in to those thoughts. Drive them and the voice whispering them into her ear into the ground, as far away from her as possible. Maintain control and face this challenge logically. She doesn't want to hurt anyone.

She won't go over the edge. It's close, but if she can just focus on his voice--

H̷e̵ ̵i̶s̷n̸'̴t̶ ̴d̸o̴i̸n̷g̸ ̸t̷h̵i̸s̸ ̴f̶o̷r̶ ̴y̵o̴u̵,̶ ̶y̴o̶u̴ ̸k̸n̴o̶w̸.̸ ̷T̴h̴e̸ ̷m̶o̵m̴e̶n̸t̵ ̴y̷o̷u̷ ̵d̶o̶ ̴w̴h̵a̵t̴ ̷h̵e̷ ̷w̸a̴n̴t̷s̵,̴ ̸h̶e̷'̵l̴l̵ ̵g̵e̷t̵ ̵r̶i̷d̶ ̷o̴f̷ ̸y̴o̸u̶.̵ ̷A̷n̸d̴ ̴w̴h̷o̴ ̷c̶o̷u̸l̶d̵ ̴b̵l̶a̴m̷e̷ ̷h̷i̶m̷?̵

...Shut up. Just. She doesn't want to hear it.

Taking a few very deep breaths, Hibiki tries to focus. To get in touch with her body and mind, and attempt to wrest back control completely. He's right. She's the one in the driver's seat, and she isn't going to let some disembodied... thing take control away from her. ]

It seems like the two of you are having a moment, so I'll just...

[ Puck69 waves his hand absently in the air. This is fun and all, but one, he doesn't like the idea of being killed, and two, and this cannot be stressed enough, he feels a little jilted at the moment. There are several Restless that he can go harass say hello to, and after sweeping an arm and giving the pair a bow, the fae moves to make an exit.

One that is very abruptly cut off by a solid wall of wind circling around the three. Puck rears back, keeping a firm hold of the lantern despite nearly having his nose taken off by the strong spell. The small blonde's gaze flicks toward him, despite clearly still speaking to Kaito. ]

How do you propose we get it, then?

[ Puck literally just told you, weren't you listening, lady? ]

[nagano]

[ The situation remains terse. Kaito doesn't believe for a single moment that he's managed to win Hibiki over—he can't. Not until he sees for certain that she won't do the fae any harm.

Still, even as the vortex of wind traps the three of them within its boundaries, he doesn't flinch or make a move to stop her. ...If he even could. That was a startling display of force.

That isn't enough to convince him that he's off the hook, but he does manage to relax himself enough to flash a knowing smile. One hand lifts, its index finger extended skyward. ]

The same way you deal with any fae's attention-seeking behavior: by indulging them.

[ Finally, he turns his attention to Puckfuck69 and offers him the same expression. ]

Your cousin has already enlightened me as to the nature of your desires. You seek an audience for your gallivanting, do you not?

Oblige us with the lantern if we oblige you with our time.

[windsongs]

[ He's wise not to let his guard down. Despite the very clear fact that Hibiki does not mean to cause any of them harm with this spell, the voice she's trying to ignore continues its assault on her. Her hands tremble at her sides, clenched tightly as she does her best to focus on what's happening around her.

When Kaito directs his attention to That Motherpucker, the shadow shifts tactics, its voice dripping with cynicism.

W̵o̶w̸,̷ ̶w̶h̵a̷t̵ ̵a̴n̷ ̶i̸d̷i̶o̶t̵.̶ ̶H̵e̸ ̴s̵h̵o̵u̶l̷d̸ ̸k̸n̴o̵w̶ ̷t̷h̶a̴t̴ ̷y̷o̷u̵ ̶n̷e̵v̴e̷r̸ ̵t̶r̷u̵s̸t̴ ̴a̷ ̷f̵a̷e̶ ̶t̶o̴ ̵d̸o̸ ̸w̴h̴a̸t̷ ̵y̵o̴u̴ ̵w̷a̵n̸t̵.̵ ̵D̷o̷n̸'̵t̷ ̵t̸e̶l̶l̶ ̸m̸e̶ ̵y̵o̷u̶ ̶a̷c̷t̶u̴a̸l̴l̷y̸ ̶t̶h̵i̷n̴k̷ ̴t̵h̶i̵s̵ ̵i̷s̴ ̵g̴o̴n̴n̴a̶ ̷w̷o̴r̸k̴.̸

In response, the wind wavers, briefly surging before dying down. No... No, she has to believe this is the best course of action. She doesn't want to do something that she'll regret later.

If Puck notices the change in the wind, he doesn't show it. An easy grin sliding into his features, he puts one hand on the back of his own neck. Good, all eyes are back on him, exactly how he likes it. ]

I would be happy to, once the path forward is clear. I get the impression that this young lady would rather listen to our winged friends than to me.

[ It seems the fae is oblivious to the war going on in her head--or if he knows, he refuses to acknowledge it. Still, the biting comment does manage to get a response from her, as the gale abates. ]

It's Hibiki. [ Said firmly. She would normally be a lot less terse with introductions, but puck this guy. Hibiki doesn't trust him for a second.

He does another grandiose bow, looking up at both with a mirthful grin as he does. As he stands upright, he gestures with an upturned hand further into the woods before beginning to walk in that direction. He bids them to follow; a warm fire and stories aplenty await them!

Hibiki doesn't immediately follow, but will eventually oblige, giving Mister Puck Around and Find Out quite a bit of space. Whether it's because she doesn't trust him, herself or both is hard to say, but her gaze remains focused on the lantern jingling in his grasp. ]

[nagano]

[ Fuck you too, Shadow Hibiki.

Kaito files in at the blonde's side once they begin moving, hovering close to her right. Eventually, he bumps the back of his gloved hand against hers. His gaze, however, remains set ahead of them. ]

Good work. I can only imagine how hard it was.

[ A beat. ] Or still is. Breathe deep, and focus on the objective. You're going to see a lot of bullshit very soon, but it's nothing compared to what we've already had to fend off.

[windsongs]

[ He's right to be cautious, because they aren't out of the woods yet. She's still a hurricane of emotions swirling under the surface, and it takes a lot for her to keep focus. The quick bump manages to do something, as does the sound of his voice.

Hibiki takes a deep breath on cue, trying to split her attention between Puckboi's back and Kaito's words. A lot of bullshit? Um. They're kind of already there, Kaito. ]

...Fae things, I assume? I haven't had to deal with them yet as far as I know.

[ A̷n̴d̶ ̴y̵o̴u̵ ̶w̴o̶u̸l̵d̷n̴'̸t̴ ̵h̵a̴v̴e̸ ̸t̶o̵ ̸i̷f̴ ̶y̸o̷u̴ ̷l̸i̴s̸t̸e̴n̵e̵d̴ ̷t̷o̴ ̵m̶e̵.̴ ]

[nagano]

[ Kaito finally spares her a glance, inching a hint closer while walking. ]

There are many rules to abide by when dealing with the fae. It's hard to tell if he's just as much a prisoner to the realm as we are, but just to be safe...

Never make promises to them, never thank them for favors, never take their gifts. And if asked, never offer your name. You kind of already slipped on that last one, but he doesn't seem to be doing anything with it.

In any case, it'll work out. I've been on the wrong side of a fairy circle several times since starting to deal with them. If you get in a bind, I'll get you out.

[windsongs]

[ Yes, please, keep talking. It gives her something else to hone in on, other than the crows of DEATH!! punctuating the chatter in her head remarking that the fae's back is turned. That there doesn't seem to be a thought between his ears, so she should take advantage.

And remarking plainly that her companion would probably sooner save his own skin than take care of her in a pinch. ]

...That's what I get for being polite. [ But there's a severe lack of levity in her tone. Is it because she's trying to focus or-- ]

If there's a way to get out with a piece of the lantern, do it. Don't worry about me, I'll figure things out.

[ Nope. Definitely not that. ]

[nagano]

[ There's an audible drag of his boot's sole against dead leaves and grass as Kaito suddenly steps in front of Hibiki and halts. A casual spin of his heel turns his full attention to her once more, and with one hand raised...

...He flicks his fingers, conjuring a spray of cold mist towards her face. The words that follow his inoffensive offense are firm, stern, and if you focus with all your might—laced with the faintest hint of worry. ]

Can the self-sacrificing talk. I know you're fighting real hard, but I also know you aren't even close to being stable enough that I'd leave you alone for a single second.

I didn't come all the way here to get that fae's lantern.

[ Just as abruptly as he'd cut her off, Kaito reaches forward and makes a grab for her right hand. Against his better judgment, he even tries to tightly grip it in his own. ]

I came here for you.

[windsongs]

[ Despite a non-small part of her attention focusing on him, Hibiki doesn't expect him to step out in front of her. She stops just before running into him, only seeing his hand a split second before it's too late, bringing her hands up to (unsuccessfully) try to prevent him from misting her.

She can't do much about the scolding though, even if she keeps her hands up to prevent getting sprayed again. Any attempt to try to interject is promptly denied as he gives her no room to protest, but she still tries as her hands begin to lower.

Correction: Hand. Specifically the left, as he snatches her right and she stares at him dumbfounded at both the grab and the unapologetic declaration.

Y̸o̶u̴ ̶k̴n̶o̴w̶ ̶h̵e̸'̴s̵ ̸l̴y̶i̶n̵g̴.̷ ̶N̶o̸b̶o̴d̴y̶ ̶e̶v̴e̶r̵ ̸t̸h̸i̷n̵k̶s̵ ̷a̵b̵o̶u̵t̷ ̴y̸o̶u̵.̸

...Shut up. ]

Kaito-san--

Far be it from me to get in the way of a tender moment, but please, do keep up with me you two. There will be plenty of time to snuggle up close next to the fire, I can assure you!

[ ...He can shut up too.

The camp itself isn't much further from where they are, even if the cloying dark of the woods manages to completely obscure it from view, the trees suddenly thinning out to make way for a small clearing. But the fae is true to his word, there is a roaring fire there (that somehow didn't burn the entire Oakwoods down despite being unsupervised), a few larger logs set out as seats and a tent pitched near the border of the camp.

With another flashy bow, he bids them over toward the fire. ]

Please, take a seat. Let me get you both something to drink, something that will warm you up.

[ Hibiki doesn't say a word. ]

[nagano]

[ Ugh. This Puck is far more annoying than the last one. Kaito squeezes tight and murmurs one final warning before they set off. ]

Last rule: never be rude to a fae, no matter how justified you are.

---

[ As they arrive, Kaito takes stock of their surroundings. It's rather cramped for a forest clearing, but maybe that's just the ambience fucking with him.

Regardless, there's just enough room to make a mess. He pulls Hibiki along towards a log and finally releases her hand as he takes a seat. Golds flit to the fairy, followed by a pointed: ]

We'll pass on the drinks.

[windsongs]

Are you sure, even after all that walking about? Ah, well, perhaps a bit later then.

[ Puck doesn't seem to put out by the refusal, instead opting to drink himself. Reaching behind his back, he pulls out a glass bottle of swirling liquid and a tin cup. Pouring himself a drink, he offers it out to them before setting it near his log, next to the lantern.

Plopping down on the other side of the fire, he gives the pair an easy grin. ]

Why so quiet all of the sudden? I thought we were friends.

[ Hibiki looks up at the fae, doing her best to ignore the voice goading her to take the lantern by force. ]

I think we're both just a little tired. It's been a long trip to get here. [ And both of them have splitting headaches by this point.

The trickster's face lights up as he tosses his hand into the air, making an elaborate gesture before plucking a lute out of nothingness. Clearly this guy is trying to show up the other showoff present here. ]

Ah, then I have just the thing for tired eyes and weary bones! A song I know quite well that I think you both might enjoy. After all, what are campfires for if not for telling stories!

[ Hibiki's gaze quickly flicks toward Kaito, trying to catch his eye. It's still hard for her to focus, but the threat of Weird Fae Shit™ has her attention.

Puck seems none the wiser--or is choosing not to acknowledge the exchanged glances from his audience. He plucks a few strings as he tunes the instrument in his hands. ]

Tell me, do you know the tale of the Dragon of Mordiford?

[nagano]

[ Don't give in to temptation, Hibiki. You can do it.

...Then again, the more Sixty-nine talks, the more Kaito feels tempted to throw his fist at his damn fae-ce. It doesn't help that he's whipping things out of the nether like it's in vogue.

S̴t̴u̴p̵i̷d̶ ̴f̷u̶c̸k̶i̸n̷g̵ ̷f̸a̵i̶r̷y̵.̵ ̶T̵h̶a̷t̸'̷s̵ ̶O̴U̷R̸ ̴g̵i̷m̷m̶i̷c̶k̷.̶

...I don't often agree with you, but just this once, I'm making an exception.

He's about to grumble when he feels the blonde's gaze (or at least the intent behind it). While Puck drones on, he returns the glance. A small nod to confirm her unasked question.

It's gonna be Weird Fae Shit™.

Kaito looks back to Puck. ]

I'm vaguely familiar. A girl takes in a dragonling, and raises it in secret.

[windsongs]

Yes, that would be the one! A truly tragic tale, no doubt about it!

[ At the first strum of the lute, Hibiki feels something strange. Not quite a tug at her subconscious, but still a familiar sensation nevertheless. One she hasn't felt since coming to this place, but as soon as it stirs, flickering like the flame on a candle, it's gone once more. Did... did she just imagine that? That had to be it, right?

As Puck begins to sing a ballad of a young girl and her beloved pet wyvern, an eerie calm begins to roll in like a fog. The distant cries of harpies go quiet, along with any other sounds from the forest. His voice becomes the only thing that they can hear, as the world outside of the campsite is there and gone in the blink of an eye. Did it even exist to begin with?

A little thought exercise for two nosy Restless to wrestle for another time perhaps. If they make it out of this fairy circle in one piece.

Coming to the end of the tale, the fae bard grins at the pair as he slowly strums the last chord, one note at a time. ]

Though the young girl mourned for the loss of her dearest friend, I believe we all know that a dragon of such power would never be felled by a single spear's strike.

[ WOOSH

From outside the circle, a raucous wind tears through the trees. One gust. Then again. And again; each time growing closer. Hibiki jumps to her feet, her head whipping toward the sound.

The grin on Puck's stupid fae-ce nearly splits it in two, as he also stands, lute winking from existence one more before he grabs both bottle and lantern. Sweeps an arm in to give the two a bow before disappearing like his lute. ]

I hope you two can give this tale a proper conclusion!

[ And right on cue, a massive, green wyvern appears from the void, ricocheting itself at the pair with talons ready to tear through anything in their path. ]

[nagano]

[ The little ditty isn't very compelling for Kaito—not when his eyes are constantly darting about in search for some kind of surprise. He occasionally steals glances at Hibiki, and it's a small relief to see that she's still keeping her cool.

...Wait.

It strikes Kaito far too late, as Puck is wrapping up his tale. His eyes hadn't been set low enough.

This entire campsite is a fairy circle.]

Motherf̴u̵c̷k̴e̴r̴—̸

[ WOOSH.

That's a fucking WYVERN. The loss of one (1) motherpucker is also infuriating, but right now the empath's priority is getting off his ass and preparing for some exercise. Maneuvering behind Hibiki, he leans in to speak. The sound of water seems to flow in tandem with his words. ]

Brace yourself!

[ Rearing back, Kaito raises his arms over his head. A sphere of water begins to form between his palms. When it looks as if he'll fall over, he snaps up and YEETS the now phone booth-sized ball straight at the divebombing beast's head.

If it connects, it's going to hit like a semi. ]

[windsongs]

[ As Kaito darts behind her, a fierce wind begins to pick up around her, the slowly-forming cyclone adjusting to account for him without a second thought. Swirling near their feet, it begins to pick up speed as she focuses. She might not be able to see what he's up to, but the sound of water gives her at least some indication. If he's standing behind her, then-- ]

--!

[ A flash of insight forces her to duck, giving Kaito more space to pitch the oversize ball of water straight at the wyvern's wide head. It may be stupid, but it knows enough to get the fuck out of the way when someone's launching a giant anything at it, wings flapping wildly as it changes trajectories. Didn't Puck just say that this thing was no slouch?!

But interestingly, as the spell flies into the void... Did it hit something out there? It sounded like it made an impact.

Hibiki however doesn't take the time to question it, and as the wyvern readjusts to continue its dive bomb, she shouts back at him before grasping for his arm. ]

Jump!

[ The tempest coiling around them surges, collapsing in toward the pair with a strong updraft. Has he ever been flung before? Well, there's always a first for everything, as the pair are rocketed up a short distance. Maintaining grip on him, she forces the current to split--one attempting to launch the wyvern into the sky, and the other tossing the pair to the other side of the circle. The landing is a little rough, with the gust pushing her back into him. She takes a breath, then-- ]

Holy shit, that actually worked?!

[ Well, the wyvern wasn't flung, but its briefly stopped its charge as it regains it's footing (winging?), weaving from side to side in the air. But congrats Hibiki, you can now yeet someone other than yourself. ]

[nagano]

[ Haha, dumb wyvern.

Kaito doesn't really have time to properly process the fact that his spell found purchase outside his sight. Their opponent is still en route to crash into them, and just as he's about to attempt a very risky teleport, he hears Hibiki's voice.

There's no hesitation. He jumps, and that burst of wind sends him propelling skyward. To answer the other disembodied voice's question: this is, in fact, not his first aerial rodeo. Kaito's well-adapted to thinking off his feet, so when Hibiki manages to vault them away from the beast, he conjures a slender wall of silver aura near their projected landing spot.

Pro: it makes for a great stopper when he lands rough and then has to catch her stumbling form.

Con: he's going to feel that sandwiching impact in the morning. A weak wheeze leaves him as his ribs are almost crushed. Once they're all straightened out... ]

Hurk... I see you're... also someone who plays fast and loose... Whew...

[ Having slouched to rest his hands on his knees, Kaito finally glances up—and he's grinning. ] Nice job. We're gonna have to work on that later. For now...

[ Slashing his arm across the air, Kaito crafts a long rope of water. The aura plank he'd created earlier uproots itself from the ground before positioning itself in front of the rope. Pulling his arms back like he's miming, The Spectacle™ begins.

The Spectacle™ being: a giant slingshot made of water that promptly ejects its chosen ammunition—a large rectangle made of pure energy—straight at the wyvern at a breakneck pace! ]

[windsongs]

[ Note to self: Kaito is down for Stupid Shit. Filing that away for later, once they get out of PuckMaster69's circle.

Despite the absolute work that her shadow has been putting in since he first made it to the scene in this creepy corpse copse, there's a surprising lack of back-biting as Hibiki flings the both of them backwards. Even as he nearly gets bodied by another body, there are no snide comments.

O̵k̴a̴y̸,̸ ̷t̸h̸a̸t̶ ̶w̶a̷s̸ ̵c̷o̷o̶l̶ ̴a̵s̷ ̴h̸e̶l̵l̷ ̷a̷c̶t̸u̷a̶l̴l̷y̵.̷

...You know what, she will take that as a partial victory. Her and Kaito can go 50/50, like any other good (purely business) partnership.

Righting herself before practically hovering over him, genuinely concerned she might have done some damage, she can't help but feel a rush as he grins at her. It doesn't divert her attention for more than a split second, as the wyvern lets out a shrill, piercing roar as it races toward the pair. It doesn't get enough time to react before Kaito looses the bolt of energy, piercing through scale to graze skin, drawing blood--and pissing the creature off.

Hooking her arm around his midsection, Hibiki attempts to drag Kaito out of the way as the emerald terror tries to clumsily kebob him with the barbed end of its tail. Fully expecting that it would have plunged it deep into the wielder of whatever the hell just shot at it, venom drips onto the ground below, burning a hole through the detritus.

Okay what the fuck is that. Puck what the fuck is that?! ]

Yep. Fae are officially the worst!

[ S̷e̸e̸?̸ ̷T̷h̶i̸s̷ ̴i̸s̵ ̵w̸h̷y̵ ̶y̵o̴u̴ ̷s̶h̸o̶u̸l̵d̴'̷v̸e̶ ̶l̶i̷s̸t̴e̷n̶e̷d̷ ̴t̵o̶ ̴m̶e̷ ̸a̶n̴d̶ ̴j̷u̸s̸t̴ ̶k̸i̷l̵l̷e̷d̷ ̸h̸i̴m̸.̵

NOT NOW! ]

[nagano]

[ Nice! Now it's pissed.

...

N̶i̶c̶e̷.̶ ̸N̸o̴w̵ ̵i̴t̶'̴s̸ ̶p̴i̴s̵s̴e̵d̸,̷ ̴d̷u̷m̸b̴a̵s̶s̷.̶

Kaito typically doesn't care much for being manhandled, but exceptions can be made when getting jerked around is the alternative to being gored by a spiky, acidic venom-dripping tail.

While he isn't sharing the same sentiment as his partner (BUSINESS partner), he sure isn't amused. ]

Don't speak too soon. Gods are way more annoying...

[ Sighing, Kaito takes in a deep breath—and exhales a seemingly endless stream of cool, cloudy mist. It fills the entire space of the campsite, obscuring both them and the wyvern from each others' view. He's just barely visible next to the blonde.

This should hopefully buy them a few seconds to chat. ]

I wouldn't recommend trying to brute force our way through this wyvern's hide. Even with our combined powers, we'd probably run ourselves ragged trying to confront the beast on its terms. How confident are you in punching some holes through its wings or severing its tail? We'll want to disable it before going for any decisive strikes.

[windsongs]

[ Well, she wasn't anticipating having to deal with any gods outside of the one she's somehow pals with, but Kaito will still get A Look after making that statement. Great. Something else for her to look forward too once they get out of here and go on with their (not un) lives. ]

...Okay, they're the worst right now.

[ As the mist begins to billow through the campsite, the wyvern tries to combat this by beating its wings harder in an effort to thin it enough to see the pair. But it doesn't seem able to make it budge, letting out an angry, piercing howl as it thrashes about blindly.

Good. At least that will keep it busy for a while. ]

I think I should be able to tear through its wings, but I'm not strong enough to cut through its tail. That thing took a hit from you like it was nothing, so unless we find something a soft spot, preferably somewhere vital...

[ And that thing is going to undoubtedly protect its underbelly, so what else other than that would be a decisive hit? Something that isn't protected by scales or a thick hide. ]

...What about the mouth? It's risky, but if one of us provokes it, the other can take the shot.

[ And given he's the one that managed to land a hit, Hibiki already knows what her role is going to be. ]

[nagano]

Tsk. If I was at my proper strength, things would be different...

[ Yeah, yeah, cope harder. Kaito's got a few ideas to target the wyvern's tummy, but Hibiki's suggestion draws him out of his thoughts for more reasons than it being a sound plan. Glowing blues lock to her not-really-glowing-blues. ]

Good plan. I'll distract it. You're fast, but I've got contingency plans for if I actually get hit. Do you?

[ Given how pointedly he challenges her, he seems to be confident in the answer being a 'no.' ]

[windsongs]

We do what we can with what we've got. We just need to be smart about this.

[ Normally she would be more encouraging, but this isn't a great situation. But at least the shadow in her head is giving her some space to think. Is it actually cooperating with her? Self-preservation is a hell of a drug.

Giving him an extremely displeased look as he challenges her, Hibiki can't really refute that. But basically all of her experience is at point-blank range. If he's not going to let her act as decoy... ]

Deal with it if it happens. So no, I don't. [ She pauses before sighing, a tense smirk tugging at her lips. Trust that he'll have your back, Hibiki. ] Alright, I guess that means I need to get creative. You okay with me trying a few things?

[ This isn't a great time for her to be figuring stuff out on the fly, but what choice do they have. ]