saltburnmods: (Default)
๐–˜๐–†๐–‘๐–™๐–‡๐–š๐–—๐–“๐–™ ๐–’๐–”๐–‰๐–˜. ([personal profile] saltburnmods) wrote in [community profile] draino2024-11-09 08:00 am
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๐๐‹๐ˆ๐’๐’, ๐๐‹๐ˆ๐’๐’, ๐๐‹๐ˆ๐’๐’ โ–ฃ NOV TDM





NOVEMBER 2024 TDM: RENAISSANCE


Welcome to SALTBURNT, a panfandom smut/thriller game based off the film Saltburn, where characters are encouraged to indulge their deepest desires. The money never runs out and the liquor never stops pouring, so you may as well indulge from the bounty. Of course, things are rarely what they seem, and the manor itself seems to have a consciousness of its own. Throw parties, trash the house, engage in youthful merriment, but remember โ€” dangers come out at night, and no one, no matter how rich you are, is safe from demons lurking in the shadows.

Threads can be considered game canon, provided the players agree. Players can also start fresh upon acceptance into the game. In game characters can post to the TDM directly, using ยซ NEW CHARACTER/IN GAMEยป in the header. There will be a spot below for new characters to link their toplevels for easy access. Alternatively, prompts on the Test Drive can be used for in game logs.







WELCOME TO SALTBURNT


It's the hangover more than the light streaming in through half drawn curtains that wakes you up, your brain rattling in your skull, your mouth dry and cottony, your stomach churning with whatever it is you drank last night. If self preservation is your strong suit, you might turn over in bed and see a few painkillers laid out for you on a silver dish, accompanied by a glass of water. If it isnโ€™t, stay in bed and wallow โ€” eventually a maid will be in to tear your curtains open, saying, "Breakfast is served," and scurrying out quietly, invisibly. Breakfast? Maybe itโ€™s normal for you. Maybe it isnโ€™t.

You're drawn from the room, either by the mystery, or an undefinable urge that could be supernatural in origin, or could be your hunger catching up to you. It's almost nostalgic, the walk to the dining room โ€” have you been here before? Were you drawn up to this estate in a car? Havenโ€™t you done all this already? Maybe you mosey around a library, maybe you run into your suite mate in your adjoining bathroom. Regardless, seemingly all hallways, covered in priceless artworks and ancient relics from times long past, lead to the dining room, where a comically long table houses the Balfours and their many guests, some who seem just as disgruntled and confused as you. No matter. "Breakfast will be out in a minute," they say. What's that?

EDIT SEPTEMBER 2024: For those who have attended breakfast with the Balfours before, a change in routine might come as a shock, given how rarely they stray from form. However, as of September, CARMY BERZATTO has taken over Head Chef position, alongside his cousin RICHIE JERIMOVICH and always the bridesmaid never the bride, SANJI. In place of the self-serve style breakfast, there is an elevated menu, including: a self-serve juice bar, with pitchers of various juiced fruit and vegetables, shaved ice, coconut water, green and black tea syrups, potted microherbs, sliced whole berries, and finger limes. There is also, naturally, liquor and champagne available. Guests can make their own drinks, or ask the allocated staff member to serve them one of the "specials" if they're feeling adventurous.

That said, these are world class chefs, so the gold is really in the menu:
THE EGGS

๐“๐‡๐„ ๐‰๐Ž๐๐“๐˜: one runny boiled egg shelled and recoated in edible gold leaf, seated on a throne of fried bread soldiers, plated with whipped butter and italian parsley.
๐„๐†๐†๐’ ๐๐„๐๐„๐ƒ๐ˆ๐‚๐“: vinegar poached eggs with hollandaise foam on a bed of toasted freekah and baby spinach.
๐„๐†๐†๐’ ๐’๐‡๐€๐Š๐€๐’๐‡๐Ž๐”๐Š๐€: two eggs poached in a ramekin of pureed tomato, served with a crispy grilled cheese cut to dip.
๐“๐‡๐„ ๐’๐˜๐ƒ๐๐„๐˜: french omelette with a light cheese filling, topped with crushed potato chips and chives.
๐Ž๐„๐”๐…๐’ ๐๐‘๐Ž๐”๐ˆ๐‹๐‹๐„๐’: fluffy scrambled eggs in brown butter, served on sourdough.
๐’๐๐€๐๐ˆ๐’๐‡ ๐“๐€๐‘๐“: mini-quiche made with caramelized red onions and jamon pata negra ham.
๐„๐†๐† ๐Œ๐‚๐’๐€๐๐ƒ๐–๐ˆ๐‚๐‡: bacon, egg, cheese and sausage breakfast muffin that tastes weirdly like it was made at a popular chain with golden arches.

THE SWEETS

โ– momofuku's "cereal milk" โ–
โ– fette biscottate with a sour cherry jam and peanut floss โ–
โ– a warm cinnamon bun served with a shot of espresso coffee for dipping โ–
โ– a macadamia-marzipan croissant with a wattleseed and burnt-honey filling โ–
โ– poffertjes with a liquid nutella injection โ–


If you want to leave, youโ€™ll have to tell Giles, the housekeeper, who will arrange a car for you that mysteriously, or perhaps suspiciously, never arrives. Unfortunately, confronting Giles about it is near impossible, as heโ€™s as good at being invisible as the rest of the house staff. Of course, thereโ€™s no reason why you canโ€™t just walk out. The front gates are easy enough to jump over, even if the walk towards them gives you a strange sense of foreboding, or just outright discomfort, as if the ground itself doesnโ€™t want you to leave. Those more sensitive or fragile might find they canโ€™t make the jump, no matter how physically able, or desperately wanting. Still, a strong person could continue on, over the fence and into the lush English countryside. The feeling doesnโ€™t dissipate, though โ€” this sense of wrongness, almost sickness, like a weight on your back. Walk into the evergreen, carry on, but the strongest will make it perhaps a mile or so before the weight of dread and paranoia brings you to your knees, and then to your face, flat in the middle of a dirt road. What were you thinking? Is this really better?

Wake up with a hangover, in a bed, the curtains drawn, the maid saying, "Breakfast is served," before scurrying out. The painkillers are there, just like you remember. In fact, itโ€™s all exactly how you remember, as if you never left an imprint the first time, or any mess you made was cleared away while your back was turned. Walk to the dining room, find everyone there eating away at their breakfast.

"We dress for dinner," says Portia, with a kind, if discerning smile. "Black tie."




2 GIRLS 1 CUP

CONTENT WARNINGS: nudity, potential for nsfw.

Over the past few days, a bit of construction has taken place on the grounds of the Saltburnt estate, and while it's difficult to piece together what exactly is being built, it's clear to see: whatever it is, it's massive, taking up a huge percentage of the grounds with multiple included structures. On the outside it seems almost like a neighborhood is being sprung up โ€”ย new houses for people to live in, maybe? New shops, disconnected from the manor at large? All is revealed on opening day, when upon entry all are greeted with cheery hellos from jauntily clad persons shouting, "Huzzah!" and "Hail and well met!" For the more medieval and fantasy inclined among you, it might feel like stepping somewhere familiar and homey. To the rest, you know โ€” you've just walked into a Ren Faire. Costumes are expected.

Not sure what to wear? Those born between SEPTEMBER to FEBRUARY are dubbed part of the Unseelie Court, which is associated with darkness and decay, generally dressed in deep, dark colors. Those born between MARCH to AUGUST are part of the Seelie Court, which is associated with stars and sky, in lighter, brighter colors.

On either side of the split path, you're assaulted by the scents, sights, and sounds of any ordinary Ren Faire. Vendors pawn off garlicky mushrooms and full turkey legs, or flower crowns and juggling sticks in exchange for a kiss, a secret, a lock of hair, or something of equal nonsensical value. Step inside a shop and see sellers offering crude jewelry and satchels of loose leaf tea, fudge sold by the ounce and porcelain ocarinas. Essentially, if it's kitschy and thematic, you can find it here, being sold to you by people in costume who refuse to break character.

Shopping not quite your style? Fear not! If you're lucky in your wanderings, your might spot the Unseelie Queen ALICENT HIGHTOWER or her counterpart and opposed Seelie Queen LAURALAE carried on palanquins towards the very back of the faire, where the real heart of the show takes place in a small stadium for entertainment purposes โ€”ย a tourney for distinguishing yourself as the best among your peers in the manor. Prior to the tourney, all characters are given a favor of some kind ( an embroidered handkerchief, ribbon, garland, or piece of jewelry ) to give to a person of their choosing, be they a competitor or not, to show their support. Strangely, this favor seems to link them through an empathetic, sensation-based bond, so they feel everything their chosen competitor experiences. Mutual favors result in a mutual bond.

The challenges are set: ARCHERY/KNIFE THROWING, SWORDFIGHTING/HAND-TO-HAND, and a BARD'S TOURNEY. In addition to the more ye olde flavor of competition, there are also challenges for COUPLE TENNIS, HORSE POLO, and CHESS. And, in true Saltburnt fashion, there is also a somewhat lewd display of voyeuristic NUDE WRESTLING, where the first person to have an orgasm loses. (You can sign up for these competitions HERE.) To every challenge there is dubbed a winner, who in the old Westerosi tradition gets to crown a chosen "maiden" with the title THE QUEEN OR KING OF LOVE AND BEAUTY and an extravagant wreath of flowers, their victory dedicated to the lucky lord or lady. These wreaths are both fashionable and functional โ€” while wearing them, no one can resist following whatever queenly command your character gives. Additionally, winners will receive prizes courtesy of Saltburnt, all to be determined upon victory.

Whichever queen has the most winners at the end of the tourney is crowned HIGH QUEEN OF THE FAE. The Queen is paraded around and celebrated by all, and while tribute is not necessary, it certainly is appreciated!






RING AROUND THE ROSEY


CONTENT WARNINGS: potential for nsfw.

The Ren Faire fixture runs adjacent to the tree line of the forest, which one can enter through a booth manned by THE GREAT WIZARD ARCHIBALD, who warns you to be prepared to enter the Realm of the Fae beyond his backdrop curtain, before handing you a flower and a pair of antlers (or a head piece from your fauna choice) for your journey to the beyond. Upon entering, you are greeted by a forest that bears no resemblance to the woods you've grown to expect in your time at the manor, everything more exaggeratedly lush than it had been even a day or so prior. Plump fruits with slightly glimmering skins grow fat on the vine, every leaf on every tree vibrant and healthy despite the changing of seasons, gone orange and red with the cold. Despite that, it's surprisingly balmy in the forest, everything illuminated by glimmering fairy lights and strung up lanterns. Flowers bloom under your feet, alongside perfect little red mushrooms, everything so idealistic it almost borders on discomfort.

Despite any reservations, there is a wild compulsion to everyone who enters the forest. The flower the wizard gave you is pungent enough to dizzy your head, leading you to the instinct of frolicking โ€” or if you're not the type to frolick, then wandering โ€”ย through the woods, to find some counterpart to your particular flower in a very innocent (or not so innocent) game of cat and mouse. Once you find them, a simple kiss will serve as enough to claim your prize and ease the compulsion. Unless, of course, you want to give a little more. It couldn't hurt, right?

Wander further through the seemingly never ending woods, drawn on of the beauty of faerie, and find yourself at a somewhat rundown chapel surrounded by foliage, the roof and walls broken down with age, invaded by exploring plant life that crawls and vines through every crack and opening. While the stone altar of indeterminate denomination seems like it hasn't been seen for hundreds of years, let alone cleaned, there's the distinct impression you are walking on hallowed, sacred ground when you move to inspect it. Those clever among you might note different runes etched on what appears to be a wooden tabernacle on an ancient pillar at the back of the chapel. Looking into it, there's a word from an unknown language carved inside, complimented with a cheat sheet bit of yellowing paper which reads F. M. K., with further explanation: FRIENDS, MARRY, KINK.

What could it mean? Well. You and whoever you entered the chapel with, or whoever enters next, are stuck until further notice unless you complete one of the proffered options. FRIENDS, it's time you bury the hatchet, let bygones be bygones and accept our faults moving forward, together, to the future. MARRY, let's seal our bonded union with the trees as our witness, in a church of our own making. KINK, if the altar can't be used for the former, it can certainly be used for the latter. Nothing vanilla will do โ€”ย kink up or shut up.

Once completed, you're free to leave and roam around the forest at your leisure. If you wander far enough you might hear a distant, organic sound whirring and clicking from the trees, but don't worry. Whatever is watching you probably doesn't bite.




DIRECTORY


ruralize: (โœž 005.)

[personal profile] ruralize 2024-11-13 09:02 am (UTC)(link)
Did you say Cellar?

[ Dawn blinks a couple times quickly in an effort to mask her confusion, because surely she heard that wrong...? Though it's easy enough not to linger on the girl's strange-sounding name, because there are clearly far more troubling matters afoot.

She stage-whispers back:
]

But what could they want with us?
scaphoid: marceline2174 @ twitter (002)

[personal profile] scaphoid 2024-11-13 09:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ just because august is a known entity doesn't make him a trusted one yet, and harrow is silent while she works through a mental list of pros and cons of lying versus honesty. it drags a few beats too long, enough to make most people uncomfortable-- though she does notice that august doesn't seem to be included in that. typically, people who are uncomfortable with silence tend to talk more to fill the space left. whether or not it's relevant that august doesn't, it certainly is interesting.

protection comes in many forms though. it's not like knowing the purpose of the little bone shards buried all across the garden will help him much - it would take someone of her own level of skill to even detect them all, much less dig them all out - but if people are aware that harrow intends to fight, maybe they might think twice.

( it does, of course, occur to her that all of this is unnecessary, but that thought is quickly dismissed given the many deaths that apparently occurred just recently. it's not paranoia if harrow is right )

finally, some minute or so later, harrow makes a decision, and she clears her throat. ]


Preparing for any eventuality. [ she says, somewhat cryptic, but after glancing at him hovering nearby her, she coughs lightly again and raises a hand. ] Don't freak out.

[ mostly because she finds it tedious, not because of any respect for the other house inhabitant that may be trying to sleep. harrow's raised hand flexes minutely, and from one of those buried bone shards springs a fully formed skeleton, clawing its way out of the soft dirt at a breakneck speed and clambering to its feet by her side. as far as replicas go, it is a perfect rendition of a human skeleton, down to even the tiniest bones, though if he's able to read anything off the bones it will be obvious that they were created fresh, rather than reanimated. this isn't a body brought back, it's creation made manifest, with harrow as the architect. ]
catering: (pic#17508102)

taggie o'hara | rivals | new character

[personal profile] catering 2024-11-13 09:24 am (UTC)(link)
2 ๐‘ฎ๐’Š๐’“๐’๐’”, 1 ๐‘ช๐’–๐’‘.

๐’‚) ( never having actually heard of a renaissance faire before, the whole idea seems a bit silly to taggie. more the sort of thing her little sister would have loved. but she's getting tired of hiding away, and no matter how many times she presses giles on the matter of a car ride home, no matter how many times he assures her one is on the way, it never seems to appear. so she makes the decision to at least try to fit in here, finds the one dress in her wardrobe that seems like it might fit the theme, and makes her way to the grounds.

to anyone paying her the slightest bit of attention, it's painfully obvious how uncomfortable she is. sure, she smiles and even manages to make a bit of eye contact here and there, but for the most part her eyes stick mostly to the ground.

until she finds the food stalls, that is. everything looks and smells incredible, and happily she finds most of the vendors willing to negotiate their rather odd pricing. a kiss on the cheek doesn't seem like too steep a cost for the plate of garlic mushrooms she gets in return and, biting into one with a happy little sigh, she turns to whoever might be next to her. )
Have you tried these yet? ( whether yes or no, she'll gladly hold her own plate up as offering. ) Try one, they're amazing!

๐’ƒ) ( stomach full and feeling a bit more comfortable in her surroundings, taggie makes her way through the shops next. the items for sale are nothing too exciting, the same sort of toys and knick-knacks that could be found at any street festival back home. still she browses contentedly, now and then picking some random something or other up to look at it a little closer.

it's all well and good until one of the shop keepers, not picking up on or more likely not caring about her lack of any real interest, corners her. overwhelming her with random bits of information about his wares and endless rounds of if you like that then you'll love this. too nice simply to tell him off or walk away, she casts her eyes around desperately for help. maybe she meets your character's glance, or maybe they can simply tell how much she'd love to flee this conversation. either way, please help her! )


๐‘น๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐‘จ๐’“๐’๐’–๐’๐’… ๐’•๐’‰๐’† ๐‘น๐’๐’”๐’†๐’š.

( look, growing up in ireland she spent much of her childhood hearing about the dangers of the fae. stories her parents always laughed off as fairytale garbage, so she had too. or tried too, at least. it's next to impossible to stop those stories from seeping into your subconscious when you're only a child. so while the forest beyond the booth looks like something out of a dream (and not those fae nightmares), taggie finds she's too nervous to step through alone.

standing near the entrance, she twirls the stem of a small yellow poppy between her thumb and forefinger, smiling brightly at the first person to approach the booth by themselves. )
I'm so sorry to bother you. ( for what it's worth, she is genuinely sorry. all too aware of how ridiculous this is. ) Do you mind if I go in with you?

๐‘พ๐’Š๐’๐’…๐’„๐’‚๐’“๐’….

( i'm the worst at open starters, so no worries if none of these appeal to you. but pls feel free to toss up your own starter if you like, i'm down for anything. or if you'd rather hash something out, just shoot me a pm! )
ruralize: (โœž 049.)

welcome

[personal profile] ruralize 2024-11-13 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ For the record, Dawn really had no intention of touching anyone, let alone Theo โ€” not on purpose, anyway โ€” as she made her frantic and barefoot way down the hall, but as soon as the other woman's attention is on her she backs up against the opposite wall so hastily it's like she was pushed, arms held up in surrender. ]

I-I don't know, I don't know! [ she cries out, hyperventilating slightly. ] I don't even know where I am!

[ Well, they're clearly in the same place, but you know what she's trying to say. ]



( Dawn is a very, very repressed lesbian-in-denial tradwife, so I'm totally open to the possibility of Something Happening except just be warned she might be extremely annoying about it the entire time ๐Ÿฅฒ )
provoke: (s2 โ†’ 12)

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 10:26 am (UTC)(link)
I understand.

[ he's trying, too. he's trying to be more accommodating of the differences between what he knows and this new world, with its too-wide windows and sleek surfaces. everything so impersonably clean, too sterile in the pristine nature of their surroundings.

at least now, aemond will not have to see gideon inanimate like the rest of the house. he is back, he is alive, and he is whole. decorum can wait; he is clinging to his friend, too, his hands firm and unyielding where they hold onto gideon high on his arms.
]

Will you tell me when it happens again? These long sleeps of yours? I thought I hadโ€” That perhaps I had overwhelmed you, and caused you to fall between the worlds you walk upon.

Are you well now, truly?
wiseass: (pic#13518098)

#gay panic

[personal profile] wiseass 2024-11-13 10:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ Claire rarely feels bad about the things she does, and guilt only trickles into her subconscious well after the fact but when she whirls around to behold a gray-haired goddess who not only manages to be graceful but also dignified the sheepish look on her face replaces what had once been confidence. ]

Yeah... I am. Have to be. Hazard of the job? Good match.

[ AKA sorry for being an asshole about it, but she's had to fight just to be somewhat decent at this and even then she doesn't come close to the caliber of Dean or Sam. Hunting's a mixed bag. Claire grabs her hand and gives it a firm, but aloof, shake and then takes a deep breath. ]

Anyway, feels like the prizes are probably traps.
nightslut: (๐Ÿฆ‡ ๏ผ”๏ผ๏ผ๏ผŽ)

laszlo cravensworth | what we do in the shadows

[personal profile] nightslut 2024-11-13 10:47 am (UTC)(link)
provoke: (ep 203 โ†’ 5)

โšก welcome;

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 10:53 am (UTC)(link)
You've noticed it too, then.

[ the way the air stills unnaturally. the odd silence in the woods, where the animals become quiet without warning, deathly still as though the very earth has decided to hold its breath.

there is something deeply strange about the grounds of house balfour's keep.
]

This place would have you stay grounded. Trapped in its boundaries. Walk in a straight line and eventually you will find yourself turned around and back where you've started.

You're new. [ she has the colouring of a velaryon, but not one aemond has met. perhaps...? she might be like daenerys, from a time further away from aemond's own. ] I am Prince Aemond of House Targaryen. Who might you be?
Edited 2024-11-13 10:53 (UTC)
provoke: (Default)

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 11:00 am (UTC)(link)
set 1:
CHARACTER NAME: aemond targaryen
TEAMMATE: hawkins fuller
SEELIE/UNSEELIE: both unseelie
windriding: (pausing)

[personal profile] windriding 2024-11-13 11:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her eyes linger on the treeline beyond the fence for several moments, even when she's registered that she's no longer alone. What he says matches what she'd felt out there - it didn't make it any less unnerving. She swallows hard and tenses her shoulders, finally glancing over to acknowledge him once she feels a little more composed. ]

... I am new yes, though I'm almost afraid to ask what "new" is relative to. [ How long has this other man been here, if so? Trapped and grounded, just as he describes? More questions she doesn't know she'll like the answer to. ]

I'm Ororo Munroe, also called Storm. [ She pauses, considers, and then adds: ] Of the X-Men. And I hope that isn't why I've been taken to this place... Your Highness. [ He's a prince, after all. Or so he says. She gives him an even look, suspicious. He'd said she was grounded - but he hadn't included himself in that. Maybe she's the only one trapped here? ]
provoke: (Default)

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 11:13 am (UTC)(link)
set 2:
CHARACTER NAME: aemond targaryen
TEAMMATE: aegon targaryen
SEELIE/UNSEELIE: both unseelie

(edit: apparently we're taking it serious now)
Edited 2024-11-13 11:41 (UTC)
provoke: (ep 203 โ†’ 3)

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 11:19 am (UTC)(link)
House Balfour is our host, and they have peculiar reasons for extending their hospitality.

[ which is to say, they're all hostages here. the ones who stay within the main house, that is; aemond has heard of guests invited and allowed to leave, and he has wondered himself what one must do to earn such a privilege.

no matter. the woman states her name and aemond feels a moment of cold disappointment; not family, then. but perhapsโ€”โ€”
]

If you would believe the stories told here, the house has been receiving guests for many a moon's turn now. I myself arrived two turns ago, and I've yet to find myself crossing the keep's boundaries.

[ with a sharp, half-smile, aemond adds; ] You've just missed the murders.

Walk you back to the dining hall? The food here is decent.

[ you're safer among a crowd. ]
windriding: (Default)

[personal profile] windriding 2024-11-13 11:32 am (UTC)(link)
Murders?

[ Plural? She had so many other questions - but that's the one that stops her before she can ask anything else more properly. ]

Who died? Was anyone apprehended?

[ ... And they're all stuck here, where murder is apparently something to talk about like the weather? ]
provoke: (ep 203 โ†’ 2)

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 11:39 am (UTC)(link)
All but one of the culprits were. A twisted sort of murder game, you see โ€“ the House [ and note the emphasis ] finds its entertainment in ways only it understands.

[ aemond is careful in his phrasing, near veering into too diplomatic in the way he describes the events of the werewolf game held not even a fortnight ago. his tone is carefully flat, restrained. the house listens, always. ]

For what it's worth, it seems death is temporary here, so long as it's by the hand of a guest against another guest.

You must think me insane, Miss Munroe, to be discussing such a gruesome thing so early into an introduction.
windriding: (what was that?)

[personal profile] windriding 2024-11-13 12:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The way she looks at him should answer that. Yes, she does think this is all insane. No, she's not going to say that out loud and to his face. She has some manners, thank you. ]

The... house. [ She glances quickly up at the manor that they're supposed to be headed into, apprehension rolling off of her in waves. Almost literal waves; there's a sudden chill in the air as her emotions get away from her - a brisk wind that gathers and blows over the grass, stirring any stray leaves. Directly above them, the clouds seem to darken and bristle with distant, angry thunder. ]

We're entertainment for this house, and sometimes that means death, however temporary? [ Her eyes are narrowed as she looks back to him. ] And you want us to head back inside that house, for dinner?
windriding: (glance)

[personal profile] windriding 2024-11-13 12:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She'd come to a similar conclusion, so she doesn't feel bad about the loss. Still, it's at odds with what she'd said just earlier, so Ororo quirks an eyebrow at her. Weird reaction, but okay. ]

And yet you're excited to get your hands on them. Or is it just the thrill of winning?
provoke: (salt โ†’ 13)

[personal profile] provoke 2024-11-13 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
That I do.

[ odd that her mood seems to follow with the weather; aemond nods to her, and invites her to walk along with him now. ]

Thus far there have been warning given for these here the House's parties. Time to prepare, if you were the type โ€” and on the whole our fellow guests are diligent in protecting the ranks. Allies are good to have here.

[ surely she can read between the lines. he's not inviting her along purely out of the goodness of his blackened heart. ]

Safety in numbers, you can trust. Alone, well โ€” you said it yourself. The woods are not right. Many places here aren't.
windriding: (Default)

[personal profile] windriding 2024-11-13 01:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She follows him in despite obvious misgivings. That the house itself, or so he describes it, is responsible for danger โ€” for murder โ€” makes her look up at its looming walls and shadows like something would lunge for her without warning. The thunder persists, and she becomes suddenly, acutely aware that that's probably because of her. Her hands squeeze into fists as she folds her arms across her chest protectively. No sense in throwing an accidental weather tantrum. ]

Are there any places that are right? Safe? [ Did such a thing exist here? Her life at home had been one thing after another, and it often felt like the humans would never stop hunting them. But no matter how often they tried to take the mansion down, it was still a stronghold of safety for her, for her family. The students.

Goddess, her students... She shakes her head. ]


And is there no way out, to return home? I have too many people depending on me.
onlyvibes: (pic#16977986)

[personal profile] onlyvibes 2024-11-13 01:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[Gideon feels a fluttering sort of warmth in his chest. Affection, he realizes. Very few people have cared quite so much about his well being. Only Nico and Parisa, really, and Nico is gone.]

Yes, I can do that.

[His long sleeps are usually more deliberate than when he simply drifts off while reading in the library, so it should be possible to alert Aemond if he does it. Unless the house is messing with him, of course, but even then he could at least get a message to Parisa to let Aemond know.

With some reluctance he pulls back just enough to look Aemond in the eyes when he says this next thing. He wants to be clear in his reassurance, perhaps because he thinks it's something Aemond hasn't received very often in his life.]


You didn't hurt me. You didn't do anything wrong.
nishtha: (pic#17203747)

[personal profile] nishtha 2024-11-13 01:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The suncatcher is in the shape of a rose, stained glass and a cunningly wrought stem, dripping red leaves that hang beneath it on thin chains like drops of blood. Armand had been touching them with his fingernails to set them gently spinning when a warm voice spoke up beside him, a generous offer in a strange accent he's only heard from one other person.

He catches the wink, as intrigued by it as the skim of thoughts from the top of the man's mind, all self-assured pleasure and a genuine desire to do something kind for another person.

The magic earns a gasp and applause from the stall keeper. Armand's eyebrows have inched upwards, fascinated. He could have performed the trick himself, but not with so much showmanship -- Armand is reminded, a little, of Santiago. This man would have had a fine career on the Paris stage. Armand allows himself to imagine the costume, the lighting.

He smiles at the magician as the stallholder takes down their purchases and wraps them in paper.
]

Thank you. I will think of you when I put it up in my rooms. [ His orange eyes are thoughtful; he doesn't blink as he studies Gale. ] Do the objects need to be broken for you to work your gifts upon them?
nishtha: (pic#17423044)

[personal profile] nishtha 2024-11-13 01:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Beauty is necessary," Armand says, with the conviction of someone who has spent a long time making the decision to believe it. His prisons have always been beautiful, in their way. Stark but elegant lines in Dubai. The gilded and ethereal splendour of Venice. Even the Parisian catacombs had their terrible wonders, the silent beauty of ancient death, light flickering on the vaulted ceilings of the crypts and mausoleums.

He's lost in thought for a moment before he turns back to look at Lauralae, the mask taking on a different shape, a gentle smile.

"Come." He crooks his arm for her to take, a gentleman offering a lady his support for an afternoon stroll. "Have you tried the mulled wine?"
benedicked: (pic#17216111)

benedict bridgerton | bridgerton (new in game character)

[personal profile] benedicked 2024-11-13 01:43 pm (UTC)(link)
intro;
[ Waking up with a hangover is nothing new, but what is new are his surroundings. Head pounding, he tries to focus on the draperies and color scheme, squinting blearily as a maid scurries in and tells him breakfast is ready.

Again, nothing new there, but the halls are different, and he is oh so clearly not where he is supposed to be. Or where he went to sleep. Or anywhere remotely familiar, for that matter. It's not odd to wake up in a strange place but he knows this isn't where he'd passed out. At least a solid wardrobe of his things are tucked away, and he dresses with shaky, hungover hands.

Seated at the table he stares at his breakfast, blinking hard, trying to make sense of it, any of it. Nothing comes to mind though, and he's rather hungry, and so he digs in, devouring the plate in front of him. Only once his stomach is filled and the headache recedes does he explore, wandering the manor confused and lost. ]


Where am I?


2 girls;
[ A few days in he can't help but notice the construction what must denote upcoming festivities. Curiosity gets the better of him and once the events begin he can't help but participate, because what else is there for him to do? This is all beyond his scope of understanding, being plucked from home and thrown to the wolves here, so he signs himself up for archery, swordfighting/fencing and polo. Thing's he's good at, though not nearly as good as his brother. Benedict is usually here for the spectacle of it all, gossipy auntie that he is, and his play generally turns into observation more than actually attempting to win - but there is, of course, a competitive streak in all Bridgertons, so there is effort put in, at least.

So, clad in Seelie light colors, tie swapped for cravat, he leans into the event, available for talk, play, or general company.

The nude wrestling has him wildly red though, so unless someone catches him, he won't stick around there.

Well, maybe he looks a little.. ]


Rather risquรฉ, is it not?


ring around the rosey;
[ Finding himself wandering the forest with a flower gripped in his hand isn't what he'd anticipated after the events of the faire, but there's a compulsion he can't resist. He'll think upon that later, alone in his bed, wonder what that was and how it tugged at him so deeply, but in the moment he doesn't question it, only follows the pull deeper into the woods.

A kiss can be exchanged upon meeting his match, though he also continues to the chapel where he lingers, reading the inscription with a furrowed brow. ]


The words make sense, but what are we to do with them?


(( ooc; open to anything not listed, I'm easy and so is Ben ;) if something strikes your fancy that I didn't prompt for, feel free to go nuts or pm here or [plurk.com profile] virtuously for questions! ))
venatoris: misty-creates (pic#16213065)

ring around the chapel

[personal profile] venatoris 2024-11-13 02:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dean ought to know better, because he's dealt with fairies before, been to the fairy realm itself, and can see them - unlike his brother. Despite the compulsion that pulls him in, he's still wary, eyes flicking around, keeping track of his surroundings and making sure he isn't followed - because it feels like he is. Always seems to, in the woods around here.

Entering the chapel he stops, flower dangling still in his hand, and he blinks at Matt sitting on the altar, like he belongs there. ]


Oh, uh. Hey.
extent: (ty213)

[personal profile] extent 2024-11-13 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ try as he might to be anything else, nick deeply loves to be observed in as many ways as possible and now is no exception. it would be pretty hard to miss the flick of the gaze, and he does work very hard not to look completely pleased about the glance--but he's only so successful.

despite his horrendous vanity, nick still smiles, friendly and like he isn't naked and sweaty and in desperate need of another drink. ]


Depends, is it going to be totally weird? [ he holds an earnest expression for all of a handful of seconds, before a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth and he cracks. ] Nah, you can ask the weird stuff too. Hi.
scaphoid: naomistares @ tumblr (049)

[personal profile] scaphoid 2024-11-13 03:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it's a very simple question and should have a very simple answer, except for that harrow has felt off-kilter ever since she woke up in that obnoxiously comfortable bed and she's struggling to remember how to function like normal. this is, frankly, probably not the most unusual thing to happen to harrow in recent months, but it certainly is the most distressing.

but. she asked a question, and it's probably expected that she gives some kind of an answer, so she frowns before responding. ]


No ice.

[ heaven's forbid there might be anything that even mildly suggests at interesting in something that she eats or drinks. really, though, the water was the least of her concerns. far more pressing is her first question, the one that will be far more difficult to answer on her own. if she's on any of the nine houses it's not like anything she's ever felt before, but the other options are far more concerning. ]

Which planet are we on?