TDM II

[thetonmods]

The Ton Test Drive Meme II

Welcome to the The Ton's second Test Drive Meme!

Applications will OPEN on the 1st of June. Players with characters already in game are also welcome to top-level with them. However, we ask that all TDM-related prompts stay on the TDM post itself.

If you do write a top-level, please make sure to include your character's name and canon in the subject field - regardless of whether your character is already in game or not.

Please note that the Test Drive Meme does not require an invite in order to participate - submitting an application does.

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NAVIGATION.

🌿 Arrival • Welcome Drinks • The Greenhouse Effect • Skinny Dipping • Give You Butterflies [NSFW] • That Belongs in A Museum • Jump to Comments 🌿

🌱 Applications • FAQ • Rules • Full Navigation 🌱

Arrival

I. WELCOME

You don't remember when or where you fell asleep exactly...

Perhaps it's the tickling sensation of a low hanging tree branch brushing against your nose or the feel of the slightly damp grass underneath you that causes you to awaken but when you do you'll find yourself lying amongst a glade of wisteria trees. You're not alone - nymphs of the trees laugh and dance about you, clearly amused at the new arrival. Along with them, your new loyal servant is here on Pheme's bidding. How this servant looks is different to each arrival. Some are saddled with short, stout butlers, others are welcomed by towering, busty maids. Regardless of their appearance, they introduce themselves with a kindness and warmth that is simultaneously reassuring and strangely impossible to resist when they beckon you to follow them from the grove and out into the city of Andovale.

The closest structure within sight is the Palace and its grounds. It is here that the Lady Pheme resides and from here that she rules over the city, your servant explains to you. You have been selected and brought here personally by her. It is she who assigned the servant to guide you through the regency-inspired city that is your new home.

Eventually, they will bring you to your new residence within the outskirts of somewhere called the "Trade Quarter". You are now the resident of a room within one of the many imposing town houses which make up the Grand Crescent. Throughout your stay here the servant will be your own personal butler or maid. This is where all new arrivals will be living for the time being you are told. Your servant will also give you a crash course on life here and the concept of Thumos - the energy or life force that keeps Andovale and all life within it going - including you now that you are here. It's generated through acts of intimacy, whether that be physical or emotional.

Once you have been shown to your room, you are given two things: a network communication device and a letter. The letter reads as follows:

My dearest reader,

Welcome to Andovale.

The delights of our fair city are yours to explore.

I do hope that you make your stay here a most interesting one. I shall be frightfully disappointed if you do not - and we do not want that, do we?

You will hear from me again very soon.

Yours Truly,

Lady Pheme

You are free to wander about and explore the house and its surroundings as you please. It's certainly spacious enough. As well as your own quarters, each of the townhouses of the Grand Crescent have large communal areas, which includes the kitchens (although why you'd like to go there when your servant can fetch any delicacies you'd like for you!), a dining room, a parlour with its own small library, two drawing rooms (somewhere you can go to chill out basically - harp music anyone?) and a generously sized garden.

Strangely, unlike most accurate regency townhouses, there do not appear to be any servant's quarters - perhaps these servants don't need to rest? Or they go somewhere else entirely for that?

Why not introduce yourself to your new housemates? Or enjoy some tea and cakes that have been prepared for you personally by your retainer, which they seem to keep insisting on bringing to you?

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II. AN INVITATION

Whether you're brand new to Andovale or a an established if a little unwilling resident by now, your assigned maid or butler will track you down. They are not empty-handed and they carry a silver tray, upon which is an envelope with a wax seal bearing the letter "P". Inside the envelope is an invitation. An invitation from your benevolent ruler, Lady Pheme herself.

Each character will receive an invitation identical in wording to the one below:

EVENT AT THE PLEASURE GARDENS

YOUR CHARACTER'S NAME HERE

Is requested to attend an exclusive event at the PLEASURE GARDENS, on 27th of May current.

Admission to the attraction begins at 6 o'clock p. m.

Wear something green for this special occasion.


Lady Pheme

Your servant can help you find something appropriate to wear - or not appropriate, the choice is entirely yours, after all. If you decide to go with their guidance, it is notable that they seem a little less decisive in the sort of outfit you should be wearing for this event - only, as Pheme said, that it should be something green. An evening gathering surely must require formal wear though and they will eventually press upon you the importance of wearing Regency Full Dress for the night ahead.

You may come to regret this.

Note: Even though it's a little different from the norm, this event will still count as a ball and all attendees will get 10 Reputation Points✨, just for showing up and looking respectable. Indulging with the theme and wearing an acceptable green outfit will also gain attendees a further 5 Points✨.

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WELCOME DRINKS

CW: alcohol

So, you've received an exclusive invitation to the Pleasure Gardens' latest pop-up attraction from Lady Pheme herself? How exciting! Ordinarily, the Gardens are open to anyone willing to pay the small amount of Thumos required to enter, but tonight it seems that only those brought in from other worlds are permitted access. You're getting an exclusive preview of the attraction, one of the guards at the gates tells you.

One of their colleagues will escort you down the torch flame lit pathways, through the gardens to the centre - the open space where all events like this take place.

Tonight, that open space is not so open. Besides the vast outdoor ballroom floor, in front of you is a giant glass house - basically, a large fancy green house between you and I. These are often found at grand country houses to show off and cultivate exotic, never before seen plants from far off lands. You've been brought here for the unveiling of this attraction. How such a thing could possibly be temporary seems highly improbable, but that's Pheme for you.

Feel free to begin the evening with mingling and dancing as befitting of any ball, but before the night is over you will feel yourself propelled forward to join the queue to get into the "Palm House," almost as if an invisible hand is shoving you forwards. You're even handed an extremely green and theme appropriate alcoholic beverage to consume in the queue while you wait. It's all very civilised.

Oddly, this drink won't get you drunk in the usual way, despite the alcohol content. Instead you will find yourself imbued with a hefty sense of glee and eagerness for adventure. It's all to help ease you into this experience, after all.

You're admitted to the Palm House one at a time - it's fine, you'll see your friends inside! Just as you set foot through the doors, your head is filled with the sound of a woman's voice, soft and beguiling:

"Dearest gentle member of the ton - what happens in the Palm House, stays in the Palm House. You are free tonight."

Note: For those that don't drink, there's also an alcohol free version. It looks completely identical to the boozy version.

Whether that drink has got you in the spirit or not, entering the Palm House is worth your while. All of those who enter will instantly receive 20 Reputation Points✨. And in case it wasn't already obvious, on this very special of occasions and the debut of her attraction, Pheme is turning a blind eye to what happens to you all in there. These things need a whole lot of Thumos to run properly and some of you will be doing her a huge favour... you just don't know it yet.

There will be no NPCs present in the Palm House, only your characters. Tonight is an exclusive preview for Pheme's Chosen, after all.

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THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Entering the Palm House is a rather surreal experience to say the least. Sure, it looked pretty grand from the outside, but that's nothing compared to what greets you inside...

You might have been expecting a typical large tropical greenhouse as per any botanical garden visit, if such things exist to you back home. However, this particular green house appears to contain nothing less than a few dozen acres of rain forest. If the word "Tardis" resided in the vocabulary of the Ton's residents then it would surely be applied here. Pheme's out to show off again.

The moment you take a step or two through that door you feel strangely disoriented. Take a few steps more - perhaps you change your mind and decide to head back to the door you just came through. Only when you do, you'll find that the door is no longer there.

There is another door out of here but that involves crossing the length of the exhibit - and as you can now see quite clearly, that is not going to be such an easy task. There are paths to take and to (hopefully) stick to, but they seem to crisscross at every turn you take and go in all different directions. Thick rainforest surrounds you on all sides, its dense foliage extending towards what you can see of the glass ceiling and the night sky beyond that.

Pheme hasn't been quite cruel enough to leave you wandering through the rainforest by moonlight alone. Many of the plants here glow with an unnaturally bright bioluminescence - and there is more. Every now and again during your travels you will see the light of a of lantern darting amongst the trees, accompanied by alluring and lilting female voices, often laughing with delight. They might seem a little familiar to you.

It seems that the tree nymphs (or dryads) from the wisteria grove have sisters and they're making themselves quite at home in the Palm House. If you happen to catch a decent view of one of them, you'll find yourself face to face with quite possibly one of the most beautiful - not to mention scantily clad - women you have ever laid eyes on. They won't stick around long though. Make the mistake of trying to follow one of them and you'll find yourselves off the path and even more lost and disoriented than you were before.

You might be really regretting your choice of dress right about now - even if you are camouflaged with all of the greenery.

Note: If your character does not manage to find the exit (or one of the magic wreaths mentioned below) then they will only remain trapped in the Palm House until dawn. After that time period they will themselves slipping into a deep slumber, only to awaken right back in their cosy bed within the Grand Crescent (or wherever they've now made their home) a few hours later. You can thank your servant for that.

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SKINNY DIPPING

CW: large bodies of water, possible nudity

Unsurprisingly, it's hot in the forest, and the chances are that you didn't exactly come in here dressed for this.

While the dryads have made themselves at home on the land inside the Palm House, their naiad cousins (or water nymphs) have made themselves comfortable within the many rainforest pools. You can hear their delighted giggling as you traverse the forest and they will even call out to you in alluring tones, somehow knowing your name. It's impossible to resist following the sound and when you do you'll find yourself in front of one of the many pools that can be found within the Palm House.

Oddly, there is no sign of the naiads now that you're here. The water is beautifully crystal clear and dappled with the snatches of moonlight managing to shine through the forest canopy. That water is calling out to you, to drink and to bathe - you will feel an overwhelming compulsion to start removing your stuffy clothing, dive right in and cool down.

It's fine, after all, there's no one else around. Yet.

Just be care those pesky water nymphs don't hide your clothes.

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GIVES YOU BUTTERFLIES... (NSFW)

CW: sex, aphrodisiac, sex pollen, insects

It's not just nymphs and you lot making yourselves at home in the Palm House.

Often mistaken for moths, there's one species group of nocturnal butterflies, but their wings are dull, plain, and uninteresting. Clearly not a good fit for a glorious Palm House, designed by Pheme herself. That is precisely why Pheme has created her own, never before seen species of night butterfly, especially for this occasion.

Their wings are like gossamer, beautifully transparent like a ordinary glasswing butterfly but these ones glow in the dark. You probably encounter one or two as you make your way through the rainforest, but the longer you spend in here, the more the butterflies begin to swarm. Looking up and you'll see a "kaleidoscope" high above your heads, hundreds of them flocking together in a brightly glowing mass above the treeline. The display is only brief, but it leaves you with a strange yet probably not unfamiliar feeling.

You see, these butterflies have been carrying pollen on their bodies and legs, as butterflies often do, helping to spread the stuff. It seems whatever plant they have recently been feeding from has some very curious properties... and you can probably guess where this is going.

You feel hot - even more than you already did being stuck in a tropical forest. Not only that, you feel the strongest desire for physical intimacy. Effects vary depending on how much pollen you've been doused with, but you still have a deep, desperate need to do something about it. For those most strongly affected and desiring the ultimate, touching yourself may bring some relief. That may very well be your first thought to try, but some is the operative word here.

That person you've always had a flirtation with? Now is the time. You have to have them. You have to have each other. Or maybe you've just met this person, here, in the rainforest today? Maybe you're two people who ordinarily don't even like each other? Perhaps there's more than two of you?

It doesn't matter. You won't rest until you've gotten that release.

Note: The butterflies swarm covers a wide enough area that you can be anywhere within the Palm House when their pollen hits. While this is obviously a sex pollen prompt, players can choose how strongly their characters have been affected. It may be that they only got the lightest dousing of pollen and kissing is enough to satisfy them. On the other hand, maybe they got so covered in the stuff that only doing the deed will do. The choice is yours.

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THAT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM

CW: chance for NSFW

So, you're not having much luck navigating your way out of this foliage filled nightmare? There is another way out. At some point on your travels, one of the naiads will take pity on you and try to help you out: "Find one of the wreaths!"

Deeper into the greenhouse, or this pseudo rainforest as it basically is, you'll find ancient Greek laurel wreaths made of pure gold. They might be just lying on the ground, or up a tree, or under the water in one of the forest pools... The choice is yours as to where you find it, We'll leave that entirely to your discretion.

It will take quite some doing given how far into the jungle these treasures are, but should you manage to find one, upon contact, it will teleport you, and whoever you might be holding onto, out of the greenhouse and right back to the entrance to the Pleasure Gardens again.

The wreaths won't be easy to find, and you'll face many obstacles along the way. Some set to distract you entirely from your goal, which is get the hell out of here. Unless you actually like it in here? You do you, boo. We're not judging.

The teleportation abilities of the wreaths themselves can only be activated by generating a small amount of Thumos between yourself and another first, another naiad will explain. That means no grabbing one for yourself and hightailing it out of here! Oh no, no, no. What about your chums? It would not be seemly to leave them in the lurch, after all.

Note: Obviously more than one character can use one of these wreaths to teleport out of the Palm House, as long as each of you has a hand on the item and you have generated Thumos between all of you then it will work.

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Wildcard

To assist you with inspiration our full list of Andovale's locations can be found here.

Want to play something that isn't listed here? Go ahead!

Please note that TDMs are considered game canon.

As stated above, both prospective and current characters who are already in game are permitted to top-level on TDMs. However, we do ask that current players be mindful and welcoming to prospective new players and that they do try and make the effort to tag out beyond their current in-game CR.

For newbies: As your first port of call, we would recommend having a read of the premise page, as well as our rules and FAQ.

For any general game questions you may have which are not answered by the FAQ then please leave a comment on the FAQ page - for any questions specific to this TDM then please respond to the questions comment below.

Most importantly - have fun!

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Comments

[zemnianjoy]

[ with his hair fanned out around him in the pond, he had just closed his eyes when he heard the voice, a familiar. His eyes shot open at the alert to Essek's presence; he was bearing himself to the moon-- without a care in the world. However he very quickly shifted and then concealed himself. Essek-- ah, this was awkward and he could feel his face flush.

Not because he was naked.

He was not modest in the slightest, but he knew that Essek was; which was the awkward part of it. He looked up at the canopy roof for a moment, attempting to figure out the best way to respond to this. He was not a maiden, and he highly doubted that anyone would find his body arousing-- so modesty was a moot point (much too freckled and lanky for that, too much body hair as well.) and well that was integrity right there, he could not be mad about it. ]

Well if you are here, then it means you are safe within Pheme's Greenhouse Wonderland and so I cannot complain in the slightest.

[ It meant that sex pollen had not gotten a hold of Essek, and gods-- he did not know why but he did not want to think of Essek getting sex pollinated, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Even though theoretically, he had no claim on him.. never would ]

[dunamagic]

Safe? Is there some danger I have yet to encounter? [Essek feels his attention focus on to that, looking over his shoulder at the rest of the greenhouse as if something might creep up on him in this very moment.

Now feelings more cautious he continues to pet Frumpkin for some comfort, more keenly aware of how he is half naked in this very moment in time - only a loose linen shirt and his knickers on. He looks to Caleb again, worry writ in his face as he sees no reason to hide it from the other man.

The flush on the man's cheeks brings back all his caution and shame -- not that it ever really left him, but it was set aside for a moment in the face of other dangers that could be lurking. Yet Caleb looks embarrassed and is covering himself more now..

It was hard for Essek's eyes not to follow the chest hair down to the trail that leads further--]

Ah.. I do apologize for viewing you without your knowledge, it was not my intention, I merely thought I.. could save us both any embarrassment.. but, well, Frumpkin thought otherwise.

[He really shouldn't pet the cat and reward him for what he's caused but.. it was helping to ease any anxiety.]

[zemnianjoy]

Aphrodisiacal pollen.

[ Caleb pointed upward where Essek could likely see a shield that was erected, and at the very least over this area there was a safeguard. At certain points there was something that resembled honey that was sprinkling on the shield and then falling downward around it, deflected for the time being. ] It's been rotating throughout Pheme's playing field and catching people unsuspecting; Frumpkin initially reported it to me however, I would advise that when you leave this area, you utilize a parasol or a shield of some sort.

[ There had been reports from a few other people that it had been too late and they'd been caught in the landslide of pollen; he'd actually embarrassingly enough passed a few couples fornicating, it really had been awkward ]

You are fine, Essek. I am just a run-of-the mill naked man, and I don't have any real modesty issues, though I will keep myself submerged for your comfort at least in the interim. [ And he was respectfully averting his eyes from the sound of Essek's voice as he did not want to unsettle the drow either ]

[dunamagic]

Ah.. yay.. [There was nothing but sarcasm in his voice as he looks upwards and sees what Caleb is pointing out. It had been a fool's luck that he hadn't been caught by any of the pollen or at least if he had it was minor enough to be inconsequential.

He would be able to get his parasol from his chest at least, it would cost some thumos to summon and dismiss, but it was more than worth it to not suffer the consequences of an aphrodisiac. The notion that their lady would go so far to get them to make thumos is uncomfortable.

Essek scratches at his arm a little as if he can feel the pollen, even if there is none there.]

And there is no need to concern yourself.. while modest myself I do not impose it on others, merely did not wish to broach yours unbeknownst to you.

[He doesn't want to cross a boundary unknowingly.. although he already mostly viewed the handsome man. Run-of-the-mill is not the terms he would use for Caleb's visage, but he also does not wish to again go where he is unwanted.]

[zemnianjoy]

Ja, my thought exactly-- about the pollen. There may be some on you, I do not know how long you have been sitting there; it should not be much though-- certainly not enough to make a difference whatsoever-- when I entered and threw up the shield, it had been coming from the north and it appears it is going in a clockwise position.

[ Of course Caleb would know the precise details of the pollen-cloud rain and it's movements throughout the playing feel; like some fucked up sexual version of the Hunger Games. ]

I have ridiculously little boundaries, the only ones that are firmly in place are the forearms.

[ He did not like the forearms touched, and now that Essek had a greater understanding of Caleb's past, as well as Eadwulf's-- he'd understand why that was a sore point of issue with him. The scars that were not finished; but would've been if he had not broken during his Graduation. ]

[dunamagic]

[Essek cannot help but admire Caleb's ability to know precisely the details of the situation. Somehow he's skirted the whole issue but seeing now that it might be on himself, he wonders if he should get into the water fully and wash himself of any that might have gotten on him. He would go in the linins he was wearing, but it would still be very revealing and immodest of him to bathe with a man he feels attraction for.. but--

Yes, it would be better safe than sorry, so he removes Frumpkin from his lap with a small apology before pushing himself up from his seated position and wading into the water with a small splash, the cold waters soak through the thin barriers of clothing and sooth his heated skin.]

Then it would be better to wash myself of any of it. [He didn't want to get sex drugged at all.

Once in the deeper part of the pool - with his eyes averted from Caleb's handsome form - Essek dips himself fully into the water, running hands over his face and hair before remerging a few seconds later. His clothing hangs heavy and revealing as the thin white linins clings to his skin, showing much as he runs his fingers through his hair, water soaking him.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ Scheiße, he thinks to himself as he catches sight of Essek's form cutting through the waters, but that statement didn't hit until it was drawn out and Essek was re-emerging with tendrils of white hair that dripped water over lavender skin, he had to turn his gaze away, realizing that it was probably exceedingly lustful. Oh no, he was not falling into this trap of letting his mind get caught up in pining.

Too late however, because he technically was pining, had been pining for months and he was slowly beginning to realize this. Whatever happened in Nicodranas had only been a speedbump and now here was Essek and he was acutely aware that this man would be trancing in the same house as him tonight.

Double Scheiße.

That shirt clung to Essek in all the right ways, his mouth grew dry and he yanked his gaze away, but it felt so very terse how he did so-- only that he had to be firm with himself, but it was up to Essek's interpertations. ]

Also, anything green on the buffet is not safe to eat or drink; I think it has been purposely drugged so as to convince more people to come into the greenhouse, ja.

insight 18+7=25

[dunamagic]

[Essek brushes some of the loose hair that hang heavy in his face to the side, his gaze traveling to Caleb for but a moment before he averts it once more. But in that moment, he sees something in Caleb's face-- perhaps the way he jerks his gaze away from Essek seems terse, but he sees more in it. He sees the blown pupils and the self firmness of his shifted gaze.. as if holding himself back.

Perhaps.. even if he was no longer romantically interested in Essek, he was still physically attracted. They had kissed a couple times now, Caleb had even initiated--

It didn't mean there was any hope romantically, he would not fool himself since Caleb had quite clearly rejected him, but.. while he hates to think of Bren the man's notion of a contract of convenience might be plausible if Caleb is attracted to him. While it was a new and altogether overwhelming sensation, Essek is very attracted to Caleb-- romantically and sexually -- so it would be possible.. It would benefit them both and Essek could perhaps work this attraction out of his system. (Or doom himself further.)

No, he was thinking too deeply on something from a simple look and a couple stolen kisses. He can feel the shame of his assumptions flush heavy on his neck. Just because there was attraction did not necessarily denote a desire to act on it.]

I feared as much.. in fact I did not partake in any of the refreshments for that very reason. [That and the graduation cake got to him the night before.] I cannot help but speculate that.. ah, this is a ploy to generate significant thumos after the last month.

[People were punished for making Thumos, so many people did not.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ Essek indeed had read clearly the desire, but also the honour there; the overwhelming honour not to disrespect Essek Thelyss with his thoughts; the first time he'd kissed-- it had been with salt water in Essek's lungs, a raw primal survival instinct. The second time had been in a darkened room covered by the haze of evening that had led to Bren (although he did not blame Essek, he was to blame for it as he himself had initiated it).

The second time had been in a dream that had been shared between them. It hardly counted, but one that he took as a fairly telling rejection in and of itself. That Essek did not want him? Oh, that was absolutely no surprise to Caleb and his insight would never be that great when it came to other people in regards to himself. ]

I attempted to warn as many people as possible of the pollen; I think that something designed to take away agency is best approached at least willingly and with full disclosure consent.

[ He was treading water now, trying to keep himself from looking in Essek's direction though perhaps his eyes strayed ever so often within the direction, just a furtive sideways glance here or there. ]

I am glad I could assist in preventing you from being entrapped by Pheme, ja. That's what friends do.. they help each other.

[dunamagic]

Yes, it would not do to have people's consent taken from them.. I would not want my own stripped from me. Already it's as if I have been compelled in ways that are discomfiting without it being sexual in nature..

[The idea of having his consent stripped from him and end up having sexual relations with someone he did not know or have attraction to--

Essek shudders a little where he wades, shaking his head the lightest bit as if to dislodge the horrifying thought from him. It was disturbing to be a thing for this creature to manipulate to her bidding, to strip away his will and force him into situations he did not desire.

Yet-- He casts a look over his shoulder at Caleb, eyes trailing over Caleb's shoulders and back for what he could see -- the idea of consensually losing his inhibitions with Caleb was not an unwelcome thought.

Friends help each other and they needed thumos to survive and for this magic.. and he would willingly find himself in Caleb's bed too.]

How are you.. ah, where thumos is concerned? [He averts his gaze again, trying to hide that there is a motive behind the question than just concern. That is Caleb need Thumos, perhaps he might have a solution or offer...] Not just in this moment, but most often. Are you well with it?

[zemnianjoy]

[ He would not even humor himself into thinking that this could have an ulterior motive. This was just a friend's inquiry, he remembered Anders had expressed an interest in something of an arrangement and honestly, he may have broached it with Anders if in fact he was not so reserved about the whole thing in general (as well as uncertain of his own attractiveness). He took this exactly as he perceived it as such, they were wizards after all and their spells required Thumos instead of slots. ]

I get by.. [ He slipped further down into the waters so that his shoulders were submerged, his long hair fanning out around him. ] Usually on small interactions here or there; though.. it has been very quiet and I have a feeling that something big is coming.

[ It had been little under two months since the flood, and he felt as if this was but a calm before the storm. ] Which means I will have to gather up more of those small interactions and hopefully they will add up.

[ He thought for a moment, as if considering something ] You know, when you were passed out after teleporting away from me.. I mean Bren? I turned into a cat and ah, laid on your chest, I hoped to generate some Thumos to get you by.

[ his voice came out in a breathless rush ] I know it was not much.. but I felt responsible for what happened.

[dunamagic]

[Essek would agree that it's been far too quiet, far too calm. That this.. event seems like Pheme was gathering up thumos, preparing for something. Perhaps even preparing them for something by forcing peoples hands and taking away their willpower. It feels heavy handed after being punished for the very thing she is now drugging people to do, but was it whimsy or with purpose?

It's unnerving regardless.

The mention of him being passed out after the teleport makes Essek blink and look over at the man, some shock written over his face -- a surprise that melts into something.. conflicted. Unsure.]

I was drained of all thumos when I teleported, I had wondered if it was Frumpkin that gave me enough to come to by morning.. but it was you then. Thank you. [Essek brushes some of his hair from his face again, the wet hair often dislodging to hang heavy in his face, wading the very small distance to where his feet can touch the ground.]

And I consented, Caleb.. I hold fault as well as choosing to teleport when a less powerful spell could have sufficed.. merely.. I, ah, did not wish to take a risk with your wellbeing.. [Again.]

Though.. Grieve said you remember everything, is it true? [He needs to know for many reasons.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ What a candid question. He knew that Eadwulf had subdued him, he remembered things here and there, but there were times within Bren's taking control where he almost felt as if a blindfold was placed over his eyes. He answered this very carefully and truthfully-- in fact he looked like he was looking inward attempting to figure out just want he remembered.

Funny for a man with keen mind, where details and facts could come to him at a moment's notice. ]

When the worst part of myself was in control, there were times that I was aware but then conversely moments where it was a haze so I cannot answer this with anything resembling accuracy.

[ Manipulations, that was what he felt-- like he had been herded into seeing what would cause him the most pain, much like a sheep was herded in for the kill. ] It was not pleasant by any stretch however, I never meant to hurt you Essek.. if you believe anything, please believe that.

[ He turned then in the water to regard Essek, keeping his eyes firmly on Essek's while he swam backward just a little bit, until his back came in contact with the rock wall of the pool. ]

[dunamagic]

[It was a candid question, one he asked rather bluntly and to the point, because it has plagued his mind for days now.. Not only had Bren kissed so many other people, but he had learned of Essek's infatuation with Caleb, his affection. And while maybe a small hope now bloomed that Caleb perhaps did not know, he also worried that unless he asked directly, he would never truly find out. And he would not risk confessing when Caleb had rejected him regardless of if he knew.

But mor importantly, it might mean that Caleb might or might not remember the things Bren said to him, about the contract of convenience for thumos.. It would mean he might have to explain it if he does offer it.. Yet he remembers the spark of Caleb in that moment before Bren became angry with him.

His mind derails from that when Caleb speaks further.]

I never doubted that, it is a matter of fact even -- I apologize for bringing it up.. merely it was on my mind.. [Essek feels awkward now, he let his mind move forward analytically and with his own selfish feelings leading the way.]

Teleporting was an attempt to save you from what was occurring, I-- wanted to do more for you.. I did not mean to abandon you as I did.. [Caleb told him to run, he honored that, yet it feels like an excuse.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ Caleb shook his head, drawing his eyes away from Essek because he was still endeavoring to be as respectful as possible when it came to the Shadowhand. There was a lot that had happened back there and a great bit that he did not remember; there was a part of him that had been kept in the dark for Essek's, he remembered struggling out when Bren's voice was the loudest, the angriest but there was a very big muffle-effect. ]

You did not abandon me, I am glad that you did so, it was better for all of us that you did.

[ He said the next a trifle haltingly. ]

Wulf ended up putting me down, which I am glad of. When I woke up, I was in the infirmary and in my own mind again. [ And then he had escaped as a cat to check on Essek, that had consumed his mind, that Essek be okay-- he'd worried so much ]

[dunamagic]

[Essek's eyes fall to Caleb's neck, the fading bruises that linger there. Part of him wonders if he could have prevented that if he had just stayed long enough, if he had figured out another way to stop Bren from taking over Caleb.. maybe if he had lured in Bren instead-- he cannot help but feel his stomach churn at the very idea of being touched by that man.

How strange that it's the same body yet depending on who is inside it changes his reaction. The idea of Caleb touching him ignites his blood and makes his heart flutter. Even on the tails of the churning of his stomach. Seeing Caleb beautifully glowing with the bioluminescence of the flowers near by makes him want to--.. to kiss him, touch, feel the heat against his chilled skin.

But those bruises cause his brow to crease with concern.]

The production of thumos can heal those faster.. [a gesture to his own neck] if you are, ah, amendable.

[Yes he was offering to help heal those bruises. He felt responsible for why Caleb changed and.. well he couldn't find it in himself to be opposed to touching the other man.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ If he had expected the comment to come, perhaps he would've been able to hide his reaction better; the reaction to Essek assisting him in healing the wounds on his neck placed their by Eadwulf to set him down and thrust him into his own rational being. Unfortunately, there was no saving him from the reaction.

The slow bite of his lower lip as he thought about, what-- there was no specific thing that Essek had mentioned. He otherwise had the capabilities to hide the marks until at which point he healed-- all day he had worn his scarf about the house as he had organized books and made himself busy.

The waters and grown several degrees hotter-- when had it turned into a steam bath? Maybe it was his own heated body that was making it so. When he spoke, his words were husky and soft, and perhaps a bit uncertain. Right now, warring within himself was respect and consideration for Essek up against a selfish desire to accept.

Bloody hell, he was weak. ]

If you are offering, ah yeah but.. [ he raised a single finger to clarify ] I will only accept what you are comfortable with, that will be enough ja. Please, do not go beyond your boundaries-- I will still benefit either way.

[ Inwardly he knew that perhaps it would replenish some of Essek's Thumos store too, but also? It could be considered an, expirement? ]

[dunamagic]

[There was something deeply alluring about the way those blunt teeth bit into that plush lip, the way Caleb's skin grew more pink with heat -- the sound of his voice gone husky and soft.. Essek was in deep for this man to have something so minor light his candle with a flame, it almost made him feel crazy to be so easily lured in by this man when no one before had even tempted him.

What was it about the fiery wizard that made him so unlike himself.

Still, he cocked at eyebrow at the clarification.]

Caleb, I am within my right mind and know my own boundaries, I would not offer something I was uncomfortable with. [Not entirely true, he would if there was a gain and in a way he was slightly uncomfortable with this but only because he didn't want to push this too far, to get rejected again.

He's not sure his heart could handle it so soon again.]

Though, do stop me if I cross any of your own boundaries, I would not wish for you to be uncomfortable either.

[He wades closer, taking a slightly longer route around the small pool to keep his feet on the ground. Swimming was still not his strong suit and there was a slight fear of drowning itching at the back of his mind.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ There was no way that Caleb would gatekeep Essek's boundaries for him, he trusted the other man to tell him no; but it was good to touch base with Essek and to let him know that the term 'no' was acceptable and he would take it as a full and complete stop. Once Essek was close enough, he reached under the waters to find Essek's own hand and then he twined their fingers together.

He was nervous; gods he was so very nervous.

The hand clasped stated in unspoken words that he would not let Essek flounder or drown. His own breathing was still a bit quickened. ] Then we are agreed, the two of us have the power to say 'no' and it will be taken as such with no questions asked and no hard feelings.

[ And thus he looped in Essek's agency with his own, twining them together with a bow. His other hand was then on Essek's waist once within reach and he tugged him closer, but not too close-- his eyes then slipped to Essek's eyes, and the careful downward sweet toward those full lips. He had tasted them twice and suddenly his lips tingled for want.

A swallow.

And then he leaned in and nuzzled their noses together because he had a feeling that if he kissed Essek, everything would change and he was prolonging that first step for as long as possible; because part of it terrified him just as much as it lured him. ]

[dunamagic]

[The feel of that warm hand twinning with his own catches his breath, his nod of agreement about all he can get himself to do in the wake of the security and comfort that Caleb was providing him.

Still, he was not quite expecting the forwardness of Caleb's moves, for his waist to be grabbed and tugged closer, for the way those sapphire blue eyes gazed down at his lips-- Lips that he bites in anticipation with a pointed incisor. His breath felt short, quick, his cheeks suffused with heat that crawled down his neck and met at every point of contact they had like flowers blooming.

If he was perfectly honest, his offer was more in line with some hand holding and perhaps running his hands over the bruised neck, something light and not too forward -- but those thoughts escape him completely when Caleb nuzzles their noses together and he felt those flowers catch fire. No, they had already tasted each other, there was no going back to innocent touches.

At least this was positive proof towards the physical attraction he thinks Caleb might harbor, could benefit them if they do enter an agreement.]

Caleb.. [The name slips from him like a breathy prayer as his lashes flutter, feeling how they brush against the man's cheek as they are so close, the tension of maybe flowing through them as his hand comes up to rest ever so gently on the side of that bruised neck. A soft touch in contrast to the harsh one the man only recently experienced.

With a lick and bite to his lower lip, Essek nizzles back, so close he can almost taste Caleb's breath as it brushes against him, can feel the heat in those cheeks. He wants to close the distance, but there was something halting him from it -- the deep intimacy of almost was intoxicating, the anticipation, but also the fear of how everything could change.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ his eyes blown wide, dialated as he felt heat between them, his eyes felt heat and too much light. And he was glad this was happening without the need for Pheme's assistance or guidance in the matter. His name on Essek's lips like a prayer of something that he would start believing in. Never was he one for gods but he would worship at this altar with such reverence. ]

Essek... [ that name was said breathlessly, a response like a church liturgy and his heart beating fast within his throat. His mouth finally touched down on Essek, warm and pliant, slightly damp from the waters, so was the beard that bit lightly into Essek's chin with a brush of friction.

And then his lips, tongue and scrape of his teetg started the slow and careful process of taking Essek apart with only a kiss. Already there was a hum of golden energy between them as the Thumos flared to life, pulsing as the swipe of his tongue played against the faint part of Essek's lips.

Salt and sweat was on that kiss in addition and even though his hands did not move from their spot, his thumb was drawing a slow circle against the wet linen of Essek's shirt that he wore. And gods Caleb was glad for some level of fabric between them though their bodies had not made full contact yet. ]

[dunamagic]

[Essek did not wait for Caleb to make contact but met the man halfway, his lips touching Caleb's reverently as if this was something delicate that could shatter with a single no. And it would if either wanted to say it, if either needed to, because he would abide by the withdrawal of consent without hesitation.

The touch of lips leaves himself breathless, having to intake through his nose as he refuses to pull back from the feel of lips pressed against his own. The scent of green and water and the musky spiced orange of Caleb is rich in his nose as the man delves in and starts to pull him apart with an expert kiss, the scratch of beard sending him to new heights of being set aflame.

Whatever breath he regained is gone again when he parts his mouth to taste, to press against Caleb's tongue, partaking in the feast of his affections before him, one that was willingly given and not taken for one reason or another. He withdraws only enough to bite at Caleb's lip, fangs catching on that soft flesh before he delves back in, tongues dancing wetly together as they pet and rub.

His thumb rubs soothingly against Caleb's bruise, the heat of thumos between them taking this to pleasurable heights that leaves Essek equally grateful that he's still partially clothed.. but very keenly aware of how unclothed his companion is.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ The Thumos settled into the wound at his neck and as they kissed, it seemed to grow lighter and lighter with each flickering second, the warmth of the energy as it caressed over his skin, the palm that stroked his neck and the way that he could get lost in the feel of Essek's mouth and how utterly pliant it was. And Caleb Widogast groaned against the kiss, allowing Essek entrance as their mouths mutually give and took.

He was dizzy and he fell back against the rock wall; his back affecting a slouch as he utilized every moment of parted mouth to take his own breath; until Essek was back against his own lips, partaking of the sweetest ambrosia and his other hand slid from Essek's hand so that he could cup that cheek, moving forward eagerly to meet Essek on this tactical field.

It was always in the kiss, attraction. And Essek would find that Caleb being attracted was no lie indeed, he was not crowding space but every pore did quiver with the possibility of Thumos.

Finally Caleb pulled away, but only his lips-- he rested his forehead against Essek's and closed his eyes, murmuring. ] My neck is no longer tender to the touch...

[ the audacity of him to sound so sensual with the throaty subtle purr of his words as he figured out how to form sounds again ]

[dunamagic]

[Essek had to bite his lip to silence the whimper that tried to escape his throat when Caleb pulls back, wanting to chase that mouth but unable to bring himself to. It was important to respect that if Caleb needed a moment, needed to breathe and speak, then he needed to give the man that.

Foreheads together, Essek opens his eyes a little, face tilted into the hand on his cheek, resting there in the contentment of Caleb's warmth, the way it makes the flame in his heart feel like an inextinguishable candle, flickering and dancing. He felt a shiver course through him at the sensual way Caleb said those words, how it felt like a purr against his senses.]

Good.. I had heard it healed as well, I-- [a gently humored smile that had no right to be that coy as he nuzzles against Caleb's palm] admit this was a gamble based on hearsay.

[His own voice was a sultry murmur, a breathless whisper that ended with Essek kissing at the corner of Caleb's lips, nuzzling his nose against the coarse hair of the man's beard, not seeming to stop even if their original goal is satisfied.

There was no hiding his own attraction and desire for Caleb, perhaps he hid his emotions well, but as he runs his free hand up that furred chest, he finds himself dizzy with want and no desire to stop unless told to.]

[zemnianjoy]

[ Initially Caleb had pulled back as a check-in.

He had wanted to make sure that Essek was still on board for this, still wanted the kiss; if it was alright to keep going or if a stop was required; he remembered the dream and the pulling away; he had taken that as a personal rejection upon waking up and part of him still buzzed with the feeling of that. Perhaps thinking that it was nothing more than a dream covered in bioluminescence and pond lichen.

And then the corner of his mouth was kissed and it was such a delightful surprise for him, he made a murmur of surprise and fuck, he allowed his head to tilt, those fingers to run through Essek's wet hair and then he pulled him in back to his own mouth.

But this time? His other hand slipped around waist and he pulled Essek flush against him, loose around the waist so that Essek could escape, and Essek would feel exactly how Caleb pressed against thigh underneath the waters. His mouth sliding open and seeking haven and sanctuary, and he was absolutely tingling with it while the Thumos hummed and filled him, getting underneath his skin.

No words, all they needed was lips and mouth and contact. It was also clear that there was something touch-starved about the other wizard, that he craved this sort of contact, this intimacy with the other man. ]