Test Drive Meme #3

[diceofthegods]

GOLDEN GREENERY

Bloom by The Paper Kites

1:24 / 3:33

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Click here to listen.

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie rock/folk rock band from Melbourne. The band was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist/guitarist Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy. Their 2010 single "Bloom" has been certified Platinum in the United States.

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Recently, Town was decorated by locals and Fae folk both. Things are a bit more colorful and the sun is shining more and more instead of the continuous winter gloom from before. The world finally feels like it's coming alive again.

Sorry about your possible allergies as trees blossom and spit excess pollen.

There also seems to be an emphasis on both green and gold. Crowns or other accessories of clovers are being made for luck. Whether or not they're actually lucky, who knows! Dragon-bonded are also being enlisted in helping with post-winter (and post Mind Flayer) repairs. Those creatures did quite a number skittering around some homes so why not lend a hand - clawed or otherwise - now that you're here? It'll help with offworlders reputation if nothing else!

Meanwhile, the Fae appear to have taken to the opposite of helping as they are wont to do. They are instead trying to trick locals and offworlders both with glittering chests of gold that most would know are too good to be true.

These are mimics who will attempt to devour someone that falls for the temptation of quick riches. Not to worry though, they're relatively harmless and all just for a good bit of fun. You might need some help though getting unstuck since they can be pretty persistent once their trap has been sprung.

CH-CH-CHANGES

There comes a time in every young dragon's life where they begin to experience some changes. That might be nothing new to those established in Town by now, of course, as the majority of their changes have come and gone. Nothing can surprise them anymore about their dragon-bonds.

...Or so they thought!

Whether established characters or ones just pulled through the summoning circle, springtime is a season that throws almost all dragons for a little bit of a loop. It is a common rutting season and those hormone fluctuations can strike when least expected.

Even if outside of your specific dragon's season or newly arrived, they'll be swept up by the rest being in so close proximity and likely be at least mildly affected as well. Some handle this season better than others, but there are still specific things to watch out for as more 'universal' experiences.

⁂ Heightened aggression - The ways that this can manifest varies wildly! Perhaps you're more easily irritated or frustrated. It's also possible that this presents as an increased competitive drive with someone else or just in general.

⁂ Brooding - While usually described as an instinctual behavior of sitting on eggs to incubate them, for most dragon-bonded this will instead appear as a compulsion to cuddle up with someone dear. You have the instinct to keep them safe, warm, and where better than right here with you?

⁂ Nesting - That stick is really neat. It'd look great in your home, wouldn't it? Dragon-bonded will feel the desire to create a safe and comfortable environment for themselves and friends. This often involves cleaning, organizing, and preparing a space. For what? Maybe your character doesn't know, but will feel the urge to do it anyway!

⁂ Increased Libido (The NSFW Option) - For those of age, there will be a distinct increase in sexual desire that can be noted as well. While not everyone will experience it, it is something that can be present as an undercurrent either on its own or coupled with other instincts. (For example, the compulsion to cuddle isn't just that or nesting will be a result of attempting to breed.)

PLAYTIME

To help dragon-bonded with their seasonal and instinctual urges, Charlie and others have put together some games. They understand this might be a bit overwhelming and strange to those unfamiliar. So, why not make it as fun and enjoyable as they can?

⁂ Horn Locking - All dragon-bonded will find that due to the season 1) if they have horns then they aren't going away no matter their attempts to shift and 2) they're extremely itchy. Even the newest among them will have small stubs of horns pre-maturely! To help combat this and channel some unexpected aggression, dragon-bonded are encouraged to lock horns with one another. It hopefully scratches both the literal and metaphorical itches they're dealing with.

⁂ Scavenger Hunt(s) - To help with the nesting urges, a list of miscellaneous items has been given to dragon-bonded to search for. The reward for completing this list* is five (5) bond points. Charlie trusts that you'll find what has been asked for... but doesn't need to see it. Yes, that is a nice rock. It can stay in your home though, really.

⁂ Baseball - Even if called something else here, people will realize quickly enough: this is just baseball. Dragon-bonded will be encouraged though to hit the ball with one of their draconic extremities rather than a bat. They can use their tail, their hands, or even their horns to whack a small ball as far as possible. This game is set-up to help release some of that pent-up energy as well as indulge in that competitive instinct.

Rocky Talky

One of the things that was given to you in your welcome pack from Charlie was a summoning-stone. Although it looks like, well, an ordinary stone- It's actually magic! You can look through it and see someone else's face too if you're both viewing your stones at the same time. It can also record your speech and deliver that to someone else in a snap.

One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts you to set up a Rockstar Profile:

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<raw-code> <!--MAIN BACKGROUND & HEADER--> <center> <div style="background: url('https://images.plurk.com/3NpX95pXZ7jcb5v9DxwzNI.jpg'); margin: auto; width: 450px; height: 520px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 20px;"> <div style="font-family: century gothic,helvetica,sans-serif; color: #fff; text-shadow:1px 1px 0 rgba(128, 149, 149, 0.5); text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 20px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 4px; padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom-style: groove; border-bottom-color: #fff; border-bottom-width: 1px; line-height: 20px" align="center"> <i><b>Rockstar Profile</b></i> </div> <!--PROFILE IMAGE BG & PROFILE IMAGE--> <div style="width: 275px; height: 275px; border: 5px solid #809595; border-radius: 170px; padding: 0px; margin: 15px auto"> <div style="background: rgba(128, 149, 149, 0.7); background-size: cover; width: 265px; height: 265px; border-radius: 160px; padding: 20px; background-position: center;"> <div style="background: url('PROFILE IMAGE HERE'); background-size: auto 220px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; border-radius: 130px; width: 223px; height: 223px; padding-top: 223px; background-position: center; border: 1px dotted #809595"> </div> </div> </div> <!--PROFILE TEXT--> <div style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: century gothic,helvetica,sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center; color: #fff; text-shadow:1px 1px 0 rgba(128, 149, 149, 0.5);"> <b>**NAME** | **AGE**</b> </div> <div style="height: 120px; background: rgba(255,255,255, 0.7); overflow-y: auto; margin: 5px auto; border-radius: 6px; padding: 10px; font-family: Open Sans, sans serif"> [INSERT BASIC CHARACTER/RELEVANT INFO HERE]<br/><br/> </center> </div></div> </raw-code>

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Notes

⁂ Hello and happy Spring! Welcome to Children of Bahamut's third drive meme! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback then feel free to ask here.

⁂ We have a top-level directory drive for ease of finding new players to tag! After some feedback, we ask that only new players link their top-levels though current players are allowed to top-level and enjoy the TDM if they so wish as well!

(Example header: character name | canon )

⁂ The list provided by Charlie will have approximately ten (10) miscellaneous items on it to find and collect. You can decide what they are and we're operating on the honor system here of your characters going out and finding everything if you so wish. (Just let us know when you turn in your bonds that's what your character did and provide a link if possible, but know that one isn't necessary!)

⁂ You can customize the the Rockstar Profile however you wish! So long as its readable, have fun. The profile image appears best when a 250 by 250 square image. Anything too tall might stretch it strangely or cause issues. If you need to edit or crop a picture to suit, we recommend using Pixlr as a free option for up to three images! We're not sponsored or anything, it's just neat and convenient.

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Comments

[abyssalflames]

Lahabrea is content to wait, while Elidibus considers. He is in no hurry after all, and what he has asked is not anything like what he might have asked at any other time, even if he won't deny some curiosity. He knows some of Elidibus as Themis instead of Emissary, thanks to the time they had both spent in Pandaemonium. But none of that had involved anything more personal.

It's only after Elidibus has made his answer that Lahabrea speaks again.

"I do not believe live plants would be suited to such a creation, nor have I Halmarut's skill at creating flora to a specific purpose. But perhaps..."

There's a moment's silence, as Lahabrea considers. He knows well that creation holds best when woven into something already physically present, and he would not wish to alter the carefully-woven structure of blankets besides. Yet neither is he without options, and at length he reaches out and makes a brief gesture... and some of the outermost pillows shift, brown and gentle greens replacing their native colors as they take on shapes more reminiscent of leaves.

[zodiheart]

He cannot help the small smile that comes from the literal interpretation of his words nor the way it grows when the shapes of the pillows are altered. It brings with it a blooming of warmth that scratches an itch deep within. Being cared for. Unexpected, but accepted.

Careful of his claws, Elidibus reaches out to run his hands over the changed fabrics, fingers playing with the embellishments and altered shapes. It was his.

When he turns back to Lahabrea, it's with naked happiness. "I cannot thank you enough. Energy is precious in this place, and that you would use yours for something such as this, for me... I am more grateful than I may express."

[abyssalflames]

His indeed; a gift freely given, for all that Lahabrea is not often the type to do so. Yet he has offered it all the same. Made that sacrifice of energy without so much as a second thought. Nor can he say it was anything less than worth it, to see the happiness that blooms across Elidibus' face.

"We are yet few, here. Enough so that should my own skill bring a moment of comfort, I am glad to make such sacrifice."

That and it feels... right. It may be but the pull of the change in seasons, but there is a comfort in knowing that he can yet do this. Can offer what he has by way of assistance, even if it should be naught more than altering a handful of pillows.

[zodiheart]

"It brings far more comfort than you can possibly know." The words have a depth to them. A rawness plucked from deep within and drawn into the light by instinct and affection.

Elidibus moves next to Lahabrea and, in a manner both entirely unlike him but somehow also fitting him exactly right, begins to press his face and head against him with eyes firmly shut. Not only that, but he begins to rub up and down in what can only be defined as a nuzzle. A sound begins from somewhere within his chest or throat, a thrumming, rolling sort of thing. Not a rumble, nor a purr, but some other form of pure animal contentment

Usually so respectful of personal space, it's out of character to just come out and do it. But Elidibus does not entirely seem to know what he's doing, a mantra of 'show gratitude, affection, happiness' running on repeat within his mind.

[abyssalflames]

Given how little he actually allows others close enough to engage in any sort of significant physical contact, Elidibus pressing up against him comes as a surprise. True, Lahabrea cannot deny the season appears to be provoking unusual feelings in many, himself included, but there is still a brief moment of almost-tension before he realizes that it feels right. That the motion nonetheless feels like something Elidibus could do, if he so chose and more importantly that it is something that it feels right to accept.

A rare feeling, even when Lahabrea knows that it is like as not part of what the turn of the seasons has induced in them both. But all the same... surely there can be no trouble indulging in it? In allowing himself this moment of closeness, regardless.

Still, for all that he finds he does wish to continue this moment of closeness, neither does he wish to step into anywhere he is not wanted. Not even with Elidibus already showing him such affection.

"Would you wish for me to join you in your nest?"

He has offered his magic to it already, in making it more suited to Elidibus' preferences. But neither is it his, and he will not make assumptions about who Elidibus might wish to share it with.

[zodiheart]

That feeling is twinned between them. Yes, the season is the driving force, but there is something beyond just instincts and bestial natures. It feels right because it is Lahabrea. Because it is Elidibus. He senses that lack of attention from the other man, that acceptance, and something within him trills.

The question is answered almost before Lahabrea finishes asking it. "You are welcome, you have always been welcome and always will be. To me. To Elidibus - but also to Themis. For you, I will be Themis."

And it is nothing but the truth, the gift of his name given freely.

Without any thought beyond knowing that his touch had been accepted before, that Lahabrea wishes to join him of his own accord, Elidibus wraps his arms around Lahabrea and pulls him into the nest himself. Asked for it, he asked for it, he wants this thrumming a beat somewhere in his hindbrain. He curls around the other man and tries to not push too far too fast.

[abyssalflames]

Though Lahabrea does not offer his name in return - he knows Elidibus, knows Themis, to know it for all it had not been freely given at the time - he still knows what it is that Elidibus has chosen to offer it here. That he is being allowed to use it should he so desire, for all that he has ever been careful to respect the titles of office that all who serve the Convocation are given.

But for now, that matters little. What matters is that Themis has allowed him here. Has taken him into his nest and there's a part of him that thrills at that acceptance. At being allowed this closeness, and there's a part of him that... settles, almost. True, he still wants and deeply, but there is something almost freeing in being allowed into this space. Enough so that he is willing to unbend metaphorically, if not physically, letting himself relax under Elidibus' touch with something like a gentle hum. One of appreciation and something like encouragement as his tail loops gently around around one of Elidibus' legs.]

[zodiheart]

The sound coming from Themis's chest and throat intensifies as Lahabrea's tail makes contact. His own coils out to entwine where the other allows space, its flexible and lithe nature allowing for the delicate control to fit himself where he may. Once in place the fan of feathers at the end fluffs outward in full view of them both, his moon-like eyespot on display - the luster and color a thing meant to be appealing, to be enticing.

Pressing closer Themis can sense Lahabrea's settling. It spurs him onward, this time not just pressing his face to the other man and rubbing but finding the bit of exposed skin above his higher collar. His lips do not press to it quite yet, but only just. Instead he rubs the space between his cheek and nose there, sound thrumming all the while.

His instincts want more, crave it even, but he will not push too far for his own wants. No, he means to coax it from Lahabrea. Draw it out lovingly, savoring each moment until Lahabrea reveals his own wants and needs.

[abyssalflames]

It may be a slow process, to draw Lahabrea's wants and desires from him. Even here, in the comfort he has settled to, he is not immediately inclined to directly speak of such things. True, there is no denying that the spring's influence yet runs through him. Nor that it offers a bit of additional warmth, even as Themis' tail entwines around where he has left space. An acknowledgement of that enticement in those eyespots and though Lahabrea himself does not have anything to offer by way of similar enticement, his wings ruffle and shift. Not protective, not precisely. But an acknowledgement of what he has seen and his intent to remain.

So too does the smile that cross his face at the feeling of Elidibus rubbing his face against that small bit of open skin, one of his hands reaching out to trace gently along the outer edges of one of Elidibus' wings before he finally speaks.

"I have no objection to kisses, if that be your desire."