isleofavalon | Summer Sun, Something's Begun | July Catch-All

Entry tags:

Summer Sun, Something's Begun | July Catch-All | Open

🧙 WHO: Darin Altway and YOU
⚔️️ WHAT: July Catch-All with Open and Closed prompts
🕒 WHEN: Throughout July
🗺️ WHERE: All around Camelot! Quests and shenanigans ahoy!
⚠️ WARNINGS: Some ridiculousness? Some fluff? Will update as necessary!

🛡️ SHIELD SUMMER FEVER! 🛡️ - OPEN

[Darin always felt bad for the people who could get sick. Back home, his powers prevented him from falling ill, even to such banal things as a summer cold. But he did have experience as a gofer for his town's doctor, as well as doing errands and chores for the people who fell ill. So, this job was right up his alley.]

[One thing he knew for sure, when you're under the weather, nothing beats a good laugh.]

[With the trusty use of the new EmphaSize spell he nabbed from the traders, you'll find him waddling around with huge, oversized feet as he goes from room to room delivering flowers, teddy bears, medicine, fruit baskets, you name it. If he happens to be entering a kid's room, he'll make a big show of his giant, floppy feet. If its an elderly person's room, he'll sit with them for awhile and ask them about their day or let them ramble on.]

[But it's likely leaving one of the rooms is when you'll bump into Darin. Or trip over his enormous, floppy feet.]

Oh, hey! Easy there! You okay? Sorry, I should get a signal or something for these things...

🗡️ LAVAFT BEHIND 🗡️ - OPEN

[This seemed like a pretty easy task, all things considered. Everyone knew slimes were low-level monsters, even if they had the same temperature as magma. And Darin worked professionally around molten metal all day. If there was anyone who could handle this task, it was him.]

[Though, having someone along in case things went awry was a good idea too. Especially since his blood magic wouldn't really do him much good here.]

[So back to the Diamond Falls Darin goes. He's got a pickax and some mining tools in a pack slung over his shoulder examining the hardened rock for any sign of the slime.]

So, since I know how my luck goes, what's the plan for when we free this thing and it immediately attacks us with the fury of a particularly cranky volcano?

AT THE FORGE - OPEN

[With the reconstruction from his rampage doing well, Darin's back at the forge doing what he loves. He might be down an apprentice, but that hasn't stopped him from taking orders and commissions from those who seek him out! Got something you want Darin to make? His consultations are always free so come on in! Got some gear that needs mending or ideas you want to pitch? Maybe you just need some work? Darin's door is always open! When you step in, you'll likely see him working on something or tidying the place up. If there's one thing Darin can't stand, it's a messy forge! So come on in and let's get to work!]

BAR CRAWL - CLOSED TO KATE

[It's been about a month since he tore through Camelot as a terrifying, familiar-fused monster. Barring his (and everyone else's jaunt) to Celliwig, Darin had largely avoided going into town. And when he did, he wore a cloak with a hood that concealed his hair.]

[Now, a month later and the reconstruction mostly complete, Darin is feeling a little more hopeful that maybe he won't be kicked out of town if he decides to hit a bar for a drink or two. He's still wearing his cloak, but when he settles in at the 'In For a Pound' pub, he slowly pulls his hood back to reveal his very obvious blue mane of hair. He gets a few looks, some of which he's not too thrilled with, but orders a drink and sits at the bar.]

[Unfortunately, the patrons on either side of him scoot away. Fortunately, that leaves space should anyone decide they want to pull up a stool and join him.]

MY DINNER WITH DARIN - CLOSED TO ALLURA

[So, it really only dawned on Darin about a day or so before the date that he and Allura had chosen for dinner that this might actually be a...you know. A date. In a panic, he considered calling her to clarify that this wasn't a date...but what if she wanted it to be a date? What if he tried to clarify and they called the whole thing off? That would be awful! And he'd feel terrible too! She was really looking forward to it! But did that mean she was looking forward to a date with him?]

[No, that couldn't be it.]

[Could it?]

[So, after spending a day laying on the floor and staring at the ceiling weighing his options, he decided that, you know what? He could do this! Even if it was a date! Hell, it was only a date! He could handle that! Even though he'd never been on a date before, much less with someone who was so strikingly beautiful and had spent the last six months worming her way into his every though— NOT IMPORTANT!]

[And so, it was the evening of the big-but-maybe-not date. He'd agonized over whether or not he should dress up and finally he decided on an off-white polo shirt with pink piping around the collar and sleeves (hey, pink goes good with blue, alright?), and some tan slacks. With a menu all set (he did promise it would be an amazing meal) he sets out to begin cooking, listening intently for the door to the forge to open so he could go up and greet her.]

[Everything was set for the evening. Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?]

[...Right?]

WILDCARD

[Not seeing anything that catches your fancy or want to do something else? Go ahead and top-level! And if you're not sure and want to hash it out, hit me up on Discord @ Ant#0062 or on plurk @

bitterbearface!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What do you mean? Darin, what did you do?!

[She doesn't wait for an invitation before she springs up after him. They weren't talking that long! Why is he acting like it's going to be a disaster?]

[And then as she follows him, from over his shoulder, she sees the light of the flame.]

[Oh. It's literally a disaster.]

How did this even happen?! [She's looking around for something to douse the flames. How good are your fire safety measures in the forge, Darin?]

[From the looks...and the smell...it looks like the oils and fat of the fish started to bubble and splatter really quickly. And any good cook knows those fatty oils are super flammable! The entire tray is ablaze right now, so there's no salvaging that]

[He doesn't answer her since he's in full on crisis mode. It turns out his fire safety measures are actually pretty good. For a moment, it looks as though he's going for water from the water wheel. But even he knows you don't throw water in a grease fire. Instead, he grabs Allura by the shoulder and ushers her to the side where he pulls a cable tethered to the ceiling.]

[A cable that overturns a huge vat of sand, dumping it over the forge, snuffing out the primary blaze. From there, there's only little dollops of fire here and there that Darin uses a small shovel to tamp out with more sand.]

[When he's done, he's sweating and avoiding eye contact.]

...Dammit...

[That definitely smells like it was supposed to be dinner. And as Allura watches him take care of it... well, she's caught somewhere between alarm and outright confusion.]

Why was it up here at all...?

[Curiosity moves her to try and pick out the form of their meal under the pile of sand. But... when she sees Darin's heartbroken expression, she turns her full attention on him.]

Look, I know accidents happen, but... but I'm confused. You were working in the kitchen, weren't you?

...I forgot to turn the oven on. It should have been ready by now. When I asked you to look for my apron, I snuck up here to use the forge to try and speed things up...

[He runs a hand through his hair and turns away from her to look over the damage. But really, he's just ashamed.]

... ... ...

Am I really that frightening when I'm angry?

Because you didn't have to hide any of this. I would have understood! And if we had to wait longer to eat, then... well, I'm sure we could have found a way to pass the time.

[This probably isn't helping, is it? Truthfully, she's at a loss. She was looking forward to this, and going out and buying another fish will take much longer, surely...]

It's not because I thought you would be angry...

[He grabs a stool and sits down, staring at the pile of sand that has consumed their meal.]

...I wanted to impress you. Really impress you. You said that a member of your team was a culinary marvel so I've spent the last week and a half practicing this dish...the same thing every night until I had everything down pat. Timed perfectly. I was going to serve the appetizer, wow you with the finished meal, finish it off with desert and a present and...

...And stupid me got so nervous about wowing you that...I forgot to turn on the gods damned oven.

...I just wanted to make a perfect evening for you. Something you'd always remember...because after everything you've done and everything I've put you through, you more than deserve it.

Then I had to go and destroy that too...

... well... look at it this way: I am definitely going to remember this.

[She thought that pointing that out might lighten the mood. But now that she's said it? It feels as though she's rubbing it in.]

What I mean is... even if it didn't turn out quite the way you planned, I'm still touched about all the effort you went through for my sake. And that means more to me than a perfect evening!

Mm...

Honestly...I'm the furthest thing from a perfect guy. This whole fiasco has 'Darin' written all over it.

"A giant, unforgettable mess."

[Just like him.]

... and one where no one was hurt, thanks to your quick thinking.

Look, the evening can still be salvaged from this. We still have plenty of time, I don't have anywhere else to be. Perhaps we can just... order something?

[She leans around him, trying to get a look at his face.]

Whether or not I get to try your cooking tonight, I can still enjoy your company.

... ... ...

[He spares a glance that might betray his feelings more than he realizes.]

...Why? Why do you...? I mean...even after how terrible I was to you at first you kept giving me second chances...

Why...? Wouldn't you just be better off going home and forgetting I even tried this...?

Would I? I'd be going home alone, without even a plan of what to eat instead. At least this way, we can decide on our fallback plan together!

This isn't how I saw any of this going, but... we all make mistakes. And while I can't deny being disappointed, I'm not disappointed in you. If anything, I'm impressed that you were willing to try so much...both for the quick thinking, and because you didn't give up. That sort of spirit is worth a thousand second chances.

... I do want you to know, though, that next time you won't need to go to so much trouble.

[Because yeah, she's sure he wants to try cooking this fish again. Of course there's going to be a next time.]

You...really think highly of me...don't you...

[He can feel his cheeks burning and his heart flipping in his chest. Was this feeling really what he thought it was...?]

[She really wanted to see this all through together...]

['Because you didn't give up...']

...Together...

...That's it!

Allura! I've got it!

What? [She looks mildly surprised and confused.]

I'm not sure what you're planning, but we really should give up on that fish...

Yeah, that one's done for but didn't you hear what I said? I've been practicing this dish for a week! I bought everything I needed in bulk so that I could keep practicing!

With your help, we can get dinner back on track! And didn't you say you've never cooked before and that you only follow the directions on the packaging?

How would you like a one on one cooking lesson?

Really? Are you sure? I can't promise that I'll be able to deliver a perfect dinner. Or even anything as good as yours...

[She smiles, almost ashamed to admit:] ... but it does sound fun. As long as you're willing to eat it, no matter how it might turn out!

Hey, you've got me to teach you! And I've been practicing this recipe non-stop!

If you believe in me as much as you say you do, then I know whatever we make together is gonna be amazing.

[He takes her hand in his.]

Let's get this date back on track. What do you say?

[Because at this point, he might as well admit what he wants this to be.]

[She squeezes his hand firmly. Maybe it's because he's finally admitting this is a date, or maybe it's because of how he's changed his plans so they're doing more together than just eating...]

[But suddenly, subtly, the mood of the evening is changing, and in a good way. Like she doesn't need to worry so much about being a good guest, and is starting to genuinely enjoy herself.]

Yes, let's get back to the kitchen right away. I'm going to give it my best — so you had better be ready to teach me everything you know!

Alright, first thing's first...

[He escorts her down to the second level of the forge where there's a storeroom and a rather nice sized pantry. Sure enough, his pantry is pretty well stocked and he hands her a basket and starts piling some vegetables in. After that, he goes to the fridge and grabs the fish fillets he'd already had.]

Looks like this is the last of it. Heh! Lucky! Looks like I'm going shopping tomorrow, though~

[Regardless, there's so much excitement in his eyes as he moves by her to head downstairs, calling her to follow.]

[Once back in the kitchen, he tosses his apron towards her, then begins to tie his hair up and back.]

Here~ I don't want anything getting on your dress.

So, first thing we're gonna do is chop some veggies. How good at that sort of prep work are you?

[She doesn't have much trouble figuring out how to put the apron on. But she's still in the process of tying the back when he asks her that, and doesn't look up as she answers him.]

I can't say that I have much trouble with a knife. But I'm still learning my way around some of the different fruits and vegetables. Which parts you're supposed to trim off or peel, and which ones you're supposed to eat...

What will you need me to chop up?

Well, I don't have enough to completely recreate the dish as intended so...

We're gonna get creative.

[He smirks and sets out a couple of cucumbers, a grape fruit, several large tomatoes, and a chili pepper.]

I need the tomatoes, the cucumber, and the grape fruit diced, and the pepper minced. While you do that, I'll prep the fish.

[Just in case she isn't sure which vegetable is which, he sorts them into 'dicing' and 'mincing' groups.]

The cucumbers can be completely used, the tomatoes you can get rid of the top part, like the pepper, and you want to peel the grapefruit before dicing.

Don't be afraid to double check with me, I'll be keeping an eye out the entire time. You ready?

I believe so. To mince, I merely have to cut the pieces even smaller, right?

[She starts with the cucumber, since that's the easiest one. With a steady hand, she first cuts it into thick slices, then stacks the slices in small groups to chop up in a grid. So far, you really wouldn't know that she wasn't a well-practiced chef.]

[Hey, she's good with weapons, after all.]

What do I do with them once they're prepped?

Oh, here.

[He walks over to her and reaches above her to a cupboard where he procures a large bowl and sets it down. The kitchen is a little on the small side so he sorta has to reach over her, getting into her personal space...]

[She doesn't mind though, does she?]

You can put them in here. Don't worry about mixing them since they're gonna get mixed anyway. You're doing great so far!

[No, not at all. She does lean away so that she's not being obtrusive, but not so far that they couldn't still brush against each other by accident.]

It's not exactly how I saw myself using my training, [she says as she holds up the cutting board, and pushes the diced cucumber into the bowl with the knife's blade,] but it's nice to have one still already mastered.

[And she sets the board back down, and starts making quick work of the other cucumbers.]

[Meanwhile, Darin makes quick work of the fish he's working on. With the skin still on, Darin slices razor thin lines along the fillet. Then, with a mortar and pestle, he crushes coriander seeds and packs the lines full of the crushed spice. He sprinkles liberally with salt and pepper, then ties the fillets up in some parchment paper and twine.]

Now, to pre-heat the oven like I was supposed to...

[He does so and looks over at Allura.]

How are things coming? Need any tips?

Everything's good so far...

[She deposits the rest of the cucumber into the bowl, and starts on the first tomato. The blade slices through the soft flesh without squishing it — because hey, of course a blacksmith would keep all his blades nice and sharp, even in the kitchen. Afterwards, she even takes a moment to admire it, well-aware of what kind of quality's necessary for such a clean cut.]

[But doesn't let herself get too distracted. She looks at the tomato with the top lopped off... and frowns when she sees a green spot still remaining where she tried to remove the stem.]

Is this enough, or should I cut further?

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