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

[forgeabettertomorrow]

🧙 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!]

Comments

[patchricide]

Wouldn't those qualities be just as attractive in a woman? [Because if not, they might have a problem.]

Besides, what I meant was more physically.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I mean, yeah but...

I...don't really know how to answer that? There's lots of things I find attractive but looks aren't always the thing that jumps to mind.

When I realized I was attracted to you, your looks had nothing to do with it. I was attracted to how ind you've been to me. Even now, the kind words you shared with me when I thought I ruined this date made my heart skip a beat.

[You know, when asked directly, he turns in a jabbering mess. And yet, he can be so bold and honest like this completely on accident.]

[patchricide]

[And on the other hand, Allura, who's normally so composed...]

Th— that's not what I — I was trying to make a point, Darin...!

[She's the one who's become a mess.]

So... wait, everything you were saying about being attracted to strength...?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Oh, don't get me wrong...seeing you fight...I was totally blown away. Dealing with that siren in the trials...

[And subsequently seeing just how toned she is afterwards...]

[So it sounds like they're talking about this now.]

I think you're hot as hell, honestly. But...that's never been the first thing that I think about when it comes to you...

[patchricide]

Actually, I'm surprised you remember that fondly. I wasn't exactly in the best condition after...

[Fighting monsters is messy work, sometimes.]

So... what is, then? Is it that kindness you mentioned...?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

There's a lot I remember fondly about that day...

[How about you, Allura?]

Sort of...

It's...honestly a combination of both that and your eyes...

I mean, they're pretty, obviously, but...it's the way you look at me.

I honestly wish I knew what you saw but at the same time, when those eyes are on me...

...I feel like I can do anything.

[patchricide]

[Oh, there's a lot of things she remembers. ... some of it is fondly. Other parts make her embarrassed just to recall, as if someone else can read her thoughts.]

[Luckily, he's giving her an easy out into elaborating on her particular feelings in that regard.]

Darin... I had no idea that I was so... encouraging to you.

Say... forgive me for asking, but is that what inspired you to put this evening together? [She's not going to point it out, but given what almost happened earlier, she has a strong feeling he doesn't have a lot of experience in cooking such a fancy meal.]

[Instead, she notes,] I had thought it was because you wanted to impress me with what you could do. But I wonder if you could have done this much for someone else...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...I did want to impress you. I wanted to show you the type of man I normally am. That I don't...that I don't hesitate when it comes to a challenge. That I can put my mind to something and not be...what a lot of people write me off as...

But as for what 'inspired' me? I just...

[He fiddles with the small plate in front of him.]

I wanted to make you feel special. From some of the things you've told me...it sounds like sometimes people take you for granted and...when you're as kind and as encouraging as you are...you deserve to be the center of attention sometimes.

That's why I made you something too. A...um...a present...I guess...

[patchricide]

Something for me...?

[For a moment, there's a mix of emotions on her face. Her heart's touched by the sentiment, and thrilled with the excitement of what it could possibly be. But it's also alarmed, in a way — not by the implication that she's been taken for granted, since there's been times where it has felt that way, but more by the gift itself.]

[Because as it turns out, she also brought something for him. And... what's the protocol here? Should she pretend she didn't, save it for another day? Bring it out right now as well? For now, she'll try to play it cool while she figures out what her next move should be.]

Darin... thank you. You might be right, too. And while I wouldn't say that it bothers me, since nothing brings me more joy than seeing others flourishing... I really do appreciate that you thought of me.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I think about you a lot...

[For a moment, it looks as if he might want to say more but back peddles.]

U-Um...could I get you anything else...? Another drink maybe?

[Or him]

[patchricide]

[She quirks her brow. ... is he not going to give her that gift, then?]

Certainly, a drink sounds nice.

[It'll help her wait out the suspense.]

... and how much is a lot?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin freshens up her drink, suddenly wishing he had a little something harder to steel his nerves.]

...Enough that I really put my all into making this.

[He leaves the table and moves to a small end table by the couch. He reaches into the cabinet under it and procures...a stuffed toy. It's a lion...well, a space lion to be exact. In as much as Darin would believe a space lion to look. It's got blue fur, a pink mane and, you guessed it, pointy ears like an Altean.]

[And also two tails. It's space. What do you want from him? He doesn't know!]

[But it's got cute button eyes and a blep expression and it's very very snugly looking.]

...I don't know what lions look like in space or on Altea so I kinda used my imagination.

[There's also a small box tied in a ribbon to it. It's longer than it is tall...but it looks like this gift has a second part.]

[patchricide]

Really, you made this? Just for me?

[She almost laughs when she sees it. Look at it! Look at that tongue! It's adorable!]

That's quite all right. I think I like your creative interpretation. [And she holds it up, to give it a small hug — small enough to suit its own size nicely.]

[But then, she turns her attention to the box.] Say, Darin, is that also for me to open?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He laughs sheepishly.]

I don't know. You tell me.

[He has no doubt that she's going to open the box, and when she does, she'll find a white gold necklace with a clasped locket dangling from the chain. Engraved on the front of the pendant is Juniberry flower and, when she presses the button to pop the locket open, she'll find an identical image of a Juniberry flower...only this one is made using the same technique as the paintings they viewed in Celliwig; the picture is formed by tiny shards of prismatic crystal that change color depending on the light and the angle with which it's viewed. The blossom itself switches in hue from pink to blue while the stem shifts from green to a deep purple.]

[Truth be told, this was the gift Darin wasn't sure about. He was afraid it might be too forward. He attempts to break the tension he's feeling with a little aside.]

I did owe you something sparkly, after all...

[patchricide]

[Allura had been stunned into silence when she lifted the necklace out of the box by its chain. No, not just stunned — her attention was immediately absorbed by the elegant trinket, which she turned this way and that in the light to see it glitter and gleam. When he speaks up, she replies, but her voice is quiet and breathless:]

Darin... did you make this for me? How did you learn how to do it? We only learned about this sort of art when we were in Celliwig...!

[She looks at it again, as if to check that she saw it right, before staring at him with wide eyes, shining with admiration.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I did some studying...spoke to the gallery owner...

I...[He clears his throat.]

Do...you like it?

[patchricide]

How could I not? It's utterly beautiful, the most stunning piece of jewelry I've ever seen!

... ... ...

I'm just... a little embarrassed now...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Ever? I doubt it's that good...

...Wait, embarrassed? Why?

[patchricide]

Because as it so happens, I actually brought a gift for you as well...

[She reaches into her bag, and pulls out another small box. In fact, the size and shape are fairly similar to the one he gave her. ... surely, it's just a coincidence, right?]

But I'm not nearly so skilled as you are.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You...brought me a gift...?

[He looks baffled.]

I...

...why...?

[patchricide]

Open it.

I think once you see it, you'll understand why.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

... ... ...

[Well, he does as he's told and opens it.]

[patchricide]

[The first thing that's likely to catch his eye is something he's seen before: Darin's Pure of Heart Crystal, which he never turned in. Instead, he had given it to Allura, telling her to turn it in for the reward.]

[Clearly, she never did that.]

[However, it's in a pendant setting now, of a sort. Having no access to a forge or anything like that (really, she's more accustomed to something akin to a 3D printer), she's had to make do with... wire. Metal wire, carefully wound around the top and bottom of the crystal, and with some extra parts curling and coiling around the sides like... well... maybe like a leaf? Or a lick of flame? It's almost art nouveau in appearance, were that a thing in either of their worlds...]

[Naturally, there's a loop at the top, and a chain strung through it.]

I should say, there was another reason for this...

I wasn't able to give you a proper gift on your birthday, remember?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin stares at the crystal for a long moment. Obviously, he knows what it is. But he has so many questions! This couldn't possibly be the same crystal he told her to turn in. That was months ago!]

A-Allura...

What...?

Is...Is this...? From Morganna...?

[Somehow he knows. He doesn't wait for her answer.]

Are you insane?! This was worth one million gold! You could have moved out of the inn! Had a house! A place of your own!!

N...Nevermind my birthday!

[His tone changes slightly with that word. It simultaneously catches in his throat, having never been given a real gift before, and drips with venom. As if the day itself is one he loathes.]

I can't— I-I mean...I won't...ngh...!

[He's flummoxed. Completely and utterly.]

[patchricide]

Come on, Darin. I think you already know: Taking a reward that you earned never felt right to me. If I had exchanged it, the only thing I would want to do with the money would be... to find a way to get it back to you.

But some instinct of mine told me that the money wouldn't matter to you, no matter what form it came in. And I thought that, perhaps, you would appreciate something a little more sentimental.

I hope I wasn't mistaken...