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

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Yeah no, that's not happening. Because he's suddenly focusing on her hand and how it feels in his.]

[How long should I hold onto it???]

[He tries to count the seconds, but by the time he's hit five, she's already down on the floor and he's been holding her hand and now he must look like a total weirdo!]

[He releases her hand and resists the urge to straight up jerk his hand away, but it's obvious that he's more than a little nervous.]

A-Anyway...um...make yourself at home. I'll bring out some drinks...

[He heads for the kitchen and then whips around.]

Normal drinks! No alcohol. Just. Nice, normal drinks. But...yeah. Get comfortable...!

[He turns to go into the kitchen and walks into the door frame.]

[It didn't even hurt. He just stares at the frame as if he's wondering where it came from then sneaks an embarrassed look over his shoulder.]

Um...these doorframes, huh? They sneak up on you...! A-Anyway...!

[He hurries into the kitchen berating himself. 'They sneak up on you?! What is wrong with you?!']

[patchricide]

[You know, she had been enjoying watching Darin act so flustered, worrying and overthinking every detail... and then he suddenly slammed right into the door frame. It looks painful enough that she jumps empathetically, and as he walks out she tries to follow.]

Darin? Are you all right?

[It's a silly question, given that he has his healing magic. But not everything can be healed. What if he ended up getting blood on his shirt? Maybe she shouldn't sit back and watch him turn into a mess while trying to impress her.]

Do you need some help in there...?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He immediately doubles back to shoo her back into the den.]

Nope! No. No way. This is supposed to be me thanking you, remember? You already do so much for me, so just...relax! I promise you, tonight's gonna be a night to remember!

[He ushers her to one of the chairs.]

Besides! I'm fine! I've taken harder shots than that before!

[He does his best to sound confident then hurries back into the kitchen.]

Anyway, I hope you're hungry!

[He comes back out with two glasses a bucket of ice, and a bottle of some primo juice sitting in it, chilling.]

So, I found a store that sells bottles of this juice. Apparently it's made from berries that are tended to by the fey. It's supposed to be sweet but mellow at the same time. Perfect for a nice dinner.

[Of course, the shopkeeper said it was perfect for a romantic dinner...but he's going to omit that part. This is just a nice dinner between friends...right?]

[...Right?]

[Before he lingers on it too much, he pours her a glass. It does indeed look impressive; the juice shifts in hue between reds, blues, and pinks and it almost looks like there's glitter in the juice. But it smells like an orchard after it rains; nice and sweet and refreshing.]

[patchricide]

[There's a part of her that wants to protest to being escorted to her seat. Maybe she wants to lend him a hand. Maybe she doesn't want to sit around worrying about what else might go wrong, or what other things he might smack into before the night's over.]

[But luckily, she's been raised well enough not to raise an objection. It's just his way of trying to be a good host, surely. And who knows, maybe he's hiding a surprise out of sight. Hopefully not a giant cake, following that conversation during their night of drinking...]

[When he returns, Allura sits up at attention, her curiosity piqued.]

'Supposed to be'? So... you'll be trying it for the first time, too? [She leans forward, trying to get a better look at how the liquid is changing color.] Well, if it tastes as good as it looks and smells... then it should be quite a treat.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Well...yeah. I wanted it to be something we experienced for the first time together.

[He pours himself a glass and holds it up to clink glasses together.]

And I remember how much you like your juice so...I promise there's no alcohol in this one.

[patchricide]

And what about you? If you prefer the taste of alcohol, I won't be offended if you mix a little into yours.

After all, just a bit shouldn't cause any harm, right? [Or is he going to be extra careful, after how things ended last time? Stripping might throw off the mood of the date a bit.]

[But either way, she's eager to try this just as it is — and so she taps her glass against his in cheers, and takes a long sip.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Hooooh no. Not tonight. I want to make sure nothing gets in the way of me making tonight memorable.

[He sips his own drink.]

Oh wow...that's amazing! It changes between sweet and tart on the tongue! Hah! That's really something!

[patchricide]

It really is delightful! [She holds her glass in front of her, inspecting it.] Is it changing when the colors do? How do they do that?

[And, even though she's already had more of hers than Darin, she takes a second sip. She might need a refill before the meal begins.]

It must be some sort of magic in the brew itself, right? Almost like a potion!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I wonder if I can learn to make it...

[He tops her off before standing.]

And speaking of making something...I need to go check on the food!

[He heads into the kitchen with a bit of a bounce to his step. This was already going well!]

[He makes his way over to the oven and pops it open to check on the fish he had been broiling...]

...Oh crap. Don't tell me...

[I forgot to turn the oven on...! No no no!]

[patchricide]

... erm... don't tell you what?

[Hey, those big ears of hers aren't for show.]

Is everything all right in there?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Don't...tell me...that you aren't hungry...! Because dinner will be ready soon!

[You know, even though there's no smell of anything cooking.]

Everything's fine! Everything's coming along nicely...!

[Crap crap crap crap! What do I do?! It was supposed to be almost done! I need to find a way to cook this thing fast...!]

[He looks around frantically. If only he had elemental magic! He could flash cook this fish and the vegetables all at once!]

[Or if he had a really powerful oven. Like...like...]

[He stops and looks up.]

[A forge...]

[Okay. Okay he just needs to get this tray up to the forge without her knowing or seeing...]

...You enjoying everything so far, Allura...?

[patchricide]

Erm... yes, of course. It's wonderful.

[But it's a little strange to be asking her that right now, isn't it? She hasn't had anything since they both tried the juice.]

[He really must be nervous about this, isn't he? Fretting so incessantly!]

Is there much left to do? If you're just waiting for it to cook, you should come have a seat and relax!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I..um...I just need to check something...!

[He needs to get her out of the room or he can't get the pan upstairs to the forge!]

[...Aha!]

Hey, you said you wanted to help, right? Could you go into my room? In my closet somewhere is my apron. I don't want to get my nice clothes messy by accident...!

[It's a wild goose chase, of course. Hi apron is here in the kitchen, but once she's in his room he can bolt upstairs!]

[patchricide]

Yes, of course! Right away!

[And she's so eager to help that she jumps up and starts walking away from the table... and it's only after that she realizes the first problem with this request.]

And... where is your room?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He peeks out from the kitchen.]

Oh, it's the room all the way to the back on the right!

[patchricide]

All right. This door, over here? [As if he can see what she's seeing.] You know, you really ought to keep your apron in the kitchen, if that's where you plan to use it.

[And so, it's with some hesitation... but she opens the door to his room and steps inside. What should she expect inside, anyway?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Honestly, there isn't much. There's a bed that doesn't look at all comfortable, a desk, a shelf with all of his filled journals...]

[If she thought her room was spartan, at least she had a nice bed. And from the looks of his closet, he only has a few outfits too.]

[On his desk, open, is one of his journals. But beyond that, no sign of an apron.]

[Meanwhile, Darin rushes upstairs to the forge proper with the tray. It's perfect!]

[patchricide]

[That bed bothers her immensely. Why would he choose a bed like that? How does he possibly sleep in it? How does he function after sleeping in it?]

[Okay. Okay, no, this is no time to get distracted. She needs to find that apron. It doesn't feel right to be rummaging through his things, permission or not, but she's not about to let that deter her from her mission. And so she hunts through the closet...]

[... ... ...]

[Wait, is this all that he owns?]

[There's clearly no apron here, so she hunts in other places, like under the bed. But with so little to be searching, she can only take so long to conclude that it must not be here. That Darin was simply mistaken, somehow.]

[So she returns, calling out to him:]

Are you certain you left it there? Because I don't see it anywhere! Is there somewhere else you could have left it?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[With Allura thoroughly distracted, Darin casts float on his feet so as not to make a sound and rushes up the stairs with the tray to the forge proper.]

[He's cooked in the forge once or twice, all he has to do is toss the pan over the pit, keep Allura company for a few minutes, distract her one last time so he can come up and retrieve it, and voila! A perfect dinner!]

[He stokes the flame in the center of the forge then, with two large iron tongs, places the tray of fish and vegetables into the fire.]

[Then he hurries back down to the kitchen, puts the apron on, and dispells float as Allura is returning.]

Sorry, about that. I must have brought it in with me after all. Thanks for looking though!

[patchricide]

[She looks at him suspiciously.]

... you really need to calm down. Look at you — you look as though you just ran laps around the building. Are you sure you don't want me to lend you a hand?

[She starts walking towards the kitchen.]

I'm sure there's something I can do. I'm not that bad with a knife!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Okay, you got me, I'm a little nervous...but...I mean, look at you!

Come on, though, we've got a few minutes so lets have a seat and talk.

[patchricide]

[He was running around, and now he can afford to wait? Someone needs to teach him to pace himself. ... unless he was pushing himself so that he could get a few minutes with Allura before they eat. That sounds plausible, doesn't it?]

[Darin, you're so difficult to read right now.]

Very well. [She steps away from the kitchen, and heads back towards the table.] So, can I ask what we're having yet?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Well, the main course is a surprise buuuuut...

[He slides into the kitchen briefly and returns with two very lovely looking fruit cocktails.]

I have these as an appetizer.

I...admittedly don't know what food is like on Altea but...you seem to really like sweet things.

[He has to fight the urge to say something corny after that.]

[patchricide]

[Well, you've certainly captured her interest. Even though there's no berry magic at work in this one (at least, as far as she knows) the combination of fruits has her intrigued, as well as the arrangement.]

We did have our sweets, even things like berry juice, but... I'm continually amazed by the sorts of creations I find in Earth cuisine. This looks delightful.

[With a dainty sort of grace, she gets a first scoop of the cocktail that gets a little of each fruit in the spoon.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You know, I keep hearing the name 'Earth' thrown around. I think maybe you think I'm from there?

My world is actually called Anmaral. There's a lot of similarities I've noticed but also pretty different.

[He sets out a spoon for her to begin eating and takes a seat across from her.]