December Intro: Pressure Building

[lifeaftr_mods]

INTRO LOG: DECEMBER

Who: New arrivals, and you!
What: New souls arrive to the archipelago of LifeAftr
When: December 4th and onward
Where: All over Ensō
Warnings: Mark as needed!

It begins on a mild autumn day, one where the breeze is gentle and the sky a deep, cloudless blue. Ensō is quiet as the adventurers that call it (if only temporarily) home begin to awaken and go about their daily business- for those who have been here long enough, this may consist of searching for those new arrivals, undoubtedly lost and likely confused. It is a normal day on Ensō. Then the water starts to rise.

Northern Beachfront: Let Me Get Off the Ground
For newcomers waking on the shoreline and those who have come to greet them, the rapid swelling of the ocean's surface will be immediately noticeable. Just a few, short miles from the shore, the water continues bulging upwards to terrifying heights, obscuring the sun and throwing warped shadows over the majority of Ensō's northern landscape. It towers there, wobbling, inexplicably retaining its shape even as it ripples, flowing, and sends great streams of saltwater streaming over the ocean's surface. Though the sun is barely capable of piercing the immense mass, those with a keen eye will see...something moving within, coiled far above sea level. Some dark mass, too distorted by the water and the lack of light to solidify into any easily recognizable shape, nonetheless makes its presence felt regardless. All nearby will find themselves stricken with a growing sense of being watched by a gaze that pierces flesh and bone…one that is none too appreciative of what it sees.

Retaliation to this apparent threat is both vicious and immediate. Bursting from the trees and whipping through the air within a tornado of motion, thousands, then tens of thousands of ink-stained pages whip out from Ensō's jungle and across open water like a flock of ferocious birds, striking at the liquid mountain with unceasing fervor.

Now may not be the best time to gawk, adventurers. With this attack, the raised water will begin to collapse - and the giant waves resulting from the sudden upset will bear no mercy for anyone swept off their feet in the churning swells.

Storyteller's Temple and the Rest of Ensō: I See Your Corruption
Those seeking shelter and answers will find them limited in supply, if not entirely absent. For, you see, the mana pools on Ensō have ceased functioning, leaving characters stranded wherever they may be at the time the assault begins.

No safety can be found within the temple walls this day, with more and more black pages erupting from every door and window. Attempts to approach and even push through won't be harmful, or at least not intentionally - rather, the pages will force back anyone who attempts to come between them and their current objective. Those who may not get the message the first time may just find themselves flying quite a ways away.

The above will quickly become the least of anyone’s worries. Those who remember the rebirth of the sun back in January will not doubt recall the creatures of the night faced during those darkest hours. As the waters around Ensō continue to churn in response to the offshore assault, large waves act as ferries for those precise beasts, clambering onto the shore in droves. Though the sun is obscured in many spaces, these shadowy creatures will always make for the treelines during daylight hours, seemingly sluggish at best under natural lighting.

Unfortunately, the Storyteller will be occupied for quite some time - and once night falls, those deadly beings will be on the hunt.

For the duration of the assault, the islets will remain relatively safe during daylight hours, so long as your character is capable of accessing a boat to travel there. Once night falls, however, they will be as dangerous as the mainland.

Both the shadowy creatures and the risen water will retreat on the morning of December 10th, leaving Ensō silent once more. The hovering pages, however, will continue circling the coastline for some time like great papery seabirds.

The doors to the Storyteller’s temple shall remain closed.

---

All new arrivals will awake with knapsacks, their names stitched to the front. The contents of said knapsacks can all be found in your acceptance notices!

As a final note to those who participated in the Test Drive Meme, bear in mind that those threads, if all parties involved would like, can be game canon in the form of dream-like memories involving a place very much like this one, though the layout is considerably different.

---

Feeling a tad adrift? Make sure to check the Locations Page, which has details regarding the starting areas and a handy map for those who feel better with a bird's eye view!

---

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

[thermalwind]

[He's keenly aware there is a subtle shift between him and Shiro. They haven't talked about...a lot of things but he hasn't been sure what his best friend remembers of the party. He'd been an idiot. This time without the excuse of alcohol. Maybe the dummy of their group isn't Lance. He might as well posted a neon sign that says 'I have feelings for you' complete with scrolling text.

Keith sits up and lightly pushes at the wall of blue fur to his left. Kosmo seems to take this as a hint to trot outside. He barely catches himself from leaning too far. Ember is already gone. Probably perched on the roof. He cracks his back and raises a hand.] Morning.

...you're up early. We usually wake up at the same time.

[galrarm]

[ He gives a slightly sheepish smile. Keith's right. Shiro usually wakes when Keith does; he's just that in tune with him, he guesses. Not surprising, but he's a little embarrassed about having it pointed out. Only a little.

... hm. ]

I guess I've been having trouble sleeping. [ He rubs at the back of his neck, then looks at Keith. He hesitates, only slightly. ]

We should talk. About the party.

[thermalwind]

[All grogginess is banished from his mind and he sits up straight. He manages not to look like he's been caught doing something he shouldn't.] Yeah, uh sure. What part of it?

[He damn well knows what part of it. Keith shifts so he can face Shiro and folds his legs under him. His poker face isn't as good as Shiro's not when it comes to him. He looks concerned and a little nervous.]

[galrarm]

[ Keith's smarter than that. Shiro watches him with an even expression, though there's something in his eyes that's apprehensive. That's new, when it comes to Keith.

His heart hammers in his chest, much like it had next to the fire that night. It's for a different reason this time. ]

We were... pretty close. Physically. Weren't we?

[thermalwind]

[Oh god. If he keeps going like this it will be almost like torture. Keith watches Shiro's face and catches something he doesn't like. He's never seen him look uncertain and the source of it. Not since the trials.

He takes a breath and stares down at his hands.] We were. A lot closer than we usually are.

[He can easily recall how fast Shiro's heart had beat under his hand. The warmth of his hand on his. Shiro had looked at ease in a way he wants to see more often. He looks up at him into his eyes.]

Tell me what's on your mind, Shiro. Whatever it is, I told you. I'll be right there with you.

[galrarm]

[ That's putting it lightly. Close enough that Shiro would have called it more than just two friends hanging out, if he were more confident than... this. He feels completely out of his element, strangely enough. Navigating these waters--it's nerve-wracking.

Shiro hesitates and moves closer to Keith. He gathers himself, and places his hand over Keith's. ]

Yeah. You always have been. Just like we'll always be for each other. [ Keith's hand is warm under Shiro's. ] And maybe I wanted it to be more than just--

[ Spit it out, Shirogane. ]

More than just friends spending time together. A lot more.

[thermalwind]

[He waits and what comes next isn't what he expected. He quietly covers Shiro's hand with his other hand. It's a little scary finding that they feel the same way. Keith blinks and squeezes his hand.]

Shiro, you mean everything to me. [He won't spend time worrying about losing Shiro again. He'll take it one day at a time. Keith allows himself to gently reach up and brush his best friend's hair out of his eyes.]

It took me a bit to realize...

[It's not as hard to say it this time as it was the first time he admitted to loving Shiro. The circumstances are better.]

I'd fallen in love with you.

[galrarm]

[ You mean everything to me.

It's incredible, the effect those words have on Shiro. Keith reaches up and moves the hair from his eyes, and Shiro holds his breath for a moment. Even despite Keith's proclamation, he still doesn't want to get his hopes up--

He lets out his breath, and the smile that spreads across his lips is radiant. ]

Keith. [ He touches his forehead to his, and he can't stop smiling. ] I love you, too.

[thermalwind]

[There it is. He smiles back at him as he leans in and touches their foreheads together. Just like at the party he slides his fingers into Shiro’s hair. All of the tension drains out of him.]

...I’m surprised you didn’t figure it out. I’ve been pretty bad at hiding it.

[He laughs. Well, he doesn’t have to hide it anymore.] I think even Lance picked up on it. [He’d have to tell him about it later. Just so it doesn’t take him by surprise.]

[galrarm]

[ He makes a soft, content noise as Keith's hand buries itself in his hair. Shiro relaxes, too, as he sets his hand on Keith's cheek. ]

Honestly, I was too worried about ruining things between us. If I were too obvious, and you didn't feel the same, well...

[ Even Lance, huh. Shiro lets out a quiet laugh. His thumb strokes Keith's cheek. ]

Needless to say, I'm relieved that it's mutual.

[thermalwind]

[He's not surprised he and Shiro had the exact same worry. They are each other's closest person. At the end of the day if Shiro had needed him to tamp down those feelings he'd have done it.

Keith leans into Shiro's touch and settles his hand on the back of his neck.]

Let's...stick close to Enso today. Take a bit of a day off from figuring that new island out.

[galrarm]

[ Knowing that Keith feels the same... it's sort of like a weight's lifted from his shoulders and heart. Shiro feels lighter. His smile comes easier. And Keith's hand at the back of his neck feels good. Natural.

He holds his hand to Keith's cheek, still. ]

Good idea. We could use a bit of a break. [ He looks into Keith's violet eyes, and his heart flips over. ] There's one thing I have to do, though.

[thermalwind]

[His breathing speeds up a hair. He slips his other hand out from under Shiro's to cup the side of his face. His thumb brushes lightly over the scar above Shiro's nose.]

...Pretty sure I know what it is. [He can't look away from Shiro's face. He just looks so relaxed and happy. It's a mirror of how he feels with his heart thudding fast and all his guards set aside. He'd have thought he'd feel vulnerable. All he feels is safe.]

I'm ready when you are.

[galrarm]

[ For a brief moment, Shiro closes his eyes. When Keith's thumb brushes along the scar, he makes a soft, content noise. It's something he's never allowed anyone to do, but he trusts Keith with his life. It's not that surprising. Keith has always been so incredibly important to him.

The trust between them... it's incredibly deep.

He opens his eyes. ]

Trust me. I've been ready for a while.

[ He smiles and leans in, so he can press his lips to Keith's. ]

[thermalwind]

[He smiles back at him and meets him halfway. The earth doesn't move. But that doesn't matter, the feel of Shiro's mouth on his seems like a natural step up for their usual embraces. He presses close, letting Shiro lead this time. He has no idea what he's doing.

Best time to learn. He makes his own soft pleased sound. Yes, finally.]

[galrarm]

[ He's more than happy to take the lead. Shiro slides a hand into his hair, gently cradling the back of his head. Keith's lips are warm, and they feel perfect against his own.

He doesn't want to pull away, but he doesn't want to push things too quickly. He wants to savor the moment, yes, but for now, this is much more than enough. Shiro pulls away. He touches his forehead to Keith's. ]

Love you.

[thermalwind]

[All too soon the kiss is over. He keeps himself still so he doesn’t lean in again. Keith contents himself to run his thumb aross Shiro’s cheek as he looks into his eyes.]

Love you too. Think sleep will come easier tonight? [If there’s anything else he needs to talk about he’s here for him. In any way he can be. They do still have those marks on their hands. He has tried to ignore his. He covered it in bandages and tried not to think about his right hand yet again being marked up or damaged.

It’s enough to make him really paranoid.]

[galrarm]

[ With a soft laugh, he presses a kiss to Keith's nose. He hopes sleep will be easier. Shiro thinks it will, if Keith is sleeping next to him. ]

I'd say the odds are in my favor.

[thermalwind]

Good. We have a huge wolf that can help if I’m not warm enough for you. [He smiles like a lazy wolf himself and steals a quick kiss. He’s still in shock things turned out alright. But the feeling is ebbing into a lazy joy.

It has been a long time since either of them were truly happy. He reclaims Shiro’s hands and laces their fingers together.]

Probably should see about breakfast.

[galrarm]

He does seem like a snuggler.

[ Shiro returns the kiss, and he's smiling like a damn fool as he brings Keith's hands up to his lips. He kisses his knuckles. ]

Yeah. I'm starving.

[thermalwind]

[He smiles, face a little warm at the brush of lips to his knuckles. He isn’t surprised Shiro is a sap. Especially when he’s one too. Keith slowly gets to his feet and gently tugs on Shiro to do the same.]

Then let’s get outside and I’ll get started.

[As if in cue, Ember straightens up in the fire pit and stretches his wings out. Keith lets go of Shiro and opens the door. The phoenix wings out into the starting day with a soft cry.]

[galrarm]

Sounds like a plan.

[ He gets up and follows Keith, and his hand feels much colder without Keith's. But it's fine--he can hold Keith's hand whenever he wants, now. Kiss him, too. And that's the best thing about this place, he thinks. ]

Morning, Ember. Ready to start the day?

[thermalwind]

[Keith laughs and grins at Shiro as he walks outside and stretches one arm then the other over his head.] He's always ready to start the day. I think we still have some of that smoked Caliborn left.

[Last night's fire has died down to the embers. He ducks around the side of the cottage to grab firewood he's kept protected from the elements. He lugs out two cut sections and lays them out among the embers.]

You know, I was semi-bad at this until I spent all that time with my mom back home. [He sits down at the edge of the fire and uses a fire-hardened stick to stir up the embers and hot ash.]

Within the Quantum Abyss we had to rely on our wits and be...I guess like the first Galra were. It was pretty peaceful when something wasn't trying to kill us.

[Then it was exciting and he was what is in his blood. He's a blend of two races who have produced strong warriors.]

[galrarm]

Yeah? Glad to hear it. Best meal I've had in a while.

[ He watches Keith work--he's impressed an prouder than he can say--before he joins him at the edge. Shiro isn't the type to let someone else do the work, especially Keith; he grabs a stick of his own, following his lead. ]

Two years, right? You had to learn pretty fast. [ If one of Keith's hands isn't occupied, he'll take it in his own. ] But it doesn't sound like it was all bad, especially if it meant getting to know your mom.

[ He falls into a thoughtful silence. He wonders if he'll ever meet her--and idly, he wonders what she'd think of Keith and him. ]

[thermalwind]

Getting to know her and explaining what the Quantum Abyss showed us. [His chest feels warm and right with Shiro’s hand in his. Between the two of them there’s enough embers against the wood to start the fire back up. Keith blows on the embers and flames crawl up the logs.]

She saw a lot of you and the rest of the team. [He shifts the logs just enough to get a more uniform heat out of them. He sets aside his stick.] And yeah, it wasn’t all that bad. I had him, and mom. [Him being the wolf moving about the area with a curious flick of his ears.]

If she arrives here, you’ll see her. But you met back home.