+- Court of the Fallen (https://cotf-rpg.com)
+-- Forum: Out of Character (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=26)
+--- Forum: Important (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=27)
+---- Forum: Archives (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=38)
+---- Thread: [SWE] The Punchiest Pool Party (/showthread.php?tid=11439)
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Vox - 06-01-2025
The smell of grilled mystery-meat and sun-slick sunscreen carries a strange static today, and though no door opens and no one can say for certain when he arrived, suddenly Vox is just—there!
Not walking, not teleporting. Just...appearing in the kind of way that makes time feel like it skipped a breath.
He stands (probably) near the shallows, wearing a tremendously large floppy hat that seems to cast shade in directions no one agrees on, and a pair of sunglasses so dark and reflective they appear to broadcast other people's memories instead of reflecting light. His presence hums beneath the music, like an off-key bassline that only the spine can hear. A single towel hangs over one elbow.
He grins. (All 43 teeth are accounted for. Six of them are new!)
[say]"Oooh!"[/say] he trills, clapping exactly four times. [say]"Pierce, my peach! My little hard-edged fruit cup, look at you!"[/say] (He's learned terms of endearment usually have to do with food). Is he looking at Pierce? At the sun? At Jack ’s glass of rum? Impossible to say.
He lifts one gangly hand and waves at no one, or perhaps at everyone. [say]"And my dear poets! Oh! My luminous lyricists! Iskra! Melita! Flora with your barbed verses and poisonous flair! Even Vesper ’s slippery metaphor still clings to my lobes like damp static. I am touched."[/say]
He pauses. His expression does not change, but something about the air does. [say]"But! This isn’t about me!"[/say] He pivots dramatically—his shadow seems to lag half a second behind—and gestures to Pierce like a game show model unveiling a prize wheel made of spite. [say]"It’s about our generous host. Let’s all raise a toast, or a hotdog, or a mild psychic scream in his honour. Because isn’t it lovely to know, even after an entire Tower can fall down, we can still gather oceanside like nothing is just a little off?"[/say]
Then, a wink. At who? Unknown. It might’ve been at Colt. Or Deimos. Or the floatie shaped like a mirewyrm slowly deflating behind him.
[say]"Oh, and before I forget,"[/say] he chirps, [say]"I’ll be around if anyone wants to chat. Or confess. Or join the Family! You know how it is—first we cannonball, then we conscript!"[/say]
He adjusts his sunglasses behind his ears, which are definitely above his bellybutton(s), then he lounges backwards into a waiting lawn chair that wasn’t there before, the towel draped neatly across his lap like a sacrificial napkin.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Sohalia - 06-01-2025
Sohalia was not particularly inclined to attend a pool party hosted by the Family, but so much had happened in so short a time that she was hoping there would be some information she could glean from it. So she arrived in a subdued black one-piece, a white sarong adorned with black flowers tied around her hips. Her blonde hair was piled atop her head in a messy bun, and she wore oversized sunglasses that she'd probably stolen from Flora at some point. As she approached the event, she felt strange, like the shifts crawling beneath her skin had suddenly ceased to exist.
Uneasy and uncomfortable, Soh scanned the crowd. There were several here so far that she knew, but the person who caught her interest was Kaisel. She meandered over to him, trying to look nonchalant. [say]"Hey, Kai,"[/say] she said when she was close enough that they could talk quietly amongst themselves. [say]"How are you holding up?"[/say]
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Sunjata - 06-01-2025
[say]What plans?[/say] Sunjata also asks as he approaches, offering a quiet nod to Deimos, Ronin, and Remi. Sitting on the outskirts of everything with a drink in hand, (cue king of the hill gifset, let’s be real), the Flood glances over toward the rest of those closer to the members of the Family that have joined. Jaw working as his gaze averts from the flicker of the void as it crosses Flora’s face, it’s nothing compared to the full view of Vox and Pierce.
Nostrils flare as he looks away, focusing on the ocean and the way it lazily rolls against the beach to calm the rabbiting pulse of the horrifying features the Family has. Exposure therapy at its finest, he supposes.
Shifting his weight slightly, the Flood’s in his own dark green swim trunks, deep pockets that also harbor a few chosen blades, concealed in the form of switchblades he can pull out of at all necessary. He hadn’t wanted to come unprepared, and given what he’d learned from the Knowtbook… well, let’s just say he wasn’t going to be unarmed again if he could help it.
But it also means he’s shirtless, all scars and tattoos on display. The pale lightning strike scars fork up his arm from his hand and across his chest, drowned out only by the wing tattoos that trail down his arms.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Deimos - 06-02-2025
The flickers of surprise from three of them caused a long, unfiltered sigh to flow through the Sword. He understood the careful balance of secret, furtive notions, but he also would’ve been far more content in knowing some of their strongest were aware of upcoming assaults. Which he’d do now, glancing between the lot of them. [say]She contacted me to ask for my gloves, but I did not want to give them away and risk them being…[/say], well he didn’t need to finish that statement. They’d all understand. [say]She wants some of Pierce’s blood to protect the rest of Torchline from the Family, and I would like the same for Halo. So I will be attempting to take a stab.[/say] He could fathom Sunjata would be amidst those toils for King’s End – and should he want some sharp object made for the moment, Deimos could and would oblige. [say]I have her daggers, lucky rings, and compass, and then some of my own things to help.[/say] An invisibility cloak, the gloves –
At which he subtly put some of the ornamental fixtures on, then slid the relic over his hands. [say]It will likely cause a scene. I believe she intends to channel when the time is right as well.[/say] He gave another stalled exhale, waiting for the rest of the reactions. At some point he’d have to maneuver his way into the dome and conduct the necessary actions, but he kept his guard and stoicism mantled well over the trepidation.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Dantalion - 06-02-2025
Oblivious to the machinations unfurling on the outskirts of the proceedings, Danta nonetheless arrives with little of his usual flair. He's all for a pool party, don't get him wrong, but one hosted by The Family's resident meathead? Even chaos can be a little wary from time to time, and the Maverick thinks this is as good an occasion as any. Nevertheless, he steps unwittingly into Pierce's dome with the intention of getting several strong drinks, and with no passive power to snuff out and let him know that it's gone, he's none the wiser for now.
Indeed, peeping over his sunglasses at Vesper bobbing around on a floatie, he collects a half empty bottle of whiskey, a cup, and a burger, before retreating to some shade to sit with his choice of poisons for the day. Glancing automatically around for those he knows - Flora receives an affectionate toast with his cup and Deimos, Melita and Sunjata earn a wave - soon enough the Maverick is focusing on where his shadow has gotten off to. He feels strangely naked without Astaroth around, and he's more interested in his whereabouts than whatever shitfuckery is about to go down.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Astaroth - 06-02-2025
Astaroth is also oblivious to anything happening on the edges of the party, but gods if the tension isn’t palpable. He can taste it as soon as he’s making his way back from Haulani — having needed to grab a very special golden charm that’s currently tucked into the pocket of his red floral shirt, opened up for the wind to seep through.
The edges of the dressing can still be seen wrapped around his chest, but he pays it very little mind as he sidles up to his lover’s side, slipping into the barrier of Pierce’s without knowing much more than the fact the playful edge to his shadows are now fully snuffed out, nodding to those he knows in attendance before his full focus returns to his lover. “[say]Apologies, darling, it took longer than anticipated.[/say]” Comes the soft apologetic murmur while his arm slips around Danta’s middle and his free hand tries to help snag any drinks or food the Maverick wished to take with him.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Thalassa - 06-02-2025
Thal makes her way into the party with the air of a woman who knows she's about to attract attention, but her skimpy black bikini is for only one man's benefit, uncaring who else may steal a peek at her ample curves. The lack of material isn't even the most interesting part as her obsidian daggers hug her thighs with leather straps that somehow add to the sex appeal like an extra set of horns or fangs that scream danger and pleasure in all the best ways.
It doesn't take her eyes long to find Pierce, drawn to him like he's the only one here, her eyes barely sparing a glance for anyone else. She shoots him a subtle wink, chugging a glass of something cold from the table before she saunters her way to the pool. Her tail brushes the surface like a teasing finger, leaving a trail as she slips deeper into the water. Diving in like someone born to swim, she resurfaces a little closer, unbothered by Vox being so close or the way her magic flickers out. It's not like she needs it here.
Her hands smooth her wet hair over her head, careful around the tines of her horns as she takes in the rest of the party. She ignores the fact that her eyes somehow find Vesper first, shoving aside the bitterness threatening to ruin her good mood, instead letting her gaze find more friendly faces. Astaroth and Dantalion are nearby and she treads water to give them a playful smile that invites them to enjoy the water. Then she spots
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Melita - 06-02-2025
Melita waved to her uncle in the distance, watching as he hovered on the edge of the dome. She couldn’t say she really blamed him, given the whole effect infection had on him. Still, she paid her dues and courtesies with several others, nodding to Remi, Ronin, and a couple others she recognized, before Iskra found her and the Firecracker.
[say]“Hey,”[/say] she noted with a razor-edged smile. [say]“Quite a shitshow, mm?”[/say] She gestured in vague directions, because everything made her slightly wary and weary, keeping her stash of weapons on her as she maneuvered away from the boat, ensuring it was there for any evasion needs. [say]“You staying here long?”[/say] She might need three drinks of more to linger within the threshold for much longer - she couldn't even fathom getting into the water with the Family douchebags nearby.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Ronin - 06-02-2025
Ronin's greeting to both Sunjata and Deimos dies in his throat at the Sword's initial question; his hand falls to rest atop Remi's, his wariness sloshing through their touch like ice water. Reiterating the general consensus of w o t feels like overkill, and so it's with his jaw set and his posture very carefully calm (even if he's gripping his beer bottle hard enough to crack it now) that he turns to Deimos to hear the explanation.
But of course he ought to have expected shitfuckery from this whole gathering - he just hadn't anticipated it coming from Flora, even if he absolutely fucking should have. His blue eyes flick towards the Doubletake as if to make sure she's still outside of Pierce's barrier, before he inhales a deep breath and releases it, taking a slow sip of his drink.
[say]I see,[/say] he mutters, but whatever objections sit on his tongue - what about the civilians; what if you miss; what if he takes it out on your family - feel largely too late given that they're right here, right now, and Deimos is already equipped to do the doing. [say]Be careful,[/say] is all he settles on, giving Remi's hand a squeeze.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Jack - 06-02-2025
Glancing across to Flora as she steps within range of his telepathy like the concentrated light from a magnifying glass, Jack silently raises his glass in a toast, before taking a long and all too necessary drink from his glass. It's the most stilted 'party' he's ever seen on Torchline's shores, like everyone is waiting for the first couple of people to get up and dance like that will give them permission, but considering the tangle of whatever the fuck is happening over in the Dad Corner, he doubts it will be much longer before this entire thing implodes.
Speaking of dads, though, he glances back out across the crowd in time to catch Vesper's look, offering him a near-imperceptible nod in return; acknowledgement of the invisible horror that surrounds Pierce and what it means to cross into it. Which Vesper wisely opts not to do, though the captain does watch as the young demigod flirts with the perimeter on his floatie, asking for trouble as always.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Dantalion - 06-02-2025
[say]"No apology needed,"[/say] Danta assures Astaroth as he appears at last, the Maverick's posture relaxing. He sips at his whiskey with the bottle still cradled in the crook of his arm, squawking some objection as the butcher tries to take (he assumes) the burger from his other hand. Only once he realises his food isn't at risk does he surrender the liquor, snagging another burger from one of the tables to offer it out to the other man as an apology.
[say]"Everyone seems really..."[/say] He chews thoughtfully, trying to find the right word as he leans gently against Asta's side, offering a thin smile to Thalassa but not deigning to get closer to the water. [say]"...Bored isn't what I'm looking for. But it seems like everyone is waiting for something, doesn't it?"[/say] Raising an eyebrow and glancing up at the taller Ancient over his sunglasses, he wonders whether he's seen something Danta has missed that might point to a reason behind the weirdness. Beyond, you know, the fucking Family.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Remi - 06-02-2025
The tips of Remi’s fingers twitch faintly against Ronin’s thigh, a slow, subconscious response to the flood of ice water in their bond. Beneath his sunglasses and sunny swim trunks, there is nothing relaxed about the Bastion. His smile doesn’t change, but tension cords through the lines of his body like pulled string—wound tight and just as liable to snap.
He hums softly as if amused by something Ronin has said, scratching idly at his beard to maintain the illusion. But through the bond, his thoughts crackle like a match being dragged across stone. [say]If Pierce retaliates while you are near to him,[/say] Remi murmurs to Deimos in silence, [say]I can soak the damage.[/say] His jaw feathers as he swallows hard, sunlight glinting off the scar that cuts across his collarbone. [say]And if I need to cut the tether[/say]—presumably because of some nonsense Flora might pull—[say]I’ll let you know.[/say]
His hand slips more deliberately into Ronin’s then, their fingers lacing together. His thumb brushes across his husband’s knuckle, grounding him just as much as himself. A slow inhale. A slower exhale.
Then, without looking away from the floaties or the glitter of seawater, Remi turns his attention to Deimos again, eyes obscured but voice level in the bond. [say]When is this meant to happen?[/say]
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Flora - 06-02-2025
Flora lets her smile stretch, dazzling and empty all at once, as familiar faces flicker across her periphery. She nods to
So, when Jack lifts his glass, she lifts her chin feeling disproportionally relieved. He’s beneath an umbrella, half-sunk in shadow, the kind of shadow she used to run toward like the sea wall after a storm. Her heels leave faint imprints in the sand as she approaches, steps slow but deliberate, hips swaying with queenly ease despite the way her stomach knots. Her drink—something from her private stash, turquoise and glittering—is cool against her fingers, and she sips it idly as she reaches him.
[say]"Can you believe this weather?"[/say] she says lightly, glancing toward the glimmering water. [say]"Not a storm in sight."[/say] The sunlight catches on the red of her bikini, vivid against her sun-kissed skin, highlighting the elegant strength of her figure—the toned curve of her waist, the confidence in every line of her posture—but beneath the glint of her lashes, another conversation begins. [say]Plans changed. Deimos is doing the throwing now.[/say] Her mental voice is steady, all sugar and heat and sharp precision, a private message slid across the table in the middle of a crowded room. Outwardly, she gives a soft, amused huff and raises her drink toward one of the mirewyrm floaties.
[say]"Vox seems to be enjoying himself,"[/say] she adds with casual disdain, then lowers her glass to glance at him sidelong. [say]I'll channel and then probably go invisible since I gave Deimos my compass,[/say] she adds silently, letting her thoughts flow like a ripple across the surface of his mind.
RE: The Punchiest Pool Party - Astaroth - 06-02-2025
Glancing sidelong at his lover rather than the bland party, the butcher notices the prolonged quiet clinginess of someone that wasn’t fully back to his usual chaos. Presuming it’s to do with the exposure therapy they’ve been doing and not necessarily the Family lingering about, the butcher immediately concedes snagging the burger in Danta’s hand in favor for the whiskey that he sips from. The burger after is a nice touch and he gives him a little squeeze once he’s snuck the bottle into the crook of his arm.
Peering through the dark of his sunglasses, he nods to Flora in the distance in greeting before he leans a touch closer to Danta. “[say]It does. Perhaps they are expecting the Family to make a move with all of us gathered?[/say]” He suggests in a low whisper, calculating and speculating, before his head tilts, dark hair sliding against the edge of a dark horn. “[say]It is quite a dull party, though.[/say]” Which is really saying something coming from Astaroth.