+- 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: interval (/showthread.php?tid=10191)
interval - Dahlia - 10-01-2024
It is of little surprise that, during the Longheat months, particularly at the height of the afternoon, the hotsprings are far from popular. Add in Dahlia's presence, and the misty reaches of the Eye of the Storm are uncharacteristically silent as she walks through, over small wooden bridges decorated with tropical flowers and beside the stone shores dappled with sunlight.
Wearing a simple white sundress and with her hair braided out of her face, she seems more maiden than Reaper in the moment, crouching beside the springs to trail her hand through the steaming water, full lips curving up in a smile. All is not well - far from it, in truth - but that is not how it appears. Appearance is everything, in her experience of this world and its trappings, and she doesn't plan on ruining it now.
RE: interval - Dorian - 10-02-2024
Dorian’s arrival at the hot springs is as unhurried as ever, his footsteps soft and deliberate, making no more sound than the faint breeze that did its best to chase away the heat. Dressed not for leisure, but for command—light trousers and a loose linen shirt, rolled to the elbows, appropriate for the heat without being too casual—his curls gleamed in the late afternoon light as he approached, spotting Dahlia with her hand trailing lazily through the steaming water.
Pausing for a moment, Dorian's blue eyes drank her in—her simple dress, the serene expression, the plait of her dark hair—she was performing, as much for herself as for him. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, faint and knowing. Dahlia had perfected the art of the chirade, and though Dorian found her dedication impressive, he never let her see how deeply he appreciated her efforts. Control was a delicate balance, after all, and keeping the Reaper constantly striving for his approval was as important for her satisfaction in all of this as it was for his.
[say]"You’ve been busy"[/say] he remarks, voice smooth and warm despite the sharp edge of awareness behind it. His eyes drift toward the water, then back to Dahlia, before stepping closer, his hands laced behind his back.
RE: interval - Dahlia - 10-03-2024
[say]"And you have been quiet."[/say] Dahlia's voice is softly amused, though the imperceptible tightening in the muscles of her shoulders gives her away as she gracefully straightens back up. Whatever the gentle teasing, there is no denying the way her entire body grows electric with the nearness of Dorian's presence, the Reaper drawn back into his orbit as if mournful to ever have left it. Turning to face him, droplets of water still dripping from her fingertips, Dahlia glances over him, fleeting and hungry, before distracting herself with talk of... well. Of it all.
[say]"The one they call the Valkyrie has come to see the benefit of being our ally,"[/say] she says. [say]"Another demigod, one very close to Sunjata. Not as strong, but every bit as useful."[/say] Best to start with the good news, after all. [say]"I also discovered the means through which that pesky little lily was planted on our island. A blade, one kissed by death, is in the possession of the White Knight. It allowed him to fell a dragon in a single blow."[/say] And is it of much surprise that a woman named the Reaper wants such a thing?
RE: interval - Dorian - 10-06-2024
Dorian's lips curl into a faint smile as he listens, a familiar calm settling over his features. [say]"Quiet?"[/say] He repeats, amusement threading through his voice even as his expression remains neutral. [say]"I wouldn't say that. I've merely been preparing. The groundwork needs to be perfect for what comes next."[/say] His eyes gleam with approval when she mentions the Valkyrie. [say]"Well done. A demigod, especially one close to Sunjata, is no small acquisition."[/say]
He steps closer, his gaze moving over her face as if appraising the full weight of her report. [say]"But the question remains,"[/say] he continues, his voice soft but sharp, [say]"—do you think it's time to make our presence known in King's End? Or are you still content to let your pawns move in secret? The more we reveal, the more resistance we might stir... though there's always the benefit of fear, if applied correctly."[/say] No one knew that better than the Reaper, of course.
As she mentions the sword in Ronin's possession, Dorian's eyes narrow slightly in thought. [say]"A blade kissed by death.."[/say] He muses. [say]"I see why it appeals to you."[/say] He pauses, then gives her a look, his tone measured but offering her the choice. [say]"Do you want to take the sword yourself? Or would you prefer I handle the White Knight? We both know he's not someone easily trifled with, but nothing is out of reach."[/say] He pauses just long enough for her to feel the weight of his words, then adds: [say]"Especially when it's for you."[/say] The statement, though subtle, carries a thread of something more; just enough to keep her hungry for his approval and to remind her of the delicate tension between them.
RE: interval - Dahlia - 10-12-2024
[say]"It wasn't a criticism,"[/say] Dahlia says airily - as if anything she said could be taken as such by the force of nature standing before her. [say]"I have missed our little talks, is all."[/say] It's an understatement and they both know it, for there aren't really words to express the magnetic pull she feels towards Dorian, the way she craves what they had once been - little more than energy, connected in ways their new bodies are incapable of replicating.
Inclining her head, graceful in the acceptance of his praise (externally, anyway), Dahlia shakes the remaining water from her fingertips and links her arms casually behind her back. [say]"I am content with King's End as it is for now, especially if Sunjata continues to join these little adventures to our island."[/say] The second she reveals her hand, after all, she doubts the Flood will be invited on any future ventures.
As for the sword, her smile is no less predatory for its girlishess, and she gazes back out across the rolling steam of the hotsprings. [say]"Any move I make is watched by these people,"[/say] she says - such is the role she has chosen to play. [say]"Much as my fingers itch for it... it would make more sense for someone else to go. If you don't wish to reveal yourself yet, perhaps Pierce would enjoy the challenge...?"[/say]
Were it not for the fact that there's more to discuss, Dorian might have found himself with the Reaper draped all over him heedless of the consequences, Dahlia taking a slow and steadying breath in the humid air between them.
[say]"We have lost our hold on the Oerwoud,"[/say] she says softly. [say]"And from Vox's latest broadcast... you are aware of what he has done? That he is awake?"[/say]
RE: interval - Dorian - 10-12-2024
Dorian's eyes never leave Dahlia's face as she speaks, his expression unreadable but for the faintest twitch of his lips at her airy dismissal. His fingers, clasped loosely behind his back, drum once against his wrist as he considers. [say]"I've missed them too, Dahlia,"[/say] he replies, his voice smooth as silk, carrying a subtle undercurrent of warmth meant only for her. He lets the words settle for a moment, his gaze flicking lazily down her body before returning to meet her eyes as if allowing her to feel the weight of his attention before pulling it back.
As she speaks of King's End, Dorian's gaze drifts away, seemingly in thought, but his fingers once again twitch, ever so slightly, as if mentally crossing off an item on a list. [say]"Good,"[/say] he murmurs his voice light but with an edge of satisfaction. [say]"Shadows suit us for now. Let them think they have the upper hand—until they don't."[/say]
When Dahlia brings up the sword, Dorian turns his attention back to her fully. [say]"Pierce would indeed enjoy the challenge, I think"[/say] He gives a small, deliberate pause. [say]"I'll speak with him. Explain what it is we're looking to achieve."[/say] Pierce could be a touch blunt at times, but with the right guidance, Dorian was sure their enforcer would see to his task effectively.
At the mention of the Vox, a faint narrowing of his eyes betrays the intensity of Dorian's thoughts, but only for a fraction of a second. He lifts his chin slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. [say]"Yes, Vox's actions..."[/say] His fingers were still behind his back, tightening for the briefest moment before relaxing again. [say]"Rafael is awake, but still within the island."[/say] His voice remains calm and controlled, but there's a cold edge beneath the surface now. [say]"Perhaps he'll remain that way long enough for it not to matter."[/say]
RE: interval - Dahlia - 10-12-2024
[say]"You always know where I am,"[/say] Dahlia purrs, all but preening under the weight of his gaze, however brief the intensity of his full attention might be. Indeed, of all the members of their Family, the Reaper is the only one who can be said to be reliably in one place at any time. Letting her hands drop again to smooth along the fabric of her sundress, she strolls a little closer, casually drifting behind Dorian until she can pause at his side, easily accepting of his agreement.
[say]"I imagine he is keen to test the limits of his new shape,"[/say] she says of Pierce; much the same as she had been when they had first landed, but their enforcer has had to be much more patient in comparison. [say]"The White Knight will be an excellent opportunity. I believe he is the one who can also bring life back to those who have passed."[/say] So, in short, probably a good idea to take him off the playing field for a bit.
If only they could continue to bolster the conversation with victories gained and ones to come; alas, then there is Vox. [say]"He has always been impossible to predict,"[/say] Dahlia mutters, raising her eyebrows to hear the name. Rafael. [say]"Is that what he is calling himself, or is it a pet name from Vox?"[/say] she wonders, wrinkling her nose. [say]"I am not hopeful that he will stay put."[/say]
RE: interval - Dorian - 10-12-2024
Dorian's eyes remain forward as Dahlia moves behind him, her presence as familiar as the pull of gravity. He feels the subtle shift in the air with her approach, and while his lips curve into a faint smile, the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes is brief, controlled.
[say]"That I do,"[/say] he murmurs, voice low, almost teasing. His hands remain clasped behind his back, a faint, rhythmic movement in his fingers showing he's already ahead in their conversation, thoughts clicking into place one by one. As she reaches his side, he lets his gaze drift toward her briefly before returning to the horizon. [say]"If Ronin truly can bring the dead back, well, we'll simply have to ensure he doesn't get the chance."[/say] There's a dangerous undercurrent there, but it's wrapped in the silken calm of his voice. [say]"Or that the limits of his ability are exhausted early."[/say]
Dorian pauses, casting a thoughtful glance at Dahlia, the weight of his attention briefly returning to her as his lips tighten. [say]"Whether he chose it himself or Vox selected it for him,"[/say] Dorian begins, his voice steady as he shrugs. [say]"—hardly matters. His penchant for diplomacy though...could be a problem for all of us, if we're not careful."[/say] His eyes drift back to the horizon. [say]"But I trust you'll be ready should he prove an obstacle. For now, we let him play his part, and see what he does. There's no need to engage—yet."[/say]
The faintest smile plays on his lips as he considers the broader game. [say]"Even a diplomat can be pushed to make the wrong move, given the right pressure."[/say] Dorian knew better than most what a light touch Dahlia could have when the moment called for it.
RE: interval - Dahlia - 10-13-2024
[say]"From what I have seen, common sense often eludes these people and those they are close to. It's just as likely that he exhausts the limits of that particular ability without our intervention."[say] That doesn't mean, of course, that they aren't going to intervene. And whilst she can't be there in person, Dahlia very much looks forward to hearing about what Pierce can do when he is allowed to untether himself from the masks they've curated to exist in this world, however briefly it may be.
But Dorian is right about Rafael, of course, and it's with a softly resigned sigh that she nods. [say]"There is a reason he has been asleep for this part of the proceedings. What was Vox thinking?"[/say] There is no use speculating that, she already knows, but certainly it's another thing to keep an eye on. Still, Dorian's confidents settles over her like a silk shawl, and Dahlia lets go of her reservations without complaint.
[say]"When are we going to reclaim the Oerwoud?"[/say] she asks.
RE: interval - Dorian - 11-15-2024
Dorian’s lips curve into a smile, one that never quite touches his eyes. He steps closer to Dahlia, each movement calculated and deliberate, as if he were both stalking prey and drawing her into his orbit all at once. His voice, when it comes, is low and almost affectionate, his gaze locked onto hers. [say]"Ah, the Oerwoud,"[/say] he muses, his tone as smooth as silk. [say]"Reclaiming it is certainly on the agenda, my dear. But that isn’t quite the issue we need to discuss, is it?"[/say]
He pauses, allowing the space between them to grow even smaller, the warmth of his proximity promising something it never delivers. His hand, deceptively gentle, reaches to tuck a stray lock of Dahlia’s hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her skin for the briefest of moments.
[say]"It seems that the ally you've made in Torchline has been quite busy, hasn't she?"[/say] The warmth in his voice cools as he mentions Flora, like ice seeping in beneath a door, and his smile hardens, all pretense of charm evaporating. [say]"Two successful efforts to drive back the void, and Rae themselves granting her a lily to cleanse the Greatwood. All of this, after your little heart-to-heart with her."[/say] The words are precise, biting in their simplicity.
He leans back, his hand dropping away, and his gaze turns sharp, dissecting. [say]"Tell me, Dahlia—what do you intend to do about that? Perhaps it's time we send a clearer message. Pierce, or even yourself... someone needs to make an example of her."[/say] He arches an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching with the ghost of a smile. [say]"It would be a shame for others to think that the kindness you extended went unappreciated."[/say]
RE: interval - Dahlia - 11-22-2024
The way Dahlia watches Dorian prowl forward is absolutely all predator, though it's by no means considered a challenge; no, it's more an invitation. Tantalisingly close, enough for her to lean into the never-quite-touch of his fingers as he brushes her hair back, the Reaper is like a flower bending towards the sunlight, though by now she's more than used to the steel that often follows such sweetness, and prepares accordingly.
Ah. Flora.
[say]"She does seem to be making quite a nuisance of herself, does she not?"[/say] she agrees, any pleasure in her tone draining away to leave nothing but thorns and vengeance. [say]"Perhaps Pierce will be busier than he expected in the coming weeks,"[/say] she agrees. Of course Dahlia isn't adverse to getting her own hands dirty - far from it, in fact - but she'd rather leave open conflict with Stormbreak for later down the line.
[say]"I will speak with him. Leave it to me."[/say]
RE: interval - Dorian - 11-22-2024
Dorian’s expression softens into something resembling satisfaction, his blue eyes narrowing slightly as he studies Dahlia. He takes a step back, granting her space, though the air between them still seems charged, her invitation very much noted. [say]"Very well,"[/say] he says, his tone approving but distant, as if her agreement was precisely what he expected. [say]"Speak with Pierce. Make sure our message is received loud and clear. I trust you to handle it."[/say] And he did. He always had.
He lets the words hang in the air, his gaze drifting past her to the expansive Eye of the Storm. Steam rises in elegant tendrils from the hot springs, twisting and weaving like something alive. His eyes return to Dahlia, a faint, almost mischievous smile touching his lips, but it’s tempered by the steel beneath. [say]"You know,"[/say] he says lightly, suggestively,[say] "one of these days, when our work is less pressing, I think I’d quite like to try the waters here."[/say] His eyes hold hers, his smile deepening, almost wicked. [say]"Perhaps you'd care to join me, when the time comes."[/say]
With that, Dorian turns, his linen shirt shifting slightly in the warm breeze, leaving Dahlia to her thoughts as he strides away, every step marked by that same quiet confidence. There is no need to look back—he knows the effect his words will have, and he is content to let that anticipation do its work.
~FIN