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+---- Thread: [PQ] building castles out of dirt (/showthread.php?tid=11894)
building castles out of dirt - Theea - 08-13-2025
The spiced apple cider simmers in a blackened pot over the campfire in the yard, steam curling into the pale blush of dawn. I cradle a warm mug between my hands, the heat sinking into my fingers while the tide murmurs just beyond the dunes. The air smells of cinnamon, clove, and salt—like Leafchange trying to make peace with the tropics.
The house rests on low, stout stilts, just high enough to keep the floors dry when the tide runs high. Heavy chains anchor it deep into the sand, a quiet promise that if the ocean ever tried to take it, it would have to drag the whole beach along. The yellow paint has faded to buttercream, the once-bright blue trim chipped thin by sun and salt wind. Mom’s hand-painted flowers still climb the porch beams in peeling strokes, stubborn against time. I can almost see her laughing as she painted them, swearing they’d fade in a week.
She was wrong.
Near the steps, an old stained-glass window leans against the railing, catching shards of sunrise in its fractured panes. A thin crack runs through one corner, but I don’t mind it—better this, with all its history, than the shattered hole where a window used to be. Beside that are various tools—a folded ladder, a few sets of work gloves, a sledge hammer, nails, wood, and more inside like a broom and dustpan, new bedding, and my meager supplies for the kitchen. I’d asked people to bring what they could too.
I sip the cider, watching the sun climb over the water, painting the wet sand in molten gold. I'm comfortable in my loose black sweater and well-fitted pants, boots laced and ready. I’d asked a few people if they might want to help today. I wasn’t sure who would actually come, but there are four extra mugs set out on the porch rail, waiting for steaming cider. The porch creaks under my step, palm fronds rattling overhead like loose bones. Something shifts inside the house—probably the oven. I’ll need a new sofa and armchair after so much wildlife tore into it. But the bedrooms are only dusty, the bathroom still functional, the frame still solid.
Somehow, it’s held together. Even all alone.
I set my mug down and take up a large sledge hammer waiting beside the mugs. The wooden handle is cool, the weight definitely too much in my palm. [say]“This’ll work on the window, right?”[/say] I mumbled to myself, grimacing at it.
Welcome to Theea’s PQ to help restore her childhood home!
Round 1: Post your character’s arrival! Grab a cup of cider and grab your chosen tools. (Or state any you brought!)
No post order
RE: building castles out of dirt - Flora - 08-14-2025
Sunlight spills over the horizon in a slow, honeyed crawl, gilding the wet sand beneath Flora’s bare feet as she strolls up the beach. The tide licks lazily at the shore beside her, carrying the faint salt tang that has already woven itself into her hair and the gold hoops swinging from her ears. She’s flanked by Ronin and Remi, her pace as unhurried as the sea—though there’s a pointedness in the way she tilts her chin at them, mischief curling in the corner of her smile.
[say]"I expect both of you back at my site first thing tomorrow,"[/say] she says over the hush of the waves, her voice carrying that smooth, lilting warmth that makes even bossiness sound like an invitation. [say]"Walls don’t raise themselves, and if you try and say you're too sore, I'll throw you both in jail."[/say] A glance over her shoulder softens the words—just enough that it’s unclear if she’s teasing or dead serious. [say]"In seperate jail,"[/say] she adds emphatically.
The house comes into view a moment later, buttercream and chipped blue against the soft rush of palm fronds. The smell of something spiced and sweet rides the wind toward them, curling into her lungs like an old memory, and she lifts a hand before she’s even close enough to speak. [say]"Theea!"[/say] Flora’s call rings bright over the sand, sunlight catching in the tangle of her blonde curls as she waves, her whole face breaking into a beam.
RE: building castles out of dirt - Ronin - 08-14-2025
[say]"So demanding,"[/say] Ronin complains, though there's no bite in it, and he flashes a lazy smile across at Remi as he follows in Flora's wake, boots sinking into the sand with every step. Dressed in a loose tank top and a pair of tan pants with his dark hair still sleep tousled and mussed further by the breeze, he might have only recently awoken, but he's willing enough.
Behind him he drags a pallet of more tools - some smaller hammers, a shovel, chisels and a handsaw - as well as a small pot of sprouting lavender cultivated from the side of the Northaven by a certain green-fingered Accepted. [say]"Mateo sends his regards,"[/say] he tells
Releasing the pallet, he immediately approaches the cider, filling a mug for himself and Remi and offering one out for Flora as well.
Ronin arrives, brings some more tools and a housewarming gift from Mateo, and gets everyone some cider.
RE: building castles out of dirt - Damien - 08-14-2025
The scrape of wheels across the sand came before him, though just barely. Damien’s arrival was quiet but unmistakable. A small cart, stacked with hammers, saws, nails, and planks, rolled steadily under his control, each item balanced with the careful precision of someone used to hauling far heavier loads in harsher conditions. His long-sleeved shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, and sturdy canvas trousers bore the faint scuff of previous labor, and the leather boots on his feet crunched over the sand with each step. The morning sun caught on the metal of his tools, glinting faintly as he drew closer to the porch.
He set the cart down with a solid thud and ran a hand across his short, curly hair, letting out a quiet sigh. [say]“Morning,”[/say] he said, nodding at Theea. With a more appraising look at the place, he said, [say]"So this is all yours, huh?"[/say]
Damien caught wind and sight of Flora with Ronin and Remi as he set down some of the heavier tools, giving the trio a casual nod. He’d heard the names before, of course—demigods aren't really a secret in Caido—but he didn’t let it change how he worked. [say]“Morning,”[/say] he said again, this time more generally, raising a hand to Flora as she waved.
[say]“Figured Theea might need more than just a sledgehammer.”[/say] His eyes lingered for a moment on the tool she held, and a faint, amused look crossed his face, as if silently asking what’re you gonna do with that?
Damien set a hammer down for a moment, letting his eyes drift. Flora moved with effortless command, issuing instructions that were equal parts tease and authority, while Ronin and Remi carried themselves with that faintly uncanny ease of people who weren’t quite mortal. The sprouting lavender, the carefully arranged tools, the way they seemed to know exactly how to inhabit the morning—it all struck him as… different. He didn’t feel unwelcome, exactly, but he wasn’t sure what the “rules” were in this company. A small, quiet part of him noted the contrast. How strange it was, for all their easy confidence, that he was just Damien, plain and practical, and it was enough.
True to form, Damien let it all wash over him without comment, turning instead to what he knew best. The cider could wait until he'd earned it. He began organizing his supplies so everything would be within easy reach, laying out hammers, nails, and planks with methodical care. Even at a glance, he could see the tasks waiting for attention—the leaning stained-glass window, the battered furniture—but he didn’t rush. He’d start where he was needed most, letting Theea guide the crew while he quietly made himself useful.
RE: building castles out of dirt - Calypso - 08-14-2025
Ensuring that one of her siblings would be at the Hanged Man in order to make sure she’d have all the time in the world to be here for
Flora being here doesn’t bother her, not as much as she thought it might when she’d spotted her in the distance. It had been just enough time for her to realize that they could and would be adults about everything that happened. After all, Caly wasn’t with him anymore, and being here for Theea meant that she’d do everything she could to make sure that everything went smoothly (not that she thinks it won't, but it's good to be prepared).
So she offers the Queen a warm, sunny smile in greeting alongside the slightly more muted ones to Ronin, Remi, and
Caly arrives with just herself and greets everyone and tells Theea to put her wherever she needed her!
RE: building castles out of dirt - Theea - 08-14-2025
The second I spot Flora ’s curls bouncing in the sunlight, I can’t help the way my face lights up. [say]“Flora!”[/say] I call back, matching her beam with one of my own, and I’m already halfway down the porch steps before she gets close enough to hear me properly. I hug her without hesitation, warmth spilling out of me like I might burst if I held still too long.
When Ronin sets down the pallet and gestures to the little pot of lavender, my chest squeezes in a different way. [say]“From Mateo?”[/say] I crouch a little to look at it more closely, grinning at the thought of purple blooms swaying in the Torchline breeze. [say]“I should start a porch garden. Maybe he’ll help me.”[/say] I look between the three of them, already picturing it. [say]”Thank you guys for helping.”[/say]
Calypso ‘s voice pulls me out of it. [say]“You made it!”[/say] I call, delighted, and wave her over without a hint of awareness about anything else between her and Flora. It’s just good to see her here. I wrap her in a hug too, cider mug still in my other hand. [say]”Thanks for coming.”[/say]
Taking one last drink, I set the mug on the porch rail and step up onto the boards, clasping my hands together. [say]“Okay—here’s the plan.”[/say] I point toward the roof and yard. [say]“Palm fronds—clear them off the roof first, then haul what’s in the yard over to the burn pile.”[/say] My gaze slides to the leaning stained-glass window. [say]“That needs to replace the broken one in the living room—careful with it, please.”[/say]
I jerk my chin toward the house with a slight grimace. [say]“The oven’s got a… resident. Probably not rent-paying. Whoever’s feeling brave can clear it out.”[/say] Finally, I knock my boot against one of the porch steps. [say]“And the posts under the porch need reinforcing—two people for that. Everything else, we’ll adjust as we go.”[/say]
I glance around at all of them, the corners of my mouth tugging up. [say]“Sound good? Let’s make her shine again.”[/say]
Round 2: Choose a task, and Theea will take on whatever is left!
- Clear palm fronds from the roof and the yard
- Replace the broken livingroom window with a stained glass one
- Reinforce the porch foundation (two people)
- Clear out the critter in the oven
RE: building castles out of dirt - Flora - 08-14-2025
Flora closes the last few strides with her arms already out, catching
Her attention flicks over at the sound of wheels over sand, and for a heartbeat she’s visibly surprised to see
When Calypso appears on the periphery, Flora doesn’t let even a shadow of old awkwardness creep into her face. Instead, she offers a warm smile and an easy wave, sun catching the gold on her fingers. Whatever tension she’d once imagined between them, it had been Kai’s to bear, not Caly’s—and gods knew she wasn’t about to hand him the power to sour another day.
As Theea rattles off the list of tasks, Flora’s grin turns a touch wicked, eyes brightening like she’s just heard the magic word. [say]"Oven!"[/say] she calls immediately. With a whistle for Spice—who flutters after her in a pale streak of wings—she disappears toward the kitchen, clearly prepared to evict whatever unfortunate creature thought it could set up rent-free in her cousin’s domain.
Left on the porch, Remi’s grin is easy. [say]"I’ll be the muscle or extra arms wherever you need them,"[/say] he offers, a glint of humour in his voice before he tips his head toward Ronin in mock deference.
Flora picks OVEN and heads inside with Spice!
Remi will help out with whatever task Ronin decides on!
RE: building castles out of dirt - Ronin - 08-15-2025
[say]"Of course,"[/say] Ronin says with a warm smile to
[say]"I think we can handle the window,"[/say] he tells her, tipping a wink to Remi. [say]"I'll need those extra arms if I'm gonna make sure I don't drop the glass by accident."[/say] With that all decided, Ronin collects a few tools in case the window is stubborn, and heads up to start carefully removing the old one with Remi's assistance.
Ronin (and Remi!) are on window replacement!
RE: building castles out of dirt - Damien - 08-15-2025
Damien’s mouth kicked up at the corners when Flora called over, her tone sharp enough to carry but not enough to sting. [say]“If they stop breaking things, maybe I’ll get a day off,”[/say] he shot back easily, the words casual but threaded with just enough warmth to match her own. He tipped his head in greeting to Calypso when her eyes met his, noting the easy warmth in her smile.
Then Theea nearly clocked herself with the sledgehammer. Damien didn’t so much as blink, but one brow lifted, slow and dry, like he’d just seen exactly what he expected. He let the moment pass without comment—though the faint crease at the corner of his mouth betrayed him—before tuning his attention in to the list of projects she began to rattle off.
Ronin and Remi were already peeling away toward the window, the sort of easy, unspoken coordination that made him wonder how long it took to get that in sync with someone. He took in the lavender pot, the careful placement of tools, the way the morning light seemed to catch on all the little details these people carried with them. The colours, the easy clutter, the claim they staked on the space all spoke of people who had the time and comfort to tend to such things. He filed it all away without fuss, but the contrast to Halo was as sharp as stepping from ice into water.
[say]“Reinforcing the porch,”[/say] he said finally, glancing toward
Damien volunteers himself and Theea to reinforce the porch!
RE: building castles out of dirt - Calypso - 08-15-2025
“[say]’Course I did! I promised I would.[/say]” She chimes cheerily to
Scanning the options as they’re pointed at and listed, she waits to see what’s left before she chimes her own response. “[say]Guess that leaves me for the palm fronds.[/say]” She hums, accepting it gracefully before downing the warm cider and sets the cup off to the side and out of the way of all their work. She steps over to snag a broom to help the work go quicker before she decides on the best way to get onto the roof.
She isn’t exactly tall, so getting up there proves to be a bit more of a challenge, so she flashes an apologetic smile toward
And after that, she starts shoving the palm fronds off the surface of the roof with the broom she’d put up there.
Caly takes on the palm fronds!
RE: building castles out of dirt - Theea - 08-15-2025
I can’t help but grin when Flora calls dibs on the oven and disappears inside with Spice darting after her. [say]“Good luck!”[/say] I call after her, already knowing the kitchen is about to be a battlefield. Ronin and Remi claiming the window earns them a grateful nod. [say]“Thank you!”[/say] I chirp as they saunter off with the stained glass like they’ve got it all under control—which, knowing them, they probably do.
When Damien volunteers us for the porch, I beam at him, bouncing a little on my toes. [say]“Got your back,”[/say] I promise, the words almost too quick with how eager I am. Calypso’s voice pulls my head up, and I laugh at the sight of her wriggling onto the roof. [say]“I’m just grateful you can get up there at all!”[/say] I call, with a fond shake of my head.
I waltz up to
Inside, Flora is the first to step into the kitchen. The space opens into a small open concept, with three narrow doors lined along the western wall. Dust clings to every surface, and the furniture has been shredded and ruined by opportunistic wildlife. Against the counter sits a wooden cage and a net. From the slightly ajar oven comes a sudden, sharp rustle, followed by a quick, unmistakable chittering sound. Whatever has made itself at home inside is very much awake.
At the window, Remi and Ronin find themselves eye-level with the wall of the house, the elevation from the stout stilts putting the frame just above their heads. The window itself is jagged with broken glass, edges glinting dangerously, though the frame looks sturdy enough to be salvaged. Leaning against the wall is a crowbar, waiting to be put to work. The bottom of the frame shows scuffed wood and uneven scratches, evidence that someone—cough, Theea—had already taken a clumsy crack at the problem.
On the roof, Calypso discovers the palm fronds are cumbersome but not particularly difficult to shove off with her broom. Just as she finds her rhythm, a shadow crosses over her. A hel lands heavily on the roof tiles with a little thump, feathers puffed and head cocked curiously. Then another joins it. And another two. The air fills with flapping wings as one hel hops onto the end of her broom and squawks, head tilting at her. What could they want?
Round 2:
TLDR:
- Flora finds a cage and a net waiting inside to deal with the squatter in the oven.
- Ronin and Remi discover the window sitting high up, and a crowbar leaning against the wall.
- Calypso has an easy time sweeping palm fronds, but is now joined by a flock of hels.
- Theea and Damien have everything they need, except for good hammers.
RE: building castles out of dirt - Flora - 08-15-2025
Flora pauses just inside the kitchen, curls bouncing as she tips her head at the cage waiting by the counter. [say]"How thoughtful,"[/say] she hums under her breath, eyes flicking upward to Spice, who only answers with a tiny puff of frost and a look that’s equal parts unimpressed and eager.
Her fingers toy with the band of gold at her hand, twisting the ring until her outline flickers and then vanishes, leaving only the faint scuff of her boots against the worn floorboards. She tips an invisible nod to her dragon before moving to the oven, fingers curling around the handle. The metal is cold against her skin as she yanks it open—
—and in the same instant, Spice darts forward, wings fanning wide as she exhales a sudden jet of icy breath. Frost spills into the dark cavity of the oven, steam hissing where warmth lingers, a sharp crack of cold designed to stun whatever’s made itself comfortable inside.
If the timing is right, if the creature is the kind that can be grabbed, Flora’s unseen hands plunge in with the quick confidence of someone who’s done worse things than evict a squatter. She'll try and grip, wrestle, and then wrest it free to haul the wriggling intruder toward the counter and shove it into the waiting cage. Her healing ring should take care of any bites or scratches she receives along the way.
Flora turns invisible. Spice blasts the inside of the oven to try and stun whatever is inside as Flora grabs for it to shove it in the cage, planning on using her healing ring if she gets bitten/scratched.
RE: building castles out of dirt - Ronin - 08-16-2025
Tipping his head back to peer at the window above their heads over his sunglasses, Ronin's brow furrows, if only briefly. [say]"Alright, husband,"[/say] he purrs, grinning across at Remi, [say]"teamwork makes the dream work, or something like that."[/say] Opting to take up the crowbar, he'll rely on the Bastion's promise of extra limbs to give him a boost up high enough to take on the challenge.
Providing they don't utterly fail and he doesn't end up on his ass in the sand, the Knight will concentrate on levering the window out of the frame, careful of any broken glass that his efforts might produce. And if he does succeed without any resulting chaos, he'll pass the window down to another Ronin waiting beside Remi on the ground, the duplication setting the old window aside and passing up the new, stained glass replacement.
Ronin will ask Remi for a boost up to the window using his promised extra tentacley limbs! Using the crowbar, he'll carefully try to free the window from the frame. He also summons his astral projection to accept the window once it's free, and to pass him up the replacement.
RE: building castles out of dirt - Calypso - 08-16-2025
At first she thinks it’s going to go very well - that she stands a chance at brushing off all the palm fronds with the broom in hand. And she even allows herself a moment to be proud as she gets into the groove. Of course, that’s the downfall, though. Because the second she turns to continue sweeping off the fronds, she catches motion in her peripheral. Turning toward it, she squints at the hel with a small sigh, originally content to leave it if it was just one.
But then another joins. And another. And it doesn’t seem to stop. But only when the hel lands on the end of her broom does Caly perk up and shake the broom handle to rid it of this particular avian, and with a slightly frustrated sigh, she hoists the broom like a little weapon to go and try to sweep or threaten the hels away from the rooftop. “[say]Go on, y’fuckin’ sea chickens.[/say]” She hisses under her breath, wishing she did have a smaller shift to chase them off. That’d be way more fun.
Caly uses the broom as a threat to try and get the hels off the roof!