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de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-01-2025
Mid-afternoon found Deimos not so hopelessly busy as he’d been in seasons before – enough time to claim some respite before heading back towards the barracks or tending to the stacks of paperwork he’d been hoping would magically disperse on its own. On a particular craving, he began searching through the cupboards and cabinets, hoping one of his family members hadn’t already snagged portions of chocolate he’d smuggled away – and when he successfully snatched them out of their hidden wares, he grabbed a saucepan.
Taking care to quietly chop away at the bars, so as not to disturb Erebos from his nap, he placed those portions on a plate, then went through grabbing the rest of the ingredients; some milk, heavy cream, the vanilla extract tucked away amidst their host of spices. And though he’d intended to make it noiselessly, figuring he’d save some for the rest of the household anyway, there was no way to avoid the aroma of the confection floating through the home.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-02-2025
Drawn towards the aroma of warm chocolate like a bloodhound on a scent, Amhran of course finds himself padding downstairs on soft, bare feet to search it out. He'd been reading and journalling up in his room until that point, knowing better to partake in any noisy activities whilst Erebos was performing the sacred task of napping, and it's with an almost secretive expression on his face that he peeks around the corner of the kitchen doorframe.
Only to see Deimos creating whatever it is that's making such a heavenly scent. [say]"Is that cocoa?"[/say] he wonders, voice soft as he straightens up and steps properly into the kitchen, pushing up the sleeves of his thick cableknit sweater. [say]"It smells different to the stuff they sell out at the snowball fights and ice skating rinks."[/say] Drawing up to the counter and peeking into the saucepan, he tilts his head at the Sword with a small smile curling at his lips.
[say]"Need any help?"[/say] Making it or drinking it, obviously.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-02-2025
Rolling up the sleeves of his sweater and pulling his hair back into its residual, messy bun, he turned on the stovetop, then poured the heavy cream and milk within. Checking it over every few seconds didn’t speed up the process, but he didn’t want to miss the initial bubbling and frothing.
He should’ve known the chocolate scent would catch another – and he smirked as he glanced over his shoulder to see Amhran approaching.[say] “Yes. Thought I would go for some decadence instead of the usual stuff.”[/say] Not that the cocoa along any of their Halovian markets and kiosks wasn’t of its own flare.
Snorting at the offer of help, he half-wondered if the Raeling would be much like Evie or Erebos and simply yearn to partake, rather than actually assist. The Sword wasn’t about to let that pass by with another of the Ignatius household, so he moved over, permitting more access and room by the ingredients and materials. [say]“Sure. When that starts boiling, you can help add the chocolate.” [/say]
Eyeing it, he leaned against the counter, arms folded, concentrating and focused. He knew the old saying, so he’d occasionally glance over and away, then pinpoint back. [say]“What have you been up to today?”[/say]
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-06-2025
[say]"I don't know - I think the usual stuff we have is quite decadent compared to what you can find in the other regions,"[/say] Amhran admits with a smile, watching as Deimos combines the milk and heavy cream on the stovetop and, together, they wait for it to heat through. [say]"What makes this different?"[/say] he wonders, though it doesn't take too much to guess given the piles of chopped up chocolate nearby.
Speaking of which, he nods eager agreement at the offer to help add it to the hot milk/cream, standing by patiently and, not knowing that saying very well, opting to keep a hawk eye on the saucepan, just in case he misses anything. [say]"Hm? Oh, today I have been finishing a book I started and writing down a few thoughts about what happened over Leafchange. It has been nice to not have to be so vigilant for any more news of the void,"[/say] he admits. [say]"How about you, other than this?"[/say]
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-07-2025
He arched a brow at the notion, then laughed, a quiet and low rumble – at least it was some sort of concession. [say]“Fair enough,” [/say]he conceded, but moved the plate of chocolate over so Amhran could inspect. [say]“Most of what we use is powdered already though. We will let this melt. Make it a little richer.”[/say] The heavy cream addition would assist in the decadence too.
Still, his despite the saying, the concoction did start to boil, and he let the bubbles start emerging in a faster facet before he began slowly adding the bars. [say]“You can start putting them in.”[/say] Deimos demonstrated from a short vantage point, not wanting to release any ravenously hot drops to dissipate out from the saucepan – snagging at a larger spoon to start stirring as the Raeling placed in the chopped blocks.
Tilting his head and listening to Amhran’s actions throughout the earlier hours of the day, he grinned again. [say]“Agreed. Sounds like a good morning.”[/say] Especially chronicling history that didn't result in large acts of desperation, power, or disaster. His, despite the lack of void, still hadn’t been as relaxing, but certainly something he preferred over fending off monsters in Starfall. [say]“Already did some patrols this morning, then ran the soldiers through some drills.”[/say] Later he’d probably tackle the climbing wall and then irritate the rest of the warriors he hadn’t bothered yet.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-10-2025
Oooohing quietly under his breath, Amhran nods and eyes the board of chocolate, feeling a hint of relief that he hadn't been around when Deimos had been preparing it (because let's be honest, it's unclear how much of it would have actually become hot chocolate in his presence). He's balancing his attention between the board and the stovetop when the Sword confirms it's time for the next step, and he dilligently begins adding the chocolate, filling the kitchen with the scent of its sweetness.
[say]"It has been,"[/say] he confirms with a smile. [say]"I always find myself wanting to stay inside at Deepfrost anyway. Halo is always cold, but this season is especially so."[/say] It might also be when the majority of them have their birthdays, but it doesn't change the bitter weather patterns. This, though? The warm kitchen, the smell of cocoa, the snow falling outside? Amhran can enjoy this.
[say]"Is it difficult to do the patrols and trainings at this time of year?"[/say] he asks. [say]"Do you not want to just... be on vacation?"[/say]
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-10-2025
He watched as Amhran carefully added the chocolate, the aroma drifting ever further amidst the kitchen. He remained persistent in his own stirring, ensuring each melted portion dissipated back into the rest of its liquid brethren. Though his brow arched at the notion of staying inside – fathomable due to many natures; Deimos simply took the season as he did with every other. Perhaps the area affected the Raeling even more so, given how he’d grown. Smiling, he shrugged. [say]“Understandable. But there are still amusements to be had – outside or inside.”[/say] Like hot cocoa – but then there were moments of snowball fights and sledding.
The inquiry shifting his way made him snort – and then follow on another deep rumble of laughter as he rotated the massive spoon through the saucepan again. [say]“You are yet another person mentioning a vacation to me.”[/say] Segmenting his gaze back to the demigod, he wondered if that was a hint or he simply looked as though he needed a break. [say]“To be fair, I have been considering one.”[/say] But to answer the actual question, as he gathered some mugs out of the cabinet, he shook his head. [say]“We keep closer to the Citadel instead. No venturing out into the Tundra.”[/say] Since the temperature within their domed sanctum didn’t alter, they could stay within the confines of the walls. The barracks stayed full. [say]“I would never want any of us to grow complacent.” [/say]
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-11-2025
[say]"Oh, I agree. But it does get very cold if you go too far out of the Citadel,"[/say] Amhran says with the air of someone who has fucked around and found out. [say]"I think I am becoming quite good at snowball fights, though."[/say] Granted, it would almost be blasphemous if he wasn't, given that he's got access to opportunity and ammo every single season.
He finishes adding the chocolate to the saucepan before setting the board aside and stepping back to watch Deimos stir it into being, relishing the smell of cocoa that continues to twist through the air. [say]"I am?"[/say] He chuckles at that, shrugging his shoulders. [say]"Maybe that's a sign that you should take one,"[/say] he suggests. [say]"Especially now that things are peaceful for a bit. Take advantage of it, right?"[/say]
Amhran reaches out to take over stirring while Deimos goes to collect the mugs, nodding as the Sword explains his reasoning and his training methods. [say]"Maybe I should come and try it out some time,"[/say] he says with a crooked smile; lanky and not at all muscular, it should at least provide some entertainment for the other soldiers if nothing else.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-11-2025
Snorting at the indication of the snowball fights, he nodded. [say]“As you should.”[/say] One needed to perfect their ammunition and give some credit to Halovian fixtures and citizens; if anything, being adept to the cold features leant some credence to their hardy way of life. Letting Amhran stir while he rustled around finding the two largest mugs they owned, his head tilted, then he sneakily went over to the next cabinet, snagging at cinnamon and marshmallows tucked within.
Placing those on the counter, he eyed the pan, huffing at the vacation notions. While he didn’t sigh, because he’d been contemplating it for several weeks regardless, he did casually arch a brow, segment a long sigh into place. [say]“I suppose. For a few days. Maybe.” [/say]Leaving it at that, for now, he nodded at the concoction. [say]“Looks ready.” [/say]
Turning down the burner and removing the pan from the still scorching surface, he grabbed a nearby ladle, ready to pour portions within, opting his gaze to flicker back to Amhran’s though – surprised at the notion, but open to the semblance nonetheless. He’d never pressed, coaxed, or implored the Raeling to try his hand at training – much like anyone else – willing and able if they ever wanted to strive for defensive and offensive measures. [say]“You are always welcome. And if weapons are not your thing, there is the climbing wall.”[/say] He gave a juvenile and boyish grin, before sending the filled mug over to the demigod. [say]"May want to give it a few minutes to cool down,"[/say] at which he modeled dipping the ladle within, getting some of his own, and beginning to place marshmallows along the top.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-13-2025
Smiling proudly to himself - that Deimos doesn't have any immediate criticism of his snowball technique is high praise, in Amhran's opinion - and continuing to stir the cocoa as it all comes together into all its chocolatey decadence, he glances over to the Sword as he considers his vacation. [say]"Sometimes a few days is all you need,"[/say] he quips with a smile. [say]"Where would you go? Or would you just stay here?"[/say]
At the confirmation that it's ready, Amhran steps back to let Deimos take over again, though he continues to stir it until the last moment, having done this enough times with their powdery concoctions that he knows better than to let it get a skin (eugh). [say]"I do not think I am much built for offensive tactics. Not like real soldiers,"[/say] he agrees, sounding thoughtful rather than down on himself - it's just the way he's been made, after all.
[say]"Perhaps I will try the climbing wall, though. I'm tall enough to make it seem easy at least, right?"[/say] Smiling and accepting his mug, he nods and follows suit with the marshmallows, going to take a seat at the kitchen table to watch the snow fall outside.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-13-2025
Considering, then taking a few shakes of the cinnamon to place over the mounds of marshmallows, he figured that was more than enough decadence for the day. Leaving the rest for Evie or Erebos, should they want some later, he started to clean up the counterspace while the chocolate cooled down to an acceptable level. It gave him time to ponder over the Raeling’s inquiry, the quiet half-smile remaining chiseled across his features. [say]“If I were to stay here, I doubt there would be much of a break.”[/say] Others would come find him. He’d stare at the paperwork, then feel inclined to go do something amidst his region, rather than settling into anything resembling much of a vacation.[say] “Evie suggested somewhere along the sea.”[/say] Maybe in a boat. Unbothered, staring out over the ocean. Restless, but striving to find a way to manage what it meant to have peace again.
His brows furrowed at Amhran’s comments about himself – mainly because he’d heard those statements before, and hadn’t found them true. Deimos himself had been a tall, gangly thing in youth; but he’d also forged himself into something resembling a fortress; reality and war had molded his frame from something lanky and lean to massive and shielding. [say]“Depends on what your tactics are,”[/say] he offered instead, an arch forming to his brow. [say]“Magic needs strength, but it does not always have to be physical.” [/say]
Letting Amhran mull on that, he eventually rounded back to the table too, settling on a chair close to the demigod, but granting him space – stretching out his long limbs underneath the surface, taking a sip of the hot beverage. Content with the concoction, he snorted at the other implications. [say]“Sure. Though I like to change the holds every so often.”[/say] To make it more challenging. [say]“But always worth a try. At least for fun.”[/say]
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-14-2025
[say]"Mm, I suppose it would be difficult to separate yourself from work if it was all around you,"[/say] Amhran agrees as he gets settled at the table, unconsciously voicing Deimos's reservations himself. He watches his marshmallows slowly start to melt into the chocolate, resisting (just) the urge to take an immediate sip and risk burning his tongue. Instead, he merely cups the mug between his hands, relishing the warmth of the ceramic and the cocoa-infused sweetness that rises up to greet him through the steam.
[say]"Oh, perhaps down in Torchline?"[/say] he asks - that's got sun, sea, boats, all of it. [say]"Though maybe more towards the Oerwoud, if you are worried about having to look at Starfall."[/say] Even innocuous, he imagines the sight of the distant purple isle won't be particularly relaxing for Deimos.
Quietly considering the Sword's points and gazing down at his hands, Amhran's brow furrows as he considers them. [say]"I am not sure,"[/say] he says slowly. [say]"What you say is true, of course, but I'm just not certain that any abilities I gain will be for that sort of thing, you know?"[/say] So far he's discovered a knack for healing and the ability to craft Rae's Lilies - it's not exactly raining fire and brimstone down upon an opponent.
Still, for fun is something the Raeling can always get behind, and he flashes Deimos a grin and finally follows suit with his cocoa. Humming approvingly, he blinks down at it. [say]"This is better than anything we've made before,"[/say] he declares.
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Deimos - 09-14-2025
The rumbling agreement arrived with his nonchalant shrug; presuming work would always find him in some inevitable sanction. [say]“Maybe.”[/say] The location didn’t bother him as much – though perhaps they could slice their way through the Mundi, and explore portions he’d never been able to soar over in all time and space. [say]“I did go back to Starfall. Just to see.” [/say]Curiosity for curiosity’s sake – and wanting to ensure it truly had been all over; and some basis of what they might’ve faced, had the war concluded in another way.
Taking another sip, and enjoying the opulent taste, his brow arched at the sentiments expressed thereafter. While Amhran didn’t strike him as someone who would relish any kind of vitriol or violence, and Deimos certainly wouldn’t push him into any angle, it might’ve been good simply to find a shielding ground, should he ever find himself in a precarious situation (or being roared at; like in the past). [say]“Understandable.”[/say] And there certainly wasn’t anything wrong in healing, growing, or nurturing dimensions; gods knew they needed more of such individuals in the world. [say]“What about something defensive then?”[/say] Even if he didn’t snag at incantations that could do such a thing, there were always other ways.
At the declaration of the drink though, he laughed, a warm reverberation through the dining area. Seemed everyone in the family was doomed to have a sweet tooth.[say] “And now you will be able to make it for yourself.” [/say]
RE: de-cocoa-mpress - Amhran - 09-16-2025
[say]"Oh, you did?"[/say] Amhran's eyebrows raise in curiosity, the Raeling tilting his head as if trying to imagine what it was like out on the void-touched isle. [say]"Did it seem different, compared to the other times you visited?"[/say] Less deadly, mainly, but he also wonders if there had been any significant changes in the flora and fauna.
Lifting his mug for another decadent sip of cocoa, the sigh that follows seems to drag any lingering tension down and away from his neck and shoulders, Amhran left smiling into the chocolate as if it might have the answers to any other questions he has today too. When Deimos speaks of defence, though, rather than training with the intent to harm, he blinks as if such a notion has escaped him until just this instance.
[say]"Oh, that might be a good idea,"[/say] he agrees. [say]"Perhaps I can practice with a shield or even a stave?"[/say] Setting down his mug, the smile he shoots across to the Sword suggests he's opened many new avenues up for Amhran with this conversation alone. [say]"Thanks - for the suggestion, and for the recipe for this."[/say]