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+---- Thread: [SE] I was raised out in the cold (/showthread.php?tid=12368)
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I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-07-2026
“Meet at the Outer Brambles by the scarred lightning tree.” Had been in the letter Asta had sent to Thal – dressed down a touch more than he otherwise usually would be – no need to keep the heat of his wool suit jackets on. This time, the captain is met with a very comfortable looking butcher – with a dark black silken shirt with details designed in a grey thread, sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of black pants and boots. He waits by the tree with a knife in hand, one of his favorites that he sharpens as he bides the time.
The sun beats down heavily, about midafternoon, casting barely there shadows but it doesn’t seem to matter all that much with the large one the butcher makes, looking as though it’s sat on the tree and inspecting his work. His hands move, the sun casting their own little shadows on the scars his arms and hands have withstood – plenty lacing up and down his forearms (likely from the multiple uses of bloodbane), but there’s two scars that stand starkly against his wrists from the shackles of the torture he’d sustained in the Climb, completely encapsulated around each wrist. Only one is hidden partially by the Dygra blessed bracelet, blood stained and raven black.
His tail flits idly behind him as he hums a jaunty little tune, sunglasses slipped up against the dark of his hair to nestle against the first tine of his antlers as he waits.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-07-2026
Thal doesn't usually adjust her outfits for the weather beyond a thicker coat during Deepfrost, and this season is no different. Other than having her sleeves rolled to the elbows, she walks comfortably in her all-black attire, covered from shoulders to ankles in plain black, accents of silver peeking from the arsenal of daggers and the occasionally jewelry. The straps of her sheaths are more visible without her cloak, crisscrossing her body in a way that she often catches men trailing, each hilt within reach of her hands - if they weren't tucked into her pockets.
The sun glistens against her wave of dark hair, like black satin falling over her shoulders. The contrasting blue-black of her igneous horns gives her hair a nearly imperceptible blue hue, a trick of the light that makes her eyes look lighter and brighter than usual.
Strolling casually to the lightning-struck tree, Thal takes in Asta's humming form, an easy smile finding its place on her lips. [say]"I swear I have that exact outfit in my chest - although it's probably not the same size."[/say] She shoots him a wink, a fang flashing playful before she catalogues their barren surroundings. [say]"Why are we meeting here?"[/say] Her place is only a few miles away, the lightning flickering in the distance. Even if they were on a hunt, they could easily have met at her apartment and found something in the forest nearby. She'll never complain about spending time with the Butcher, but that doesn't mean she has any idea why they're meeting.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-12-2026
The jaunty tune continues to slip from his lips, even as he spots Thalassa’s arrival before she’s within reach to talk – listening to the cadence of her strolling. As she reaches the barren surroundings marked by the scarred tree, Asta smirks and hums a little laugh, the dip of his chin in a quiet greeting as he pushes up from the tree he’d slumped against. The blade and the sharpening stone get pocketed easily, and Asta takes in Thalassa more fully now.
“[say]I happen to be in the market for a hunt, however I figured we could enjoy the weather together if you are not opposed?[/say]” He hums, flashing her a sharp grin as he crosses the distance between them. Peering down at her, the sun invades them more fully, making his gaze entirely honey brown and the dark of his hair glint a blue sheen. It’s only there for a moment before he slips the sunglasses back into place, tail whipping playfully behind him as he glances over to the warm treeline not too far away, opposite of where Thalassa’s home sits.
"[say]What do you say, darling?[/say]" He asks with a surprising easy confidence.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-12-2026
Tilting her head, Thal smiles a little more fully. [say]"I'm always in the market for a hunt with good company, although I'm happy to take our time."[/say] The constant presence of bloodlust is comfortably dull for the moment, recently curbed but never eliminated. If anything, she's hungry for company, immensely pleased to have heard from her friend. The days have been filled with boredom and short excursions, needing to keep her crew for being baked out on the open ocean. Asta is a welcome distraction, a chance to let her guards down and relax.
Thal moves to take her place beside him, prepared to let him guide them in whatever direction he willed. She takes in the sun-soaked scene, eyes scanning for movement without any real intent or concern, a habit she's grateful for most days, but unnecessary today. Picking up where Asta's hum had left off, she flicks her tails slowly behind her. [say]"Any particular prey on the menu?"[/say]
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-14-2026
“[say]As am I, darling.[/say]” He assures her, flashing a grin over toward Thalassa as they start on their excursion toward the wooded, forested area where the prey Asta is in the market for comes up. They cut a terribly imposing figure as they reach the woods, Asta inclining his head toward her as he lets his little plan slip away. “[say]Something small. I would like to try my hand at a bouquet out of bones.[/say]” He can explain further should she wish it, but for the moment as they reach the edge, the butcher’s feet slow.
He tilts his head, ear pointed toward the underbrush that quiets upon their approach. Small creatures flit throughout it, some that aren’t quite as obvious as others. The bird chirps overhead begin to move, too, as if sensing two predators within their midst. “[say]Do you happen to have any requests?[/say]” The butcher asks in a whisper, his dark gaze flitting toward Thalassa with a crooked yet extremely sharp smile.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-14-2026
An eyebrow raises with the corner of her lips, a teasing grin that she can't hold down. [say]"Oh? For a particular Theocrat perhaps?"[/say] She leans affectionately closer, bumping his side in a playful sibling-like motion, not even bothering with the hunt anymore as she digs deeper into the juicy bit of information. [say]"Is there an occasion to celebrate? Or just for the fun of it?"[/say]
Thal isn't really paying attention to the underbrush when they step beneath the canopy of trees. A sweep of the area doesn't present any prey in sight, but she can hear the soft rustle of leaves, the shift of energy that comes with being a predator in their element. With nothing to immediately grab her attention, she tilts her head, humming quietly. [say]"Maybe some dream birds or speaking squirrels? They're pretty small."[/say]
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-15-2026
A soft chuckle leaves the butcher as he glances over at her, jostled by her playful bump into his shoulder. “[say]Perhaps.[/say]” He hums with a small smirk, knowing and secretive despite the fact he’ll give her the answer to her biting questions shortly. “[say]I am intending on asking him to marry me. I am not sure how soon yet, but I am trying to be at the very least prepared.[/say]” His voice has dropped, the low thrum of his accent thicker here.
He draws silent for a few moments to listen to the rustle and changing of the environment around them – the humidity that blossoms in the shade of the trees that he doesn’t seem to care much for. “[say]We can try our hand at both, perhaps?[/say]” Asta suggests, shooting her a shark toothed grin precisely as a speaking squirrel bolts away from them in the underbrush with a parting little chirp of “yes!”
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-15-2026
Thal is not the kind of girl who will squeal and lose her mind over news of an engagement, in fact, she's not sure she agrees with marriage as a concept. But she knows Asta, and she's seen the two men together, seen their love, and seen how happy they make one another. So if marriage means promising to continue making her best friend this happy for the rest of his life, well, how could she not approve.
She can't help the soft intake of excited breath or the smile that's almost too big for her face when he teases the information. Laughing lightly, there's a bright intensity to her voice. [say]"Astaroth. That's great! I'm so happy for you!"[/say] There's no joking or mischief this time, a pure, genuine joy bursting forth as she bumps him again, actually tempted to hug him. Looking up at Asta, she winks. [say]"You two are perfect for each other."[/say]
A squirrel darts past them, practically taunting them with its sharp voice. Without a weapon already out (unless she wants to burn the forest down), and more than a little invested in their conversation, Thal waves a dismissive hand. [say]"Yeah yeah. In a minute."[/say] Despite her words, her hand grips the hilt of a dagger, pulling it silently from her sheath in preparation of any more bold prey.
Meanwhile, she lets her attention linger on Asta, a content smile on her lips. [say]"Tell me more. When did you decide this?"[/say]
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-16-2026
Taking in the soft intake of breath and the smile that blooms on his friends face, Asta turns a little toward her as she bumps him again, huffing a warm laugh as he nods. “[say]Oh I am very much aware.[/say]” That they’re perfect for each other, that is. He winks back, though, the smile still glued to his face even as the speaking squirrel deigns to interrupt the happy news and he watches it go with a keen eye of following where it’s headed, sure he could hear the sounds of it in the underbrush as it realizes they’re not following, not immediately at least.
“[say]After Kiada’s wedding, actually.[/say]” He’d made the mental note then, at least. “[say]I did not figure it suited my lifestyle and most certainly not Danta’s… But, it turns out he surprised me in that he was not opposed to the idea. And besides –[/say]” he trails off, a hand waving in front of him to gesture while he speaks “[say]—You know Danta. He loves his jewelry, why not grant him one that screams me.[/say]” He turns his head toward her more fully, his grin sharpening as the arrogance leaks out of him like a sieve.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-16-2026
Confident enough in her hunting abilities, Thal has no qualms about letting the squirrel go, focusing on their conversation and the life altering decision he's making. It would terrify her, and yet, she has to admit that the choice looks great on him, his smile sweet and excited despite the sharp teeth that peek from between his lips.
The narrow of her eyes is playfully indignant, mouth agape. [say]"That long? And you're just now telling me?!"[/say] There have obviously been a lot of things going on, but she likes to think there were plenty of opportunities and she's curious as to why he's been holding out on her.
Shaking her head of the shock, she throws him a cheeky grin. [say]"Did you already pick out the ring?"[/say] How close is the proposal? And what steps can she do to help make this happen faster?
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-18-2026
Snorting to her question and the playful spite that threads through Thalassa, the butcher decides it’s his turn to lean into her space and nudge her back with his elbow, his shark-tooth grin bright. “[say]I was not certain if it would come up, truthfully. But it seems… Right, now. Which is why I am telling you now.[/say]” He explains, turning toward her while they walk and trail after the speaking squirrel that still thinks somehow it’s leading them toward a trap.
As for the ring, the butcher’s chest puffs out a little proudly. “[say]It is being made. Custom design, of course.[/say]” She should expect nothing less from the creativity of the butcher’s mind. And with it, he flashes her a wink as his tail flicks contently behind him. “[say]Gold with fire obsidian gemstones.[/say]” Gesturing with his free hand up to the antlers that spiral from his skull, the peeks of sun that filter through illuminate the otherwise black exterior with hues of a dark, fiery rainbow of greens, oranges, and yellow.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-18-2026
She's tempted to dodge the nudge just to be a brat. She could pout and guilt him about how 'hurt' she is. Maybe she could chastise him a little more, making him promise to repent for his sins. But she's too excited to care right now, a small bubble of laughter cracking with the bumping contact. Still, she can't let him off that easy, and her eyes narrow up at him, dragging out the word, [say]"Sure. At least you told me before popping the question."[/say] The tease is pitiful when paired with the smile on her face, the grin too wide to suggest retribution. Better late than never, after all.
Hearing that the ring is 'custom,' she echoes his words with a playfully serious expression, like she'd been on the planning committee all along. [say]"Of course."[/say] Her hand twists the dagger in her grasp, glancing up at the kaleidoscope of colors glowing from within his antlers. There's a glint in her eyes, a joy at being included in this momentous occasion, especially after all the stress of past years. [say]"Sounds perfect. He'll never be able to stop thinking about you."[/say] Flashing a toothy smile, she shoots him another wink, tail flicking excitedly behind her. [say]"Will you at least give me a heads up when you figure out the plan? I'd love to congratulate you both when he says yes."[/say] Not in the moment, but after. They need reasons to celebrate, and what better way than seeing her friend at his happiest?
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Astaroth - 01-19-2026
“[say]I would have always told you before asking, darling. Never fear.[/say]” He drawls with pure arrogance and confidence that he cannot imagine himself doing anything but that. So for now, the butcher can’t quite hide the huff of laughter that blossoms in Asta’s throat as he explains the ring and how pleased he is with the idea of it.
Hearing her say of course, though, when he’s showing off the glimmer of fire obsidian that his antlers are made of – blacker than black in any other light but not when the sun itself blooms. “[say]That is the idea, no?[/say]” Bouncing his brow and his tail flicking playfully, the butcher sighs a little as though it’s something he’s been thinking about but has no answer for it yet.
Tilting his head this way and that, the butcher nods eventually. “[say]Making plans is not something that tends to go accordingly. Perhaps we should come up with a code word I can say and you’ll know?[/say]” He muses, unsure exactly how that would work.
RE: I was raised out in the cold - Thalassa - 01-19-2026
Shrugging her shoulders with feigned ignorance, she looks ahead to the forest dappled in sunlight. [say]"I thought it was to scare away anyone stupid enough to think they have a chance with him."[/say] A grin slowly creeps onto her features until she has to turn and look at Asta again, obviously amused with the idea of what he'd do to someone who tried to steal his man. She'd venture to guess there would be plenty of blood and screaming, an artistic masterpiece of love and dedication.
A code word? She can't help but laugh, full and unexpected, head immediately shaking at the thought of being close enough in proximity to the engagement for him to give her a signal. [say]"Oh, I don't need to be there - not unless you want me to be."[/say] After all, romance isn't really her thing, and she'd probably only make things awkward for the men. Waving a hand, she explains, [say]"Just let me know if you set a time and place to ask him. Or if it happens to be spontaneous, just don't put me at the bottom of your list of people to tell."[/say] The only thing that would frustrate her is finding Danta with the ring on his finger and her completely ignorant that he'd even popped the question. She wouldn't expect that of Asta, but love can do crazy things, and even the strongest wills can get swept up in the motions and forget their friends.