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+---- Thread: proof is in the adversaire (/showthread.php?tid=12982)
proof is in the adversaire - Dantalion - 07-05-2026
What had started as a suggestion of a stroll out to Peekaboo Rise to find something for Asta to smack with his cane - Danta is sure they once drop-kicked a tangleweed out here once or twice - has become an unfortunate exercise in trying to burrow his way beneath the Butcher's coat collar. He'd realised quickly after they returned from Torchline that Flowerbirth was slow to thaw the post-Longnight snows, and now that they're up on the hillside, the frost at their feet and the bitter wind howling around them has quickly eroded any of the Maverick's wish to be outside.
But they are still here for a purpose, and his very reasonable compromise (in his opinion) has been to shift into a gore crow to leech away his fiance's warmth. He'd perched at first on Asta's shoulder, a sinister companion to the tall Ancient as they ascend Peekaboo Rise, but one gale too many has caused him to inch further and further up towards the other man's neck.
Now, Asta will find it difficult not to notice the way Danta is sneaking into the collar of his coat, a bundle of grumpy fluff and feathers that clicks his beak and nibbles behind the Butcher's ear, as if that will make him more amenable to the idea.
RE: proof is in the adversaire - Astaroth - 07-05-2026
They do cut a striking figure en route to the Peekaboo Rise. Asta with his height, bundled up against the cold, the cane that glints in its multi-hued metals that make up the bladed bottom half. Posture perfect as ever, his shoulders broad and straight enough to be a good perch – if Danta chose to stay there. The wind is something that bites against them, each gust one that’s progressively colder feeling, and Asta’s tail flicks in irritation of it as he tries to retain some semblance of heat.
Of course, it’s about this time that Danta’s bullying his way into his collar, too. The wind has knocked some of his hair loose from where he’d swept it back, leaving a part of it falling into his face opposite of where he currently is trying to readjust his head enough for Danta to fit his smaller, feathered body into whatever space there was between his neck and his shoulder. He’s managed to do a pretty decent job given the room he was working with, and with each little nibble behind his ear, Asta shivers a little with the sensation.
The Butcher wasn’t ticklish, traditionally, but something about the way Danta’s beak scratches has him a little more jumpy than normal. “[say]At this rate, you may as well just bite.[/say]” He says after the third time he’s shiver-flinched, huffing a warm laugh as they step up the hill, keeping his dark eyes peeled for any movement. "[say]It tickles, darling.[/say]"
RE: proof is in the adversaire - Dantalion - 07-06-2026
Having nestled his way into the space between Asta's collar and neck by the time he's shivering and laughing about it, Danta offers a quiet croak of acknowledgement, a silent are u sure about that when it comes to his curved beak and the soft flesh of the Butcher's throat. He does nibble this time at one of the earrings in Asta's earlobes as if to make up for it (and also drawn by the sparklies), though when he can't get it free he fluffs up his feathers and relents.
[say]"TiCkLE tIcKLe,"[/say] he announces nevertheless, the word warped by an avian throat, though there's no denying the pride in him for it. They near the top of the rise now where there's very little cover against the wind, and the next chill breeze that slices across the sky has him nearly melting into Asta's coat as a result, relishing the warmth of his body against his feathers.
He can't see anything out here just yet - nothing worth attacking with the other man's cane anyway, but that isn't to say there won't be something promising on the other side of the hill.
RE: proof is in the adversaire - Astaroth - 07-06-2026
He should have anticipated the reaction he gets – the croak and the incessant attempt to get the bloodstone earring out of his ear. With zero luck and a variety of more shivers that spark goosebumps against his shoulders and down his back, Asta’s got the front row seat to hearing the gravelly, deep tickle tickle that leaves the gore crow.
It sparks another laugh – more vibrant and deep despite the chilly wind that streaks toward them again as they crest the hill. His dark gaze continues to take in the area, searching for anything he might be able to grab. So far, everything comes up empty, but the Butcher doesn’t seem to mind so long as Danta’s curled up around his neck again.
At the top of the hill, the Butcher pauses, squinting down the other side in his search, spying a few birds taking off in the distance. A doe makes a small appearance popping her head out from behind one of the bushes, though it’s too far from them to realistically do anything about it. “[say]Mm, so far nothing. Let me know if you spy anything from your lovely vantage point.[/say]” He tilts his head enough to look back at Danta on his shoulder in his peripheral, lips quirking in an amused smirk before he takes up his view again, settling the cane between his feet to rest his hands on.
RE: proof is in the adversaire - Serendipity - 07-06-2026
Far across the rolling terrain, a small group of High-Land Cows grazes contentedly, their large forms half-obscured by tall grass and the gentle rise of the land. Long strands of greenery trail from their hides, swaying lazily as they move.
They seem entirely at ease, chewing slowly and shifting only when one wanders too close to another’s space. A low, relaxed rumble passes between them, more conversational than alert.
The group remains where it is, peaceful and unbothered, a quiet reminder that not everything in the Hollowed Grounds is sharp-edged or hostile. For now, they simply exist, untroubled by the world around them.
High-Land CowAreas Found: Hollowed Grounds, King's End, The Draig Cordillera — Common High-Land Cows are large, placid cattle whose thick hides are overgrown with long grass, moss, and low vegetation, causing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings when they remain still. From a distance, a resting herd can easily be mistaken for gentle rises in the land or patches of overgrown pasture. Some rare variants grow sweetgrass among the vegetation on their hides, lending their meat a naturally sweet flavour when consumed. Despite their size and strange appearance, High-Land Cows are docile creatures, slow to move and content to graze for hours at a time.
Challenge Rating: Moderate HP: 1500 | To Hit: +6 | Dmg: 35 Movement: Walk 25 ft. SPECIAL SKILLS Sweetgrass Variant: Some individuals grow sweetgrass along their hides, flavouring their meat naturally; Vegetative Growth: Grass and moss regrow quickly if trimmed or harvested; Weather Hardy: Unbothered by rain, wind, or temperature shifts; Unassuming Presence: Rarely draws attention unless startled or approached closely |
TRAITS Living Camouflage: Grass-covered hides allow them to blend perfectly into natural terrain when unmoving; Placid Temperament: Naturally calm and non-aggressive; Thick Hide: Dense skin and layered growth provide natural protection; Grazing Behemoth: Can feed for long periods without rest; Environmental Mimicry: Often mistaken for part of the landscape at a glance ACTIONS Startled Shift: Suddenly stands or moves, startling nearby creatures who mistook it for terrain; Defensive Shuffle: Pushes or nudges with heavy bulk to create space rather than attack; Trampling Step: If threatened, may stomp forward, knocking creatures aside unintentionally; Low Bellows: Emits a deep, resonant call that can summon other High-Land Cows or warn off predators |
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