[SE] hotline

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

Thal and her crew had spent most of their LongNight in the Hollowed Grounds, drinking and partying until the sun finally came up. She hadn't been privy to any of the horrors of the darkness this year, but she'd heard of monsters and dead bodies lurking throughout Caido, putting somewhat of a damper on the festivities. With plans to organize a welcome party/hunt at her new home in Levinsward, she took the time to make a quick financially motivated trip to Torchline. The sailors aboard The Marauder were always ready for a run, following her loyally back onto the water in search of loot. Luckily, they'd found some wreckage from the idiots who thought sailing through the dark was a brilliant idea, costing them their vessels, and probably their lives. After loading up the unclaimed valuables, she'd directed the ship to Haulani to sell and unload the acquired goods. While they did so, Thal took the opportunity to cast aside the lingering cold of Deepfrost ashore the fiery island of Apopo. 

Shifting out of her lyvern form, she lands gracefully upon the black sands. Her dark hair whips in the ocean breeze, wild and untamed as it hangs down her back. She breathes easier as the heat presses against her; her eyes flutter closed for a moment as she soaks in the warmth to loosen the cold-induced tension that had latched onto her bones after months of snow. Even as she walks closer to the streams of lava, stretching her muscles, it's evident that it will take time to defrost the ice that lingers. 

Thal thinks briefly on Maea, wondering if she should seek her out while she's in the area; however, there's a bittersweet taste when she pictures the pale Ancient. She's both happy to know she lives and extremely hurt to discover that she's hidden from her all this time. A twinge of anger still burns in her chest, although it's simmered to an ember as she waits to see whether Maea lives up to her words. She wouldn't consider herself optimistic on any day of the week, but Thal tries to keep her familiar pattern of self-blaming, spiraling thoughts from taking over. It's easier when she settles her back against a hot rock, looking up at the sky as she sings softly to herself. The song isn't something she remembers learning, but it comes like a calling, twisting up from the swells of her mind. Each note flows through the air like a gentle current, no words accompanying the tide of music, only her calm contentment as the fire leaches the cold from her body.

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper’s boots crunch softly over the volcanic stone, careful footsteps choosing a path across Apopo’s unstable terrain with practiced ease. Despite the simmering heat that rises from the magma rivers and the steam that hangs thick in the air, he's dressed simply: a loose linen shirt hangs open at his chest, sleeves casually rolled to his elbows, revealing constellations drifting lazily over his bronzed skin. The material clings to his lean frame, outlining the shape of his shoulders and the subtle strength beneath as he moves gracefully along the rugged ground.

The warmth is welcome after Deepfrost’s lingering chill, even if Apopo isn’t exactly his favourite place to linger. He’s here only because word had reached him of fresh shipwrecks and the scavengers that inevitably followed—easy pickings for someone patient and clever enough to time their visits just right.

But any thoughts of treasure-hunting swiftly fade when an achingly familiar mind brushes against his telepathy accompanied by a melody without words, drifting across the volcanic breeze. For a moment, a faint smirk tugs at his lips as he moves closer, silent and watchful, just listening and appreciating. Then, his voice breaks the reverie, his drawl low and tinged with just the right hint of lazy amusement. "Didn't expect to see you here," he calls, the heat and smoke adding a gentle rasp to his tone. "Y'make a habit of serenadin' volcanoes, or is this just a one-time thing?"

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

A familiar voice breaks through her content singing, although she's too relaxed to be truly startled. The heat's done its job beautifully, the stiffness of her limbs melting into a graceful fluidity that's noticeable in the way her arms drape over her legs and her neck tilts up to the sky. She doesn't bother to stand when she hears Vesper's approach, turning her head lazily to take him in, tan freckled chest and all. 

Having been left quite unsatisfied with their last meeting, Thal has to wade through the swelling of emotions to decide how she feels about seeing him again; frustration, annoyance, curiosity, temptation, and ultimately stubborn pride all flare through her mind. Although she remembers how close they were that night - lips hovering in that breathless moment of desire - she shoves it into the back of her mind, determined not to break first in whatever game they're playing. But that doesn't mean she's not playing.

Not commenting how it's more surprising to find him on the volcanic island, she shoots him a cocky grin. "I sing when and where I want. This volcano just happened to be blessed with it today." Her eyebrow raises mischievously as she adds, "And you apparently." There's a question in her eyes, daring him to say why he might be bearing the stifling heat of the lava, and what his first play may be.

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper meets the mischief in Thalassa's gaze with a slow, appreciative smirk. Her mind is already a heated swirl of emotions, each one slipping into his thoughts unguarded, giving him an unfair advantage he's more than happy to exploit. He holds her gaze, lazily tilting his head, unbothered by the volcanic air shimmering around them.

"Guess it's my lucky day," he drawls softly, stepping closer to where she's lounging against the heated stone. The constellations shifting lazily over his exposed skin catch the fiery glow, tracing paths like embers drifting through smoke. "Usually I steer clear of Apopo—too hot, too unstable," he continues casually, each slow word dripping with double meaning as his eyes flicker languidly over her form. "But maybe today the view's worth it."

He shifts his weight, subtly closing the distance between them some more without fully bridging it, maintaining that careful, tantalizing space just shy of touching. His voice lowers to a rumble, a teasing purr beneath the volcanic hum. "Careful, though. Keep singin' like that and the whole damn thing might erupt." Whether or not he means the volcano he'll leave for her to decide.

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

His slow, languid approach doesn't go unnoticed, but Thal stays seated, watching him with casual ease. Internally, she measures each inch closer, each shift of his weight, each subtle drawl and meaning in his words. A purring laugh bubbles in her chest, fanged grin suspiciously feline. "Really? That's what I like most about it." Cozy fire and the tantalizing risk of danger. Just to emphasize her point (and nothing more), Thal stretches her arms over her head, soaking in the heat of the air and pushing one booted foot dangerously close to the lava. If her deep intake of breath pushes out her chest in the arch of her back... oops. The movement 'coincidentally' shifts her cloak aside to reveal the low-cut black blouse that's tucked into her tight pants accessorized with straps and silver daggers. 

Propping her hands behind her head, she shoots him another dangerous smile. "Although the view today is especially intriguing." The glow of fire heats her attentive gaze as he eats away at the distance between them, pushing away any unrelated thoughts from her head. It's amazing how just mentions of 'eruptions' immediately send her mind to explicit places. Some might consider it a loss of ground in their little game, but Thal capitalizes on it, letting a low singing hum ring out. "How do you know that isn't my goal?" Whether or not she means the volcano, she'll let him decide.

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper’s gaze leisurely tracks Thalassa’s movements, every subtle shift and carefully executed display of curves etched clearly into his mind. A slow smirk deepens on his lips, matching her own feline grin as his telepathy hungrily drinks in the swirl of her thoughts; the subtle game of temptation she weaves so confidently, the enticing hint of danger. He lets a low chuckle rumble from his throat, its timbre rich and teasing as he lazily shrugs one shoulder, feigning casual ease even as his blue eyes simmer in the volcanic glow.

"Well," he murmurs smoothly, his voice edged with playful arrogance, "I suppose there's worse ways to go out." His eyes slowly trace a path from the striking horns atop her head, down the sharp angles of her face, lingering deliberately on her parted lips and the subtle flash of pale skin revealed beneath her cloak. "But if that's really your goal, I'd think you'd need to get a little closer."

Using his magic, Vesper's shadows seem to thicken beneath the pirate, as if unseen fingers were ghosting around her hips and the spaces between her fingers. "Think you've got it in you?" Vesper lets his gaze linger deliberately on her lips again before finally allowing his attention to settle back on her eyes with cool, quiet intensity, savoring the building tension as if it's a far sweeter heat than Apopo’s volcanic glow.

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

His chuckle has an unexpected effect on her, sending her mind to dark places of desire with an embarrassing level of ease. She lets her thoughts linger there, humming sweetly in agreeance as her blood heats with imagination. And better ways, she thinks 'to herself.' 

Thal catches the challenge in his words, her mouth tilting into a fanged grin that dares him to find out. "That's what you'd think, but..." Her shoulder comes up in a confident dismissal of his doubts. Whether singing or other methods, distance is irrelevant. Although the spade tip of her tail flicks in a languid dance that beckons him closer; the tilt of her head casting her dark hair over the stone like wet ink as she watches and waits.

Distracted by the drag of his eyes over her body, the ghosting of a physical touch initially surprises her, muscles tensing against the unexpected contact. Suspicion of the cause keeps her stubbornly still, although the slight biting of her cheek and gripping of her mental hands will be more than obvious to the telepath. Her fingers splay, giving him more access as she raises an eyebrow in challenge. "What do you think?"

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper watches the brief tension ripple through Thalassa's muscles, noting the sharp surprise in her mind with quiet amusement. A subtle, cat-like satisfaction curls his lips as he senses her stubborn stillness—a mix of pride and defiant anticipation that he finds far more enticing than any easy surrender.

He shifts closer, eyes half-lidded beneath the spill of platinum hair, the constellation tattoos on his skin shifting restlessly as he tightens the grip of his shadows. With calculated grace, Vesper leans forward, placing one hand against the warm rock beside her head, his tall frame looming just enough to cast a shadow across her form. He holds the pose, deliberately close but still not touching; his mouth hovers a mere breath from hers, cool blue eyes half-lidded as he waits—perfectly poised, entirely in control despite the molten desire that burns beneath his skin. 

Without breaking eye contact, his shadows slip delicately around Thal's wrists, curling slowly but deliberately until they gently pin her hands against the warm stone. Another shadow materializes more solidly, pressing a firm, possessive hand-shaped darkness against her hip, holding her firmly in place. His expression darkens with quiet satisfaction, eyes gleaming as he senses the spike of desire mingling with defiance in her thoughts. 

"I think," he drawls, his voice a low, rumbling purr that dances between flirtation and challenge, "—you ought to show me just how well you learn." His eyes drift down to her parted lips once more. "Maybe we'll see if you've still got that rhythm."

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

His hooded blue eyes fan at the heat starting to simmer in her mind, growing embers that flicker at her bloodstream. Thal analyzes his every move, wondering what his next play might be, how long it will take for him to crack under her spell. As he leans closer to her, she wonders if it's already over, if he's already given in to the desire flaring in his gaze, and a pang of disappointment rings through her. Yet the way he stops - just out of reach - feels controlled and possessive, a lazy grin spreading across her face as she tilts her head ever so slightly to see what he means to do.

At a torturously slow speed, the shadowy tendrils secure tighter around her wrists, easing her arms higher on the warm rock above her head. The way Vesper pins them down has her chest lifting slightly in a small intake of breath that she tries to hide. Apparently, he'd been listening during their last conversation, and the realization sends a wave of excitement over her as her imagination plays through wants and desires. Meanwhile, she tests the bonds, gently just to see if she can, but otherwise leaves them in place, content to let Vesper think he's winning their game - for now. 

In the shadow of his form, she can feel his breath mixing with hers like a seductive breeze, begging her to lean forward ever so slightly, while the possessive hand against her hip keeps her decidedly in place. As he drawls out those suggestive words, the heat pitches ever higher in her mind, the fire beginning to crackle with desire. She bites her lip with a single fang, both for him, and to strengthen her own willpower. 

Her voice whispers out in a soft, sultry hum that invites him closer. "Hmm. I might need a refresher first." Her tail reaches forward to brush against his side and chest while she angles her head to bring them to the point of near touching, the tension like a drug tempting her; but Thal remains steadfast, only the quickening of her heart and the fire reflecting in her eyes betraying her.

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper’s lips twitch into a languid smirk, sensing every teasing thought that drifts through Thal’s mind like currents beneath the waves. He's more than happy to continue their game, drawing out the tension until it’s almost painful, savouring each silent spark that flares between them. His shadows respond with equal deliberation, sliding slowly upward beneath her blouse, gently tugging the fabric free to reveal just a tantalizing sliver of skin above her hip. Tilting his head, his gaze lingers appreciatively down the length of her body, drifting lazily over the exposed curve of her hip.  "I know Ancients prefer their heat, but damn—you're really hot beneath all these layers." In more way than one the slight hitch in his breath seems to suggest.

Flattening themselves completely, Vesper's shadows trickle beneath the fabric, brushing against Thal's skin. There's no tactile sensation, merely the implication of pressure against the plains of her stomach, and despite himself, Vesper feels his own fingers twitch as if jealous. Forcing his gaze back to her face, the demigod arches a brow. "A refresher, huh?" he murmurs, voice low and languid, pitched just for her ears. His cool blue eyes glitter with quiet amusement as he feels her pulse quicken, desire simmering beneath every measured word and careful breath. "Y'know, I never took you for the kind to forget quickly."

Still, he's happy to oblige. 

"It's all about thinkin' of it like one whole thing rather than individual parts." All at once Vesper's shadows move together, tightening around Thal's wrist, brushing teasingly against the tops of her thighs, and threatening to shift below the top of her pants. "If y'get too hung up on one thing—" The pressure disappears everywhere but against Thal's wrists. "—it's all too easy to lose the flow entirely."

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

The exposure of her tender skin to the air is barely noticed as she finds herself distracted by the lazy movements of his shadows against her hip. Dangerous thoughts of where else the shadows might travel dangle in her mind, making it harder to focus on his words. Her only response is a wicked smile that suggests he has no idea how hot she really is. This is just the surface. She might have even suggested removing such inconvenient layers, but she bites her tongue, not wanting to give too much away too soon.

Plus, they don't seem to be much of an obstacle for Vesper, whose shadow hand works its way underneath and onto the flat of her stomach. Thal silently wishes for him to go higher, to feel what it might be like along her breast. How different would the shadows feel compared to his large hands, or his soft lips? Her eyes skim down to where they still sit hovering over her, where she can taste his every breath. She's having difficulty getting words out, wanting to tease about their previous session not being 'memorable' enough or that it was so long ago that even she can't recall. 

When she finally adjusts to the haze of sensation filling her mind, Thal settles on a mischievous grin, encouraging the ruse. Her voice sweetens, chiming like a dinner bell through her weakened breaths. "Well, we didn't really finish our last lesson, did we?" So could it really be her fault as the 'student?' She wonders.

The drawling of his voice sends embers down her bloodstream, lighting beacons to warn of what was to come, the anticipation slowly building until Vesper makes his point. Her breath catches at the sudden pressure, especially the soft spots just above her thighs that make her want to buck up against the shadows, forcing them lower. She contains it to a tension in her muscles, all the way down to the toes that curl within her boots, even her jaw clenches in resistance of the motion. And just as soon as it came, the pressure vanishes, leaving her to find her breath again. 

Her dark hooded eyes look to him, battle waging as she fights the urges of her body. Between short, quiet breaths, she tries to still the racing of her heart if only to pretend like he wasn't affecting her so. "Maybe it's better if you show me yourself." Thal lets her words be an invitation and a dare for him to do better, with his hands, and his mouth, and whatever other body part he thought might work.

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper picks up on every flicker of thought, every heated whisper in Thalassa’s mind. He doesn’t betray it—doesn’t let slip that he knows just how badly she wants his hands on her, his mouth, his weight pressing her into the stone. But fuck if it doesn’t make his blood burn hotter, his restraint threadbare at the edges. He inhales slowly, as if steadying himself, but the smirk that lingers at the corner of his mouth betrays his enjoyment.

His shadows respond first, obedient extensions of his desire. The one at her hip tightens just enough to be felt, while another traces featherlight along the edge of her pants, teasing beneath the fabric but going no further. "That right?" His voice is low, a silken murmur that drifts between them like smoke, curling possessively around the invitation in her words. "Maybe that would be better," He agrees.

Rather than give her exactly what she wants, he shifts the game. His fingers—real fingers, not shadows—lift to trace the length of her exposed throat, ghosting just below her jaw before dragging down, following the heat along the delicate line of her collarbone. There’s just enough contact to hopefully make her ache for more, but not nearly enough to satisfy. His thumb brushes over her pulse, slow and measured, feeling it thrumming beneath her skin.

His smirk deepens as his shadows, as if jealous of his hands, pull tighter at her wrists, keeping her locked against the rock. "I'll go slow, so you don't forget this time," he drawls, voice thick with amusement and something darker. And just to make good on his promise—just to push her a little further—he leans in, the heat of his breath brushing over her skin as his lips hover just at the hollow of her throat. Not kissing. Not touching. Just close enough hopefully to cause her body to scream for his touch the way his was currently calling out for hers.

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Silver dollar, golden flame
Dirty water, poison rain
Perfect murder, take your aim

The whisper of shadows returns to her hips, and Thal's fangs peek through her grin. His agreement feels like a point in her favor, fueling her confidence and anticipation higher; something's telling her he's just as eager to lay his hands on her body. Maybe it's the steady breath he pulls, or the darkening of his eyes that make her want to lean into him, tempting him further into her clutches. Whatever it is, she's hungry for more, nearly considering breaking the restraints just to pull him closer. But the way they simultaneously make her feel more vulnerable and in control keeps her from doing so. 

When he finally reaches for her, it's not where his shadows have stayed to linger as she'd expect. No, Vesper's hand goes to the exposed skin of her neck, where she immediately lifts her chin to give him better access. At first, she wonders if he'll just tease, pulling back again as they play their little game, but she's pleasantly surprised when she feels his skin brush against her, the nerve endings flaring with delight as he drags his finger torturously slow down her neck. Her breath hitches, holding as if she might feel his light touch better without her breath, meanwhile her eyes flutter closed subconsciously before she catches herself, suddenly fighting all the urges that come at her from every side. 

The tightening of the shadows that hold her are followed by a promise in his words that send a liquid flame through her veins, her body threatening to betray her stubborn nature to him; and as his mouth reaches down to hover over the pulsing of her neck, her vision narrows to the phantom touch of his lips. If she just lifts up slightly, she might force the contact, but Thal swallows against the throbbing beat of her heart just to cling to her control. 

Her words come out breathier, less convincing than before through the hooding of her eyes, but she still lays out the challenge, "We'll see." Whether she'll remember, or whether he'll be able to keep the pace slow and tantalizing, or whether he'll just give in entirely to the lust. She's nearly bursting with the need to find out, the need for him to stop toying with her and act.

I don't belong to anyone,
but everybody knows my name

Thalassa

I don't know what I'm looking for

Vesper knows exactly what he’s doing. He can feel the war raging inside Thalassa—the way she flirts with the edge of surrender but stubbornly refuses to give it. He hears the way her breath falters, the way her heartbeat stutters against his palm, and it’s intoxicating. He could break her resolve in an instant, could press just a fraction closer and steal whatever control she thinks she has left. But that’s not the game they’re playing. Not yet.

Her whispered challenge—we’ll see—only sharpens his hunger even as something untamed begins to unfurl low in his belly.

With slow, deliberate movement, Vesper shifts over her, his knee slipping between her thighs to part them with a quiet, unspoken command. His weight presses her firmly into the stone, pinning her as his free hand braces beside her head, caging her in completely. His shadows coil tighter at her wrists, gripping her hips like a phantom lover, fingers tightening against the curve of her waist.

And then he presses into her—everywhere and all at once. The sudden pressure is intoxicating, a stark contrast to the slow torture of his mouth hovering just above hers. The sharp inhale he feels more than hears only fuels him. The flicker of defiance in the pirate's mind nearly makes him grin. Instead, he lets the moment stretch unbearably thin, his mouth brushing against her parted lips without sealing the distance. Just enough for her to feel him. Just enough to make her want to chase.

Then—his hips roll.

Deliberate, slow, just enough friction to ensure she feels him, the hard shape of his cock pressing against her in a way that leaves nothing to the imagination. His fingers flex against her throat, firm but never cruel, tracking the way her pulse pounds beneath his hand, tilting her chin up. "That we will," the demigod agrees. And only when and if he’s certain the ancient's resolve is nearly about to crack, does he lean down and claim her mouth.

His kiss is unbearably slow, a contrast to the roughness everywhere else. A maddening tease of lips, soft and careful, as if he has all the time in the world, even as he leans his weight down upon her and his shadows press against her skin. He lingers, drawing it out, savoring every flicker of heat between them, every unspoken curse in her mind. He wants to feel her restraint unraveling, feel the moment she’s caught between holding onto her pride and falling entirely into him.

Because fuck if that isn’t the most delicious part.

but I swear to God I'll find it

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3