[SWE] curb your enthusiasm

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

One would think that, as Keeper of the First Flame, Nina would be unbothered by the heat. But on the contrary, her duties as Keeper required her to be near only a small spot of warmth in an otherwise frozen tundra. Visiting the Climb? Well, that was a different beast entirely.

The heat here clung to her like a wet blanket, despite having dressed for the occasion in the lightest weight clothes she could find in Halo. Her long, straight hair was plastered to her neck and shoulders, and she hated the way it made her feel to have sweat dripping down her spine. Ember, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content and at home, bouncing happily here and there, exploring and greeting passersby and generally making a nuisance of itself.

Nina made her way to the bonfire first, tossing in an ember she had saved from the First Flame; then she retreated, wishing to put as much space between herself and the massive fire as quickly as possible. Spotting Deimos in the crowd, Nina made her way over, nodding respectfully as she arrived by his side. "Hello, Deimos," she said politely. Then, to his son: "And you must be Erebos . I am Nina. It is a pleasure to meet you."

---

Nina brings an ember from Halo's First Flame as an offering.

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

Sohalia

The party was well underway by the time Sohalia arrived, dressed in shorts and a halter top that bared her midriff. Her scars were prominently on display: gashes across her abdomen and a burn that curled up over her shoulder. Self-conscious, she lingered on the periphery, meandering beneath the canopies and visiting various stalls before making her way to the bonfire, where she offered Tanau a small glass trinket in the shape of a cactus. She murmured a quiet prayer for a peaceful rest of the season and then retreated, finding her way back to the stalls - and to her companion, who had remained away from the fire while Soh made her offering.

Fortunately for Soh, the cloud wyrm crafted a small cloud that followed Soh around, providing a much-needed reprieve from the sun and heat. Having grown used to her companion's presence, Soh was nevertheless grateful for the shade and scratched beneath Anani's chin affectionately. Spotting Zavien, she made her way over to the ex-Commander, surprised to find him standing with another familiar face. "Hello," she said to Zavien and Liam. "Care to share our cloud?" And with that, Anani breathed her cloud a little bigger so that it might encompass them all.

---

Soh brings a small blown glass cactus as an offering.

there's no life without you here

You can’t stop the change,

any more than you can stop the suns from setting.

He spots Liam first, and although the man doesn't fall in the category of displaced citizens, Zavien is plenty happy to see him. His smile brightens, his water-filled hand raising in greeting. "Hey, Liam!" Running a hand through his wet hair, Zavien looks to the people prancing around the fire without a care in the world, chuckling at the insanity of it. "Beats me. This heat is terrible." Even small moments of exertion prove taxing in the heat, and unless he takes frequent breaks for water and shade, he imagines he'd pass out. 

Speaking of shade, Sohalia and Anina's approach has his expression softening with relief, eyes climbing to appreciate the white cloud above them as he lets out a satisfied groan. "Ugh. You're a lifesaver, Anina." He pulls a piece of jerky from his pocket, offering it to the companion as he looks between his friends. "Do you two know each other?" If not, Zavien's ready to take the lead on introductions, his smile bright as it flashes between the two of them.

Zavien

this is the reckoning

Glancing around, more and more shuffled their way towards the bonfire, and the Sword and youth could head in any particular direction. Given Erebos’ inclination (and his own, if he was being honest) towards the food stalls, Deimos figured they could meander that way and sample the hoard of wares and proclivities, snag some for Evie and Amhran, then head home. In between though, he waved towards Dantalion, Astaroth, and Marcus, and then, surprisingly, the Keeper of the Flame’s approach. “ Nina,” he granted with a short nod of his head. Figuring this sort of celebration would be favorable to her, rather than the latter, he granted a small smile. “Enjoying yourself?” His gaze roamed to the companion, watching the ball of fire mingle throughout the whirl of the crowd, briefly amused.

Thereafter though, because they were going to roam, he gave a brief explanation. “We are headed to the food and souvenirs, if you want to join.” Then, on a singular breath, he shifted and altered form, intending to be a bit more comfortable in the haze – hellhound missions, given their inclinations towards this sort of climate. Waiting to see if she’d take the bestowal and for Erebos to get on his back, he began to meander over towards the intended destination; aromas all the more ambient and enticing given the increased senses.

DEIMOS

wolf image credit

Erebos let his attention wander from sights and sounds all over, registering a mixture of elemental fixtures and wonders – potentially too much for his mind. But then, while his brain was buzzing, he heard a call from nearby. Turning, he waved to Marcus. “Hiiiiii!” he called back with rapt enthusiasm; but recalling the hybrid’s gall from earlier seasons, he half-pondered if he should be doing something else – more, more, and more, in a lad’s glorified ambition.

But then someone else approached, and he had to garner his attention there – with wide-eyed compunctions and loose-hanging jaws towards Nina. “Yeah, that’s me! Are you the new Keeper of the Flame? That’s so cool! Is it fun to work with fire all day? Is that your companion? How did you get it?” He would’ve continued with the range of questions had his father not reminded him of what they were actually there to do, and grinned, climbing on the hellhound’s back with ease; a tried and true method of keeping both Ignatius in line at times. “Yeah, you should come with us! We’re going to get so much food and I’m getting a sparkler!” He waved one hand around as if to pretend he’d be doing the same with the intended purchase, before beckoning and waving as Deimos began to move.

erebos

and then we dream so much

you must burn brighter than ever

Figuring she’d head towards the stalls, she glanced around, waving to several others, before Aithne bounded her way. “Hey!” Linking arms, she started to practically drag the Ancient in that direction anyway, figuring the younger woman had the same ideas. “Gods, I know. And I’m starving.” Between colored canopies, vibrant tents and pavilions, the lure was in abundance; thoroughly enticed by the mere possibilities. “I say food first,” presuming there’d be something bloody enough for Aithne, “and then maybe the goods?”

Waiting for some kind of accord or agreement, the demigod practically skipped her way there, heading towards a row of kebabs with a hoard of options, spices, and delicacies.

Melita

I'll push through my doubt, don't say goodbye

To say that Spice has been invaluable this season is an understatement. This, because she is invaluable at all times, but there's no denying the extra dose of gratitude Kaisel feels with every pass of cool breath she grants. He sighs into it now, head tipping back as he and Flora arrive at the festivities. "Y'know, I like Tanau's style," he tells her, despite the sweat already threatening to darken the space between his shoulder blades on his freshly changed tank top. This one is a deep grey with an image of Stormbreak's tower printed on it, alongside the words, stand tall.

"Just absolutely showing off all his strength all season? Iconic." And, of course, he throws a great rager every year, even if it's not quite as spectacular as the days-long Torchline homage to fire and light, it is nice to be able to call it after one night for this one and hope the next dawn is a little kinder than the last in terms of heat. Arm wrapped loosely at her waist, too hot to have skin on skin for long without a slick sweat rising up between them or near constant passes from Spice, they move towards the roaring bonfire at the center to pay their respects.

Though the rest of the stalls catch his eye on passing, and his gaze leaps from attendee to attendee, quietly searching for Koa, he wouldn't scorn the seasonal deity by partying before praying. "What up, Tanau," he greets, holding up the wicker doll they'd found at Wildering House. "You been stylin' hard bro, hope you get some rest soon." He tosses in the doll, and like watching the shadow of a certain groundhog, hopes the bonfire might give some sign about whether they'll continue to cook all season or be given a relieving break.

---

Offering found here seeing the world in ADHD

I will love you 'til the lights go out

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

flora

Flora has dressed for survival rather than spectacle, which for her still means spectacle-adjacent: a loose, flowing sundress that lifts and breathes with every whisper of heat, pale fabric catching firelight and letting it go again, her hair twisted up into a bun high on her head to keep it off her neck. No bra, no patience for extra layers, gold jewellery warm against her skin.

She grins at Kaisel as they approach the bonfire, shoulder nudging into his side with affectionate insistence despite the way the warmth blooms instantly between them. "Right," she says, amusement bright and unrepentant in her voice, "you wouldn’t know anything at all about going way too big and too hard in an effort to try and help." The words curl fondly rather than critically, and her smile lingers there, soft at the edges. Spice’s cool breath spills down the back of her neck a heartbeat later, precise and merciful, and Flora’s reaction is immediate and entirely unguarded; a soft, pleased sound slipping from her as a shiver chases down her spine.

Heat presses against her skin as she approaches the bonfire, close enough to feel it kiss her calves, her cheeks, the exposed line of her collarbone. She reaches into her pocket and draws out dried lavender, the scent sharp and soothing even before the flames take it. Tossing it in, she watches the purple-grey stems disappear into the blaze, smoke blooming fragrant and fleeting. "Thanks for the help, Tanau," she says, sincere beneath the theatrical cadence she can’t quite resist, before rolling her eyes skyward and adding, dramatically drawn out, " all that mud was the wooooorst."

She retreats a step, heat releasing its grip only marginally, and without hesitation she loops her arm through Kaisel’s despite the added warmth of him, fingers curling comfortably around his bare bicep. Her gaze drifts sideways, sly and assessing, landing on Sohalia and Zavien where they’ve clustered together amid the celebration. A smile tugs at her mouth, knowing and a little pleased, and she tips her chin subtly in their direction. "They kinda look cute together," she murmurs, lifting a suggestive brow as she looks back to Kaisel, the firelight dancing in her aqua eyes.

---

Flora brings a sprig of dried lavendar for Tanau!

I want to be when you fall on me like night
I wanna kill the lights

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

I salute you if you're much too much to handle

Aithne is more than happy to be pulled along, tugged towards the food and items arrayed beneath the canopies. Brilliant colors arc overhead as they duck beneath the shade, vendors immediately beginning to call out to them. For Aithne's part, she finds some kebabs of an unknown meat - cooked rare, of course - and quickly devours them. Then there are the sweets; she'd always had a sweet tooth, and even becoming an Ancient had not deterred her in that regard. She studies her options for longer than strictly necessary, charming her way to a few free samples, before deciding on some saltwater taffy that, according to the merchant, had been brought all the way from Torchline.

"This is almost as wild as the Blood Moon Festival," she says, her dark eyes on the dancers who sway in time with the music. There is not, perhaps, quite as much debauchery or chaos, but it's a spectacle all the same. "I love it."

Aithne

Minor powerplay allowed without permission.
Feel free to use force/magic on Aithne.

Tell the tales of the trail of dead
Lovers learned from slower hands

Liam reached for his own glass of magically-chilled water and guzzled it, uncaring that he probably looked desperate for some kind of relief from the heat. "I've been to the Climb plenty, and it's never been quite this bad before," he commented, gazing out over the party. While he was content to stay in the shade, there were plenty of people who were dancing wildly near the bonfire. Liam wasn't sure how they could stand it.

Before they could get too wrapped up in conversation, another familiar face appeared, and Liam nodded to Sohalia with a friendly smile. "We've met," he told Zavien . To Sohalia, he added, "It's been a while. I hope you've been well." While he didn't know the Luminary well, he had met her on a handful of occasions. She'd always seemed too young to be shouldering the burdens she carried, but that was neither here nor there.

Losing self in myself
And my demons make demands

Liam

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

Deimos and Erebos were, thankfully, welcoming as Nina approached, Ember crackling merrily with its own fiery greeting. "It is different from anything I have seen before," she admitted to Deimos, but granted a small smile as she added. "I am taking notes." Whether he appreciated her dry attempt at humor or not, her attention swiftly transferred to the younger of the two, particularly as Deimos shifted into a different form.

"I am the new Keeper," she said to Erebos, solemn even as her eyes twinkled. "Fire is wonderful to work with, but it is important to treat it with respect." Ember bounced closer, perhaps noting that the youth's attention had shifted to it. "That is Ember. I have been bonded to it for as long as I can remember." The story of how that came to pass, however, would have to wait for another day, as their small group made their way towards the food stalls to investigate further.

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

Thalassa

Wings and scales are traded for blonde hair and legs, her momentum not breaking for a moment as she transitions from flying to walking. She hides the grimace that tightens her features, feeling the ache of her back and arm. Flying while wounded had proven more painful than expected, and although she'd made it here, Thal wonders if she might have to walk back. At least the portal to the Grounds is close enough, but it does nothing to quell her frustrations.

Ignoring the pull of bandages beneath her long-sleeve shirt, she pastes a playful grin on her lips when she takes in the revelry, trying to stir excited for the fun to be had. It reminds her of the Blood Moon with a tad less chaos and a lot more people. She supposed appeasing a god who's baking them along with Caido might inspire people to visit the sweltering region. It doesn't bother her, but it also doesn't hurt to toss the heated stone she'd found into the fire.

Flicking her tail languidly behind her sauntering form, Thal approaches the bonfire before choosing to indulge. Her uninjured hand reaches into the pocket of her pants to remove the heated stone she'd found in the Greatwood. Tilting her head, she drops it into the pile of burning offerings, smirking as she says aloud, "Thanks for the nice weather this season."

---

Thalassa brings her offering from [SE] where there's smoke....

As long as I'm here,
no one can hurt you.

Sohalia

Anani chuffed, a quiet, satisfied noise as Zavien appeared to appreciate the shade she offered. The little cloud wyrm accepted the jerky gracefully, but remained draped across Soh's shoulders as the trio began to talk. "Hi, Liam," she replied to the ex-Dragoon. "It's good to see you. I've been as well as can be expected, all things considered. Are you still in the Greatwood?"

Her gaze shifts over the party, taking in the spectacles all around while remaining slightly less hot than most in attendance thanks to Anani's efforts. She spotted many others she knew, but focused on the two men she had chosen to stand with. She could always go say her hellos later. "Zavien, how are you settling?" she asked after a moment. "Everyone in Torchline seems to be doing well, but I haven't been able to visit the other regions to check on the Breakers yet."

there's no life without you here

You can’t stop the change,

any more than you can stop the suns from setting.

Although it's strange to know two separate friends have met without him realizing it, Zavien is thankful he gets to avoid the awkward introductions and usual pleasantries - there have been enough of those recently. Instead, he gets to smile at both of them, nodding as he says, "Wonderful." It gives him something to ask about later, curious as to the story behind their own meeting. 

While Liam and Sohalia take a moment to chat, Sol drifts back down to Zavien's side, having returned from his important mission of depositing the offering. Another piece of jerky appears in his hand, offered forth with an added brush of praise down the bond that has the dragon trilling before snatching the treat from his grasp. 

Soh's question draws his attention back and he straightens to throw a smile her way. "It's a process." He knows it's vague, but there's not much to report. Beyond helping others, he hasn't done much to get himself settled. Bags are still packed in the corner of his room, the space bare save the furniture people have given him. Everything seems to hint at temporary, like he might choose to leave at a moment's notice, like he hasn't quite paused long enough to accept the reality, and certainly not long enough to visit another region.

Shaking his head, he admits, "I haven't either, but I've heard only good things in the reports so far." They'd designated a representative at each location, and they'd managed to reassure him the welcomes had been warm all throughout Caido, that there's nothing to worry about. 

"How are you faring?" he directs the question back at her, wondering how things have been in Torchline so far, and whether she'd adjusted to the new bond with Anina.

Zavien