best believe i'm still bejeweled

charlie

The Climb was never still. Even when the Crust appeared old and ancient (and it was, by most standards), everything was still constantly in flux. It was no wonder Dygra had made her home here amidst the churning lava and glittering chasms of gemstones, but the Climb hadn't always looked the way it did today.

Once upon a time when Caido was more or less one large continent and Halo wasn't the icy ballsack we know it as today, "The Climb" stretched over miles and miles, not limited to one small spurt of volcanic activity. In fact, there were multiple volcanoes in those days, spanning a range that nearly rivalled that of the Cordillera but composed entirely of fire and hot flows of lava. But nothing stays put for long, as Dygra teaches us, and so what was once a vast playground of heat and carnage was eventually reduced down to one island (mostly because of the freezing and thawing of what would eventually become Halo. Those frosty bastards).

But, entropy is not the enemy of fate, such that despite having been turned to stone over five centuries past, it just so happened that as two wandering ancients passed through, enough movement in the lava flows had finally revealed the tomb where a long-forgotten ancient had been left to while away eternity in a stony-slumber.

they say i did something bad
then why'd it feel so good?

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

// we haven't won, and if we win, //

“It’s so superb.” Astaroth hums as he and Dantalion wander through the Climb. The warmth has him so content it’s quite possibly one of the most visible times the tall Ancient has been relaxed like this. “I would say I would like to sleep here for a hundred years, but alas, it isn’t as much fun when you aren’t awake to experience it.” He sighs a bit wistfully, cane clacking against the volcanic rock they wander upon, his dark gaze gleaming in excitement as a lava pool erupts nearby enough the heatwave surges toward them.

His gaze continues to wander, spotting a little revealed cavern, which he’d otherwise pay little attention to. But there’s something about it (a statuesque figure in the middle like a volcanic snow globe) that has him drifting closer, immediately moving the cane to block Danta in the stomach from continuing on to point out the figure hidden within.

“Well! What are the odds?” He chuckles, shooting that too sharp grin back at the Theocrat, before the butcher starts to head directly toward the woman to inspect the stone she’d turned into, imagining just what he might have looked like with a shiver of displeasure racing down his spine. “I’m afraid I can’t help much, darling, but don’t worry. We’ll get you out.” He hums, looking over toward Danta as he retrieves the matchbook the Maverick had given him, lighting it up so that Danta could have a flame to work off of before they continue.

Of course, he’ll help where he can, but he is still unfortunately quite weak with his magic thus far.

Astaroth

// and if the morning light sets in, we've cheated fate again //

in space the stars are no nearer; just glitters, like a morgue

Swatting at the cane and kicking at Astaroth's shin for good measure as he's halted in his wanderings, Danta shoots the other man a flat look for his trouble. "Been there, done that, haven't we?" He drawls, referring to the sleeping in the Climb for a hundred years - and then some, honestly.

He hasn't told the butcher why they've come home this time around - not yet, anyway. It will become clear once he's had another chat with their dark lady aka get that RQ - but for now it's just pleasant to be around the appropriate temperature for his liking. Still, as Asta's attention is caught by something nearby and Danta gets over himself, he trails after the taller man.

And whilst his companion reacts with almost delight, the Maverick is uncharacteristically solemn about their new garden gnome until he crouches down to inspect her properly. Only when he recognises absolutely nothing about her does he soften, straightening back up and reaching back to snag at the flame the other man has produced.

"Seems like you're in luck today, love," he purrs, growing the fire into a raging starburst that he shrouds her with, crowning her in crimson and orange.

Dantalion