shadowbringers

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shadowbringers

beneath the stars It's been a week since our newest expansion officially launched! And, I know, I know... some of you already have a lot of feelings that you need to air out. But canon updating in your games is a struggle! And so is finding PSL partners! Luckily, that's what we're here for. This is a post for you to play out all the Shadowbringers-related content you might be dying to write. Behind-the-scenes nonsense? Between-the-scenes angst? It's all welcome here! 1. Toplevel your character. Include any details you might think are relevant. Or don't. As always, we're not the cops. 2. Reply to other people's top levels! 3. Have fun! ⚔ Please clearly mark all spoilers in your thread subject lines. Clearly indicate whatever spoiler preferences you may have. We're only a week into the expansion, officially, and there's no shame if you're not far in it or haven't started it yet. ⚔ You are welcome to play characters who are new to Shadowbringers. However, please try to avoid topleveling with icons and descriptions that convey major plot-related spoilers. If you aren't certain about a character's playability, feel free to PM parser.

TEMPLATE CODED BY valoirs

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[lyinglight]

[ooc: Much <3 in return, since you have been awesome to bounce off of. Sigr tries. Man he tries.]


[She is completely accurate that he will be worried later. While his true heart lies within the casting of magicks, the smooth interplay of spell and skill, twisting incredible power between his paws and around any enemy before him, his desire to protect others oft puts a shield on his arm instead. It had come slow and uneasy to his mind, but he had surely and certainly accepted it to become a paladin strong. In times like this very fight, he would have given up the staff to take up the shield to make sure she was safe.

For now, though, he feels her own strength wrap around him, always welcomed. There is a deep warmth that comes with it, right down to his soul, and even as he casts, fire roaring up around the caracal until fur singed, it brings a smile to his face. A connection, even as opposite as they are much of the time - light to dark, flowing motion to planted stillness.

In many ways, he wouldn't have it any other way. They have not known each other long, but it hasn't mattered. Almost like Fate, yet again, decided to intervene in his life and bring them together.]

You alright? [He shouts over to her, hearing not a grunt of effort but a sound of pain coming out of her.]

[heart_of_the_wood]

((omg blm/pld main solidarity yaaaaaaaasss sigr my MAN also that feel when you reread a mobile post and see all the problems oh no))

'tis but a scratch, Sigr! Steady now, you may fuss later!

[With a whirl she felt the wash of healing magicks, not strong but enough to seal the wound and begin the mending, enough to keep her going strong. The beast was howling from pain and fury now, and she murmured a soft prayer to the spirit of the beast as she bounded across the stream, leaping from stone to stone as she wound herself through the paces of an intricate dance, becoming little more than a flash of bright, vibrant greens as the magicks washed over them both and she flung them at the beast. For if the sounds of battle would not draw others to them, surely the scent of burned flesh and fresh blood would.]

Be at peace!

[Her chakrams flashed, flying from her hands with surety, trusting in Sigr's flame to finish the beast while she kept its furious gaze upon her. Loud and flashy, the exact opposite how how she'd been raised to fight. Once, before she'd left her Wood, she had been trained to hunt while unseen, to be at one with the shadows of the canopy. Even now she still wore clothes that would lend themselves to disappearing amongst the trees, the greens a close match to the forest she could still see when she closed her eyes. Yet now she wove spells into her dances, and kept all eyes of prey and foe alike upon her so they would never see Sigr's finishing blows. It took time to cast his strongest spells, so it fell to her to give him that time.

Not that it stopped her from flashing him a playful smirk over her shoulder as she dodged another blow, fast enough to avoid the deadly claws.]

If you're quick, I may let you kiss it well again!

[lyinglight]

[ooc: Psh no worrying about problems like that with me. You are more than perfectly fine. XD YES. I do BLM/PLD with a side of RDM for raid progression, but the RDM is never a part of my RP thing.]


Believe me, I will!

[A call spoken like a jest but meant in seriousness as he will be concerned when the fight is over. For now, though, as always, there is no time in the midst of battle. Concentration need be on the enemy, otherwise the enemy will find that moment of weakness and exploit it.

As Mykha's familiar aether settles against his skin, lightning crackles between his fingertips. In a moment between spells, as the aether reaches a stable place within the balance of ice and fire, he deftly sends out that quick bolt. The caracal screeches as the lightning sinks into its flesh, right down to the muscle, and crackles in pain every movement the beast makes. It gives Mykha a measure of safety, slowing it down as they work towards a kill.

Also gives him a heartbeat of time to respond, flashing his fangs playfully in her direction-]

Threaten me with a good time, why don't you??

[But enough. This can be finished. Focusing on one last spell, eyes following the caracal's slick movements, his lips move through the last few words of those focusing lines-

The air around Mykha bursts into brilliant flame, the smell of heat and smoke, none of it touching her and instead, provoking a death scream out of the beast. It staggers, as if finally realizing how badly it's truly injured, before it falls down hard, going through a few last breathes. Expires.

Sigr lets out a breath of his own and straightens, walking over with his staff loose at his side.]

Well done. [As he comes up along side of her.]

[heart_of_the_wood]

Aye, a good hunt, my magus.

[Pleased affection floods her words as her chakram are holstered, and one hand readily rises to comb a stray strand of hair back from his face, playfully scratching behind his ear before her hand falls.]

I'll take our token for Clan Nutsy, then perhaps we might quit this place a'fore something else should take heed. I'd hoped it might be a quieter hunt, but...

[Baring her teeth in a grimace, she shakes her head, fingers instinctively pressing against her bare flank. Luckily the healing magicks had been enough to staunch the bleeding, but it would still need a cleanse and ointments. Nose wrinkling in annoyance, she glared at the way it left her robes stained. Nothing a little extra scrubbing wouldn't solve, but she was certainly more frustrated at herself than anything else. Dusting off her hands, she pulls her hunting blade from its sheath, giving Sigr a playful smile.]

As for threatening you with a good time, it serves well as motivation, does it not?

[With a soft chuckle, she stoops, saying a soft prayer of thanks to the beast before doing her best to salvage what she can. The pelt was seared, the meat was no good for eating, but she could at least honor the beast's death as she murmured to it, taking its barbels and a few other tokens the hunter's clan would accept as tokens of its slaying. When all is packed away and the blade is cleaned, she rises once more and leans in to buff her nose against his own.]

Are you cross with me for being reckless?

[lyinglight]

[How he loved her! Her playfulness and the light touches reminded him much of his own people, much less of the Viera of the Wood (not that he would ever say such a thing aloud to her). It always settles well in his heart, giving him a warmth in his heart that he can set against nearly any darkness that threatens. Specially when she pets behind his ears. In that way, he's little different than his precious little black pup that oft is at his side.]

Aye, always. [His accented voice rumbles, showing that there's still a tease in there, but only when she has everything together and their noses have touched does he give a warning grin-

And scoop her up into his arms, careful of her wound, cradling her to his chest. She may be taller than him, considerably, but even as a mage, he has his considerable strength. He laughs, knowing well she will either play along or beat him for his foolishness, but how could he resist?]

Of course, now I need bring you to Spagyries to get that wound looked over, for the last thing you want is my paws trying to bind it up. [And wisely already prepared to put her back down on her feet and flee for his life, if necessary.]

[heart_of_the_wood]

[Mykha was not one to give away all her secrets, and took time opening up to people, but in spite of herself it was obvious at how she delighted in rubbing behind his ears or petting his hair. His fur was pleasing in its patterns and the feel of it beneath her fingers was soothing, and if she could while away the hours simply stroking his ears and hair she would.

Though when he lifts her in his arms as easily as she tossed her chakram, she let out a startled yip that dissolved into pleased laughter as she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled against him.]

Sigr!

[It's so hard to chide him when she's laughing, but she'll allow it this once, instead she pillows her head on his broad shoulder and allows herself to relax. Enough that she makes a soft sound, not unlike a purr, so faint it could easily be lost in the ripple of the waters nearby and the sounds of the jungle around them. Instead of swatting him, she catches her claws on the underside of his chin, smirking as she playfully scratches around the dark spurs that define the edge of his jaw.]

And here I thought you might enjoy binding me. Alas, I will simply have to submit myself to the steady hands of the local chirurgeons...

[The look on her face is prim and proper, as she's somehow managed to stifle the urge to chuckle, though the faint purring sound continues as she happily gnashes her teeth and soaks up Sigr's warmth and the steadiness of his broad hands. Just this once she would indulge herself in being carried about rather than insisting she was strong enough to do for herself.]

[lyinglight]

[Those long but oh-so-pleasant claws earn her a sound like a purr in return, a deep, rumbling sound that could almost be a growl but doesn't quite get there. His chin lifts briefly in the enjoyment of it before the darkness of his lids crack open, showing brightness in his amusement.]

Of course I would enjoy binding you, but if you wished into my bed, you had need only say as such.

[That sparkle shows how much he is teasing her, even as he gives a spin just to have that joy between them. Though he may lie about that one small massive notion, the rest of him is the truth. Always slightly ridiculous, flirty, full of joy and wonder, slightly addicted to lighting things on fire with as much power as possible, protective streak a mile wide. There's a joy in being able to turn to his head and nose against her cheek with soft pink nose, ears cocked forward to listen to that rare sound from her.

There's a definite pride in getting to hear it from her and being the reason for it.]

I just want to get us somewhere safer before tending to your wound. [And with that, he'll start searching for just that, a place that seems safe enough for a time for them to rest, bind her wound, then head back with the treasure of their hunt.]

[heart_of_the_wood]

But Sigr.

[His name is a playful whine, her accent emphasising the 'r' at the end as she huffs, putting on one of the overdone pouts she'd seen many of the other young lasses use to try and get their way, knowing how ridiculous it looked.]

What if I've been waiting for you to ask me? It does take half the fun out of it!

[The pout disappears as she grins, one hand tangling in his hair as she clings to his shoulder, her delighted chuckles bubbling out of her as she feels almost as if she were flying as he spins. It's comforting and wonderful, his hold warm and safe and steady, and the nigh childlike joy of his is infectious. It was why she treasured his company so highly. Knowing him made leaving her wood worth it, and she croons happily at his nuzzling, the hand not in his hair rising to stroke his cheek, her thumbs brushing the spurs beneath his eye.]

Take me away, my magus. As always, I will follow you...or rather it seems you are already halfway to whisking me away, I am hardly in a position to resist such a charming savior.

[Though she does hold him close enough that she can rub the tip of her nose against his, basking in the sound of his purr.]

[lyinglight]

[There is a deep chuckle at her silly little pout, resisting, with great effort, the urge to kiss her nose just to see it wrinkle up and her further protest. Still, he gets a thoughtful look, then with swishing tail, puts out to her-]

Perhaps that was my round about way of asking ye, lass. [With a wink, he tucks that information in the back of his mind. She would be infinitely beautiful (as if she isn't right now) tusseled up on a bed, spread out with white or black ropes snug about her-

Ah, sometimes, where his mind does wander.

He chuckles softly, rubbing his cheek to hers, before he starts off back towards sanctuary in this dense wood.]

Like a dream, to be whisking off the fair maid. [His voice trails off as if it really is some wondrous dream. It isn't a terribly long walk, to bring her back to safety, carrying her the whole way because she is letting him. It also means before they come into sight of another, he can shift his head to nose at the base of a long ear, instinct wanting to reach out and groom them properly but that will have to wait.]

[heart_of_the_wood]

Well then you should have done so sooner, my magus. I would graciously accept such an offer.

[She's teasing him even as she chides him playfully, her claws combing through fur and hair as she nuzzles him, nipping lightly at his jaw spurs with her chuckle building at the back of her throat. The pleased sounds she makes only grow at the feel of his nose against her ears, longing to feel him touch them, to feel his broad fingers in her hair, eyes closed in bliss as she sags in his arms. More relaxed in his embrace than she's been in ages.]

You cut quite the figure as the handsome knight, I think. Shining armor and all.

[Her chuckle is soft, her palm cradling his cheek, idly stroking the tufts of fur with a calloused thumb.]

*slides subject in here so gmail stops collapsing everything in this post together*

[lyinglight]

I will be your knight another time; I promise. [She makes it difficult to want to return where others might witness them and their affections. Not that he would care, not for a moment, but he has little idea if she would want those same words spread about her. Them. Sure, he ventures several if not many have guessed about where things sit between them, but even they have not named anything. Maybe it's easier that way, if they don't. Keeps things simple and easy.

In two lives where nothing is simple and easy.

He does bring her back to one of the low hammocks, laying her onto it and shooing off worried Viera with an 'I've got it.' While he's no official healer, he's had to patch himself up plenty of times. Get the wound clean, tie it up neatly. It'll heal soon enough on its own.]

As long as my handiwork doesn't leave a scar on this lovely skin, I'll consider my work excellent. [With a playful smile up to her.] A wonderful excuse to get to touch.

omg my mailbox does it too even WHEN they have subject titles pls send help

[heart_of_the_wood]

You will always be my magus and my knight. I would have it no other way.

[Her smile is lopsided from discomfort, but here, under the canopy of Fanow, her expression is somehow bittersweet. There's a longing that she does not speak of when she's here among the viis of Fanow, knowing that she cannot hear their wood, that she is a stranger among a people so like her and yet apart. They have accepted her as an ally of Ronka simply by proximity to Sigr, but she is not of Rak'tika, and she cannot hear its voice as they can.

So she focuses instead on his hands, allowing herself to rub her fingers along the bridge of his broad nose and across his cheek before she settles back to get comfortable.]

Or perhaps I will let it scar to give you more reason to fuss?

[Her smirk turns coy, her ears flicking, a hum of amusement rising from her. When she continues her voice is soft, quiet enough that even the others will not hear her with their sensitive ears.]

We could always come up with far better excuses, you know. Like how surely I will need assistance later when I've need of new clothes or drawing a hot bath?

>.< That's the worst. As long as I have a thread title it keeps them apart. Mostly.

[lyinglight]

[That brings a laugh out of him, making some glance over in surprise, their ears swiveling in their direction.]

My dear, I think that is the opposite of 'better excuse' and 'discretion', but I approve of them nonetheless.

[There is a depth to his gaze that speaks all of the many things, if she allowed it, he would do to her if given the chance to see her alone. The tension, and not of the poor kind, has only been growing between them. A natural connection, a chemistry he can scent when he breathes in her unique scent. For a man who took the name of a night-wolf, given his desires for many and all, he finds himself drawn to her in a singularly unique way.]

A scar given by an enemy... is hardly the mark I would wish to be remembered by upon you.

oooof no kidding

[heart_of_the_wood]

Clearly my needing assistance when I'm so grievously injured is an excellent reason.

[She smiles at him through a part in her thick bangs, lifting a hand to tap his broad nose. The look in his eyes was a lovely distraction from the homesickness that burned within her, her smile growing. For no matter what others might have thought of her people or how they dressed, she was very particular about who she allowed close.

Moreso for who she allowed as close as she allowed Sigr. It was a selfish kind of delight she took in seeing how she could surprise him, gathering up the sound of his laughter and keeping it within her heart where she could think back on it later and let it warm her from head to toe as it did now. So she playfully shrugged her shoulders, feigning ignorance for but a moment, only for his words to pull a soft huff of amusement from her.]

Fair enough.

[She pauses, one ear cocking to gauge how close the others are, before her smile turns mischievous. It is the only warning she gives before she speaks.]

Would you give me better marks to remember you by then, my magus?

Mykha and Sigr

[lyinglight]

Ah, yes, of course.

[His nose wrinkles up at the tap, making him bring up a paw to rub at it once before a quiet laugh leaves him. What is it about her that brings a certain playfulness in him that's different than the rest? A desire to protect her, yet witness her prowess in battle, to as much lick across her skin and taste sweat and blood as it is to lap where it would bring her pleasure? Not... that he had let himself linger on those thoughts. So much of what they had been doing recently was too important. Too much time consumed and not nearly the privacy.]

Somewhere, perhaps, that only you and I would be able to see. [And by default, only somewhere another lover might see.] Maybe...

[What would he do? A scar, no. No. But when he glances down, it comes to mind. The same as himself, of course. He reaches down to take her hand, then brings her fingertips to one of his forearms, where the silvery marks he had taken upon taking his mentor's stone lay.]

Maybe something like this, wrapping around your hip or your upper thigh. [There may be something possessive in that idea, the idea that he would want to keep her, but spoken all in play... isn't it? They had been so playful with one another, a kindred spirit in the fun of flirt and tease.]

Mykha back on her nonsense

[heart_of_the_wood]

We should find a place like that someday, my magus.

[Somewhere away from all their duties, when they have time. When the world is no longer in peril and she can have him all to herself for a bell or two. To well and truly rest. Ever since she left the Wood she's been so much more conscious of time. These younger peoples outside the Wood rushed so quickly to see the horizon and she was beginning to understand.

While she had too much of it, they had so very, very little. So she drank in these moments, the little way his brow would crease and his eyes would flash as he thought, the little twitches in his muzzle when he spoke. Her handsome magus, the one selfish thought she kept to herself.

Her brows arch as he catches her by surprise, and she smiles; soft and genuine without a hint of her usual teasing.]

And here I was suggesting you mark me with your kisses! I would be honored to bear a mark such as that, Sigr.

[She takes his paw, stroking his knuckles and massaging the pad of his palm, lifting it to kiss his knuckles.]

What color you you paint upon me that others would know your mark?

He will counter with his own.

[lyinglight]

[There's a definite moment of 'oh I may have messed up' because he had been so off the mark with her concept of 'mark'! They had been discussing a scar, which is permenant, so he went the same... His head drops down, gaze turning to the side as he gives a chuckle of embarrassment. Well then.

Still, the rub of the thick pad of his palm and the kiss ease that off and he looks to her with a warm gaze, smiling softly.]

Need you even ask, my lovely bun? [He shifts his paw to grasp her hand, folding her fingers until only a single one remains, bringing it up to touch the tip of it to the bluish mint of the mark across his face, which matches the marks in his fur. His mark, then.]

You would become dessert. Mint and chocolate. [Oh how his eyes dance in playfulness with that!]

cat and bunny hijinks are the best sort

[heart_of_the_wood]

But of course! As if it would be any other.

[That finger pressed to his painted fur begins to rub, stroking along the bridge of his broad nose and up between his brows. To have that color winding down her side all her life as a way to remember her magus by... Her smile is broad, her teeth gnashing happily.]

It would be one of my greatest pleasures, Sigr. But if I should become dessert, would I not be in danger of being eaten up?

[Her chuckles are accompanied by a flick of her ears, the thoughts fanciful and yet it brought to mind the thought of his tongue upon her skin and she had to busy herself with petting him to distract herself from those wayward thoughts.]

agreed. specially funny as we've had that in my house recently

[lyinglight]

[His fur is a little stiffer along his nose and brows but no less soft, picked out brightly by his unique markings there on his face, along his shoulders and chest, down his arms to his wrists, and even around his calves and ankles. Together, wherever they touched, they contrast vividly and beautifully from one another.]

That, my lovely dancer, is a danger you are always in. [His eyes shine right back at her, filled with amusement and yes, unsurprisingly, hinted in lust. There is so much he enjoys about her - her wit, her sharp tongue, her intelligence, her humor - but he would not deny that the sheer physical chemistry between them is a powerful one.]

Though, sadly, I think that must wait for another time.

[When they have actual time together and not in the home of her brethren that would likely turn him into a pin cushion if he tried while in their presence.]

o no what did they get up to

[heart_of_the_wood]

However have I escaped such a fate thus far?

[Her thumb brushes the spurs on his brow, rising to rub his ear, her fingers sinking into his hair and gently pulling him closer. The viis of Fanow would not spread rumors, and even if they could not be as close as either of them might wish, she still wanted him as close as she could have him. To feel his soft warmth, to bury her face against him as she dozed. Let their companions talk, as long as she was able to trace the patterns on his fur with her fingers while she rubbed her scent into his fur.]

The greatest of tragedies. Well, I shall surely have to make sure the wait shall be worth it, will I not?

[That smile is somewhere between coy and smug and is made of pure trouble. A smile she saves for him and hides from the rest of their party.]

the kitten has decided to 'make friends' with our rabbit who seems resigned about it

[lyinglight]

Pure luck, I'm afraid. Bad luck.

[His eyes close as her thumb runs above them, responding to her request for more by shifting his weight, bringing himself to brace most of his weight on the cot. Any closer, and he will lay with her completely, and right now he is beginning to desire that. A quiet nap in the shade of the Greatwood, though he wonders what the Viera would think of that.

If he smells of her, well... there may be a point of pride on that. A fine woman to be scented by, and more than that. It shows her care, warming to his heart.]

Surely. [He agrees in a quiet rumble, cracking an eye open just in time to see that smile he knew would be there by her change in tone. Speaking of what warms his heart... emboldened, he reaches out to brush his nose across her cheek.]

Get some rest. By the time you wake, your leg will be right as rain and we can find our next adventure. [For it never ends.]