middaeg | Deceuer Quests, Full Moon, and Catch-all [Open]

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Deceuer Quests, Full Moon, and Catch-all [Open]

Who: Berserker! (Cú Chulainn Alter) and you!
When: Throughout Deceuer
Where: Various places
What: Quests, full moon things, and more
Warnings: Violence, nsfw

[ 1A. Knuckle Crack the Bone (Ethical Bones) ]

[ Well, at least his hoarding instinct can be put to good use. Since he favors skulls, giving up the smaller bones he typically collects is no problem. The problem is, though, that Berserker's methods are not what one would consider "ethical": the bones he collects tend to be from the animals he hunts for food.

He can be found just outside the bright wall, stripping meat from the carcass of what used to be a deer (mostly with his hands, a knife is utilized only when necessary). As the ribs are revealed, he breaks them off cleanly from the spine and sets them aside. His work is meticulous and it's all he's focused on...Seemingly, anyway. As he's being observed, he speaks without stopping his work. ]

If you want the bones, you're out of luck. Find your own.

[ 1B. Walk Me to the Graveyard (Ethical Bones pt. 2) ]

[ This time Berserker can be found further out of the city, armed with Gae Bolg (his spear) and ... a shovel? In his time spent outside of the city, he's located makeshift graves. What are graves full of? Bones. His methods may not be "ethical", but it's unlikely these bones will be missed.

Knee deep in a half-dug hole, he busies himself finding the bones beneath the loose earth. He carefully sifts through the dirt, leaving the bones he finds in a neat pile by the stone marking the grave. Again, his attention seems to be completely focused on his task until he hears something close. In an instant, Gae Bolg is in his hand, leveled at whatever made the noise. ]

What are you doing out here?

[ It might sound threatening if it weren't so apathetic. ]

[ 2. Setting Up Shop (City-wide Quest #2) ]

[ Of course Berserker's going to help Waver and Caster set up shop. He's grown quite fond (and protective) of Waver, partially due to them being Bonded to the same person. Caster...He owes a lot to Caster, too. This is the least he can do. He can be fond doing whatever requires the strength of a dragon, but mostly cleaning. Sweeping, mopping, scrubbing...

He does stop eventually, though, to take a break. He takes a seat in the corner where there's a number of bottles of ale: his gift of encouragement for those helping to get this place set up. As he settles in for a little rest, he opens up a bottle and takes a drink. Noticing someone nearby, he offers an unopened one. ]

If you want to take a rest for a moment, here.

[ 3. Small But Dangerous (Full moon) ]

[ Unlike last month, Berserker is conserving warmth by taking on his smaller form. About the size of a large housecat, it's much easier to keep warm when he's this small. He can mostly be found around familiar places, curled up on hearths in the shops or bars he frequents. He can be recognized in this form by the crimson scales beneath his eyes that mimic his tattoos.

If someone disturbs him, he pops his head up and hisses, baring his mouthful of sharp teeth. ]

I'm not a pet. Try that again and you'll regret it.

[ 4. Wildcard ]

[ These prompts not doing it for you? Did we plot something out? Drop me a starter or PM me here or on Discord (glitzkrieg#0673) and we can work something out! ]

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[ Knowing skin contact will warm more efficiently, he starts to gently push Diarmuid's sweater up. Berserker isn't wearing much under the blanket nest, a thin shirt and a pair of lounge pants he can easily be coaxed out of. ]

So do you. [ Another little kiss to his forehead now. ] This is more bearable with you around.

[ Unfortunately for them, just as they're starting to get cozy and potentially amorous under the blankets, there's a rattle at the door. Depending on his bundled Berserker's nose is or isn't, he might catch a familiar scent -- if the severe cold lets him smell anything at all. Even Waver's keen nose has been affected at these temperatures, though he can at least tell someone's in. The fire is enough of a giveaway.

Good. He could have called ahead, but he definitely didn't. At least he's still got a key.

Waver manages to pry the door open with some effort, considering the seal along the bottom, just enough to squeeze through. He very quickly shuts it and stuffs up the crack once more.

He's a little out of breath, the freezing air fogging around his panting. Waver turns to the pile of blankets by the hearth. ]

...sorry. Am I interrupting?

[Yes, it's warmer but there are a number of side benefits to a little skinship, it seems; not only is the pulse of their Bond stronger and more comforting with the direct contact but it's also providing a very good distraction from the cold. Laughing, Diarmuid allows Berserker to pull the sweater up to his collarbone, revealing an expanse of toned midriff and a faint, blotchy scar over his heart, before catching his hand.]

In this weather? [Reproachful as he sounds, he's smiling.] Really?

[Before Berserker can object, he takes the hem of the sweater and holds it between his teeth so that he can resume exploring the dragon's body. He doesn't get very far, though. Moments later, the door opens, filling the room with a gust of cold air that draws a sharp, startled gasp through his gritted teeth from him.

... now this is embarrassing.

Sorry, Waver, he's just going to stare at you with his shirt up around his chin and his hands inside Berserker's shirt looking very, very guilty.]

[ It's pleasant and playful and definitely a welcome distraction. The scolding, of course, doesn't stop him, though his response is cut off by Diarmuid's pulling up his own sweater. Further permission granted, he caresses the exposed skin, shifting closer. He takes his hands off of him only long enough to start opening up his own shirt.

...

Right up until the rude interruption. Berserker, too, stops dead in his tracks. He looks more irritated than shamed. ]

You are, but... [ Waver's warm and he knows that. There's no harm in offering, is there? ] Do you want to join us?

[ Probably just...going to make this worse for Diarmuid. ]

[ If Waver's cheeks weren't already bright pink from the cold, they certainly would be now. He can't help but stare at them a moment before he catches what he's doing, his own expression probably a mirror of Diarmuid's. ]

I- I should've knocked... I was too cold to think about it...

[ It's a bad excuse, though it is true. Waver shivers, tugging his coat tighter around himself, and only manages a small nod at Berserker's suggestion. He's too cold to even protest or try to pretend to be coy. It's why he came here in the first place, isn't it? Well. At least the sharing body heat part. ]

Sorry. Rider went to help with damage control outside. [ No stopping that one, as usual. ] I didn't think I'd be any use, so I figured I could hang out here.

[ It was too cold to stay alone in his own flat.

Waver's excuses sound a little lame, embarrassed, but he's already toeing his boots off to crawl into the blanket pile with his other Bonded and Berserker. ]

[Diarmuid wasn't about to turn him away- he'd very much appreciate Waver's supernaturally high body temperature right now- but he's too embarrassed to do much more than spring away from Berserker, hands in his lap, at first. It's only when Waver's halfway under the blanket that he realises that he should probably say something. Quickly, the witch lifts the edge of the blanket for him to crawl under.]

I... no, no, please come and warm up. [He smiles, a little sheepish.] You're always welcome.

[Just in case Waver isn't convinced, though, he edges away from Berserker and wraps an arm around the turnskin's middle, pulling him against his middle. His sweater might still be bunched up around his middle, leaving him half squashed against his abs but it's the thought that counts, right?]

[ Berserker can't really care about the outcome here, though he looks a little fussy about the warmth being taken from him so suddenly. Still, it's fine. He shuffles out of his shirt, anyway. The initial shock of cold on his bare skin makes goosebumps form and he's quick to shift closer to the other two men. His confidence isn't quite at the level it was, but he shakes off that annoying bit of doubt. Settling in behind Diarmuid (it keeps his wings and tail out of the way), he wraps his arms around the both of them. A mildly uncomfortable, if warm sandwich.

He can't keep his hands to himself right now, though, so he tries to get his hands underneath Waver's clothing to increase skin contact. It's a small favor that his hands are warm, at least. ]

Ah... thanks...

[ Waver mumbles, equally sheepish but genuinely grateful. All he wants to do right now is cuddle up with someone close to him, and even his embarrassment at them appearing to have gotten other ideas while cuddling doesn't deter him from pressing himself against Diarmuid's half-bare front. His arm settles over Diarmuid's across his belly, shivering at the difference of temperature. Considering how hot he usually runs lately, it's impressive that the cold is this bad for him. He can only imagine how miserable poor Berserker must be.

Waver's still wearing all his clothing at the moment, so Berserker's hands will have a little work to do to get under his shirt, past his coat. At least none of it is wet since he hasn't actually been outside; lucky they live in the same building. (Well, that had been on purpose, but it's still lucky right now.)

Since it'll help keep them warm better to have the layers over all of them rather than clothes underneath the blankets, Waver maneuvers out of his coat with Berserker's help. ]

Here. Unless your hands are cold!

[ ...they're not. Waver allows it. His skin is just as warm as always, and he makes a very good personal heater, in fact. ]

How are you guys holding up?

[Crushed in between two decidedly warmer bodies than his own and with his own cheeks still burning, Diarmuid can't say that he's feeling particularly cold anymore. Retaining heat isn't his sole motivation for settling back down, though; it's surprisingly comforting to be stuck in between his two bondmates. Sitting like this, his chin rests neatly on Waver's head while Berserker is a cozy, warm wall of muscle to lean back against.

A contented sigh escapes his lips as he reaches up and scratches the turnskin's ears.]

We're managing but the charms I cast earlier will probably wear off soon. [He glances downwards.] Will you stay until Rider returns?

[Berserker won't mind- he knows that with absolute certainty given how much closer the two of them have become.]

[ Diarmuid's right -- he's come to enjoy Waver's company and it's bonus body heat. His hands are gentle against Waver's bare skin and wander slowly along his chest and stomach. He's just happy (as happy as he can be, anyway) to be with people he likes to be around and can safely warm himself up with.

Berserker rests his head on Diarmuid's shoulder, pressing a kiss against his neck. ]

... You can see how well I'm handling this. [ That is to say not at all. It's fine, though, if he can make himself less miserable this way. ] We're surviving.

[ He's being dramatic, don't mind him. ]

[ They're like a weird hug train. But this is fine. Waver pulls the blankets up over his lap more, and around the side to make sure as much of them is covered as possible. He leans sideways into Diarmuid's chest, tucking his legs up so he's curled up half in his Bonded's lap, and hums a soft noise of assent at the question. And the ear-scratches. He used to get annoyed, especially when the changes were new and something he intensely disliked, but Waver's gotten used to them by now... and it's undeniable that the touch feels good.

Waver tucks his head under Diarmuid's chin, cold nose against his throat. His scent is there with each inhale, familiar and warm. Waver's ears twitch and cock back, relaxed, accepting the petting. ]

Hmm... with magic on the fritz, a regular fire's probably the safest bet.

[ And body heat. Berserker's getting handsy. Waver shivers a little; though his hands aren't actually cold, they're inevitably cooler than Waver's skin, and the gentle touch feels a little ticklish. Waver doesn't stop him, though. ]

And yeah... that's what I was thinking. But if Rider can't get home tonight, I was planning to just stay here.

[ Waver clicks his tongue and tugs his shirt back down over his stomach and Berserker's wrist with another shiver. ]

If you've got enough energy to complain, you're doing okay. Stop rucking my shirt up so much...

[Diarmuid moves to accommodate Waver, draping an arm loosely around him, just under where Berserker's rests. Aside from simply being more comfortable, it allows him to swivel back around to place a small, sweet kiss on the dragon's jaw as he rumbles out an answer. Really, he's the one who should be at the centre of this pile given how sensitive he is to the cold but he's not ready to give up his position just yet. Let him be selfish a little longer.]

Good. I trust Rider will only be away overnight but you're welcome for as long as you want the company.

[When he tilts his head back up to Berserker once more, it isn't for another kiss but to give him a gently scolding look- albeit one with any reproach completely washed away by the smile that follows.]

Or as long as you can put up with it. [He laughs.] Manners, Cú, he's a guest.

[ Berserker won't force his way into the middle -- not because he doesn't want to, but because it would be showing weakness (that, and his extra appendages make getting close to him from behind a pain in the ass). It's a silly, pointless holdover from his steadfast refusal to show any kind of weakness when strength was all that mattered to him. Still, the habit persists. Until he's offered a spot in the middle, this is good enough.

And he really can't mind the idea of Waver staying here. Between the three of them, it would be much easier to stay warm. Maybe sleep would be easier, too...

He growls for a moment, the sound rumbling in his chest. Being handsy is a good way to share body heat more efficiently, but Waver's complaints still his hands. They rest on his stomach, settling for stroking the skin there. ]

...He's used to having my hands on him. [ Crass and petty. ] Am I really that bad?

[ Yes, he is. He knows he is.

Despite his fussing and frustration with everything, the irritation fades quickly. A deep, familiar rumble starts to resonate in his chest -- at least he feels comfortable and safe enough for that to happen. ]

D-don't be lewd!

[ Waver huffs, his face and neck starting to heat up even more. He doesn't, however, push Berserker away or make any real protest. He doesn't even deny it.

Waver reaches out to tug the blankets closer again, wrapping himself up in Diarmuid's lap to cover any draft making it up his shirt where Berserker's hands are. ]

[That comment earns him a little click of the tongue but not much else. Rather, Diarmuid simply lets them ~~flirt~~ bicker over him for a few moments more before attempting to slip free from between them. Waver and Berserker might be getting along like wildfire but the real one in front of them needs stoking. Reluctant as he is to give up his place in the warm tangle of bodies, he crawls towards the hearth where he pokes and prods the burning logs back into place.

After a few moments, he glances back with another soft chuckle.]

I think you might secretly be as bad as each other.

You're not denying it.

[ The moment Diarmuid slips out from between them, Berserker scoots forward and pulls Waver into his lap. It looks a little bit desperate, but he can't care. Waver's extra warmth is far too enticing to worry about anything like dignity. He nuzzles against the turnskin's neck for a moment before he rests his chin on top of his head. Their size difference is almost comical like this... ]

Hmph...Hurry up.

[ The fussiest dragon in the all the land is here. Don't give into him. ]

Hey--!

[ Waver squirms, but it's only for show. He's not really struggling, and it's easy enough any for Berserker to keep hold of him and drag him closer. With a huff, Waver settles into his lap, twisting his head away ticklishly when Berserker noses at his throat. ]

Stop whining.

[ They really are as bad as one another. ]

You're so needy.

[ Waver says, as if he's not the one who regularly comes over to cuddle if his partner's not around, and whose own neediness is well-known to Berserker by now in various ways. Glass houses and all that.

Waver reaches out to welcome Diarmuid back into the pile once he's done with the fire, kicking some space open for him in the tangle of blankets that had gotten messed up when their positions switched around. ]

Thanks for tending the fire, Diarmuid.

[ Someone appreciates it, see? ]

[Maybe unusually, Diarmuid doesn't immediately huddle back up with them. On the contrary, he stays closer to the fire, leaving the two of them to fuss over each other in peace. As much as he'd like to, reinserting himself would feel boorish when they look so comfortable.

Well. Might as well make himself useful anyway.]

It's nothing. [With that, he clambers to his feet, carefully tucking the blanket back around them as he does.] I'm going to fill a warming pan. Do either of you need anything?

Shut up...

[ He growls at Waver, but it's only pointless posturing. This is just how they get along with each other: bicker like idiots and eventually give in to what they actually want from one another. With a huff, he settles down again. It's not like he's actually going to turn him away when it's this cold. He will, however, take an opportunity to be petty. One of his hands drifts up to Waver's chest and he brushes his thumb over one of his nipples in a deliberate (but gentle) motion.

As much as Berserker wants to say "you", he doesn't. Instead, he settles for shaking his head with a moderately needy glance (as much as that can be interpreted from him, anyway). ]

No, but...hurry back. Please.

[ He's trying to be less of an asshole, really. ]

[ Waver jumps a little, and shoots a dirty look at Berserker over his shoulder. Notably, he doesn't move away or yank Berserker's hand out of his shirt. ]

Well... if the stove is working, I wouldn't mind some hot tea. But it can wait. Are you sure you're okay?

[ He squirms again in Berserker's lap, but this time it's only to adjust his viewpoint and unpin his tail from between them, peering over at Diarmuid. The apartment is lit only by the fireplace right now, but that's not a problem for his canine eyes, which reflect its warm glow nearly red. ]

I can lend a hand, get it done faster.

No, don't worry. It won't take long.

[Diarmuid twists the knobs of the stove a few times but, as expected, whatever kind of magitech was running it is still out of order. No matter. They'll have to do things the old fashioned way. China clinks as he gathers up the various things he needs to make tea, pausing to fill the metal teapot with water and pick up a hot water bottle before heading back over to the fireplace. Forget the warming pan, he can kill two birds with one stone like this.

Careful not to burn himself, he hooks the pot over the fire and sets back onto the nearest cushions. He's not quite under the blankets but he'll withstand a little chill for the time being.]

It almost reminds me of winters at home.

[ Berserker's a little surprised that Waver didn't react more; it's so easy to get a rise out of him normally. Then it dawns on him that Waver's trying to punish him in other ways for his behavior. The thought of the warm body leaving his lap is enough to get him to behave.

... More or less, anyway.

He shifts beneath Waver, trying to ignore the unfortunate stirring he feels. Platonic closeness is still a difficult concept for him; he's too used to this kind of contact turning sexual or only initiating it in that context. His touch, in turn, gets a little more deliberate as he strokes Waver's chest and stomach.

When Diarmuid settles back in, he wraps his tail around the witch. ]

Mm...It's less wet, but it is familiar.

[ It really hadn't been meant as a roundabout threat to Berserker; Waver was genuinely offering to help because he didn't want Diarmuid to feel like he had to take care of them all on his own.

But it seems everything's fine and Waver relaxes as Diarmuid joins them on the blankets again, feeling warmer and pleased with the prospect of hot tea. He really hadn't been trying to excite Berserker, either. Completely oblivious, Waver leans back against his chest, allowing the petting for now.

It feels good... and it's probably helping Berserker keep his hands warm, right? They're mostly hidden under the blankets anyway. Waver settles against him, chest arching a little as he takes a deep breath through his nose. His eyes flick over to Diarmuid. ]

Mm. I'd rather have the rain. But I don't think anyone likes cold this bad, even in winter.

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Deceuer Quests, Full Moon, and Catch-all [Open]

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here to crash this partyyy

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