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childrenofbahamutlogs2024-11-01 12:15 pm
diceofthegods) wrote in childrenofbahamutlogs2024-11-01 12:15 pm
EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES
INTO THE WOODS
Click Clock Wood (Spring) by Grant Kirkhope
2:05 / 4:59
▶︎
Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.
After making your way through the tiny farming town of Ich and out towards the rim of a massive raised crater, you will find yourself being led through a narrow split in the canyon wall. Inside, glow worms cling to the ceiling and create the illusion of a thousand twinkling stars above the moistened rocks.
When you finally emerge, it is into an impossibly lush landscape of massive, redwood-sized tangling trees and a soft moss carpet. Life abounds here. It feels like an oasis of birdsong and animal activity.
A short walk leads you to the prepared party-grounds. A large clearing with quaint huts all around decorated with strange flowers for partygoers to rest or otherwise entertain themselves.
There appear to be several games and stalls set up, the sweet and savory scents of delicious food fills the air, and so do the patrons of the forest. Seemingly hundreds of Fae folk zip around and greet the newcomers excitedly by placing garlands of vines and crowns of flowers atop their heads.
Glowing flowers and toadstools light your way here. It also seems that even the animals get in on the festivities! Really, just about everything talks here. Almost everything, anyways! Talking to a tree stump might not yield many results but you're welcome to try.
Each entrant is also provided upon arrival a copy of The Rules. A rolled parchment that resists water or any other damage. It also prevents you from writing on it so you can't just do what you want.
The rules read as follows:
When you finally emerge, it is into an impossibly lush landscape of massive, redwood-sized tangling trees and a soft moss carpet. Life abounds here. It feels like an oasis of birdsong and animal activity.
A short walk leads you to the prepared party-grounds. A large clearing with quaint huts all around decorated with strange flowers for partygoers to rest or otherwise entertain themselves.
There appear to be several games and stalls set up, the sweet and savory scents of delicious food fills the air, and so do the patrons of the forest. Seemingly hundreds of Fae folk zip around and greet the newcomers excitedly by placing garlands of vines and crowns of flowers atop their heads.
Glowing flowers and toadstools light your way here. It also seems that even the animals get in on the festivities! Really, just about everything talks here. Almost everything, anyways! Talking to a tree stump might not yield many results but you're welcome to try.
Each entrant is also provided upon arrival a copy of The Rules. A rolled parchment that resists water or any other damage. It also prevents you from writing on it so you can't just do what you want.
The rules read as follows:
- DO:
- ⁂ Accept gifts from the Fae.
⁂ Sample the food provided at the party ONLY.
⁂ Play games with the Fae.
⁂ Feel at ease to rest in the provided huts.
⁂ Keep tabs on your shadow lest it wander.
- ⁂ Make a TRADE with the Fae.
⁂ Provide any personal items as gifts or otherwise to the Fae.
⁂ Provide your true name to the Fae.
⁂ Wander away from the designated party area.
⁂ Ascend any staircases you find in the woods.
- ⁂ If you see an old woman hiking through the area, feel free to stop her and lie to her. The more brazen and obvious the lie the better. She appreciates this!
GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT
Amongst the games and attractions are a variety of fun possibilities!
GAMES
- ⁂ Battleship! (Fae Style!) A number of Fae will be hiding on a large grid of flowers. You guess the locations and if you are correct then you will win a small prize! It is a cup of nectar that refills endlessly, and numbs any pains you may have. This works even outside of the forest and can be taken home.
Every time you miss though, you receive a small 'curse.' Nothing harmful! Maybe you’re just rotating in place for the next hour, your ears become daisies, or you grow a tree out of your head? (Feel free to come up with your own silly ideas!) All of the curses will dissipate after a time or upon leaving the forest and none will do any harm or cause pain. The Fae are all about fun tricks, not hurting anyone!
⁂ Dress Up Darlings! You enter a booth and allow the Fae to decide your outfit! Upon the agreement that you'll wear it the rest of the party, of course, no matter how silly or ridiculous it is.
⁂ Bobbing For Onions! Yes, you read that right. Bobbing for onions. There are onions floating around... in water. You have to catch them with your teeth. The prize for success is a Bag of Onions. This bag never runs out of onions. They are always fresh and always onions. Not always the same kind of onion, but always onions nonetheless. This bag works outside of the forest and can be taken home.
⁂ What's In The Box? There is a box. There is something in it. Maybe it's frogs. Maybe it's slugs. Possibly bugs? Maybe apples. We don’t know. Stick your hand in the box and take a guess at what you’re touching! If you’re right, you win the contents of the box!
We'll let players decide via coin flip, rolls, or however they want if their guess is correct! Any items won though will be common, every day items like mentioned and nothing especially exciting. Unless you're really into frogs. Then it's your lucky day, apparently!
ENTERTAINMENT
- ⁂ Slayd & The Possums! Slayd is here and he’s throwing down the banjo tunes with his possum pals. Feel free to join him if you are musically inclined! The Fae will provide any instrument your heart desires! They can't grant you the ability to play it though if you don't know how.
⁂ The Crowning of the King of Misrule! Randomly chosen by the Fae, enter a lottery to be chosen as the King of Misrule for the evening. You will be dressed in a stupid outfit and granted Fae wings for the night! You also have the insatiable urge to play harmless pranks on people. The Fae will also give you a "Special Gift" at the end of the party...
FOR THE FOOLISH
Ahh, but there are rule breakers amongst us aren't there? If you choose to sneak away from the party, chances are nobody will stop you; however, you are now on your own in the Talahee Forest.
The first layer of the forest is very much similar to what you have already seen. Everything is coated in a thick mat of moss and trees wind away like a massive birds nest to form the canopy above. The faint sounds of animals can still be heard. Up here, you may encounter Fae who did not attend the party. They'll ask you your name and other personal details.
Best that you lie.
The further in that you head, the darker the forest gets. It seems you are following a downward slope. The trees get bigger here, as do the insects and toadstools. Bioluminescence rules down here it seems. You may encounter stranger creatures here. Ones that will try to make very tempting trades for your personal belongings. Things that will seem like an amazing deal to you. They offer magical items of great power, or even personal effects from home.
Don't be fooled though. These objects are cursed, and are not at all what they seem. You have the distinct feeling of being watched at all times here.
⁂ Possible Encounters: Owlbear, Displacer Beast, Giant Badger
Are you getting smaller or is everything else getting bigger? Were Slayd here, he would have told you about the concept of Deep Forest Gigantism. The deeper you go - just like the ocean - the larger that the flora and fauna get.
You are dwarfed by the mushrooms here in the pitch darkness and only guided by the latent glow of the creatures and fungi that dwell here. Bugs the size of house-cats skitter in your wake. Are you sure you want to be here? Should you encounter anything larger, you’d best stay silent. Or run!
⁂ Possible Encounters: Giant predatory Elk (RUN), Rodents of Unusual Size, Extra Large Bugs
The trees seem to clear out here as you reach the bottom of the forest. There is no light here so hope you brought a match. The landscape down here is a blanket of moss dotted with countless shallow pools. Looking into one of these pools, you will see your reflection... though it may look different in some way.
You will feel extremely compelled to reach down and touch the reflection in the water. Should you give in, you feel as though your world is turning upside down. You could receive memories not quite your own. Memories of a different version of you, even! (CRAU, Canon Update, or Canon AU!)
Yet, you will be experiencing them as your own. A long time could pass in your mind while only seconds have only elapsed in reality. Upon waking, you will find that you have been ejected from the party and the forest entirely. You find yourself at the entrance to the crater. Disoriented, and compelled not to re-enter, you have only yourself to blame as you must shamble your way home with this burdensome knowledge.
FIRST LAYER
Rak'tika Greatwood Theme ( Civilizations ) by Masayoshi Soken
4:34 / 5:15
▶︎
"Civilizations" prominently features a female vocalist. The lyrics are in the Ronkan language, and has not been officially translated.
The first layer of the forest is very much similar to what you have already seen. Everything is coated in a thick mat of moss and trees wind away like a massive birds nest to form the canopy above. The faint sounds of animals can still be heard. Up here, you may encounter Fae who did not attend the party. They'll ask you your name and other personal details.
Best that you lie.
SECOND LAYER
Click Clock Wood (Autumn) by Grant Kirkhope
1:12 / 4:11
▶︎
Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.
The further in that you head, the darker the forest gets. It seems you are following a downward slope. The trees get bigger here, as do the insects and toadstools. Bioluminescence rules down here it seems. You may encounter stranger creatures here. Ones that will try to make very tempting trades for your personal belongings. Things that will seem like an amazing deal to you. They offer magical items of great power, or even personal effects from home.
Don't be fooled though. These objects are cursed, and are not at all what they seem. You have the distinct feeling of being watched at all times here.
⁂ Possible Encounters: Owlbear, Displacer Beast, Giant Badger
THIRD LAYER
Saint Mocianne's Arboretum (Hard) by Masayoshi Soken
2:50 / 5:10
▶︎
...hordes of aggressive plant life exposed to the strange substance stand between you and the information you seek.
Are you getting smaller or is everything else getting bigger? Were Slayd here, he would have told you about the concept of Deep Forest Gigantism. The deeper you go - just like the ocean - the larger that the flora and fauna get.
You are dwarfed by the mushrooms here in the pitch darkness and only guided by the latent glow of the creatures and fungi that dwell here. Bugs the size of house-cats skitter in your wake. Are you sure you want to be here? Should you encounter anything larger, you’d best stay silent. Or run!
⁂ Possible Encounters: Giant predatory Elk (RUN), Rodents of Unusual Size, Extra Large Bugs
FOURTH LAYER
Poison Tree by Grouper
0:30 / 3:16
▶︎
'Poison Tree' is a meditation on the complexities of anger and the internal conflict it causes. It draws inspiration from William Blake's poem of the same name.
The trees seem to clear out here as you reach the bottom of the forest. There is no light here so hope you brought a match. The landscape down here is a blanket of moss dotted with countless shallow pools. Looking into one of these pools, you will see your reflection... though it may look different in some way.
You will feel extremely compelled to reach down and touch the reflection in the water. Should you give in, you feel as though your world is turning upside down. You could receive memories not quite your own. Memories of a different version of you, even! (CRAU, Canon Update, or Canon AU!)
Yet, you will be experiencing them as your own. A long time could pass in your mind while only seconds have only elapsed in reality. Upon waking, you will find that you have been ejected from the party and the forest entirely. You find yourself at the entrance to the crater. Disoriented, and compelled not to re-enter, you have only yourself to blame as you must shamble your way home with this burdensome knowledge.
Notes
⁂ For the game prizes, we're using the honor system here! So long as you clear the roll then you can receive a prize with no mod permission needed.
⁂ The plotting post for this event/November is up!
⁂ Additionally, we have a state of the game post available to people read about updates, clarifications, and a poll to participate in!
⁂ If you have any further questions or feedback about this event specifically, please comment here!
⁂ Full Navigation ⁂
- - Battleship: If you roll a d20 above a 13, you can receive one of the nectar cups.
- Bobbing For Onions: If you roll a d20 above a 10, you can receive one of the bag of onions. En...joy...?
⁂ The plotting post for this event/November is up!
⁂ Additionally, we have a state of the game post available to people read about updates, clarifications, and a poll to participate in!
⁂ If you have any further questions or feedback about this event specifically, please comment here!
D. For this is so Dumb of you Ravus
It's with that soft, tiny smile that he does finally glance up. From where he's found a seat, he can just see the edge of the dais, where people have been dancing all night. And from there, a familiar figure in the crowd catches his eye.
He doesn't realize it right away, but his claws move of their own accord. They wave at Ignis, beckoning him over, almost in a coy sort of gesture. Ravus grabs his wrist, dragging his arm back down with a perplexed noise in the back of his throat. What the hell was that about?
no subject
So he knows Noctis had taken a break partway through because of his back, sipping on nectar. He knows Gladio had been nearby, arguably talking with someone but fulfilling his duties in his way to make sure someone had an eye on Noct for the fae matter. Prompto, on his knees, drying out from onion water, a new flower crown gracing the gold shine of his hair.
His Majesty, deep in conversation with another older gentleman. Cor, nearby, watching, a mirror of Gladio, reflection crisply clean even if the frame is weathered by time.
Ardyn is dressed like someone who has discovered clothing for the first time in all the worst ways, and then buggered off into the forest, which Ignis can only say is something of a relief. He hopes the worst for him.
Yet it is a great many people to watch, especially when Ignis's main concern will always be Noctis. At some point, amidst all the people and during all the games... He lost track of Ravus. A part of him had wondered if perhaps a party were too much for his tastes; Ravus does not seem the sort to be used to such things. Especially considering his time in Niflheim.
It is about time for the rest of them to do something similar, he thinks. Best to not be the last ones out of a fae party. They'll stick around long enough for the party king to be decided, since he's caught wind that Prompto has signed up for whatever reason, and then that can be that. They can all leave together. He has experiments to do with the cup he's gotten for Noct, who needs to rest in the meantime... and Prompto has to clean the smell of onion from him.
So off he sets, of course, looking around for the familiar faces to make sure they're all accounted for, and then - there's a gesture. Something he knows, and which he almost doesn't think about when he turns to properly find it.
There's Ravus.
Ignis begins pulling himself out of the crowd, heading over to where the other man is sitting. "I had thought you to have returned home already - " And he stops himself. Slowly, Ignis narrows his eyes, a frown pulling at his face.
"What... has happened to your arm?"
no subject
Ravus himself wears a tiny smile, both for Ignis, and the sylleblossoms he can see from his peripheral. That Ignis doesn't match it doesn't even seem to register. Not when he's asked such a question.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" He says, outstretching his hand to Ignis. The petals seem to bloom a bit wider, as if showing off. The shimmer of the lights catches the moonlight veins of each flower, so perfectly replicating the way Ravus remembers them in Tenebrae. "I asked Lord Slayd for assistance with my arm, and in turn, he helped me make a pact with a fae that could repair it. And... and give me something of my sister again."
no subject
The list which had only enforced all of those feelings.
"You made a fae pact?" he asks, hushed.
no subject
"You don't approve," he says, and brings his hand down to ever-so gently grace his claws down to Ignis' wrist. "It won't harm you. Or the others. In pure contrast, it is my wish that this will be only a boon to you and yours."
no subject
It is not going particularly well.
...Still, he doesn't pull away. Not at all.
This comes back to bite him in short order, for it is not only emotions that threaten to overwhelm him. Ignis doesn't realize it at first, thinking the tightening in his chest is from his own passion... and it is far too late when he opens his mouth to hiss, "How could i-"
But then the feeling becomes more than physical, churns up through his throat and rolls over his tongue. Ignis tries to snap his teeth shut tight over it, but he's too late. Pale greens smoke, paler by far than any of the scales he wears now, washes over them in a cloud, and even more still manages to pour out in the little gaps of his teeth before his lips press tightly together.
If there is anything to be thankful for, although Ignis does not yet know it, it is that the smoke is thin and not nearly as much as it could be for the time being. A beginner's breath.
...That is, however, still enough for its.... initial effects.
no subject
So when the vaporized venom seeps from between Ignis' teeth, Ravus is too close, and gets an intense lungful of it. His free hand comes up instinctively, and he's left coughing into the back of his palm from the slight sting at the back of his throat. Stupidly, Ravus still doesn't move away. He's hit with a breath weapon, and still thinks to lean into the other's space, the claws around his wrist tightening, but never digging metal into delicate skin. Somewhere in the back of his mind, the voice that's lingered like thunderclouds at the edge of the horizon makes its stormy presence known in the shape of a rolling, rumbling chuckle. His dragon must be amused provoking such a response from another dragon-to-be.
When the coughing subsides, Ravus shakes his head to try to clear the haze from his throat and sinuses. What he doesn't expect is the sudden wave of dizziness that accompanies that motion. There's a soft noise of confused disapproval about it, but Ravus has never let something so trivial stop him when he's embroiled in his emotions.
"I understand you're upset, but please, please, dear Ignis-" Ah, wait, the world is lurching to the left suddenly, and he corrects by leaning into Ignis' opposite side. Not quite putting his weight on him, but steadying himself against the other man. "I don't rightly know what that was- but you're hurt by what I've done. Why? This is a new blessing in my life-" and in his right mind, Ravus would simply have stopped there. But the poison has seeped rather quickly into his blood, it seems. Because as he speaks, there's an overwhelming warmth in his chest that won't be silenced. "Just as you've been."
no subject
And, worryingly, it might not even be on purpose.
Oh, the blasted fool, not even bothering to move away. To not even question what's happening! Ignis presses one scaled hand close against his mouth, terrified at what else might leave his own lips, and this means he is hardly of any help to Ravus when he leans in even closer to him. His heart beats frantically in his chest, done-in by all its worry. He wants to curse at the other man for staying in the smoke - although it appears to be dissipating well enough in the open space and thin as it was.
"Ravus-" A frantic whisper, pressed against his palm. "Are you alright? Do you feel nauseous?" Is that why he's losing his balance, or is it simply from the rush of an unknown - toxicant? Is he toxic now? Ignis isn't sure, he has no idea just what is coming out of him now.
no subject
Whatever perfectly good rationale he might have had feels too far away to reach for, and that worried whisper has his heart cleaved in two. How has this gotten worse? Ravus blinks. Once. Twice, and then ever so gently reaches his hands to him, gingerly setting his real one against Ignis' cheek. The metallic claws brush the back of his palm against his lips, gently sweeping along with the growth of the scales in a soft, soothing gesture.
"It's alright," he coos low and sure, despite the slight drawl that comes with inhaling the noxious fumes. "I'm fine. I feel fine; dizzy- but fine." It'd be more convincing if his pupils weren't dilated and his words were a touch less slurred, but he's still upright. Upright, and petting Ignis' hand and shushing him as he might have done for Lunafreya when she was small and anxious.
no subject
"You are not fine. But this is alright. I can help watch over you and make sure that nothing worse happens." Even if that means talking from behind his hand, which twitches in response to those metal fingers.
"You must tell me the second that you start to experience anything else. No matter what. You're my responsibility, since I brought this about."
no subject
Yet under the paradoxical feeling of both the floaty euphoria, and the heavy dragging of the inebriation, there's something else. A pang of guilt that gnaws at his heart, seeing that Ignis is still so worried. Why? Wait... he'd been upset before.
"Ignis," Ravus breathes his name with equal worry, and can't keep himself from all the small, anxious touches. Petting at his hands, his arms, like he can find just the right spot to ground the other man if he only keeps trying. "You've not brought about anything so worrisome. Why were you upset with me? Why are you upset with yourself? Please, it hurts my heart to see such trepidation in you. It does not suit how noble and bold you rightly are."
no subject
Like... The constant petting. The way Ravus so tenderly caresses his arms, and the gentle stroke of his fingers against the back of Ignis's hand as they follow the outpress of his bones even pass leathery scales.
Ignis carefully breathes in through his nose. Funnily enough, the petting is weirdly calming. He chalks it up to physical contact being grounding no matter whatever bizarre situation one may find themselves in. "Ravus, I have just forced you to inhale some manner of foreign gas," he explains patiently. "We have no idea what it will do to you, in the long or short term. So you have to tell me if you being to feel something different, or new."
As for the other question... Another sigh, and he just looks over the ridiculous man sitting next to him. With how intoxicated he is, there really is no point in explaining it to him. If he's lucky, it will go in one ear and out the other. If he is unlucky, which Ignis is starting to suspect, then he will take it rather badly and possibly even remember it when he gets sober again.
He... truly doesn't want to do that to him.
"I feel you did something reckless and foolhardy, even if Slayd was there to help you. I don't want you tied so to.... someone unknown."
What he means is the fucking fae, Ravus.
no subject
"I am a bit reckless," Ravus admits. But only a bit, he insists. That's not what troubles him about Ignis' explanation, though, and he moves past the little details. The hand that has been petting Ignis' suddenly grabs his wrist, and clutches a bit too tightly. He'll apologize later, right now, he feels Ignis needs to understand the gravity of what he's said.
"But I must be bound to someone to have purpose. It is my duty. It is who I am, and what makes me press ever forward. I cannot be weak, and if this world would strip me of my strength, then I must have it back at whatever cost. To protect those I care for. To protect those who care for me, too. To protect you."
no subject
Even if he... makes it a touch difficult, the way his immense strength can be felt in every little finger as it tightens - a vice - around Ignis's wrist. He narrows his eyes a touch before leaning in close, pushing forward against that grip.
"Then you should have spoken with me. I would have given you purpose, something to soothe over the hole! I would have gladly helped you work around your weakening arm so that you could have protected all that you want to protect!" And he thinks, really, that Ravus is just speaking you in general. Perhaps Ignis, but likely any of them who are still here for him to care about.
Blasted idiot cares about Ardyn for some reason that Ignis half suspects is a concussion to the head, he's not taking this seriously.
"Why would you not have let all of us help, rather than go to someone so unknown?"
no subject
He blinks. Oh. Oh, Ignis looks so perfect like this - all fired up and leaning in so close. If it takes him a long moment to speak, it's because he has to swallow down his thundering heart, and try to rearrange his brain after Ignis has so thoroughly scrambled it.
The silver only succeeds to some degree, but he finally realized how tight his hold is, and immediately gentles it. Not that he lets go just yet, but that he smoothes the flat of his thumb over Ignis' pulse.
"I... I worried you would think less of me," he admits, voice low and cowed into shame once the awe subsides. Normally, he might try to hide that, but he can't think straight, and everything comes pouring out. He's all the grace of a mug tipped on its side for how well he holds back.
"A shield can't ask its bearer for shelter. And a sword can't beg to be sharpened. If they are not worth their weight..." Ravus sighs and gestures defeatedly with his other hand. He's sure if he was in his right mind, the words would come easier. But they don't. He flounders for anything, but ends up shaking his head. A mistake, the tilted axis of the world suddenly shifts and he nearly lurches into Ignis. He catches himself on the other man's shoulder, and feels a little more pathetic with every growing moment. The dizzying high is starting to feel more like the distant buzz of a growing migraine. Which may be more inline with the actual intent of the poison, he thinks.
"Can you forgive me?"
no subject
At least his grip eases up... although maybe that is a bad thing, as he suddenly lurches forward. Ignis's hand drops quickly from his mouth, bracing against Ravus's shoulder.
"Ah - careful, now, you silly thing," he scolds lightly, no true bite to it. It's a relief that the words are not accompanied by the shifting green of gas. "Yes, I suppose I will forgive you... but only if you promise not to make any more deals such as this. We shall provide you with all you need, if you merely ask for it."
Ravus will probably forget this entire conversation, but oh well.
no subject
"Then I am full glad to take purpose from, and serve, you and yours," he says, managing to keep the sway in his voice minimal. At least, for the first sentence or so. Because he's immediately distracted by the fact Ignis has brought his hand down from his face. And oh, isn't he lovely in this light? Yes, utterly enchanting...
"I promise." Mumbled, a touch more slurred the longer he's distracted. Until the silver rumbles a thinly veiled, indignant sound. So near, he leans his forehead against Ignis', fingers finding themselves curled into the fabric of his shirt near the junction of his neck and shoulder, to keep steady. "And I'm not silly."
no subject
The only thing that would make this all the more difficult to deal with is if Ravus were on his knees for him, really.
That would require calling Gladio over, he thinks.
Then again... Ravus slipping forward, pressing their foreheads together, breath intermingling, is a trouble all its own. Ignis is fairly certain it's because of being drugged. "Oh, you are quite silly, on account of being intoxicated, at the very least," Ignis says dryly, trying to nudge this ridiculously top-heavy man upright a little more. For his own heart, certainly, if nothing else. "Now, since you've properly promised, let us get you somewhere out of the way. I think the party is quite done for you."
no subject
At least when he's nudged, he takes the cue. It's difficult to find his balance, but he uses Ignis' shoulder to keep himself anchored, and manages to stand. Naturally, he's a gentleman that helps Ignis to his feet as well. While his claws are gentle in that he's sure not to curl the points in, keeping his strength under control proves more difficult for his impaired motor-skills. Assisting Ignis may be a bit more like lifting him.
"Apologies," he rumbles, claws skating carefully down from Ignis' shoulder to his side, looking to ever-so gently find his wrist again. There's no small measure of guilt for overusing his strength more than once tonight. He just wants to make sure he hasn't left bruises-
Except, somehow, his magitek hand presses past Ignis', behind him. Ravus could almost swear he hears a chiming little laugh from somewhere, but it's certainly not his dragon.
The next moment, before he even has the chance to consider his own impending doom, Ravus' claws quite suddenly grab a meaty handful of Ignis' ass. And squeeze.
The giggling in his brain turns to raucous peals of laughter. Except to Ravus even that is drowned out by the sudden panicking tempo of his heart kicking up. He's frozen in place, gawking with a dumbstruck expression that rapidly devolves into horror.
What in all the hells is happening?
no subject
Ignis blinks a few times, hand along Ravus's flesh bicep simply to reorient himself. "I could have gotten to my feet, yes, but still, I do appreciate the sentiment-"
It's Ravus. He's not wholly sure Ravus knows what the act of sexual self-care entails, so to speak. So he's not thinking too hard initially when that hand skims down his side and then back around. Initially, Ignis even thinks that he's simply trying to reach around him in order to lean, intoxicated as he is.
And then his ass is squeezed.
A normal person might simply jolt, or be shocked into a freeze themselves. Ignis has not been normal for a very long time. So his first reaction, towards a rather intimate and public act towards himself...
Is to grab the offending arm with both his own hands and twist himself beneath its reach while his foot kicks out rather violently to Ravus's knee in order to bring him down onto it. Ignis pauses in place, still holding onto Ravus's arm while forcing it into an uncomfortable angle, before he frowns somewhat severely.
"Really now, Ravus. I hadn't thought that you would be either a terribly clumsy or lecherous sort of drunk."
no subject
"Oh, my poor knotweed! Or should I call ye a tumbleweed now with that little fall?" Sorcha practically falls off their perch laughing at their own joke, and maybe the look of dismay Ravus wears too. Which, he then promptly turns to Ignis, as if he's only just now registered what he's said.
"No! I would never-" Ravus tries to protest. "It was-" and he looks back to where his patron is kicking their feet with childish whimsy. That should say it all, right? Clearly the mocking fae will be clear as day, obviously the culprit of this terrible prank. And yet Sorcha doesn't seem to altogether care in acknowledging Ignis at all. Almost like, to them, he's no factor in this conversation. As if Ignis simply couldn't hear or see any part of this. Dismay flicks to dawning horror, and Sorcha is sent into another fit of giggles.
"Sorry, dearie! Only my saplings can see the magnificence that is Sorcha Bláthnaid. This is our pact, not his, remember?"
Ravus tries to twist around as much as he can, for as unsteady as he is, and with his arm wrenched back.
"Ignis, you must believe me: this is fae trickery." Which could sound convincing, if only it wasn't slurred, and Ravus' gaze didn't keep darting to-and-fro from some invisible object and then back to Ignis with a mix akin to confusion and ire.
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Yet... Even with Ravus's eyes darting around, Ignis is already slowly letting down his arm so that it is not wrenched back so uncomfortably. A drunk accident isn't enough reason to really punish the poor man, after all.
Just... a surprised response.
He is far more carefully measured as he knees down besides Ravus, frowning a touch as he looks into his face. Indeed, in their world, he would simply assume him on some manner of drug. Here, however?
"...Well then. I hope you know what I have to say to that." I told you so about the damn fae pact. That is all Ignis will say on that, however, sighing as he reaches over to gently pat Ravus's poor shoulder. He'd even go far as to massage it, but he's worried he would do more harm than good with his claws. "Ravus, can you focus on me for a moment? I will help get you back to your feet."
While quite firmly holding onto that arm to make sure it doesn't get any other ideas, of course.
...And if it really still is the intoxication, then it's still a good plan of action.
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"I am aware, yes," he says with a sullen timbre, and tries to ignore the way his patron giggles from just over Ignis' shoulder. Still... Ignis doesn't seem anywhere near as furious as Ravus expects. There's a measure of grace given, and Ravus can't bear to squander it, even with the world spinning, and shame burning the back of his throat. So he tries his hardest to do as he's asked, and desperately tries to keep his swimming vision from wandering away from those beautiful forest-green eyes.
"Smitten as a robin in spring, arenae ye?"
The fact Ravus manages not to snarl, but to stay on task, might prove that statement more than he'd like to admit. Ignis has asked him of something. It will be done. It's as simple as that in his mind. The most clear thought he's had so far.
"My work here is done then! I'll be seeing you again soon, precious sapling!" And when the fae winks out of existence, Ravus lets the tension out of his muscles where Ignis' hand lays. Thankfully, the magitek arm doesn't budge again without his input.
Normally, that would be all. He'd pick himself up with or without assitance, and crush down any emotion that might be misconstrued as weakness or doubt. But against his better judgement, and with the not-quite-courage provided by not being able to overthink, Ravus glances down briefly to his arm, where the flowers have wilted some with his mood. Then his focus comes back to Ignis again.
"You... you know I am not like that, don't you?"
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At least this instance hasn't left him inhaling an aphrodisiac, and Ignis makes sure he's steady before taking his hand to pull him along. "However, sometimes an intoxicant can play with your mind... or certainly make you clumsy, at the very least."
And that's before any possibility of fae nonsense.
"Now then. I am going to take you into a small room to the side, Ravus, where you are to rest. Once I find Noctis and the others, we shall all head home together. Do you understand?"
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He thinks the mention of toxins must be about the poisonous breath weapon. Which, it certainly has dulled his senses, but he knows it wasn't the venom that made his arm move against his will. No small part of him wants to argue about it too. Because that still sets blame with Ignis, and Ravus doesn't wish him to carry that burden. None of this Ravus can even begin to blame Ignis for.
But he's already screwed up a few times now, and he's sure with as lightheaded as he feels, he'll only make it worse. It's easier to cut his loses here, and hopefully be able to think and speak more clearly later.
So he focuses on Ignis hand curled in his own to guide him, and nods in agreement. He gently squeezes, relieved to be led, and quietly murmurs a, "Yes, sir."