My blind optimism to blame

[reddosmod]

APRIL 2022 EVENT

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: A large green butterfly.]
[Image Two: A woman staring in a daze at light orbs floating around her face.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: A volcano with meteors falling down around it.]
[Image Two: A ball of quivering light hovering in the dark with woman standing in front.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: A woman staring at a mirror-like humanoid being staring back at her.]
[Image Two: A woman in a field of grass with humanoid-shaped flower sculptures nearby.]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

MIGRATION OF MOONLIT BUTTERFLIES

WHEN: April
WHERE: Everywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Hopelessness/corruption, heavy themes of mental trauma/health, killing of gentle creatures.

---

Excerpt from BEASTS OF DEER COUNTRY Chapter 12: Migrations:

"One of the most beautiful natural phenomena of Deer Country is the migration of the mysterious Moonlit Butterflies. These giant creatures are most often the size of a house, with exceptional wingspans. Fear not: they are not violent creatures. Most will fly well above the city of Trench, leaving trails of glittering orbs of light that fall all throughout the city. However, it is common for some Moonlit Butterflies to land and rest throughout Trench. Despite their massive size, these creatures appear to weigh very little, able to rest harmlessly on homes, lampposts, and the like. Don't be surprised to find some scattered throughout your neighborhood.

They have a gentle aura about them and are most famous for their behemoth wings which glow a radiant green. They are aptly named due to their ability to store immense power from the moon during April and are seen as distant children of Argonaut. Being near them will enchant the air with the scent of amber and fresh linen, and you may hear a soothing song emit from these beasts.

Despite their rare and incredible beauty, it is wise to not linger in their presence no matter how captivating they are...And they are captivating. Many residents of Trench have been known to stop and stare, enthralled by the wings or the orbs of light that are shed by the butterflies. Those who have been staring for too long will have an unnatural glowing green glaze over their eyes, obscuring their pupil and gaze. This is known as the Moonlit Drain.

These butterflies do not gather all of their energy from moonlight...but they gather it from hopeful beings as well. It is why they gather among populations of sentient beings. They soak up all hope in the area and the longer you stand in their presence, the more hopeless you may become. Standing in the presence of a Moonlit Butterfly has driven people to rapid, severe corruption in under ten minutes. It is best to avoid these butterflies no matter how mesmerizing they may be to look at.

The little orbs of light are actual manifestation of everyone's hope. Touching them may restore hope and they can be gathered into jars for future treatments of corruption. They do not "go bad" as they are the essence of emotion. One way to restore hope to a corrupt or beast-ridden soul is to slay one of the Moonlit Butterflies. They are incredibly easy to kill as they are naturally delicate and non-hostile.

Be warned: the one who slays a Moonlit Butterfly will be consumed with instantaneous corruption and possibly even beasthood. But once the butterfly has been slain, anyone in the surrounding area besides the killer will have corruption alleviated. Killing a Moonlit Butterfly has been known to fill people with incredible grief and guilt. Few have survived."

WONDERKIND

WHEN: April
WHERE: Everywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible spoilers per canon, time/vortex style presence, variety of possible monsters.

---

Excerpt from an essay titled "The Wonderkind Pthumerian" from the book The Curious Nature of the Weakest Pthumerian: Argonaut and Misconceptions:

"Most of the other Patron Pthumerians are known for exceptional strength and durability during trying times. It is only Argonaut in which people think of weakness. They believe the Patron to be a fickle, tiny thing with little worth, but there is a unique and powerful quality to Argonaut that should not be overlooked.

This is the phenomenon known as Wonderkind. It has only been known to happen once every few years and only ever during April, but those who have seen it would testify to the hidden strengths of our explorer Patron. There is much to be said about curiosity and resilience, after all. Argonaut has wandered through the lives of many without most ever realizing it. He has likely seen into your own life, curious about the odd Sleepers that show up on the shores of this world.

Wonderkind appears as a meteor shower, but these are no meteors. Balls of flaming light will fall from the sky, silent, beautiful, striking, and somewhat ominous and terrifying. They rain upon Trench in intervals throughout April. They do not crash into the city so much as glide throughout. These balls of light are shimmering orbs that have split open time and space itself into unraveling cocoons, exposing portals into worlds foreign to this one.

These portals cannot be entered for they are not portals out of this world...But portals into this world. Sleepers have claimed to find beloved items and pull them out of these portals. Some may find old pets that come out to greet them. It can be a lucky and cherished event for many. Tragically, these portals do not seem to be able to bring in sentient beings applicable characters, but you may be able to talk briefly to a loved one who isn't yet in this world.

But that's not all that can crawl through these portals...Monsters from other worlds have been known to flock to these portals and make their way through. Monsters from your worlds or other worlds slip in to wreak havoc on the streets of Trench. It is during this time that it is of the utmost importance that our Hunters take up arms and protect the vulnerable. If you recognize the monsters or disasters from your world entering ours, then please, make sure to caution those against it.

The portals close after a few hours and cannot be manually closed by anyone. Nothing can be sent into portals, but one can stand by a portal and guard it for potential dangers. Portals from your world may reappear several times throughout the month, so don't let your guard down for even a moment, and always expect the worst even when hoping for the best."

Quick Facts:

1. Respect the setting. Do not bring in monsters that would be capable of destroying the world/city/etc.

2. Things like unique plants/items can be gained through these portals.

3. You do not need to engage with portals from your own canon. You can invent new worlds, engage with other canons, or alternate universes. It's up to you.

FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT

WHEN: April
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Instant beasthood, corruption of soul, draining of soul, replication of soul, mistreatment of sex workers/night walkers.

---

An excerpt from a journal kept by a Night Walker named Charlotte Finch. Finch was known for being one of the first established Night Walkers and was known for her advocacy on the front of Night Walker work and its relationship to beasthood. This journal is kept in the Archives. It contains content pertinent to Beasthood yet, unfortunately, due to ongoing biases against Night Walkers, this journal is kept in the autobiography section rather than the section for beasthood. Good luck finding it.

"the job of the Night Walker is, of course, undervalued by this world. we do our best to soothe the troubled souls of this place and yet they continue to doubt our worth. what must we do to convince them? must we wield blades to show them how we fight? must we shed blood to prove our dedication? must we pick up books to show our intelligence? nei, we not do that. we sleep beside our worn hunters and rest heads upon the chests of scholars and hold the tired hands of architects. we guide the way to light in a way disciples could never.

all us are valuable, it be true, but why must the night walker be left to the wayside? why must our duties be written off? why must it be that it always a night walkers blood in the streets that leaves no tears to be shed? nei, nei, it is hatred of those who understand the soul and body have a close connection.

you know what i believe? these souls of ours change the landscape of our bodies. you cannot have one without the other. when the soul is corrupt, it only be natural that the body corrupts, turning rigid and hideous and monsterous and beastly. aye yes i have seen it myself, though none of the others believe except for other night walkers.

you see, there is a shape that comes to us in the Long Night of april, a shape much like our own. looking like a person ought to look but with no face and no features, like a mirror glimmering in the shape of you. they look like us, and they will mimic us. these odd mirror beings is the shape of our soul, you see, and once it finds you, it will copy you, and you will be driven mad! mad! how does this thing move as you move? how does it replicate what you replicate?

aye, it is your soul, my friend. your soul in a shape you can see. or something like it, may not soul be in your lexicon. it is you, as you are it. it is the Tether between you and beasthood, see what i say. the Tether will begin to soak into you if you let it, if you let it consume you, and it will consume you rapidly. people have been known to be ravaged by the Tether and turn into beasts within seconds, AYE yes, seconds, not minutes, into a vicious beast. the Tether wins.

But you need not let it be a victor, my friend. you see, we proved it, we did, us night walkers, we proved to lay with the Tether is to soothe the Tether. Allow yourself the kindness of another soul, another companion. touch and feel and express companionship. holding the hand of your lover or your friend or your brother or sister will cause the Tethers to weaken before ye very eyes! i do swear it, my friend, i should not lie on a subject i hold so dear.

you see, when we hold one another dear, when we cherish one anothr truly and wholly, we abate the darkness in our souls. listen to your companions, my sweet friends, and let your souls heal, and you can stop the Tether from consuming. you see, you see. surely you see. this is what it looks like. the Tether is always with us, but only in April under this moon can we see it always and will it be vicious and invasive. do not allow it.

do not allow it."

Quick Facts:

1. Tethers will take the exact body shape/size of you and mimic your moves. They may follow you around for several hours/days. Once they decide to "consume" you, it will be quick. It will essentially look like your body is turning metallic and then you become a beast.

While Charlotte states it happens in a matter of seconds, this can happen in several hours/days as well. Depends on the character and their general resolve.

2. People can be pulled back from this through emotional support whether verbally or physically and general acts of kindness. It's the sincerity that matters here. You do not need to be familiar with the person to help them.

3. Everyone can see each other's Tethers so you can determine how severe someone's Tether has become. The more severe the Tether, the more silvery the impacted person will look.

4. Tethers cannot be destroyed with weaponry/attacks. Trying will only hurt the person they are mimicking. You could actually kill someone by trying to "kill" their Tether. The tether will vanish with those who died but reappear once they have reincarnated.

CODING

Comments

Diluc Ragnvindr | Coldblood

[searingwing]

Desolation in the Moonlight.

A.[Tiny balls of pale light fall from the sky and glitter like stars brought to earth. In their wake vast shadows that feel safe and comforting trail in their wake or simply descend and alight themselves in populated areas. The giant creatures seem safe. Maybe you get too close and the majesty of one takes you.

As you stare there is a sense of despair beginning to take hold. Then a great black horse with a horn on its head trots up to you and shoves his shoulder against you. He circles around if you don’t move. Then he does it again. He snorts if there is a need for a third time he grabs at your shoulder and lets out a loud whiny.

Then something vast blocks out the light. The street lights catch on red and gold scales. Powerful wings beat as it’s feet seek to grab you. And someone calls out.] Let us grab you!

B.[As you come around the corner the street lamps catch on the reflective surface of glass. Small jars sit in a pallet, some holding a small glowing white ball. If you look up towards the roof someone is coming down a ladder with a jar in hand. If you know, Diluc Ragnvindr is easy to identify. His hair is tucked into the back of his cloak but, the fiery red color is not so easily concealed.

His gloves hands clutch the jar close to his chest. The ball inside casts a weak glow. He descends and says without glancing up.] I saw one of them coming this way. Help me get these jars away from here, would you? I want to put one in the hands of as many people as I can. It isn’t much but it’s some defense.

A time of portals.

A. [You turn a corner and a glittering view spreads before you. A massive tree towers in the background and the scent of dandelions carries to you from across the waves of grass. The faint trickle of water is strong enough to suggest some kind of lazy river is close by.

A tall, red haired man in formal looking clothes leans against a wall close to the dome blocking this view from being a place you can go. A blonde haired woman with a strong air of authority about her stands as close to the dome as she seems to dare and they pair seem in conversation that cuts itself short. Both turn their eyes to you and behind her what looks like jiggling bubbles of water with simple eyes are hopping towards her back.

A few choices to make here. The man says,] Yes? What can we do for you?

B. [Or you are unlucky and happen upon the portal when jiggling slimes hop out and try to body slam into you. Or the ground near you changed to ice, fire, or lighting and a horrible looking flower bursts out of the ground.

Or maybe you get close and there is a creaking sound before a mechanical hand slams down into the stone. But fortunately the hand looks damaged. The rounded torso is dragged through by another hand and you get a look at a mostly featureless round face with a burning eye. Regardless of what you run into something gets smacked aside as Diluc Ragnvindr drops down from a rooftop, his claymore smashing into the ground. He glances around with narrowed eyes and sighs as he rises, flames swirling around the blade as he seems to flick it.]

Let’s get this taken care of now. The people here deal with enough as it is.

Wildcard

[Don’t see an idea you like here? Pm me. We can plot out an idea and I will set up a custom starter for you.]

1b

[siriusly]

Mn-?

[Manabu's eye lifts from the pallet of curious objects at the sound of Diluc's voice and the gentle clanking of his boots on the ladder as he descends.

blink. blinkblink.]

One of 'them'? You mean those enormous bugs, right?

[searingwing]

Yes. [He says as midnight black horse trots out of the alleyway to their right. The light from street lamps catches on the horn on his forehead. There is what looks like some kind dark brown smear of grime on it. But at this distance it’s hard to tell what that is.

Diluc runs his hand over the horse’s side. He takes the jar and fits it into the wooden pallet.] they’re draining hope from people. I’m trying to give it back to them a bit at a time.

We only need to move this far enough to be out of range and leave these jars in the nearest residential area.

[siriusly]

[Manabu goes still as the horse draws near. he has...very limited experience with horses. just once, back in the dream.

...and that one planet where people rode horses and wore armor in a blizzard. he's not sure that counts.

that planet was weird.

in any case, he exhales when Diluc makes it clear this thing is his pal of sorts, though Manabu still steps away to give it a wider berth.]

Sounds easy enough...We just leave these around occupied houses and businesses, huh? [head tilt.] Almost like decorating for a season, I guess.

[and the streets could use a bit more light, all things considered.]

[searingwing]

Exactly like that. [Diluc says as he checks the straps on the sides of the wooden pallet. Then he whistles low. From the top of the nearby roof, the shape of a vast Dellingr rises.

His massive wings get him airborne. Then he shrinks to the size of a hawk. He circles overhead as Diluc grabs a bar on one side and gestures for Manabu to take the other.] We’ll roll it to the next street. If we’re too slow, Forseti can help.

[siriusly]

[Manabu only misses half-a beat in matching Diluc move for move, following his lead as he's done for other hauling jobs they've shared in the past months. at their feet, Magnet trots around and then out of risk of being stepped on, bounding a few paces ahead and stopping to watch and see which direction they're actually going to go ahead and dash to the lead once more.]

We probably don't have a time limit, huh? I mean--it's not like we're racing daylight. [he hesitates.] Though...this darkness would encourage more monsters to creep further into these kinds of districts, huh.

Keep an ear open, Magnet. [bark.]

Desolation, A

[monoceroscaeli]

[He thought he was being careful when treading about outside. He knew better than to look at the giant creatures that beckoned so many to get caught by its beauty. He'd seen what it did to people. He knew better. And yet, as he make his way through the city, he catches movement out of the corner of his eye. Unfortunately, it's enough to seal his fate.

Childe's eyes have turned to a dazzling green hue, the song he hears from the butterfly is soothing and he barely notices the horse shouldering him. Yet, he can feel himself losing his hope that he'd keep his promise to his brother, almost as if the inadequacy he'd suffered the month prior was rearing its ugly head again. The horn growing from his head has already gotten longer in this monster's presence, now visibly sticking out from his hair.

The Harbinger wouldn't of had the choice of letting himself be grabbed or not, blinking a few times as the light gets blocked from his vision and is grabbed.]

Huh...? What's this?

[searingwing]

[Above him is the beautiful red and gold scales of Dellingr. His feet have special bands and padding to make it easier to people. A few dark blood gems glint on the straps around his body. The foot holding him moves closer to the body and a convenient pair of leather straps with metal rings that keep it locked to the body and serve as hand holds.

And the tall man waiting at the back of the dragon. Diluc is dressed for his nightly excursions. All in black with knives at his sides under his cloak. His vision is fitted into his left glove and casting a pale red light as he offers his other hand to him. Safety straps attached to rings keep him locked in place.]

Come up here. The view is glorious.

[monoceroscaeli]

[The sight of Dellingr comes more into focus, and Childe's never seen the dragon like this before. When he was with Sergei, he was about the same size as the fox, but now...

The Harbinger's eyes blink a few times, as the green begins to fade from them as he looks up to Diluc. But still, his hope had been drained, and he feels a sense of emptiness, reflected in how unassertive his handhold is once he grasps Diluc's own proffered hand. He can't quite make sense of what's happened, but slowly he begins to realize he was so close to losing himself. He joins Diluc, climbing up and sitting with him, careful not to let his gaze fall on the butterfly again.

It was embarrassing to be caught in a situation like this, but he's grateful for the help.]

Diluc... [He hangs his head, exhaling heavily.] Thank you. I...I can't believe I let myself get captivated by one of those things.

[searingwing]

[Diluc gestures to the pack just below the shoulder as he secures himself with the safety straps.] They are dangerous and deceptive.

It’s not surprising they could catch you or me, if I’m not careful. Take the jar in that pack and use it. I’ll tie the straps so you won’t fall off.

[The jar inside the pack has a ball of hope inside. If allowed, Diluc ties the safety straps so Childe is as safe as he is.] He’s not as big as Dvalin but that’s only because we’d cause a panic.

[monoceroscaeli]

[His shoulders sink- he had been being careful, too. But it wasn't enough. If he can't even accomplish that, how could he possibly continue their mission here and protect his family from suffering the power of the Pthumerian gods? Was this line of thinking simply because of the hope that had been drained from him, or is that really his own thoughts?

He sits tight as Diluc ties his straps, reaching for the jar in the pack and turning it over in his hands. A bright light of hope, he knows. The cap is unscrewed from the top and he dips his hand inside to hold up the orb, taking a deep breath, closing his eyes and pushing it into his chest. It sinks through his clothes and into him, and he can feel the warmth of hope spread through his entire body. Childe's mind clears, and he looks to Diluc as he finishes.

Despite being saved, the narwhal horn that had started growing last month is now poking out noticeably out of his hair right on the top front of his head. He's not aware of it yet, but the butterfly had left its mark on him.]

That did the trick. I feel like myself again. Good thing Dellingr here can get as big as Dvalin...it's impossible to see any butterfly from behind him. [A beat-] Thank you again. I knew I could count on you to have my back.

[He'll return the favor anytime, anywhere.]

Portals-A

[cuddlery]

[Scorpia was just carefully in the process of moving from one place to another when she comes across the strange tear in space ahead of her! And with such a pleasant scene on the other side. She raises an eyebrow in confusion and meekly waves to the figures.]

Um... Hello. Hi there! Good- good question. I didn't actually mean to find you, and... I don't even know who you are? So, uh, if I wanted something, I guess it would be to know... What's going on here?

[She shrugs her spiny shoulders.]

[searingwing]

[The blonde woman blinks in obvious surprise and her gaze slides to Diluc’s. He looks back at Scorpia with the most relaxed look he has had in some time. He leans against the wall with his arms crossed. She nods them and straightens up. Dressed head to toe in the formal garb of pale white with dark blue and some accents, she looks every bit the part of a knight.]

’Hello, I see you’re an ally of my superior. What you see is a cut in reality. I don’t know how it exists but, I am the acting grand master of the knights of Favonius. I’m Jean Gunnhildr. And behind me is Mondstadt.’

[Diluc makes a small noise as the pair finally notice the jiggling creatures. Diluc sighs. She shakes her head.]

’Please excuse me a moment.’

[Diluc cracks a smile. A real one as he calls out.] Make sure to save the remains. I need them.

[Jean walks away as he turns that grin on Scorpia.] There are portals like this all over the town. Likely there are some to your home. We can’t go through. But, talking to Jean has helped me sort a few things. Have you been well?

[cuddlery]

[There's Diluc alright! As they explain, everything becomes clearer to her. She does wave a pincer in greeting to Jean, though.]

Nice to meet you, Jean! Yep, we are pals alright! So that, that's Diluc's whole home back there? Wow, that's great! [She squints towards the rip.] It sure is a beautiful place!

[And then she turns her attention to Diluc.]

Wow, that's amazing! ...Well, as long as they're stable enough. Kinda, kinda had a bad experience with a portal back home! But that sounds incredible... oh yeah, and I've been well! Just been living life and all. Nothing too out of the ordinary. ...Aside from, y'know, dealing with the dark and all! And trying not to look at butterflies for once in my life. How have you been, buddy?

[searingwing]

[Diluc glances at the portal. The edges look smooth and the portal itself is stable. In the distance, Scorpia will be able to see Jean using her sword to cut down the offending creatures. Wind twists around her seeming to obey her command.

Diluc’s deep voice breaks the stillness of Trench.] The portal feels stable. Every one I’ve encountered has been like this one.

I’ve been, [A tiredness settles over him as if his relaxed air was just a passing thing. Streaks of black mar his bright red hair and black metal feathers stick out from those spaces.

This world is taking a toll on him. He sighs and says quietly as if wanting to make sure only they can hear him.] Surviving. It’s all we can really do here.

And yes, this is my homeland. Specifically the great tree. It’s south of Mondstadt itself. From this angle you can’t really see it. But if you come to where I am you can see the roots of the tree.

[He gestures and if she comes to join him against the wall, the angle does give her a view of the thick roots of a massive tree. It sits on a little hill with water at the flanks of the tree and a river behind it.

A large stone statue of a person with wide wings and seemingly reaching for the sky rests before it. It looks well kept. Ornate with delicate designs at the base. If she’s met Venti before. The resemblance is hard to ignore.]

Closed to Shouto

[searingwing]

[When the balls of light rain from the heavens, Diluc goes to investigate. The light turns out to be an orb, holding itself suspended in the middle of Willful Machine’s streets.

It opens like a flower and expands into a portal. Beyond the dome of the portal an old style Germanic cellar spreads out. Rows of shelves greet anyone who looks at it. Diluc calls forth Dellingr. The dragon is the size of a horse, folded wings balancing him forward. His two feet are on the ground and arrow shaped head twisting regard the portal. His red and gold scales glint in the lamp light as the light of the sun washes over both of them.

Diluc sighs softly,] This is the Dawn Winery Cellar. You wouldn’t be allowed down here but, as I need your help, you have an exception from your lord.

[He scratches under the dragon’s chin before he says,] Go get a cart. I’ll wait here.

[As his omen takes to the sky on feathered, scaled wings he leans against the near by building and stares at the portal.] …just a glimpse of home.

/so sorry this is so late!

[swellter]

[ Todoroki happens upon the Willful Machine near the same time and finds a new portal he hasn't seen before. Aware of the abundance each world presents, he lets his curiosity lead him to the entrance. He can see an old styled Germanic cellar from this side of Trench and tries to figure out if it's worth exploring. Catching sight of someone nearby, he turns to them to ask: ]

Have you gone through to the other side?

No prob, sorry this is late as well

[searingwing]

[At the question, Diluc reaches into the portal but can only get just his arms in. He sighs,] It's about what I thought would happen.

[They can't leave this world. Not truly. There is the sound of flapping wings and his omen returns, carrying the cart in his feet. He's expanded to be as vast a building. Dellingr gently sets the cart down. He shrinks down until he's once more the size of a horse. Diluc pets the side of the dragon's jaw.]

We'll just have to be creative to get what we need. If you'd like to help...I can promise lunch. [It's something. Dellingr approaches the portal and Diluc studies the shelves. There are some wine racks, preserved herbs, a small little bag of seeds close enough to the portal they can reach in and grab them.]

You're fine!

[swellter]

[ Todoroki watches the dragon emerge from the other side and finds himself watching it with speculative eyes. ... Is that a dragon? His omen, hidden from view inside his chest, answers with a simple: It's an omen. Which is enough to make sense of what he's seeing when the dragon shrinks down in a blink of an eye. He's seen Kizu do that too when she attacked him for going against her wishes. Unlike most Sleepers he doesn't have 'control' of his omen. ]

Help?

[ Asks, brows creased at the suggestion that he - ]

You want me to send my omen in there?

1A

[onekindsoul]

[If there were two things that defined Ruby Rose's way of life it was hope and optimism. And unfortunately that meant that she was a like a moth to a flame when it came to these butterflies.

By the time that first nudge to her shoulder makes contact her skin has already gone deathly pale with the vague signs of red veins starting to protrude from her skin. Corruption has already started to sink and she barely reacts to the second nudge.

It's not until the wings block out the light of sky and the butterflies above them that she even moves to shield her good eye.]

W-what's the point...?

[She doesn't even make the effort to reach up and take the hand.]

[searingwing]

[The dragon comes closer. This close one can see the harness wrapped around the dragon’s body. Leather straps and rings serve as handholds for the man in a dark cloak and a pale white owl mask. But the hair is bright red and his eyes burn as he moves lower on the dragon.]

The point is to live as we did in the tower. [He reaches for a small jar on his belt and opens it. The orb of pale white light drops from above right at her.] Focus on us. Forseti! We’ll handle it from here. Go help more people.

[The dark horse trots away, breaking into a gallop.]

2b - Incoming Slimes!

[tempredmental]

[Slimes were jiggly, but could still be pretty frustrating to deal with when they wanted to bodyslam you. Keith grunted as he got smacked in the back of the head by one, almost stumbling and falling on his face in the process.]

What the-?

[And, suddenly, there were more. He whipped out Marmora blade, shifting it into sword form in an attempt to defend himself.]

Sorry about the delay, rl things happened

[searingwing]

[The slimes hop towards Keith unbothered by the blade. They almost reach him when a shadow falls over them. A dragon’s beastial roar breaks the quiet as the beast wings past. And Diluc drops down, cutting a slime in half with his claymore.

He stands up and flicks his sword as flames ripple over the blade. Another dragon this one green to the other’s red and gold. It looks different, shaped in a more streamlined fashion, sweeps past over head. The pair of them circling as Diluc says,] Better slimes than ruin guardians. And as a bonus, slime isn’t a bad ration to have.

I definitely know the feeling.

[tempredmental]

[Keith noted the flaming blade... Huh. He wondered for a moment if he could do that with his own weapons using his blood magic.]

Uh... it's not? [Keith wondered if it would be anything like Altean food goo, but then shrugged it off for now.] So... do the flames help?

Thanks work has been...well a lot

[searingwing]

Yes, slimes are full of elemental magic condensed down. Countering it makes them easier to handle. [He twists his sword as slimes hop out of the portal, leaving little paths of frost and ice behind them. They look a little frosted themselves.

The closer they get the more the cold they give off is made known. Diluc turns towards them, blade held up in a guard position. Despite his sword being as large as he is, he holds it easily, with little effort at all.]