songerein | { something steamy }

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{ something steamy }

SOMETHING STEAMY

This log is open to everyone and doubles as a "Character Intro" for new characters who were just accepted this round. As a reminder, new characters are welcome to carry over their TDM threads backdated to the last week of October (25-31) so that they're not really "new" if players wish to do so! Starting fresh is also acceptable.

I. REVEREIN HOTPOT

With the temperatures cooling down, some locals have decided to throw a huge hotpot party along the riverbank for no real reason other than to try and cook up some good food and meet new faces. While participating restaurants and farmers are happy to provide some surplus ingredients, others are welcome to bring their own. There are plenty of grills and pots to go around, but with so many people and…unique ingredients coming in, there's bound to be a little chaos. (Thanks to Mich for the idea!)

A. Hunt for the "Legendary" Ingredient. To spice things up, a challenge has been posted before the day of the party for those who want to add some unique flavor to the meal.

Golden Truffles. There are special truffles found deep in the swamps hidden within the Wildlands that are said to taste so divine that just a small bite would make one feel as if they are floating to heaven. No it's not poisonous!! While not exactly rare in number, they are notoriously hard to find and require special pigs to sniff and dig them out. Some truffle hunters have agreed to let anyone daring to look for the truffles to borrow said pigs for the hunt. However, they can be ornery and will only cooperate if you sing a happy song to them. The swamps themselves can be filled with some mild dangers, but the pigs should guide you. Probably.
Mandragora Leaves. There is a marked field where the mandragora have taken residence. They will give up their leaves if asked nicely, but if too rough or without showing respect, they will scream and attack instead. Even then you have to take care in clipping the leaves.
Rainbow Speckled Eggs. Some wild hens that live out in the Wildlands lay rainbow speckled eggs at this time of year and they are huge! Can't miss them. They are duds and won't hatch, so they are perfect for eating. The hens themselves won't mind them taken, but the roosters that guard them are a different story. Get past them and collect the egg!

B. Food Thieves. Attracted by the delicious smell and it being time to start gathering for the winter, a few critters and even some small fae try to sneak in and snatch a few pieces for themselves. Squirrels and chipmunks in particular like to swipe any chestnuts some people are trying to roast, and the birds are diving in for any free morsel. There are a few ways to handle this, from chasing them off to trying to create a designated "food try" for the animals to take to avoid them bothering everyone else.

C. Communal Pot Surprise. While there are smaller, individual pots available for more private use, there is a larger pot that suspiciously looks like a cauldron set near the center where anyone can dump in whatever ingredient they desire—even inedible items—and produce questionable yet somehow edible results. Here are some various effects that occur:

Anything green: Chances of turning into a frog—25%. The remaining chance is just having one's hair turn green.
Sour fruit: Everything will taste like lemons for ten minutes. No amount of sugar will help until it wears off.
Candy: Everything will taste super sweet for ten minutes and 50% chance of getting a sugar rush.
Alcohol: TIME TO SING A RAUNCHY SONG WITH GREAT FERVOR but think of the children or don't.
Inedible Objects: Why would anyone throw a shoe or sock in there—the soup will turn black and empty itself so now everyone has to start over.

This is not an exhaustive list or this prompt would go on forever—so feel free to come up with other effects with whatever item your character tosses in!

D. General Mingling. There are plenty of tables and places to sit, so grab some ingredients, find a spot, and start cooking! Just remember to share and greet everyone around! Be mindful of the pots and grills as well as they can be sensitive to emotions. Get too animated and the water or fire might shoot up in temperature. But dreamotion could also help enrich flavors, so everyone is encouraged to play around. There will also be a few spicy and garnish noodle dragons flying around to help season things. Just make sure they don't get too overzealous.

II. DRAGON ISLAND

The Hot Air Balloon Station set just outside some open fields beyond town are bustling with activity as the Dragon Island (name pending) has finally opened its borders and allow outside visitors to come in and visit the island. Its main attraction of course is the hot springs resort, "Draken Springs," where everyone has received a one time free voucher to test its amenities. There are other places guests can visit near the hot springs, and by helping the nearby towns and villages, favorability will increase as well as earn extra vouchers for the hot springs. For more details on the island in general, refer to the Mod Notes.

A. Dragon Riders. There's already a task written up on the Dream Board from farmers requesting help for harvest, but there is another request to help deal with some aggressive animals that have scared off some livestock and then corral the ones that have gotten loose. The beasts are a tough, armored, armadillo-like bear whose hide is resistant to dragon flame and can be tough to fight. Dreamotion works better to strengthen physical and magical attacks. The young adolescents are giving non-dragons the privilege of riding on their backs to fly around to help first find and deal with the bears, and then herd the livestock back to their respective farms and ranches.

B. Dragon Nursery. One of the neighboring villages is taking care of many of the new hatchlings that were recovered from the previous "raid" on Reverein. Despite a month passing, some dragons are still trying to figure out who the parents are, and there is a strong suspicion that some of the eggs were never originally from the island at all, leaving many orphaned. The dragons have a very strong communal instinct when it comes to raising their young, so some have been adopted but others are still waiting to be taken as arrangements are still being made. Thus in the meantime, help is requested to do one simple task: play and help feed the young hatchlings. They are basically toddlers so it might be quite the challenge for those unprepared, especially as their own magic is still wild and out of control. Calm dreamotion will help as well as using opposing elements to help balance the magic.

C. Hot Springs: Testing the Waters. Everyone has a chance to grab a towel and test both the indoor and outdoor public springs. For more private rooms, they will need to pay up as the voucher only covers the public springs. But they will still be provided with complimentary drinks, snacks, towels, and use of the showers to clean up before and after using the springs. As for whether it's mixed, separated, covered, or bare it all…well hopefully visitors are able to decipher the signs. There are also the saunas, just be mindful of how hot it can get.

D. Hot Springs: Special Snacks. There are some unique foods that the town and resort offers for anyone to try that can be only found on the island.

Dragon's breath peppers are hot, but these won't kill anyone (the dragons are too considerate for that). This particular species is safe to consume but as the name implies, will give one fiery breath for a while. Anyone who had the kebabs from the festival might recall a similar effect.
A spiked fruit that suspiciously looks like durian has a notable stench that will carry for quite a ways, but anyone daring enough to get past it will find the fruit sweet and seeds edible once boiled and the skin peeled away. It even has a bit of a rejuvenating effect.
Dragon fruits are a nice palette cleanser especially with yogurt or ice cream. Anyone who eats it will be able to relax more easily.

E. Hot Springs: Recreation Room. There is a sizeable recreational room where any guest is free to relax and lounge in. They offer a small snack bar, some board and card games, yoga mats, billiards table, and a ping pong table. The ping pong table in particular is set a little ways from the rest as the competition can get a little heated—literally. They even had to erect magical barriers to prevent wildly charged balls from hitting others outside of the containment area.

F. Hot Springs: Peeping Toms. Even the hot springs on Dragon Island are vulnerable to unsavory characters. Although rare, there are some unwelcome guests who try to peep into the springs, and while there are security personnel and magic devices that try to catch them, some still manage to sneak in. Especially the monkeys. Descending from the higher peaks, most wild monkeys use the other pools outside of the resort for their own use, but some are attracted to the food and other amenities and make their way into the resort pools instead. Some of them are respectful and can make for great bathing company. But others are clearly not and need to be kicked out without remorse. So whether it's an uninvited or unruly guest, or a wild monkey, if caught in the act either report or feel free to handle it. Remember, even if thrown off the mountain, they will not fall to their doom, and in this case will be caught by the magic security devices.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

You're the one taking tiny little nibbles. And don't think I didn't notice that double earlier.

[But all right. He'll take the tiniest bite now.]

You best remember those words in the future. Another time may come where I feel that I need to test your skills. While it's impressive I doubt you've shown me the true extent of your power.

[ He's feeling slightly scammed. Rokurou probably has more moves he can show off tbh. ]

I would like to eat with a fork and knife! I was not raised to eat like a boorish animal.

[Her hands are at his jacket now as she tries to keep herself in a steady position, for completely tactical reasons. She doesn't take a bite this time, but instead, she carefully draws in the stick... further, and then a little further...

It's not cheating if she hasn't taken a bite yet, is it?]

What double?

[But him calling her out almost threatens her position, and she comes close to almost snapping whatever is left of it off when she giggles out loud between them.]

... Do you remember who won the last time?

Edited 2022-11-12 07:18 (UTC)

[ Susato looks more surprised than Azula does. It is not as though she's the only one who can pull off dreamotion fire (she knows of at least one other!), but it is a rarity that she gets to see someone use it openly and on command. ]

S, Sorry, I was only hoping to scare them off. They keep trying to peck at our food...

[ Like flies. Or large flying rodents. The injustice!! ]

[ at that, kaeya barks a warm, easy laugh. ]

You're a clever little thing, aren't you?

[ but of course he is. he wouldn't be their chief alchemist were he anything short of a genius. even still, that was well played. kaeya takes another long swig, draining his glass before he finally settles his arms into the water. ]

There's nothing wrong with finding satisfaction in your work, but you're the one who is so keen on discovery, aren't you? Being still and soaking up the world around you is an art in and of itself; you can learn quite a bit about yourself when you're alone with your thoughts.

[ not that kaeya ever likes to be alone with his thoughts. he prefers to be alone with another person to occupy his mind. ]

Though if it truly pains you that much to spend some quality time with me, you can just say so.

[This little mink— He senses she's planning something with how she's holding him, and he has a couple of guesses.]

Yes...I believe it was me since you kept trying to avoid it.

[He lightly chews at his end, the chocolate, dissolving on his tongue as he sees some of it smeared on her lips. Really he could be just as impatient as he had been then, when she kept running away and try to shy away after he had decided to take those first steps to pursue. The way it happened here in this world... Was both similar and different. Back in Avalon, it all seemed to develop a little more slowly and naturally whereas here they were rammed into.

Yet, he has no real complaints. They got here in the end, and this time instead of him needing to chase her, it seems she's trying to taunt him. Well two can play at that game as he just takes the tiniest of bites this time.

How many more do they need... Two? Three? If they were playing properly, anyway.]

Are things going to play out differently this time...?

Edited 2022-11-12 09:43 (UTC)

Wasn't plannin' on callin' ya anythin' else, yo.

[He lets out a chuckle with her.

But before the two of them could finish cleaning up the mess, the squirrel from earlier seems to have made its way back between the two of them. It begins sniffing at the area where the soup was spilt, lapping up some of the liquid that had puddled together.]

Whoa, you's back already? Looks like this little guy's real hungry, huh?

[Trahearne is someone who is easy for Zhongli to talk to, and it makes Zhongli happy to hear the other is eager to learn; he is always happy to be able to impart various bits of knowledge to those who are willing to listen. He nods to Trahearne, plucking out a few strips of meat and a couple nearby vegetables as he begins speaking.]

Well, Liyue there are two distinct culinary styles; the Li style, which focuses on bold, rich flavors using ingredients picked from the mountains, and the Yue style, which favours lighter-flavoured seafood. Both styles have caused something of a rivalry amongst the people of Liyue, who claim one as superior to the other. While both styles have their own merits and strengths, I'm afraid I am not a fan of seafood, which colours my opinion somewhat.

[That's not to say that he dislikes the Yue style entirely! He just isn't a fan of seafood.]

That being said, since I hail from Liyue, I am of course partial to the techniques of Liyuean-style hot pot. Then again, Inazuman-style hot pot is also quite excellent, and reflects the culture of Inazuma in its own way.

[The question appears to catch Zhongli off-guard, and he pauses for a moment before clearing his throat.]

Ah, yes. Forgive me, sometimes I forget that not everyone here is familiar with the regions of Teyvat.

[He brushes the front of his coat a little, before he uses his chopsticks to pick out a few ingredients.]

Liyue and Inazuma are both different nations from Teyvat, which is the world I originate from. They are unique and distinct nations, yet despite their differencesthey do share similarities in their cuisines and practices. Inazuma is an island nation, and Liyue Harbour is Inazuma's closest neighbour, so it is only natural for there to be some cultural exchanges between the two.

[Zhongli wasn't home when Venti had made his impromptu visit, so the bed is all open for Venti to take advantage of. That is, until Zhongli returns home with his groceries (and a few new artisan finds that would have just been an absolute shame to leave without). He puts his purchases down on the counter and goes to remove his coat, when he is brought to a halt by the familiar bundle of green curled up in his bed.]

Really now...

[Zhongli lets out a long-suffering sigh. He knows Venti will do as he pleases, but this is a bit much. So rather than go over and wake him, he channels his Geo powers to make a small construct; an orb no larger than a lotus head. Using his powers, he makes the tiny orb float above his hand for a moment, before flicking it at Venti's head.]

[Wakey wakey, no eggs and bacey.]

Ah, is Japan the name of the world you originate from?

[Zhongli is fascinated by the different worlds others come from, so he likes hearing about them. To know that hot pot exists in other worlds as well is a fascinating concept. How so many different worlds can share similar things... it's a wonder to behold, really.]

Well, from my world of Teyvat, hot pot is typically enjoyed in Liyue and Inazuma. The two share many similarities, being neighbours with each other, including the concept of hot pot. However, there are still differences between the two that a skilled gastronomy connoisseur could identify.

[He uses his chopsticks to pick out a few slivers of meat and some of the offered vegetables.]

For instance, in Liyue, there are a seemingly endless amount of ingredients that one can use for cooking. It's not uncommon to find a wide variety of different meats, for instance; I've seen chefs use various poultry, seafoods, even boar imported from Springvale. The broth itself is also quite complex, and takes after either the Li style of cooking, which favours bold spices and flavours from the mountains, or the Yue style, which favours milder flavours more befitting of seafood. Given the vast number of culinary delicacies within the nation, it's quite possible to eat hot pot in Liyue Harbour and have it be vastly different from hot pot cooked in the northern Qingce Village.

Inazuman hot pot, on the other hand, is a more simple dish. Being an island nation, it is difficult for resources to be imported into the nation, and as such the number of ingredients used are not as numerous. The broth takes advantage of the Seagrass that is abundant within its oceans, which is a unique quality that sets it apart from the broths made in Liyue, and there is also an emphasis on the technique used to cook the ingredients itself. Rather than simply dropping ingredients into the broth, individuals instead swish their chosen item around, which assists in the cooking process.

[A wise choice, Childe; you manage to halt Zhongli's incoming lecture... for now. But still, Zhongli seems to approve of the idea, nodding in agreement.]

A wise decision, Mr. Childe. Indeed, sometimes it is through actions which we learn best. Go ahead, feel free to pick out whatever ingredients you desire.

[He already is picking out a few things for himself, expertly plucking them with his offered chopsticks.]

By the way, have you had a chance to practice your chopsticks skills during our time apart? They will be essential for the cooking process of hot pot.

[Zhongli can't help but chuckle himself at the man's comment, and he nods as he watches the man sink into the water.]

Indeed, hot springs are much better for soaking one's body in than a river. The heat allows the blood to flow through your body more evenly, assisting with eliminating toxins while promoting relaxation and the relief of tension as well.

[Not to mention it's just luxurious feeling. Even an overworked god like himself can feel relaxed in the waters.]

How are you finding your experience? Is it to your liking?

[It is a little surprising, but not unfamiliar; after all, Barbatos's hands were often quite steady enough to pour more drinks even when he became drunk. So Zhongli merely accepts the glass with a nod, a faint sense of familiarity in he action.]

I agree. It is much more joyful to partake in such activities with friends, or companions.

[He says the words with a small hint of nostalgia in his voice. Times like these remind him of when he and the other Seven would gather together to share knowledge, stories, and drinks together on Mt. Aocang. He takes a moment to examine the wine offered, taking a deep breath to take in its scent.]

This is a fine brew, if the scent is anything to go by. I am reminded of an old friend of mine, who would often bring me bottles of locally brewed dandelion wine every time he visited me.

[He takes a casual glance around, but he doesn't see Venti around anywhere. He had no doubts that the Anemo Archon was somewhere, indulging and taking in his fill of food, wine, and nonsense.]

Hmm, yes... games and playtime do help children develop their own motor skills and expand their imagination, and is also good for animals to develop important skills needed for when they grow older. Dragons such as these would probably require both, given their dual nature of intelligence and beast.

[He does give Ken a glance. A curious answer, that one... Zhongli hums a little.]

And what about you? What do you define as entertainment?

So, where should we start looking? Got any good feelings in any direction?

[ She stands up, giving Ken a hearty slap on the back. ]

[ crapcrapcrapcrapcrap - ]

Okay, you won! It's not going to hurt anyone anymore! Just leave it alone now! If you need me to beg, I'll get on my knees! ... Uh, knee!

[The nose tap caused the owl to go crossed-eyed, blinking away his confusion. There the imp goes again, turning the question back on to him. Was Blitzø always so hard to read? Seeing how he seriously misread their relationship before... clearly so. While Blitzø’s invitation was tempting, the Goetia's true intentions was to talk. But, that could wait until they were alone. There were children present.

Which one was getting restless. Why did the pets stop? Starfire lifted her head to nudge at the imp's shoulder. Hey, she didn't tell you to stop scratching, you lazy bum.]

I will hold you to that, Blitz. [He manages a strained smile. Perhaps a subject change?] How have you been settling in? Did you find yourself a place to stay?

[Likely two, if they keep at the pace they're going. She can already feel his breath tickling her lips when he talks around the pretzel, and she can pick up the scent of chocolate on him now too, and that is far more enticing than the snack in between them.

So, when he only takes a tiny bite, there's a small, lamenting whine in the back of her throat.

At this rate, he's going to win again...!

Tifa takes a bigger bite to make up for it, and she has to tip her head a bit now that they're so close...]

That depends. You don't have to chase me this time, so...

[Instead, it's her chasing him. Or it feels that way to her, but this time, while she's still blushing furiously the closer they get, she can at least put up more of a fight!]

What happens if we meet right in the middle? Is there still a winner then?

You bet I did!

[He leaves it there for a second to scoop up the dragonlet, putting her on his chest so he could give her tiny face a smooch and get back to those SCRITCHES. God she was SO CUTE.]

Found a spot for me and Loony, one without any climbing up to the house since she was still in a foot cast, but now we're settlin' in and I've been decorating. Best part is not having to pay rent! You having a blast making space for Octavia?

Edited 2022-11-12 16:59 (UTC)

Well, at least Dante seemed to be taking things with a little bit more sobriety than usual, himself. It meant they didn't have to take any time carving through the clowning... so much the better.

"I saw what happened to the old offices. You and Blitz had a fight, I'm told. And now the two of you are co-owners."

Even saying it set off prickling pangs of doubt and frustration. But he continued, turning his gaze upwards to Dante.

"You remember why I signed up for the job, right? The talk we had about how it'd be nice to have a little discretion in this line of work?"

"Yeah. And the ability to vet our targets and decide for ourselves if we wanna take 'em on. Been needing a lot more non-lethal strategies than I'm used to. That's part of the point."

The non-lethality probably isn't too much of an issue for Moxxie. Seemed to give him peace of mind when he could find other ways of resolving such matters, especially when everyone listened to him and his suggestions.

"There's a lot of ground to cover in arranging co-ownership. Details to line up, compromises to make. I promise you we're gonna keep our discretion; it's a personal thing and I'd rather let Devil May Cry be the subtitle than give that up. Might be his asking price, now that I think about it..."

Suddenly, Dante really wishes he had Morrison around right now. He handled in-depth business stuff and could sort this whole thing out real quick. He messes up his own hair.

"...Much as I can explain why I'm going ahead with this decision, I know it's one not everyone's okay with. I didn't wanna ask about Blitz, but I get why most who know him didn't want to talk about him. He sounded real possessive, when he broke into the office. Kept insisting I stole his employees. Said nothing when I asked if he spoke to you all about this first. Stolas kept comparing me to him, so believe me: I get the obnoxious jackass part."

"Still, I might've brought back into your life someone who's bad for you. And if I did..." He's gonna need to take a sip for this one.

"...I'm sorry."

He peeked up from the oven. Ah, good-- Maddie would probably be on his level when it came to being able to appreciate this sort of thing.

"These brie puffs are just a little experiment I threw together. Usually I'd use something other than the hot pepper jelly, but I had to make do with the more savory and seasonal ingredients people were bringing. I don't think something like apricots or pomegranates usually have a place in a hot pot."

A fresh tray of said puffs were placed down onto the table; he may have been immune to conventional fire, but he still had on a set of pastel-colored oven mitts out of habit. Always take the proper precautions while cooking.

"...unless you meant the pralines. I make those all the time."

"Oh, it's just fine. Don't trouble yourself, Mills."

He wet his clawed finger and stuck it into the air, gauging the wind as another irate rooster approached. Bit of wind; he'd have to keep this one low.

"I just work with what I'm given!!"

Another whalloping stroke that sent feathers flying, and a soundly unconscious rooster soaring into the knot-hole of a nearby tree. No nest guardian would trouble his wife as she picked up this batch of eggs.

But from the bit of a seething bite in his voice, the trouble might have been somewhere in his mind instead...

Thank you... sir. It was nice to be able to... try something like that.

[And now he could only ask himself if he could ever have attempted the rest of that plan of his- the singing, the sympathy, the hopes for a non-lethal resolution- back when he was at I.M.P. instead of D.M.C., or if he'd ever have that chance again now that the latter was under new management.

Still, he pushed back a little against the familiar defeated feeling; by all accounts, even the radio demon managed to become a little more... healthy after staying in this place for a while. And maybe that same room to grow would be just what Blitz needed to find himself in a better place, too.

His hands wrung gently against the pool cue.]

...How's Reverein treating you? Are you settling in alright? It's a lot nicer than hell, isn't it?...

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{ something steamy }

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