etrayalogs | December Catch-all(-ish) [Open]

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December Catch-all(-ish) [Open]

WHO: Barnabas, his Behemoth (the monster, not the, oh nevermind--), and YOU!
WHEN: All through December baby!
WHERE: Mostly Stonhyrr, but some threads could be elsewhere too!
WHAT: Oh you know, big ol' fortress showed up, there's also a giant muscle cat, maybe people wanna see the fortress. Maybe they're gonna get mauled by a cat. The world is our oyster. Also going to use this for general purpose threads, doesn't have to be Behemoth related!
NOTES\WARNINGS: Will update as necessary!

While Barnabas has never proven himself the social sort, ever intending to remain as such, when people come to Stonhyrr to inspect it, they will not necessarily find him there to greet them. This does not mean that Barnabas is not within the bounds of Stonhyrr, he most assuredly is, but he has no interest in playing host. That is, unless he is given reason to.

What most will find is a singular bridge that connects the imposing fortress to the mainland, and the waters around it prove unnaturally violent. As if the very place itself causes the waters to churn and clash wildly against the jagged rocks which act as the foundation for the whole thing. The bridge is wide enough to adequately fit a pair of carriages, or cars if that better serves. The stone is sturdy, so there isn't any worry about weight being an issue. Most certainly not when one arrives at the arena that acts as a mid-point for the bridge.

There are no guard rails around it as the bridge possesses otherwise, just a sheer drop off into the treacherous waters below. Certainly a poor fate to any, whether they survive the fall or not. A fate all the more possible given the snow and bits of ice that has accumulated upon the structure. Even furthering the difficulty to avoid it, should they find themselves greeted by the bridge's guard: the Behemoth. From its rocky perch it will land with the grace of a feline, but with the impressive force of a creature befitting its size. More than twice the height of an elephant, and thrice as wide, the hulking beast will stare down the interloper(s) with murderous intent. Intent it means to make good on.

However, not everyone who crosses the bridge will meet the beast there, and should they find themselves able to make it to Stonhyrr proper, getting through the metal gates and into the winding outer paths that encircle the central castle, they will find it depressingly...empty. What living quarters there seems to be are indeed stocked with beds and linens, oddly enough, but as all else in Etraya that is not inhabited by those whisked away from their homeworlds, there is no one. They are modest, however, what one might expect for those living as communal soldiers in a medieval era.

Though, should they linger for too long, they might hear the telling breaths and foot steps of a prowling beast searching for the scent its picked up. Perhaps hiding isn't a terrible option, but who knows how much the creature cares about the architectural integrity of whatever part of the fortress they're in! Only one way to find out.

Some of the internal buildings are not merely for housing soldiers or weaponry (though said weaponry is distinctly missing presently). One may find themselves stumbling upon an podium of some sort, with six-legged horse statues on either side. The shape of the room almost suggests an arena of sorts, and the podium seems to embolden this suggestion. Perhaps it might have been a room to judge contests of combat and the like. Who is to really say? Should one linger here overlong, they might find themselves no longer alone. At least, they certainly feel as though someone is in the room with them. Someone watching them, perhaps from the shadows, or from above...

Those lucky enough to make it to the docks will find them bereft of any ships of any kind. It's clear that there probably should be some, but whoever brought this fortress in clearly did not bring any of his ships along! Though, one might take an interest in the surrounding area, and the structures nearby. Most will be empty, some with myriad things like rope, or scant pieces of wood, perhaps an empty crate or two, but it is, like most else, otherwise hollow. There are more of those weird horse statues though... The place is anything but bereft of them.

If it weren't for the behemoth prints left in the snow throughout the wide outer paths of the fortress, and its eagerness to find (and remove) intruders, the place would otherwise seem completely abandoned. Between the snow, angry waters, flashes of lightning, and claps of thunder...the place is cold, oppressive, and desolate. Should one find a way to reach the entrance to the castle, they will be stopped short from reaching the door proper. Not by the behemoth, but by the sudden emergence of Barnabas himself. A billowing pillar of black mist will form from the ground, reaching roughly the height of a man, before Barnabas takes form and the mist disperses and dissipates.

There he will stand, staring down the intruder, waiting for an explanation.

(ooc: Feel free to place your character wherever around Stonhyrr, not only just the places mentioned. Barnabas will keep an eye on any aerial intruders as well (he can also fly). Just date your top level for when this is happening, and if you wanna plot something specific or have any questions, please do not hesitate to hit me up at

Zornsable or on Discord(Zanono)! Feel free to have your own threads here too if multiple people are wanting to explore the grounds of the fortress (just specify in the subject line), I can provide information, a kitty, or an old man should it be needed! Anyway, enjoy this weird haunted-ass looking place, it sucks!

I will match style, prose or action are both good ✨)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[And he was so certain she wouldn’t do that. Why? Was he stupid? No matter. He laughs, though the casual pressure of a Behemoth foot does not allow his lungs to refill with air. He taps her foot with his mercifully untrapped forearm and wheezes.]

Come on, girl, let me up!

[As she just makes his exposed face hot and damp. And smell sort of like Behemoth breath. ]

[After a moment or two, she does lift her paw, letting him up once more. Those glowing amber eyes stay rooted upon him for a beat or two, before she looks to Stonhyrr with a huff. He was like to head towards her master, this she was certain of, and while Barnabas had set her to guard the entrance...she saw no reason to stop Cid. After all, he was of Waloed.

Which is why, with a groaning bellow, she walks past him, leaping to the craggy rocks that stand tall from the violent waters below. Taking to her perch as she waits once more to stop any would-be intruders. Cid decidedly not among their number.]

…Good girl.

[Well, that was easy enough, though now he felt like he needed a bath. He stands and dusts himself off, though there’s nothing to be done for the Behemoth drool misted across his face.]

[Time for the rest of the journey up to the king’s quarters. He hops back on his bike and kicks off, taking it to the nearest entrance- the hidden service stairs by a Sleipnir statue. ]

[It truly was surreal walking around here after all this time, after all that had happened. It takes twenty more minutes to navigate the halls and bullshit to come up to Barnabas’ tower, bag in hand. The sun was long set, and it was unusually dark without the Mothercrystal to light the way. He had to rely on the candlelight, wondering who lit them. ]

[Boy he hoped he was actually up there. Cid pulls out a smoke and tucks it between his lips as he peeks around hallways and interiors.]

Hello…? Anyone home?

Edited 2024-12-27 01:47 (UTC)

[Barnabas had long since sensed Cid's arrival. Some part of him knew that the behemoth might let him past. After all, it was Cid who worked on those cuffs that helped stabilize the beast in the first place. It would know him, if it hadn't forgotten him. Though he doubted he would be so lucky. He was right to do so, because Cid's aether drew nearer, but Barnabas did nothing to meet him, to expedite the inevitable exchange they would have.

After all, he is...busy.

Cid does not receive an answer, but should he find the king's chambers, he will certainly get an eyeful. That being, Barnabas kneeling upon a single knee, head hung in prayer before a large open window. Which ordinarily would allow Drake's Spine to shine its violet light into the chamber, were it here with Stonhyrr, instead it shows nothing but the thunderous sky. Cold air blows into the room, causing the candles to flicker, but Barnabas stays still in his position of prayer, ignoring Cid outright.]

[Cid eventually enters his bedchamber, and thinks- where else would he have even been? And what is he doing? Kneeling.]

[Praying.]

[His eyes scan over his body and he takes a breath and cracks a smile.]

I admit, I think I’d do the same were I given the run of the place. Though I’d wait for a warmer day to go flopping about the castle.

[He steps forward.]

I brought you something.

[Barnabas does not move from his position, he does not lift his head, nor does he open his eyes.]

Is that why you have trespassed?

[His voice is low and quiet, as it always is, but there is the slight thread of annoyance within it.]

[That almost hurts. He knew how Barnabas felt about it. And he was angry enough himself about the concept of him becoming a trespasser in the place that used to be his home. He stuffs that down. It’s poor bait, at best. ]

Well, can’t send a parcelman up here, so my options were limited.

[He approaches with a swagger. Does he think now is a bad time? No, of course not. He reaches out to place a hand in his hair, mind already alight with thoughts of the last time they met.]

I hope you can understand.

[That hand in his hair finally earns Cid some sort of reaction. Barnabas' eyes snap open, and he looks up at him, his stare one of warning. But he doesn't say anything, just glowers at him in a way that demands an answer for his audacity.

Just what is Cid plotting, he cannot help but wonder, yet he makes no move further move till Cid explains himself.]

[Cid looks coolly down at the other man and eases down to one knee, hand still in his hair.]

[Barnabas can surely smell the Behemoth by now. Cid, on the other hand, has gotten used to it. ]

Shame to spend a name day alone, isn’t it?

[He might be a day or two off, but he was feeling confident in his gambit.]

[Oh he smells it, and he realizes how close Cid might have gotten to being eaten. Part of him entertains the thought for a moment as he stares at him unblinkingly. Stares almost through him, really. Especially with him mentioning his name day of all things. An accursed day, if there ever were one.

That Cidolfus had figured it out, or even remembered...or cared to, is odd, and he isn't sure what to make of the twist he feels in his chest about it.]

This is pity, then.

What? No. This is a normal thing to do for a friend. [if that’s what Cid wanted to call a man who almost ran a home run on his ass.]

No need to take a turn of phrase so literally. Why don’t you have a drink with me? You don’t even have to get dressed if you’d rather not.

[Why was he praying naked? …That question could wait, at least. ]

[Barnabas lets out a short, wry chuckle.]

Friend. You are greatly overestimating yourself.

[Finally he moves, grabbing Cid's hand that is in his hair by the wrist to remove it.]

You have come here to attempt to bed me.

Most men would be thrilled.

[He can already hear his retort ringing in his ear, but he doesn’t care. The low effort arguing is just part of it now.]

[Barnabas can say whatever the hell he wanted, but they both knew how it’d end.]

Attempt, nothing. I came here to succeed.

[Its fine if he twists one of his wrists out of his hair. He would edge in close, lips against his ear.]

[Barnabas' retort isn't verbal, the stare says enough: I am not most men.

However, as Cid continues, and he boasts that confidence as he leans in, lips and the warmth of his breath to Barnabas' ear, there is a slight thrill that pulse through him. It is silent, yet strong, and he hates that he can feel this way at all.

Pulling away from Cidolfus, he stands, putting Cid's head level with the obvious. Barnabas doesn't care, his eyes forward as he stares at where the mothercrystal should be. The cool air from the window blowing over his bare form, but he doesn't shiver, he doesn't even acknowledge it.]

You are ever lead down perilous paths by your hubris. Failing to realize that while you may be quick, consequence is swifter.

[And with that said, Barnabas swiftly lifts his foot to connect it with Cid's chest, aiming to sprawl him out on the cold stone floor behind him. Turning only then to stare down at him, as if he is some lower creature.]

[so he was still a bit sore from Idunn’s excitement. He rubs his chest as he bends back up and peers at Barnabas in all of his glory. It’s a nice angle for him, truly.]

[Still, Cid pulls himself up to his feet, chuckling as he dusts himself off.]

Maybe I count on it.

[A beat. A smirk.]

[He approaches again, placing a hand on his hip, letting it trail around his obliques.]

I think I’m nearly familiar with your consequence, if that’s how you’re calling it.

[Barnabas watches him rise, his eyes narrowing as he smirks and draws nearer, and his gaze lowers to that hand which touches him. His breath stills.

With a flick, his eyes focus on Cid once more, his brow pinching as he frowns at him.]

Cidolfus... [He warns.]

Edited 2024-12-27 03:42 (UTC)

Barney… [he croons softly as his fingers slip closer to his soft spread of pubic hair.]

[He noses against his neck, his jaw, placing kisses in his wake.]

Lets go to bed, eh?

[Even if Cid smelled like he needed to be scrubbed quite thoroughly.]

You reek of behemoth's breath.

[He says rather curtly, though there is the slight flex of muscle beneath Cid's traveling fingers, a stillness in him otherwise with those kisses against his neck. Part of him wants to defenestrate Cid, he's got the perfect shot right here...yet another part of him quietly relishes in the warmth of him contrasting the chill coming in from that same window.

He does bring a hand up to Cid's chest, his strong fingers pressing against the muscle of his exposed pecs as he puts some distance between them, his dark eyes locking with Cid's brilliant green ones.]

… Fine. I’ll be using your wash basin, then.

[He eyes that open window with the chill still steadily pouring in through before turning to the basin. He pulls off his gloves and rolls up his sleeves and begins washing his face, neck, and hands. Even riding over left him dirtier than he’d like to have admitted anyway. ]

Edited 2024-12-29 04:24 (UTC)

[Barnabas remains silent, just watching him with sharp eyes. Their focus lowers to Cid's exposed arms as he begins to wash himself in the basin over yonder. The grey of his skin marring the natural peachy tone of it, evidence of his overuse of magic, of his self-abuse that none seem keen to deter him from. None save for Barnabas once upon a time. Well did he know the toll, and well does Cid as well, and yet he destroys himself bit by bit for the forsaken...

They are not so different, though Cid's ploy would end before true change could take hold, the impetuous fool.

Barnabas finally looks away from Cid, something warm pulsing within him from the display. Casting his eyes to the window, wind sweeps the chill across him once more. He is unbothered, but the point of the window being open is lost with how the evening is now being changed. Inwardly he berates himself, and yet he cannot fully deny the sweet pull of indulgence that radiates from the unruly man some paces away from him.

Silently he closes the window, its large shutters latching. Keeping his back to Cid, his gaze focusing on his hands which remain on the shutters for a long few moments, as if he's contemplating something. Though in truth, this is more resignation.]

Edited 2025-01-13 18:40 (UTC)

[Cid looks at himself in the mirror for a moment, at Barnabas barely in view, nude, behind him. The cold air pricks at his wet skin, drawing him back to reality before he grabs a towel to dry his face. His stubble catches on the towel, just trimmed this morning- He was trying to look presentable.]

[He turns back to look at Barnabas, the literal splash of cold water doing nothing to bring him to his senses. Instead, he lets his eyes rake over the other man’s form, doing little to conceal how he takes him in. He then remember the bag he brought in. The liquor- the cuffs. But he would have to be clever, at least just a bit. ]

[He draws near, hands coming up to take Barnabas’ head in his hands, bidding him to stay so that he can kiss him.]

[He knows he should pull away, knows he shouldn't allow himself to indulge like this and yet here he is, allowing Cid to hold him. His hands lower from the window shutters, and he turns to more fully face Cid so that he might do to him what he wishes. He doesn't dare instigate this, but does he need to when he's staring at Cid with that clouded hunger in his eyes? When he isn't resisting when he knows he should?

His gaze scans over Cid's features, eventually settling on his lips before flicking back up to meet Cid's eyes. There's a tension that fills him as Cid draws nearer, and when his lips claim Barnabas', that tension persists for a few moments but then there is ease. Even reciprocation as his eyes slide close, his lips parting just so...]

[Cid swipes his tongue over his lower lip as his eyes meet the other’s. He closes his eyes and tilts his head to kiss him. Fire rolls in his belly as they meet, his hands slide down to either side of his neck. He slowly breaks the kiss, forehead against the other man’s.]

Go to the bed. Sit.

You would command me.

[It isn't a question.

A wry huff leaves him as he contemplates obeying, and part of him knows he shouldn't. Yet, when their contact breaks, it is not in the defiance that he should be expressing. Instead, he indeed makes his way to the bed, the soft plat of his bare feet against stone sounding the trek as he then seats himself upon the expansive bed as it sinks beneath him. He watches Cid like a feline admiring a curiosity, though whether it is something meant for him to play with or kill is shrouded in the ambiguity of his dark gaze.

He cannot shake the certainty that Cid must be up to something. This all seems so...well, not out of form for his former Lord Commander, but he is being rather sweet in a way that he cannot help but analyze and grow suspicious of. It doesn't help what the man interrupted, besides.]

And you would obey.

[What if he is up to something?]

[Cid chuckles warmly as he watches him, enjoying every moment of it. This already felt like he had the upper hand in comparison to previous encounters. He rounds on him with his usual swagger, straddling his lap while still fully clothed, enjoying for a moment how he can look down at him. He plants a hand on his chest to shove his well-muscled back into the mattress. ]

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cw: nudity lmao

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Cw: sexual language and it’s not going to improve

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Cw: probably sex unless cid screws it all up.

Guess we'll see!!

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