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[odare]

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[likeiron]

from here

Nina, deciding she had nothing better to do than try and figure out what the absolute fuck was wrong with Finnick Odair with all his flirting and weird moral compass, made it to the tavern not long after the last message was sent (and no, she hadn't bothered replying to being called annoying again, or else this would go on forever). Since her excursion with Davrin, she had since obtained an actual coat and wasn't just walking around with her skin exposed to the cooling temperatures outside.

Upon arrival, she tugged a chair out with her foot and flopped down in it, arms crossed and leaning back. "I assume you ordered the drinks already."

[odare]

He's still sort of holding a grudge against Nina. It's rare that Finnick dislikes someone, but she really hasn't done anything to endear herself to him. She's only rejected him, insulted him, and almost beat the shit out of him. Still, he's willing to give her yet another chance, for some reason. Maybe he finds her entertaining in an annoying way. He does respect women who have a fire in them, like Johanna, he just prefers when the fire is aimed away from him.

He slouches in his chair, arms also crossed, brooding a little as she approaches.

"No. You're buying, remember?"

[coldsong]

cont'd

Loki is perfectly game to meet at a familiar tavern, and after a brief hashing-out to determine timing, the assignation, as it were, is set. In his mind, it isn't a foregone conclusion that this will end in sex--it feels more like the negotiation session before a foray into kink--but having a genuine discussion is enlightening regardless, and he's starting, warily, to like Finnick.

He is no longer wearing his fine Asgardian leathers everywhere, outfit toned down into a linen shirt that looks way too light for such cold weather, sleeves rolled up to the elbow in a way that unintentionally shows off the runic ridges on his hands and forearms. There's already a bottle of wine on the table when Finnick arrives, and an empty glass, and Loki makes an inviting gesture at the seat across from him. Or in the booth beside him. Whichever the other man is more comfortable with.

"It's a sweet red. I didn't know what you prefer," he explains of the drink. "Hello."

Blanket cw that this thread is nsfw

[odare]

Finnick isn't exactly sure what he thinks of Loki yet. He isn't 100% certain they'll even get along, long-term. They both seem to have big egos and Finnick wonders if they might clash. He just doesn't have enough information yet. But, the man is handsome and smart, and Finnick finds himself a bit intrigued.

Bondage isn't something anyone here has suggested to him yet, let alone on a public forum, and he likes that boldness. It shows Loki is open-minded and they could probably have some fun together, of a kinkier variety. God knows Finnick gets tired of vanilla sex.

He smiles as he sees Loki, sits across from him and leans forward on the table.

"Oh, how niiiice," he drawls. "I'll drink anything. Thank you."

He allows a beat of silence, to look into Loki's eyes with a tiny, slightly mischievous smile. "Hi."

Holiday Gift Delivery

[coldsong]

As if it's appeared overnight, there's an envelope tucked under Finnick's door one morning--a large envelope, very sturdy and flat. When opened, there are two pages; first, a simple note written on white paper, in a graceful but spidery hand:

Dear Finnick,

I was not prepared for Yule. It's been some time since I had the time to celebrate, rather than merely officiating other peoples' celebrations. The idea of gifts didn't occur to me until Lioriley's arrived at my door. I hope you will pardon the simplicity of this offering. Had I magic and time I would conceive of something more useful, or at least unexpected. Alas, this poem is what I have, for now.

I don't know if you will have heard of the writer. He was human, though from a time before your own. There is a beauty, bleakness, and defiance to his work that has touched me since I first became familiar with it. I hope you will see what I see in the words, and that they will be of some reassurance to you.

Yours sincerely,

Loki Odinson

The poem attached is copied over in a much cleaner calligraphic hand, with a few drawings of stars, celestial bodies, and a compass rose in the corner of the page.

[odare]

On some other handwaved occasion, Finnick gives Loki a piece of art he made from shells, and a note.

Loki,

Your gift isn't simple, and it doesn't seem rushed. It's lovely. I like poetry, and the fact that you put thought into choosing a piece that has relevance to me during a difficult time means a lot to me. I'm starting to think you may be sweeter than you believe or advertise yourself to be. ;)

In return, my own gift feels too simple as well. I find peace in doing things with my hands, which is partly why I'm still so good with rope. Recently I've found enjoyment in creating things, mostly food and little crafts made of beach materials. Adding something new to the world feels good, even if it isn't anything momentous, even if it won't change things at all. Art makes life more pleasant, I guess. That joy leads to hope for things to be better, and I suppose that's why those in power in my world wanted to rid us of that kind of joy. In Caldera, I'm able to discover it for the first time, really, and it feels so good to share it with the people I care about.

I made this while thinking of you. For some reason, it felt right to depict darkness and light in an elegant way. Interpret that as you will, because I have no idea what it means, myself.

Happy Yule, my friend!

Finnick

voice @dreadwolf

[goethbeforethefall]

I am told that you are called Finnick Odair.

My name is Solus— I was among the mages who healed you, at the recent... Adventure.

[He keeps his tone even, but he'd like to call it something less flattering. Still, what's done is done.]

How goes your recovery?

voice

[odare]

I am.

[He recognizes the voice and the name.]

I'm glad to hear from you, Solus. I tried to find you so I could properly thank you, but you were asleep. It's going well- still getting back up to 100%, but pretty soon I'll be good as new.

[His tone is pleasant and polite, though there's something guarded in it as well, like the lightness is covering up for something, maybe.]

Special Delivery - a couple days after post volcano domesticity

[theydrewfirstblood]

At the front door, a small deerskin pouch is left waiting with a note addressed to Finnick. Inside is a bracelet made of dried juniper berries. The note is as follows…

These are ghost beads, crafted by man and nature as one. Juniper berries fall and are consumed by animals that strip the flesh and burrow into them to make a hole. Men collect them once they’re dried and make another so they can be strung. They’re supposed to protect you from evil spirits and nightmares.

I’ll protect you from everything else.

-J

wehhhh ;_;

[odare]

[Leaving his house, Finnick stumbles upon the pouch. He smiles as he opens it and reads the note. He examines the bracelet closely, then puts it on. How sweet...

He takes out his bird and messages John.]

How do you always know just what I need?

text; @greywarden

[daddywarden]

[ Shortly after his talk with Gadriel, Davrin is reaching out to Finnick.

But how to start this weird conversation? ]

Finnick?

This is Davrin. I don't know if you're aware of who I am...

Text, @odaring

[odare]

That's me.

Nina mentioned you. That she's seeing you?
What's up? Is she okay?

Valentine’s Day After Party

[theydrewfirstblood]

Once the party winds down, John helps to clean up a little. Most things can wait until morning, but there’s something he likes about puttering around with Finnick after Maedhros and Stiles have retired. Gathering up a few stray glasses, putting away the perishables…snagging some leftovers for their own little private party.

John doesn’t have anything huge planned. He got some candles to light in his room just to make it a little romantic, at least. Mostly he just wants to curl up with Finnick, maybe eat a little…and give him his main present for the day.

He does, however, have another one for public consumption, so once John has a plate of some snacks and has grabbed a couple glasses for drinks, he sets them on the counter in the kitchen, easy to grab, and catches Finnick’s hand to pull him into his arms.

“So, uh…I got you something special for Valentine’s Day, but you only get it in my room.” He explains with a grin, pausing to steal a kiss. “But…I also got you something G-rated, too. Which present do you want first?”

Yeehaw. Blanket NSFW warning lmao

[odare]

Whew, what a night. Finnick really enjoyed the celebration of love, seeing all his hot friends in great outfits, seeing cute couples be gross, and getting a little action himself. But the final act has yet to begin, and he is really looking forward to unwinding with John.

He finishes blowing out most of the candles, but decides against taking down any decorations. They're cute, he and Lioriley worked hard on them, and he's too damn tired after such a full day. He readily moves into John's embrace with a slow smile.

"Ooh," he murmurs, stealing that peck, rubbing John's shoulders gently. "I got you a couple things too. Give me the G-rated one first- I need to recuperate some energy before anything sexy."

text 🦅 @blackbird 🦅 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

[blackgryphon]

I am not given to complaining more than is absolutely necessary, but circumstances have compelled me to register a complaint. I find the accomodations of the so-called "book-club" completely unacceptable!

Having received and duly read the melodramatic tripe foisted upon me at the inception of this ""book club"" which I, having originally joined in search of friendship and literature, joined in good faith and eagerness to share my opinion. And yet! Not only did I find my arrival not anticipated, but my physical presence wholly barred from the supposed """club""" to which I was meant to be part! Indeed, I was barred from the entire interior of the house!

Because it's too damned small! For some members! Of the """"book club"""" to enter!

Did you do any research at all! Did you pay attention? I would believe anything of such a person who, in all honesty, ought to be ashamed of himself! Whether this came about from stupidity, ignorance, incompetence, or malice, you'd better believe I'm not done complaining about it!

See to it that you do better, young man, or I'll better yourself for you! At top volume, if you make it necessary!

Your neighbor and fellow Visitor,
Skandranon Rashkae
The Black Gryphon

PS: Snd the """""book""""" was terrible! Who's picking these things? Do better!!!!

text, @odaring

[odare]

[In reading this, Finnick goes on a journey. At first he's alarmed and concerned, then offended and a little pissed... By the end, realization dawns and he sort of just finds it funny.

Okay, so this is the gryphon guy he's been seeing around because uh, he's very hard to miss, and he's mad he was unable to enter Finnick's house. Which! That's not good! He would have tried to accommodate him, had he realized in time. But the dramatics are a bit too off the charts to take seriously (and also, if he takes it seriously it's very rude, so he'd rather just laugh).]

Hi Skandranon,

Thanks for bringing me your complaint. Harsh as it is, I'm glad you brought up the issue.

I apologize deeply for your exclusion from the book club and my party due to the size constraints of my house. I wasn't aware of your participation in the book club- I should have asked Lioriley for the sign-up list, but it's her club, not mine. I was just hosting. I don't appreciate the insinuation of me being stupid, incompetent, or malicious, but I admit that I was ignorant. Neither of us would ever want to bar anyone from participation for any reason, so I feel horrible that this happened.

Next time we'll be sure to have the meeting outside, or in an indoor space that can accommodate your size (and any larger-sized individuals; now that I think of it, Gadriel may have trouble as well, though I'm not sure if he's signed up or wants to attend).

Lioriley picked the book this month, and I enjoyed it. A different Visitor will get to pick the book each month, which means you'll have your turn to delight us with your taste in literature. In the meantime, I'd appreciate you not insulting my friends' choices.

Best,
Finnick

post event

[likeiron]

Hey. Are you dead?

[odare]

Nope, I live to annoy you another day. I think I'm getting sick though. How are you and Davrin?

voice @enasal

[arlathvhen]

Finnick? Are you well? I wanted to talk to you about something, but it isn't serious, and with everything that's been happening, ah--

I don't want to attempt to speak to you about something frivolous if you are not in the mood.

voice @odaring

[odare]

Beleth? Oh, hi!

[He sounds pleased to hear from her.]

It's been a bit. I'm okay, all things considered. How are you?

Mmm, on the contrary, I think a lighter conversation topic might do us some good, right about now.

text, @justzevlor

[hellrider]

Finnick, we're home. Anthem and me, both.

I heard you were worried. We're fine. It's been...over a month for us, but it's been a good month.

@odaring

[odare]

[Relief floods him.]

Oh, thank goodness.
Your gems were left behind, and your names on the network still existed, so I was trying to reassure myself and Rolan that you'd be back. But yes, we were worried.

I'm glad you're okay. Let me know if you need anything.

text; @angel♡dust [3:23 am]

[legsfordays]

u up?

Text, @odare

[odare]

always.
Can't sleep, princess?

Donation For Non-Human Guests

[needsexcitement]

Hello!

I hope you accept these glasses and such for any non-human guests. They're sturdier than what's made for humans since glassware and such here is too fragile to be manipulated for hooves, claws, and mouths alone.

Sincerely,
Cadence

@odaring

[odare]

Hi Cadence,

Thank you so much for your donation! These are really great. If you have any other suggestions for adaptive stuff, I'm always all ears.

Cheers,
Finnick

[legsfordays]

Here's what Angel did during the whole Triton fiasco:

Nothing.

Well. That wasn't entirely true. He drank a lot, played cards with whoever was still hanging out at the inn, and just sort of hoped whatever bullshit was happening outside wouldn't come inside. Thankfully, it didn't. This place was holding up pretty well. Shame the owner wasn't.

"Rough couple of days, babycakes?" Angel finally asked a handful of days after the whole... ordeal, leaning his elbows on the bar and his chin in his hands.

[odare]

Finnick is glad that Angel stayed safe, and watched over the Inn while he was gone. He's also glad nothing happened to the Inn. Small victories. Well, there's also the big victory of defeating and redeeming a fallen star god, but somehow that doesn't really feel as important as all of Finnick's people being okay. It's just important insofar as... Triton is done with fucking shit up for his people (hopefully).

"Rough... Whole month, honestly." Finnick admits as he puts some pint glasses away.

"How are you doing?" He looks up and over at Angel.