[a heart.]

[antreegonist]

There's a moment of nothing but light and sensation. Someone's looking you over and the scrutiny prickles and burns – it's nearly a physical pain, like fine little hooks digging past your skin, into the very meat of you. I know who you are, it says, and I know what you are, and that you don't have any business here --

“But you do,” says Mithos behind you. He's a tired, steady voice in your ear, a light hand on your shoulder. “I don't know what Dream's thinking, but everyone is welcome here in my heart; just keep in mind it's a real mess right now.”

Your vision clears.

((assume your characters wandered in here through a dream. also join #ihateyouihateyouiwanttocuddle on irc if you can!))

Comments

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

The door opens into a little central hallway. The house is a little aged, small but comfortable, sunny and well-lit. There's two open doorways to the left that seem to lead to an herbroom and kitchen. There's another to the right, made of cedar, which is open just a crack.

And there's one door straight ahead that seems to lead out to the the back of the house; that's open a crack too.

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

[ . . . lets peer at the door on the right '^' because that is the sort of safe decisions I make ok ok]

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

Beyond the cedar door is a room that's pretty easily identifiable as Lloyd and Mithos's room. It doesn't quite correspond to any of the real versions from the forest or the cove or Wonderland.

There's a heavy rug on the floor, and wide windows through which sunlight streams in. The view is of the ghostly tree. There are a couple of terrariums set on one sill, and a windowbox filled with growing plants on the other. You can see a shadowvine rope just outside that window as well, presumably for climbing onto the roof.

The walls are rather blurred and milky, though painted images shift over them as you watch: a variety of landscapes and seascapes -- some clearly Aather-inspired, some not -- and fantastical creatures. Unibunnasauruses, dragons, rockziles, robot whales, bee flats . . . you name it, it's there.

There's one big, comfortable bed with a small table beside it. A dreamcatcher, made of wood and beads and multicolored ribbons, hangs on the headboard; there's something strange about it. There are some wooden mobiles of animals hanging from the ceiling. Two heavy chests are pushed up against the foot of the bed. A green vine wreathes up one of the bedposts.

To the side are a comfortable-looking couch, a huge pile of pillows and some stuffed toys -- you might have seen that pile on the Aurora's deck before -- and another small table.

There's also a work area: a large set of shelves combined with a long desk and a cabinet. There are a few books and knickknacks on the shelves, including a brightly painted handmade birdhouse. Small sewing and carving projects litter the desk, along with a couple of sketchbooks, a copper box worked with designs, and a handful of particular-looking materials -- thin wooden struts, sheets of thin paper, and a small candle.

Lloyd's jacket is hung up, and Lloyd's and Mithos's boots are by the door; it's like they've stepped out for just a moment. The sheets on the bed are slightly mussed. The whole place feels pretty homey and lived-in, welcoming.

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

. . . they really do care for each other.

[seeing how lived in it looked made him ache juuust a bit for home, but at the same time, swell up with love . . . and just a bit of pride too and he closes the door back to a crack, just like before. It just felt like something that was best to leave it be.]

[to the other cracked door...]

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

A path leads away from the final door, into the hazy distance. Flowers and grass bloom around it in profusion as well . . . there are a lot of fandalias out here.

Mithos is standing on the path, something dark and struggling between his hands. He looks worried and tired, but he's standing strong. The presence, the intensity of this area, is centered in him.

He looks up at you and smiles. "Hey."

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

. . . hello, Mithos.

[approaching!]

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

He comes up the path to meet you.

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

[why do I feel more shy than normal]

Are you alright?

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

"It's been a bit rough . . . I'm feeling a lot better, though. You've been doing a lot."

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

Have I really . . . ? I feel like I've been petting things this whole time.

[Winter is secretly a glitch character]

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

H-he laughs. "It's me. D'you think petting doesn't help? -- oh, hey, you found this little guy."

The fox peeps and scarfs more securely around your neck.

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

Well, usually it's the other way around . . .

[ANYWAY]

He's really cute, isn't he? Does he have a name?

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

"Technically, he's got mine . . . d'you want to give him one?"

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

Is that really okay . . . ?

['^']

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

"Yeah . . . I wouldn't offer if it weren't, right?"

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

Mmm. I guess I'd have to come up with something pretty cute though.

[peeeeers at the fox '^']

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

It peers back, pricking those oversize ears.

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

Mmm.

[ponders]

Maybe Flurry?

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

Squeak rrrreee!

It nuzzles the side of your face, purring like a buzzsaw.

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

[oh noo it's cute .w.]

I guess Flurry it is . . .

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

"That's a good name. He's saying thanks..."

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

[scritching]

. . . I know.

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

"Haaah . . .

C'mere, Winter."

Re: [center - truth]

[bondingspirits]

[Oh no, this is dangerous isn't it. I guess I am coming over there anyway.]

Re: [center - truth]

[antreegonist]

It's okay he has a. Darkness blob in his hands. So he can't physically hug you yet!

But he leans into you, and feeling radiates out from him so strongly he might as well have gathered you in. Warmth. Love. You are not alone.