head in the clouds

I'm going to make a very beautiful life for myself no matter what it takes.

[dullahanxdaddy]

(ADELE HAENEL, UNKNOWN, SHE/HE/THEY) Have you seen [JOE HERSHEY] around Faerune? They’re a [FAE (DULLAHAN)] who [IS NEUTRAL ABOUT] restoring the Seelie Court. People have heard they’re [COMPASSIONATE, EASY-GOING, CLEVER] but can also be [AVOIDANT, ANXIOUS, SELF-DEPRECATING]. We’ll see where they fall when the revolution arrives, but until then they can be found working as a [EXPEDITIONIST/AVIATOR/BIG SAD GAY].

Meet Joe, they haven’t been in Faerune since the war which they noped out from because lol conflict? no, thank you.

They’ve been exploring the world for decades, spending a lot of time in the mountains or the jungle or off in the north pole.

Joe used to go exploring with others but after one too many of her comrades fell of the side of a cliff she figured out that maybe she was the common denominator and wow did that make her feel icky.

Spent some time posing as a man, flew some planes, navigated some boats. They were drawn to the name Joe because of how neutral it could be.

There are some records/photographs/newspaper articles written about them. Maybe a book or two. But really their expeditions have been lost to time which suits them just fine. Joe doesn’t really like being the center of attention.

Her steed’s soul now inhabits her 56 Harley Davidson Panhead Chopper. Her name is Lola and Joe loves her. ;v; I like to imagine her motorcycle acts akin to a Disney animal sidekick.

Loves to eat and cook and drink good alcohol. Joe has definitely done the eat, pray, love thing at least once.

They slept with a man once. Never again.

Currently staying in a motel with little more than a travel bag of belongings on them. They don’t even have a cell phone. They hadn’t really needed one until now.

She’s back in Faerune after needing to crash land in the Feywild. Wouldn’t be the first time. At least it was on land and not in the ocean. Take the bitter with the sweet y’know?

New Faerune is semi confusing to them but they’re trying to make the best of things since they’ll be stuck here until they can get the required parts to fix their plane.

An expert on running away from things like who she is and what is traditional for a dullahan to do.

Is known to take off her head if she doesn’t want to listen to something.

Touch starved. She’s been alone for so long. She wants to go on a date damn it! Someone tell her she’s handsome ;n;

The only very personal belongings she takes with her everywhere include: a photo book (she will happily show you her collection of old photographs to anyone who asks); a worn 1940s leather bomber jacket; an ancient compass she still uses. The original gps.

[dullahanxdaddy]

likewanderingstars​:

“Being a nomad and avoiding people are two different things.” She reminded them. She let Joe share her concerns before tilting her head. “Edgar? Why are you worried about him? I spoke with him earlier-” 

She didn’t get to finish her sentence as the ground beneath them trembled. Elizabeth was on her feet in an instant, her hearing catching… something. It was overwhelmed by shouting coming from the shoreline. The lake rippled oddly and regressed rapidly. Her eyes went wide. “Get away from the shoreline!” She yelled.

There was no way to be prepared for what happened. No amount of police or care would have prepared them for this. The crystals exploded skywards and Elizabeth didn’t even have time to be horrified before she was yanked backwards. It took her a moment to realise Joe had grabbed her and was bolting into the trees, back in the direction of the city. “No!” She struggled against their hold. Fighting desperately as she watched the water rain down where they had been sat. 

Once her feet managed to regain purchase on the ground she dug in and shoved Joe off. “Don’t touch me!” She screamed before being spoken over by the booming voice of their new ruler. Sobbing Elizabeth fell to her knees. Everything she had worked for. Everything she had put her entire life and soul into. Gone. Now she was little more than a glorified prisoner.

xxx

When Joe grabbed her it had been a selfish thought. If he were honest, Elizabeth was one of perhaps three people Joe cared about in this city.

And ultimately, if it came to it, Joe would pick Elizabeth over anyone else.

But Faerune was important to her. That much was clear. So he would make it important to him. He had barely let her go when she fell to the ground. Joe didn’t care very much about what Opal was saying -- this wasn’t going to change his life but it turned Elizabeth’s upside down. A sharp pain radiated through his chest.

“...” Joe wanted to call out to her but stayed silent instead, lowering to his own knees beside the weeping woman, “What do you want me to do?” He glanced at the scrambling people before whistling for Lola who sped through the trees, “Do you want me to get as many people away from the water as I can?” He would do whatever it was she wanted if it meant stopping her tears from falling... Not that Joe felt he could do much for Elizabeth right now other than let her grieve. Lola pulled to a stop beside him, “-- And then I can take you home? Or... Wherever it is you need to be.”

[dullahanxdaddy]

edgarwayne​:

Edgar stared at the dullahan, mouth gaping slightly.  As Joe suggested leaving he kicked himself into gear and rapidly shook his head.  “No, no!  You’re fine, really.  I just…wasn’t expecting that.  Do…you want to go somewhere else?  I can’t imagine you’re comfortable near the lake right now.”

xxx

“Sorry. -- Sorry. I’ve gone and said too much. You’re such a sweet soul and I keep involving you in my bad habits. -- Ooh, don’t be silly, I’m never comfortable. Mm...” Joe waved a hand. “I do realize, in retrospect, that sounds quite sad doesn’t it? What if I spun my head on my finger like a basketball, that’s fun and quirky. Alternatively I could juggle. Would that make this better or no?”

[dullahanxdaddy]

likewanderingstars​:

-

“Not me. Not while I’m working.” She murmured, glancing over at them. “Interacting with mortals isn’t going to kill them, Joe. Besides, here in faerune some of the mortal species can live over a century. That’s the power of the feywild. Many of them don’t realise. They think it’s luck or good genetics but they’re all infused with the magic of this plain of existence now.”

She reached for the drink Joe had set down for her. “You don’t have to hide from anyone here.”

xxx

Joe turned their head to look at Elizabeth’s profile.

“Don’t you think, perhaps, they may be of some use, Elisabetta? -- You interacting with mortals isn’t going to kill them... (Unless you go out of your way I suppose).” He settled back again, replacing the sunglasses over their eyes. “I’ve not exactly had great luck with keeping people alive.” Again, he glanced at Elizabeth, lifting his chin in quiet amusement.

“If I didn’t think you’d end me first I’d be worried about us spending this much time together.” He took a swig of beer, “I’ve been enjoying it. Even when you’re mean to me.”

Joe didn’t seem convinced by her statement however. Like the old man that he was his response at first was nothing more than a short, gruff huff.

“I, actually, enjoy hiding. It’s a skill, really. And, you know, it’s trendy now? The nomadic lifestyle...” Another long pause, letting minutes pass by before continuing: “...The vampire Wayne? He teaches at the university..? I worry him, I’m sure. I don’t like worrying people.”

[spacedmar]

A concept: eating fresh fruit on a balcony in Greece during the golden hour with little or no clothing on, hair tied in a bun, wine in my glass, the beach close by

[likewanderingstars]

Elizabeth was practically asleep. It has been a moment since anyone has spoken to her and so she was quiet and zen and dozing in the heat. Her attention was caught however as she heard someone settle into the lounger next to her on her private deck. There were very few who would even dare so she wasn’t surprised when she opened her eyes and saw Joe there. “We’re socialising in public now. How interesting. Some may even mistake me for having emotions.” @dullahanxdaddy​

[dullahanxdaddy]

Joe was trying to be quiet, ready to leave Elizabeth’s drink by her lounger and take a nap himself when she spoke. A smirk pulled at his lips, lowering his aviator’s over his eyes as he settled back.

“Everyone has emotions, Elisabetta.” Joe took a swig from his beer bottle, “…Isn’t it better I stay here anyway? Away from…” he motioned a hand towards the people, then wet his bottom lip in thought. “……Do you remember when you told me you hadn’t taken time for yourself since we were last together?” Turning his head to glance at her before returning his gaze to the clouds, “I scolded you. But that wasn’t quite fair, no? Seeing as this is the first time I’ve been around people again since… Oh, it’s been decades.” He watched the laughter and joyous water gun splashing, “Some of their lives are so short... I don’t like to expedite the process if I can help it.”

@likewanderingstars

[dullahanxdaddy]

“— At any rate, this was during my short stint playing professional baseball in the ‘40’s. The guys dragged me to the lake — I said I didn’t want to go, see, but they were adamant. We’d go, listen to the radio, grill up some brats… It was fixing to be a gas so I caved but,” a sigh, “Then Anderson (he was our pitcher) got himself tangled up in some netting at the bottom of the lake, trying to get at some jewelry down there for the missus and, well, never came back up. Real shame, I’ll never forgive myself for that one. That was the last time I’ve been to an event like this.”

He took a swig of beer.

“Well, now I’m sad, Edgar. In fact, this is all very upsetting. Perhaps I should go…”

@edgarwayne

[dullahanxdaddy]

Joe was enjoying himself at this event. It’d… been a long time since they’d allowed themselves to go to something like this and so far there hadn’t been any… tragic mistakes.

He smiled when he caught sight of a familiar face sat by her lonesome on a cute little gingham blanket.

“Enjoying the scenery, love?” He asked, offering Melon a slice of pie he had swiped from Buttons, “Don’t tell Buttons you got this from me.” With a wink Joe sat leaning back and propping themselves up on their forearms. “No one has taken me up on my offer to toss my head around like a beach ball. Couldn’t tell you why.”

@ofterrafirma

[dullahanxdaddy]

Not Joe dressed like Tom Selleck/Somebody’s dad at this lake event…

[dullahanxdaddy]

likewanderingstars​:

-

“Yes well I happen to like responsibility. I like my home. It’s not my fault that everything is going to shit.” She snapped to herself as she poured Joe a glass. She set it aside on the counter as she took a shaky breath to calm herself. 

She had been about to tell Joe there was nothing he could do to help when she felt their hands on her shoulders. “I don’t need…” She started to protest but her body relaxed involuntarily and she let her head fall forward, hands bracing against the counter. 

Elizabeth closed her eyes as she tried her hardest not to make a noise. It had been a second since she’d gotten a massage and she knew she was tense.

“Probably the last time we saw each other. Faerune is coming into the modern era. I’ve been too busy to take a break and now…” She let out a sigh. “You’ve been here less than five minutes. Are you trying to seduce me already?”

xxx

“I never said it was, chouchou.” Joe hummed. Elizabeth could snap at him all she wanted. It was fine; she was obviously stressed (and Joe was used to it). “You’re so hard on yourself...”

How easy it was to pick up where they left off. Things were different and the same. It wasn’t like Elizabeth just melted for Joe when they first met of anything. It took time to soften her. And Joe knew when it was worth it to be patient. Elizabeth was worth it.

“You’ve been too busy for almost a century? Elisabetta...” Joe chided, letting her hands slide from Elizabeth’s back to pick up the offered wine glass, “Seduce you? No. Comfort you in whatever form you desire? Perhaps.” a small (if a little cheeky) smile, “Have you ever considered that your satisfaction is enough for me?” He asked, before motioning with his head, “Where do you want to do this? I can’t give you a proper massage standing.” He held up his free hand, “No strings. Perhaps I’ll put you to sleep with stories of Bora Bora, hm?”

[likewanderingstars]

dullahanxdaddy​:

xxx

“Why Elizabeth,” Joe responded, slipping his hands into his jumpsuit’s pockets “When have I ever had a plan?”

They poked their tongue into their cheek. Joe knew they should stop there but… wouldn’t.

“You used to like my spontaneity.”

 When the woman stepped aside Joe smiled but quickly forced it back. He eyes trailed over the nape of Elizabeth’s neck.

“…You’re stressed.”She closed the door behind them. Work was one thing, but Joe had been under the impression that Elizabeth could rule this entire town with her eyes closed if she wanted. Paperwork, surely, wasn’t the issue. “Why?”

-

Elizabeth did her best not to roll her eyes at him. Last thing she wanted to do was bring up the past their affair had lasted one summer and it had stayed there. Elizabeth had then returned to Faerune and continued on if they had never met. Of course she had received Joe’s letters but with no way to reply she had kept them away.

“Well, I’m fairly sure there is an underground group of terrorists planning to kill me and my colleagues, get rid of the council, and take over faerune. Oh and one of their spies may or may not be a council member. Of that i’m unsure.” She told them as she walked through to the kitchen. “Wine?”

She grabbed a bottle of white out of the fridge and poured herself a glass. “So I’m working from home instead of being in the office like I would usually.”

[dullahanxdaddy]

Sure it was only that one summer, but Elizabeth was a vampire. Her lifespan was far longer and consisted of multiple more experiences than your average human.

It said something she still remembered it.

Joe followed her into the kitchen trying their hardest not to make a face that read ‘yikes.’

“This is why I never stay in one place for too long. You’re free from all this… responsibility then. You have so much on your shoulders, dove…” Day drinking was a new development for Elizabeth. It almost… worried them. She was always so in control. “— I won’t have you drink alone.”

Speaking of shoulders, Elizabeth’s were tense. “Is there anything I can do to help?”Joe would take the risk, moving behind Elizabeth while she poured the wine, “— Easy. If I’m not helping I’ll stop...” He laid his hands down on her shoulders, massaging their thumbs into her back. It was like trying to massage a rock. Elizabeth had always been quite cold — stoic and unforgiving — but Joe definitely didn’t remember it being this bad. There was an extra layer of stress weighing the woman down.

“When was the last time you took a break? Seriously?”

[dullahanxdaddy]

likewanderingstars​:

-

“So your plan was to show up unannounced on my doorstep, ramble for ten minutes and then talk yourself out of actually visiting with me?” She questioned, an unimpressed look on her face. Perhaps others would expect Elizabeth to just send them away. She was known for being cold, unmoving, a creature of solitude for the most part. She and Joe had history though. 

With a sigh Elizabeth stepped to the side so she could let Joe in. She didn’t really feel safe going out but she could take company at home at least. It saved her having to call someone. “Come in before I change my mind.”

xxx

“Why Elizabeth,” Joe responded, slipping his hands into his jumpsuit’s pockets “When have I ever had a plan?”

They poked their tongue into their cheek. Joe knew they should stop there but... wouldn’t.

“You used to like my spontaneity.”

 When the woman stepped aside Joe smiled but quickly forced it back. He eyes trailed over the nape of Elizabeth’s neck.

“...You’re stressed.”She closed the door behind them. Work was one thing, but Joe had been under the impression that Elizabeth could rule this entire town with her eyes closed if she wanted. Paperwork, surely, wasn’t the issue. “Why?”

[dullahanxdaddy]

edgarwayne​:​

Edgar had joined the other simply for the fact that the diner was full and the dullahan seemed lonely.  His eyebrows shot up as he silently watched their poor diet shine through.  He blinked slowly, not fully comprehending the offer at first.  “Oh, no, thank you.  Um….”  His gaze shot to the coffee mug.  “That can’t possibly be good for you.”  

Granted, the vampire didn’t know the first thing about how much caffeine non-humans could ingest, but certainly an energy drink added to coffee was a bit much.  Even his heart hurt slightly at the thought of so much caffeine, and he didn’t have a pulse!

xxx

Joe appreciated the company (even if this man seemed like a worry-wart).

He did find the other man’s observation slightly amusing though.

“Surely not, but I can also take my head square off my shoulders which arguably can’t be healthy either, can it?” he took another bite of the pastry, “I am admittedly a bit of an adrenaline junkie... Perhaps too much so. This does very little in comparison to say, cliff jumping and the like... You don’t seem the type to enjoy cliff jumping, do you?” Joe looked at the can of the energy drink, eyes scanning the brightly covered packaging.

“Everything is far more colorful than I remember it being.” They were briefly distracted by a teen speeding by on a hoverboard, “Jesus Christ, what hell was that?” He looked over his shoulder watching the kid make their way down the sidewalk through the big glass window, “...Everything is far more high tech than I remember too. I don’t understand how you all keep up.” it honestly exasperated Joe, and it showed on their face. “I was told to purchase a cellular phone but I’m still not quite sure about the idea.”

[dullahanxdaddy]

ofterrafirma​:​

melon surely hadn’t noticed her hen’s disappearance, having already collected eggs that morning and had been working her fields since. when the knock comes to her door, she had been sitting down to lunch. the door opens, and she first looks curiously at the person at her door, a brow quirked–and then her eyes fall to what’s in their arms.

“oh, come on, hendiana jones,” she scolds, “you weren’t supposed to live up to your name. this is the third time this month you’ve gone out on an adventure.” she takes the bird from the stranger and holds her gentle like hamburger, before tucking her under her arm. “i don’t sell jams,” she says, reaching out and taking one of joe’s hands happily, “but you should come in! i was just having lunch, i’ll be happy to make some extra.”

xxx

Stars immediately formed in Joe’s eyes.

“Hendiana Jones. That’s absolutely the most adorable thing I’ve ever heard.” She released the hen back to her owner, chuckling “-- A woman after my own heart. That’s quite good, isn’t it? Three whole times, and the month’s just began. -- Oh...” Joe blinked in surprise when they were pulled inside, a surprised chuckle falling from his lips, “I wouldn’t want to impose but if you insist -- Should I take my boots off?” She asked hopping on her left foot regardless to undo the laces on her right. Joe wouldn’t want to track in any mud.

“-- My name is Joe, by the by. I’m fixing up my plane not too far from here.” they liked how bubbly this woman was, it was exciting to suddenly be whisked off into a cute little cottage after returning an escaped chicken. Like something out of a fairy tale, “I’ve been introduced to Hendiana Jones but I still don’t know her the name of her lovely owner. I would like to thank the host if I could. Do let me help with something at the very least.”

[mytarnishedsilver]

(( continued from here ))

“Oh hell, whadda know,” Alex said, taking the square and dabbing at the edge of her mouth to find that there was, indeed, some lipstick there. “I must’ve had my eyes closed when I did my makeup this morning, eh? Thanks, stranger. You smoke?” She held her pack of cigarettes out to Joe. “It’s cool if you don’t, I always offer just in case, ya know? Feel free to tell me to fuck off too, I know I came at you kinda hot and heavy there.”

(( @dullahanxdaddy​ ))

[dullahanxdaddy]

Joe smirked, shaking their head.

“Why, I wouldn’t say that. I think you look lovely with or without the lipstick smudge.” She hummed at the sight of the cigarettes, “I used to more than I do now, admittedly.” Back when Joe flew WWI aircrafts she couldn’t go a day without multiple. “-- But what the hell, eh? When in Rome.” he took a cigarette graciously, offering a bright laugh, “Now why would I do that? You’ve just offered me a cigarette. Thank you by the way.” Joe placed it between her lips, speaking around it, “Hot and heavy does not deter me, no worries, love.

It’s Joe, by the way. Pleasure.”

[dullahanxdaddy]

likewanderingstars​:

-

Elizabeth hadn’t thought she’d see Joe ever again or at least not for a century or two. With the fae always travelling and Elizabeth having her commitments there wasn’t exactly much shared space between them. They looked… Like Joe. She felt herself trying to resist a frown as she spotted the others dirty boots and overalls. She listened to them ramble on and on about their plan and wondered if he had anything reasonable to say to her at all. After a moment Elizabeth realised she had zoned out and Joe was trying to leave. 

“Wait.” Now Joe was a fragment of her past she kept to herself. That summer was one unmarred by politics. She hadn’t needed to be a councilmember or elder. She had just been Elizabeth. “What are you doing here Joe? I was of the opinion you didn’t care much for Faerune.”

xxx

There wasn’t always very much shared space between them, no, but sometimes there was; despite her travels Joe did miss the comfort that came with such security. Not that they ever made those thoughts known. Jumping from country to country was just easier. Being around people was too much of a liability.

Joe paused mid turn when Elizabeth called out.

“I...I don’t, no. It’s...” She ran a hand over her neck, “I wasn’t intending on staying but I had plane trouble. Old girl’s pretty beat up, unfortunately. And securing the proper parts has been a bit of a hassle.” The Feywild always reminded Joe of how shit he was at what he was supposed to do and Jack being here too didn’t help. But he left that part out for now. “So I thought I might stop by for a visit. -- Well, I didn’t think it through very much considering...” He motioned to his body. “--But I’d be out of my mind if I didn’t come see you, Mouse. You know that.”

A pause.

“I understand you’re a very busy woman but perhaps I could convince you to pencil me into your schedule? I’ll clean up and we could hit the town -- Or, we can crack open a bottle of red I’ve been holding on from Puente Alto. For old time’s sake?” Then no one has to see you with me. Joe thought, but kept to themselves. The last thing they wanted to do was embarrass Elizabeth. They thought highly of her before her appointed role, now even more so.

[dullahanxdaddy]

mattiecline​:

Mattie couldn’t help but look at them and roll her eyes before turning her attention to her friend who slipped into her booth. “Don’t worry I got this.”She whispered before standing up and walking over to one of the men and telling him something that scared him enough to tell his friends to stop.

“There now you can eat your pie in peace with me of course, how have you been?”She asked with a smile appearing on her lips.

xxx

Joe watched Mattie go sipping her drink with piqued intrest.

“Now I want to know what you’ve told them. -- Should I take my head off for good measure?” She exhaled slowly at the question, “Ohhhh, you know. I’ve been in the same location for more than a couple of weeks now and I’m beginning to get hives. I’m beginning to wonder if my unyielding need for escapism is something I might talk with a professional about but that of course would then open up quite the can of worms regarding my dysphoric view of my species as well and to be honest, love, I’d much rather run until the end of eternity.” 

He shrugged, “But these are all personal problems I can and will continue to ignore. What about you, then? It’s been a while.”