[secretsofthedwn]

(taz skylar, 30 (400), callum garnett, cismale, he/him ) Underneath the sparkling sky, did you see TAZ SKYLAR being tipped by the Cauldron? No, that's just CALLUM GARNETT, who is the KEEPER OF SECRETS from DAWN. I heard that on most days they're ERNEST and DEDICATED but if you catch them on a dark night, they can be STUBBORN and SELFLESS TO A FAULT. But if you really get to know them, you'll know that they vibe with LATE NIGHTS AT WORK, A FIRST AIDE KIT AND A LISTENING EAR

BASICS

FULL NAME: Callum Garnett

AGE: 400

COURT: Dawn Court

GENDER: Cismale

PRONOUNS: He/Him

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Bisexual

TITLE: Keeper of Secrets

FACECLAIM: Taz Skylar

tw: death

as a former retired general of the court, callum's father found nothing more difficult than trying to figure out a way to relate to his son, all of the hopes and expectations of having another boy he can help train and build up to get to where he once was as a family legacy, easily falling away once he realized his son shied away from even just using a wooden sword, being perfectly content with sitting in the sidelines with his books and letting a caterpillar inch up his arm with gentle wonder as all his cousins and their friends played 'war' gleefully. and truth be told he really did prefer his mother at the end of the day anyway. she wasn't as gruff as everyone else, allowing him to be who he was with no expectations, and always willing to listen to all the rich histories that he read about in his books, that sweet nurturing support only growing his passions and interest in it all, no matter how different that made him in the garnett clan, an extended family filled with soldiers.

once she grew ill callum was there at her bedside every day, doing all he could to give back to the woman that had given him everything, but the healing magic and medicinal meals really only went so far. when she passed it felt like he had lost the most important person in the world to him, now he and his dad the only two the immediate family had left. the strain on their relationship now weighed with what they had lost. callum usually tries to keep his distance, knowing he isn't what his father had in mind as he watched him train his male cousins, and eventually watch them earn titles while he found all his passions and reverence for history make a perfect fit as the keeper of secrets in the temple of the court. things are good...he has a job that he loves and has found other people who appreciate him as he is, but in spite of himself he still silently wants understanding from the man who doesn't know how to reach him in ways they both need.

[flreclouds]

zaina eyes the box of pastries, maybe a bit too eagerly, appreciating that dorian was already ahead of that and therefore they don’t have to wait in line or something. she grins, “i’m sure it’s a lovely selection, then.” her smile is genuine, no signs of strain on it, with the anticipation for their day. between getting to be with callum and getting to have a day that is almost out of their imagined vacation — she wouldn’t mind a vacation where they do invite friends along for parts either — and getting to know one of his friends better, she’s genuinely happy. even though they’re looking for answers to a problem that seems to only get worse whenever they seem to get any new information on it.  she squeezes cal’s hand in response, a blush slipping across her own face as well at dorian’s comment, biting her lip a little. it still feels unreal. and she’s glad they’re moving slow, even if she’d like it to not be influenced by everything going on. she didn’t want to rush things. but she pulls herself from the thoughts, knowing there’s more important things to focus on even though she wants to have the time to just coast along on the excitement and newness. she lets callum lead them, nodding when he says he offered starlight’s keeper of secrets to look through their own archives and libraries should he ever visit. “even just any information at all on the asteri could be useful, since we know next to nothing.” she says. “it is curious how they’ve survived, when so many of us do rely on our trade agreements with other courts… i wonder how much reliance they’ve had on hybern, or if they’ve been mostly self-sufficient.” she muses, head tilting.

@dorianeldrich @secretsofthedwn

[dorianeldrich]

As they all start walking together towards the temple, a place Dorian hasn't visited in a while in this or any court, he hums at his friends words. As far as he knows, and according to all the fae in his life that have lied to him, Hybern were their only allies and the only ones who knew they existed. "Hybern definitely kept their secret no matter what. But it's not like they never came to the land. We just didn't know where they were from." His tone a little bitter because one of his former partners was, in fact not just from Starlight but a Lord.

He is definitely not offering the same courtesy to the Keeper of Secrets from Starlight as the Dawn fae are. His High Lady would probably have his head if he did without consulting the inner circle. "Hm, that's kind of you. I do hope he doesn't expect the same from kindness from me. I can offer him a cinnamon bun if he likes and that's about it." Or perhaps even something more fun. "I do have to admit I'm excited about snooping around their archives. I found some old books when we were all stuck in Winter that looked like no one had touched them in centuries. Maybe I'll have the same luck here."

@flreclouds @secretsofthedwn

[secretsofthedwn]

unable to keep from catching the tone in his friend's voice and how sure he happened to sound in his words as well, callum's brows raised just a bit, head tilting to the side as he processes the information, unsure for a second if it was something he should ask about now or what once they were fully inside. "...a-are you implying that their showing up for the event in winter wasn't there first time traveling to the rest of prythian? that's...surprising. I'd love to hear more about that later, actually...if I may?"

the man silently offers her squeeze with two of his own, unable to wipe off the smile that only grows just that bit wider at the action, and hey nods along to her thoughts on the asteri. callum wasn't sure what there was for anyone to expect with this newer group that had just been...announced? implicated? it truly was just one thing after the other and he was finding it harder to keep up. he only cracks a smile as dorian says all he's willing to offer is the treat, finding his blatant honesty nice amidst all the secrets that kept coming out. "yes. yes! that's why I wanted to extend the invitation! I want you to take a crack at whatever you can find. I knew you'd be just as excited about it as i'd be...shall we?"

@flreclouds @dorianeldrich

[courtlights]

☆ﾟ*·ﾟTHE LIBRARY WAS Devon's safe space and always had been. In there, he could protect everything there was to know about Starlight. And with his magic, he did just that. He'd glamoured every bit of the library, making sure everyone else only saw what he wanted them to see. Not many people came in, so when he heard footsteps, Devon was immediately on edge. He turned around, ready to glamour himself and turn out the lights when he realized he couldn't, not anymore. Swearing under his breath, he ran to the front, standing in the foyer, staring at someone he didn't recognize. "How did you get in here? What can you see? Why are you here?" Devon interrogated him, and didn't care if it frightened the other.

@secretsofthedwn

[secretsofthedwn]

after getting over the initial shock and anxiety of everything that had happened to all of the fae thus far with losing their magic, the asteri being introduced along with the ground splitting open before them all, callum had finally decided to go and try to do research at the libraries of starlight, like he had mentioned to zaina he wanted to do. there had to be a reason the court had been revealed to the rest of them, why they were all now stuck here with them, and the dawn fae wanted to give them as much of the benefit of the doubt as their high lady. he was hoping if he came bearing gifts (the honey pies that were made from the stellaria kitchens that he couldn't seem to put down) it would make him seem more approachable, but that was quickly proven to be a bit of a harder task when the other man suddenly stood in front of him, and callum's eyes widen instantly as he looks him over in surprise.

"i-i...i'm callum garnett...from the dawn court...I come in peace...with sweets!" he lifts up the basket with a hesitant smile before quickly offering his hand in greeting. "i-i am my own court's keeper of secrets. I was only interested in...hearing about your court's history...nothing more than that, I promise. I was only curious and was directed this way when I asked..."

[flreclouds]

waking up is slow, mind still hazy as she blinks away the sleep from her eyes. she shifts, reaching out to callum when she realises she’s not curled up against him, and pouts when she finds the bed empty, shifting to look towards the door to her bathing chamber, but she doesn’t hear him, so she slips out of bed, pulling her dressing gown around her because getting properly dressed seemed like too much work when she’s still not fully awake. she’s been spoiled, getting to wake up to him more often than not since they had admitted their feelings, and she would rather stay in their little bubble of happy than have to deal with the threats held over the courts. she makes her way through the corridors, and she’s hit with a wonderful smell of food so she follows it, stepping into the kitchen. she smiles when she spots callum, but she does feel a bit bad that she didn’t stay in bed when he says he wanted to surprise her. “i couldn’t help it, i missed you,” she feigns a pout, but is very careful to keep her eyes on him and not what he’s working on as she steps closer. she reaches up to pull him closer so she can press a kiss to his lips, and then she moves to lean against the counter, still watching him and not the food. “it smells amazing. i promise not to look?” she offers with a smile.

[secretsofthedwn]

he lets out a soft huff as he looks her over, shaking his head as he playfully tsks at her, matching her pout and tilting his head as he eagerly reaches out for her as zaina moves closer to him. this was exactly where he wished to stay. not trying to seek answers or solve the mysteries behind the new courts, just here, in this happy little bubble had created after having admitted feelings. for each other. he didn't understand how he had gotten so lucky but he wasn't about to be an idiot about it, either, so instead, the dawn fae wraps his arms around her waist and nods along teasingly to her mentioning how she missed him. "mm. well just. imagine. how. i. felt." he emphasizes each word with a small peck after he kisses her back, placing a hand on her check and tucking some hair behind her ear. "did you sleep alright? it was almost too hard for me to leave the bed, personally, so...if you pinky promise, maybe you can stay...because otherwise you'd be too far away now that I know you're awake." callum lightly eyes her expectantly, holding up a pinky for her to take. "I will say though, I made pancakes, but then thought maybe you'd prefer waffles? or french toast? I can eagerly do all three even, if you ask it!...I think I might even send some of this over to virgil, too if he'd accept it...just as a thank you for keeping you safe. I know it's his job and title to do so, but still. a little appreciation goes a long way, i think...even if he does intimidate me...a lot. but that's probably what makes him so good at his job, and i'm grateful!"

[secretsofthedwn]

CLOSED: @flreclouds (zaina)

callum is whistling to himself as he maneuvers his way through the kitchen, it was early in the morning, sneaking his way out of the room that zaina had been smuggling him into now even more after the pair had shifted from friends to...this. and don't get callum wrong...as much as he loved them as friends, he loved them as this. and he wanted to do something to brighten her day just a bit after having all the information thrown at them of their powers, and the asteri's existence. it felt like each day brought something new, each more stressful than the last. so, once he found his way out and somewhat successfully talked the kitchen staff near the dawn suite out to let him make the high lady breakfast himself, he was off, in an apron that he had found, eggs, bacon and sausage already being worked on, and he was in the process of trying to perfect heart shaped pancakes he hoped to have with mixed fruit and whipped cream when he heard footsteps nearing the doorway, eyes wide as he turned back with a pout on his lips. "no no no, not yet! I wanted to surprise you in bed!" despite his whine, he can't help the way his dimples fully come out in a wide grin, still, just at the sight of her as he tries to cover the oven with his body to keep from spoiling it all too much.

[secretsofthedwn]

CLOSED: @solisdomina

after having lost their magic one of the first people that came to callum's mind to check up on was dawn's high priestess. they had been close friends for so long, and he cared for her deeply, like the sister he never had, and he knew how much her ability as a seer took out of her, so he just wanted to make sure she was okay, knocking on the door of her suite in their dawn section of stellaria, letting out a soft sigh of relief once he got to see her properly. "lia." his eyes instinctively roam around her to make sure she was alright from first glance. "how...how are you feeling? is there anything I can do for you?"

[rotblut]

Oregano is for savages.

Taz Skylar as "Black Leg" Vinsmoke Sanji ONE PIECE (2023) ☠ 1.06 "The Chef and the Chore Boy"

[flreclouds]

she’s excited to get to see the temple, even if she’s still sad that it’s under these circumstances. and worried that something will happen to their court, their friends, family, everyone else. and worried about losing their powers, even if she still can fight without magic. but not being able to access her magic, her daemati abilities, she’s so anxious over it. she just keeps telling herself they’ll figure it out. she laces her fingers through callum’s as they walk towards the spot they’d planned to meet dorian, a slight bounce to her step in her clear excitement for the day, despite her anxiety. but she shakes herself from the thought before they turn the corner and she tries to act mostly normal as dorian comes into view, and she smiles brightly at the autumn faerie. “good morning!” she hums, “i admittedly was distracted and forgot if you told me where the bakery we were going to before the library was,” she admits as she looks up at cal.

@dorianeldrich @secretsofthedwn

[dorianeldrich]

"Morning, my darlings!" And as if on cue, Dorian is lifting up by his finger a box tied up with a string. He grins. The emissary had been walking around the village most of the morning, killing some time. The vibe at the inn was not it. Even if he didn't have his seer powers, Dorian was still a little sensitive to other fae's energies and whatever was coming off from the other residents wasn't sitting well. He couldn't blame them, they were truly going through trying, terrifying times but Dorian wasn't one to just sit around scared and do nothing. He was far to pretty to just sit and rot.

"Hope you don't mind, I picked a bit of everything I like." His time in the Starlight village wasn't wasted on the fae. For the past month, he had found his favourite shops and made friends with the vendors by batting his pretty lashes and flirting his way through discounts and freebies. "I see you two lovebirds have decided to come out in the open with your love." Dorian points between the two of them and their joint hands, then sighs dramatically. "Ah, must be nice." But he recovers swiftly, a smile quickly growing over his lips as he joins their side. "Lead the way!"

@flreclouds @secretsofthedwn

[secretsofthedwn]

"good morning." it felt nice, having a real smile that fully met callum's eyes as he stands next to zaina, fingers locked with her's as they met dorian together, and blushes a little at the comment from the autumn fae, lightly scratching at the back of his neck while lightly squeezing zaina's hand. it was kind of surreal, having known her for so long now, and in the middle of all the chaos this all just...happened. they were taking small steps of course, there was still more important things at stake but he was still giddy all the same, but their meeting wasn't about an update on their relationship. it was to follow through with finding answers, what Callum had been itching to do since they were all winnowed to starlight, and now it felt more important than ever after the new threat had called out the forgotten court, maybe there was something to be found out about that? whatever there was to be shared the keeper of secrets was ready, grateful that the two were here to join so he didn't have to get too in his head about the last time he had entered a temple.

"now, I never discriminate when it comes to sweets." he makes a pointed yet playful face, sure he would be more than grateful with whatever the other had brought along with him. "honestly i'm just glad we're all able to do this now. I spoke with the keeper of secrets, he very much keeps to himself but he didn't mind us having a look through the archives and the libraries and I offered him the same were he to ever make his way to dawn." he starts moving forward. "my goal was to get to an understanding their history a little more, how they happened to survive on their own for so long...anything that may point as to why they could've been targeted by the asteri would be helpful as well, if we find anything..."

@flreclouds @dorianeldrich

[flreclouds]

her smile brightens when he starts to go into the details of the day, nodding as he speaks, knowing that anything he plans will be lovely even in the middle of all of this chaos, “yes, i do think we may have met but have not had much chance to know each other,” she says, “pastries sound good. and we can do a little bit of sightseeing in between things if we need a break,” she adds. “that would be smart. in case we do forget anything.”  she shakes her head at his response, fingers ghosting over the pink on his cheeks, “nonsense. you are the most wonderful. i don’t know how i got to be so lucky.” she murmurs, her own voice quiet as well. even though they’re alone save for snowdrop still hidden away, it feels natural to remain quiet. she strokes her thumb along his cheek.  she wants to stay in this moment — this little bubble where it’s just them and they are able to focus on each other instead of the horrors outside — for as long as she can. she smiles brightly at him when he leans in more, nodding. “watch the locals and see where they go. find the most authentic places and not the tourist traps.” she muses, humming. “stay in for a lazy day of cuddling and breakfast in bed and just existing.” she says. she hopes he would be okay with sharing a bed, knowing that she’d want to be as close as she could as much as he’ll allow her. she is glad that callum is who he is. she would not trade him for anyone, and she hates that his father doesn’t appreciate him, when there is so much more to life than fighting. their court would not be the way it is if they did not value everyone. she means every word, because he is such a wonderful friend to all of them, has been so good to her in all of their time together. she blushes more at his compliment, biting her lip a little. she’s never cared too much about the scars, but she finds that she does care what he thinks. “thank you.” she’d wanted this so long, and she absolutely forgets how to function for a moment, but starts to pull back when she realises he’s not responding, not wanting to overstep. mind immediately going to the worry that she's ruined their friendship. but then when he follows her, the sound he makes as he does, and she forgets how to think, just pressing herself closer when he grasps at her hip, arms curling around his neck and shifting so she can press against him, fingers slipping into his hair as she does.

[secretsofthedwn]

"he's quickly nodding along as she speaks, already mentally planning to meet with autumn's emissary as soon as they finish their talk here. "yeah, yeah, okay! I can go find Dorian later and let him know of our plans...was there anyone else you've spoken to that might be of any assistance to us? as we figure out what we do from here? i'lll follow your lead and your judgement, always."

his eyes now look like a puppy's as his brows furrow, looking up at her as she strokes his cheek, feeling it burn even more under her touch, but he doesn't pull away despite his embarrassment. "lucky...your friendship means the world to me, you know that? you mean the world to me." his voice still just as quiet, and he almost brings her hand back to his lips to kiss again but he's already losing his composure here.

his smile is soft and so adoring as he listens, glad to hear that she's on board with this little hypothetical of theirs, and a part of him aches to be there right now, with her, like that, where nothing else would matter, and he could just be near here because he wanted to, and not just because he's too anxious to be near anyone else after what had happened in the winter temple. "I promise you once we get out of here i'll do what I can to make that happen for you...to give you a moment not to be our high ruler we love and trust...but just zaina. and i'm honored just zaina wants me there, too."

he's head is left empty once again as she blushes deeper and he's sat there, taking in the fact that he did that. now sure he looks like an enamored idiot as he just gazes back at her, unable to help himself. "I really like it when you blush...is it alright that I say that?

he finally exhales, blissfully as he feels her hand tangling into his hair, unable to keep from breaking the kiss momentarily because he's now smiling so wide, tugging at her a little more as his lips go back to her's, because wow, could he get used to this. he's now lifting her up slightly as her arms wrap around his neck and callum is in awe of her in a completely new way, leaning in more as he tries to stay in her space as much as possible, breathe in her air, stay near now that he knew this was also what she wanted. he's dazed once pulling back a second for air, panting, cheeks fully pink as he tries to memorize how she looks right now to memory. "i've been so in my head about all these feelings, I didn't know where to put it, and I mean you're the high lady, and i'm just--" he interrupts his own rambles with a breathy laugh. "I mean i'm just me but there's nothing more I want than your happiness and safety and i am just the luckiest man alive even just to know you."

[flreclouds]

she is trying not to let current events make her distrust courts she has previously worked well with, and even not knowing starlight, they seem just as lost. she intends to speak to their high lady, has already had a bit of an awkward interaction with their second in command who seemed a bit spooked but was polite… sort of. and it would be more beneficial to at least try to learn more before deciding, either way. but she still thinks back to what had happened to callum in winter, and she’s reluctant to send him anywhere alone when she wants to keep him safe. which is easier if she is with him. “i would love to join you. yes, if you have someone from autumn you trust.” as much as she and catalina may not be friends, she can respect her as a leader since she knows she’s been preparing for the role since before taking it on. “hm, maybe we all need to discuss what information we want to share. if they have specific information they want, we can always discuss it before giving it to them. or if they want protection or alliances, we can decide what we are all willing to agree to.” she offers, humming softly at the feel of his thumb running over her hand. “i can’t. you’re just too lovely.” she says, eyes following the movement as he glances down at her lips. she wants to just exist in this moment, without the pressure of threats or questions or curiosities that could become problems later. focus on the way he glanced down at her mouth just a moment after she did the same to him, on the way she wants to stay in his arms for the rest of eternity. “then i want to have you here forever. the rest of our lives.” she murmurs, leaning into him more. “i would love that.” she giggles a little. her brain just stops though, when his brows raise and he watches her when she stumbles over her words, and she glances down again, trying and failing to remind herself that they are in the middle of a murder investigation. but she tilts his head towards hers, smiling softly at him. “your dad should be proud of you regardless. because you are so incredible the way you are.” she smiles at the way he nods enthusiastically at her offer. “my mother wanted me to learn long range because she was scared i’d have more scars than just the two on my face and the ones on my torso. and if it comes down to it, knives and arrows can be used in closer range if necessary, although less effective against swords.” but she realises, she doesn’t want to wait until this is all over, she’s too impatient, and she doesn’t want to risk not doing this is something happens to her because she refuses to allow anything else to happen to him. so she leans forwards, pressing her lips against his.

[secretsofthedwn]

he's nodding along once again as she accepts coming along, and was already mentally planning out a full day for them all, immediately starting to voice out his thoughts, the pressure and anxiety feeling less stressful knowing he'd have people he knew and trusted along with him. "you wou- yeah, okay! perfect. I can reach out to plan a day, we can make early for breakfast or brunch-i've actually seen some very nice looking bakeries here, maybe get you those nice pastries I know you like. i'll introduce you properly to dorian, as well if you've yet to meet, he's the emissary at the autumn court, he's um...actually very excited to be here, despite everything, so I think this could be good...i can also jot down discussions for what we should or shouldn't give away as court information too, I mean I doubt we'd forget to bring it up but just for precaution's sake, right?"

her simple words after this brings his babbling to a halt, pink dusting his cheeks once more at the compliment as his eyes meet her's again in a silent awe. "n-no, sorry I think you might be confusing me with yourself there." the words are just above a whisper, with no reason for it with it just being the two of them and the small ferret, burrowed in the blankets, paying them not mind at all.

his mind is yelling at him to stay focused on their current plans that are very important and needed and necessary but he's just...dazed as he grins back at her giggle, leaning in a bit as if wanting to soak in the sight of her like this, wanting to treasure it and keep it for himself like the secrets of their court. "yeah? we could have some days we start out with walks and find a cafe to sit outside at and discover all the whole in the wall spots the tourists usually miss because their too busy capturing the flashy stuff to appreciate the more intimate places for what they are, find a museum or a beach...other's where we're too lazy to even leave the inn and order in and just...let the plans find us as we do as we please..." would she want there to be separate beds or...a situation more like this one where she goes out of her way to bring him into her own space, while he's more than happy to go along with it? he swallows nervously at the thought, and wow, he should really stop glancing at her mouth this much.

the thought of his father, the man that was expecting his son was going to carry on the name of the garnett soldiers the moment he knew he was having a boy only to get callum instead, who'd rather sit by the grass and read his books while his cousins trained for hours would be giving him the most unimpressed look at the sudden turn of events, but the thought leaves the man's head the second he feels zaina's touch on his chin, eyes meeting her's, lips parted as it feels like the breath is taken out of him at just the sight of her, so sincere in her words...it was overwhelming. his brows furrow softly as he listens, tilting his head gently as he glances at both scars as they're mentioned and he's quick to shake his head, gently cupping her cheek as he looks at her with such tenderness. "you are absolutely stunning, just like this."

and just a second later her lips are on his and his brain short-circuits, unable to believe that he's here, right now, getting to know what the taste of her lips feel after their long years of friendship and wow, is it hot? was he feeling hot? the man is so in his own head that without processing he senses her starting to pull back just a bit and that's when he comes back, letting out a soft noise as his lips follow after her's eyes closing as he let's himself have this after everything they've been through, one hand still on her cheek while the other grasps blindly for her hip, needing her so much closer.

[secretsofthedwn]

CALLUM GARNETT: TASK 001 - character inspiration (from left to right)

Milo Thatch (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

Vinsmoke Sanji (One Piece anime/live action)

Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings Trilogy)

Waymond Wang (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Ted Mullens (Schitt's Creek)

Peter Parker/Spiderman - (Marvel)

[secretsofthedwn]

CLOSED: @liegejamievanderbilt

after everything, callum had decided that he was sticking close to those he knew he could trust, he wanted to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, he prided himself in it, even, but there was so much at stake now and so he was choosing to play his cards a little more carefully. he had been meaning to meet up with jamie since their celebrations at winter, and now since they had officially become the new commander of armies in day it felt as good a time as ever to see them. he was grateful to hear that they were there as well to help zaina through the insanity in winter, strong ties between courts was the only way they'd be able to make it through all this, the man strongly believed that to be true, and he was trying to hold onto it.

once he sees them his smile widens, picking up his pace to meet them half way. "i've been meaning to catch you! new commander of day, huh? congratulations, truly, i'm happy for you. I would've come to tell you sooner, but...well..." he presses his mouth into a thin line, really no need to finish the sentence, awkwardly shoving his hands into his pockets. "...how have you been? settling, I mean? everything as alright as it can be?...actually, drinks on me. I think a proper celebration is in order."

[flreclouds]

she doesn’t have enough information to distrust hybern over this. but perhaps they can find some information on the relationship between the two courts, now that they are here. now that the court is revealed, surely they will be less secretive and perhaps even form alliances with other courts. “it could get us at least more of an idea of whether or not we should trust them,” she muses. “yes, looking into their libraries would be useful. i’d be interested to see it, too.” she nods, humming a little. “if you are comfortable doing so. if they want something in exchange, do not make any bargains though, please. i don’t want you tied to them in some way that could endanger you.” she says. she couldn’t bare it, if he’s hurt at all. she smiles as he places his hand over her own, “i don’t know what you’re talking about,” she teases, smiling at him. “i can’t help myself.” her own smile grows when he breaks into a small smile, thumb stroking over his cheek. “i could too — exist with you anywhere. i want to be wherever you are. i always want you with me.” she confesses, squeezing his hand in hers. “so i think we could have a vacation that becomes the full experience of the place. we just have to make it long enough to see everything we both want to see.” she nuzzles at the spot she kissed. “then just because i love you, so you being here comforts me enough.” she says, her own cheeks tingeing pink as well. the blush only deepens when he brings her hand up to kiss her knuckles. “i want…” and for a moment all she can think is that she wants his lips on hers, not just her knuckles, and she finds herself staring at his mouth for a moment too long, lips parted as she hadn’t even realised she’d started to say she wanted him. “...i think… that’s, that is a good idea, so long as you want to.” she manages to stutter out eventually. and though the thought of him training… she bites her lip. “and if you want to learn some longer range weapons, i could teach you to throw knives and some archery.” she offers.

[secretsofthedwn]

callum was still a bit hesitant of, well...everything, but he also still wanted to give the benefit of the doubt to the court. he had met their high lady on accident while in winter, feeling completely embarrassed about it now as he thought about it, but she seemed to be so...genuine and kind enough, even if she was pretending to be someone she wasn't. he thought that coming together instead of falling apart might be the only way they could manage to get anywhere, but he was too anxious to go at it alone, what happened in the temple in winter still leaving a scar; he didn't want another instance where he was used against his will. "if you wanted to join me I think that would be really helpful...I was also thinking of maybe teaming up with dorian from autumn? I know he's really interested about this place...m-maybe I can give them information from our court for information on there's as far as bargains go? i'm assuming they know as much about our courts as we do about theirs...though I may need to speak to your inner circle first to know what exactly should and shouldn't just be hands out to them about us...I don't want to mess anything else up..." he eyes her playfully soft as she teases him, hand over her's lightly rubbing a thumb over the back of her hand. "oh, of course not.." he muses out, a small smile meeting his lips. "I can't help myself." those last words make him stop, eyes softening immediately as his eyes glance down towards her mouth and he has to mentally stop himself.

her hand on his cheek is all he wants to focus on, not the threats that they're all facing, the danger, the questions...he just wants to freeze everything exactly as they are, here in this moment with her, where she tells him that she will always want him near as he leans into her touch even more, complete putty in her hands. "lucky for you i'm not going anywhere. for as long as you'll keep having me i'll stay right here." he silently squeezes her hand back, as if emphasizing his promise. "if we find a way out of all of this...when we do you say the time and place and i'll have a whole packing list and itinerary planned out." the last bit comes out as a slight laugh at himself. it isn't until she stumbles on her words that he properly notices the darker flush that's reached her face and his brows raise gently, mind going blank because all he can think is how lovely she looks like this. if he was a braver man he'd try to find more ways to see her like this, to get out of his own way in spite of everything that has happened. this wasn't the time. that's hard to keep in mind as she catches her glancing down at his mouth, lips parting as he looks back at her own, and he's clearly distracted when trying to answer her back next, nodding silently. "yeah, surprised me too, i-i...I want to play a bigger part in...in protective everyone...can already see the look on my old man's face 'n all." at her next words, his eyes widen in surprise, quickly nodding again, this time more enthusiastically. "h-honestly i'll take any help I can get...long distance means i'm not completely in the way, so...that could be good..."

[dorianeldrich]

starter: closed for @secretsofthedwn

where: starhart market

Callum had seemed restless and stressed out lately. His stay in Winter wasn't the easiest and Dorian knew that so he took him out for a walk to help him clear his mind or at least distract him for a bit. Walking around Sarhart market and exploring a bit more of Starlight kept Dorian busy and entertained and he hoped it would do the same to his friend as he dragged him around while Dorian looked at trinkets and tried some food he'd never tried before.

"I know most fae are beside themselves over all of this but, me? I'm— thrilled?" He said, knowing he probably sounded insane but Dorian was naturally curious and being able to explore a completely unknown place was just too good for him. "Are you staying in Sterallia? You have to sneak me in so we can go snooping. What have you found? Tell me everything." The emissary was as excited as a child with a sweet rush, or maybe it was this treat he was eating. Either way, he wanted to know everything.

[secretsofthedwn]

callum was so in over his head with all that had gone on for everyone, what had happened in the temple before the events that all led them here essentially took him through a spiral he was still trying to manage, just feeling over all exhausted. and now, all courts were left here, in a brand new gorgeous court the majority of them had no idea was even there. he was overwhelmed because were this any other time, he'd be in fully in awe at what they were all experiencing here, a fully new culture and history and people to learn from and hear more about. admittedly part of him still couldn't believe they were all here as he looked over cool toned book covers in one of the stalls, running a hand over it to get a feel of the material. all in all he was grateful to dorian for the distraction, having needed to get out of his head, but he raises a brow just a bit hearing the other man's polar opposite experience with the place. he figured someone had to properly take it all in for the both of them.

he stands there for a second, tilting his head in silence as he tries to fully process all the excitement coming off of the other man. he sounded like this was all just an impromptu trip they were all just taken on. "I, uh...yeah?" he says it with a little laugh. "all of dawn. we decided to stick together, so the palace it was. what about you and autumn. I will say their arrangements all did sound very nice. but um, I do think i've mostly just been trying to settle and process everything. I did want to go see the libraries and their temple if you...wanted to join me in that? I could actually really use the help. especially with someone who's as excited about it as I usually am. could maybe have you over to explore after dinner some time, a pair of fresh eyes and all."

[flreclouds]

she just wants to take care of him. she focuses on the way he traces circles on her hand, and it’s everything. him holding her hand, being there for her. even though she always feels she has to keep her composure, callum is helping her to not completely fall apart. she always has to stay together in front of everyone. she doesn’t want everyone worrying about her, especially with everything else going on. and she knows that they are worrying about her. so keeping herself from falling apart is all she can do. she frowns, wondering. “some of them claimed to be from hybern, yes? so, assuming that means hybern knew, perhaps someone who shouldn’t have known found out. i don’t want to put blame on hybern, when they are just as lost as the rest of us. but maybe someone who got information out of them somehow…” she sighs. she reaches up to cup his cheek when he rubs his temples. “it’s horrible, what they are doing. and we will do our best to find answers,” she says softly. “i want a lovely vacation with you.” she says. “where we can relax and just exist. and eat whatever we want and do what we want and not have to worry about anything else.” she melts against him when he leans into her embrace, nuzzling against his neck. “because i am a clingy monster who just wants to take care of you because i love you?” she offers, shifting so she can press a kiss to his cheek. “and you being here with me helps me so much. really, you being here with me is all i want.”

[secretsofthedwn]

callum's brows furrow softly as he listens, now in thought as he remembers how the thing messing with them all called the hybern court by name for having already known about their new pretty prison. he thinks that maybe he should brush up a bit on his studies, wondering if there might have been something about the history between the two somehow, starlight clearly had the presence of somewhere that had been around for a long time, whether or not the rest of them were allowed to know about it. "...perhaps discussing with both high families might get us somewhere...or at least try to see there take in all of this...mean time I can also maybe...take a look into their libraries, maybe...meet with their own keeper of secrets...? the more information we can get, the better." he lets out a soft sigh as she cups his cheek, meeting her gaze with so much admiration, leaning into her touch in spite of himself and placing his free hand over her own. "...that's not very fair, you know." voice is light but not being completely serious.

callum then breaks into a small, bashful smile hearing her describe her wishes to vacation with him, silently wishing that they could have that too. "...honestly I could just exist with you anywhere. wherever I am as long as you're there I don't think I wanna be anywhere else. might not be the full experience but at least I have you." his eyes meet her's after just looking down at their hands as he speaks, a silent check on her part. he laughs out a little at her suggestion, playfully nuzzling her back to hide the soft pink that reaches his ears at her kiss to his cheek. "mm...no, that can't be it, i'm sure i'll figure it out, though." he looks back at her, eyes playful despite the mock seriousness at the rest of his face, grateful that them having this small moment in the middle of everything could actually bring a little lightheartedness back into him, at least for now. her next words melt him all over again as he lifts her hands up to kiss her knuckles. "...I was actually thinking about asking elian about helping me train for a little bit of...self defense...might be helpful if we were all a little more prepared for...whatever comes next..."

[flreclouds]

it is fascinating, both the beauty of this place, and how they remained hidden so long. and had she not been so focused on the way that they are all trapped here, she would be focusing on the sites and wanting to see the temples and libraries, how they fight, everything. starlight is new, so their culture is new, and she would love to learn more. she just wants it to be on better terms. and without the shadow of death looming over them. she would have loved to get to meet the high lady under better circumstances where they weren’t all trapped here in what was essentially a very pretty prison.  she squeezes his hands when he kneels in front of her, her mind already quieting a little bit at the familiarity of his touch. “it is. extremely beautiful. i don’t know why they would, but perhaps there was a reason, some threat against them or something…” she furrows her brow. “i wish we were here under better circumstances, where we could actually see the court and get to know everyone and have it be just a lovely vacation and not… this.” she murmurs. she allows herself to side off the edge of the bed so she can curl her arms around him when he says he just wants to stop thinking, fingers lifting to run through his hair gently as she pulls him against her. “what can i do to help?” she asks softly. because he helps her so much and all she wants is to be able to protect him.

[secretsofthedwn]

any leftover tension he hadn't realized he was holding onto melts as he feels her squeeze his hand back, unthinkingly tracing circles along the back of her hand, feeling more like a comfort to him than to her, really...the high lady knew how to hold her composure even when things were as dire as they currently were, and he was always so in awe of that; he was so sure their court could handle anything because they had someone like her leading them, and he was ready to follow her anywhere. he was willing to bet they all were, even.

callum silently nods along to her suggestion as to why starlight could have stayed in hiding for so long, mentally trying to piece it together. "but also...how did...whoever is doing all this know about it? about them? like who are they to just toy at us all like this? taking lives and spilling secrets out for us to point fingers...it just...it feels so endless and...how many more of us do we lose before they or it gets bored?" he rubs at his temples, just about ready to flop onto the bed himself. "...for what it's worth, i do think you deserve a lovely vacation, though. the loveliest, even. one where you can...bring all your pets and leave all your worries behind and...have all the...grapes you want." he glances over at the bowl of fruit he saw her with earlier that day. the moment she moves forward to curl into him he's putty in her hands. silently embarrassed at himself for it as he leans into it, closing his eyes and wishing they were both anywhere but here. "why does this feel like it always comes back to you comforting me in the end when i'm trying for the other way around?" he heaves out a soft sigh, squeezing her hand back. "...you already do so much for me. I just want to repay the favor."

[flreclouds]

she just wants to be home, and not trapped in what is essentially just another prison. in her own bed. with everyone safe. and with the rest of her animals, since she only has snowdrop with her. and the ferret is too unsettled from the impromptu winnowing and is hiding under what’s now her bed… at least until they get dragged to yet another court or find a way out of this. she wants to go snoop around a little, but she’s tired. snooping will have to wait until they’re slightly more settled into this place. so she sighs dramatically, dropping very unceremoniously onto the end of the bed before looking up at @secretsofthedwn, reaching out her arms to him. “what do you make of all this?” she asks, since after everything, she knows none of them are really okay.  “maybe their goal is just to drive us all mad until we agree to whatever nonsense they want,” she grumbles a little. the note she and jamie had received is still tucked into her belongings.

[secretsofthedwn]

callum had been anxiously pacing since they had all been brought to the new court that he was completely blown away by. this was practically the man's dream. a new location in prythian that had been here the whole time and somehow managed to stay hidden? he wanted to know how long for, how they had all gotten by up until now, their sky was gorgeous, and he couldn't imagine what wonders filled their halls, their temples, libraries, he was practically buzzing while all the lives that have now been lost also played over and over in his head. it was a mess and there was no way out.

his thoughts are all over the place until he turns at the sound of his friend's sigh, melting internally at the sight of her reaching out for him and he doesn't even need to think twice about it once he's now kneeling in front of her, taking both hands into his own and looking up at her with soft eyes that search her face, wanting to anticipate how he can help...he just wants to help. "...this place is gorgeous...I can't understand why they would ever keep it hidden...but now they threw us all in...expecting us to just...take it? after taking so many from us, I..I want to stop...thinking..."