Tony Stark (
in_extremis) wrote in
revivalproject2020-08-31 07:29 pm
neck of the woods
WHO: Tony and his new Graq friends. Open to other absolute morons.
WHERE: Graq homeworld
WHAT: Jungle adventures! Some animal wrangling, some spelunking, more mistakes, and a date.
WHEN: Shortly after getting all of the Graq home.
WARNINGS: I cannot promise all of these alien animals are going to be treated with dignity. Edit: I don't know what either of us expected, of course it is horny. Uh, not with the animals, the animals are fine.
a. The caverns [OTA! I have no plan for this, BYO Adventure]
One of the Graq had explained on the trip over how the satellites around their planet orbited in perfect alignment to create a solar eclipse every cycle, sheering through the light reliably every morning like the moon was late to set and met the sun coming up on the horizon. They didn't explain it quite that way, of course; at first, Tony though the Graq didn't know that a solar cycle happened on any other planets and was trying to explain what night was to him, which became frustrating enough for the alien to spit a hole into the ship floor between them. So, Tony's effortless charm didn't work in Graq language. While the Graq lacked the descriptive words to convey their message to Tony, when he finally saw the phenomenon occur he paused and went, "Oh," out loud, though his erstwhile planetary guide had long since tired of him. The great shadow of the moon passed over the planet, and with it the raucous chattering of the forest around him slowed and quieted to a very queer stillness, the nocturnal animals not yet awake and the diurnal ones holding their collective breath at this early evening. It made the sound that came from inside the cave just a few feet away from where Tony stood seem loud, and close.
b. The hills [For Cayde, but you are welcome to join]
There wasn't a perfect translation into any languages that Tony knew he might share with Cayde for the giant fowl on the planet, so when the Graq tried to describe them when asked what they were eating, what Tony said to Cayde was, "Big feather," with a shrug and raised lip. They lived on steep hills, one of the Graq very intently tried to explain despite Tony definitely not asking, because they built their nests into holes they dug into them, and because of this their eggs were incredibly hard to crack without Graq spit, so do not bother. Tony did not need this warning and, again, did not ask, but now he knew and was well prepared to announce, "Big feather egg," when they came upon what looked like shards of a hollowed rock at the foot of a craggy hill. Now he was starting to sound like one of them, he was integrating to the local culture in ways he did not appreciate. The nests, as described, dotted all the way up the hill, looking like steps built into the sheerest face of it, leaving the impression of a pyramid built into this less dense part of the jungle.
'Big feather' sounded like it was going to get Tony closer to the pillow he had hoped to find for Jon than the noodles he had hoped to get for Cayde, and upon spotting one of those birds, Tony was ready to accept that this planet was not going to produce either of these gifts for him. These people didn't yet seem to have their own bread, let alone noodle, and when the Graq had said 'big' they meant enormous. More of a sword than a feather. Not pillowy down, anyway. It went stalking across the steep hill expertly, long legs fully extended and navigating the angle with sharp claws digging in to the rock to balance its fat, bobbling body, head twitching and blinking stupidly like a chicken, only approximately the size of a dinosaur.
"I don't say this often," Tony started, and it already sounded like a lie, haughty with his chin raised as he tracked the unreasonable bird, "but I am confident I am the most beautiful thing on this planet." He definitely did say that more often than he deserved to, but in this case he had sound logic. Graq were ugly, these birds were ugly, based on this sample this whole planet's evolution tended toward squashy and wrong-sized. "Present company an ongoing consideration," he was willing to allow.
c. The water [For Jon, but you are still welcome]
This was an ideal environment for plenty of very ugly bugs and grubs. Frogs, generously. Insects, in general, were not hugely upsetting for Tony, with the distinct exception of anything cockroach-like, but he did prefer a more sterile, modern, less bug-centric experience, if it were up to him, and he was realizing that he had made the wrong choice. He could have been on a spaceship right now, in space, on a ship. With the exception of the unique mineral compound of the malleable stones, there wasn't much to Tony's taste on this primitive planet.
The locals, obviously, being local and made for this environment, loved it, and appreciated being returned safely despite the awkward introductions. With a few of their rescuers on the planet with them, the Graq decided it was an ideal time to celebrate the reunion of their families, and these strange, hairless bipeds that had made that happen for them. "They want us to join them at sunset," he had translated to the camp of He-Rows, "by the waterfall, they say is over there. Follow the river, can't miss it, it's water, it's not confusing. I don't think they're going to eat us, but don't quote me on that."
Bugs on any planet, it was a universal truth, got worse the closer it was to dusk. Tony crouched by the river as the sun went down, trying to remain curious about what this planet had to offer as he felt the waxy leaf of a vibrant lilypad in a cluster that didn't seem bothered by the meandering water, only to be smacked in the face by what he would assume to be a moth on Earth, and what he didn't want to think too hard about here. "This is a nightmare," he grumbled, wiping at his cheek to make sure it hadn't left anything behind, then glanced up at the distant sound of drumming music from the direction of what must have been this waterfall site. Fashionably late, as ever.
WHERE: Graq homeworld
WHAT: Jungle adventures! Some animal wrangling, some spelunking, more mistakes, and a date.
WHEN: Shortly after getting all of the Graq home.
WARNINGS: I cannot promise all of these alien animals are going to be treated with dignity. Edit: I don't know what either of us expected, of course it is horny. Uh, not with the animals, the animals are fine.
a. The caverns [OTA! I have no plan for this, BYO Adventure]
One of the Graq had explained on the trip over how the satellites around their planet orbited in perfect alignment to create a solar eclipse every cycle, sheering through the light reliably every morning like the moon was late to set and met the sun coming up on the horizon. They didn't explain it quite that way, of course; at first, Tony though the Graq didn't know that a solar cycle happened on any other planets and was trying to explain what night was to him, which became frustrating enough for the alien to spit a hole into the ship floor between them. So, Tony's effortless charm didn't work in Graq language. While the Graq lacked the descriptive words to convey their message to Tony, when he finally saw the phenomenon occur he paused and went, "Oh," out loud, though his erstwhile planetary guide had long since tired of him. The great shadow of the moon passed over the planet, and with it the raucous chattering of the forest around him slowed and quieted to a very queer stillness, the nocturnal animals not yet awake and the diurnal ones holding their collective breath at this early evening. It made the sound that came from inside the cave just a few feet away from where Tony stood seem loud, and close.
b. The hills [For Cayde, but you are welcome to join]
There wasn't a perfect translation into any languages that Tony knew he might share with Cayde for the giant fowl on the planet, so when the Graq tried to describe them when asked what they were eating, what Tony said to Cayde was, "Big feather," with a shrug and raised lip. They lived on steep hills, one of the Graq very intently tried to explain despite Tony definitely not asking, because they built their nests into holes they dug into them, and because of this their eggs were incredibly hard to crack without Graq spit, so do not bother. Tony did not need this warning and, again, did not ask, but now he knew and was well prepared to announce, "Big feather egg," when they came upon what looked like shards of a hollowed rock at the foot of a craggy hill. Now he was starting to sound like one of them, he was integrating to the local culture in ways he did not appreciate. The nests, as described, dotted all the way up the hill, looking like steps built into the sheerest face of it, leaving the impression of a pyramid built into this less dense part of the jungle.
'Big feather' sounded like it was going to get Tony closer to the pillow he had hoped to find for Jon than the noodles he had hoped to get for Cayde, and upon spotting one of those birds, Tony was ready to accept that this planet was not going to produce either of these gifts for him. These people didn't yet seem to have their own bread, let alone noodle, and when the Graq had said 'big' they meant enormous. More of a sword than a feather. Not pillowy down, anyway. It went stalking across the steep hill expertly, long legs fully extended and navigating the angle with sharp claws digging in to the rock to balance its fat, bobbling body, head twitching and blinking stupidly like a chicken, only approximately the size of a dinosaur.
"I don't say this often," Tony started, and it already sounded like a lie, haughty with his chin raised as he tracked the unreasonable bird, "but I am confident I am the most beautiful thing on this planet." He definitely did say that more often than he deserved to, but in this case he had sound logic. Graq were ugly, these birds were ugly, based on this sample this whole planet's evolution tended toward squashy and wrong-sized. "Present company an ongoing consideration," he was willing to allow.
c. The water [For Jon, but you are still welcome]
This was an ideal environment for plenty of very ugly bugs and grubs. Frogs, generously. Insects, in general, were not hugely upsetting for Tony, with the distinct exception of anything cockroach-like, but he did prefer a more sterile, modern, less bug-centric experience, if it were up to him, and he was realizing that he had made the wrong choice. He could have been on a spaceship right now, in space, on a ship. With the exception of the unique mineral compound of the malleable stones, there wasn't much to Tony's taste on this primitive planet.
The locals, obviously, being local and made for this environment, loved it, and appreciated being returned safely despite the awkward introductions. With a few of their rescuers on the planet with them, the Graq decided it was an ideal time to celebrate the reunion of their families, and these strange, hairless bipeds that had made that happen for them. "They want us to join them at sunset," he had translated to the camp of He-Rows, "by the waterfall, they say is over there. Follow the river, can't miss it, it's water, it's not confusing. I don't think they're going to eat us, but don't quote me on that."
Bugs on any planet, it was a universal truth, got worse the closer it was to dusk. Tony crouched by the river as the sun went down, trying to remain curious about what this planet had to offer as he felt the waxy leaf of a vibrant lilypad in a cluster that didn't seem bothered by the meandering water, only to be smacked in the face by what he would assume to be a moth on Earth, and what he didn't want to think too hard about here. "This is a nightmare," he grumbled, wiping at his cheek to make sure it hadn't left anything behind, then glanced up at the distant sound of drumming music from the direction of what must have been this waterfall site. Fashionably late, as ever.

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He does find a set of stones, however. Clearly submerged in this lake for a long time and the unique qualities of the water have had their influence on the minerals. They're also small enough for him to keep them in one of his hands as he turns towards Tony with an inquiring look. They will have to swim back up soon if his sense of time isn't entirely off.
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It was a massive thing, everything underneath Jon and Tony dropping away, recoiling. With it, the water was displaced, dragging the two bodies down, and dragging at the shoreline all around the body of water enough to send a deep, bone-shaking groan vibrating around and through them. What air Tony had left was knocked out of him in surprise, and he tried to twist as he was slammed down with the force of the water to spot Jon again, eyes wide in concern, and some apology. He didn't mean to do that. It might have been time to go.
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Then suddenly the entire lake drops.
Casting down a single, alarmed look while trying very hard not to scream and instead of that to just keep moving as best as he can against the drag of the water. For as much as that might do them now... At the very least he has to get a hold of Tony. Then they can try if reaching the surface or even the shore is an option. What isn't an option is letting Tony drown - Or be eaten by whatever creature they may have awoken.
It's a struggle, but Jon finds himself close enough to make a quick grab for one of Tony's ankles. Which is a start.
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Tony had no idea which way was up, and his chest ached painfully, vision swimming, but he still had Jon. Only chancing to release one arm around him, Tony patted inquisitively at his face and shoulder.
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When the spinning finally slows down and leaves them drifting wherever in whatever depth, Jon blinks an eye open to glance down before noticing Tony's hand passing his vision to touch his shoulder and he looks up at the other, puzzled for about half a moment before his mind catches up to helpfully remind him: Air. Tony in all likelihood requires that remaining air. He should have been low before this underwater rollercoaster broke loose. Jon acts before it can start again. He hooks one hand around Tony's shoulder to pull himself up the remaining bit and press their lips together.
They can figure out up and down once they are certain neither of them drowns.
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The disturbed water was thick with silt and debris, wrapping them in a strange, glowing fog where it had been so easy to see straight through the lake before. It made Tony slow to untangle himself from Jon, no bearings and not sure how to anticipate another massive shift, grip easing but still in his hair and knee wedged under his arm. Tony looked to him questioningly, hoping he had a sense of where they were, if he could see, or if they should trust their slow drift as upward toward the surface. Was it getting colder? Rinsed with adrenaline and sure he was sweating, and the whole lake swirled, it was hard for Tony to tell.
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Next time they should just bring the rebreathers.
Tony pulling away has Jon miss the contact for a moment, but it also allows him to look around himself again to see where they are and where they are going, finding them drifting along with the remaining current for the most part. Their actual sight may be limited, but Jon can still see where they are and he grabs Tony's hand before swimming decidedly in the direction he knew to be up. For that's where they need to go now. That's where they are going. Up and out of the lake and away from whatever it is they have disturbed.
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He paddled toward the signs of life, sticking close to Jon's elbow until he could feel the ground come up underneath them. With it, Tony had collected enough breath to start his chattering, "You know what, couldn't say I had any way to anticipate that one, never met a body of water that moved like that and, honestly, that's on me, whole thing was weird, should have thought, hey, maybe you're making some assumptions about what is going to happen here, not on Earth anymore, you've seen enough weird shit to know how weird shit can get." He had his feet under him by then, hands out to steady Jon in the lapping water and hurry him out of it before anything else happened. They already had another problem. Their clothes had been close to the shore.
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Jon isn't someone to frown at Tony's intentions to steady him. After all this his balance does feel a little off and the restless water doesn't help with that. He still looks over at Tony and shakes his head. "You couldn't have known this would happen. What's important is, we got out." A small smile accompanies those words and Jon reaches over to take and squeeze one of Tony's hands yet again. "I'm glad you're alright."
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Stumbling across some of their items as well, Jon raises a brow as he picks up his drenched shirt and sighs. “Next time we definitely need to come better prepared. We can’t put these on without letting them dry first.” Though his worry is more directed towards Tony. “Will you be alright?”
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Tapping his fingers against his shoe, Jon looks around some more, sounding almost as if talking to himself. “You can go, of course. I.... I will find the rest of our things. Need to find my other shoe... My glasses might still be in it.” And there is no way he is leaving this planet without them. Hopefully he doesn’t have to dive into the lake again to find them.
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Biting his lip, he follows. And sure enough he finds the other man not too far from where they have been searching their belongings.
“Tony....” Jon announces his presence and steps closer, crouching down next to the other. Not close enough to touch him, but yet close enough to feel the relative warmth of the other body. “I- I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply—“ What, exactly? He doesn’t finish the sentence, instead tilts his head forward and to the side to look at Tony. “It’s just... I don’t want to go there. To the Graq. To.... Whoever of our group may be there.” A pause. “But you might get a cold. I’d rather not.... Have you get sick.” He isn’t saying ‘Because of me.’ Because Jon doesn’t want Tony to get sick at all.
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Maybe he was right, because Tony handed the clothes he was carrying off to him, poor collateral to promise a return as he stretched up to his feet. "Don't go anywhere, stay put," he demanded, then left Jon alone in the dark, heading toward the signs of the party. If Jon wasn't going to follow, Tony would bring some back to him, easy.
Much easier than anticipated, even. As he stepped out of the forest to the cleared circle around a tall bonfire, he was still looking up wonder at what looked like banners strung up between the trees going all the way up beyond the reach of the light, when one of the Graq approached him. He meant to ask for some kind of light to help search the shoreline, but the juvenile, looking tired and irritated, already had a delivery for him, dumping a pair of what appeared to be the softest, quilted blankets that Tony had ever felt into his arms, then trotting away again, job he had been waiting for all night finally complete. Those were not banners, Tony realized, as he looked around again for answers to the questions he had now, and saw some of the Graq poking their heads or dangling their feet out of these cocoons that they had strung up for themselves off of the ground. "Hey, do you have, like, a lamp...?" Tony called after the impatient youth. He could have said 'thank you' he realized.
When Tony came whispering back through the leaves and cracking sticks underfoot, it was with a bobbing point of light in one hand. It didn't turn out to be very helpful to navigate, weak as it was, so Tony doubted it would be much use for finding Jon's glasses, and the way the lamp of that strange, malleable stonework occasionally jostled and buzzed in his hold made him largely regret bringing it.
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More or less.
After dwelling for a while on having been left by himself and if what he has expressed himself poorly again, Jon has started to occupy himself. Tony has left him with his clothes, so he would return. That is something Jon reminds himself he shouldn't doubt. And so he has, indeed, gathered what has been missing of their things after sorting through what has already been present and hanging the pieces up on some nearby branches after cleaning those that could do with some cleaning in the lake, which by then has settled back to its clear, glowing self. Which still fascinates Jon. His missing shoe has also made its appearance at the very edge of the lake and has joined its other half.
By the time Tony returns, the Archivist is kneeling in the shallow part of the lake, hair an air-dried mess, and carefully cleaning his glasses. The spot where Cal has fixed them is obvious enough, as are the places where the frame has suffered from getting in brief contact with Graq spit.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Jon looks up and in Tony's direction, surprised to see the little light and excited to spot Tony himself. "Tony!" He exclaims fondly as he stands to walk towards him. "You brought a light! That's better thinking than what I considered trying."
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Jon shakes those thoughts off and instead steps closer to Tony, raising an arm and the blanket along with it to offer sharing the warmth while raising a curious brow at him. “Now what? We put this up here and wait for morning?”
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Tony couldn't claim nearly the self control it would take to keep trying to back away when Jon invited him closer, immediately producing a dozen assurances for himself that this was fine and he could stop whenever he wanted to welcome Jon's arm over his shoulders, and the warm envelope of the blanket. It wasn't fine--it was great, fantastically warm in the pocket of Jon's body heat, in the way that Tony hadn't realized how cold he really was, and those icy fingers danced along Jon's waist until Tony had him encircled and his nose searching behind Jon's ear. "Clothes'll take a while to dry," Tony readily agreed, "Someone should be here to see what the lake looks like in the light, for, you know, science. Can't just leave a party, they had these prepared for us and everything, it's only polite."
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But of course Tony knows these things. He doesn't need Jon to say them out loud. Which Jon doesn't feel like doing when he can have a moment of this closeness and shared warmth and unlike when they were submerged he actually gets to inhale Tony's scent while holding him close.
"Mmm. That's why you brought the party here..." Jon mumbles against Tony's neck, one of his hands having settled to rub some warmth into Tony's back and he can't help but grin a little. "For science." An excuse that works for him.
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It took clearing his throat again, shocked cold outside of the hug of the blanket, for Tony to offer idly as he shook out the fabric, "Theirs are all hung way up there, like, prepared to die kind of high, not sure that's your thing, you know, trying to climb a tree just to get into this. Do you think they have nightmares? I've fallen out of bed more than once, that doesn't seem like a reasonable risk. Maybe they're not sleeping out there, you know, now that I say it, of course they aren't, these are, like, deck chairs, we should find out what their beds are like, they must be incredible, I'll get you a pillow." By then, he had plotted out and hung the first corners of the blanket on some sturdy trees, up on his toes to try to keep it from sinking too far to the ground with any weight on it.
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"Didn't think I'd get an invitation to a Graq bed tonight..." Jon muses with a step towards Tony and his fiddling with the hammock, letting his eyes settle on the side that has already been knotted in place. "Yet I... I don't think I'm surprised they hang them that high? They built their homes up in the trees. What may leave us nauseous is perfectly normal for them."
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