#cerlin

you can find art of both canon and non-canon instances on my art blog @boyslushie

Salt & Brine, a campaign created by my boyfriend that is very loosely a Call of Cthulhu campaign, its sequel will be run on a system he is crafting himself with mechanics that should work for these kinds of stories much better, is so far around a years run-time, though in game only a little over a week has passed for our dear party, the paranormal investigations team known as the "Shadow Chasers", in Crescent, Oregon. In the games current time, mid-November of 2004, it's a small, run down, and long-forgotten working town along the rocky and forested Oregon coast, and centers itself around a partially defunct logging company, the Ericsson Brothers Logging Company to be specific.

Colin Edwards, a handsome, silver-haired, fairly muscular and fit man in his late forties, is the night office foreman for the company, as well as the union representative for its surprisingly many employees. The yard and main offices have now become a way-station and shipping and sorting hub of sorts, rather than focusing on doing the logging themselves these days after some major incidents lead to safety concerns and a hefty amount of investigation from local authorities. Those very incidents lead to Colin's promotion to night foreman, seemingly as a way to ease the sting of the loss of his coworker, brother-in-law, and best friend Marcus Soderblom's life from a very suspect accident clearing a grove a ways out from the town late in the night. Colin is largely unaware of the supernatural nature of things happening in and around Crescent, but is fully aware that things are strange, and incredibly wrong, here.

Merlen Moray, a taller man sporting long and somewhat curly deep auburn hair and a thick-but-well-kept beard, adorned with a sparse smattering of dark freckles, and wearing thick-framed dark glasses, often seen in his signature teal beanie, a warm cable-knit sweater, and an oversized steel-blue bomber jacket, is a thirty-two year old gay, stealth transgender man, and a college student majoring in Marine Biology, as he is vastly interested in the ocean and the life within, but is currently traveling the country as lead of research for the "Shadow Chasers" paranormal investigation team, filming for their relatively unknown amateur ghost-hunting show. He's a relatively nervous and often reclusive individual, but comes out of his shell for the sake of his friends and the benefit of their show.

Colin and Merlen first meet on the second day after the Shadow Chasers arrived in Crescent, when after a day out on the rocky sliver of a beach beyond the crumbling cliffs at the edge of town, their hike up from the beach lead them to the small neighborhood near the cliffside, dubbed the "Overlook Houses", a row of halved condominiums serving as residence for some of the townsfolk. In an effort to investigate the strange town and get to know some of the residents, a member of the party known as Monty, the youthful and sarcastic cameraman, decides to facetiously ask to use a bathroom, and enlists Merlen's aid, to make them seem more believable, and to have a strong body beside him just in case. Merlen reluctantly agrees, and they attempt to go and greet Mary Soderblom, who they had met briefly at the towns diner, but are instead greeted by her oldest son, Larry, who informs the pair that she isn't home, but next door, his Uncle Colin should be. They thank him and tell him to say hello to his mother before departing next door, Merlen knocking, and finding himself immediately enamored with the handsome fellow with a beer can in hand and wearing comfortable and casual lounge-wear who opens the door to greet them, confused but friendly. Merlen quickly stumbles over his words, explaining the situation and asking if Monty can use his bathroom, finding themselves in a slight emergency after their little hike, flustered not only by his lying, but by talking to such a handsome stranger, but is successful when Colin is happy to invite them both in. Monty heads quickly up the stairs at Colin's direction, and Merlen thanks him profusely, and introduces himself, blushing all the while. Colin introduces himself in turn, and they take the time to talk, Merlen explaining who exactly he and his team are, choosing to be up front about their being a paranormal investigation group, and in turn learns about Colin's own job and a bit about his life and his familial connections to his sister, Mary Soderblom, and his nephews Larry and Harry. The conversation moves to small talk as they gauge each other's intent, but find the conversation flows easily between them, relaxed and comfortable. M*A*S*H* plays in low fidelity on the television across the room, occasionally drawing their attentions, Merlen fully approving of Colin's taste in television, and soon, Merlen is reluctantly dragged away from his new friends home as Monty comes back down stairs. The pair thank him again, and hope to see him around, Merlen lingering especially, but see themselves out in short order.

Slowly, through encounters at the diner, invitations to tour and visit the logging building, and other small instances of running into each other, the party get more and more familiar and friendly with Colin, Merlen especially making the effort to get to know him and treat him warmly. At some point, while leaving from a visit to the logging building, Merlen throws a bit of a soft-ball of a genuine, but subtle, flirt towards Colin, when he asks to see them again at the diner the next day, telling him "It's a date, then!" but Colin deflects this casually, much to Merlen's disappointment.

After a restless night post-possession, Merlen finding himself injured after his supernaturally controlled body smashed its way through a glass door, Colin meets up with the party during breakfast hours, and is surprised by the state of the diner as well so the state of Merlen, suspicious of the potential thread between the two instances, and is wary and guarded for much of the day around the party, but goes with them to check up on the night yard foreman, Zeke, after his car was stolen and a set of keys belonging g to him wound up in the party's hands. Unfortunately, what greeted them entering his home through his garage, was a sight of paranormal carnage that somehow even Colin was able to perceive, much to his horror and deep confusion. Merlen stayed in the garage to keep an eye on both his party and Colin who refused to go inside, not that Merlen would have let him anyways in an attempt to keep the man safe. Unfortunately, an outside danger finds them regardless as the very Hearse that had essentially lured them to this town initially and he haunted them since, suddenly pulls up and emits a fast moving billowing cloud of the supernatural magenta fog from an opened passenger door, aiming directly at both Colin and Merlen. Merlen, thinking quickly and moving even quicker, covers his mouth and nose with one hand, and unbreathing, rushes to Colin to grab him by the hand and run him down the street as far from the Hearse as they can get, thankfully saving him from being too affected by the fog. Colin is groggy and dazed, having breathed in some small amount before Merlen could get to him, and Merlen helps to sit him gently in the grass, giving him water and, when Monty rushes from the house escaping the paranormal instance going after the rest of the party, requests his help in analyzing his mental state. Colin comes back to himself slowly as the water and grounding techniques clear his head and bring the light back to his eyes, but he's confused about how he ended up where he is, clearly missing a few hours of memory. Merlen is deeply concerned and does his best to ease his mind. Colin finally feels well enough to stand, handing the half-drank water bottle back to Merlen, and asking his help getting up. Merlen gladly offers him his hand, and after rolling what was dubbed at the table as "The Worlds Gayest Nat 20", hoists Colin up with ease, Colin's own strong hand in Merlen's firm and steady grip, finding themselves holding hands and in close proximity to one another, chests nearly touching, and faces almost alarmingly close, Merlen finding it hard to breathe, blushing and starry eyed as he gazes at Colin's thankful expression... one which turns to concern as he notices Merlen's bashfulness and lack of breathing, asking if he's okay. Merlen snaps out of it quickly, backing up a little and dropping Colin's hand, assuring him that he's perfectly fine, and offering himself for Colin to lean against for stability as he walks him the short ways back to his home. Colin is grateful for the help, though still a little dazed and confused by it all, and goes inside to take a well earned nap, leaving Merlen, flustered and concerned, to walk back off of the porch and return to his party.

When the party deduces that Colin is set to be sacrificed on the mysterious train with a seemingly important and secretive shipment arriving that evening that the whole town seems to be in a bit of a hubbub about, they enlist the help of another ally to the party, Trooper Hernandez, a highway patrol officer... who is really more of the protector of the still-living people of the town, as well as the one who warns away folks who were lured there but are still right in their minds enough to escape. He brings in Colin to the police station about a half an hour before he's meant to go into work, under the guise of "questioning" involving the car theft that morning, keeping him safely at the station well into the night as the party, securely wearing their gas masks to keep out the fog, fight to take back Death's Train from the hands of the corrupt "self-made" demigods using it to funnel power largely towards the "leader" of the four, Grant, who refers to himself as "The Father". Nathaniel, "The Miser King" is the one running the stolen train, possessing Zeke's body, and destroys Zeke's physical form in a last ditch effort to kill the Shadow Chasers, failing miserably in the end as the party takes back the train, and Death arrives to cleave the withering barnacle of a demigod clean in half, revealing herself as Gladys, the waitress who runs the diner, and thanking the party for doing what she worried would get them killed. In discussion with her about what the party has truly been up to, attempting to save this town and delving deep into the mystery, uncovering the horrid underbelly of supernatural catastrophe taking place under Grant's siege and the additional carnage caused by his unwilling fellow demigods and other largely undead lackeys under his control. She affirms her awareness of Merlen's liking towards Colin, and advises him to do his best to protect him, and to be very, very serious about it. With this and the party's insistence that he shoot his shot, when the train pulls up in reverse back at the rail yard, Merlen makes his way immediately to the police station, paging Hernandez to inform him of his arrival and ask for approval as he wipes as much blood and carnage off of his clothing as possible before he enters. Hernandez auto-unlocks the door for him, and Merlen hurries in, shutting the door to keep the fog out before he peels his mask off of his red and sweaty face. He looks an absolute mess, much to the surprise and concern of both Hernandez and Colin, but they all greet each other warmly, Merlen doing his best to reassure them that he's okay and so are his friends, and is quick to turn the conversation to his real reason for coming to the station. Merlen offers Colin a spare gas mask, and offers to walk him home, figuring that he likely doesn't want to be stuck here all night when it would be far more comfortable to get a proper rest-of-the-nights sleep at home. Colin is grateful and happy to accept... but worries about Merlen walking back to motel from his house alone this late. After a moment of hesitation and contemplating, Colin decides, well screw it, and offers Merlen to stay the night with him, welcoming him to use the pull-out bed in the spare bedroom if he'd like. Merlen is quite flustered by the offer in return, but accepts eagerly and gratefully. Colin grins as he gets himself out together to leave, thanking Hernandez and wishing him a good night before putting the mask on, Merlen turning to wave his own goodbye and goodnight, only to be met with Hernandez's knowing smirk as he waves him off. It's a quick enough walk, both of them on edge as they make their way through town on foot through the fog that seems surprisingly lighter than usual... Merlen can easily assume the party's success in taking away a source of power from Grant and the death of the Miser King are the cause, but to Colin it's a genuine surprise. As they make it inside, Colin offers use of any amenities Merlen might need, and insists he leave his clothes outside the door for him to launder, offering him spare clothes.

Merlen showers and changes into the slightly too-small shirt he was offered, and dons the saw boxers he had been wearing previously, too embarrassed to ask to borrow a pair in the fear that they, much like the shirt, might not fit. He bids Colin goodnight through his cracked bedroom door, and makes his way to the spare room to settle in for the night. Unfortunately, a while later he's in the midst of a violent nightmare, and Colin wakes to rush to the room to shake him awake, greeting him with genuine worry, but Merlen is relieved to be awake and see Colin alive and well in front of him. He's a bit embarrassed to have woken them both up, apologizing, but Colin offers some comfort and to bring him a water or tea, and... Merlen catches himself about to decline, but figures turning him down would be rude, and tea *does* sound like it would help right now, and accepts bashfully. Colin comes back to him with microwaved water in a mug and an english tea packet, perfectly suitable to Merlen in the moment as he rips the packet open and steeps the bag, taking a sip of what is mostly just hot water, and cradling the warm mug in his hands to soothe and ground himself. Colin, satisfied to see Merlen mostly back to himself, begins to turn to leave, letting Merlen know that if he needs anything else at all, he's just across the hall. But Merlen in a moment of panic, as well as boldness, reaches gently to grasp his hand... and asks if he'd stay for a little longer, just to keep him company until he feels okay to sleep again. Colin is surprised for a moment, but turns back to him warmly, giving his hand a squeeze as he comes to sit on the edge of the bed next to him, telling him of course he'd stay, it's no problem at all.

The pair talk for a little while, just getting to know each other a little better, and discussing future plans... Merlen wanting to return to Crescent even after they leave, if only to see Colin again... and maybe the snow, as winters back in Santa Barbara aren't exactly as glacial as one would hope. Colin seems to enjoy that idea as he tiredly settles into the bed, Merlen moving aside for him, blushing and heart racing, settling down onto the mattress beside him. He shuts the lamp off and offers the blanket to Colin, who declines gently, warm enough from the heater alone, telling him to make himself comfortable. Merlen does, and thanks him for his kindness, telling him his thankful they met each other... a sentiment Colin returns before they wish each other goodnight and good rest, felling asleep only inches apart.

When Merlen wakes, he sadly finds the other side of the bed empty, but hears the sounds of Colin making breakfast downstairs, and takes the moment to comb out his hair and beard and put on his glasses before Colin walks up stairs with a pair of plates, offering one to Merlen who gladly accepts. They converse pleasantly as they share breakfast in bed together, Merlen complimenting Colin's cooking capabilities, and teasing him a little for spoiling him with breakfast in bed, and Colin reciprocating pleasantly, blushing at his compliments and teasing in return a bit when Merlen can't quite handle the spice of the hot sauce in the breakfast burrito. They wrap up and Merlen offers to wash dishes for him, parting ways to do so as Colin goes to shower. Merlen comes back up stairs when he's done washing to strip the bedding and fold the pull out bed back down, putting the cushions back to make the couch usable again, stuck with his own thoughts for a bit as he waits for Colin to finish up in the shower, fantasies straying as he imagines Colin undressing, walking into the shower with him... he snaps back to attention at the sound of Colin humming a song to himself in the shower, listening with endearment until the water shuts off and Colin calls out to him, asking is he could bring the laundry to the bedroom for him, a clean load fresh from the dryer with a mix of Merlen's clothes from the previous night, and some of Colin's work wear. Merlen is happy to do so, having to pry his eyes away from the cracked door when he glimpses Colin wrapped in a towel and shaving. When he comes back with the full basket, Colin is back in his own room, and tells Merlen to come in, he's got shorts on. Merlen enters only to see Colin's bare back facing him, plaid boxers the only clothing on his body, displaying a large tattoo of a pine tree running halfway up his spine from his tailbone. Merlen tries to hide his deep blush and racing heartbeat, but responding to a compliment towards the tattoo, Colin turns to see Merlen looking a bit red-faced and sweaty while he sorts the laundry, and asks him with concern if he's okay. Merlen slips up, telling him that he feels he might pass out, leading Colin to worry further, hurrying right up to him and gently gripping his shoulders, easing him to sit on the bed, and insisting he let him know what's going on. Merlen finally caves, embarrassed and worried to be doing so, and cautiously admits that... he's not looking to take advantage of Colin's kindness and hospitality, and that he values the friendship they had quickly developed so deeply... but confesses that he has had feeling for him from the very start. Colin is genuinely surprised, having not caught on despite Merlen's difficulty in hiding his true feelings, admitting he hasn't thought of anyone in a romantic sense in quite a long time... apologizes for teasing Merlen like this, looking down at his on mostly nude form, and confesses that he likes Merlen, too. Merlen is shocked, having braced himself, just grateful that he hadn't reacted in anger or disgust... and can hardly believe he's reciprocating. Colin tells Merlen that, while he's a bit of an odd guy, it's nothing as strange as the happenings in town, and if someone as smart, strong and attractive as himself really likes him that much... well he'd be dumb not to at least give it a shot. They have a bit of an awkward and earnest conversation, both of them having been out of the game for quite a while, and Merlen, having to be cautious due to his identity, finding himself without all that much experience himself... but find themselves having to wrap up quickly, as they're running late to meeting up with the rest of the party for brunch. Colin sees Merlen shirtless for the first time, and somehow spots and recognizes the faded and well-healed top surgery scars beneath the significant bit of chest hair Merlen has... and quickly deflects to the tattoo he can see peeking out from under his hair on his upper back, quickly pulling on his pants in an attempt to hide his sudden growing arousal.

Merlen notices this with a deep blush, but turns to elaborate on the tattoo, a memorial piece for his father, choosing not to acknowledge Colin's predicament for the moment, as he knows they're in a bit of a hurry. Unfortunately, Colin catches onto Merlen's arousal in response when after changing into a fresh pair of borrowed boxers, blessedly only slightly right in the waistband, he swiftly plucks the old ones off the floor, only for Colin to see the large damp patch on the crotch, his own blush matching Merlen's deep red embarrassment. Colin tries to dissuade Merlen's humiliation, insisting he finds it a bit flattering, not gross, and telling him to throw them into the hamper for him to wash later. Merlen obeys, and a short conversation about his identity ensues, to which Colin affirms that he met Merlen as a man, and he will only see him as the attractive, handsome man he is. After a small tender moment, they finish dressing, and head downstairs, Merlen having gathered all of his belongings, though he checks himself over before giving Colin a kiss on the cheek before they exit and walk hand-in-hand to the diner.

At the diner, Merlen is unusually quiet and flustered, keeping his hands to himself and only getting worse when some of the party attempt to give him quiet and subtle shows of support. Colin is rather relaxed and friendly with everyone, and does little to hide his affections for Merlen, a fair bit more than friendly in his lingering glances and adoring smiles.

He winds up paying for brunch, and offering Merlen and his friends to join him to hang out on the beach for a few hours before he has to get ready for work, to which Merlen eagerly accepts, and the rest of the party, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, accept as well. Meeting back up after changing outfits, Merlen without his signature hat and jacket, and instead in Birkenstocks, blue swim trunks, and an open blue-striped short sleeved button down that shows off his soft, somewhat heavier set and rather hairy body, and does little to hide his hardly-visible to surgery scars... a very, very rare look for Merlen to be wearing. Colin in a low-cut white tank top that lets his tattoo show through, green board shorts and flip-flops, also a rare look from him considering he rarely wears anything that isn't work issued.

Merlen brings his fishing gear and his spare rod to offer to Colin, if he'd be at all interested... which he's a bit surprised but more than happy to accept, finding a spot a ways up the beach, somewhat secluded from the rest of Merlen's friends, but still well within sight of everyone. They spend the time fishing and discussing, Merlen documenting and releasing his catches, and Colin happy to catch-and-release with him, watching how Merlen analyzed the fish, checking their overall health, happy to see the population healthier and flourishing now in the wake of their successful defeat of the Miser King and Grants lessened power. Colin is almost concerned by the immense population of fish, and agrees with Merlen on the fog lightening up... elaborating on how strange it is, it's always been like this until recently. They talk and flirt, and sneak a few cheek kisses before Heather vanishes into one of the caves, and in a panic, Merlen asks Colin to stay with their stuff while the party run in to find her, Colin begging him to be safe, letting him leave after a kiss to his cheek. Merlen returns frazzled not too long later to report her safety... but for obvious reasons, not elaborating on running into the wraith of Colin's brother-in-law. He takes a bit to settle back in, conversation slowly returning, and Merlen reassuring a worried Colin that the rest of the party does like him... they're just an odd sort, and a bit stressed, is all. The conversation soon turns as Merlen admits he's been a bit dodgy all day about being openly affectionate, admitting his concerns about it being a small town, and not wanting to out either of them if it will be an issue... but Colin assures him that no one he really cares about would take issue, and yeah sure, it's a small town and gossip travels fast... but it also means the dating pool is miniscule, he's certain Mary would just be happy to see her brother no longer up in his condo all alone all of the time. Merlen agrees with this, knowing his own friends would be nothing but supportive... they already are. And so... they both agree to be public about their relationship, and Merlen makes no attempt to hide anything and he cozy's up to Colin's side while they fish. Eventually, though, the time comes around for Colin to leave to prepare for work, and with the fishing gear packed up and a reluctant goodbye with mutual kisses to the forehead, he departs, waving to the party, and assuring Merlen he'll meet everyone for breakfast in the morning.

He does in fact meet them in the morning, the pasty having had a harrowing day after they left the beach, and Colin having had his own harrowing evening at the logging building. He can't discuss, but the party is very certain of what has occurred. Colin is disheveled and clearly shaken by it, but assures them he's alright, at least as alright as he can be, though he cannot legally discuss what occurred. Gladys notices as Merlen and Colin cozy up together in the booth and the open exchange of cheek kisses they'd given each other when Colin arrived, hurrying over to refill coffees and give the pair a wink and subtle congratulations. Before Colin leaves the booth, he asks Merlen a little nervously if he'll join him for dinner that night, to which Merlen eagerly agrees, and with a pair of kisses to each others cheeks again, he departs, Merlen fully unsubtle as he watches him walk out of the diner with a smitten gaze.

That night, he arrives a little after 5pm to Colin's home, nervous as he goes to knock, but after only a moment, Colin in comfortable clothes and a navy blue apron greets him with a warm grin, teasing that he was worried he had gotten lost and welcoming him in. Things are a little awkward at first, deciding if they want to sleep in the same bed, and Colin getting used to Merlen's presence and affections. Merlen attempts to not put his foot in his mouth conversationally with a fair bit of success, and the pair get closer and cuddlier as the evening goes on. Well after dinner, and well after Merlen has drained his wine glass and begun putting away the cards from the games thy had decided to play to fill the time... Colin leans in to kiss Merlen, short and soft, quickly and shyly turning his head away, but leaving Merlen a bit awed. He gently brushes his hand against his cheek, attempting to get him to face him once more, and when he does, cups his cheek and brings him into another kiss, still gentle but he lingers, and Colin doesn't back away... After he pulls back and breaks the kiss, Colin's turn to look at Merlen with awe, Merlen gets a little nervous, asking if it... was alright, to which Colin tells him it was *heaven*. He quickly pulls Merlen in for another kiss, much deeper this time, embracing him fully, which Merlen reciprocates in every sense of the word. They stay like this for a while, kissing and holding each other, until Colin bashfully asks if he'd be okay moving this upstairs... to which Merlen eagerly agrees.

It isn't long before they're undressing one another and exploring each other with their hands, until Merlen ends up lowering himself with a plethora of kisses down his body until he's sat neatly between his legs. The night continues on as passionately as one would imagine, both of them a bit hair-triggered both from having gone years without a partner, but also from neither having the time for... self care, recently. They clean up, and settle into bed together, kisses and snuggles exchanged until they fall asleep, winding up having the best rest either of them can remember in a long, long while. When morning light awakens the pair, Merlen first, gazing warmly on Colin's peaceful, slumbering form, before he lays back to enjoy the moment, then Colin wakes, almost confused at first, before he relaxes, warmly greeting his boyfriend and pulling him in for a kiss, embracing him. They snuggle and flirt and enjoy the peaceful moment for a little bit before they decide it's high time they get up, deciding to make breakfast together, and continuing to talk about their lives as they eat. Post-breakfast, Colin finds himself riled up once again, just from having Merlen there, as *his*... And so they rush up to the bathroom, getting the shower started but not even making it under the cascade of water before they can't keep their hands (or mouths) off of each other. They have a very exploratory bit of fooling around before they finally get clean, washing each other tenderly, and discussing goals and plans, and factoring in their lives together, both clearly a bit hopeful that this will last... They wind up giving each other massages, after Colin notices a wicked amount of tension in Merlen's back as he washes him... Merlen discovering that he's excellent at giving them, having apparently studied proper technique so he and Marcus could ease each other's pains from work... and Merlen is thoroughly endeared and impressed, noting how dedicated and caring Colin is as a person... Merlen is ruthlessly affectionate with him, and offers to return the massage with the pointers Colin had given him, Colin admitting that... the ease Merlen has sharing his affections with him specifically, and the ease he has in reciprocating them... almost scares him. They share a pleasant rest of their shower, a little awkward and very intimate. As they're getting out, Colin admits he's dreading work, alluding to the aforementioned issues he legally can't talk about, but hinting heavily enough about the far-too-decomposed and partially made of salt corpses that suddenly appeared in the rail yard and trailer park. Merlen tries to be supportive and helpful, while avoiding the direct subject for both of their benefits, and Colin accepts his support and comfort happily. Once dry, they go back to the room to dress, sharing a few more tender moments, kissing on the bed, neither eager for Merlen to depart... but unfortunately, he has to, Colin insisting he go on and have a good day. Reluctantly, the pair head downstairs, a few more kisses exchanged, but as Merlen walks out the door, he slips up, a "love you!" catching awkwardly in his throat after his goodbye, but Colin easily catches what he had choked out, and tells him he loves him, too. Merlen is deeply flushed, but approaches him one more time with a kiss, and repeats himself, without messing it up this time, telling him fully that he *loves* him, and he'll see him later.

merlen is a very private man. usually.

a silly bit of canon shadow chasers interaction from last nights session... merlen has regrets trying to be funny and speaking about his boyfriend with the team.