open 🪶 the world owes me a debt, and i've come to collect.
Status: Open.
Where: All around.
What: Oops, all MANTA stuff. And a not-date with Cid.
Warnings: FFXVI spoilers, foul language, suggestive content. The usual.
🗡️ i. bite-sized blessings
Fool her once, shame on her. Fool her twice—]
You little brat!
[—it's managed to grab at her hair, and it pulls, before swooping away from her grappling hands with a chirp, as if it thinks this is some sort of game!?
Someone please help this woman. Or this dragon. She has yet to hear all about how this thing is meant to be returned to Elah, so if you are looking for said pink dragon, here it is.]
🗡️ ii. a steamy winter heist
[It was the exorbitant prices that drew Benedikta to the job first. The black market was always open, and she was always willing. Call it doing someone else's dirty work, if it put a good sack of coin into her pocket, then who is she to complain? Besides, it's not as if stealing something off a ship in the dead of night was difficult—she's done it dozens of times before.
The fact that it was a special sort of tea was only a bonus, so of course she would pocket some for herself... Maybe a handful. Or maybe a whole crate if she could get away with it.
Now, that is the question, isn't it?]
She has her pipe between her teeth as she almost always does before a job like this, letting the smoke swirl on her tongue before letting it billow outward.]
So, that there is the ship? [She scoffs.] She is certainly impressive.
[As large as a rich, black-market-selling merchant's ship should be. Which is why she's agreed to a "two-person" job.]
༄ b. caught red-handed. [Or, maybe she wasn't feeling so charitable.
As if being caught matters all that much to her. She's in the middle of making off with a whole crate—and the last one, too; people have been busy—of these tea bags (there must be hundreds of them in here) when she hears footsteps coming. She hardly flinches, if at all, and stands there with it tucked haphazardly under her arm while she stares the other person down with a smile before she tosses her head back.
Yep. You saw right. A whole box.]
Sorry. As they say, the early bird and all. A shame you came all this way only to come out empty-handed, but try again another night.
[There may have been a threat underlining her voice somewhere.]
🗡️ iii. poke 'n prance
[Well, at the very least, being paired up with Benedikta for a challenge like this cannot get any better... or worse than this, depending on who you ask. Having a history of torturing others means that she knows exactly where to put the sword and how much pain it will inflict. After all, when fishing for information, it is best to poke and prod it out of someone, and you can't very well gain much from a dead person, now can you?
Which is why she walks up with her own sword in her hand with all the confidence and arrogance of a pretty peacock, her fingers caressing the sharp edge of her blade, from hilt all the way to its jagged tip.]
Now, pay close attention to where I stick you because we can only do this once. Perhaps twice, if you can withstand it.
[She smiles, so sweet and saccharine and sarcastic.]
So, consider this a valuable lesson.
🗡️ iv. coins of the crescent
[Well. What she thought would be a nice, peaceful ride out to this island to fetch some coins turned out to be... well, everything but. It had been fine for the most part, but as the island came into view through the fog, things had started to tip and tip and tip until everything went fucking tits up.
Not only did the crew start to howl and turn rabid, much like those stupid wolves she can hear in the distance, but so did the captain, and now the ship is wayward on the seas at the behest of the waves. Fortunately, she can use the winds to guide them true, but it will take a little more concentration than what she can afford as she drives her sword into the shoulder of one infected crew that lunges at her with what could only be thought of as a kitten's claws.
Don't worry, that won't kill him, but it will send him reeling to the ground wailing in pain, and she kicks him in the gut to quiet him.
Whoever might be standing near her, she will shout at them with no shortage of rage in her voice as she gives her sword a brandish, the blood spraying from her blade.]
Might anyone spare a moment to take care of them while I attempt to not crash this fucking ship!?
[Must she do everything!?]
🗡️ v. untitled goose bounty 2
[Well, this is certainly not what she was expecting to see when she arrived on Eltrut, or tried to. She'd heard sounds from above across the ship's deck first—the worried shouts of the crew and riftfarers alike. Benedikta had been enjoying the peaceful ride in her cabin aboard the Stormbringer, and had half a mind to ignore the noise and go right back to sleep...
...
Until she hears something else.
The loud, low, rumbling sound of a... honk?
Something visceral shatters through Benedikta's whole body then, forcing her to sit up when the flashbacks of those eight-headed geese attacked her not even a month ago. She rushes to her feet and then out the door, shoving people out of her way as she storms up to the deck where she beholds—]
You've got to be fucking kidding me.
[—an eight-headed(?) goose large enough that it could peck out Eltrut's eye.
Much, much larger than she recalls it being.
And she is pulled out of her reverie only by the sounds of magitech cannons being blasted off.]
I see it's come back for another taste.
🗡️ vi. wildcard
no subject
And? Will you tell me, or is this another one of your "surprises"?
no subject
[A grin.]
But I just meant that we call our little evening outing a "date."
[Honestly, he doesn't actually care too much what they call this. Calling it a "date" is more for fun and to tease her. But, if anyone else were to look at this, it would certainly looks like a date. And if they want to keep up their little ruse...]
no subject
Absolutely not.
[It is not a date!!! They don't need to call it a date!!!]
A simple dinner would be good enough, Cidolfus. We agreed that was all this was.
no subject
no subject
You did what?
[She tries to look more offended than she actually is, but it makes way for surprise instead, because—]
How in the world did you manage that?
no subject
Pulled a few strings. And you'd be surprised how many of those "owners" are no longer around.
[Vague on purpose.]
no subject
He gets another roll of her eyes. Time to start counting how many times this happens tonight—]
And you had nothing to do with that, I presume.
[There is just the tiniest quirk of her lip, maybe even a tip of her chin in pride. Whatever it means, that he had gone to any lengths to get tickets to something like that, no doubt costly and high-end, makes something flutter in her chest.]
Then we call it a dinner and... the opera.
no subject
Not this time.
[....Suggesting that if he needed to make someone "disappear" to take their place for a reason he would, but only for good reason. Getting luxury reservations for a date, while tempting, not quite on his list of "good reasons." At the moment, anyway—]
And I still think a date would make it easier—
[But then he chuckles.]
But an evening out for dinner and an opera will do just fine.
no subject
And so... what special aliases did you pick out for us tonight? I can't very well play the role if I don't know what it is.
[She isn't exactly opposed to the idea of anyone knowing her name. Let the Paladins come for her for all she cares, then maybe she could fish out the ones that had put his hands in chains...
...
But—]
I will not have anyone coming in to ruin our dinner if I can help it.
no subject
Donnelly is the last name. As for our first names, we might be able to get by with our own. Since I'm more known by my nickname, I figure you using my full name is fine enough. As for your first name...
[His words hang for a moment. He had a thought, but that's definitely pushing it. Pushing it more than him teasing her with the whole "date" nonsense.]
Should be fine as is, unless you'd like something else.
no subject
She does wonder to herself if that is the last name of whomever's box seats he had taken, and if they are aware that he has. It doesn't matter—she gives a small cant of her head in understanding before a silence falls over them.
Her full name...
Why in the world is there that twinge of disappointment in her chest? Had she been hoping for something else? Something a little less... formal? More personal? More... them?
...]
Benedikta is fine.
no subject
Then that's what we'll go with—officially, at least. However...
[His words hang again. Should he... Shouldn't he... Ah. A light smile forms.]
If we really want to sell it, we should use pet names, my dear.
no subject
I said Benedikta is fine.
[He doesn't need to go that far!!!
And she'll start to look around at the streets as they come away from the overlook and towards Elah proper, avoiding the gazes of others walking along the busy roads, and especially avoiding his.]
Where is this restaurant you picked out?
no subject
Not too far, just another block up this way. A place called The Terrace, known for its unique private terrace seatings with a grand view over Elah and to the ocean.
no subject
[She snorts out loud. Really, Elah? Known for its unique private terrace seatings...]
How creative of them.
[But there's a moment where Benedikta glances up to the skies that are surprisingly clear tonight, the stars all alight above them and the waning moon casting its subtle glow over the leviathan. There's a light clench to her jaw, her lips parting with a sigh before she draws her focus back.]
At least it's a nice enough night for it. Can't imagine a rainy day would have done for your plans.
no subject
no subject
...
....before she exhales with a small, quiet laugh.]
You truly have thought of everything, have you? Stubborn not to let anything come between us and this dinner.
no subject
You know how I like to plan and prepare.
[He then looks back forward, careful to ensure she stays on the inside of the walkway to avoid the foot traffic and carriages that pass by on the road.]
And I heard this was a top rated restaurant, one of Elah's finest. Including...
[A wry grin.]
That little dessert you've always wanted to try.
no subject
But she can feel that grin of his digging into the side of her head, and she immediately turns to look down the road instead, feeling like she fits in quite well with what everyone else looks like here in their fancy dresses, likely all going for dinner themselves.
Except it isn't that that has her cheeks flushing under the warm light of the streetlamps as she drags him along towards the restaurant's signage, but that he remembered at all about what she'd said so casually in passing long ago.]
Are you sure you want to be setting the bar so high, Cidolfus? And so soon?
no subject
[A wry chuckle as he lets her drag him a bit as they near the entrance. And once they do, he won't need to hold open the door as the doorman will open it for them, allowing them to enter the grand lobby of the restaurant. It may not be the largest or the most luxurious of Elah, but it's certainly high up there in its finest. If anything, the simplicity of its grandeur makes it appear even more sophisticated, an atmosphere both different yet similar to the royal banquet halls of Valisthea.]
no subject
[Just a dry remark as she steps foot into the restaurant, and while its simplicity could make it less grand in the eyes of the rich, for Benedikta, this is far more than anything she has seen for a restaurant. Not even Dhalmekia boasted places as beautiful as this that was not within the walls of Ran'dellah.
Her own covert missions didn't take her to places like this, either. A shame. There were probably plenty out there, but without a reason to be there, the Dominant of Garuda and Waloed's Intelligence Commander could not simply walk into one without being noticed.
Which is why she pauses a moment to take it in.]
...I will admit... [She starts, her voice languid and playing at mild disinterest even when her eyes manage to speak otherwise.] You've truly outdone yourself.
[She's interrupted by a man in a very crisp, black tuxedo striding up to them.
"Do you have a reservation, sir?"]
no subject
At the question, Cid just smiles with his usual casual confidence, not hesitation at all to give his alias: Donnelly, part of two. And since it's just a restaurant, they don't check for IDs or anything of the sort, especially since the two certainly look the part of fitting in with Elah's elites. The only thing he does show is a slip of paper proving he paid for the reservation fee, and with that they are taken to a parlor room where they and others wait for their tables.
Though with how high end it is, there are already high tables and some seating for those who wish for a cocktail or wine as they wait, live, classical music playing at one side of the room. Taking it all in, Cid slips his hand on Benedikta's waist to pull her close as other couples and groups move around to socialize.]
Now I know why you have to book months in advance. Quite the popular place.
no subject
Her body presses flush against his, her attention pulled from the bar to him, and it's the first time tonight that she is seeing him so close and in proper light. Even under the brim of his hat, she can see that subtle glow in his green eyes, that pride that he has somehow pulled all of this off.
And she wonders, as she stares at him, if he can tell just how breathless she's become in a matter of seconds.
She gets an idea then, sprung up out of sheer spontaneity.
Benedikta's hand reaches up and pulls the hat from his head, messing up his hair as it goes—]
... And how far in advance did you book?
[—before she sets the hat on her own.]
no subject
Early last month—with a little bit of help.
[He half turns so he can tilt the head just so, making it so it half covers her eyes and giving her that coy look.]
no subject
A little bit of help?
[Though they do narrow at him now, and she lifts her chin just enough that he can get a clear look at her eyes.]
Do not tell me it was those followers of yours...
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...