escordvi | << september: maiden voyage >>

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<< september: maiden voyage >>

Welcome to our Maiden Voyage log for the game! Because the grand opening is a bit different from how things will normally flow, the log is more like an event log with the MANTA Board included at the bottom. The focus of the log will be everyone getting a first taste of the home base for each armada, but not before having a farewell celebration in Eltrut to the new initiates! Since it is a little beefy, we've included navigation links to help jump between sections.

Players are welcome to use the MANTA Board as additional prompts in the log, or create your own open logs for them. There is no wrong or right way, whatever is most convenient for you.

If you have any questions about the log, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated September 13)

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

It's been about a week or so since the newest batch of riftfarers arrived, and now the ships are ready to take them to their native armada base. But before everyone goes their separate ways, a special "sendoff" is held for the new initiates. Hosted by older, veteran riftfarers and their respective armada affiliation, two major competitions are held. One is to promote partnership between the armadas, the other is for their competitiveness.

A fan favorite for a number of years now, Legends of the Gutsy Ultimate Sailor Warrior Competition is a massive two-person obstacle course that has a whole suite of challenges to test sailor's physical and mental resolve…and teamwork. The only real rule is each pair needs one Corsair and one Paladin, which can be made voluntarily or randomly. Along with crossing a pool via spinning logs, swinging and climbing ropes, and plummeting down ziplines, there are a few notable obstacles teams will need to get through.

🚪 Steering a giant ship's wheel in order to lift the door to the next obstacle. Both partners need to take turns, one spinning it upwards and the other continuing down.
🦑 They must piece together the three parts of the Silver Squid Statue, fitting each piece properly and vertically together (have to hear the snap to ensure the pieces connected!) and then placed it into a hole in a door to move on.
⛰️ The final obstacle is called Mount Grog, where the team must climb to the peak of this hill of craggy stone. While there are footholes aplenty, there are also steam vents, "landslides" of small boulder-shaped pillows, and warm "lava" of red-dyed ale, making the terrain slippery and sticky! Mind the steam and ale, they are made of strong liquor and may make those with low tolerance a bit…intoxicated.
🐱‍👤 While some are free to spectate and cheer in the audience, others may volunteer to try and sabotage the rest of the competition by chucking wilted produce, or if you're really lucky, the showrunners will pull you from the audience to hit switches to change up the layout of the map mid-race!

The second event is Capture the Flag and takes place along a long stretch of beach using the remains of two retired ships on either end: one with each of the three masts flying a red flag, the other with three blue flags. Each player will have a small flag of their armada colors attached to a belt on their waist, along with a few very full colored water balloons. The goal is to steal as many of the other team's flags as possible and bring them back to their ship before the hourglass runs out. The only rule is no magic allowed! Have to use good ol' wit and grit. All magic will be suppressed and all weapons taken/forced to be left behind.

💧 Everyone is armed with water balloons of their respective team color. Use them to pelt your opponents and get that flag!
🚩 Some may want to try and score big by capturing one of the ship's flags. But it won't be easy. There will be a "crew" defending their ships and will have cannons filled with giant water balloons, sticky nets, and life preserver rings to deploy against attackers. They can also use the rings to quickly grab their own teammates and pull them to safety.
⛓ There is a jail that caught opponents can be taken to right next to the ship. Either escape, help a caught teammate, or defend it!

After another night of reveling in various taverns (and likely getting into more bar fights), everyone will set sail the following morning, with or without the hangovers. Everyone should be prepared to pitch in their weight, as during the trip, they will learn how to be a deckhand, learning the literal ropes of pitching sails, swabbing decks, and working the galley. There could be other areas they might have access to if they have the skill for it. They will also have a chance to practice their magic. Don't worry, the ships are fitted with special protection that even a stray spell won't cause too much damage (though if it does, they better be prepared to repair and clean it up). And since it will take a few days to get to their respective leviathans, everyone should remember their temporary cabin number. Some may even have roommates.

But the number one rule for both ships is no fighting between members. Save it for when they're back on shore!

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

Compared to the bright colors and bustle of Eltrut, Elah is much more refined and orderly, especially the capital city of Baleen. Tall, sturdy buildings of polished marble and white coral with accents of gold and mother-of-pearl, set in tiered, orderly rings of sandstone-cobbled streets organized by purpose and class. The higher it is, the more affluent, with the Chambers of Council seated at its highest point. Yet there is very little to no poverty, as the citizens are diligent in keeping everything clean and everyone taken care of. That isn't to say there aren't "dirty" parts of the city…but for the most part it's a prosperous, bustling city that takes pride not only in its Paladin force, but in the arts and pursuit of higher education and research. High above one may see gondolas seemingly sailing in the air, but they are just riding the "breath streams'' of Elah that connect to the three blowholes spiracles lining the leviathan's back. In the distant north, one may even catch a glimpse of the main blowhole spiracle releasing a huge stream of water. Access is currently under construction, but new riftfarers will be able to access it soon.

At the center is the city's pride and joy: the Plaza Fontea. Around the outer rim are daily markets and performers to help cultivate the arts and casual business, and there are a number of gardens and ponds for visitors to relax and enjoy. And at its center is a grand mosaic in the great whale's image with a series of "water spouts" that shoot water up through the ground, sometimes to music. However, something is amiss. Without warning, the water is turning different colors and making fart noises. While anyone who might know some engineering is free to help those beneath the fountain to try and figure out what happened and repair it, others can try and catch the culprits who pulled this deplorable prank (hint, bunch of Corsairs, of course).

At the Nodding Kettle, there are some special items that new Paladins can receive. These items are also available on the Rewards Shop, but new members can choose one for free. These items are also special in that they will start at a basic level, but can be upgraded and refined for better effects (for a fee).

🔪 Dowsing Blade: Lvl 1. A short sword that once fully upgraded can find special treasures and precious metals. At level 1, it will only find junk, but who knows? One man's trash is another man's treasure. And rusted metal can still hurt in a fight—
🫧 Bubble Shield: Lvl 1. A shield that will grow in size and strength once fully upgraded and provide protection in the form of a dome. At level 1, it creates a small bubble that covers a small area next to the user and can only take a few hits before it pops.
🔦 Wayfinder Torch: Lvl 1. A torch that burns brighter and can illuminate and find any path to a designated location or exit once fully upgraded. At level 1, it can only illuminate up to a few feet and must be charged with magic to continue.

The educational district is one of the many prides and joys of Elah, and especially the block containing the sprawling, U-shaped Archives framing the massive, gold-framed glass dome of the Conservatory. The core of the Archives is a blocky building of very weathered marble, with two longer and more slender wings; nearly every room inside is dedicated to some sort of specialized library, lecture hall, laboratory, or archaeological restoration room. The Conservatory, meanwhile, is teeming with the rarest of plants, flocks of birds, skittering reptiles, and even small artificial tide pools hosting reef-dwelling fauna and small schools of fish. As new members explore the complex, they may find the new items will come in handy for their tasks.

📖 There's been intel of Corsairs targeting the Archives for their next heist, especially the special collection in the library. Newer Paladins will be asked to guard the library in shifts and keep an eye out for anyone suspicious.
🦤 Oh no, Angus the Dodo has escaped the conservatory again! Capture him and bring him back unharmed. Thankfully he's peaceful and not very smart, but he is easily startled and surprisingly fast. He's a glutton for fruit, nuts, and seeds, and he's infamous for stealing fancy hats, especially if they have feathers on them.
🏰 Reports have come in of a nearby island with ruins of an ancient castle standing on them. Venture out, document the site, and retrieve any artifacts for proper cataloging at the Archives before the Corsairs break or steal anything important.

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

While Eltrut and Elah both have relatively smooth surfaces to build on, Nogard's back is covered in jutting ridges and spines. Between the uneven terrain, the transformation between Nogard's living sea form and skeletal land form, and the demon-ridden forest, structures here focus much more on defense and ease of repair or relocation as needed than on matching a set theme. Buildings in Fang are made from a mishmash of old metal, driftwood, and bone, but are often decorated with bright murals and graffiti, drapes of colorful fabrics, and intricate sea glass creations. Taverns and pubs can be found on nearly every corner, loud music and cheers and more than occasionally the sounds of a brawl pouring out from about noon to the wee hours of the morning.

Currently Nogard has settled on a remote island, its skeletal structure nestled deep within the island's cove, creating a natural barrier that will only allow Corsair ships in and out. They will be there for a while, taking advantage of the beasts that inhabit the island and provide valuable materials to be sold. But of course it can get boring, so it's not surprising to see the more "reckless" ziplining from one curved rib to another high above the city. There are also some makeshift fighting arenas for members to test their strength. Those who prefer to actually learn about Nogard's current settlement set out to canvas and explore the island, hoping to find some other ruins or resources that could be useful.

At the Leviathan's Maw, there are some special items that new Corsairs can receive. These items are also available on the Rewards Shop, but new members can choose one for free. These items are also special in that they will start at a basic level, but can be upgraded and refined for better effects (for a fee).

🧥 Camouflage Cloak: Lvl 1. A cloak that once upgraded will allow the wearer to shift and blend into their surroundings. At level 1, it's a bit ratty looking and only useful if hiding in shadows. Even then it's only for a few seconds, but better than none.
🔁 Ring of Returning: Lvl 1. A ring that once upgraded will allow the wearer to return to a specific location upon activation. At level 1, it can only be used once per day and returns you to a public space.
🔀 Ring of Evasion: Lvl 1. A ring that once upgraded will allow the wearer to have increased movement speed and dodging ability. At level 1, it is only effective in avoiding small objects and getting through crowds easier. Not useful for combat until upgraded.

While there are some "respectable" stores and merchants around Nogard, the Black Market is what the city of Fang is best known for. And as part of their initiation, new members are sent to the literal underbelly of the leviathan's skeletal remains where the Black Market exists. Those new free items offered by the Leviathan's Maw may be useful…

💍 Several sellers have put up requests for certain "special rare items" to help restock their wares, but these items are "special" and "rare" for a reason. From needing to kill monsters on the island Nogard has settled on and harvesting for certain materials, to stealing from certain ships and rich houses in Elah (oops).
🏰 On a certain island, there are some castle ruins that has been recently discovered and there are some artifacts and relics that could catch a hefty price if brought back. Just ignore the Paladins who may be excavating…and perhaps take their finds.
📦 Some merchants have special wares that need to be delivered to their clients all over Nogard and on some neighboring islands. Of course, there are many others who might try to steal it…whatever is inside it. Wait—did the box just shake? What, protect the package and deliver it safely!

MANTA BOARD

As mentioned above, usually the Quest Board will be posted separately as we won't normally have logs like these. But for everyone's convenience, we've included it here for additional prompts. Players can either use the quest board here in their toplevels, or create their own open log for them if they prefer to keep it separate and spread things out more.

GENERAL

PALADINS

CORSAIRS

BOUNTIES

𝕊ℙ𝔼ℂ𝕀𝔸𝕃𝕊

» GENERAL (4pts)

Dockside Repairs

Reward: 100 dubloons and a serving of cinnamon sugar grog for each day of hard work.

A recent tempestuous storm wreaked havoc upon Eltrut’s main port, leaving many of its docks in dire need of repair.

We are seeking dedicated workers to lend a helping hand in restoring the damaged docks. We encourage those with specialized abilities in carpentry, construction, or any related field (magic, physical or otherwise) to join in the collective effort to repair the docks as soon as possible.

As we are not sure how many newcomers we will have in the future we must restore the port to its former glory, ensuring it serves as a steadfast foundation for our maritime activities! Please help out!

Seahorse Whisperers

Reward: 100 dubloons and a seahorse charm that allows you to bond with gentle sea creatures easily. Doesn’t appear to work well on the angry ones.

Atnam Island has been graced with the arrival of a spirited new batch of young seahorses.

These magnificent creatures are wild and energetic and difficult to tame. We are seeking daring individuals who are up to the challenge of calming and training these giant temperamental seahorses to become reliable and majestic mounts in the water.

Those who dare to embark on this training journey will be rewarded for their efforts. Alongside the profound satisfaction of witnessing the growth and development of these magnificent creatures, you will receive a special token of appreciation for your successful training.

Caviar Conundrum

Reward: 100 dubloons and one tin of orange lanternfish caviar. The caviar itself is said to induce vivid lucid dreams.

A fresh shipment of rare live orange lanternfish has arrived.

There are barrels of them ready to be harvested for their delicious caviar. We are looking for able hands to help collect the fish eggs from this rare fish. You’ll be equipped with the buckets and scoops needed.

However, be forewarned, for these fish are highly territorial and possess a potent electrical bite. Slowly navigating their space and avoiding their electrifying defences will require careful strategy and patience. The tales caution that even a single bite from these remarkable creatures can induce paralysis lasting an hour.

Woody Rarities

Reward: 100 dubloons and a piece of crystal wood that faintly glows when it is about to rain.

A cluster of ancient trees has piqued curiosity, as they appear to defy nature's laws by remaining dry during rainfall.

This phenomenon has caught the attention of keen observers, and we now seek crafty individuals to investigate further.

Venture to the tops of hills or mountains on Eltrut Island and examine these remarkable trees, and gather samples of their purportedly waterproof bark and wood for thorough testing. If proven true, this extraordinary property could revolutionize shipbuilding techniques and open new horizons for maritime exploration.

Bottle Voyage!

Reward: Probably some bad advice. Or a love letter. Or maybe a new friend?

Have you heard of messages in a bottle?

Embrace the sea's powerful enchantment! Pen a heartfelt letter, place it in a glass bottle and release it into the ocean's waves to see what happens.

Rumour has it that within three days, the bottle will return to you with a reply. Discover personal advice, fortunes, or messages from far away. Perhaps even find a lifelong pen pal through this method! Unleash your heartfelt words into the water and let the sea work its wonders!

Results may vary. (Optional: For added flavour attempt posting your bottle message to a random character's inbox.)

» PALADINS (4pts)

Paws of Valor

Reward: A voucher for a free dagger at The Nodding Kettle: Blacksmith and Wares.

Hello, aspiring recruits! We are in need of your assistance to gather iron ore at the local mines, a vital resource for crafting cannonballs to fortify the armada. Although the task at hand may be arduous, it is of utmost importance!

However, we must provide one gentle warning. One of our captains recently lost his pet wildcat, Whiskerbeard, and she has been left to roam freely. Whiskerbeard has a mischievous streak and enjoys playing pranks on new recruits. While she may pose a playful challenge during your ore collection, we trust that you young and agile newcomers will find ways to work around her more violent antics. Please do not harm her or your coin will be cut in half for an entire month!

Five Finger Discount-inued

Reward: The sheer satisfaction of doing the right thing.

Reports have emerged of pickpockets and thieves falling victim to a frustrated shop owner–turned–vigilante, resulting in severed fingers and a growing stain on the Paladin’s reputation for maintaining order among the various port marketplaces.

In order to address this issue and uphold the principles of justice, we need your expertise to delve into the local shops and uncover the truth behind these vigilante actions. It is crucial to identify the shop owner responsible as well as apprehend any theives and restore a sense of balance and fairness to the markets.

However, it is essential to approach this investigation with a focus on fairness and adherence to the law. Our aim is to ensure a just and lawful resolution, and a few fewer fingers being cut off, including yours.

Chasing Tuna Titans

Reward: A casket of fine wine. The bigger the fish, the bigger the casket.

The recent influx of newcomers has led to an increased demand for foodstuffs, placing a strain on our hardworking fishermen. To aid them in meeting these demands, the fishermen have requested assistance from the Paladin's vessels to catch a fresh supply of large tuna fish until new fishermen can be trained.

Join the fishing ships in procuring a bountiful supply of giant tuna fish. Be prepared for the challenge, for these magnificent creatures can grow to sizes ranging from sixty pounds to a staggering four hundred pounds. Good luck reeling them in!

» CORSAIRS (4pts)

Traded Secrets

Reward: A recipe for a dubious-looking soup made to be highly addictive and whatever else you steal from the ship.

There is a popular merchant ship that sells soup out of its main deck that is travelling the seas lately. Its tantalising flavours have ignited such fervent desire that people are willing to engage in battles and even sink ships to secure a coveted bowl. And you’ll be damned if you don’t get a bowl of it before it’s all gone! Find the secrets behind the renowned travelling ship's irresistibly delectable soup!

Surely, there has to be a trick to it. Begin by infiltrating the merchant’s ship, whether by legitimate means or through becoming a discreet passenger and find out what that secret ingredient is. What makes this soup so tantalising that people are willing to give someone a black eye to get it. Is it a frog's legs? Eye of newt? Some kind of illegal drug? Paprika?

Unconventional Couture

Reward: A silk dress of your choice and a pocket gun that can be concealed in a boot.

A renowned mistress from the lantern light district in Naughtilust seeks diverse bodies to showcase her exquisite collection of rare silks and gowns. Don’t worry, she disregards conventional standards and welcomes individuals of any body type or gender, recognizing the beauty in diversity. The more types the better, actually!

However, it is imperative to maintain utmost discretion, as these precious garments were acquired through unconventional means (they were stolen). This gathering is intended for a select group of haughty guests who will appreciate the opulence and allure of these clandestine treasures. So keep it hush-hush! There are dubloons to be squeezed!

Pickpocketing Practice

Reward: A lesson learned for every pocket picked.

With the influx of new scallywags on our shores, the Corsair ships have taken it upon themselves to impart their expertise in the art of pickpocketing. If you're ready to master the craft and enhance your acting, lying, and sleight-of-hand skills, then step forward and join their pickpocketing seminars!

Under the guidance of experienced Corsairs, you'll learn the tricks of the trade, honing your abilities to make a quick dubloon when navigating crowded streets or lively gatherings.

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. As you venture out to test your newfound skills, exercise caution and subtlety. A successful pickpocket knows the importance of being undetected. The Corsairs will not come to your aid should you find yourself hanging around in the gallows. Or losing a few fingers.

» BOUNTIES (6pts)

Giga Mantis Shrimp

Reward: 500 dubloons.

Said to be as large as a horse with a sting as powerful as a hundred stinging jellyfish. This creature has somehow grown larger than most other mantis shrimp and it has been hunting down and eating the heads of male prey. Find this creature in the ocean and kill it before it hunts and eats more innocent sailors.

Read More.

✦ Size: Medium
✦ Type: Sea creature
✦ Strengths: Powerful pincers, Swift swimmer, Carnivorous, Stinging spines
✦ Weaknesses: Lightning, Sharp weapons, Piercing weapons

Horned Dolphin

Reward: 1000 dubloons. An extra 500 dubloons for the horn.

A rare dolphin with a strange magical glowing horn has been sighted in the ocean. Although some of the rumours are saying that the dolphin is merely a lost narwhal. It seems to only appear when the weather is foggy which makes it particularly difficult to find. Find it and record proof of its existence or kill it and farm the horn for an extra bounty.

Read More.

✦ Size: Large
✦ Type: Sea creature
✦ Strengths: Light magic, Swift swimmer, Omnivourous, Peaceful
✦ Weaknesses: Wind magic, Darkness magic, Blunt weapons

» SPECIALS (12pts)

None

Reward: None

No special quests at this time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Asked around.

[And a very light smirk.]

And I've done this before.

[Oh, this insufferable little—

That smirk of his lights a fire inside of her. One that she had managed to put out a couple nights ago on Naughtilust, only for it to come burning back with a vengeance the moment she saw that crinkle of his eyes.]

You have? With who?

[Why is she even asking!? It's not as if she has any more fucks to give, as she wrote in that bottled message, but here she is, asking anyway, because this is what Cidolfus does to her.

She hates it.]

[—Yeeeah, he's not going to put Jill in her line of fire.]

Does it matter? Point is I have the experience and you don't.

[There's a low huff under her breath, masked only by the sound of the waves when the winds pick up, jerking the boat.]

Well then, you are free to take hold of the winds and guide us there yourself.

[Not that he can. She would certainly like to see him try, though...]

Since you know everything.

[But fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Where had this information about the dolphins been? Surely not just on the phones? The one that she has barely touched as it sits in that harness that he'd picked out for her only days ago.]

[Oh.

REALLY.]

Now you know I can't do that.

[This woman—]

Look, I can tell you where to go, and you just steer the ship over.

[She really should have just turned around and left when she could. Is the coin truly going to be worth all of this? As she tries not to scowl too deeply across the boat at him, she wonders what it is she could buy with those fifteen hundred dubloons.

... Probably a lot. Her own stupid boat for next time, perhaps, so that she is not stuck with what the universe gives her which, for some reason unknown to her, continues to be Cidolfus.

Ugh, damn it.]

Give me your phone.

[Oh no.]

Not a chance.

[He's holding onto this like it's his child.]

For the map, you—

[It's not like she was going to throw it!? What the fuck—

But whatever. She's not going to argue, and she swallows past the lump in her throat when she notices that the charm that she had picked out for him is missing from the case, and she whirls around to face forward again lest he see the way her expression shifts again, slight as it is, she can feel the twist in her gut.

Her mind briefly goes down to the phone strapped around her waist near her belt, and how she would tear the duck from it now if she could do it without him noticing... Best she just keeps it there for now, until they part ways again.]

Then you'd better guide me true, and be quick about it.

[With that, he'll first feel a very concentrated burst of wind, blowing around only him as if it means to knock him around a little bit before it swoops up into the sail to push them forward again.]

[Maybe if things weren't so tenuous between them, he would be more agreeable. But he really does half expect her to throw it in anger, so he's holding onto it.

And other reasons.

He knows she's not as tech savvy, but if she knew what he still had stored on there, she really would throw it. He really should just delete it all later—

Especially when he feels that wind bolstering around him. Real mature, Benedikta!!!

But once it settles, he just mutters under his breath before he pulls up the map to get their heading.]

Head for that reef ahead, then turn towards that small island in the distance.

[She doesn't even wait for him to finish what he's saying before Benedikta lets the winds propel them forward, and she kneels to grab hold of the handrails that line the edges of the boat as they sail at a speed quicker than any sailboat should travel for it to be deemed safe. It bounces along the waves that the gales kick up, and when they reach the reef in record time, she makes a sharp turn for that island, the sails flapping violently as they shift with the way she carries them.

But after that, she will slow her approach, taking them near the island, though not all the way.]

Right here is good?

[Motherfuck—

He should have seen this coming, but he has to hastily grab the railing to keep himself from being bounced overboard.

Regretting. So much regretting. And he just grimaces as he rubs his back where it had smacked against something hard, scowling at her a bit.]

Good enough.

[Honestly it's perfectly fine, but he's feeling spiteful still. He's also going to rub his left arm a little, flexing his fingers a bit before he looks back out. It's open, near shore but not too close, and with a reef nearby a good place for fish to gather. Not to mention that it doesn't look that frequently traveled, so if these creatures are as elusive as they seem, this seems to be a good a spot as any.]

Word has it fog will form around this area during certain times, but we don't really have time for that, so we'll have to conjure up some of our own to try and lure them out.

[Now they just bob on the water, the waves lifting and dipping them as the winds start to die down, and she'll finally stand again once the boat begins to level so that she can turn to him.]

I don't suppose that is something you could do? I'm not exactly equipped to create fog. Only dispel it.

[She was prepared to just lure them out some other way (and no, do not ask her how), but if he has a better method of getting them to come, then she is at least willing to listen.]

Aye...and with your wind might be able to make this easier.

[As bitter as things started, now that they're here, he'll set it all aside so they can at least try and work together.]

This world's magic lets me do more than I could back home, and creating storms is one of them, if small. With my lightning, I can heat up the air quick...and if you can quickly cool it, we should be able to make it.

[She raises a brow.]

Is that a new trick of yours?

[It's not a method that she's seen him employ before, at least not in her presence, though they never were ones who felt a need to mask their ship. The Einherjar and all of the Waloeder army's vessels were too fast and too big to hide in any fog... and the King was fond of making their arrival known.]

[He can't help but grin a bit at that.]

Something like that.

[He stands up then, flexing his left arm a bit as if to loosen it up before casting the spell as he looks up at the clouds. Hmmmmmmmm. Would be better if they were already ready to rain, but at least they're there. Yeah he can work with that.]

With having a bit more time on my hands, figured it wouldn't hurt to explore what all this world's magic can. What without having a curse to worry about.

[She crosses the boat to his end because she knows that they will have to mix their magic together to create this fog, and because she is just a mite curious, stopping just a couple of steps away from him, but at the mention of the curse, her gaze instinctively snaps up to him...

...

....

And she stares, lips parting as if she means to say something.

There is a lot that she can say to him. So fucking much... and there's a silence that drops between them in that moment, the sound of the waves nothing more than background noise in her head as the memories suddenly run through it again now that she stands only a foot away. She had gone over how she thought this might go—them seeing each other again after that night—and it was nothing like this.

Despite the closeness, however, he has never felt further than he does now, even with that stupid, cocky grin on his face, and she feels empty. Hollow... Distant.

But she chooses not to in the end, and Benedikta tears her eyes from his to his hand.]

Well, get on with it.

[It's hard to not notice that pointed silence, and feeling that tension creeping in, his eyes move to hers as if waiting.

He's not sure what she'd want to say to him right now, but there are a million things he could think of. Some relevant, some not. But when that silence only continues and nothing comes forth, his eyes narrow just a fraction before he watches her look away to his hand.

...

With only one last look at her, his eyes go up to the clouds, the familiar purple streaks of lightning gathering around his hand before he fires a concentrated bolt up to the clouds. The lightning explodes, scattering through them before their once white color turns gray and the rumbles of thunder heard overhead.

But rather than rain, Cid's brows furrow in concentration before he channels more of his energy and releases a large spread of lightning that scatters through the air, the lightning from the clouds striking down to join them in an endless chain of electrical explosions that cause the air to become more supercharged, the clouds above growing and gathering in strength, skin tingling from the effects.]

[She misses that look as she watches that lightning gather in his hand, and as it shoots up into the clouds, she feels a breath leave her. She doesn't dare look at him, and instead, is glad that the skies give her something else to focus on. The clouds thicken, the thunder rumbles, and as the static grows, she can feel the heat rising in the air, seeking to join the storm that rolls just over their heads.

The static prickles at her skin just like it always has. Just like his lightning always has... and it pulls forth other memories. Memories that she would rather forget, but remain there all the same, the arcs of purple magic that he draws forth stirring them all over again. The way it raises goosebumps all across her flesh, the way it heats up her nerves beneath it...

She loved it once. She adored it. Sought out the comfort and the thrill it brought her with every chance she had.

But now... it only seeks to hurt her on the inside.

With a slight furrow to her brow, she does as he told her to do. Once the air has grown hot and stifling, he'll feel her winds, and they carry the cooler air that still sits just above the water's surface.

How many times have they done this before? Mixing their aether together like this? His lightning and her winds would create the perfect storms—deadly, vicious, but oh so beautiful.

And now? Now it is nothing more than a means to an end. An end that would surely see them going their separate ways. Again.

As the air slowly begins to cool, she can't help but close her eyes against the spray of the sea, a sharp breath leaving her when she feels the pieces of her heart being swept away before a fog finally begins to roll in...]

[The pricks he feels as he continues to control and work the magic is both different and familiar. Here, he doesn't feel the aches and throbs like he had grown used to. Instead it's just a fresh feeling of power. Power for him to wield once more. Power he once enjoyed...then grew to loathe, a tool to use as a means to an end. Truthfully he had mixed feelings about it all in this world, but seeing the difference in how magic and the like is used, he could accept it. Especially when it still has it uses for fighting—and things like this.

It's only out of habit that he shakes out his hand in the end—although, there is a throb from the injury he had sustained not too long ago, but it's at least not like the old aches and pains. But now it's his turn to watch as Benedikta casts her winds to join his lightning. And like her... He's also reminded of how their aether and magic once mixed together. On the field, off it...alone. And like how she sought his lightning, he found her wind refreshing, thrilling, comforting—a symbol of that freedom she once wanted—what they both once wanted. Now he doesn't know what to think or feel.

How violent this storm truly reflects how they are now. Just a lot of noise and bluster...until it fades into the cold emptiness.

As the fog develops, the thunderous lightning slows, quieting almost as quickly as it started. The purple arcs that once filled the air disappear, and all that's left are the gray clouds above. She'll hear him turn, the sound of the boards creaking under his weight as he moves to the other side to better peer out over the railing.

Of course, without saying much of anything because...well, there's not much to be said. They made the fog, and now its time to wait for those dolphins to appear.]

[The silence that falls over them along with the fog feels infinite, but in a suffocating sort of way. It rings in her ears louder than the thunder that fades, louder than the waves that still crash against the sides of the boat before they calm. They stand in the middle of their creation, one made by their magicks and theirs alone, and yet, it has never felt so cold as it does when she hears him move away from her. So cold that even that fiery rage that burned within her at the mere thought of him has been dampened somewhat...

Though, into what, she doesn't know. It's still there, that flickering flame, trying to cling to life, but there's an emptiness there, too... cold and vast, just like the fog that surrounds them.

Carefully, Benedikta lifts her gaze to follow his back as he steps to the end of the boat and looks out.

It was so much easier when they had been bickering and at each other's throats. She would much prefer that to the quiet, where it leaves too much room for more thoughts to creep forward. She would prefer anything over this—the clash of swords or words over this.

But instead, he'll hear her turn around now, moving to the other end of the boat, or seems to... but she doesn't go very far, and instead takes a spot at its side so that she can look over the edge and watch for any shadows that might move up near the surface, a hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

And then, her voice.]

... You are looking well.

[She has no idea what prompted her to say so. If she's honest, he looks like shit, and she probably does, too. But he looks better than how she feels, and she finds that annoying.]

Edited 2023-09-24 15:33 (UTC)

[The tension is so thick even Odin's sword would have difficulty cutting through it, but Cid just stares out at the water, his focus halved as he hears Benedikta moving.

Tsk.

He knows he's not helping, and perhaps he could try to be a little more amiable. Could try to at least feign to be more relaxed more....indifferent. He used to be able to, but that was easier when less had been said and even less had been known. But frankly he has no idea what to do or how to act around her anymore. He can't just shrug it off this time, infuriating as it is, and so there's just this strange, silent cold war instead.

Even stranger when it's Benedikta who breaks it. Usually he's the one to poke or prod, so he can't help but turn his head to stare at her in some surprise for a moment before he looks back out.]

Same to you.

[By the gods this is so awwwwkkkwwaaarrd even he knows it and wants to kick himself in the face. His fingers tighten over the phone as he mentally beats himself for letting his mouth be so petty and he tries to say something a little nicer, return the "favor."]

...How've you been adjusting to this place?

[He wants to throw himself into the water.]

[Strange indeed, but she could not handle the silence for a second longer.

She doesn't look at him when he answers, difficult as it is to keep her eyes trained anywhere but on him, but she can hear it in his voice. A tone that twists that knife even deeper. What ever happened to that nonchalant attitude? The stubbornly cocky one that infuriated her so? This one does too, but it feels different. Unnatural. Uncomfortable.

In an effort to shift away from it, she squares her shoulders and forces a frown upon her expression, even if he can't see it. Her voice, however, remains even.]

Fine.

[A short, curt answer at first, but she doesn't feel it's good enough just yet. Not spiteful enough to bring things back to how they were... is what she will tell herself in that beat of silence before she goes on.]

I spent a couple nights on the Naughtilust instead.

[WELL. That earns her a slight arch of the brow... But knowing her, honestly not that surprising. Nor is he going to judge her for it. Why is she telling him, though...]

How was it? Heard the place had quite the "night life."

[...Except he has an inkling that she's only telling him such to show that she really doesn't care about him. That she moved on just fine. Isn't that how it usually means?

So, yeah, good for her. Better than drinking herself into a stupid stupor like he did—~~no it's not~~]

Might try it sometime later.

[It's a damn good thing that she kept her back turned to him because the deep, deep frown that provokes out of her would have given her away. Though, if he's watching, he might spot the way her hands ball into tight fists, or how the tension settles into the space between her shoulders.

That wasn't what he was supposed to say. Though, it begs the question of why should she fucking care? Why did it matter at all what he thought of her, or what she did? And why did it piss her off so much to hear him so nonchalantly admit to wanting to do the same?

It shouldn't. She was over him. She had found solace in others—a way to forget. ... is what she tells herself as the boat sways ever so slightly from the light wind that sweeps through them. That finding that release she got is exactly the thing she needed to finally be free of him.

Free of the thoughts that plagued her, even as she had another man beneath her.

And if not, then she would fucking pretend until it became the truth.]

Good luck with that.

[Good luck with finding someone better than her. Good luck forgetting her. Good luck moving on...

He'll feel a cold wind and a large spray of water at his back as she sends some of it splashing up at him, and the magic disappears from her fingertips before she stomps off to the front end of the boat.

Her hand slipped.]

[Cid just sits there a little stunned before something in him just snaps.]

The bloody fuck is your problem!?

[—Okay. Getting into a heated argument while in the middle of open water in a small boat with a woman who controls wind is not the best idea. But the threadbare patience he had is officially gone.]

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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