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

[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.]

[Oh, she is so tempted to do it again for that, but she holds fast to her own final thread of patience—thin and tattered as it already is—while she looks out to the sea.]

Me? [There's a mocking tone to her otherwise hollow voice.] The magic must have slipped. But I would watch my tongue if I were you, lest you want it to happen again.

Slipped my ass, that was deliberate.

[Dangerous, yes, but he is tired of her stupid games.]

Look, if you didn't want me around then should have bloody said so.

[Okay, now she turns around to look at him, the deep scowl on her face clear as day even in this wretched fog.]

Me!?

[He cannot be serious right now. If she was the one who did not want him around, and she sure as hell does not, then what does that make him? Why must he put the onus on her when he clearly feels the same? Typical Cidolfus move, that one. The fucking hypocrisy.

She had tried, but the pettiness in his own voice had done something to her. Twisted that deep knife deeper, pouring salt on an already fresh wound.

He should be angrier. He should be the one in her place because he is the one who put her here, and it is infuriating that he is not.

He deserved that splash, as far as she is concerned.]

You were the one who...

[Left. Both times.

But before that thought can stray any further away from her, she reels it right back, trying to shrug off that anger that he goaded out of her.]

I was here first.

[Well, at least she dispelled that horrible, awkward silence that hung between them.]

You—

[Practically goaded him into following her!! HE WISHES HE COULD JUST SWIM BACK RIGHT NOW how far are they dammit.

But she's half right. She was there first, he showed up late (by five minutes!!) and he didn't have to follow her. He could have left right there.

Should—

He just lets out a frustrated exhale as he glares back out into the water.]

Should have known this wouldn't work.

[He had so many misgivings, but he thought maybe, just maybe they could both be adults and at least get through this, get back, and then go their separate ways.

Again.

And maybe...just maybe his stupid, foolish self wanted to follow and see what happened. See if he could figure out anything about what she was thinking or feeling since then. Figure out his own feelings.

And boy does he feel more the fool for it.]

Edited 2023-09-24 19:38 (UTC)

[Really, in hindsight, she shouldn't have let him on the boat. She should have ordered him to turn around and go, because she knew how this would end. With him being his usual proud self, and her doing the same, and them not willing to put aside their differences even to pocket some good coin. She would not be the first to do it—she refuses to give him that satisfaction. The satisfaction of knowing that he still had those shackles around her wings. The satisfaction of knowing that she thinks she might have been the one who made the mistake.

Or the satisfaction of knowing that she realized just how strong those feelings were that she still harboured for him.

But he had kept walking. He turned around and left, even after she wished for him to fight. Fight with her, for her...

Perhaps it was a test, but she needed to be sure where he stood in the end. After everything, she needed to make sure that he would not hurt her again. That he would no longer use those feelings against her just to make a point.

Or that is what she has convinced herself, as she pins herself to Barnabas's side.

No, she will move on. She has moved on. And she has no time for this.]

I did not force you onto the boat. [He did that on his own, and she begins to approach him again, her voice rising ever so slightly to echo through the dense fog.] And you are free to swim back if you feel so inclined, I will not stop you. I can handle the dolphins myself.

Edited 2023-09-24 21:52 (UTC)

Look, I was willing to work with you, but you're the one blasting your damn wind everywhere.

[He is going to call her out on her petty behavior. Which is just another way of him saying, she started it.

Also again looking back towards the shore... No wait, there's that island closer, right? He can just swim out and call Clive or someone to get a boat to pick him up—

Yeah he is seriously contemplating this now.]

[Except he started it when he showed up in her cabin the other night so really, who is at fault here...]

You? Work with me? Please, Cidolfus.

[Do not take her for a fool. After the way that they left things, she is hard-pressed to believe it, and she would never be foolish enough to say that she was willing to do the same. Not only because she does not want to admit aloud the things that she is feeling, but because they both know better than that. And she knows it.]

What are you really doing out here?

Edited 2023-09-25 01:29 (UTC)

[The fuck— Just going to narrow his eyes at her.]

What else would I be doing? The damn bounty for the dolphin.

And you were the one who seemed to imply I should join you first.

[This damn woman— Make up your damn mind!]

[Still, she moves towards him, each step meant to punctuate every word of hers, but there is a tired roll of her eyes.]

Must you make everything about you? All I said was to get this over with. It had nothing to do with who I was doing it with.

[And that much is the truth.]

I was not about to stand on shore and bicker with you about it, but as it turns out, it just happened out here instead.

[And wow! Lucky her!]

Me?

[A rough laugh as he just remains where he is.]

You're the one bringing it up, blaming me for everything when you're the one who started it all.

[That could mean here, this very situation. Where she was the one who opened that small door to get onto the boat, making him think they could at least get through this as long as he acted cordial—and he mostly has—only to then cause the fuss with her wind and getting mad at his answers. Like, fuck woman, what is he supposed to do? Nothing?

Or it could be going back deeper to the very beginning. Where she was the one who sought him out, opening that door only to slam it in his face where it mattered most.]

Make up your damn mind, Benedikta.

[He's close to making his.]

[Yes, nothing. He should be doing nothing. That would be best for all of them.

She had tried... she thought that perhaps getting over him would do the trick. Thought that finding someplace else to pour all of these complicated emotions into would be the thing that she needed to finally move on, but no. Here he is, in all his stubborn, arrogant glory. Here he always is. Around her. Near her. In her head. She has tried to run... tried to flee, to fly away, but there is something that keeps pulling her back down to the ground.

Back down to him.

It's so fucking infuriating that she wants to scream. So fucking frustrating. If only he knew...]

About what!? You?

[Always about him.

Her foot comes down with a stomp, and there is another—accidental this time—gust of wind this time that rocks the boat, but she stands firm not far from him now, and as her voice cuts through the air, she can hear it break. It's slight, but it's enough to draw her back so that she can take a breath.]

Would help a lot of our problems!

[Oh he knows that she's in the same kind of rut he is—not knowing how she wants to feel towards him, not knowing what to do. He can't completely blame her, really he can't. She suffered as much if not more.

But although he had been more sympathetic before, now it's just too wearisome. Exhausting. Trying to figure this woman out was like trying to solve the mystery of the universe, and although he held a little string of hope out for six years, it's like that night in the cabin had hit his breaking point.

But after that stomp and the rock of the boat, all Cid can do is sigh and run a rough hand over his face.]

I'm done playing with your damn games, Benedikta, so unless you tell me what you really want—

[Although he manages to keep his balance, the natural rock of the boat earlier made him step just a small distance closer to her, and he's too busy glaring coldly at her to notice the new ripples in the surface of the water...]

My games?

[And she is far too busy wishing she could hurl him into the sea when he takes that step towards her to see the unnatural ripples that form...]

Were you not the one who snuck into my cabin in the middle of the night? [More and more, her voice begins to rise, and the louder it goes, the more that it breaks.] Were you not the one who ki—

[She is interrupted when there's a loud, large splash and the boat violently tips from the front end, which sends Benedikta stumbling forward when she loses her footing, right into him.]

What—!?

[He's about to yell at her that she was the one who yelled at him to fight, but before he can there's that unnatural bump that sends her stumbling into him—]

Watch it—!

[—and then another that makes him tip forward back into her. Thus all of this rocking and movement will make them fall back, Cid instinctively tucking Benedikta against him with his left arm cradling her head as his right holds her waist. He can feel the jolt and the pain shoot up from his left hand all the way up his arm that took the brunt of that fall, but he just grimaces while he waits for the boat to steady.]

[And Benedikta, in turn, instinctively tucks herself against Cid when she feels his arm grab her, and they both stumble to the floor of the boat. He breaks the impact with his arm, saving her head from hitting it instead. Everything continues to sway, and she waits for things to steady just a little more before she's moving her head, pulling her face back from where it had been tucked into the crook of his neck for safety.

Only to find his face mere inches from hers... So close that all she can do in the moment is stare at him, bewildered and short of breath when she feels his on her skin...

And never has the sound of his breaths been so loud as they are now...]

Edited 2023-09-25 04:18 (UTC)

[It's only when he feels her stiffen beneath him that he tilts his head back to open his eyes and stare down at her—and instead of seeing scorn and anger, the surprise in her eyes stuns him for a moment.

...

But just for a moment.

Although he, too, was momentarily focused on her eyes, breath, and heat, a twinge in his chest makes him break his gaze. Don't let yourself be fooled again. Don't get that hope up. That little bit of hope that stubbornly refuses no matter how much it's been cut and torn into shreds. Hope that despite what she says or does, she really does still feel something for him. Something other than hatred.

...

He should just get up off her before she starts kicking at him—]

You all right?

[—but the question comes out, anyway. Even after they were just yelling at each other, he still asks how she is. Still shows concern. Of course he expects she'll just spit it back out, so he'll also be slowly moving his right arm out from beneath her, but he asked, anyway. She can't fault him for that, too, can she?]

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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