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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

[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?]

[Why did he...? After everything has been said and done, why did he reach for her like that? Just like he accuses her, he says one thing and then does another — he could have just as easily let her fall or pushed her away, but instead he is here, cradling her head and her body from the worst of the impact.

So fucking unnecessary. Something he will surely use against her later when they are back to fighting again, but right now, in the moment, rather than spit it all back out at him like her brain is screaming at her to do, her gaze flicks to his lips when they move, uttering that question.

And she feels that same tingle across hers that she has not felt since those few nights ago, and a heat that settles in her chest.

Fuck... fuck.]

I'm... fine.

[Fucking hell. Why!?

The answer spills out on an airy, unintentionally shaky breath when she meets his eyes again.]

You...

[She doesn't even know what she means to say — was it going to be a question or an observation? — and so she lets the silence fall between them instead. Another that not even the creak of the boat as it evens out again or the waves splashing against it can ever hope to fill.]

[Again her answer surprises him. Again, she acts in that hypocritical way, of saying and acting one way and then behaving in another. It's infuriating.

Because it keeps that stupid little candle lit. A candle he should have snuffed out and threw away a long time ago. Even worse when he again considers that he's the reason for this push and pull. The reason she's also hesitating. That thought that if he was finally, completely separated from her, she'd be able to forget him and move on for good. Just like he needs to. Because as much as he's pulling her, she's also pulling him.]

...I'm all right.

[He's going to give her an out, whether he realizes it or not, and with a wince he starts to slowly pull his left hand away...his fingertips just barely brushing the back of her head as he gently moves and lowers it so she still won't hit the floor when he removes it. A touch that without even trying or meaning to holds that special care and tenderness he always had for her.

And with that, his eyes only linger on hers, the once cold glare from earlier dissipated into something quieter. Part questioning, part seeking, part remorse. Part...something. Something that rests deeper and shouldn't be seen right now. Something softer, something warmer.

That old want that never seems to go away.

Proof that as mad as he gets at her hypocritical ways, he's exactly the same—worn out and angry when in the heat of the moment, ready to combat against whatever she throws at him, but deep down still wanting the things they might never can have back. And he knows it.

But it's only for a moment before he once again looks away to start pushing himself up so he's no longer smothering her. Before her senses kick in and she tries to throw him off as he continues to expect her to do.]

Edited 2023-09-25 07:51 (UTC)

[She can feel that touch against the back of her head... that tenderness that, a long time ago, she had grown so used to. A tenderness that she searched for, wanted, coveted... And one that she would never find again after he left.

So, when she feels it, it comes as a surprise—so much so that she still continues to stare up at him even as his voice comes, not missing the way that his gaze changes... how she can see and feel the warmth in those forest greens...

And surely if he looks deep, deeper than he has been, he'll see it too. Those very same feelings reflecting at him in her own. That frustration in their dance, the hurt that comes with it, but even further beneath that, that same want. How, even in the worst of times, her heartbeat is like a set of claws, hot and sharp, raking across the insides of her chest, trying to find a way out to go to him... just like it is now, drawing out all the air from her lungs and throwing her logic to the wind...

It's as if everything stills then. The boat still rocks gently, the fog still looms over them, the waves still beat against the boat, but all she sees is the way that his eyes linger on her lips...

...

As he starts to push himself up, there's a sudden impulse that overcomes her. One that has her reaching for the collar of his shirt, grabbing it and giving it a tug—it isn't an aggressive one, all of it so automatic that Benedikta hardly realizes what she is doing before their lips are so close that she can feel his breath again...

....

So close that if she moves in...

Beneath them, there's another nudge against the bottom of the boat, tipping it sideways now, threatening to send them rolling to the other side as a wave of water comes splashing over the edge to soak them both—]

[The sudden tension at his collar makes his eyes widen as he's pulled back down to her. Pulled back to where her breath kisses his lips, close enough that if he so much as moved that barely there gap would be completely closed.

And as he stares back down in her eyes, again sees that hint of something... That something that he's not sure is real or his own vain, foolish reflection... There's that damn twist, that heat that grates the inside of his chest. It scratches at his insides, makes his mind race in a direction he's been trying to keep his back to.

And again he can only think that she's the one who started this. This time, she's the one who pulled him. Stopped him. If she hadn't looked so genuinely surprised before, if she didn't seem so innocent right now, he would have wondered if this was another ploy, a trick—a test. A trap.

Yet even so, his face is tipping, their breaths mingling to the point where they can't tell where one begins and one ends, and just when she feels the lightest brush—

The jerk of his head as they're soaked by the water makes him crash his nose against her mouth instead, a swear escaping him as he now pushes himself up.]

Fucking hell—!

[He's not sure if he's more pissed at being soaked (and being the one to take the brunt of it), being interrupted, or that he allowed a situation to be interrupted. Allowed himself to fall for her closeness again.

Maybe he should be grateful it happened.

But for now he's mad and reaching up to grab the side of the boat so he can pull himself up—]

Edited 2023-09-25 16:05 (UTC)

[It's only when she instinctively closes her eyes and tips her chin, only when she feels his breath with her own, when she can almost taste it that Benedikta comes to her senses, and even then, as he brings his lips close that they brush over hers, so soft and so warm, feather-light as it is over hers, she doesn't push him away.

Call it foolishness on her part—hell, on both their parts, call it curiosity, call it whatever. It is an impulse, an urge with a pull so strong that she is too weak to fight it, her body wanting one thing while her heart screams at her for another, and then her mind something else. That is how it always is when he is near—pitting Benedikta against herself, goading a war amongst the different facets of her that no side can ever win because if they did, then all of this would be over.

Every part fights with the other not to fall into this pit, not to drown in his eyes or breathe the air he breathes. This could only ever end one way, in the same way that it always has—with both of them angry, hurt, and five steps back from where they started.

But the part that almost always wins out is the one that would only push her deeper, and he'll feel her exhale as her lips part, a helpless sigh that almost sounds like his name leave her...

Only to have his nose shoved into her mouth instead when the boat suddenly tips and there's a splash that soaks through her immediately.]

What the fuck—!?

[Now she is showing him off at the same time he pushes himself up (for a perfectly legitimate reason), and Benedikta whirls around, eyes wide with rage. A wind immediately cuts through the air, cold and unrelenting and dispelling some of the fog as she rushes to the edge of the boat, holding on when it crashes down over the waves again.

Beneath the surface, there is not one, but two shadows—one large and smaller one, both with pointed horns at one end of their bodies, and tails on the other.]

Fucking dolphins!

[And as she sees one shadow growing larger and closer, Benedikta draws her sword.]

Aggressive today, are we!?

[YEAH, WELL. SO IS SHE.]

[The dolphins!? Really?

Normally he would have tried to defend them since they're peaceful creatures. But right now? Right now he honestly is half of mind to not stop her.]

It's going under!

No, it's not!

[And now it's her turn to be pissed as fuck about this.

Always fucking something...

Cid will get no warning as the boat is dashed forward by a violent torrent of wind and ocean water, and while it rocks, it is nothing compared to what it would have been had the dolphin managed to bump it with its tail... so, a small mercy, but a mercy, nonetheless.

The smaller one lifts its head out of the water, its large horn swinging this way and that, and it claps its fins with a happy chirp, and it forces one of Benedikta's brows into an arch.]

What are you chirping at!?

[No matter. The sound of steel being drawn is loud as Benedikta unsheathes her sword and lifts it, as if it will do anything to the dolphin as they are right now.

Little does she know, this mother and her baby are simply trying to play, and don't realize that their strength is far greater than their little sailboat can handle.

Unfortunate for them (or her?) because she lunges forward at the larger one that leaps out of the water on the other side, but she only manages to nick its horn before it dives back below.]

[He's about ready to assist—that horn did give extra, didn't it?—when he notices something about these dolphins. For one, they're clearly playful, which isn't much of a surprise as he remembers his last encounter. For two...well there are two of them, and one of them looks a might smaller than the other...

....

.......Shit!]

Benedikta, wait!

For what!?

[When she looks back over her shoulder at him, she looks like a soaked through feral cat.]

For them to capsize this boat!?

[She can certainly fly away in the event that happens, but she'd rather not have it come to that when she'd likely have to spend any dubloons that they earn replacing this fucking sailboat for the man waiting for them at shore!?]

Edited 2023-09-26 01:33 (UTC)

It's a mother and child!

[He gets it, he really does. Just a second ago he was ready to lop off that horn in the very least. But his common sense has once more prevailed, and as annoyed as he is by them, he can't let unruly emotions cloud his judgment.]

[Well, she can, and she is letting her unruly emotions cloud whatever judgement she might have had... the only being that she has had quite enough of their games, and she is willing to do what he might not be.

Which is to get that horn.

She has little sympathy for them after what they had just done... after what they interrupted.]

And?

[Yeah, she doesn't care.

She makes a point to drive her sword into the wood of the boat so that she has something sturdy to hold onto so that she can blast the larger one—supposedly the mother—with her wind. It's clear that she doesn't appreciate it, because rather than bump the boat, she's much more aggressive in her approach, swinging her horn around at Benedikta instead, that she gladly meets with her blade.]

Very good.

[And now it will be a matter of getting just the right angle for her to cut it clean off...

Of course, this means that she doesn't notice the much larger shadow looming below the boat.]

Don't just stand there!

Edited 2023-09-26 02:37 (UTC)

[Dammit, it's like on the one hand there's nothing really to stop her, but on the other now it just wouldn't sit will with him if he lets her.]

Just put the sword down!

[So he's going to make the brilliant move of trying to get in her way by grabbing her arm—]

Edited 2023-09-26 02:49 (UTC)

[And she'll try to wrestle it away as soon as he feels his hand wrap around her arm, so much that she nearly cuts him with her sword and ends up dropping it instead.]

What are you doing—!?

[Do not just grab a woman brandishing her sword like that, unless he would like to be skewered too!?]

Are you not here for the bounty?

[WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK

But her outrage is short-lived when she's forced to grab onto something when the boat teeters again, this time more aggressively as a third dolphin joins the party, and not for play.

And of course, it's just her luck that the closest thing for her to reach is Cid, and she drags him along as they tumble from one side of the boat to the other where the wood will shatter when a large horn pierces through it—]

[Before he can even think to answer, the boat is rocked and he's also scrambling to keep some balance. He's also reaching out to her, more out of instinct to try and keep her from falling over. Yet it all ends up being a wash with how they both go down.

Again he covers her, cushioning her fall, but more than that—]

—Augh!

[—because of how he had turned when they fell, he ends up taking the horn to his left shoulder—why always the left?!?—the pained yell escaping him as he lurches against her while the horn swings this way and that to cut more into his back before it pulls back, high pitched keens like shrieks echoing through the air.]

[What is with him and grabbing her—!?

She feels some force from the fall, landing almost completely on top of him, but this time, she doesn't linger. She can't and should not, what with the way he suddenly belts out a yell in pain, and yet, she finds herself clinging to him anyway, looking down at him as...]

Shit.

[The dolphin swings its head back in an attempt to escape, and it manages to nick him once, twice, before retreating into the water.

Benedikta quickly scrambles to her feet with a groan of her own—one in thanks or in frustration? Who is to say at this point?—and searches for her sword on the floor of the boat, finding it where it had slid alongside them to the other end.

And now there's water flowing into the boat where its horn had broken through it, and Cidolfus is lying on the floor groaning in pain...

...

She has had enough. All she wanted to do was to take care of this bounty and get back to shore. How easy it could have been to simply kill them all and break off their horns, but no. He had to stop her before she could, and now... now look at the sorry fucking state of it all.]

You'll pay for that!

[Benedikta leaves Cid where he is and tries to cross the boat to where the younger one is, even as it sways. She's done caring... and it's not as if she cared before, but whatever pity she might have felt has carried off into the violent winds that churn around them now. She raises her sword, and—]

Ugh!

[She feels something rake across her shoulder, breaking leather and skin when the mother leaps onto the fucking boat to stop her. She thrashes, her horn swinging every which way before she flips back into the water to carry the small one away.]

Fuck...

[The blood is hot as it trickles over her skin, the sharp ache wasting no time in spreading through her back, and she's forced to drop her sword to the floor again as her other hand clutches at her shoulder.]

[It's not the first time he's been stabbed or slashed at, but doesn't mean it doesn't hurt like a bitch or sends his mind momentarily reeling. But when he hears Benedikta get up and start shouting, he grits his teeth and tries to push himself up, only to fall when he feels his left arm failing.

Dammit, how deep that horn go??

But he rolls over to use his right arm and knees to push himself up just in time to see Benedikta get hit next.]

Benedikta!

[He staggers towards her, eyes glancing down only briefly when he hears and feels that cold water sloshing through. The only saving grace is that the dolphin hit the side and a few feet above the bottom, so while water is getting in, it's only when dips low enough in the waves.]

Dammit— We need to get out of here!

[He can hear the dolphins communicating with each other, sees their shadows as their swirl around like sharks.]

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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