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

[Excuse? Is he ordering her around? At least follow it up with a 'please'...

After glaring at him, she turns to climb into the boat, and she kicks around a few things here and there, not wanting to move her arms or bend too far this way and that, so she makes quite a racket where she is. Shoving around small crates and tarps along the floor, and she picks up her sword on the way, but...

She leaves disappointed as she climbs back out of the boat and crosses over to him.]

Nothing.

[Not that she would want to drink from the otter-man's freshwater flask anyway, if he'd left it behind. She should have brought her own, but she didn't think she would wind up on some small island with Cidolfus when she set out to do this.]

We can worry about that after if we need to. It's not as though we'll be here for long.

[Right? Just going to dry off and patch up themselves and then she will be off.]

[He can hear her making a fuss and he just throws a dry look over before he continues. It really does take a small snap for that small bolt of lightning to strike the bundle of driftwood he collected, piercing through the damp bark to ignite the dry wood within. So it's not long before there's that telltale crackle as he winces, rubbing his upper arm before he starts taking off his jacket to get a better look.

Great. He'll also need to get his clothes mended...]

Was hoping to use it to help clean up this mess, but guess we'll have to make do with the sea.

[The sea water isn't the cleanest, nor will it feel great, but it was going to hurt like a bitch no matter what. For a temp job, it'll have to do.

He then looks over at her as she approaches before pointing to where he spread out one of the blankets.]

Now sit here and take off your shirt.

[If she wasn't glaring at him before, she certainly is now. Her mouth hangs in open outrage, and she half-sputters, half-curses at him as her eyes dart between Cid and the blanket in front of him.]

You want me to—? For what!?

[She is not taking off her shirt, thank you very much, and she almost wraps her arm around herself in defense, but stops herself when she feels the sting and the ache and all the other myriad of things that are happening at her shoulder.]

No.

[Woman.

He just gives her a tired look before gesturing again.]

And you think you can treat yourself? Just get over here.

[In the past, even recent past, he would have been a lot more polite and gentler about this. However, given the current state of...them at the moment, he doesn't have as much of his usual patient to deal with her childish antics.

Not to mention his own wound and sores that aren't helping his mood.]

[These are far from childish when he tells her to undress herself for him?????

...

....

But he is right in that she can't treat herself, and she knew that all along. She would have been happy to simply deal with it until they returned to Nogard and had a physicker look at it there, but how long are they even going to be stuck here...?

The quicker she gets this over with, the faster she can leave... she supposes.

With another curse and groan under a breath, she stomps over to the blanket and defiantly sits.]

Ugh, fine.

[However, in her current state, she can't exactly reach around and pull her zipper down........ so she just waits for him to notice.]

Edited 2023-09-27 15:08 (UTC)

[He'll only continue to stare with a hardened expression at her before she finally moves, and it's only then that he'll start opening the box to get the bandages and cloths. But when he looks up and notices she still hasn't taken off her top, he just narrows his eyes.]

What's the problem now?

[No, he doesn't notice. SHE'S GONNA HAVE TO TELL HIM.]

[That silence is long and awkward, made worse when she hears him shuffle in behind her, and when she can feel that narrowing of his eyes...

And she clicks her tongue.]

Really?

[He is really going to make her say it?

...

....

.....]

I can't reach like this.

Reach...

[...

Oh.

It's only now, after studying her back up and down, left and right, that he finally sees the zipper. He doesn't know how her clothes work, okay!!! He didn't pay that much attention!!]

...All right, I got it.

[And he'll have to be careful, too, so as not to jostle her too much. So after a moment, he'll reach up and take that zipper and bring it down.

...He doesn't have to do it down all the way, right? Just enough to access her shoulder and inspect her back...

...

He really shouldn't feel anything right now, nor does he feel awkward per se. After all, this is to treat her wound and he's had to help both men and women in his day to do exactly this. However, because it's Benedikta and their current...whatever the hell they are, hard not to be a little conscious.

But any of that goes out the window as a hiss escapes through his teeth upon seeing the beginnings of that that cut on the back of her shoulder.]

Hold on, this might sting.

[After unzipping the leather all the way down to her waist, he'll be careful to start moving it off her shoulder.]

Be careful.

[...

Nothing about this should be making her feel anything. This is, after all, just a treatment of her wound—something that any physicker would have done back on the ship with ease. She could treat most injuries on her own, but with this, she no doubt would have had to seek help, much to her chagrin...

...

But like him, she feels just a little conscious. Anyone else and it would have been fine, but Cidolfus...

The sound of her zipper coming undone by his hand does all sorts of things to her, and for what it's worth, it takes her mind off the wound... for a breath... until that hiss of his draws it back. She knows it's bad; she can feel the sting as the air properly touches it now, but she isn't sure which is worse. That it is him at her back, or that the wound is worse than she initially thought.]

Fuck...

[She says nothing else, but he'll see her muscles twitch as she braces herself for it, and she dips her chin and bites her tongue, trying to stifle the pained exhale that still somehow finds its way out of her as he pulls back the leather to reveal the winged tattoo across her shoulder blade, and the clean cut that scores right over it.]

Edited 2023-09-27 20:27 (UTC)

[His eyes first flick up to her when he notices how her muscles tense and hearing that swear, knowing well she's bracing herself. Anyone would. And when his eyes go back to her injury, he can't help but feel some kind of...pain or ache. Something at the sight. A winged tattoo... Marred by the cut.

Without thinking his fingertips, now bare since he had taken off his gloves, brush against the lines of the tattoo first before he hastily draws his hand back because hello what is he doing?? It just seemed... Pretty. Fitting. —But no, he'll somehow adjust so that his touch is now near the wound, as if to brush off some of the dried blood and inspect it before he reaches for the cloth and the bottle of cleaning alcohol on hand.]

Good news is it doesn't look too deep... But may want to get it check for stitches later just in case.

[And after dabbing some of the alcohol on the cloth, he glances back at her.]

Have to clean it first, so mind your tongue.

[Because he knows that's her habit. And that will be her only warning, though he'll wait for her answer.]

[She tries not to let her breath hitch when she feels his fingertips on her skin, the touch of it warm. Electrifying. She knows that isn't where the wound is—that instead, it's the outline of the feathered wings she has marked across her back, but despite the question that lingers on the tip of her tongue, she says nothing about it.

Doesn't draw any further attention to it besides the way that particular spot tenses under his fingers, even when, as he pulls back, he leaves a burn on her skin.

He does a fairly good job of putting her focus elsewhere with his comment, however.]

Does my tongue offend you?

[What's that supposed to mean!?]

The swearing, no. But don't want you biting it.

[In case she tries to hold it in—which is to say, she shouldn't try and just scream and swear all she wants. He's probably heard everything she's ever managed to come up with, anyway.

And with that, he'll start to carefully dab around the wound, working to clean and wipe off the blood on her skin first before he edges in towards the raw parts. With this being alcohol and how the wound looks, he knows this is not going to go nicely.

But he really does try to be careful and gentle as he can, a little glad that she can't see the conflicted look and frown he wears as he stares at the wound.]

[And she won't because, even as she braces for it, as soon as the alcohol burns at the wound—]

Greagor's fucking arsehole... What the fuck—

[She doesn't shout it, but it isn't cursed under a breath either. It's hissed, laced with every ounce of poison she has to spare, and she stiffens and jerks away from it for a moment before she forces herself to relax. What sort of alcohol is he using!?

Besides that, she tries to remain still, but there's a light tremble in her arms as they're wrapped around her, and she does bite her tongue and tighten her jaw through the pain. She's felt plenty before, but she's never managed a wound like this...]

Are you almost finished!?

Almost

[And there's none of the usual bite back, instead sounding more sympathetic and sorry for putting her through this.]

This stuff is stronger than what we're used to.

[Annnnnd he's going to brace himself as he has to directly dab it on the center of the wound itself. SORRY, BENEDIKTA, HE TRIES TO BE SOFT AND QUICK but it is probably gonna hurt.]

[As soon as he dabs it right on the deepest part of the wound, she has half a mind to whirl around with a fist and punch him right then and there out of raw instinct because shit, fuck, fuck, shit, god fucking damn it does it hurt, and while she doesn't swear out loud again, she does bend over with small grunts and strained sounds of pain, doing the very thing he asked her not to do.

She feels so fucking weak under his gaze. She had endured worse hurts than this, she reminds herself. Wounds so much deeper than what that dolphin had done to her... wounds that will never be healed by alcohol or bandages or the frustratingly gentle ministrations by Cidolfus's hands.

They are so much worse than this, she tells herself, as she clenches her fists on her lap.]

I'm going to fucking tear your hands off...

[It's not so much a threat as just a way to cope with all of it, but she says it all the same. He asked her not to bite her tongue, did he not?]

[He winces at her reaction, and he really, really cannot blame her or that threat she makes. But it's done and he pulls back with a bit of an exhale.]

Sorry, but better to hurt now than get a nasty infection later.

[Thank you Tarja for all the nagging and instilling this into his brain over the years—even if he didn't always follow it. Sometimes you just don't have the means.]

All that's left is putting on this ointment cream and the bandages, so just bear with it a little longer.

[As he speaks he's wiping his hands and she'll hear him quickly working to get said cream and bandages ready so he can do this quickly.]

[Meanwhile, she tries to keep her voice steady despite the very sudden quickening of her heart. It isn't easy, trying to mask this sort of pain. Others, she has no trouble pushing down and pretending she feels nothing, but this is so much more visceral. So much more obvious, and she hates it.

She listens to his shuffling behind her, however, focusing on that rather than the ebb and flow of the sting on her shoulder, and she gives yet another click of her tongue.]

... How bad is it?

Looks worse than it is.

[She can hear the grimace in his voice as she'll start to feel the cool, soft cream on her skin. It may sting at first, but whatever medicinal properties it has, there will also be some soothing relief on the more raw parts.]

It goes from here—[A light touch of his fingertip as he gently swipes over the entire length of the gash.]—to here. But like I said earlier, it doesn't look too deep. No different than getting cut by a sword—or spear in this case.

But you'll need to go straight to physicker once we're back.

[She hisses again through her teeth at the feel of the cream, that flinch too powerful for her to stifle this time. But it's when she feels his fingertip brush over it that the goosebumps start to rise, as well as those thoughts that she keeps trying so hard to keep down.]

This wouldn't have happened if you had just let me finish the job...

[And what better way to stamp them out than to point out where things had gone wrong—]

[Somehow he knew this would happen—]

Which wouldn't have happened if you hadn't started brandishing your sword to begin with. I warned you it had a child.

[He. May or may not have pressed down on the bandage a little tighter with his words—]

[Yeah, should have expected this. It was bound to come up eventually—

And she curses at him under her breath when she feels him press a little more firmly with the bandage, shooting him a scowl over her shoulder.]

What were you expecting to happen? It was a bounty.

The horn was just an extra.

[Well, it's not like he completely faults her, so he's not really scolding, just...pointing out a fact. Were it alone, would he have stopped her? He's not so sure. Rare creature it may be, but if the horn is useful for things, then that's just the way of life.]

[She raises a brow. Extra?

Ignoring that it jostled them around like ragdolls and then some—]

Were you not planning on killing them?

[It's a complicated feeling.]

No?

[...And now he looks at her—or tries to. She'll feel him peer over her shoulder as if to try and catch her face.]

I was fine with just taking the pictures.

[She has no idea that he's peering over her shoulder, so when she looks back to stare at him, only to find him right there...

Benedikta immediately snaps her head away, feeling a heat blooming in her cheeks. It is already bad enough that he is at her back tending to this horrible wound, but dear gods, Cid...]

Then I'm sorry to tell you that you got on the wrong boat.

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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