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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

[She heard him. She knows. Now, it's only a matter of being able to wholly believe it. To have no fear of asking more than what she thinks she can handle or perhaps even more than she deserves, and to have no fear of the change that would come with it. Her whole life would turn upside-down, and she would have to let go of everything that she has made herself believe in after all these years—something that has been impossible and still feels like such a leap that not even she could make, wings or no.

Benedikta says nothing to follow, simply holding his gaze, as if to silently tell him that she does, and wherever she had been going before, she remains rooted firmly in place, her mind working too hard to tell her to move or even breathe as Cid gathers his clothes.

Not until he calls her name, that is, and she turns to glance over her shoulder—]

What?

[—to spot that glint of a horn poking out from the water. And she furrows her brow lightly.]

Come back for another go, has it?

[Oh boy—]

Careful, the parents are likely not so far behind.

[Instead he just holds up his Shellphone.]

Let's just try taking a picture first, eh? Won't go back emptyhanded at least.

[Well. There goes any semblance of calm that hung between them as Benedikta shoots him that ever-familiar glare.]

I wasn't going to do anything.

[Way to jump the gun, Cid!!! She learned her lesson, and that lesson is still stinging at the back of her shoulder.

But speaking of phones, she looks down to her own still tucked away in the pocket of the straps that hang off her, and then she looks at Cid, then back to the phone...

....]

I will let you handle it.

[Yeah. She still doesn't know how to take pictures.]

[Look. Even if she wasn't going to do anything, those parents may think differently if they make any sudden movements!!

But he'll glance at her.]

Still haven't figured it out?

[Wry grin as he swipes at the screen, taking a few steps back.]

It's easy, y'know. Can teach you now if you want. Also, mind stepping a little to the right a little?

[Just casually waving his hand.]

No.

[And as she steps to the right a little, as he asks, it's clear what that no is in response to, as she watches him with an arched brow, wondering what the hell he's asking her for. Was she in the way...???

Besides that, she doesn't want him to see that she still has that little duckling charm hanging off of hers. Especially when it hasn't escaped her notice that his is missing... and how it bothers her, frustratingly so.]

But you'll be splitting that reward with me.

Aye, of course.

[And he's just stepping a little to the side himself, lifting the phone just a little before there's the flash of the light. And another as he takes a few more—

And behind her, Benedikta will hear the excited trill and splash of the baby dolphin as he starts to move around.]

Little bugger keeps moving—but think I got a few.

[Without Benedikta, which are the only ones he'll show—]

[It's a really damn good thing that she has no idea how the hell the camera or the phones really work still, so she won't even think to question it...]

A few is fine enough.

[The loud tittering and splashing of the dolphin behind her is enough to make some of those defenses come down, and while she cannot forgive its mother and father for doing what they did to the both of them... ugh, alright... the little one is kind of cute. So she will approach Cid to see the pictures.]

Ask it if it knows how to get back now.

[A small laugh.]

If I could speak dolphin.

[And after discreetly moving the ones he took of Benedikta (he'll send those later), he'll hold up the phone screen so she can get a better look at the baby poking its head out and even jumping out a little.]

Would be better if we could get the parents... Best keep an eye out just in case. But as for getting back, I'll just patch up that boat. Should last long enough to get us there, anyway.

[Her lip twitches when she sees the photo of the dolphin, its little eyes peering out from over the surface while the next one is a blurry image of it leaping over the water. It isn't quite a smile—it's actually her trying to stifle the little huff that builds up in her chest.

A small sound of laughter? Never.

Perish the thought.

But her attention is quickly moved to him as she stares at him incredulously.]

In your condition? And with what? The shitty driftwood that you lit ablaze?

[...

Benedikta what in the world kind of expression is that—be glad he actually can't tell what it is so there's just an arch of a brow.

And then a scowl.]

You know who you're talking to, right? I could make something with what's left.

[Okay, he's an engineer, sure, but a boatsman or even a craftsman—stretch. Won't stop him, though. He'll come up with something.

HOWEVER, as he's pocketing his shellphone while looking back out into the water, he'll notice the dolphin suddenly swimming away. Tilting his head a little, he'll see something in the distance...]

But guess I'll have to save it for another day. Looks like our luck is still holding out.

[Yes, she knows who she is talking to, but he needn't be so cocky about it...... and she still felt the need to point it out anyway given the state of them both.

But she follows his gaze anyway, noting the way everything about him tenses just a bit when he gives that stretch.... before her gaze follows his out to the water where, she, too sees something in the distance.]

You mean that?

[It looks like it might be a boat.]

Looks like it's coming this way. Should try waving.

[He can wave. She's not going to do it, and she'll make that clear by turning her back to the water.

...

.....

And thus, a strange silence falls between them again. A silence that she will break sooner than later when she glances at him, and then down to his phone... wherever it currently is.

She doesn't mean to blurt out the question so suddenly and so quickly, or at all really—]

You lost that bear thing?

[—so as soon as she does, she curses at herself silently, because why the fuck is it bothering her so much!?]

[He's the one with the bad shoulder?? But okay fine after that clear turn, he'll roll his eyes and wave his hand. It'll take a bit, but seeing the figure on the boat growing larger and waving back, it's clear they've been spotted. Without needing to try and get their attention any longer, he'll lower his arm and...

Awkward silence.

Yep, he knew this would happen, and he can only glance at her before he goes back to gathering everything, rolling up the blanket.]

Bear thing?

[A slight tilt of his head before there's a quiet, "Ah" followed by the snaps of the medicine box.]

You mean the charm?

Yes. That.

[The thing that she picked out for him. The thing that she thought he might like... and what did he do with it? Tossed it away? Granted, she can't exactly blame him because she really should have done the same after he'd left her room that night, and she almost had, but as she held it in her hand, prepared to tear it right off, she couldn't bring herself to do it...]

Where is it?

Left it back in the room.

[How curious...that she 1) noticed; 2) asked about it. He's a little amused, something of a light grin forming as if teasing her a little because of this.]

Last time I had it out with a dolphin, the bugger tried to rip it right off. Thought it better to leave it behind this time around.

[And now she's really going to feel the pressure of his gaze as he stares at her in some amusement, a smirk playing at his lips.]

Why?

Edited 2023-10-02 16:00 (UTC)

No reason.

[Her answer comes swiftly, and she makes a very concerted effort to make herself look offended at him for even asking, in spite of that odd sense of relief she feels?

Really, it's not as if it matters. If he threw it into the ocean, why should she care? Why should she feel this twist in her gut only for it to be soothed by that "reassurance"?

Her emotions are all amok thanks to him, and thanks to everything that has happened on this little coast leading up to now, and that will he the explanation that she goes with in the end.]

I simply noticed that you didn't have it. That's all.

[...No reason. Uh huh. Usually when someone asks there is one... But he won't push.

Instead—]

Still have yours?

[Just a casual ask.]

[A casual ask that will get no answer. No straight answer, that is, as she whips her gaze and her face away from him, turning to look out to the rocks nearby on her other side as if they are the most interesting thing in the world.]

I don't like using the phone.

[Yep. That's what he's getting.]

[Just a quite Ah, as he turns his gaze back forward.]

Well, you may want to start. Might end up using it more soon.

[Just vague, cryptic words to match her own nonanswer. An answer that already tells him everything he needs to know.]

[Her own hand goes to the holster where hers is tucked away safely, the duckling well out of sight, as if to check to make sure that it is. She cannot have him knowing that she still has it on there... but as she turns her back to him even further, her lip twitches upward ever so slightly.]

Why is that? Quill and paper have worked fine for me.

[And the only person she did use it for stopped sending her those messages.......]

You'll see.

[Still not giving her a straight answer, though she can probably take a guess. She did say he can annoy her... And perhaps just doing a few small things first is better for now, slowly get a feel. Give them both a little space after this, but not too much to let her start second guessing again.]

[Okay, but she had only said that in the grander scheme of things—that she would rather have him annoy her day in and day out than have him attempt to fight Barnabas, because everyone knows how that will end, and she will not have it happen.

But she does give him a curious arch of her brow in return, and a narrow of her eyes.]

I suppose I will.

[But she does think she has an idea, which is why she adds on—]

I pray it's nothing stupid.

Now that's a tall order. We seem to have different ideas of what that could be.

It would seem so.

[She folds her arms defensively.]

If it is, I will be sure to warn you.

[She will at least offer him that "kindness", which is more than what she was prepared to give before.

And now, she'll glance out to the boat as it draws nearer—close enough that she can see the otter man that had let them borrow his boat, and he waves them down.]

Which one of us is going to tell him what happened to his boat?

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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