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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

[He thought she would have left right then, especially when she backs away. So her question surprises him a little before he slowly answers.]

I plan to head there as well once they're finished getting what they need...which looks like they have.

[A glance over and it looks like they're at least done with his phone before he looks back at her.

And then a little carefully.]

Shall we go together then?

[...

.....

She finally takes her reward from the MANTA attendant after another stretch of seconds, who looks incredibly uncomfortable entering into their vicinity, the tension abuzz as she continues to stare at Cid, and once they step away...

It's like a reckless tide that keeps coming and going. One moment, she feels eager, and then the next, disappointed, and then in the next...

His question sets off a panic in her, and she's quick to take another step back.]

No.

[The word comes out of her first, and then the realization after.

Too close. He's getting too close... closer than she is willing to allow. He's already broken down her defenses once today, and now that she has had the time to build them back up, she can't have them destroyed yet again so soon. He makes her feel all these things... makes her doubt everything she's ever believed... and she can't stand to keep doing it.

So rather than him, it needs to be her this time.]

No.

[She reaffirms her decision once more out loud before she pockets the coin purse and turns on her heel.]

[...Ah.

He had a feeling that would be the way she would take, which is why he had backtracked before. He had then wondered if perhaps he should push instead, hence the last offer, but...

Considering how everything went down, while they've certainly made some progress, he knows when sometimes taking a few feet and holding the line is better than pushing over unstable ground. And, perhaps, he should push, but not right now. At least not right here. He can think of other ways.

So he just raises a hand in half surrender and steps back.]

Understood.

[And then another awkward pause before he waves that raised hand and lowers it.]

Ta-ra, then.

[She does pause at the door, and she turns just far enough that she can see him wave in her peripheral...

...

Before she leaves without a word... except her own way of saying goodbye is that rather than turning right like he had said to get to the clinic nearby, Benedikta goes left. Deliberately. It's a silent offering... perhaps even a truce of sorts, in her own way, giving him the opening to go to the clinic on his own, first.

Surely there will be another medic nearby, or even aboard the Stormbringer, which is where she will go next.

And as much as it pains her to keep maintaining whatever this is after their moment on the beach, as well as everything before that, it's all for the best. She has already done it for six years... she can continue to do it now, can't she? Though, having him around so much, knowing that he's near only makes it that much harder to do.

Only makes it hurt that much more.

Because she's remembering all the reasons why she was so hurt by him leaving her the first time. Why she so, so badly wanted him to stay with her...

Fortunately, she will find what she needed on the ship—some bird man that she remembers had been helping people when they crashed into this world, tending to their wounds, and he was more than happy to see to hers when she had asked, without a price.

Truly, the kindness of some people in this world was sickening.

She would need to find a quick and easy route to the Naughtilust before returning back to Nogard if only to get these lingering thoughts out of her head, but in the end, she never does end up going. Not yet.]

[He sees how she turns left, again left wondering the meaning behind it. Rejection of his suggestion? Or just her not wanting to use the same place he would use? Perhaps she was thinking the same as him, to find a different place altogether. For he really would have gone somewhere else if she had take his directions instead.

So just a small sigh escapes him as he shakes his head and turns...

...

To see everyone watching with curious and somewhat pitiful eyes.

Come on now.

He'll just give them all a wry look and takes his phone and waiting payment.]

Enjoy the research.

[And that's all he'll say before he leaves, going to the clinic that Benedikta chosen not to. During this walk and while being treated, he'll think back and replay everything that had occurred. Everything that had been said and not said. His own feelings and thoughts on the matter.

It's a complicated thing, and again he'll wonder if he's even doing the right thing. If just breaking things off and letting Benedikta hate him and hopefully move on would be the better option. After all... Even if they did manage to make amends somehow, there leaves one big gaping problem.

He still can't give her the promise and security of not leaving her.

With the way these rifts are, there's just no way, and that, too, will be an obstacle for her unless she makes the leap. Make the leap...the chance she couldn't take with him before. Nor he can he wholly blame her especially now, but...it would be a lie to say that it isn't a bit discouraging or point away from trying.

Yet all he had said had been the true depth of his feelings, too, and if he could find a way to deal with the rifts...

Something in the shop's window catches his eye and he stops, staring at it before a small laugh escapes him. Well, if seeing these already makes him think of her, shouldn't that be answer enough.]

...Truly are a hard a woman to let go, Benedikta. Even when I really should.

[Speaking to no one but himself, he stands there a moment more before entering the shop.

And later that evening, or whenever Benedikta returns to her room, a small package will be delivered to her. And then later that night, close to midnight, she'll receive a simple text message with the photo of that bear charm. No words, nothing else.]

[Maybe it's a good thing that she didn't end up going, and instead returned to her room not long after she had seen to her wounds on the ship. A blessing, really, that they were so close to one another that flying back didn't take too much of her time.

Though, it might also have been a mistake. Now that she is locked up in her room for the remainder of the evening, the only thing that she has to keep her company are her thoughts, and more specifically, those thoughts of him. Of what happened at the beach, of the things that he had said to her, how he looked at her as he took her hand and proclaimed such deep, great things to her...

How she had kissed him... again.

How could one man still, after all these years, make a woman so weak? Make her so weak? Benedikta, a woman who would often pride herself in her strength... who used all of what she had to her advantage, and to survive. That she could be brought nearly to her knees by him still... She had fought him once for it, but now... How much fight does she have left in her before she crumbles again in front of him?

How much more of this can she stand to take?

The light knock on her door pauses that train of thought, and she's glad for it as she rises to her feet and goes to answer, expecting to find someone on the other side. Barnabas? Or maybe even Cidolfus? ... But when she opens it, all she finds is a package on the ground addressed to her, her name and room number written clear as day on there.

Who in the world...?

She's hasty to open it, maybe a little too eager. It's not often that she gets packages, but it's a good thing this is all behind closed doors because she tears open the box with her hands and inside...

...

....?

When she sees the two round plushes, one purple and one green, she huffs. And ah, the green one is angry, is it? She can see what he had done, because there is only one person that could have sent this... The idiot.

That stupid, charming idiot.

She holds one in each hand, side by side, noting the smile on the purple one to contrast, though her expression is much closer to the green's frown. Though, not one out of anger... simply... well, she doesn't know anymore, and that's part of the problem, isn't it?

That Benedikta doesn't know how she feels anymore. Or maybe it's that she feels too much all at once.

Regardless... she takes the plushes and sets them down on her bed, making sure that they sit side by side before she realizes what she's doing....

...

And she knocks the purple one over on its side.

But they will remain there, beside her pillow.

It's late into the night when she hears that ring on her phone, and it startles her out of her almost-asleep state. Who is it that is messaging her this late? Still, she reaches for it hastily, her heart beating wildly in her chest as she looks at the screen...

... and sees his name there, as well as the picture he sent.

He really did keep it, did he? Not even a word typed for her, but she knows what it means, and why he had done it. That it was a small reassurance from his end to help soothe that little worry that she had that he'd gone ahead and thrown away the one thing of her that he might have had left.

It will be several minutes—many minutes, actually, because how the fuck does she work this thing!?—when he will receive a message back. It's a clumsy photo, certainly not as nice as his, of the face of the little duck in the dark, lit up only by her screen... and beneath it is what appears to be a blurry Benedikta, or the upper half of her face, her brow in a deep furrow as she tries to figure out what the hell this "camera" thing is doing.

But that's it.

That's all he gets.]

Edited 2023-10-05 03:12 (UTC)

[Truthfully he wasn't sure what to expect. Did she throw the package out? Did she keep the stuffed dolphins? They were both an impulse and deliberate "gift," but those plushes really reminded him of themselves.

Such a silly thing to do at his age, but he banked on the hope that it would alleviate some of the awkwardness from before. He knows there is still something there, that small little chance. He can't push too hard, but just a little... Just a little...

Which is why he ends up sending that photo late at night as he lies in bed, one arm tucked behind his head as he stares at the screen. Is she asleep? He's about to close the window when he sees that Read notification next to the photo. A small smile quirks up, some sense of accomplishment falling in before he does close the window and turn off the screen, ready to set it on its charger for another day.

But just as he's about to roll over, he gets that ding and he furrows his brows...before he hastily grabs his phone and quickly opens it up. He can only stare blankly at the notification before he taps it, finger trembling just a little before it pulls up that picture.

...

And he just laughs.

Not just because of how terrible that picture is, but also out of relief. Relief that she really did keep it. Relief that she responded.

Relief... That there really might be a chance after all.

He'll keep his expectations low, but even this much is more than he could have dreamed. And for a moment, his fingers hover over the keypad on the screen. Should he send a message in return? Or should he leave it? He doesn't even need her to respond, but...

...

Fuck it.]

I'll teach you how to use the camera next time. 😉

Read at 12:32 A.M.

[Seconds after he sent that last message.

No, he will not.

She shoves the phone under her pillow and turns to face the wall... where she's almost forgotten the stuffed narwhals are resting, the purple one still tipped over. But from her point of view, the smile is upright, as if taunting her just like that stupid winking face was.

She very gently punches the little purple on in the face, turns over again, and closes her eyes to sleep.]

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