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

(a late night rendezvous on the stormbringer with ffxvi spoilers)

[After their...rather abysmal parting on that first day in Eltrut, Cid had kept his distance from Benedikta. Granted, that was mostly on her part than his, but given how they did part and how things have been shaken because of it, it was likely for the best. Both needed space, time to think, and for at least himself, figure out what to do. Especially now that he's met with everyone else that has arrived, and no doubt Benedikta and Barnabas have met them all by now as well. Well, except Joshua—that is one boy that needs to be kept hidden at all costs.

Regardless there's been a lot to unpack these past few days, along with his own coming to terms of his own little "situation." Since he was flung into this world right after his death, he never really processed it. If anything, he just doesn't...even really feel it. How could he? One minute he was closing his eyes, taking his last breath, and the next he woke up and found himself on a boat, later to learn he's in another world completely and not some afterlife as he initially thought. And to find Benedikta like that...

Well, maybe it's a good thing. On the one hand, he already accepted his death and can more easily adapt and just focus at what comes at him. If this ends up being his new "life," then might as well enjoy it while he can. Or until this world decides to spit his soul back out, he supposes. And part of that...is dealing with Benedikta. If Barnabas weren't around this would be a lot easier, but he knows who she'll run to first—and it won't be him. It's a bitter, disappointing feeling, especially after everything and knowing she kept that pendant, but he does have a hunch that he's starting to drive that wedge between them—just like Barnabas drove that wedge between him and her originally. He doesn't know what he really hopes for here, but at the very least he wants to pull Benedikta away from him.

He couldn't last time. He'll be damned if he lets this happen again.

But he can tell she's flighty (like always) and everything is very raw right now, so he takes it slow.

Starts with sending her a text that first night around evening, checking on her. Of course there's no response, nor does he expect it. Then it comes with another text an hour so later with the name of the inn and his room number in case she needed anything. Again, no response as expected. However, he did notice that she was reading them—immediately, at that. So she's checking them. A good sign, he hopes. So he'll only send one last text that night:]

Sleep well.

[With this message he had hesitated, and once again waited until he saw the change marking it read. Only then does a soft, sad smile appear before he puts everything away, thoughts heavy of what it is he wants and what he should do. Thoughts of that day. That little teddy bear charm all he needs to know that there is something still there.

Things are so broken and cracked between them, but maybe...just maybe...

So. He won't be too much of an annoying nuisance, and he'll only send her one message a day. And it's always with a picture, showing a place he thought was neat or she might like. Sometimes it's just the picture, sometimes it's with a brief caption or observation. At first he did feel a bit silly, but then he got used to it. In fact, it reminded him to buy a journal so he could chronicle things. Sure he could do it on the phone, but...typing on this thing was annoying for more than just a message, and he liked the feel of ink and paper. So he saved his deeper thoughts for in there.

And she still read them. She never blocked him. Maybe she doesn't know how, but she could have ignored all these messages. Even if she never responded, she was looking at them. Looking at them with what he assumes (and hopes) is the same phone case and charm he got her. Maybe he's being silly, maybe he's being stupid. After what they've been through, anyone else would have rightfully just left it as is, especially when she once again made the wrong choice.

Maybe he really is being strung along and needs to give up.

But he's not so sure. Not yet. He still sees that chance. And it's perhaps his last. Their last. Should this really be it, then... Well.

As he sits in the chair with his boots propped up against the table and stares up at the ceiling in the dark room, feeling the ship sail through the waters as it makes its way to Nogard, Cid reflects on all of this while keeping an ear out to the footsteps that pass by the door.

After all.

This isn't his room and he's decided that now is as good of a time as any to deal with the owner.]

cut for length & ffxvi spoilers.

[It had been a whirlwind of a day. An understatement if she's ever heard one. After finding out about her death, she ran. She ran and ran until her legs couldn't carry her, and then she ran some more. It was one thing to wake up in a strange world locked up in a room dressed in rags. To wake up and discover that her powers are gone, and she doesn't remember anything past priming.

But to learn that after all of that... after everything... she was dead?

She didn't want to believe him, and for a while, she refused to. She tried to tell herself again and again that it was all a lie. That he had some other motive for doing it... but the more she denied it, the harder it became to believe. He would lie to her—she knows that—but Cidolfus would not lie to her about that.

And thus, that bitter contempt awakened again—the selfsame one that had dissolved into nothing but pure fear when she lost Garuda. The contempt that only burned with a vengeance when she raised her sword at a man in that tavern, only to discover that it was none other than Barnabas himself. The man that would stoke those fires effortlessly, that would prey upon her doubts as she worked through them in her head...

He would kindle them into that burning flame until he burned away all that fear and left her with its hot, ashen remains.

And she would use that flame to fuel her. If she truly was dead in Valisthea, then she would just have to make up for it here. She would claw her way out of death's cold embrace just like she had her life before, and she would survive. Damn the world, damn the people, damn Barnabas and Cidolfus and all the other Dominants that have trickled in.

She would live.

Of course, that involved choosing a side—the side that would grant her that ability the easiest. And it so happened to be the side that she was most terrified of. Without Garuda, without her powers awakened to their fullest potential, how long will it be until Barnabas sees through her and realizes that she is nothing like what she was? That she had lost Garuda, and that she was scared?

No.

She would play the part, and she would play it perfectly. Just as she always has.

But as night finally falls and she finds herself once more alone with these thoughts that she'd tried so hard to push away come rushing back, that dam weathered by all that's happened that it simply crumbles under the weight.

In one hand, she holds that pendant so tight that it nearly cuts into her palm. And in the other, her phone. The duck charm sways gently as she pulls it out and she taps on the screen, trying to remember how to maneuver through everything until she finds the messages, the only ones on there being those from Cidolfus earlier that day. That string of stupid faces that she had sent...

Slowly, her fingers begin to tap at the letters on the screen.

Cidol

She backspaces.

You

Backspaces again.

I'm

And again.

What the fuck is she even doing!? Why did she even think for a fucking second that it was a good idea to message him, regardless of its contents!? It was a terrible idea. She keeps reminding herself of what he had done—how he had hurt her once, and then again today by keeping that information from her for as long as he had. Again and again, he betrays her. He leaves her behind. He hurts her...

She hates him. She hates him. She hates him! So fucking much. Why did she think, even for a second, that maybe things had changed? Why did she want that? How fucking foolish had she been? So blinded by her fear of this new world that she clung to the one familiar thing in this place, only to have him stab her in the back again.

Was he ever planning on telling her? Or was he going to keep it a secret with the hopes that it would placate her? She doesn't know, and she isn't sure she wants the answer to that.

No. She is where she should be now. At her king's side. He would ensure her survival...]

Fuck.

[She mutters it out loud as she slams her phone down and buries her face into her pillow...

...?

And it's then that she hears a ding on her phone. Reading it, her heart practically leaps up into her throat when she sees who it's from... But she chooses not to respond, that reopened wound still too deep and too fresh for her to want to do anything.

But then there's another. A name of a place and a room number.

She stares at it for a long, long time, her heart beating wildly in her chest as if trying to escape and go to this place before she sets it down again with a deep breath.

...

And then the last one comes.

"Sleep well."

Once more, it feels like everything just cracks around her. That wall that she's built up over the course of the day crumbling all over again.

Without realizing, her fingers begin to type back.

You t

...

Fuck! Stop this. Stop it, stop it, stop it. Leave her alone!

She removes the words and throws her phone to the floor so that she can finally get some sleep.

Of course there is no escaping the messages that come in the days to follow. And of course, for whatever reason, she feels compelled to read them. It leaves a strange taste in her mouth, seeing them, and it angers her that whenever she hears that ding, she immediately reaches for it to see what it says... to see what sort of place or interesting thing he has to show her then, only to not respond. Still, she found herself waiting for them by their last day on Eltrut. Wanting to read them when they came, and even when she was in Barnabas's presence, she would excuse herself for a moment to check, blocking the screen from his view. He probably knew, but he never said anything. Never questioned her.

It's on the night that they finally depart Eltrut for Nogard that she heads to her room from Barnabas's late into the night, after much of the ship has already turned in. It's quiet, with only the sound of the boat's hull groaning as it sails smoothly across the sea...

...

....

Second after the door of her cabin swings open and before the lights are turned on, Cid will feel the cool press of steel to his neck.]

Lost, are we?

[She has yet to discover who it is that's lost his way.]

Edited 2023-09-07 04:33 (UTC)

[The moment he heard the telltale steps, steps he's never forgotten despite the years of being apart, he relaxes, waiting for that door to open.

—Though the blade to the neck is a little new. Granted, if she hadn't been able to sense his presence, she would have made for a sorry Intelligencer. So he just sits there, feet shifting back and forth idly before he finally speaks.]

No, don't think so.

[And that's when he drops his feet, the chair pitching forward as he stands to turn to face her.]

[The timbre of that voice makes her falter, the grip on her sword tightening lest she accidentally drop the blade instead. The blade follows him as he stands, and it's when he's finally on his feet that she lowers it to her side, her fingers trembling at its hilt. Her heart is beating a thousand miles a minute as she stares at his silhouette in the dark, illuminated only by the moonlight filtering in through the window behind him.]

You...?

[The light flicks on, and the confusion that lights up across her face betrays the edge she tries to sharpen into her voice.]

How did you—? What are you doing here?

Well since you never came to visit, thought I should do the honors myself.

[He'll just casually walk around her until he's reached the door—and push it shut, putting himself between her and her only way out.]

[Had he not just placed himself between her and the door, she would have turned around and walked out of there... found someplace else to sleep. Hell, she would have slept on the upper main deck of the ship out in the cold air if she had to. If it meant getting out of this... whatever this is.

She stops in her tracks, only inches from him as he stands firm, and she stares up at him with both outrage and confusion, the former being the most palpable in everything around her—her eyes, her stiff posture, the way her lips fall open wordlessly, and the air that buzzes around her before she finally takes that step back.]

How lucky for me.

[Rolling her eyes, she spins on her heel, turning her back to him, the sarcasm dripping out of her voice.]

To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?

[He stares at her back for a moment before inwardly sighing. Really this is no surprise, nor can he blame her given...how things left that day.]

Just a chat, that's all.

[She can feel his eyes on her... they bore into her back, and she feels her shoulders tense under its force.

Does he not recall the last time he called to her for a late night chat? What had happened then? And she feels even worse about it all now.

Yet, she still lets her head turn only far enough that she can glare at him through the corner of her eye.]

I have nothing to say to you.

[His sigh is more audible now as he runs a hand over his face.]

Look. I fucked up back there, I know that and I'm sorry.

[He had drummed up different scenarios, different ways that this would go, so he can't say he's too surprised she's like this. And while he has quite a number of things he'd like to ask and address... Well might as start with this.

Since anything he says will likely be received the same way, anyway.]

You did.

[Her eyes fix on some random point in the room with no rhyme or reason—just something to focus on that isn't him when she feels that urge to turn around to look at him rise.

She doesn't even know if that apology makes her feel better or worse. On one hand, hearing him admit to his fault makes her feel a swell of vindication, but on the other... it does nothing else but reopen that wound that she has spent the last few days trying to close. It brings back all those feelings that have bubbled and boiled over and then simmered, only for that cycle to repeat over and over, for the past six years.]

... Were you ever going to tell me?

If I had known you didn't know. But even so, it's not like I could just tell you the moment I saw you, could I?

[Now she turns to face him.]

And why is that? So that you could keep me at your side?

[She knows that she might be being a touch unreasonable for saying so, but she also remembers how he'd led her around all day without a word, even after she had calmed down from the panic she'd felt when he found her. There had been plenty of times for him to tell her, or he could have just left it at that. Could have just said his goodbyes and been on his way, but no.

They spent the afternoon together, and in that moment, she had started to question everything all over again...

Only for it to be thrown to the winds like all of it was nothing.]

Well not if you put it like that.

[Now it's his patience that's thinning, more bite in his words than he intends.]

Look, you were a mess and we were both trying to figure out what the bloody hell was going on. Not exactly the best time to go, "By the way, do you know you're dead?"

[Her hand squeezes around her sword, but she doesn't raise it again. Yet.]

And so, you led me on instead. Dragged me around town all while knowing that I was. And then when you did tell me, it was all because of a slip of the tongue, was it not?

[She remembers it well. Like it was only mere seconds ago that it happened. How alarmed he looked when he realized what he'd said, because he hadn't meant to say it at all.]

Only because I thought you already knew. It was only then that I realized you didn't.

[How any times is going to have to repeat this—]

[As many times as it takes for him to realize how utterly stupid of a move she thinks it was.]

How was I supposed to know!?

[She huffs with a bitter laugh, but there is no hiding the hurt that swims underneath it in the way she looks at him, or how she begins to lose some control over her voice.]

But you were there, weren't you? So tell me, Cidolfus. How do you suspect I would have figured it out?

[She falters a beat.]

... The last thing I remember was Garuda.

Edited 2023-09-08 05:18 (UTC)

[Because he did, but of course...the situation was different. He was aware of himself, took that last breath on his own. Her? Was she even in her right mind? Judging from what she said, no. That all she remembered was Garuda.

So there's just some tense silent before he steps back, his posture slackening a little.]

Hell if I know. But was it really just Garuda?

[No, wait, this was a question he wanted to ask for a long time.]

Why did you prime in the first place? What happened? I thought...

[Well, he thought her powers had been taken. All of it. So there were a myriad of reasons why he had been so surprised about it all.]

Edited 2023-09-08 07:23 (UTC)

[There's a twitch in her expression at his question—of her trying to sustain that rage in her expression that she feels for him right now—but once again, she wavers. It isn't much, but if he is watching carefully, he might find it.

She wants to tell him to leave. To get out of her sight and not show his face around this part of the ship again. She wants to hate him, to raise her sword at him... All for keeping it from her...

But instead, she just finds herself answering before she can even think it through—]

Bandits.

[The word rolls off her tongue and leaves a sour taste there in its place. It was just like the first time...]

They killed my men.

[And she'll just leave it at that.]

Edited 2023-09-08 14:31 (UTC)

[.........Ah.

The implications behind that are quite clear by the way he momentarily stiffens and stares at her before glancing away. Even if it had been several years now, he remembers well how he had found her and the trauma she endured. And now, with Garuda's powers taken from her... She must have experienced such a strong shock and emotional trigger similar to their awakening for Garuda to fully come out like that.

So there's just a small but audible intake of breath before it's released.]

And you had no recollection of what happened after you primed?

[She just stares at him.]

You have never lost control of your Eikon before, have you?

[It's quite a different thing from having full control, being able to guide the Eikon into doing her bidding rather than the other way around. Never mind that she didn't even fight it, but relinquished full control to Garuda to destroy as she pleased.]

No, though I've heard and read of such occasions.

[And he does think back. For the twenty plus years of having Ramuh, not once has he ever lost his temper to the point he felt the desire to have Ramuh take control and do what he wills.

...Well.]

Though there may have been one or two occasions where I considered.

[The way her eyes move up to meet his is slow and deliberate, narrowing once they reach their destination.]

And? What would those times be?

[Does she want to know the answer to that question? Perhaps not, but it's out there now... and there might be some small part of her that is hoping that there will be one time in particular that comes to mind...]

[He watches her approach, a little surprised, by he answers coolly.]

Day I learned we were all being played for fools.

[Pretty sure that's not the occasion she's hoping for.]

[Definitely not the occasion she was hoping for, and she masks the disappointment in her expression by dropping and averting her gaze.]

Well. I'm sure your books hardly tell the tale.

[She's just going to ignore his answer because no, she didn't like it. As much truth as she knows there could be to it, it isn't as if her hands are clean, are they?]

Edited 2023-09-09 03:11 (UTC)

[...Oh? He thought she might get angry as usual whenever he made a snide comment about Barnabas. And while she's certainly displeased, it's still not what he expected. But that's not the point, and he'll happily continue the main topic.]

Not surprising. The accounts were made from those who observed it, with very few Dominants ever living after losing control. And those who did, did not last long after.

ELTRUT: FAREWELL SENDOFF

ELAH: PALADIN BASE

NOGARD: CORSAIR BASE

MANTA BOARD

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