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Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on June 24th and apply on July 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from June 16th until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated Month 06/19)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after June 16th until the end of the month, which includes during the current event. These prompts are to benefit those TDMing, but this portion can be handwaved instead and serve as a reference for players to know what their character will have experienced and learned on arrival.

STARTER SHIPS

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ON ELTRUT

Once in Eltrut, the new riftfarers will be greeted by several birdfolk who will be happy to give tours to those who may need them. Otherwise, anyone is free to roam as they please and will have a map for the following main places they should visit.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

LATROMMI

Latrommi, a beautiful, lush heart-shaped island renowned for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, making it the perfect paradise for romantic getaways. When docking on Latrommi travelers are greeted with a small beachside town that has been built into the side of the beach and tropical mountainscape. Boardwalks, wooden bridges and ladders connect the shops and buildings for a nice walking experience. There are shops, taverns, rooms for rent, bard performances and more. The town also boasts of their special coffee or wine bath spa that is said to put some pep back into your step too. Although there is a discount promotion currently in place, those who wish to stay at the beachfront resort can also opt to help locals as a way to "pay" for their stay.

Exploring any of the beaches on the island is encouraged! But there are some warnings to be wary about while exploring the sandy beaches. Some of the beaches are rumored to make people feel like they are ten years younger while some of the beaches make them feel as if they are ten years older. No one knows how these time lapses affect the body and mind. But other than that, enjoy some of the simpler beaches that are just fun in the sun and seashell collecting all day long, no strings attached. Don’t forget the swimsuit!

🐤 Bird watching. Like many tropical islands, Latrommi is home to hundreds of exotic bird species. They are colorful as they are magnificent and range from common sights to rarer species like the Golden Seagull. Anyone savvy to bird watching can pick up a sticker book and try to mark off and collect each one. Some say if one is able to spot the Rainbow Huma Bird, one of the legendary guardians of the island, they will be granted a month’s worth of luck and love.
🐗 Some beasties. The island is home to several land and water creatures that aren’t found on other islands or leviathans as well. People are welcome to try their hand at capturing a cute blanket octopus that will snuggly wrap around their body, fish up a blood-sucking vampire squid that is apparently a tasty delicacy, or fight off some aggressive goblin sharks. Or take a crack at hunting down one of the many wild boars in the area that have massive tusks as sharp as swords.
⛲ Beauty pools. Various pools of water are scattered all over the island that seem to have a healing property to them. Many of them will rejuvenate skin or energize the body after a nice long soak. Anyone who takes a dip will feel smooth and hydrated after a swim in one of the many mineral pools or exfoliated and fresh after a soak in one of the mud baths too. Soak it up!
🐚 Hidden cove. Scattered around the island are small, hidden coves just waiting to be uncovered. They haven’t been explored in years so they could be rich in old treasures to find. Go digging and find ancient coins, rare shiny seashells or a hidden cache of special pirate’s rum. Some might even have buried gemstones that can be found. Or maybe a fancy relic or two?
🐴 Male seahorses. In this world, seahorses are horses that can be ridden like mounts in the sea. Around this time of the year, the male seahorses that have given birth to their babies have now migrated to Latrommi to grow and thrive. The waters are littered with hundreds of baby seahorses that can be played with in the ocean water. Play with them or teach them to become rideable mounts themselves. Or just give them snacks of shrimp and fish.

For those who wish to have a bit more privacy, be it for a romantic tryst or just somewhere peaceful to relax, there are a number of places one can find. Beaches, coves, grottos, groves, even caves in the mountain side. While there are wild animals, there are not too many aggressive beasts, so just take the usual care when venturing through. There are also a number of private cabins and cabanas that one can find. Some are for rent, some free to use, and some already occupied so be sure to knock!

Strangely enough, small and rare flower patches of Ethereal Emberblooms also appear on the island. Odd because the flowers themselves should only be able to survive on Elah. So, how did they get here? Sadly, they will wither and die by the end of the month.

FYRE FESTIVAL

Ever since the first sighting, Latrommi hosts the Fyre Festival every June, an event in tribute to their patron and mythical bird, the quetzal, Eternia. It is said that he will bless any marriage on this island, and anyone who sees the end of the Festival with a feather in their hand will be gifted by Eternia with eternal love and a happy family. That is what makes June the most popular month for weddings, and couples—both human and even inter-species!— from far and wide visit Latrommi not only to celebrate, but to wed with the hopes that Eternia will smile down upon their union.

The festival boasts all kinds of activities to try out with a friend or even a loved one, with different food stalls available to try out the local delicacies. Be careful, the Latrommians love their food spicy! There is also beer and grog available along the beaches and in many of the seaside taverns.

To kick off the festivities this year, the people of Latrommi are putting on a stage play about a recent tale of love and betrayal that has been going around, based on the newest hit that all the bards are singing across the land: Tempest Hearts. It is a story of two lovers, Karura, the Queen of Harpies and Indra, the Lord of Lightning who have recently had a bit of a spat, and their fight has taken them out to sea where they create violent storms.

Tempest Hearts, a Tale of Two Gods:

In the world where the sky meets the sea,
A love once prospered, fiery and free.
Karura, Queen of Wind and Flight,
And Indra, Lord of Lightning's might.

So in love, she would grow wings,
With every kiss, the winds would sing.
But whispers of betrayal spread,
Karura’s heart was filled with dread.

Indra, with a heart so true,
His love like thunder, a spark that grew.
He sought to shield her from the fray,
But fate’s cruel hand pushed her away.

Over the ocean, a fight so fierce,
The skies do roar, the seas do pierce.
Karura’s tears in stormy squalls,
Indra’s fury, thunder calls.

Misunderstood, his noble quest,
To guard his love, his very best.
But wounds of doubt and sorrow deep,
Turned love to storms that do not sleep.

Yet truth was found within the stars,
Their hearts began to heal the scars,
Karura saw his love so pure,
And Indra’s heart, she did secure.

Oh, tempest hearts, once torn apart,
Now healed by love, a brand new start.
Across the ocean’s endless blue,
Their journey ends in love renewed.

Their hands entwined, the storm did cease,
A love reborn, their souls at peace.
Begone the wind and lightning's feud,
Their love now calm, forever true.

So sail the seas, oh mariners brave,
For now the winds and waves behave.
In skies once stormy, clear and bright,
Rest Karura and Indra, in love's flight.

Throughout the festival, those with acting chops may be asked to take to the stage and act out their rendition of this story, and improvisation is more than encouraged! Take on the role of Karura or Indra and help spin this tale of betrayal and love renewed with a partner.

🦚 Feather exchange. When the festival begins, all festival goers are given a single blue feather. This feather is meant to signify a bond between two people when given to someone else. By the end of the festival, give this feather to another person to express that they mean something special, either platonically or romantically. Just remember, each participant is only given one blue feather to give to someone else.
💍 Wedding/Couples rings. Whether looking for something nice or needing them for a wedding, there is a current special on matching rings for couples! However, little do people know, they have been enchanted to fuse together, forcing people to hold hands. The only way to get them off? Exchange heartfelt vows to one another.
💥 Coal walking. One of the many challenges during the festival is barefooted coal walking! Resist the heat and walk across a bed of hot coals, and even try partnering up with someone to see how fast the challenge can be completed together. Alternatively, races are encouraged! No cheating with special abilities allowed!
👗 Corset competition. Any pirate worth their salt knows how to fashion and wear a corset. This year, there is a little competition to see who can tie a corset the tightest and wear it the longest without passing out. They can be tied solo or around a partner. Get those strings pulled and cinch in those ribs. Just don’t forget to breathe. Alternatively, those who have survived the corset tying competition could try the corset untying competition too. People are now challenged to get them off as fast as possible. No tools or tricks are allowed to be used. Only hands, toes and mouth. Animal folk are more than welcome to use their claws too.
🍰 Cake eating. There is a cake-eating contest to see who can eat the most cake, but with a twist! Partners must feed each other cake at the same time, so pair up and see who can eat more to win! Or just enjoy eating the free cake with someone.
🐦Hot ones. Sit down with a partner for this test on the stomach. The challenge is to eat a massive plate of spicy hot wings! The catch is that each time their partner is to eat an increasingly spicier hot wing, they must answer a question about themselves first. Ask a question, eat more spicy hot wings, and see who can last the longest without crying or dying for a mug of milk.

Like many festivals, there is a plethora of music and dance to participate in. Grab a partner and dance the night away, or participate in a dance partner swap where everyone is swapped with a random dance partner they might have never met before. There is also ribbon dancing where partners are tied together using a long red ribbon. Once they are all tangled up the ribbon will only completely loosen and untie once the pair manages to share a kiss on the mouth or the cheek, or if they confess a special thought to one another. Finally, for those who want something a little more exciting, fire dancing is a traditional dance where dancers take up long staves that are lit on both ends with torch-fire. Use these staves to dance and move to the music, creating an intricate glow of firelight in the night.

WEDDING WRECKERS

ALL PROMPTS IN THIS SECTION ARE WORTH 4 PTS.

While Latrommi wishes everyone their beautiful "happily ever after," there are those who wish the opposite, either jealous of those who manage to find their happiness or just revel in the chaos and thrill of ruining the lives of others. Thus wedding crashers have always been a problem, leading to increased security over the years.

However, this year there is a group called Captain Salt's Lonely Hearts Crew that has gone beyond simple disruption to outright bride and groom kidnapping. Some are done for ransom, others have a personal vendetta towards the couples. So far all victims have been rescued unharmed, but there is a fear that things could turn for the worst. Already there have been reported murders and attacks on those suspected of having affairs or adultery on their loved ones, and Captain Salt's crew is high on the list of suspects.

Various operations are underway to try and undermine the group as well as find the ringleaders and put a stop to it once and for all. This will require as much help from both Paladins and Corsairs as possible. However, there is tension between the two groups as Paladins suspect the Corsairs for the more heinous crimes while Corsairs counter this smells like something an overzealous justice loving Paladin would do.

IMPORTANT NOTE: while the prompts are written in the perspective of people helping save the victims, it is possible for characters to deliberately cause chaos. Whether they are for the Lonely Hearts Crew's cause or just want to mess with people, they can serve as antagonists for the prompts instead instead.

OPERATION: FAKE WEDDING. To try and capture those involved, volunteers are asked to either switch with real, targeted couples or host elaborate fake weddings. Some may have both individuals or only have one replaced with a fake. All replacements will try to look as close to the original as possible, but to help with the brides, they will have long, thick veils to help obscure their faces. For fake grooms, they will have hats or temporary magical glamor. Those who wish to act as security will also be disguised as attending guests or staff.

👗 Dress your best. Of course, no one will be getting through this without dressing their absolute best. While the tailors would prefer if the outfits are not destroyed, they see this as an advertisement opportunity and will dress volunteers into their dream dress or suit. No one will leave until they say "yes" to that dress!
🍰 Surprise cake. One "hiding" spot a guard may try to use is a fake wedding cake. Hidden in a large box disguised as an elaborate six-tiered wedding cake, it's the perfect place to spring out the moment trouble arrives. Just be careful because some may be fooled and try to take a stab for a slice.
💐 Flower toss. The flowers are enchanted to burst into different colored paint to help mark disruptors should they be jostled or knocked over. …And anyone else for that matter. No one said this was the best idea.
⚔️ Vicious engagements. Once the would-be wedding crashers and kidnappers appear, the silk gloves are off and weapons are out! Try and capture as many as possible to be taken in for interrogation.

OPERATION: RESCUE. While it's ideal to stop anyone from getting kidnapped at all, there are some who are assigned to be deliberately taken. In this situation, the kidnapped will have a small, special feather attached to their outfit in some way that can be released to discreetly fly off and release an "SOS" flare of sorts. Just be careful as they will be taken deep into the surrounding forest, sometimes even as far as the mountains or out to sea…

🔍 Follow the signal. Upon seeing the flare, volunteers of the rescue group must now venture through the island and find the target location. Upon reaching the location, it's time to clear out the villains and capture them to return for proper punishments. However…
⁉️ Rescued affair!? Some of these acts of bride- or groomnapping is actually a twisted gesture of "romance" from the kidnapper, wishing to steal them away either to save them from an undesired marriage or a one last desperate attempt to win them over. Some are genuine with pure feelings and revelations of marriage, the victim wishing to flee with their secret lover. Others are clearly mad and the victim wants nothing to do with them. Perhaps there's an even bigger story. Will the rescuers help? Or stick with the job?
🏃 Escape. Forget waiting to be rescued, if it's possible to break out and deal with the kidnappers and escape, there's no one to stop them. Maybe there are other victims from previous kidnappings there that need help or could assist.

OPERATION: INFILTRATION. For those who want to try their hand and infiltrate Captain Salt's Lonely Crew, then they must somehow convince the members they want in. Or just volunteer like a mercenary and be paid for it. All they have to do is express disgust or anger towards weddings and they're pretty much in. A sob story filled with heartbreak will do, too. Note: these prompts can tie in to the other sections.

🗡️ Affair most foul. Rather than crash weddings, some are assigned to attack, even kill certain individuals who are said to be committing affairs or adultery. The problem is there is little evidence to prove it and the descriptions of the targets are vague at best. This results in mistaken identities. (Player options are 1) commit to the assignment and attack the target; 2) try and save the target; 3) be mistaken as the target.)
🎻 Bad Boy/Girl Band. One group uses enchanted instruments to either freeze or put everyone to sleep. Destroy the instruments without giving away their true identity.
🥷 "Kidnapping." Knowing the intended target, those who have infiltrated the group can try and reach the target first and prevent them from being taken.
🛑 Words of persuasion. Perhaps the salty crew members can be persuaded away from crashing a wedding. Is the one leading the crash someone whose heart was broken by one of the couples? Do they have a personal vendetta? Or is there another story here?

Those looking into the murders will also be tasked in finding and recovering missing bodies, though this will not be for the faint of heart. Some clearly were personal and quite gruesome. As for any bases or hideouts used for the kidnappings, once found permission is granted to destroy whatever is there and bring in all members. There are many of them, with clues to where Captain Salt's location is… However, Captain Salt will remain elusive for a time. For now, any clues to who and where Captain Salt could possibly go will be collected (player submission).

QUESTS

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there. All quests will be worth 4 points.

The Shiny Exchange

Eltrut

The Crow's Nest, a group of local corsairs working out of Eltrut, is planning a unique get-together where everyone dresses up as crows by wearing all black and bringing their best shiny trinkets to the mini event. Inspired by a local folklore hero—a crow version of Robin Hood—the event will honor the person with the best shiny trinket with the title of Crow Hero. Gather together with other crows and trade shiny trinkets to your heart's desire. While there can be multiple winners of who has the best shiny trinkets, only the person with the shiniest items of all can be the Crow Hero. Feel free to play puzzle games and card games with other local crows as well, it's all about meeting with the locals.

Sacabuffbaspis

Everywhere

The sacabambaspis fish is very popular in and around all the islands and leviathans. Lately, it appears someone has been making a mass amount of sacabambaspis merchandise including mugs, keychains, stuffed plush toys and painted posters of the strange-looking fish. But someone has also put up several paper posters of a very muscular and beefy looking sacabambaspis man all over the place which has deterred the fish's popularity (or in some cases made it more "popular" with certain groups of people with certain tastes...). Help the shopkeepers by taking down the buff-looking posters of the sacabambaspis man so that the sacabambaspis fish can retain its wholesome image. Unfortunately, the more posters you take down, the more get put up but... Do your best anyway.

That Much Hoppier

Naughtilust

Hasn't anyone ever told you not to lick toads and frogs? There's a strange trend going around Naughtilust where brothel goers have started to lick special frogs for the delightful little buzz it gives the licker. Licking these special frogs tastes like candy but the happy and hallucinogenic effects that come from licking the frogs is what everyone is after. If you lick a frog you might feel like rocks are popping in your mouth or you'll be able to see colors start to change or swap. Most importantly, it makes the licker feel so, so happy. So happy that you could kiss anyone! Dance with anyone! Strip off your clothes and jump in the ocean! Anyone on Naughtilust is more than welcome to try licking frogs to see what will happen to them. It'll only cost you a small amount of coins to do it.

Page 25 of 142

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's a lot more stuff than Roxas brought, which was mostly a pence and some parchment. That's what maps go on, right?]

We're gonna be here for a while then. There's a lot of stars.

[She will find his gaze immediately meeting hers before he takes in what he can see it. It may just be the make-up, but already he feels his heart flutter a bit....which now makes him feel a bit silly. It's just not that often that he sees her in much make-up, and while she doesn't really need it, either...well he'd be a fool to not find what she has on attractive.

So there will be a moment of quiet staring before he's pulled out when she slips away and her question comes.]

...Over here.

[He doesn't really want to let go of her hand now, thumb brushing over the back of it before he finally steps out a bit to where he had set the glass down and finally holds it out to her.

...

While still holding her hand.

Yes he's still trying to make her open the door—]

[ Nod, nod. Yes, recording the results is an important part of a test. Yes, she'd like him to record her reactions too. Honestly, Darin is suspiciously enthusiastic about this whole thing. If Zelda hadn't seen his better sides in the past, she wouldn't have agreed to this at all. ]

A "controlled environment" would be preferable. [ If he's going to use air quotes, so is she.

With anyone else, Zelda has insisted that this exchange take place in an open and public place for her own safety. Despite the, for lack of a better word, "seediness" of the businesses that operate on Naughtilust, the local security is surprisingly robust. Good enough that the princess doesn't feel too endangered by recording illicit drug consumption in public.

But that's strangers. Zelda trusts Darin. (It would be terrible if he were to do something to betray that trust.) ]

An inn room here will suffice. We needn't go all the way back to Eltrut.

[ There are plenty of inns with rooms to rent by the hour. After all, why wouldn't Naughtilust have its own equivalent of love hotels? ]

[Can he stop staring at her like that!? It's making her... uncomfortable... and it's getting harder to focus.]

Wait, no—!

[She reaches out to grab hold of his arm just as he moves to try putting the veil back on, and she ends up accidentally taking his hand and holding it in place, her fingers tensing and another breath stalling.]

The couple is protected, there are plenty of guards around who will get them to safety. Not when we're this close...

literally just got here
wtf's an eltrut?
And where is this shop?

Perfect! Let's hop to it, shall we??

[This is great! With any luck, Darin can lick a toad, make up some stupid effect, Zelda can document it, then she can get toadally blitzed, Darin can record...something? And be on his way and leave her to it. Perfect plan! No downsides whatsoeever!]

[He brings her to one of the pay by the hour establishments and even fronts the cash. Nothing suspicious here! Just a big, blue idiot and a researcher with a bucket of strangely docile drug frogs.]

[With key in hand, Darin starts to head up.]

So...have you managed to get any takers so far? Do different toads do different things?

[Might as well get an idea of what to fake if he can...]

[It didn't take much for her to notice the way he looked at her, and she tries to catch her breath when she hides behind the door. He'll feel her hand attempt to pull back from his so that she can take the champagne, peering out again, but she already knows it's a futile effort.]

I can't very well take it while you have my hand.

[She knows what he's doing and it isn't going to work—]

You can set it down on the floor and leave it there.

[He just continues to stare hard at her.]

That's why I'm putting this back on and why you need to get back out there. If the raiders can see you as the captive bride, they won't care about the rest. But a pair of guests being heavily protected? That will rouse suspicion and if they recognize that woman then it's over.

[He's feeling quite impatient as it's as if he wasted precious time with this, but he can't fault Tifa...even if it feels like he does.]

I'll take you back with us. Once we're back on land I'll help get you out.

You have another hand.

[Still trying.]

I... I can put on the veil myself.

[The touch of his fingers near her hair is... a lot right now, and she tries to tug the long, thick fabric away from him.]

They won't. They don't know what she looks like. Just that the bride was supposed to be one of the richest people on Latrommi.

[She swings the veil up over herself again, shuffling it around, but she pauses just short of letting it fall over her face.]

... But you'd do that?

[ Garrus' concerns about intrusions of privacy are casually waved off with one hand. It's perfectly all right to join; there's plenty of space.

Zelda maneuvers herself out of the center of the pool so the newcomer has enough space to swim.

Except that he just... doesn't. He stands in the shallows for a moment and then just. Sits. With all the dignity of an adult sitting in an inflatable kiddie pool.

(Zelda does not remark. Remarking would be rude.) ]

Lovely, isn't it? [ Fortunately for Garrus, Zelda is excellent at small talk. ] We are lucky to come here during a lull between large groups. I expect these pools are usually quite popular with wedding parties.

[And he just looks at her.]

That's what your intel thinks. I've been with them.

[But he will release his hold on the veil as he sets up his hood and mask again.]

Someone in the group is more familiar with her.

It's... I am in the middle of something. Very busy getting ready.

[And so is she......

She appears again, poking her head out a little more so that he can see the way she narrows her eyes at him.]

I know what you are doing.

[ Attending these sort of festivities had become somewhat of a pastime since their arrival, whether it was entirely good or bad. Yet aside from their last occurrence dealing with a dragon, these events had gone on rather peacefully. This, in a way, had been exactly what Clive had hoped for the two of them. Being in a new place surrounded no longer by the sounds of violence and war, but of laughter and heartfelt banter... even if the conversations just so happen to be currently cycling through talks of marriage.

So it came as little surprise when Jill herself brought up the conversation. The gowns, decorations, accessories... it was hard not to think of it. The topic had recently settled into the forefront of Clive's mind with their fellow crewmember's engagement leading the man to consider it more than usual.

It was a topic rarely brought up between them, if at all. Far too many worries, never enough time, and with the example of his own father's marriage to simply prolong an ancient lineage, it seemed as though romance played a very little role in it all. With both of them squeezed in-between the political landscape, marriage was seen more as a building block than a "happily ever after".

Yet her words do cause him to pause, shifting his weight between himself as his eyes were glued onto the very same set of wedding rings. ]

My mother rarely spoke of it, but is something I have wondered about... [ This sentence seems to perk up the vendor, who is more than willing to engage in their conversation despite not being the least bit apart of it.

"Well wonder no more! You two would be perfect to sample these two rings right here! Why, after trying these on you'll be ready to say 'yes' in no time!" They seem to urge, motioning Jill towards the rings she was touching.

"Go on! Give them a try!" ]

[ Absolutely nothing could go wrong with two self-aware tens hanging out with eachother around a bunch of fives(at best).

The retort had him snorting with a laugh, though, and he took the moment to steal another bite of cake, giving Angel time to pick out his corset.

The given name did have him raising a brow--a very knowing one, judging by the inquisitive smirk on his face--but that's all that was said on the matter, as he swept it aside with a dismissive shake of his head and a shrug of his shoulders. ]

Depends on who you ask, but usually Reno.

[ He held out his hand for the corset. ]

So, is there a plan for the extra arms here, or do we just mangle the sides of it?

Then it's a good thing they think I'm the bride.

[Finally, Tifa can bring her eyes up to meet his now that they are obscured by the mask.]

So, what do you need me to do?

[ So a woman carrying a bucket of hallucinogenic amphibians and a man wearing a tank top with a euphemism for big dicks walk into the pirate-equivalent of a love hotel...

If the concierge has any opinions about the unusual pair, it doesn't show in their face. (Really, Zelda and Darin probably don't even rank on the list of the twenty strangest things the concierge has seen while working here.)

Zelda follows Darin to the room. ]

I've already recorded five volunteers so far today, but so far, things have been less than illuminating. I am finding that my subjects struggle to describe what they are experiencing after they sample the toad's secretions. I typically prefer not to ask too many leading questions, but two subjects continuously gave me one-word answers.

Thusfar, I haven't identified any correlation between the amphibians and the effects experienced by the individuals who lick them. Most mention that the secretions are sweet like hard candies. Some subjects became flushed and sweaty, like they are suffering from a sudden onset of heat sickness. One began removing his garments before a guard came to escort him away.

[ She pauses, recalling. ] Oh, and then there was the fellow who said he could taste color and wanted to sample my hair.

[ Said with all the nonchalance that only a scientist conducting a field test could have over a subject wanting to eat their hair. ]

Edited (i keep forgetting words) 2024-06-19 04:19 (UTC)

[Darin snorts at that last one, making some mental notes. All of these seemed like symptoms he could easily pull off. Hell, he was damn good showman when it came down to it. After all, he loved drumming up business in the capital bazaar for his Old Man's forge.]

[Darin reaches the room and unlocks the door, pushing it open and stepping aside so Zelda can enter. It's...exactly the type of room you'd expect to get for an hour aboard the Naughtilust. It's tawdry with a large, plush bed and entirely too many mirrors. Also, everything is mermaids. Everything. The headboard, the lightswitch, the lampshades...]

[Darin looks around, have in amazement and half in incredulity. This...sure was a place. He can't help but chuckle a bit.]

Alright, well...we're got limited time so let's get down to brass tacks.

Get comfy and pick me a frog! Also...is there anything you want me to pay special attention to? [So he can play it up, naturally.]

[Hello—

There's just a slight arch of the brow at hearing that. Well, not that the name "Cid" is so uncommon...but to hear "Highwind," a name he once considered for the name of the ship he and his daughter were designing along with it well. It just sends a strange feeling through him. But he'll continue to listen as he slowly chews the wing, the sauce tingling a bit but so far not as hot as what he's tried in Dhalmekia.

So there's just a snort of laughter followed by a chuckle and shake of his head at that.]

Aye, never underestimate the veterans.

[A grin with a gleam in his eye. Hearing how this "Cid" seems to know his way around plane, he thinks he'd rather enjoy meeting with him.

But now it's his turn...hmmm.]

A prank...have to try and remember, I pulled quite a few.

[There's another moment as he stares at the wing in his hand before he smirks and nods his head, waving it a bit.]

All right, let's try this. Routine drill to head out and check on some of the villages. Tell my men to pack their bags and meet at the stables at dawn to tack up their chocobos. They come in and instead of the birds, they're greeted with a group of pigs and a Bighorn waiting for 'em.

[And he's going to cheat—]

Can you guess what comes next?

[And that's only because she's in the dress.]

Just follow my lead and don't speak. Once I get their attention I'll get you on the boat.

[ His brows raised and he cocked his head back a moment, tipping his upper body back as he did so, as if to give her a little space without actually budging. Once she resettled, he likewise slipped back into a more lax posture.

He had no need here to bother with antagonizing her--quite the opposite actually(but he wasn't going to go around blabbering about Veld and Tseng's business). Nor did he seem too surprised by the revelation that she'd seen him a few days ago. ]

A few days ago, huh..? Where at? Just trying to get a story straightened out here, since Tifa's telling me and Cloud she never saw us at Gongaga. [ He had so many. A metabolism like his could absolutely demolish calories. He probably does have five stomachs. ]

Nah, I only ever got the one pizza party out of the Chief. No cakes...you know how the guy is.

[ A vulpine grin. It was just nice seeing her again, the brat that she was. ]

Too bad, you almost made it in time to smash cake into someone's mouth. Cloud's around here somewhere if you wanna see how many hotwings you two can pack away, though.

[ Followed by a taunting shrug. ]

[Why. Why the pirate talk? Ranma gawked at the rosy-cheeked lady with a nonplussed expression.]

... Hadn't seen an ounce of booty 'round this dump yet, bucko. Not even a single doubloon either.

[Damn it, now she's gotten him using pirate terminology! It's infectious!!!]

[Hey, Echo won't say no. Wouldn't have minded if you kept the seeds in, probably.

The Djinni takes time to eat the offering before responding. Possibly to use some of the time to think. They only had one conversation about ages around him and no actual numbers came up.]

...Well, he's not old! And there's no telling how much Felix might overestimate his abilities because he's not used to being alone. Sometimes I think trouble just follows him around...

Right.

[There's a sudden bang on the door and shouts that come from the other side, startling Tifa.

"Where is the bride!? I thought I saw her come this way!"

A man's voice shouts, and Tifa quickly pulls the veil down over her face, hiding it again. And hiding the way that a flush creeps up into her cheeks when she offers Eustace her wrists...]

[And this time he's not going to waste his opportunity and will suddenly lunge forward to steal a kiss against her lips.]

Do you?

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