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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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I mean...yeah. I usually either space out smaller meals throughout the day but I try and start with a big breakfast. But I'm pretty active with training and work.

[Darin places his hands on his hips; he'd long ago thought that maybe his healing was tied to how he ate.]

Honestly, whenever I get injured I tend to really pack it away. Oh! And I don't really get sick either!

[ For a moment, Zelda starts heading down a rabbit hole of wondering if she can mathematically quantify the extent of his healing ability based on his average caloric intake and metabolic rate. There would be quite a few variables to define and she would need an intrusive amount of data, but--

No, stop that. Focus. ]

That seems quite convenient. It sounds like there more benefits than drawbacks to that ability. Physically speaking, that is.

[ She taps her thumb against the Purah Pad as she thinks. ]

If your heightened metabolism impacts the length of time the drug effects you, then its chemical makeup must be something that can be broken down similarly to a protein or carbohydrate.

[ Meaning he can probably ingest a higher dosage safely.

Not that she doesn't still have her reservations, which show in her concerned expression when she looks up at him. ]

You are confident that you are not needlessly putting yourself at risk? A bit of research data is not worth endangering yourself over.

Absolutely! I can handle a lot of punishment!

[This time, he retrieves the smooth, wiggly toad and one of the smaller ones.]

[But before he licks, he stops himself and looks at Zelda. Her assessment of his abilities...made a lot of sense. It's been a long-standing theory of his that his powers affect him in more subtle ways but he's never actually tried to...you know. Test them.]

...I've...never met someone so genuinely interested in the things I can do. Truthfully...? I don't...know the limitations of my powers. I have a vague idea of thresholds but...

...I don't...actually know...how strong I am.

[He says that last bit with a hint of actual shame. He has an idea but that's because he saw what his brother could do. And that terrifies him.]

[ Darin, that phrasing really isn't helping put her mind at ease.

But before she can say anything in response, he... surprises her. Sound of mind and of his own volition, he... actually confides in her. Zelda lowers the Purah Pad in her lap, regarding him with the full of her attention as he speaks. It comes as a genuine surprise to her, not only what he says, but that he says it to her. What prompted this revelation, she cannot help but wonder. Why would he trust her with this secret? Because this is one he should guard carefully; not knowing the limits of his power could be a grievous weakness in the wrong situation. In fact, it almost was-- that he survived his encounter with Garuda and her sisters was nothing short of a miracle.

So Zelda choses her next words carefully, respectful of the secret she has just been entrusted with. ]

Why have you never tried to test your limits?

[ Despite the phrasing of that question, there is no accusation or condemnation in her voice. Her tone is neutral and even. ]

... ... ...

[He looks at her as if he's not sure how to answer. Except...that's inaccurate. He knows the answer. But the answer is inextricably linked to...well, everything. His past. His life. His fears.]

[He lowers his dual-wielding toad hands to his sides as he feels a lump well up in his throat. Why did he tell her that? She's going to judge him. He was dangerous. Walking around with powers like his with little to no understanding?]

[But she protected his privacy. She cared enough about him to keep whatever he said in his drug-induced euphoria to herself.]

[Finally, he sighs.]

I...I'm pretty sure...I mentioned something about being called a "monster." That...was just one of the things people back home used to call me. "Monster." "Cursed child." Where I come from...the only people with hair like mine have...tainted blood. Demonkin and Beastkin ancestry. But my parents...they're...were normal humans.

[He doesn't like this. He doesn't want to look at her while he tells this story. He doesn't want to see her pity him. But...he can't argue the fact that Zelda has done nothing to warrant his distrust.]

[He feels like an exposed nerve.]

[He also realizes he hasn't directly answered her question but...he wonders how much Zelda can infer from that.]

Edited 2024-06-21 01:14 (UTC)

[ Zelda waits patiently through his silence until he is ready to answer-- or tell her he doesn't want to answer, if that's the case. Waiting is easy for the princess. Once upon a time, it wasn't, but after a century of waiting for Link to awaken while holding her seal to contain Calamity Ganon, patience comes second nature to her now.

When Darin does decide to explain, Zelda continues to listen quietly, nodding here and there, but conscious to give him enough space to say everything he wants to say. He does not need to answer her question plainly; it is easy to understand why a "cursed child" would do everything they can not to draw further attention to themselves, to give people any additional reason to regard him with fear and cruelty.

It's good that he doesn't look at her, because her heart aches to hear how terribly he must have suffered as a child and it shows plainly on her face. No child deserves to be treated so cruelly, no matter their parentage, the circumstances of their birth, or anything else. She thinks of the children of Hateno Village, each with a loving family to cherish them. She thinks of her own parents, the mother she barely remembers and the father who struggled to raise his headstrong daughter and pushed her toward the duty they both knew she could not avoid. She thinks of Urbosa, how the dear friend of her mother's was a mother to Zelda in turn. She thinks of Rauru and Sonia and their children. In the Hyrule she strives to create, every child will grow up safe and loved. Anything less would be a failure on her part as sovereign.

It takes a bit before Zelda responds. The right words aren't easy to find. ]

I believe I understand. At least, as much as I am able. I grew up privileged, so I can scarcely imagine what that must have been like.

For what little it is worth, I do not see you as a monster.

[He doesn't go anymore in depth. It's still hard to talk about this with someone. Especially someone as inquisitive as Zelda is. He finds himself wanting to trust her but...]

[...If she knew what he was...what he really was...what then?]

[It was better if she didn't know.]

That's...appreciated. But it's not easy shrugging off a lifetime's worth of disdainful looks. So...yeah. I don't like using my powers and I've hidden them as much as I'm able to. I trained my body enough that at least some of my strength was at least explainable but...not much beyond that. Most of what I know comes from just...sheer curiosity.

[ A shake of her head. She knows her few words will be as ineffective to change his mind as weak salve on a long-healed scar. It has been the same with Link; all of the care and kindness in the world will never erase the way he suffered as a child. The best Zelda can hope for is that his scars start to fade with time. (Her own are.)

She considers what he says carefully-- how he doesn't like using his powers, how he has hidden them as much as he is able. And yet despite that, mere minutes ago he was offering a demonstration of them. ]

Pardon my frankness, but I feel I must ask: do you feel obligated to demonstrate your abilities for the sake of my research?

No I...[Does he feel obligated? He actually has to stop and think about it for a second. He wants to do right by her since she protected his privacy but...she likely still wouldn't record anything if he was using his powers unless he expressly told her it was okay.]

[He knows he's making this needlessly complicated but...it's a delicate subject for him. Zelda's proven herself to be trustworthy and as nice as that is, it fills Darin with anxiety he's not expressly used to. Trusting people meant getting closer to them. What if he hurt her at some point? What if he lost control of his powers and she got caught in the crossfire?]

[She's waiting expectantly for an answer so he can at least try and take this one step at a time.]

I don't feel obligated, no. Not to use my powers at least. But...you...you protected me. You could have gotten every answer you wanted out of me. Had it all recorded and documented and...

...You didn't.

[He remembers the first time Acteon, his adopted father, stood up for him. At the time, he felt like he does now. That this person can be trusted but...afraid to disappoint them.]

I want to do right by you. As...thanks.

And honestly? I prefer it when people are frank with me. People like to hide their thoughts and opinions behind ulterior motives and fake smiles. I've seen it all my life; the smiles I'd get in polite company that disappear the second we were alone. I don't...like lying. That's why I'm so bad at it. The only lie I think I ever told was that stupid fishing thing after you found me.

That's not the type of person I wanna be.

[ There's a certain luxury to being able to pick and choose what she records for her research. During her adolescence, with the threat of Calamity Ganon's resurrection looming ever closer by the day, Zelda wonders if she still would have been so considerate of his privacy. The answer sits ill in her stomach.

But she quickly pushes the thought from her mind. The Calamity is past, just another scar marking the kingdom of Hyrule. She hates to let her thoughts linger on it too long; that wound, the regret and guilt Zelda has carried for a century now, is a very fresh scar, one that still hurts should she press on it.

Again, Zelda is slow to respond, thinking over everything Darin said. To her, the courtesy she gave him in respecting his privacy is an easy thing, one that required little thought for her to extend. That it affects him this much tells her not only that it was unexpected, but that it is never expected, and her deviation from his usual experiences (or, perhaps, from his fears) is a stark and unsettling one.

It still sounds like he feels compelled to share his abilities with her, even though it's coming from a place of gratitude. Zelda is tempted to point this out, but she suspects Darin's answer would remain the same anyway.

Eventually, she nods. ] All right. If you feel that strongly, I will not try to deter you.

[ And she offers him a smile. He didn't need to share all that, even out of some misguided sense of fairness (in her opinion, at least). But he did, and she is grateful. Perhaps he doesn't find her company completely objectionable. ]

[Darin's somber look seems to transform into a genuine, confident grin in an instant.]

Alright! Let's do this thing up right then!

[Being useful. Accepted. Even if it's for the sake of some research or some purpose greater than him...it's clear that the scar on Darin's back is not the only one he bears. He's a man who wants so desperately to be something other than what he is that he's willing to do whatever it takes to avoid the truth. His truth.]

[He holds the two toads up triumphantly.]

Let's give Zelda some good data, froggies!

[Without hesitation he licks one and then the other, then promptly deposits the toads back into the bucket.]

[The effect is immediate as he starts to wobble a bit.]

Whoa. Heh...whoa okay. Everything's...okay, so everything's kinda melting? But not like in a bad way? It's like...the walls are made of melting wax?

And also everything's purple.

Except for you.

You're kinda...

...Is 'Sunshine' a color?

[ Oh wait hang on she's not ready yet! Zelda jumps off the bed and yanks the Purah Pad from her belt. ]

S-Subject G, session two!

[ She just barely manages to get the recording started in time and she's still moving into place and adjusting the focus when Darin decides to knock back his two frogs.

She's silent for several anxious seconds as she watches him wobble. Oh Goddess, did she overestimate his ability to safely metabolize hallucinogenic mucus? His description of the walls melting is awfully alarming! Zelda's brow furrows with concern, but she remains where she is. She has to trust that he knows his own limits better than she does (even though he just admitted that he doesn't).

Still, he doesn't immediately keel over. At least there's that.

Just like last time, he barely needs any prompting to describe what he's experiencing. And just like last time, it's very weird. ]

Not traditionally. [ She wants to ask if he means yellow, but that'd be a leading question and she's trying to be as objective as possible. ]

It should be.

[He staggers around the room, laughing at every little thing and touching every surface he can. That same heightened tactile senses seem to be in place because he's marveling at everything.]

[Finally, he finds himself flopped face down on the bed and just...pantomiming swimming?]

Z...Zelda. Hey. Hey, Zelda. Hey.

Zelda. If you could research anything in the world, what would it be?

[All this said while face down in the mattress so it's muffled as hell.]

[ Zelda follows slowly as Darin moves around the room, trying not to jostle the camera but also trying to keep him in frame. Is it that he's easily distracted or hyperactive?

Ah, and now he's... swimming on the bed. (Yes, Zelda feels like she's swimming in it every time she sits down on it, but not literally.)

He calls her name over and over again and she is once more reminded strongly of the children at Hateno school. ]

Yes, Darin. [ There's a hint of exasperation in her tone, but a smile on her lips.

"If you could research anything in the world, what would it be?"

Oh.

Zelda isn't prepared for him to put her on the spot like this.

Because she knows the answer to his question easily enough, but the subject isn't one she wants to bring up at the moment. The last thing she wants to do is immediately kill his good mood. ]

I'm sorry, I thought I was the one conducting this interview. [ She plays at a stern rebuff, but her tone is sardonic. ] But I promise I shall tell you after.

[ And she means it. ]

Now, can you tell me if what you're experiencing feels different from last time?

It's...a lot more intense? It's definitely more intense...

[He rolls onto his back and looks up at the ceiling mirror.]

But it feels good. Like...everything just feels nice.

The colors are beautiful. You really gotta try this.

[He holds a large, calloused hand up towards her.]

It's hot as hell but it feels like...like a sauna? You ever been in a sauna?

[He is sweating quite a bit. Perhaps his system is trying to purge the toxins?]

[ He does seem like he is experiencing the effects of the drug more strongly than he did before. She can see that he's starting to sweat as well. An abrupt onset of fever to burn off the frog's toxin?

Now that she's entertaining a possible connection betweeen the chemical compounds in the toxin and the human body's metabolism, that could explain why so many other people she interviewed have mentioned feeling overheated. ]

I am familiar with them, but I have not sat in one. I prefer a hot springs pool myself.

[ A momentary pause as she considers her next question. ]

Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort? Physical or emotional.

[He sits bolt upright.]

A hot spring?? We should totally go! Oh man it would probably feel like ten times better after a toad!

[He stands again and starts to pace excitedly.]

No, nothing. A little dizzy? I think I'm dizzy. But I just feel really good.

I'm glad we did this. I'm glad we could hang out!

[A thought occurs and he rushes over to Zelda, getting right into her face.]

We should go fishing!

[ Okay yes hello, Darin. Zelda leans back from him as much as she can because wow you're really close right now. But given that he is significantly taller than her, it's not all that much. And unfortunately for her research, he is completely obscuring the camera with his body. So much for the visual component of the recording. ]

Perhaps we should wait a bit. [ And because she suspects he's going to ask 'why not,' she frantically scrambles for an excuse. ] You promised you would record me trying a frog myself, remember?

[ Really praying that excuse works, because if he decides to just ignore her and run off to go fishing, she'll never be able to catch him.

And given the heights he's reaching with this high, Zelda is concerned about how hard he might crash when he starts coming down. ]

...Oh right! You're right!

But I can't do that like this so I guess we just gotta wait till things go back to normal.

[He flops on the floor at her feet then.]

...Anything else you wanna ask?

I don't mind.

[ And now he's on the floor. Zelda angles the camera downward. That's... that's rather pathetic. ]

You mentioned that a hot springs would feel particularly enjoyable right now. Can you elaborate on that? Are you feeling more sensitive to things like tactile feedback or temperature fluctuations?

Oh gods yes. Like...everything feels like it's been dialed up to maximum? Like a massive...sensory...thing.

Soft things feel softer, cold things feel colder...everything just feels really good.

But like...I bet that goes both ways, you know? Like I bet a punch would really hurt.

[He sits up with urgency and Zelda might be forgiven if she thought he was going to ask her to punch him.]

A back scratch would probably be the best right now...!

[ Yeah, there's definitely a moment there when Zelda is convinced that Darin is about to ask her to punch him--

--So when he doesn't, she actually lets out a sigh of relief--

--which then dissolves when she realizes what he actually says. ]

A back scratch?

[ Is... is that a hint she's supposed to be picking up on? Is he asking her to scratch his back?

Literally not a soul in existence has ever asked the Princess of Hyrule to scratch their back. ]

Yeah! A back scratch! You've never had your back scratched? That spot between your shoulder blades that's impossible to reach? Like...

[Darin turns and hikes his tanktop up, revealing that enormous, jagged scar.]

Like...right...here???

[He twists and turns and stretches his muscular arms, but no matter how much he tries, he can't reach that spot right in the center of his back.]

[ Several thoughts pop into Zelda's head at once. First is the intrusive reminder that Darin is actually really attractive underneath all that attitude of his (something she would be able to forget if he wasn't always undressing around her!). The second is that yes, she has had her back scratched before-- Link has been kind enough to reach that particular spot for her when the princess has been unable to reach it herself. And the third is that Link never asked Zelda to return that favor, something she didn't realize until right this moment. ]

I-- I have, yes!

[ Oh Goddess, should she stop recording? She should stop recording. This is probably more private than he wants to show anyone. Isn't it? After all, even setting aside the fact that he's just about pulled of his shirt on camera, this huge scar has to be something incredibly personal. Just because Zelda has seen it before (Darin really has no shame about removing his shirt around her, for some reason) doesn't mean she ought to be recording it.

She hesitates for a minute, mind racing with all of these questions. But then she just... shoves them all down. It's fine. And if it isn't fine, she can erase it later.

So Zelda sinks down onto her knees behind him, shifting the Purah Pad into her left hand and making an effort to keep the camera more or less pointed in Darin's direction. Her right hand, she extends cautiously, as if she were about to grab a boiling pot from a cook range with her bare hand. Calm down, Zelda. You let yourself get flustered over the silliest things.

But still she takes in a steadying breath, then aligns her fingernails in the indicated location and scratches lightly against his skin. ]

[To be fair, Darin just isn't shy. And while that scar is, indeed, personal if there's one thing that Darin's actually proud of, it's his physique. He's worked at it for most of his life and it represents time spent with the only two people who knew about his strength and sought to uplift him rather than keep him down. His back bares the scars that cause his chest to puff up with pride.]

[Darin jolts. He was not expecting to get his back scratched, he was merely demonstrating the area that tends to get itchy! He stammers briefly, eyes going wide...but when Zelda starts to scratch...]

O-Oh. Oh wow.

[He wiggles like a child being told to sit still but only because the sensation is so powerful. He leans into her hand like a dog who's getting his ears scratched.]

Oh man. Ooooh man. Go harder right down the center!

[She can practically hear the grin in his voice; his instructions indicating to scratch over the terrible scar. It's very worn; he's had it since he was a child. The skin is darker and weirdly smooth compared to the rest of his skin. Whatever did this to him probably should have killed him.]

A-Almost...yeah! Yeah right there! Gods above, Zelda this is the best...!

[He wiggles in place, muscles tensing and flexing as he tries to steer her hand.]

GETTING STARTED

LATROMMI

FYRE FESTIVAL

WEDDING WRECKERS

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