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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

[Benedikta cares little for any objections that anyone might have. Girls caught in her position tend not to think straight—she would know. She has been there. The safety and security that someone else could offer can be one hell of an alluring drug, and while she does not know the full story, she's a bit more inclined to make the call herself.

But when the bride does not give much of a response besides a small noise in the back of her throat...]

Not often do I relinquish the satisfaction to anyone, but I am feeling gracious enough today... as I am hearing no objections.

[Amber eyes flit to meet her red ones as the screams of panic are drowned out by the sharp bite and cries of the wind that suddenly sweeps through.]

Together, then?

[Arlecchino's head tipped, and there was some small motion for the girl to close her eyes and cover her ears if she must. No force to do so if she wished to watch, but more of an early warning if she didn't.

A hand moved then, crimson flames sparking to life in that palm of her hand as some of it curled around her fingers and danced along the points of those sharp nails. arm outstretching enough that the wind catching through those crimson flames cause it to rise higher. Grow hotter.

A certain glow that almost seemed to flicker just the same in the red of her eyes.]

Let the biting winds stoke and carry flame far more agonizing than a simple death.

[Cut and burn a bastard-]

Together.

[If anything, they make quite the efficient team. She could draw this out a little longer, make him suffer right to the end rather than granting a swifter death, but his tortured gurgling noises are grinding on her last nerves, and Benedikta's patience is already paper thin even on a good day.

Which is why when the flames form, the winds begin to pick up at the same time. It carries the heat, swirling it around them, harsh and biting as it cuts through the air, creating a mini storm where they stand. The man's screams echo into the skies, and surely they will draw attention, but Benedikta is beyond the point of caring. She's tired, she doesn't want to ruin her nice dress, and honestly? She would like to get back to sipping champagne and judging others from her place near the wall.

So whenever Arlecchino is ready, Benedikta's winds will slice through him like sharpened daggers, cutting and scraping and making him bleed—a bit of pain as he looks death right in their eyes before Arlecchino puts an end to it completely.]

[As the wind and flames sliced and burned into his body, burning away at skin and a few crimson flames seemed eager to dig into those slices as if to get under skin. The more the fire spread, the more agony there was.

After a moment, Arlecchino snapped her fingers as that 'box' around the man's head seemed to shatter, and from below something far hotter jutted upwards through him of dark crimson. Piercing several places as if some sharp and odd wing suddenly decided to impale him, spreading that fire faster and fanning them to burn that much hotter, leaving barely anything left of the man once they vanished.

A soft hum.]

That business seems done with now.

[Benedikta is hardly fazed, if at all, by everything. She's killed men for far less, so this one is deserved. She simply watches, with an expression that almost reads as bored, until he fades away as if he were never there to begin with.]

Good.

[She huffs a sigh and brushes off the front of her dress and then her hair, some of that dust and debris clinging to her.]

I was getting tired of his whining.

[All the while, Benedikta glances at the woman as the wind and dust cloud that had surrounded them are cleared away, and she looks on with a conflicted expression. Benedikta's lips press together.]

We should get her someplace safe.

[No loss to the world, and pieces could easily be pushed to fall into the right paces that many others could later agree. Get some funds directed to the right places, and of course everything taken into the right hands. Some strings to fiddle with, of course, but that could come—]

The spoiled and privileged rarely know how to do more than that, especially when they view certain people as property to any degree.

[—as for now some trash had been taken care of. Some might mourn, but no doubt far more might finally feel safe from this one.]

We should- either to her family who may be back where we left, or amongst those she knows she can trust.

[Which might not be those related to her by blood.]

[She just hopes that she has someplace safe to go, and there is a small part of Benedikta that is a little afraid of asking. She's come to learn that there are far too many here who are stuck in the same position where the only safety they had was under the arms of a man who would mistreat her.]

I've a place if there is nowhere else.

[She mutters it under her breath quietly before she crosses over to the girl still seated on the crates, and while she doesn't flinch at her presence, she does look up at her warily.

"Is it... over?"

Her heart twists. She should have been afraid of these two, not wondering if the man was truly gone. Another sign that where she had been was not where she wanted to be.

Benedikta does not answer her.]

Do you have anywhere to go?

[Fingers curled, but there was a tip of her head in some brief acknowledgement, and Arlecchino followed just a step after. Better to not crowd, even if it was only the two of them—

It was that bad.

The girl's tone was enough to have Arlecchino step closer, and just to the side, as a black hand was offered out; taken and held. She could feel the tremor, even as the girl's knuckles turned white with how tightly that grip was. A strength that Arlecchino could easily take as her own fingers curled. The bit of comfort she could offer.

At least this child- this girl was not on her death bed to be given this bit of touch, but so very much needed.]

Slow, deep breath, and then speak.

[Soft orders followed. A way for that bit of strength amongst wariness to gather.

"My.. my family-"

A pause?

"No."

... She had no family left, did she? Strong on her own, a trinket she had kept close to her heart. How hard had she been fighting, even in the fear brought in the wake of a man that likely very few would genuinely miss?]

I see.

[Benedikta's gaze drops to the ground, her own confidence wavering at the girl's answer. Yet another who had nothing and no one left, and who had fallen for the tricks of a man who would then take advantage of her. She knows the feeling too well, and the fear that comes with trying to step away from it and into the unknown. She knows what it is like to seek security, and to fight for one's life.

Something twists violently in her chest, and she clicks her tongue under her breath, the harshness of the sound startling the girl, and makes her wonder if she'd done or said something wrong. Benedikta shakes it off with a toss of her head.]

And no place to go?

[The girl gives a shake of hers, and she has to wonder just how much she had been relying on him.

She turns to Arlecchino then.]

I've a place that she could stay in the meanwhile. On my crew's island.

[Arlecchino kept a hold on the girl's hand, to give her just that much to ground her in this reality; what was going on. The smallest reassurance that she was not being left alone in the wake of all of this. Even if giving comfort was something she was not... great at, the only time she usually offered was when one of her own Children lay dying because of something she missed, something her scouting ahead had overlooked.

Forgetting how soft hearted some of them where.

At least her attention turned back to Benadikta easily enough, quiet just for a moment before a nod.]

If there is no trouble, I have no place myself yet or I would offer as well, it could be for the best.

[This entire thing with the Captain behind these people, it needed to come to some end after all. Until then could anyone be sure the victims were safe, even after the individual after them was taken care of?]

I still offer what help I can give, and my skills.

You are a new riftfarer.

[It's a question, but an observation, and one that she had made some time ago, but that all but confirms her suspicions.]

If you've anything to offer, we will gladly take it. We are still getting the place set up properly, but...

[Benedikta glances at the girl.]

She will be safe and taken care of until she is able to find a place of her own.

[Unless she wishes to stay and work for the Hideaway, but that is a conversation for another time.]

Quite the time to arrive as well, so it seems.

[A confirmation of it if there ever was one, along with the fact she certainly didn't plan to stop after this girl. There were likely to be far more, and there'd be a few more that would burn.

Even if some would get 'mercy' if she decided there was some use in their lives leading to the one empowering these people.]

Some might say my best skill is digging up information most think hidden. See past the cheerful soft mask of lies of people to get straight to the heart of things. Others you've seen in this.

[Simply because she was... cold blooded. They didn't lure her in, despite some efforts her 'Mother' had made.]

I can retrieve whatever other personal items she may wish to have with her.

[The girl makes a small noise in the back of her throat that sounds like discomfort and uncertainty. Understandable, she can't say she blames her for being wary. Men like that tend to promise safety and security, making them doubt all else. It's a position that she knows quite well, and only in hindsight.

Now it's Benedikta's turn to reach for her hand.]

It will be fine.

[As if that will do much to stem the worries, but that's okay. She will get there. She does catch that little smile that pulls at one corner of the girl's lips.]

We will go grab something better to wear. And how about we meet at the docks? I will show her to our ship.

[Small steps, and these would be the first to taking back a life and control of it. The loss of one life that should have belonged to her to gain one that will be. Some fragility could be expected, some grace period to find that spirit that had sunk a heel into that man's side deep enough to slow him down and bleed; forge it into renewed strength.

A difficult road, but one worth it.

Even if the girl would remain tense, something in her eased. No doubt some of that lingering tension came with the bleeding of adrenaline and the vast unknown with that man gone.]

That sounds more than reasonable. If there is anything in particular she wishes for me to grab I will be sure to, as otherwise I will only grab essentials.

[Still pieces clearly her own, but essentials all the same.]

[Benedikta nods, and her arm goes around the girl's trembling shoulders, a tenderness that had not been there before finding its way into her fingertips, and she guides her towards the stairs that will take them back to the ground.]

We will come up with a list of things to procure, if you are willing.

[A slight smile at Arlecchino to show that she does appreciate it, even if Benedikta might not say so aloud.

Then, she turns to the girl, who nods.]

Come. Let us get you some proper clothes.

[Tenderness could go a long, long way- especially now.

Her head tipped in turn of the slight smile, and perhaps there was the touch of one from Arlecchino herself; a rare thing when it wasn't for some show and decorum she put on for certain meetings. Could be just that touch of extra added comfort—]

All the better for a proper fresh start- shed the old, and the new will feel far fresher.

[And a sign that she was willing-]

A good part of freedom, after all.

[The choice that could be had with something so simple as clothing could mean a great deal after all.]

[As they both take the girl down, Benedikta gently tries to pry some information out of her. A name first, and she introduces herself as Iris. Where she is from, where her home is, the status of her family and any friends that she might have that she could contact for help, but it is as she feared. Besides that man and his men, she had not much else. He had been a captain of his own ship and small crew, and they had been the only people that she had left. She explains about how he had been different than when she met him—either the captain life changed him, as power often does, or his true colours had come out once he had secured her and cut her off from the rest of the world.

Benedikta feels that slight pang of familiarity that turns quickly into anger.

Which is all the more reason to take her to a safe place where she will not feel like she is constantly living in fear, or under someone's boot.

After they get changed, they ask her to create a list of belongings to procure. They are on the ship, she warns, but Benedikta has a feeling that will not be a problem for Arlecchino. Or for herself. Or both of them, should they decide to go together later.

She will see her back to the ship where she will await the rest of the crew. Benedikta herself will be staying longer than all the others, but with some assurance, Iris knows that she is in safe hands. One does not simply walk aboard a boat filled with as many Dominants as the Enterprise boasts and live to tell the tale.

But she is safe, and that is all that matters in the end.]

[Any little detail was noted down as Arlecchino listened, and it would make finding the ship that much easier in the end once it came down to it. All the more firm in wrenching up every board of it to ensure there was nothing left to that man's name in the end and that anything more taken would be returned one way or another to those they rightfully belonged to.

Something that would wait until after those few items listed were retrieved so that Iris could be gotten to safety first. Satisfied with that, because it did not take long for Arlecchino to undoubtedly trust she was in safe hands with Benedikta and the rest of that crew.

At least it would be rather clear, whether alone in the dismantling of the ship and the ill-gotten gains or alongside the other woman there would be a message in just how complete the figurative and perhaps literal destruction would be.

Just how quickly a ship could burn until there was nothing left once everything else was secured. She was a very thorough woman.

The rise of a deep red moon could send quite the warning in and of itself after all.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« june: latrommi (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

LATROMMI

FYRE FESTIVAL

WEDDING WRECKERS

QUESTS

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Me crawling out of heat and anxiety hell

oh no!! i hope you are feeling better 😭💚

getting some actual sleep helped more than anything _(:з)∠)_ ❤️🤍🖤

yes sleep good <3

verr good- hopefully it comes back lmao ♥

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

think we can wrap this up! 💚

Yes, a good spot since we got Things™ for them this month ❤️

🎀!!

🎁

« june: latrommi (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

LATROMMI

FYRE FESTIVAL

WEDDING WRECKERS

QUESTS

no subject

Me crawling out of heat and anxiety hell

oh no!! i hope you are feeling better 😭💚

getting some *actual* sleep helped more than anything _(:з)∠)_ ❤️🤍🖤

yes sleep good <3

verr good- hopefully it comes back lmao ♥

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

think we can wrap this up! 💚

Yes, a good spot since we got Things™ for them this month ❤️

🎀!!

🎁

getting some actual sleep helped more than anything _(:з)∠)_ ❤️🤍🖤