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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 secured invites from players or mods can actually reserve on October 25th and apply on November 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here. We do require TDM threads for samples for our application, but toplevels are not required. Tagging out is fine!

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 October 13th 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 October 31)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after October 13 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 be served 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.

🚪 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.

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

The Ghoul's Moon Festival is founded on an ancient tradition where in late October when the moon turns red, so red that it makes the ocean waters look as if it is filled with blood, undead and ghostly creatures go on a rampage and attack the living. Festivals were found to appease the angered spirits, and while such attacks haven't been seen in centuries, the festival remains. Thus throughout the month, Eltrut has been hard at work in getting the main port town, Shellton, and leviathan ready. On October 25th, when the sun sets, and the full blood red moon rises in the night sky, the giant leviathan will shake a little before revealing its festive form. Eltrut's entire shell will be a pumpkin which can later be "harvested" to help return it to normal, but that's for later. For now, the leviathan is in happy spirits and will crane its neck on occasion to watch everyone.

Although not required, costumes are available for anyone who may want to join in on the fun, along with silly prank weapons. Most of the festivities will be found starting from the docks up to the main plaza and down some side streets where various booths and stalls have been set up. From traditional booth games like candy ring toss, darts, water gun targets to more unique games such as bobbing for apple skulls, mask decoration, and catching the anglerfish.

👻 Ghost Piñatas. In a designated square, there is a game where cardboard ghosts are filled with candy and small toys, and with blindfolds and plastic mallets, the "ghost hunters" must run around and try to hit the ghost with the aid of people directing. Someone else is controlling the ghost with magic, moving it around to up the difficulty. It's meant for fun, but some people are messing around. Those not helping out or participating should stop them!
🛢️ Build-A-Barrel Boat. Out by the docks, a special "boat" competition is being held. Decorate a special barrel tubs large enough to fit two people into the spookiest "boat" possible. Afterwards, they must put it in the water and try to "race" against others to the finish line with oars. Don't worry, there are people waiting to help fish them out should their boat sink.
😜 Pranked. It's up to the Corsairs to try and throw their best pranks on unsuspecting festival goers. But there are of course those who are trying to prank them, so it's a bit chaotic out there, with unwitting victims getting caught in the crossfire.

Along with the usual street foods like paella, taiyaki, or khachapuri, there are plenty of special offerings for the holiday:

🥮 Moon Cakes. With a shiny red crust, these special cakes will make one's skin shine red like the Ghoul's Moon itself.
🍡 Fruit and Pumpkin Skewers. Skewers of fresh fruit and pumpkin glazed in hard red candy or dusted with chili powder will have that bit of spice that will give one a more energetic temper than usual.
🥐 Skull Buns. Sweet bread buns topped with skulls and crossbones that will sometimes make someone break into dance.
🦑 Hornswaggle's Vengeance. Hornswaggle has returned, upgrading their ghost pepper squid stir-fry with ghoul peppers, guaranteed to make you breathe actual flames!
🍬 Sour Candy. There are reports of candy making people sick and the Paladins are in charge of the investigation. Unfortunately, descriptions of the suspects are completely random with many innocent people becoming accused. In the meantime, replacing the candy is a high priority, and anyone can assist the Paladins trying to find and replace the ruined candy.

After the harrowing events with the Ghost Ship, on the night of October 31st, everyone will gather to witness the special fireworks display. The original crew even managed to adjust the performance to include a brief rendition of the battle against the undead, as well as something to honor Eltrut and Naughtilust for their brave efforts to help defend.

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

On the evening of the 30th, the Naughtilust will steadily make its way over towards Eltrut and stop within ferryboat distance of Shellton. The two leviathans will greet each other with friendly accord, the Naughtilust presenting its friend with a large floating shell filled with delicious treats for it to enjoy. All the shops, taverns, inns, brothels, and all entertainment services will be open all night long, and while the main target audience are adults, they do provide some "safe," family friendly entertainment for the younger crowd. Special dancers, musicians, and other entertainers line the streets on the Naughtilust to provide all kinds of delight.

However, the main highlight is the grand masquerade which is held at the Helice Palace, one of the largest and grandest buildings on the leviathan. As its name suggests, it is designed to fit the image of royalty, with large gardens, multiple ballrooms, grand halls, private and public terraces, and enough rooms to house any guest who may wish to spend the night (with a partner). Normally one would have to pay a hefty fee, but for the Ghoul's Moon, the sirens are opening it up for one grand fee of attending the masquerade and dressing one's best. They will even provide gowns, suits, and masks for those who need them. The masquerade itself is open to all, young and old, however what happens beyond the ballroom may require some adult supervision.

It's still the Naughtilust, after all.

Set in one of the largest ballrooms, guests are ushered in with the sound of a orchestra playing classical music, though some may notice more "modern" songs adapted to the classic style. For those who may want a little more privacy, there are several small terraces and balconies that can be used. Just be sure to lower the curtains and lock the doors if they want true privacy.

🕶 Blind Dancing. The sirens will randomly cast an enchantment on various people's masks to make them unable to see. They will then be forcibly paired with another "blinded" partner and only after the dance will the enchantment wear off. During this time, the pair will feel very friendly towards each other. Perhaps even attracted…?
💎 Gems. The sirens will also randomly stick special gems that will increase that particular personality trait of the wearer: white = coy; blue = wistful; green = jealousy; pink = flirty; red = lustful; purple = friendly; yellow = bold; orange = mischievous. The strength of the effect varies and multiple can be applied at once.
🥂 Refreshments. For those feeling peckish, long cream-filled doughnuts and oysters in the half shell line the buffet tables, along with indulgent foods like chocolate-covered bacon and deep-fried duck eggs drizzled with tamarind sauce—all of which will cause anyone who eats them to feel a bit more flirtatious. There is a variety of cocktails, but the champagne may also make one feel a bit more "bubbly."

Outside in the gardens, many can take a romantic stroll under the blood red moon. The gardens boast a number of different flora, small hedge mazes, gazebos, and fine statues for those to enjoy. There are also many shaded corners and little hideaways that couples can hide in should they wish to enjoy something else.

💐 Flower Arrangements. Out in one of the courtyards, there are several tables set up for anyone to make their own special bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately, some of the flowers have been changed to have special pollen that upon inhaling will induce unintended effects: sleepiness, amorous, giggly, boisterous, etc. The strength of the effect can vary and fortunately will only last for up to ten minutes. Multiple effects can take place at once and will "refresh" with every sniff.
🏮 Firefly Lanterns. The gardens are filled with special fireflies whose light can ward off malicious spirits and ghouls. Guests are welcome to try and catch a few to create their own paper lanterns and decorate them for the holiday. The fireflies are quick and hard to catch, but a little song (even humming) may lull them to be still.
🍷 Fountain Bump. Further out in the gardens at the Fontana Del Vino, red wine is pouring out and a few…bold guests have started a game where one must stand at the top of the statue and try to "bump" each other off using vigorous hip checks. Fortunately the height isn't too far and the fountain deep enough for those who fall through…just hope someone is sober enough to pull them out.

Even after the events of the Ghost Ship, the Naughtilust will remain so that the masquerade can be held again on the following night. The terraces will provide a great view of the fireworks.

GHOST SHIP

Late night on the 30th, when the clock strikes midnight to turn to October 31st, the blood red moon will seem to glow and a thick fog will suddenly roll in, a large, ghastly looking ship appearing in the distance. By this time, many may have started to turn if they are not still up partying. Regardless, everyone will get a rude awakening when screams fill the docks as all manner of undead climb up onto the piers and shores of Eltrut—ghosts, ghouls, zombies, skeletons. Realizing that these are the real thing and not drunk sailors in costumes, the call to arms is made, bells ringing and sirens blaring as those who are able rush in to defend.

Eltrut and Naughtilust won't remain still, the two leviathans using their abilities to fend off the undead. Eltrut causes the water to boil around it, temporarily halting further invasion. Naughtilust, meanwhile, will reach out with one of its tentacles and grab the ship, lifting it into the air before slamming it into the ocean. At first it looks as if the two leviathans could handle this on their own, but there's a bright flash of red light from the ship and the two groan in distress, flinching back and both retreating to their shells. Whatever it was, it was enough to inflict enough pain to force them to momentarily retreat.

With the leviathans out, cannons and trebuchets armed with large holy pumpkins are quickly maneuvered to launch long range attacks from both Eltrut and Naughtilust and everyone must fight the undead from the initial wave. Those who have divinity magic will bless everyone and their weapons to deal with the undead. Silver will also be effective, and that includes silverware. Finally, shoving candy in their mouths and playing music will be highly effective in at least stunning the undead, and may even placate the attacker. Perhaps there really is something to the old tales.

Ships with able bodied crew are sent out to approach the ship and find the source that is powering it to destroy it.

The large galleon was damaged and lodged in a reef from Naughtilust's attack, but despite the notable damage their ghostly cannons still fire and the ship shows no signs of sinking. There are several levels below deck, and undead sailors and monsters fill the ship. The strange red light will pulse periodically from the bottom, indicating they need to fight through to get to it.

🪓 Axing Skeletons. On the main deck, giant skeletons wielding large axes will be stationed to defend against those boarding the ship. With a wide sweep of their ax, they can cut through anything in their way—including their own. But their large size does hinder their movements, and a well aimed attack to their shins can knock them down.
🎃 Pumpkin Bombs. Watch out for these monsters! Appearing like large pumpkins, these monsters will grow in size the longer they are agitated until their eyes burst into flames, the only warning before they explode in hot pumpkin chunks to cause significant damage. Destroy them before they burst.
🎯 Traps. Besides the questionable integrity of the ship itself, there are many traps that can be triggered by one wrong step or misplaced hand. Trap doors, revolving walls, giant cobwebs with ghoulish spiders, living chains attempting to bind victims, locked rooms with shrinking walls.

Hidden deep within the hull of the ship is the relic that unleashed the devastating attack and empowered the undead. It's a very large black tombstone with unreadable script and symbols carved into it and what looks like fresh blood poured into each groove. So large it reaches the ceiling. Perhaps the more academic inclined will want to take some pictures before smashing it, and it will take a number of people to physically destroy it. But it won't be easy as undead sailors will rush in to defend it.

When dawn breaks, the ghost ship will have been destroyed and fade away into the sun. Any remaining undead will also burn away and disappear. Although things are a bit of a mess and many injuries sustained, with the victory bolstering spirits, most things are repaired and salvaged for the final night of the Ghoul's Moon festival. The festival will go on, as will the fireworks.

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.

Corpse-a-Corps

Eltrut Island

A man is trying to create a walking living man out of dead body parts. He is convinced that he can bring the creature to life using a powerful lightning bolt of some kind. Because of this he has been stealing body parts from local graves.

Find this man and stop him before he can create his abomination. And burn down his controversial laboratory before anyone else can get a hold of these wild ideas. Help put the families and loved ones at ease by returning their lost ones and their parts to their graves, proper.

Hungry-la Island

???

A very curious type of tree has recently been discovered on a small walkable island. It seems to be trees that have the ability to magically grow fried chicken legs that hang like pears or apples. And some look like they’re decorated with fully cooked honey-glazed hams. The bark looks curiously like crispy bacon and the leaves like perfectly tenderized pork tenderloins. That’s right, it’s growing meat. Somehow. And boy, does it look delicious.

Since this is a new discovery no one knows if any of these trees are actually delicious or not. Care to try a bite or two? After a long voyage at sea with only lemons and oranges it might be a treat to have some savory things to eat instead.

Guileful Grimalkin

All Islands

Strange black creatures have appeared and are sneaking around various ports to steal people’s wallets and valuables. When they’re confronted or caught they seem to emit high pitched screeches and will scratch and bite and do whatever they can to escape!

Keep your wallet and shiny things secure and catch any of these little demons before they cause too much ruckus!

Conch Shells Stories

All Islands

Pretty conch shells have been washing up on various shores all over the islands. When they are held up to your ear they seem to whisper stories from someone far, far away.

These stories can be from people from your own home worlds, or they can be stories from long-lost friends, loved ones or even the deceased. These magical conch shells will repeat the same story if listened to again. Sometimes it's nice to carry old memories…

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Pft—

There's another small laugh as she can feel his shoulder shake.]

What would I even tell her?

[And then in a light, playful voice:]

Aye, I was miraculously not rejected and managed to take her for those fried fish balls—which she loved even if she won't admit it. Then we tried darts, which I handedly won—

[She's welcome to stop him—]

Edited 2023-11-04 02:46 (UTC)

[She knows what he's doing, and she fights the urge to stop him. Oh, she fights tooth and nail not to fall for it, but as soon as he mentions the darts—]

Enough.

[Benedikta reaches around and he'll feel her hand clap right over his mouth to shut him up.]

As I said. [She isn't going to remove her hand as she shifts so that she can look at him.] You were lucky with the darts. If they hadn't fucking cheated with the balloons...

[A smirk as he looks at her.]

Don't think it was the balloons.

[Just a low voice, his lips brushing over her palm before he actually tilts his head just so so he can lightly kiss the space between her fingers.]

It was—

[The words die right in her throat as soon as she feels his lips brush over her fingers, feels the rumble of his tenor find its way through them and into her chest where it settles, heavy and deep. Almost as if he knew that something like that would kill her resistance right in its tracks. She is all pride, but he is bold. Shameless, even, when it comes to her.

And as much as she screams at herself to pull her hand away, her fingers only curl and her wrist relaxes as soon as she meets his eyes...

But there's a loud bang from the sky, and a burst of green and yellow light as the very first firework of the night goes off without any warning, and then another, and another, all in quick succession, lighting his face up in all sorts of colours as she catches herself staring...

...

It's then that she withdraws her hand, and uses the fireworks as an excuse to tear her eyes away from his to look up at the fiery lights, now turning reds and oranges, as they explode overhead with the city's cheers below.]

[ He purses his lips. Extinguishes the fire. So much for the easy way out. ]

Even though the parts have been desecrated?

[ He decides to follow his nose to where the smell is worst: an unassuming door. ]

Well, if that's what they wish then far be it for us to deny them I suppose.

[ Prepare for a gods-awful stench as he opens that door, Cloud-- ]

[It had really been just an act to tease her, nothing more. But when her eyes meet his, a different kind of heat ignites, that want to do more starting to burn. He had been holding back, allowing himself only a little here and there, but now that they're up here, alone, with her so precariously perched between wanting to flee and being pulled in, that desire to pull her in before she can fly returns.

And he almost reaches up to grab her hand before those fireworks suddenly start, the lights flying up behind her to explode and cast that shadow from behind her until there is enough to even capture the light of her eyes as she continues to stare at him.

Almost.

Instead he lets her free herself and turn away, his eyes focusing on the side of her face that he can see that are illuminated and colored by the exploding lights before he forces him to cast his gaze upward.

There is something to be said about the display, the brilliant colors filling the dark night sky with that red moon giving everything a reddish hue. There are even some that make shapes or words, which is a lot more impressive than anything they had back in Valisthea, which were just simple bursts of color and aether. So he could appreciate it...for a few moments.

But only a few.

Because whenever his eyes drift down, he's again captured instead by Benedikta's profile and the colors reflected there instead. Captured instead by her warmth caught in his arms, feeling her every move, every breath, every tension. And when the wind blows past them, her hair would gently rustle and lift, revealing the soft, white skin of her nape.

He would think that at his age he would be better at controlling his emotions. That after everything they've been through he would have mellowed out or be content to just hold her like this. To be content in just...having her in his arms at all. To once again feel her warmth, something that he thought he had lost forever.

But after last night, after all he learned and realized, it's difficult for him to not want more or to feel a bit more strongly than before. He still doesn't want to rush her or push her too hard, nor does he want them to just be physical with no heart in it, but dammit. Even after all these years he's drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Only difference is, he's the only one who can actually handle her burns, feast on it.

And now, having already teased and tasted her once, his lips are drawn to that exposed patch of skin, lightly brushing over the back of her nape first before pressing more firmly into a kiss. The fireworks were long forgotten, the sound of his own pulse drumming in his ears drowning it out instead, the rush of her warmth and scent muting everything else. And after that first kiss, his lips will travel further towards one of her secret spots back there.

One only he knows.]

[She should say that she is glad to have something else to focus on. That the bright lights and the sounds of the fireworks and the city below would be enough to keep her attention, but with him around her, all she can think about is that. All she can think about is how she feels his gaze rest on her as she keeps her own trained skyward, trying to take in the blinking lights.

She might have looked on with a sort of childlike wonder, reminisced about the times she'd watched them in the past when she felt more whole, were it not for the way she could feel his breath on her neck, or the intensity in his green eyes bearing down on her with all the weight of the things they have yet to say.

The fireworks are nothing more than distant points on the horizon—nothing special, like stars among all the rest. Their loud explosions as they burst over their heads hold no candle to the drumming of her heart, or the roar of her blood, rolling like thunder through her head, or the sound of his breath in her ear.

If he had just kept his mouth shut. If he hadn't pressed his lips to her hand. If he hadn't captured her stare...

She might have been glad to have them.

The reality is that she can't focus on anything else but him.

Her lips part in a silent gasp when he dips his lips to the back of her neck, brushing so featherlight that it tickles more than it scorches, but then he's kissing her there, moving further to where her hair meets the nape of her neck, and that leaves behind a burn that cuts deep.

So deep that she shudders when it buries itself into her soul, another blister with his name written all over it forever imprinted there with all the rest. All the ones that he had left the night before, still raw and aching like wounds being reopened, spilling out all of her desires right into his waiting hands.]

Cidolfus...?

[Finally, Benedikta finds her voice again, questioning and quiet under the sound of the fireworks and her racing heart that hammers against the cage of her ribs, and she doesn't realize how far she's relaxed against him, or how far her head had tipped to its side, neck wide open.

After last night, she should not be questioning a thing. She should be more sure of where he stands, what he wants, but there are lines drawn in the space between them that stop her from understanding where either of their hearts wish to be...]

Edited 2023-11-04 04:34 (UTC)

[He needs to stop. He complains about her toying with his feelings, but perhaps he's unwittingly doing the same whenever he acts like this. But hasn't he already made his intentions clear? Hasn't he already told her countless times where he stands, what he wants?

Demands?

How many times has he reached out to her, grabbed her, pulled her—

Yet even now she questions.

Yet even now she doubts.

And really, he can't exactly blame her given the distrust and uncertainty they've harbored towards each other for so long. How broken they once were. Add on her own insecurities and fears, it's no wonder she's always left wondering if she can really believe in him. Trust in what he says. And, in fairness, the way he's acting now is rather sudden and not like him.

Still, his only response is a sharp bite to a spot higher up her neck, closer to her jawline, his arm around her waist tightening as the other slides up first over her hand to along her arm, forearm brushing over her chest.]

[Her confusion dies immediately into a sigh when he responds with his teeth, as if demanding that she not doubt him. That she not sit here and question him and instead, that she submit. She knows that she shouldn't—that it goes against everything she has built up to believe for six years, her walls guarded by the thorns of his betrayal, tipped in poison to protect herself from him, disguised with snakes that would strike should he wander too close...

...

But she can't help it, because behind those walls lies the woman who still yearned for it. Who tried to reach out her hand to take it back only for him to bite it. And now that he is willingly offering it, wanting to give it, why is it that she can't do more than sit here and try to fight every instinct her body is longing to follow?

Those lines in the sand are drawn deeper, digging right into the earth, but...

Benedikta twists in his arms until she can capture his lips with her own, seizing them from her jaw to take a taste for herself, and everything from the night before comes rushing back. Every thought, every feeling, every desire—all of it fills her to her brim until it has nowhere to go but to him. The kiss itself is as fervent as all the rest they shared out on that terrace, desperate as she clutches onto him, fisting the leather of his shirt like she's afraid she might fall.

Only she's already fallen... so, so deep into the storm that the only way out is search for his light and grasp it in her hand.]

[ GUH. ren eagerly grabs his hand and pulls himself up out of the small boat, out of the water, shaking his head and looking a lot like a pathetic wet cat. ]

So good. [ he says, almost flatly. ] Just great. Uh,

[ he turns and looks around himself wildly, to the ship, to balthier, to the horizon, just-- completely bewildered. ]

Is this... the ship in the bottle?

[The moment he feels her turn a sense of anticipation surges through him, and he'll meet her kiss with equal fervor, the once slow ascent of his hand now flying up to cradle the back of her head, fingers threading through her hair as he pushes back against her, the arm around her waist so tight that she'll have no fear of him ever letting her slip out of his grasp.

Either here in this moment—or in the future.

With each breath exchanged between them, as their lips part and tongues meet, that heat and desire grows, the embers from the night before reignited in full. They had been left wanting, unfulfilled, and perhaps that will remain so and yet...he wants to take all that she is willing to offer. To take what he can while he can, impress this moment into her like he's done so many times now and will in the future.

He knows his words never reach her fully, but this...at least through this there are no lies. This she should be able to understand, at least in some part.]

[If it weren't for the way they almost dangle dangerously close to the edge, she very much would have taken advantage of the moment. As it stands, she can only kiss him from where she is, pressing her lips more firmly to his as each one grows deeper and deeper between every breath, her lips saying all that she wishes to when words fail her. When her heart fails her at not being able to comprehend the real depth and sincerity of it all and being afraid of it.

That ever-present voice in her head is drowned out by the ringing in her ears and the crackles of light, by her thundering pulse, by the aether that lingers and buzzes in the air around them. That voice that would remind her of all the things he had done, that she shouldn't trust him, that he will only hurt her again...

Gone.

Forgotten, just like the fireworks above.

The only sound left are the ones that they make together—the sighs of his name, the purrs, and the low growls—as she fights and claws her way back into some semblance of what they had the night before.

Closer, though. She wants to be closer still. She tries to move, tries to find a place where she can press herself more steadfastly to him. She turns further in his lap until she's curled against his chest, and she finds his hand. Threads her fingers through his. Begs for him not to let her go.]

[As he feels her moving against him, he ends up becoming more impatient himself. And in what may be a reckless and dangerous move, he shifts, bringing his arm more beneath her legs to tug and signal her to move and turn so that she can fully face him on his lap.]

Up.

[—A rough word against her lips, making it clear of his intentions. He'll even lift her himself if he has to.

And once he has her right where he wants her, straddling his lap, he'll pull her back down into a fierce kiss, hands running up her sides and back—

And really wishing they had a bit more space, but he'll make do with what they can get for now.]

(ooc: Quickly linking the Ascian appearance here in case there was confusion with his icon outfit.)

"...Emet-Selch."

He cautiously approaches once more, angling towards the table where the stitched together corpse lies. That a soul should somehow be in it... This necromancer does have skill, although the method of it is crude.

"Don't call me 'sir'. I'm no-one here."

He starts to stretch his hand towards the corpse but then pauses, glancing at her. "I take it you won't mind if I send this soul on, yes?"

[Perhaps the fact that it is reckless and dangerous is what makes her blood boil and her heart rush for more. Not the fact that one wrong move could send them tumbling—she has her wings to account for that—but the fact that he is just as ravenous as she is. Just as needy as she is that he is the one who demands it of her.

Doing what no other man would or could.]

Take care.

[A warning, just as low and just as fierce against his lips, but she doesn't hesitate. She moves fluidly, expertly, as if she's done this a hundred times before because she has. Slipped into his lap effortlessly no matter where they sat together, and this time is only different because they hang hundreds of feet up in the air.

It is not the height that will inevitably scare her, though. She knows this already, and yet, she keeps giving as much as she takes from him.

Her own hands set out to explore again, too, fingertips digging into his chest, his neck, his face, as if she is relearning everything about him again until one finds his hair as the other wraps around his shoulders for support as she gives a testing, risky rock of her hips, the moan on her lips overwhelmed by the whistling of more fireworks being shot up into the sky.]

[Honestly, it's probably because they are in such a precarious position that makes this all the more exhilarating, a heightened level of excitement he hasn't felt in years. No, there's certainly no one else he would ever dare this with. No one else he'd rather stare up to while feeling the touch of her hands hunting for the heat of his body. And when she does that testing rock, a low hiss escapes him as his hands move down to her hips, pulling her in closer as his nose brushes over her chest before his mouth runs over the fabric hiding her curves before finding exposed skin.]

...Fuck, you just had to pick a small place like this.

The Stormbringer...

[ Eventually he lifts his head again. Stares up at the younger man. ]

They're living islands then. Is that what you're saying? Does that mean they constantly shift?

After countless battles, it has become second nature to her to harvest the soul when either monster or person dies. It is how she has been taught. It is how she has been instructed.

To hear that he has the capability to send one onward is… unprecedented, and her brow shoots up before settling uncertainly upon her expression. She’s both curious and cautiously in awe, and a whisper escapes her. “You can do that…?”

Rem takes a step back out of respect for… whatever sending is to take place. Bringing one hand up to her chest, she nods solemnly. “Please, do.”

It isn't that I don't like sleep. I do like it, I do sleep. Just sometimes I get distracted is all, staying up reading and stuff.

[He just loses track of time sometimes. That and it is hard to reconcile being the only one in the village that actually needs the rest, the shelter, the food and everything that the seraphim had tried to do and change to accommodate for him.]

You just decide? I don't get a say?

[The other isn't wrong in that Sorey can be reckless, all the more so here without Mikleo stepping in to support him when he reacts without thinking. He still looks kind of sheepish, kind of as if the other is totally calling him out and that he also doesn't feel good about making the other worry like this either.]

[She breathes a soft whine at the loss of his lips on hers, the crispness of the winds so high up making them tingle against the heat that he left behind. But when his mouth finds her chest and a way beneath the soft cotton, the pendant shifts, jingling softly in their ears as she tips back to expose more of herself for him.]

You are the one who asked. [The words ride out of her on an airy half-laugh, half-growl.] You aren't even watching the fireworks.

[Her fingers tug into his hair, and when she lets her eyes open, heavy-lidded, she sees an explosion of purples and blues in the sky.]

And you kissed me first.

[As his hands find the bottom of her shirt, there's a mental click of his tongue when he remembers he's wearing his damn gloves. So as he starts to roughly pull them off and set them behind him, there's a low laugh as he hears her words and the pendant, wondering if the mark he left with it is still there on her chest. If she's had a chance to look and be reminded of his words, promises made in the heat of the moment but carried a lifetime of sincerity.]

As if you were paying much attention.

[Knowing her, she was probably too distracted by his own presence.]

And—[His lips find their way to the thin strings on the front of her blouse, and his eyes glance upward towards her.]—I only kissed your neck.

[A small tug with his teeth to loosen the knot, the strings now falling freely and revealing a little more.]

You kissed me.

[Hunted for his lips, sought him out.

And now she'll feel his tongue and teeth against her skin, working to push and pull away more of those strings and fabric, unraveling her further as hands slip under her shirt, now able to touch and feel without any further obstruction.]

Edited 2023-11-04 16:25 (UTC)

[He doesn't give her a chance to protest at all, her lips parting but only getting as far as another gasp past her lips when the heat of his hands find her skin, leaving burning trails in his wake along her spine, and then yet another when he tugs on the strings of her blouse, pulling it open at her chest with more ease than should be allowed by any man with his teeth. Skilled with his mouth in too many ways that are a threat to her closely guarded restraint...

She tried to pay attention—tried to focus on the fireworks because that is the whole reason that they came all the way up here, is it not? Tried to ignore the way he was staring at her and how she felt the weight of it bearing down on her so heavily. But with him wrapped around her like this, with how trapped she was to him, with how his warmth envelops her fully, how was she supposed to?

And more importantly, how was she supposed to resist when his lips descended upon her neck? To all those places that he knows will make her melt right into his palms?

Pulse racing, there is a light tug on his hair. She gently pulls so that his face lifts just enough for him to meet her gaze.]

... Would you rather that I didn't?

[She leans in to kiss him again, her voice soft and trembling with both wanting and the disquiet in her heart.]

You seemed to want it just as much.

[And then again.]

... Or I misread.

Edited 2023-11-04 18:15 (UTC)

[She'll see the heat and building want clear in his eyes when she pulls him up, and he will eagerly meet her lips with his own, broken only by her words. He does catch the way her voice seem to tremble, but he doesn't think of the true reason why, only keen on continuing what they're doing.]

No. [A quick, almost amused answer between another kiss before he look at her.] You read correctly.

[As if there was any other way to read his actions.

He supposes it didn't necessarily have to bring them to this, whatever "this" is and whereever it's going. He could have stopped when she first called out questioningly to him, just play it as if just to idly tease her and keep things...quieter. Just keep watching the fireworks, even if neither would have been paying that much attention.

And really, while he was of course always open for that potential for more, he had mostly just wanted to have this quieter time with her. Let them have a chance to experience something a little normal. To not push or rush her into anything...not to mention they probably needed to talk about things more, especially as a result of last night.

But the fire from that night was still smoldering, ready to burn again, and wanting and loving someone naturally came hand in hand. And when it comes to Benedikta... Maybe he really is no better than any other man.

Yet when she responds in kind, when she clearly wants the same and he's already desperate to do whatever it takes to lash her to him, it's difficult not to give in. Especially when he did get that sweet taste again, only to have it so cruelly taken away before he could completely indulge.

......Just really wishes they weren't on a tiny roof and half tempted to suggest they move elsewhere—]

[Faris nods. He hates dealing with people in a panic. It seems like maybe undead are to Tifa what heights are to Bartz, and... well, the way they dealt with Bartz and heights was by having Galuf chuck him bodily onto the dragon.

For a half-second, Faris amuses himself with the mental image of picking up Tifa and hurling her into a bunch of ghouls so she could panic-pummel them all. But that's probably not practical.

He's about to voice his support for the plan when the wall spins them both into a different corridor. Faris lets out a groan through gritted teeth. Of course it won't be that easy.]

Right. [He pushes himself out from under Tifa's hand and draws his sword.] Find the way back to the deck and you can get off this hulk. Let's see if we can find a straight line without any tricks.

[Faris is probably going to stay because this place is pissing him off and he's not done with it yet, but Tifa's obviously had more than her fill. So Faris slides one foot forward, gently running the tip of his sword along the bulkhead for any uneven patches, any levers.

He can hear rattlin' bones behind the cabin doors in this corridor. Hopefully those are locked.]

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GHOST SHIP

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