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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…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[They'd been about to turn off to the terrace, Benedikta rolling her eyes beneath her mask as he is just like all the others that she's met tonight—well, most anyway. Where he only talks about himself. Not that she has any interest in talking about herself, quite the opposite, actually, but she would honestly just prefer to not talk at all. None of them had anything noteworthy to say, and a man that thinks the most interesting person in the room is himself is far from attractive.

Quite frankly, she disagrees, but she doesn't plan on letting him talk much anyway once they get out to the terrace. Nor do much. He was an easy target, clearly someone who could follow rather than lead... but that's neither here nor there. It would be brief, and then she would never see him again.

They are about to walk out to one empty terrace down the hall, Benedikta "chuckling" at another one of his "jokes" when she first feels a familiar twinge, like a shock, on the back of her neck. It makes her snap her gaze around, but before she can see him, he's grabbing her wrist—]

What!?

[—and pulling her away, leaving the other man both confused and a little outraged that he's just had his "date" stolen from him.]

Cidolfus...!

[She already knows who it is before she finally does lay her eyes on him, and it all but shatters that earlier illusion that they had painted for themselves, leaving naught but the two of them in the reality that is him pulling on her wrist with the force of a storm!?]

Cidolfus, what are you doing?

[Benedikta will try to yank her arm free from his hand, a fury and a panic growing that he will continue to break through the mask that she wears to protect herself from him tonight.]

[He heard her the first time, but it's not until she tries to pull herself free does he counters by tightening his hold and dragging them around to roughly pin her against the wall, their bodies hidden by the large pillar that casts a dark shadow over in the dimly lit hall. It's clear everything is structured for "hidden trysts," though whether or not that's what this will amount remains to be seen.

At the very least, it affords them privacy.

And right now Cid is practically glaring at her, eyes lit with a rare, incensed flame.]

Me?

[The word comes with a bark of laughter.]

Should be asking you that.

[And he will catch that same fire reflecting at him even in the shadows as soon as he spins her around, her back crashing against the wall, and traps her there. She can only stare up at him in open defiance that she means to cloak the shock of being handled so roughly by him, of being dragged along and then caught like this.

Her chest hitches, however, when she meets his hardened gaze, and somehow, she's already feeling a little out of breath... though whether that is from her growing fury or something else she hasn't quite figured out yet.]

As if what I am doing is any of your concern.

Before it wasn't.

[And the words of what he said while possessed by that ghost echo through his mind.

It's none of your—business.
If I want to make it my business?]

But d'you really think I'm blind not to notice what you were doing?

[She wriggles under him, testing the strength with which he keeps her pinned there, though by the heat of his body alone, she can already tell that she won't be going anywhere anytime soon... and she is so caught up in this whirlwind that it doesn't even occur to her to fight back. She could use her winds to shove him away and free herself, but...

As she finally sees him for who he really is beneath the mask, sees his eyes and not the mystery man that she had danced with earlier, she can't figure out why she doesn't want to.]

And what is it that you think I'm doing?

[In some ways, Benedikta may not even realize it.]

[He'll only tighten his grip on her wrist when she tries to move, his body unmoving as it he remains pressed against her.]

Fuck if I know why.

[A low hiss, that strange feeling swirling through his chest.]

Draw me out? Test me? Piss me off? If so, congratulations, you succeeded.

[Though it's said almost as a mockery, his ire bleeding through into his words.

And really, he doesn't even know why he's so upset and angry about it.]

[There's a low sound from the back of her throat when she feels his hand tighten at her wrist, and she stiffens against the force of it, against the force of him and the storm that she knows is raging within. She should be mad, upset, screaming and spitting venom back into his face for this because what business does he have being angry about what she does on her own time?

It was just the one dance, and they bore their masks throughout. And she has, over the course of tonight, been able to convince herself that there was nothing more to it than that.

A very simple quench to a hunger that she both knew that they had... and that she would find another way to finish it off.

But why does she feel almost pleased to see him like this? Proud, even, that she has managed to bring him almost to his knees, so furious that he could not stand to watch another second of her with anyone else? ... If that is what this is.

It had not been her intention at all, but she would be a liar if she said that the look in his eyes that he gives her doesn't rouse something in her.]

And so that's why you're here? To do what?

[It's her turn to bark with a dry laugh.]

I was doing none of those things.

Really?

[He finds this very hard to believe and it's clear in his voice and face—if she could see it. But she wouldn't need to as he could easily imagine it.

That said, he did consider the possibility of something else. The question is, what is it?]

Then why did they all look like me?

[Another laugh, though this one is not quite as dry or genuine as the last. Shakier, its foundation shaken just a bit by his words and the way that the realization slowly begins to sink in.]

Are you truly seeing yourself in every man I have danced with tonight? Are you jealous?

[...

....

Though there's a flicker of panic in Benedikta's eyes as she rolls through most every man that she has danced with tonight, as well as those that she had picked out for herself during those nights of the Naughtilust.]

[He just smirks, not letting himself be baited by that.

Even if that answer might be a yes—]

My height.

[The hand against the wall drops to her hair to finger the longer strands that frame her face.]

My hair.

[And then a more dangerous lean closer to her ear.]

My voice.

[He doesn't move away after that, instead drawing out the silence for a moment as if to let it all sink in.]

...Who's looking for who? You tell me.

Edited 2023-10-18 03:58 (UTC)

[It's when he plays with her hair that she lets her eyes drop to follow his hand, and when he leans in close...

There's a gasp that sounds dangerously like his name that falls unbidden from her lips when his voice rumbles in her ear, sending shockwave after shockwave down through every bone in her body, making her unconsciously and impulsively shudder beneath him. She closes her eyes to try stopping it in its tracks, but it's already reached all the way down to curl her toes in her shoes.

With every word that punctures through her paper-thin defenses, she sees the face of each man that she has been with. Hears the voice of them... but they are none that they can remember. All she sees in every one is his face. All she hears is his voice. As she had them pinned between her legs and the bed, she remembers now...

Or rather, she doesn't remember them for them. She doesn't remember what they looked or sounded like, only that she had only found any bliss and quiet when she saw him.

She takes a moment to gather herself, taking a shuddering yet stifled breath in that has her chest heaving against his.]

... Need I remind you ...

[Her voice is frustratingly breathless, and she takes another pause.]

That you were the one who sought me out? Twice? And that is only tonight.

[She'll feel that smirk, hear that small huff of laugh.]

Yet you've been seeking me since the day you got here...

[The hand at her hair moves to lightly but firmly grip her chin and turn her face to him so that his lips are a hairbreadth's away, eyes boring into hers through the masks. He wants to rip it off, see her face, but he's granting her this one mercy to let her hide.

And his voice lowers even more until it's a dark whisper.]

Just in all the wrong places.

[There he goes capturing her again, making her heart seize and her breath catch despite her best efforts not to let him get through to her.

The way that he ropes her in with his fingers at her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, forcing her to face the eyes and the roguish smirk that she so desperately sought out in other men... it makes those hot claws reach out and try to tear through their confines so that her heart can finally be free to rush where it pleases.

Fight as she might, as hard as she can, she is no match for him. She never was. That betrayal that she held onto was always that kindling that kept that flame alive, and now that it's no longer suffocated so much by the shadows but instead have him here to stoke it, it burns perilously hot. So hot that it threatens to burn her away the moment her eyes meet his.

And like him, she wants nothing more than to tear off that mask of his to see that anger flaring up beneath it. Laugh all he wants, she can feel it in the way he holds her still.]

And so, what? You have come to correct me? To show me "the right place"?

[She squirms again with a little more fight this time, trying to break free. She doesn't like how her pulse races, or how her breath grows hot, or how she can feel that ache growing from where he presses most to her.

And if she doesn't run now...]

[There's just a moment.

A brief one where he considers the weight of the answer he wants to give.]

And if I have?

[The hand at her wrist changes so that his fingers slide over her palm and slip between hers.]

If I do?

[His lips brush more closely against hers, still keeping her trapped his hips press more against her in response to her shifting.

This...is a far cry of what he expected for the night. Truly, while it crossed his mind more than once, he wasn't going to seek her out like this. Yet just like during the dance, once his emotions are flared, she drags him in to the point where he ends up pushing forward instead of pulling back. And she's definitely stoked something.]

Edited 2023-10-18 05:34 (UTC)

[A far cry for them both. Benedikta wasn't even sure she would run into him twice in one night, let alone the one. Hell, she didn't know if she expected he would come at all and yet here she is, pinned to him again.

And when he slips his fingers through hers, the leather scraping annoyingly rough over her palm, she doesn't thread her own back, doesn't let them curl shut over his hand.

But he will feel another sharp breath over his lips, and the sudden rise of her chest as she struggles to breathe against him, drawing air from that little bit of a gap between them feeling like the most complicated thing in the fucking world right now.

One more wiggle for good measure as she snaps her chin free from his grip and away from his lips, her head falling back to rest on the wall behind her, though it's harder to tell if that one is meant to goad him or if she is still trying to fly away.

Benedikta isn't even sure she knows anymore.]

... Is that what's got you so worked up, Cidolfus?

[Though that is certainly meant to taunt.]

Edited 2023-10-18 05:54 (UTC)

[There's only the smallest narrow of his eyes when she snaps her head away, but he just continues to stare at her. A mix of both, it feels. It's always this infuriating mix. So he'll just be as infuriating back.]

You seem worse, Benedikta.

[Compared to him, she certainly is the more "worked up" between the two.

...And—]

But think you prefer it this way.

[—it'll be now that he finally rips that mask off of her, letting it fall to the ground with a soft clatter that still seems to echo through the small space they've hidden themself in.

She can try and deny it all she wants. He can see very clearly otherwise.]

[There it goes.

That last barrier that kept her safe from him. Her last saving grace. The mercy that had been granted to her for the night... gone, just like that, and the sound as it hits the floor echoes louder than it should through the corridor.

And he'll see all of it, even in the dim glow of the blood moon, and in the candles that flicker nearby. Her eyes move back to meet his, to match them evenly. He'll see the desperate longing grow, the frustration of not having found the satisfaction she's been looking for, her ire at being caged here by his will, and the panic that swims beneath it all of being found out so easily.

As if that mask could hide anything.

It couldn't hide the way her heart races, hammering against the inside of her chest, rattling the cage that she keeps around it. It couldn't hide the sharp hitch of her breath. Couldn't hide the yearning, the pining, that passion that flashes so vividly and intensely.

She couldn't deceive him, but she could trick herself, couldn't she? If it meant that she would be the fool here, then so be it.

There's a long, heavy silence that follows the din of her mask where she stares at him, trying to see through his own. To see what he is thinking, feeling, wanting... What it is that has him so forcefully seeking her out like this...]

And if I do?

[She echoes his words back to him to finally break through the stillness, but that tension still buzzes, pulled so tight that it could snap at the slightest breeze.

She croons at him anyway with a bristle, as if her feathers were all out of sorts. In a way, they are. On the outside, she may look as fine as ever, though even that is questionable, but on the inside, there is an all-out war between every part of her that wants something different—her heart, her mind, her body, her soul.

And the worst of it is that none of them are winning.

Or they all are.]

What is there that you can do for me?

Edited 2023-10-18 15:29 (UTC)

[There's just a small pause before he smirks.]

Give what you want. What you need.

[There's a deliberate twist on that word, as it could all mean either the here and now...or the heavier, deeper meanings, of the things he's always wanted to give and provide but couldn't before. The things she no longer has faith in him for.

But if she prefers to think of just tonight, then that's fine as well.]

The things you won't find in anyone else.

[That heat still carries in his voice even as it grows quieter, and the hand that had been over hers against the wall—]

Because what you want...

[—pulls to bring her hand to his mask.]

...is right here.

[Physically. Emotionally. Whether it's just his body, or his heart. Hatred and love. Desire and need. Pleasure and pain.

He can both save her and end her. Harm her and heal her. A poison and a salve.

He has it. All of it.

And no one else ever will.]

Edited 2023-10-18 19:31 (UTC)

[She knows.

Deep down, a part of her always knew what she was doing. It was always a question of whether or not she could freely admit that what she had been searching for was always him. She could find another man to try and quell those needs for a time, but it would always come back to rear its ugly head when she was with him. It had, and she'd fallen back into that same cycle again... and again...

And again tonight.

She always knew that what she wanted, what she needed was always right in front of her, and that no matter how high or low she searched for it in someone else, it would never be enough... because it never was. Even Barnabas, who she revered and feared, couldn't hope to fill the hole that Cid had left behind, and she's spent the last six goddamn years trying to.

But even as he stands in front of her, even as he has her full and undivided attention, even as her fingers are brought to his mask, green nails brushing over its details, even as her fingers curl over the edges...

Even as she gives it a tug...

Her breath stops, but her lips move in a slow, silent whisper of his name, almost like she is asking for that little push.

Because she cannot bring herself to fully remove it. To reveal all of the things that she's been denying all this time. Denying herself. Too afraid, and forbidding herself from wanting, and especially from taking...

Despite it all reflecting so clear in her eyes as she brings them to meet his again.]

Edited 2023-10-18 22:18 (UTC)

[It's subtle, but he felt that movement beneath his hand. How her fingers briefly curled and tightened over the mask's edge.

In a way, this was a test. A test to see if she would see him as he is...or yet another figment, a stranger. A fleeting moment she could later try to discard. And while at first he was uncertain if she would sway that way, seeing her eyes, feeling how her hand remains on the mask...

...

The way her lips silently formed his name.

No, she still can't do this on her own. But that's all right with him. If she needs him to guide her, if she needs him to make that last reach to close the distance between him so he can help pull her out, he will. She just had to make that first attempt...

And she did.

With a hidden gentleness, Cid tightens his hand over hers and maneuvers her fingers...just like he once did after he first brought her back to Stonhyrr all those many years ago. Back then they weren't like this—their passion would grow much later. But it was all still part of their history—their story. How often he would guide her fingers to learn how to hold a quill or charcoal to write. How to wield to sword. To dance.

To live.

To love.

He's held her hand so many times, all with so many different reasons and meanings, even just tonight, and now... This time he guides her in reassurance and support. He'll squeeze her fingertips so she can have a firmer grip on the mask, and he'll help give her that needed tug to get her going.

To once again guide her back to him.

...But while he'll follow along and give her little nudges and pushes, she'll have to initiate the rest. It would only be if she completely starts trying to reel herself back in will his hand be forced and he'll once again have to make her see him, but he still wants to give her a chance.]

Edited 2023-10-19 00:43 (UTC)

[Even with his guidance, Benedikta doesn't move right away.

He can probably feel how her heart is racing, how her mind is racing when she feels the squeeze of his fingertips around hers. How she recoils and starts slightly when he does. With him, their masks had become something of a piece of protection for her. Walls around her heart where she did not have to accept her feelings, these emotions that have stirred. The sentiments and the nostalgia.

The love.

It is all an excuse, and perhaps she will find something else to put up between them again when all of this is over, but it's too late to turn back now. Too late to run away from him, and too late to run away from herself. Too late to brush aside that no matter how much pain she has had to bear, it is only because she feels so strongly for him that it was ever there in the first place.

And gods damn it all, she would reach deeper within and pull it all back out if it weren't so difficult to do when they are like this, with the passion lit up like a spark between them, and him crushing her under those deep emerald eyes of his.

Eyes that she has never stopped loving. Eyes that watch her so carefully as she finally begins to pull back the mask until they are no longer obstructed by its shadow. Until she can see it all...

All of what she's been looking for.

His mask lands on top of hers with the same soft clatter.

Her lips fall open again as her eyes wander across his face, as if this is the first time that she is seeing him in years. And in some ways, it is. It is the first time that she is seeing him, and not someone that she wishes he was not, and not someone else who she wishes were him.

Just Cidolfus. Her Cidolfus Telamon...

Everything that he represents is so soul-crushingly terrifying that she can't help the way her breath quivers with every exhale, when she remembers to.

His ideals and idealistic nature. His freedom. His patience. She wants to run away from it all, wants to push him aside and spread her wings and fly out through the nearest window because she fears the worst, her trust still shattered and trampled on from the last time.

But she doesn't.

Later, she will run. Later, when they wake up from this dream, they will find themselves back in that mess that they have made.

Instead, her fingers fall to the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, and the scruff along his jaw, to the corner of his lips, her gaze following. The last time she had looked at him this closely, he had looked a little different. A little younger. But he is still the same in most ways.

In all the ways that matter...]

Edited 2023-10-19 01:08 (UTC)

[The tension falls when the mask lands atop hers only to be replaced anew as he feels her fingertips slowly tracing those weathered lines, her eyes taking in every inch now that they can see each other so clearly. His own match hers, watching to see what kind of emotion and expression may stir, catching how she has to remember to breathe.

Six years have passed, a span of time that can feel both short and long at the same time. So many changes between them, yet so many things stayed the same as well.

In the past he would have taken this moment of vulnerability between—this opportunity—to try to make another plea to her. To beg her to think again, to make a different choice. To come back to him. And she would do the same, beckoning him to return, to be by her side. And it would always end the same way, both hurting each other with their rejections, both wanting to take a different path.

But not anymore.

He'll still make such a plea, but differently. Slowly. In a language they can both understand.

His hand had never strayed far when she finally moved it on her own, and now it holds her in place as he tilts his face towards her to gently kiss her fingers and her palm, almost as if to reward her for making it this far. Because he knows how difficult even that must be for her... Especially as he travels down to her wrist, feeling that racing pulse as he plants soft yet meaningful kisses.]

[Those kisses to her wrist are dangerous, as if his lips were made of lightning themselves, they ignite every nerve under her touch-starved skin. The leather of his gloves has been cumbersome, but his lips are so warm and so soft that she is so sure he is leaving burning his marks into her in the wake of every strike.

She tenses first, but then yields with a bend of her wrist, exposing the sensitive flesh, her pulse as it beats to try to keep in pace with the frantic rhythm her heart has set.

Benedikta understands him loud and clear. She understands this language. It was one that they often spoke in silence to one another when she would seek refuge in his arms or following the return from a long trip. Or simply... when they had wanted each other.

She knows what he wants, and when she doesn't pull away, he should know, too.

It still won't stop her from asking as she tips her head back, trying not to let that growing bliss eclipse reason.]

... What are we doing, Cidolfus?

[What is this all for? When they both know how this will end when morning comes? When the music stops and the night is done, they will go their separate ways as they tend to do... separated until fate decides it wants to toy with them again, and thus, draw them together for a time.

Weave them together until it all becomes too much again.]

[So long as she doesn't pull away, then he'll keep his advance. And at her question, his eyes flick over towards her, thumb gently rubbing over that pounding skin before he gently pushes it back as he brings his lips to her now exposed neck.]

What we want.

[That's it, that's his answer.

The meaning behind everything is muddied as fuck, but at least on this much, in this moment, they're in agreement.

As his other hand drifts up to the other side of her neck to cradle her cheek, he sighs against her skin.]

No matter how messy it gets...it won't change.

[Is he speaking for himself or for the both of them?]

[As soon as his lips find her neck, she's lost the battle, and her body and heart have won that long war that they have been fighting all night. She hums her approval, leaning into his hand and letting her head fall back further to stretch out the span of her throat, that sequined collar be damned.

If he searches, he will find what he is looking for.

His words sink deep, burrowing into every empty place in her heart—every crevice of her soul that had yet to be filled before him. It soothes her like water soothes the pain. It washes away an ache that she has held onto for so long, and though she knows it is only temporary and that the waves will inevitably bring it back, can she not just take advantage of this respite?]

... And what about after all this is through?

[After they are done "doing what they want"?

She asks, as if any of that matters in the moment, as her voice is nearly gone on the sighs that spill past her lips on the winds.]

Edited 2023-10-19 03:48 (UTC)

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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to be continued ➡