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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

Well, yes. Because we value each other's autonomy.

[ So much of what is forbidden in Red London is precisely because of that. From the spoken to the unspoken rules, the sorts of magic that are used to control another are rarely used. Even bone magic, which Kell did sometimes employ, sat on the precipice of acceptability.

Of course, he isn't thinking about Holland's soul seal. He doesn't know the horrors Holland went through. All he is thinking about is the way that Holland is trying to insult him, and how it's not fair, and how Red London is good about things like that, and, more importantly, far better than White London in that regard.

But he's not that concerned with control. He feels the shift, the way Holland wants to lead, and he relinquishes. He's used to leading because he normally dances with women (and women usually follow, except for Lila, who couldn't be asked to follow anyone), but he's danced with men before. He and Rhy had taken lessons together, and needless to say the crown prince of Arnes does not follow. ]

[ It's really too bad that Kell gives Holland the lead the moment he says that. Because the moment he does, Holland simply stops.

He stops dancing. Stops moving. Stops breathing, for just a moment. The darkness in his left eye manages to show more emotion than the ice in his green one, and for a split second, Holland nearly snarls.

But instead, Holland closes his eyes, and takes a breath. Not a deep one. He was not afforded the opportunity to have any kind of reaction, when he was insulted time and again by the Danes. When they paraded the bodies of the men who'd fought alongside him, or when they'd forced him to slaughter each one while he so dearly wished to scream. Autonomy was so foreign a word for Holland that even when he'd had it, he wasn't sure he knew what to do with it. Was it free will, when he'd killed the people closest to him? Was it free will, when he'd almost been happy with Vor, but their world just kept dying?

Kell is right. Autonomy isn't worth a thing in White London. Only power. A lesson Holland learned the hard way. And a lesson Kell, in his tall tower and red world, could not possibly understand.

Holland releases Kell and turns to leave. He spares him not a word or a glance. Simply walks away as if he's bored of this, as if he's spotted something far more interesting on the balconies that he'd rather look at, than spend another moment here. ]

Edited 2023-10-19 04:34 (UTC)

Holland, I --

[ Fuck.

He knows he's said something wrong the second that look passes over Holland's face, subtle and yet entirely obvious when Kell is watching him so closely for any tell. He's left standing alone (and therefore in the way) on the dance floor, so what else is he going to do but follow after him?

As he does, his misstep becomes obvious to him. His dig at White London of course also included Holland, and of course also remarked on his circumstance, and he shouldn't have said anything, although some part of him also thinks it is rather unfair that Holland can just endlessly insult him and he can't say anything back but that ---

It doesn't matter. ]

Wait.

[ Holland really isn't sure what he intends to do with himself. In the last seven years, he would have simply had to stay and listen. He could not go against the Danes' wishes, so if they told him to deliver a letter and play nice, then he had to. It was not an option to show emotion, to let anyone know.

It was never an option to be angry, never mind to be kind. What would Kell know about autonomy, when the man has every luxury, and was afforded every care? Holland has spent so long as a knight, and as a slave that he truly has to fight all instinct to not simply do as he is told.

In the end, he does it anyway. He turns around and faces Kell again, this time not hiding the anger in his expression, nor the pain hiding even deeper underneath. ]

What.

[ Why Holland stays, he can't be sure why. Maybe because no one can understand him. And no one ever will. And once they do, they'll probably try to kill him... except perhaps Kell, who refuses to, for whatever reason. The fool. ]

What do you want, Kell?

Edited 2023-10-19 04:55 (UTC)

[ Kell stills when he sees Holland's expression, like he's been slapped across the face. He's never seen Holland so angry, of course, but it's not the anger that gets him. It's the pain. If it had just been the anger, maybe it would've been more like the back and forth they'd had during the festival, with both of them trading sharp words. Maybe he would've been quick to tell him he's being sensitive, or that this was ridiculous after everything that had happened.

But in the end, Kell is a good person. And seeing someone hurt like that, even if that someone is Holland, makes his heart feel like it's falling. ]

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.

[ Obviously. He knows that. He knows Holland would be well within his right to yell at him, and it's clear he's basically bracing for whatever anger follows. ]

Obviously.

[ Holland snaps, his dispassionate gaze lost for whatever this is. He doesn't rightly know. He's so angry, constantly, and usually even Holland thinks Kell doesn't deserve it. But not this time. ]

Do you want me to tell you how you're right? That autonomy in White London doesn't matter?

[ He really ought to stop himself before he reveals more than he should. He doesn't owe Kell anything. He doesn't owe him an explanation, or his time, or even more than another word. But the floodgates have opened, and even if anyone around them were to listen in, what would they care? They don't know. ]

Power is the only thing that matters, Kell. Think about that. You and I? Power runs in our blood. Everything and everyone is drawn to it, they'd kill for it, or they'd do everything they could to make that power theirs.

Since you don't think, I'll spell it out for you. [ He reaches for Kell's lapels, pulling him up so he can speak directly into his face. I'm sorry. ] I was Athos' pet. His Antari slave to parade around and flay for pleasure. I killed every person who ever fought alongside me -- every person he and Astrid didn't kill themselves. And he made me do it, made me look them in the eyes so I could see the betrayal on their faces as I dug a blade into their hearts with my own, compelled hands.

[ He releases Kell then, eyes still blazing with anger, though at least it truly isn't aimed at him. That pain that broke through begins to retreat, the walls coming back slowly as Holland forces his breaths to slow.

Really, he needs to calm the fuck down or he'll break something. The air around him is nearly frozen, his breath coming in short puffs of cold. ]

Autonomy is a luxury, Kell. One I took for granted and one I happen to respect.

Edited 2023-10-19 05:33 (UTC)

[ To say that Kell is shaken would be to put it lightly. But he has more experience than Holland seems to think. There are times, of course, where he comes across as boyish and foolish (like, you know, five minutes ago) but in the face of actual danger, in the face of real concern, Kell does know how to pull it together.

That's what he does now. He makes his face as impassive as he can manage, even as his heart breaks for Holland. He is still as Holland grabs him and holds him close. He wishes he could just take his mask off so they could really look at each other but he doesn't move to remove it. He just listens.

They're going to get themselves in trouble if they break out in a fight here or over do it with their magic, so he uses his own to counteract Holland's ice, thawing the space between them wordlessly. But he keeps his gaze on Holland, even as Holland starts to regain his control, little by little.

The thing is, and although it doesn't truly matter, Kell both believes him and doesn't believe him. He believes everything he says about the Danes, of course. He'd seen bits and pieces of it himself, and he knew what the Danes valued. The rest of it are pieces to the same puzzle. And he also believes that Holland values his own autonomy. But he's not sure Holland cares about the autonomy of others quite so much as he claims, and he wouldn't put it past him to use the same tricks he's always used, even now that he's out of the Danes' control. People were complicated. Holland was complicated.

And really, it didn't change the fact of the matter, or the difference between their worlds. They were unique. Not that Kell had any sense of wanting to press the point now. He can be sorry he spoke out of turn without feeling like he was wrong. What guilt he has is for Holland and Holland alone. His estimations of White London aren't anything but fact.

Not that he voices anyway of that. He just waits for Holland to finish, and then a moment longer, the two of them staring at each other, their magic singing between them, and then, finally: ]

Let's take a walk.

[ Holland isn't foolish enough to keep working himself up like this. He also doesn't trust himself alone, honestly. For so long he'd done whatever he needed to do. Years ago, he'd simply had to stop letting his anger get the best of him, simply allowed his body to act of its own will and do what it wanted. The Danes wanted to see him suffer, so he'd had to convince himself he wasn't suffering. He'd never stopped fighting, not where it mattered in his heart, but his body... was something else entirely. It wasn't entirely his.

It is now, of course, but at times Holland finds he doesn't know what to do with it. And likely it's better he walk this off with Kell than light this whole place a fire with a lightning strike or something like that. As much as Holland is a killer, he doesn't want to kill. ]

Fine.

[ He goes, the air around him still frigid, though he is working it down slowly. Holland should be better than this. He's stronger, the one in control. But this place has him completely out of sorts. This party, this world -- touching Kell and being touched by others... none of it makes any sense, and as much as Holland may think he's handling it, he clearly isn't.

But he needs to. He runs a hand through his hair, shaking off what little he'd done with it. It's darker here than it was in White London, a fact that isn't lost on him. He also takes his mask off while he's at it, holding it in his hand and crumbling it to dust. A bird, what was he thinking? When was the last time anyone had seen a bird in White London? He was a fool for even thinking it.

Just as he knows he's a fool for this tantrum, but it's too late now. He follows Kell. ]

[ Kell watches him without comment, even as he breaks his mask. Kell takes his own off and ties it to his belt so he doesn't have to carry it awkwardly and then he heads out for the gardens, knowing Holland will follow now that he's agreed to head out.

The gardens are lovely, of course. They remind him a bit of home, and for all the Ghoul Moon was probably freaking everyone else out, the red glow reminds him of the Isle, so it is oddly comforting in a way that it definitely shouldn't be.

He leads them off to a quiet corner, away from everyone (the scandal! don't make out or you'll have to get regency married, boys!) and even then he stays quiet for a long moment, waiting for Holland to get a little more of his control back. After growing up with Rhy, he does at least have some experience with the benefit of walking around to cool off and not pick fights.

When it seems like enough time has passed, he finally says: ]

It's nice out here, isn't it?

[ Holland follows Kell in his best attempt to get himself reigned in. He doesn't do this, and some part of himself is even mortified that he lost it around Kell of all people. (Even if some part of him thinks 'Who else but Kell? Who else would even know or care about any of Holland's stupid problems? No one Kell shouldn't, either.')

But he'll spin himself in circles, having mental arguments with himself. The important things to remember are simple, and those are the things that ultimately bring Holland back.

Athos Dane is dead. Holland is trapped here, but he is free of the dread and horror of his body not obeying him. Holland is his own person again, even if he isn't sure what that means. Was he a weapon? A knight? A foolish man, or even a foolish brother?

Holland takes a slow breath, slipping back behind the calm, frustrated walls that he wears to make it through each day. He allows the garden and the life surrounding them to take up his vision and his senses. He'd only ever seen this much color in Red London. Sometimes in Grey, whenever he felt bold and tried to pull himself out, just to test his seal's reach. ]

It is.

[ He admits, sounding bored again. His usual. At least Kell isn't asking. Holland will take small talk over having him pry. He may trust Kell not to kill him, but sharing his pain is another level of trust that Kell hasn't reached yet. No one has. Holland is probably not even aware that it's a level someone could reach. ]

If you want to know the truth, [ he says this lightly, like an offering. something to give Holland, if he wants it. An olive branch, ] I've always hated parties. And they happen so often.

[ Kell is more at ease out here, too, in the gardens than he was when they were in the ballroom. ]

I never understood why Rhy couldn't handle them on his own. He was the one everyone wanted to see, after all. But I went to be stared at anyway.

[ A possession, more than a son. But he doesn't say that out loud. It seems silly, after what Holland had talked about. And silly after how Lila had yelled at him about his circumstance. That didn't change how he felt, but he knew better than to bring it up. ]

It's hard not to feel like that'll happen here. We're both practically anonymous in this world, and yet...I don't think casting off expectation is as easy as stepping through a door.

[ Holland hums, noncommittal. He is listening, though. Kell's problems may not hold a candle to his own, but it's easy to picture the young prince grumpily scowling as Rhy takes center stage -- and Kell remains just off of it, but ever-present.

Perhaps he was meant to be a warning, to their neighboring countries. Surely Arnes' strength was at least somewhat in part thanks to their possession of an Antari. What king or queen could resist displaying such a coveted knife to their enemies?

Hearing Kell's problems at least distracts him from his own for a moment, too. And expectations are something he always seems to find no end to. His own most of all. ]

You're not wrong.

[ Is all he says in acknowledgment, still impassive and bland. Holland stares straight up into the sky, the red moon reminding him of Red London. Not in a pleasant way, but it is somewhat familiar. ]

Even the sky here is too blue.

[ He doesn't know anything else, in other words. But rather than share that particular vulnerability, that's what he says. ]

[ It seems to have worked, or, at the very least, he hasn't offended Holland further, so he'll take that as a good sign. ]

There's a lot more color here than in Makt. I'd ask if it's a lot to take in but...[ he considers this for a moment and shakes his head ] you were always so poised when you came to visit.

[ Not overwhelmed, in other words. It's admirable, if Kell's tone is any indication. Kell thinks Holland is strong. ]

[ Holland is strong, Kell is right to say it. He doesn't necessarily need to hear Kell say it either, but the acknowledgement does help him feel somewhat stronger. It sets him to rights.

Kell doesn't really know him, but he knows enough. Certainly more than anyone else here does. Or ever will.

Holland is strong. He can adapt. He survived seven years of experiencing Red London on the leash of a man who is rotting in the ground or worse. He can do this now. He simply must, so he will. ]

I spent far less time in Arnes, collectively, than I have already, here.

[ It's not an acknowledgement of weakness, far from it. It's more a reminder to himself. He simply states it because it's true. In all his years, he'd spend maybe an hour or two in Red London. It was all he could stand before he started to hate it... not even the city itself, but how empty things felt, when he returned to White London. To his home, and his cage.

It felt wrong to enjoy it then. He hasn't quite decided how he feels about this place yet, but there's no leaving. There's not avoiding it. There's only... this. A strange place. And Kell.

He'll just have to adapt. And not talk about his feelings, ever. Instead, he'll change the subject to something he knows Kell will want to discuss. ]

The magic is strange here, isn't it.

[ The comment about his time in Arnes strikes Kell as a little out of place, but, of course, he's not privy to the line of thought that got Holland there. He'd simply meant to compliment him, and it didn't seem as if Holland was willing to take it.

Not that it mattered too much, since Holland was moving on and Kell was happy to give him the out. ]

It is. It doesn't feel the same.

[ He wants to tell him how it doesn't really sound the same when he talks with it, either. How he had always seen magic as not just a balanced thing, but a partnership. But he knows that's not how it is in White London, and Holland had admonished him more than once that he should seek to control magic rather than work alongside it, so he won't elaborate. ]

[ It's more than Holland deserves, but at least for once he'll engage Kell in conversation like a normal person. This is something only the two of them, with magic so deeply entrenched in their blood, could understand.

Of course, to Holland, the magic is stubborn. He's so used to commanding it, so forcing it to bend and break under his will, that he can feel how it fights him here. It hasn't learned yet that Holland isn't someone who backs down. ]

It isn't split across four worlds. That might be why.

[ His voice is blank as he presents the idea, but it's certainly what he's been thinking since he got here. The color, the magic, the world around them... it feels balanced in a way truly none of the Londons did. ]

[ Kell actually looks surprised by the comment. He's interested in the magic of this world, of course, just as he was interested in the magic back home. But it's also his first time ever being away from home without expectation, his first time being able to do whatever he wanted. And so studying hasn't really been at the top of his list. He's been far more interested in seeing what life is like here for the locals and the other Riftrafters, how they live, what kinds of things they brought with them.

But when Holland says it, it seems like such a natural and correct conclusion. Of course Red London didn't see themselves as splitting their magic with other places, to them it was always that they'd simply been the most balanced, that they'd done everything right. But he knew the reality was more complicated than that. ]

That makes it even stranger, doesn't it? That it's all one place, but it can pull from so many vastly different worlds.

[ Yes, we haven't all been sitting in our rooms obsessing about our magic, it seems. With how the world's air teemed with magic and power, what else was Holland to do but figure out the surest way to ensure that his magic worked as it should?

Yeah, that's not normal. Kell was doing the normal thing. Maybe Holland will give that a try, once he's realized that he's not as likely to get stabbed here, versus White London. But that day is not today. ]

It's remarkably stable for such a thing.

[ Though maybe it had something to do with why As Travars didn't work. Maybe the magic heard that spell and simply refused to do it. Maybe it couldn't. It's an intriguing thought, if nothing else. A nice enough distraction from the rest of Holland's thoughts. ]

It's supposed to be some kind of an artefact, but I'm not sure that really makes it nay better.

[ Magical items were, after all, not always good. Sometimes they were pieces of another world's magic, like vitari had been. ]

I guess there's no real way to find out except to help look for the pieces of the map.

[ he sounds decidedly excited about the prospect, but also like he's trying really hard not to be. ]

[ Holland gives something close to a derisive laugh. It's an exhale through his nose and a slight quirk to his lips that says he finds the irony of that 'artefact' amusing. In a very morbid way.

They both know how dangerous artefacts can be. ]

It's better than nothing.

[ Wow, look at Holland being optimistic! That's... his version of optimism, anyway. But he does turn to look Kell in the eye, as opposed to simply staring up into the night sky. ]

With each of us on a different side, we'll at know if one side knows more about that map than the other.

[ Pinch yourself, Kell. Holland is saying he'll work together with you. It's the only route that makes sense, and Holland is pragmatic if nothing else. ]

Are you suggesting we work together?

[ Yeah he's just going to point it out. ]

[ Don't say it out loud, Kell!!! ]

Yes.

[ Holland sighs, more inflection in his distaste at being made to spell it out than anything else. ]

I know you're not stupid, Kell. You know that's what I mean.

[ Take the compliment! And never ask him for anything ever again. (yeah, sure) ]

[ omg he thinks he's not stupid!! wow! I'm busting out the smiling icon just for that!]

I'd like that.

Don't let it go to your head.

[ Holland tries valiantly not to roll his eyes. Stupid Kell shouldn't be so stupidly endearing when he's so stupidly happy. Ugh. ]

It's the only way we're ever getting back.

[ It's about being pragmatic! And certainly not about Holland admitting that he'd rather work with someone familiar to him, who will actually not kill him. Not at all. ]

[ Kell tempers his smile. It's still there, a little bit, but he's trying to look more serious now. For Holland's sake, you see. ]

Of course. It's the pragmatic approach.

Edited 2023-10-24 03:01 (UTC)

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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cw slavery I should have said something sooner

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shades of magic spoilers

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