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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

[ Ah, Xenk can tell he's made a comment that has struck a chord. Perhaps he simply should have said nothing, but he can't deny his own mind. Vampires are known to be violent creatures, but their spawn are simply victims to their whims... could Astarion become such, if he were to become a true vampire? Who can say. It may be a thought not worth pursuing, but it's not an opinion Xenk will regret.

So he'll simply allow the subject to drop. He's said his piece, and he doesn't want to disturb Astarion when he was kind enough to invite him over, after all. Like all things, they have plenty of time to think on it. Such topics can wait for another day. ]

I shall.

[ Xenk nods, stepping over to the bathroom to get the bath started, and ensure the rest is ready. He's going to have to decide if he wants to wash his hair... he doesn't have any of his oils or anything, so it may just have to wait. Oh, well. At least he can start the water for now. ]

[ Astarion delays a little longer. Than he needs to. He's a little mad about this exchange and he wants to cool off, which is certainly more than he'd afford for other people.

But by the time he wanders into the bathroom, he's calmed down and his usual temper has returned, and he seems none the worse for the trespass. ]

How's it going?

[ Xenk can tell by the time it takes that he has perhaps angered, or even upset Astarion. Should he have said something else? Perhaps it's something Xenk will need to consider. But he'll need more time before he can consider changing his mind on that matter, he thinks.

Still, he's filled the tub, checked the temperature, and even added some warmer water a few times, just to make sure. He considers that it's possible even that Astarion may have left, but Xenk chooses to stay and wait for him regardless. He owes the man his friendship, and his patience. A disagreement will not make him leave Astarion's side. Though of course by now it's a bit steamy in the bathroom, but besides a sheen of sweat, Xenk is no worse for the wear. ]

All is well. And yourself?

[ He's trying to make it sound like he means the laundry, but that is not what he said, actually. ]

Edited 2023-10-21 04:09 (UTC)

I'll feel better when I don't smell like a graveyard.

[ He leans down and puts a hand in the water to see how it feels. Not too hot, so he climbs in and leaves a little space for Xenk. ]

Come on then.

As you say.

[ Xenk smiles. This is the Astarion he knows. And the fact is they both reek, it'll be really nice to have a warm bath together. Xenk follows as he's told, sliding into the tub in the space behind Astarion. The water is warm, but not too warm. Enough that they can adjust it if they need to.

But gods, does it feel good to have his sore muscles submerged in the water. And bask in Astarion's presence as well, of course. Xenk sighs with relief as he settles in. ]

Wonderful.

[ Astarion wastes no time settling in between Xenk's legs and then leaning back against his chest. Sure, they'll get clean, but he also wants to indulge and enjoy while he can. ]

See? This is already much better.

[ He's cozy! It's his right. Xenk happily allows Astarion to rest against his chest. He'll even bring a hand around, to settle around his waist, and lean forward a bit to rest his chin on his shoulder. ]

It is far better, I agree. And well deserved.

[ He closes his eyes, letting the water soothe them both. Even if they still smell... it just feels nice. ]

[ It's fine he literally lived like this for 200 years, it's not going to scare him off from the bath. Besides, at least they took their clothes off, that's where most of the issue was. ]

Gods, yes. I haven't worked that hard in ages.

[ Oh, right. Xenk's the one with the negative association to the smell of death. But it's also what he smells like in his natural state, so he can't really oppose it too much. It's not more important than soothing their aching bodies. Gods, they dug up how many graves? ]

Indeed. Your aid was instrumental in completing our task. I appreciate your hard work, Astarion.

You should, because it's not going to happen again any time soon.

[ As if he doesn't do quests with Xenk fairly regularly. ]

[ Xenk smiles against Astarion's neck, his eyes still closed. There's surely some cautionary tale about letting one's guard down around a vampire (spawn or no,) yet here Xenk is, holding him and feeling safe as can be. Feeling Comforted, knowing that Astarion believes they won't take another mission together again. Sure. ]

Perhaps not, unless our paths should meet in Eltrut once more.

[ It's obvious Astarion is feeling comfortable, too, letting Xenk touch him like this and leaning up against him as he is. He ghosts his fingertips along the arm that Xenk has around his waist, just touching to touch him. Because he can. ]

Next time, I'll let you work and I'll simply watch.

[ Xenk laughs this time, his breath warm against Astarion's neck and ear. His touch is soft and gentle, and Xenk fins he melts into it easily. He simply enjoys having Astarion near.

He'd offered to do all the work and Astarion didn't take it. He'll do the same next time, and likely see the same outcome. It's a dance, he realizes. One he does not mind. Astarion may wish to believe one thing, but the truth is different. And they both know it. ]

And I shall aid you regardless.

[ What a kind, generous soul. ]

[ Xenk's breath against his skin tickles just a little, and he smiles in spite of himself, and then closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. ]

Which is precisely why I will take advantage of your kindness.

[ Xenk hums, happy to feel how relaxed Astarion becomes in his arms. It's true bliss to feel such warmth and safety. He's this close to kissing his pointy ears. He certainly nuzzles up against them with his beard. ]

You would be taking only what is freely given.

[ Yeah, Astarion wouldn't be mad about that in the slightest. He hums lightly, pleasantly, at the feeling of Xenk nuzzling up against him. He's weak to the feeling of that texture, Xenk knows this. ]

You're ridiculous.

[ He says it undeniably fondly. ]

I will take your words as a compliment.

[ Xenk whispers against Astarion's ears, leaning in the rest of the way to lay a gentle kiss against those pointed ends. His beard brushing against his skin as he does, his voice low and caring, deep with affection. Man, Xenk really does have a thing for elves. But also he just has a thing for Astarion. And he's happy to indulge in it, especially like this. ]

It might have been meant as one. This time.

[ His voice is soft and gentle now, too, made kinder by Xenk's touch. He takes Xenk's hand and threads his fingers through it, holding onto him as Xenk kisses him. ]

That's nice.

[ Xenk smiles against Astarion's skin, trailing the slowest, gentlest kisses down his ear, towards the back of his neck. He intends only for this. Only to show Astarion such kindness, and comfort him in however he can. ]

I suspected as much.

[ Xenk squeezes Astarion's hand softly, holding him back. It's such a grounding gesture, something so perfect that he could in no way express in words just how wonderful it feels, to hold and offer up his heart like this, and feel that comfort in every point of contact. ]

[ A shiver runs down his spine as Xenk's kisses dip down to his neck. He's so sensitive like this. His ears and neck have always been especially sensitive to touch, and now is no exception.

There's no denying that in this moment he wants more from him. But he wills himself to sit still and simply enjoy the comfort he's being given instead of rushing into getting more. He holds tight to Xenk's hand to anchor himself, and to keep himself from guiding that hand to touching him. He wants to be overwhelmed by the sensation instead of getting lost in it. He wants to be present.

Even if it would be easier to simply fuck him and turn his brain off. But nice things were not always easy (indeed for Astarion nice things were seldom easy) and for once he wants to put in the effort. ]

Edited 2023-10-21 16:03 (UTC)

[ It is the gentlest torture, to keep his touch reverent, to praise Astarion's skin with such soft, gentle kisses. Xenk means to respect Astarion's wishes in that they won't be having sex until Astarion is ready. But that doesn't mean that Xenk can't show him what it means to be loved and cherished. And his skin is so soft and tantalizing, it's hard not to want to take it all in.

But Xenk resists. It's much easier for him, he knows. He lets Astarion hold him back, he holds his hand steady and hums against his neck. He kisses his way around his neck, careful of the bite scars that mark him, but there's no chance that he'll avoid a bit of friction there from Xenk's beard, even if Xenk kisses around the marks, as if praising those too.

If Astarion wasn't a vampire, they likely wouldn't have connected like this. Sure, he'd still be alive since he's an elf, but things would be different. Perhaps he shouldn't, but Xenk is grateful for this if nothing else. It doesn't make Astarion's suffering worth it, nor will it lessen any of his pain, but still. All of Astarion's strength, all his beauty is his own. Being a vampire is just who he is. Maybe Xenk will think on this later and realize why Astarion was upset.

For now though, he intends to keep showing him the care and attention he deserves. ]

[ Astarion tilts his head, baring his neck for Xenk. It's a sure sign of submission, both the gesture and the marks themselves upon his skin. Feeling Xenk against them is a new and strange sensation but he finds that he likes it, and all the better to think about this instead of what it had been like to be bitten in the first place.

He's glad that Xenk is holding him steady in kind. His hands itch to touch, to feel, to guide Xenk towards more. He rests his free hand on Xenk's leg but doesn't try and touch him beyond that.

Xenk's level of care is almost too nice. It really is a gentle torture to leave it only with this. But he does. He will. ]

Xenk...

[ he doesn't know what he wants, other than to say his name. To acknowledge what he's doing and how it makes him feel. Like he's all tied up in knots in a good way. How can this man do this to him? ]

[ He will indeed. Principled and determined, Xenk takes every oath seriously, and he holds himself back from seeking more than Astarion wishes to give. Xenk knows why Astarion so easily slips into seduction, into pleasing his partner and making himself useful. He doesn't need to do that around Xenk, and Xenk means to prove it, one gentle kiss at a time. ]

Astarion.

[ Xenk echoes his response, low and warm and grounding. He squeezes his hand again, a grateful gesture for allowing him to do this—for allowing himself to be cared for.

On Xenk's part, the hand on his thigh is welcome, and it's another wonderful point of contact that reminds Xenk why he's doing this. To show Astarion how good it feels to be admired. And to show him that his worth is not in any way tarnished. He is good.

And to taste his skin, and feel him shudder, and to keep any thoughts of the past far from this moment. Xenk's kisses remain gentle and unhurried, the soft press of lips and the softer touch of his beard moving down to his shoulder, then back up. Gentle and caring. Loving. Astarion is someone who so deserves to be loved. ]

[ The way Xenk says his name makes him flush with warmth. He's spoken other's names like that, before, like they meant the entire world, but it was always fake. With Xenk it is undeniably real.

It's too much.

He brings Xenk's hand up to his lips, kissing his fingers where they aren't covered by his own hand. He has to do something. Every fiber of his being tells him he has to, in part because, as ever, he feels he must do something to please him in kind, but also because he so desperately wants to touch him for himself. especially because their positions are limiting like this. ]

[ Xenk would never expect anything in return for his kindness, he offers it without preamble, without expectation. But all the same, he welcomes the returned affection. Any touch from Astarion is welcome, a gift that he treasures. Though not one he needs.

Someday he'll find a way to make Astarion simply take his kindness, with nothing in exchange, but there is rather more time to do that, another day.

Xenk squeezes his hand and hums at the kiss, still reveling in it, but never straying from his task. He shifts his machinations to the other side of Astarion's neck, giving it no less attention than the other. He begins again, lips gentle and soft, lavishing Astarion's neck with all the kindness he deserves. ]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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Nsfw + Astarion cws

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