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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

[ Astarion leans forward and gives him one more kiss, this time to his mark, and then moves to get himself comfortable. ]

Put the towel away before you get in bed, you'll get the sheets damp otherwise.

[ Oh......... Astarion, you know how personal and sweet it is when you kiss his mark. Xenk blushes up to his ears at the kiss, saying nothing as he needs a moment to regain his composure.

Ok, he has his moment. He's got this now. He's still flush, but it's fine, really! He was already blushing to begin with, no need to worry about that. ]

Naturally, I did not intend to sleep in it.

[ The towel was more to avoid a distraction. Xenk rolls off the bed and folds it before placing it at the side of the bed and getting under the covers, fully nude. His clothes are all in the wash, it's just what has to happen. They've slept naked together before, so he really doubts Astarion will mind. ]

[ Yeah, Astarion just wanted to get him naked, let's all be honest here. Just because he doesn't want to fuck he's not above admiring, as he'd said. ]

Sleep well, Xenk.

[ He can get a free show, as a treat. Xenk gets comfortable on his back, turning towards Astarion with the slightest nod. ]

And you as well, Astarion. Maybe your meditations be fruitful.

[ Annnnd he's out like 30 seconds after that, he doesn't snore or move at all. Just dead to the world (don't worry, he doesn't actually sleep too deeply, he's just eerily still, but that's to be expected.) ]

[ As if his mediations are ever "fruitful." If he didn't have to take a rest, he'd probably just avoid it altogether, but he does and he is tired and his arms hurt so much from all that digging. So after convincing himself it will be okay, he at last settles in to meditate, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing.

The nightmares come, they always do. An irony, when he's not even sleeping, but he has so few good memories to focus on compared to the time he was with Cazador. It's no surprise, just as its no surprise that his nightmares this time are focused on his death--the Gur hunters; Cazador in the alley "sparing" his life; and then waking up.

Not surprising, after the night they'd had.

No, Astarion insists as if insisting might change the nightmare itself. We've already done this once. There's no need to do it again.

The nightmare does not change, he cannot will it to be different. Instead, the only response is Cazador's cold, cruel laughter taunting him.

I was doing my civic duty, you know, putting all those bodies back. I don't deserve this. Not that his nightmare seems to care about that, either. Fairness never played into anything. It's part of why he never cares about the right thing. What had the right thing ever done for him? All that grave digging to help, and he's stuck here dreaming about his own death.

But as blase as he might want to be about it, he's still stuck with the same terror he'd felt when it had happened. The sense of never being found. The fear of dying, trapped and buried...well, clearly not alive.

Try as he might to not give in, to remind himself how different this was, to do literally anything else than play it out the way it had gone originally, he still punches his way through the wood; still digs his way out of the grave.

Cazador waits for him at the end of it, he knows. He'd almost rather be left in the grave.

But he can't, he can't, he's desperate, he's scared. The original feelings of the memory dig their talons into him and pull and force him to feel as he did. He feels like he's suffocating as the dirt rains down on him. It feels so real, exactly like it had in the moment.

Except this time he knows what's waiting for him. And every attempt more to claw his way out is a step closer to Cazador, a step closer to the next 200 years of suffering. The digging feels like it takes forever. But when he finally emerges to the cold night of the air, Cazador is waiting. He reaches out to grab him by the neck and ---

Astarion screams and wakes with a start, gasping for breath. His fingers shake as they come up to touch the bite mark on his neck. He blinks against the darkness of the room a couple of times. He can see perfectly well in the dark, of course. He just wants to focus on reality instead of the memory, still lingering at the back of his mind, trying to pull him back in. ]

[ Xenk does not dream. He so rarely does -- and when he does, it's nothing good. He's fortunate then that this particular night is one of the blank ones. A simple open and shut, and he's out.

But sleeping like the dead doesn't mean Xenk doesn't wake easily. On the contrary, he hears and feels Astarion thrashing beside him before he even opens his eyes. It's dark, of course, but darkvision is something they share. Xenk immediately rolls over, catching Astarion in the throes of a nightmare. Considering the night they'd had, and the stories Astarion has told him, there's really no need to guess what the subject could be. ]

Astarion.

[ Xenk calls, trying in vain to wake him. He's careful to avoid touch, for fear of making it worse, but it's clear enough that Astarion will only wake of his own power. The terror in his scream drives a blade through Xenk's heart -- so much pain, such an unjust fate.

Xenk reaches for him carefully, placing a hand on his shoulder, in clear sight to avoid any surprises. He wants to pull him into an embrace, or provide some physical proof of this being reality, but for now, all he does is this. ]

This is real, Astarion. Whatever you saw, it is no longer your truth. You are here.

[ It's a good think Xenk is careful. Had he taken a more direct approach, Astarion likely would have drawn a knife on him. But as it is, the touch just ends up causing him to jump a bit before he focuses on Xenk and his voice. ]

Of course.

[ He takes a couple of deep breaths to try and steady himself. Just a nightmare. Just a horrible memory, but one that was over 200 years old now. ]

I'm alright.

[ With memories the ones Astarion surely has, it's no surprise that a stronger touch would illicit a violent response. Xenk keeps the touch light on his shoulder, intent on grounding him to the moment if he can. ]

You are. You are safe.

[ Xenk knows how his own nightmares often lead him shaking off the effects -- the sorrow and the fear, for some time. He can only imagine how much worse it would be for Astarion, with 200 years of torture for his mind to choose from. ]

I am here. Your nightmares cannot reach you.

[ He wants to say 'he' cannot reach him, but that might overstep -- Xenk doesn't want to assume with Astarion, he'd rather give him the space to talk, and come down from his nightmare at his own pace. ]

[ Astarion nods, trying to will away the lingering panic. Every moment that he can feel that he's not trapped makes it easier. He reaches over and takes Xenk's free hand to hold. A gentle touch, as a reminder to himself that there are people who care about him. People who would not hurt him. ]

I didn't mean to wake you.

[ Xenk strokes his thumb over Astarion's fingers, soothing and steady. He's glad he could be here -- Astarion's insistence on his presence makes far more sense now. ]

I am glad that you did. I would not wish to sleep idly while you suffered, my friend.

You're too kind.

[ But the touch is nice, grounding even. He's not sure he'd allow it, if it were anyone else. But Xenk has showed him time and time again that it's his choice. That he gets to decide how long touches last and when they stop. It's because of that that he finds himself craving more. ]

[ Xenk only keeps that gentle touch steady. He never takes more than he is given, never assumes Astarion has more to give. He is safe, simply put. It's his way of being kind -- offering safety and protection. ]

I offer only what I feel you deserve.

[ But he knows that that isn't what Astarion has ever gotten, and the injustice of that isn't the only thing that brings him here. ]

As ever, I am happy to be able to support you, Astarion.

I know.

[ If he sounds a little hollow, it is because he knows Xenk would be this way with just about anyone. He knows he is special in Xenk's eyes, but so too is everyone else. This is just a kindness Xenk has as part of who he is.

Or at least, that's what Astarion tells himself. ]

It was just a nightmare. The feeling will pass.

[ Oh, Astarion. If you knew how much Xenk extends only to you. There are certainly rules Xenk is breaking, rules that he might truly break for this vampire with whom he has shared so much of himself. The hollowness in Astarion's voice is a warning, and one Xenk intends to rectify. (Not well.) ]

Of course. But if its effect lingers, you need not hasten its passing. I will remain.

[ Xenk very carefully brings that hand up to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on Astarion's knuckles. ]

I must thank you, for allowing me this gift. To care for you.

Don't.

[ Not well is right. Astarion pulls back his hand like the kiss burns him. ]

It is not a gift. [ not his suffering, not addressing it. ] I do not need to be cared for.

[ Xenk can see he's misjudged this terribly. Oops. Well, this happens enough. And Astarion is upset from his nightmare. He can see how this was the wrong approach. ]

I am well aware. Forgive me, for I have phrased my words poorly.

[ Just give him a second, he has enough experience now with Astarion that he can kind of see where he fucked up. At least in his best estimation. He has no pride when it comes to his own feelings, so he has little trouble apologizing, either. ]

You do not need my aid, as you have much and more experience as I have in my entire life. And I must apologize, for implying that such a burden on you could be a gift. I meant only that I know how being by your side in a moment of vulnerability is a privilege. One that I treasure specifically because you are perfectly capable of managing this alone.

[ He truly is apologetic, for what it's worth. ]

Worst of all, I fear I have been overly verbose and shifted this conversation towards my own emotions, my own care for you, rather than your own. I apologize for this as well. If you should bid me to leave, I would understand.

[ Astarion listens, his chest still rising and falling with the heavy breaths born of the nightmare and now his other, worked up emotions. In some ironic way, it's a welcome distraction from what he had been thinking about, to focus now on what Xenk is saying to him.

It is too much, but he also doesn't want him to leave. ]

Just stop talking.

[ There, see? He's not making him leave. ]

[ Xenk does exactly as asked, keeping his mouth shut. He is shamed for his foolishness in this particular endeavor -- so much for making Astarion feel better, but he would draw only more shame upon himself if he were to let any of it show.

So he closes his mouth and sighs with regret. Perhaps he is not at his best when woken in the middle of the night, or perhaps he is not quite so perfect as he would wish to be at comforting his friends. He can at least follow a direct command, and mentally refocus himself on caring for Astarion. The rest doesn't matter, really. Astarion was the one suffering.

He truly is a fool. But one with big dumb eyes and a nice jaw and who is willing to wait however long it takes for Astarion to forgive him. Or perhaps forget this ever happened. ]

[ Okay, yeah, good, he got what he wanted. Yes. This is fine. This is what he wanted to have happen.

Except now he's sitting here in silence, and that's not helping with the quiet panic inside of him.

But he is determined. Determined to just ride it out.

Except, when that inevitably doesn't work (and I'll be honest this could be like a good 15-20 minutes, they're both stupid undead immortals), Astarion eventually lightly pushes on Xenk's shoulder to get him to lie down again and then slowly lays down next to him and scoots closer. He's not quite cuddling. But he's facing him, and he's resting his head against Xenk's shoulder. ]

[ They really are dumb idiot immortals with no sense for time. 20 minutes of silence passes as nothing, with Xenk meditating on his words and deeds. But Xenk is quick to take note of Astarion's gentle prodding, and he lays back down for him, allowing him to rest his head upon his shoulder.

Still, Xenk says nothing, but he carefully, gently, reaches his hand towards Astarion's, if he wants to hold it. This is better than words, at least. He can only fumble this by being forceful, and Xenk would never do that. ]

[ Astarion takes it and he closes his eyes. He can't fall asleep like this, he's an elf, but there's something comfortable about it that he finds that he likes.

When he eventually breaks the silence between them, his voice is quiet. Small. He sounds younger, scared like this. ]

I won't be able to rest until he's dead.

[ Xenk gives that hand a squeeze, what little reassurance he can provide. It's heartbreaking to hear Astarion sound so vulnerable. So scared. He was young when Cazador killed him. Surely the suffering is all he knows.

He knows Astarion means every word. And if ever anyone should deserve a swift death, it is Cazador. It may not be very paladin-like to wish a man dead, but when that man is unquestionably Evil, it's perfectly alright. ]

He will die. You will have your rest.

[ He leans his head down, closer if he can manage it. ]

And in the meantime, know that you are not alone.

All of this feels like a dream. Being with you, being with people who care about me...it feels like I'll wake up tomorrow and it'll be gone.

[ And then there's what he doesn't say, that the nightmares feel more real than any of this. That two months cannot undo 200 years. And that those memories feel like a reminder of what's waiting for him, not some lingering thing of the past. ]

Until he's gone for good, the threat will linger. Every night I dream of him, and every night he is waiting for me.

[ He doesn't fall back on his superficial complaining or his dramatics this time. Every word is raw and honest. An honesty he shares only with Xenk. ]

Edited 2023-10-24 05:23 (UTC)

[ Xenk can only imagine the pain Astarion must feel. The inevitability of it all, when he has 200 years of torture to fall back on. Two months, almost three, is nothing. It could mean nothing. Xenk is even younger than Astarion, and he knows how that can be so. To have his vulnerability, and see him in such pain... what else can Xenk do but comfort him? ]

It is real. This is real. All of us who love and care for you... we will remain. Even should we become separated, those feelings will not waver.

[ Xenk squeezes Astarion's hand, gently stroking his fingers once more. ]

One day, he will be a distant memory. And those of us who care about you will remain.

[ He can say that, since he's immortal. And Jarlaxle's an elf, they basically only die if they're killed. And Tav! So that's what he's going to choose to focus on. ]

Edited 2023-10-24 05:45 (UTC)

[ Xenk's words and his conviction and the promise inside of them feel so warm. And yet, they also feel like they hollow out his chest and make him feel this ache he does not have a word for.

He feels like crying, but it's been so long since he's let himself cry. He also feels this need to get closer, to seek comfort from him. But he's never had that from another person. The closest he has come has been when they've bathed together today and before, but that wasn't like this. A strange sensation, like he wants to be held. He doesn't understand it in the slightest.

But tonight has already been one of many firsts, hasn't it? So slowly, carefully, he moves closer still, until he's awkwardly slotted up against Xenk's body. At least, it feels awkward to him. It is very new. ]

Promise me when we leave here, that you'll come to Baldur's Gate.

[ Xenk's word, after all, is as good as gold. ]

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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