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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

[Wow, no she doesn't! Green has always been her colour, and it's totally not because it matches something else—]

I wouldn't mind something with a little bit more... spark to it.

[Not a deliberate choice of wording.]

And a better merchant to give your money to.

[Was it really not deliberate. Also catching that "your"—

But he just nods in understanding.]

And there are plenty of merchants around, no need to settle on the first thing.

[And then a beat.]

Ring, was it? You don't wear them often.

[Yes, it was never a secret that he would be paying for whatever she wanted to buy. This was his idea, wasn't it? She paid for everything else, too. It's the least he could do, right?]

Because I never had a reason to.

[Nor did she have any... The only piece of jewelry that she ever wore or carried around on herself was that pendant, which still hangs around her neck now, hidden beneath her top as it always is.]

Wouldn't want it to get caught on Garuda's claws either. A waste that would be.

[A small laugh.]

That would be quite the waste.

[Which is why a certain necklace is always perfect, ahem.]

You never got your ears pierced, either.

[She stops her hand from moving up to touch her ear in a strange bout of self-consciousness — something that she has not felt in a long time.

Instead, she arches a brow.]

Why, do you think it would suit me? You seem awfully interested in all this.

[He looks at her for a moment before it will be his hand that reaches up to brush back her hair just enough to reveal that soft, unmarried white flesh hidden behind it.]

Something small, subtle. I think the studs would be nice. Maybe a little dangling.

[And then he lowers his face to bring his lips closer to her ear.]

But it's nice not having anything in the way.

[A subtle smirk as his eyes catch hers before he pulls back, hand falling to let her hair hide her ear again like a curtain.

Never once did he actually touch her ear...except for the warm breath when he spoke against it.]

Edited 2023-11-02 19:54 (UTC)

[She wonders what he's doing when his hand reaches up, and her whole self goes stiff again when he's suddenly pushing back her hair, staring at her with a gaze that could crush her if she were not more careful and didn't brace herself against it. She stares back with a questioning look because he's doing that thing again with his soft gestures and too-tender touches that make her heart skip.

She opens her mouth to order him to stop, but his breath is tickling the crest of her ear before she can, and he's pulling back just as fast. Though not fast enough that he wouldn't notice the way she shivers again for the dozenth time to the sound of his voice.

And not fast enough that she can't grab him by the wrist before his hand can escape. Her grip is firm, and there is a threat edging her voice, all contradicted by the way her thumb traces small, subtle circles over his wrist.]

Then I will be sure to consider the largest, most in the way earrings I can find when I do pierce them.

[She won't, but that is to say... no more light touches, no more tender looks, before she runs off and leaves her beating heart behind.

Except she is not quick to free him either, fingers squeezing instead.]

[He just looks at her amused, catching that threat but also noting how empty it feels with the way she shivered or how he can feel her thumb against the exposed skin of his wrist just past the leather of his gloves.

And especially when she doesn't let go.

So he just chuckles as he follows behind, still feeling quite pleased with himself. He could retort, but he'll let her be instead, eyes on the back of her head before two steps brings him alongside her.]

[She's not sure whether she prefers his silence or if she would rather have had him say something oversweet back, but she makes no comment on it either, only continuing to drag him along by his wrist before her hand not-so-subtly slides to fall back into his, their fingers interlocking lazily.

There are more stalls that she does stop to see, and she will buy a few things for herself. A bag of fresh peaches, a small bottle of rum to taste later. There are a couple stops at more jewelry places, but once again, she finds herself as disinterested in their pieces, the last one filled with more eccentric-looking things that she quickly dismisses. Nothing that catches her eye enough that she would have him buy it for her.

That is, until she finds a stall at the opposite end of the bazaar.

A stall filled with all sorts of feathered and bird-themed decorations for one's home. Decorative cages, paintings, dreamcatchers, bird houses to hang outside one's window, things to hang one's jewelry from...

She pretends not to be interested, but she finds herself stopping to look anyway, drawn to the aesthetic for obvious reasons...]

Edited 2023-11-02 23:31 (UTC)

[He truly had thought she would have let him go at some point, but when he instead feels her fingers thread through his, his eyes glance down to see it was not an illusion. And before she consider releasing him, he'll tighten his own fingers over hers into a firm but not too tight hold.

Perhaps he's too old to feel the little tingle of warmth that such a simple gesture brings, especially since they just held hands on the way here, but it happens all the same. It's not like they often held hands even before, but it had always been a cute thing when it did happen. Now... It's like his only way to ensure he can still have some grasp on her. That the small, frayed threads that bind them are still there.

And that she feels them, too, nervous as she still is about.

To take his hand... If only she had taken his before... If only he had taken hers...

His thoughts fade as he watches go here and there, picking up more than he expected. And he, too, looked around with some interest, but perhaps because he was more preoccupied on wondering what she would choose, he didn't really pay much more attention or see anything of use to him.

—No wait, that tool kit. He needs to buy a new set, doesn't he? Hmmmmmmm. He really needs to finish setting up that desk and study...

Thinking to look more into such things later, he notices how Benedikta seems to be interested in the stall filled with bird and feather themed home decor. Remembering how her own place looked, he can't help a wry grin.]

Something here could look good for you.

[There, he'll say it for her as he picks up a a small mirror frame with a feather motif.]

[The merchant, a gainly older lady, stands with her hands folded and a quiet smile, allowing Benedikta the peace that she has been seeking while shopping, though she seems happy that anyone has visited her stall at all, tucked away little thing that it is. Everything in the shop has been handmade, she finally tells them both, explaining briefly that it was her and her daughter that work together because of their shared love for birds.

Something stirs in Benedikta's chest, and the Eikon falls silent and still.]

Like what?

[The question is turned back on Cid, her eyes flitting to him briefly before she's looking over the wooden birdhouses that line one corner of the table, expression softening just so.]

Though, I suppose I could use some things to decorate those bland apartments.

[She sets down the now-empty wine cup so that she can touch one, fingers grazing over the top of it lightly.]

Pretty much anything at this point. Something for the shelves, or the walls, perhaps?

[He will also let go of her hand if only to grab her cup so he can take both of theirs to toss into a nearby bin.

But not before leaning in in his annoying way to say in a playful voice:]

Or the window?

[And off he goes just a few steps away.]

[She whirls around to smack him right in the center of his chest when he leans in like that again, because she's pretty sure she (silently) asked him to stop doing that!!

But he's right.

She could use all of those things, if she's honest. The empty shelves filled with mismatched, stolen artifacts leaves much to be desired for the eyes, and her walls are so bare that it drives her... up the wall. The least they could have done with those apartments is spruce them up a little bit, even with just a single painting hung.

Her eyes, however, still linger on the birdhouses.

"You like birds too, miss?"

Benedikta gives a halfhearted shrug.]

Something like that.

["If you put birdseed in them, I guarantee that you'll get plenty of little visitors outside your window."

That has her looking to Cid, almost as if she's asking for something. Permission? His opinion? She doesn't know what she seeks from him, but it's his thoughts that she wants to hear next.]

Edited 2023-11-03 00:30 (UTC)

[There's an oof from the smack, but he laughs all the same. And when she looks at him, he stares at her for a moment before he realizes she wants his opinion.]

Well don't see why not. Might want to figure out what kind of birds we have on Nogard, unless there's some seed that works for any.

["Aah... Corsairs, are you?" A toothy grin from the old woman as she reaches under the table and pulls out a small bag of seed. "Since it moves around it can be difficult... But this feed will attract any little bird looking to rest its wings. I can even send more when you need if you can't make it back here. At a discount."

Oh this lady is crafty, just like Charon. Cid can't help but smile a bit at that as he glances at Benedikta.]

Doesn't sound so bad to have a reliable supplier. What do you think?

I think...

[She thinks that there's something still heavy and unfamiliar in her chest, her heart fluttering again at the sound of that. A place for any little bird looking to rest its wings... Why do her shoulders feel so stiff suddenly?]

I think we will take two.

[Her answer is decisive, and she looks again to Cid, feeling like she needs to justify herself.]

I will not have a bird pecking at your window looking for a place to rest and having nothing. So long as we can rely on the shipments of seed.

[Two? He looks at her in some surprise before she gives her explanation, and he can't help but laugh a bit.]

I hope the birds know I am always happy to let them in anytime.

[He's talking about a different bird—]

Is that all you want?

[She indeed catches his meaning, and Benedikta preens a little.]

Pick the one that you like.

[She doesn't answer his question yet, because no, that isn't all she wants but one thing at a time, Cidolfus!]

[Another light chuckle as he looks. Well it's clear they are more for the female taste, but he finds one that he thinks works well for him.]

All right... this one.

[He'll pick up the little birdhouse with a satisfied grin.]

[She is curious to see which one he picks out, and her heart flutters again when he chooses a simple green one. She had expected nothing too showy, but it was the colour that surprised her the most. Little does he know, however...]

Very good.

[Benedikta reaches out to pluck the birdhouse from his hands.]

Then I will take this one.

[And she's already chosen the one that she thinks would suit him—a two-tiered purple one with some simple decorations placed across the front, and she hands it to him.]

Two. [And then, in a quieter voice:] Should that other bird decide to visit...

[Meanwhile, the lady has no idea what is going on but smiles obliviously at them.]

[He had deliberately chosen green for a reason so he really was rather pleased—until she goes and takes it!??]

Whoa—what now??

[No really he wasn't expecting her to do that??? If she wanted one for herself he would have picked something different, something more suitable for her, but—

Now he's just flummoxed as he stares at the two-tiered birdhouse.]

Two....

[Just.

Going to stare at it.

Then at her.

Then it again.

...

Before he laughs and shrugs and helplessly, hands going up in mock surrender.]

All right, but that little bird better come by often or I'll let others pay rent.

That little bird will kick all the others out and claim it for herself.

[Another threat, though this one lighter than her last as she clutches the birdhouse close to her chest, wrapping a hand around it almost protectively, as if it were the most delicate thing in the world. And in some way, it is... a way that she will never dare to speak aloud in his presence or not.

As for the rest... there are some other trinkets that Benedikta does pick out. A small wall mirror with a feathery motif painted around its frame, a little painting of a green hummingbird, and a set of small porcelain birds that open up to a hollow inside for her to fill with whatever she wants.

All while she painfully endures the comments the woman makes about them. Talking about what a cute couple they are, and that she hopes they find many lovebirds on their perches in the years to come, and what they symbolize. ... But she endures, nonetheless.

And once she's picked out everything that she wants...]

Your treat, Cidolfus.

[As she turns from him to look at something else at the opposite end of the stall.]

Edited 2023-11-03 03:25 (UTC)

[His smile widens at her words, which he then quickly hides with an amused shake of his head (of course it wasn't really that greatly hidden). He won't tease her further, but he will certainly remember her words.

After that, he lets her pick whatever she wishes, and once she's through and on the other side, he glances at the woman starting to pack the things and leans in closer to murmur in a low voice, subtly sliding over another item.]
Add this, too.

[It's a small compact mirror with a simple birds in tree design, but it has some green detailing with some of the flowers specked with purple. And at the elder lady's knowing smile, already quickly packing it in a separate wrapping, Cid just gives a wink before pulling out his wallet to pay for it all.

Only once everything is bagged up (with the "extra" item nicely concealed), Cid will take it all. But before he goes, the lady speaks up.

"Don't forget the fireworks tonight. They should be starting soon, so better hurry to find a good place to watch."]

[At the woman's words, Benedikta turns her gaze around.]

Fireworks?

[She looks first to her, then to Cid, questioningly and with the slightest narrow of her eyes. He had been planning on taking her to see them all along, wasn't he? It doesn't take a genius to figure it out, and Benedikta is certainly no fool. Especially when it comes to him.

"Yes, dear! Every year we have fireworks to send off the Ghoul's Moon, and the end of the month."]

[Oop, he got caught—]

What, it's been a while since we've seen any.

[And he's just going to give her his best charming smile.]

And we've already made it this far. Might as well finish it off.

[Smile smile.]

[When was the last time that they had seen any, now that she tries to think back. Had it just been that time the two of them had lit sparklers in secret to celebrate her gaining the title of Commander? Or had it been at that one fair that he had managed to convince her to join him at? Perhaps it was Sanbreque, watched from a distance, on the Prince's birthday?

Too many memories that have folded together over time that Benedikta cannot remember, though she's not sure that she wants to recall. They are anything but sweet these days, only the bitterness remaining as they've all rotted away right down to the core by all that's happened. She doesn't want to think back. Doesn't want to drudge them up...

Yet, she knows they will come up eventually and still—]

You would have me watch fireworks with you?

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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