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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

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?

Well don't see anyone else to watch them with.

[Another smile before he steps up to her with a bit more wheedling to his voice.]

C'mon, what's the harm. And I bet you'd know the best perch in town to view them at.

[She's going to use the birdhouse as a shield between him and herself as he steps up to her, and she'll shove it into that large tote bag that he was given to carry it all.

Already, her face is flushing to betray the way she frowns as disapprovingly as she can muster at him.]

You don't already have a place picked? How very unprepared of you.

[She might know a few good places.]

[Oof, more things... Might as well stuff the bear while she's at it—]

I have a few, actually, but I know you like high places. Thought it would be better to let you have your choice of perch.

[She starts to move away from the stall, lest the lady and her daughter try to eavesdrop. No more of this "cute couple" stuff, thank you.]

I may have several choice places I like to go, but they aren't known for a reason.

[The reason being that she doesn't want other people to find them. Or her...

After a few beats, however, she relaxes her shoulders just a touch.]

And you think I should fly us both up there?

[And just moving right along with her~]

Well we don't have to. If there's another way up there I can manage.

[Maybe a little zipping and zapping, though he'd prefer if he didn't have to.]

[There is the slightest upturn of her lips.]

Not one that is easy for you.

[Which means that yes, he will have to do some zipping and zapping to get up there, but she knows already that he would rather not. He never did like to draw upon his aether, and certainly not to do something as silly as climb to a perch to watch fireworks.

Though, he may be foolish enough to do it if it's with her.

Still.

She doesn't want to poke at his hurts. Those hurts. Not like that.

After more consideration...

...

....]

I'm not going to do it here.

[Of course it wouldn't be easy, but he was prepared for that. Whether to say he was prepared for her to acquiesce without much further protest, however, is hard to say. He looks at her a little curiously before he grins.]

Lead the way.

[She might have protested a little harder if he hadn't just bought her all of those things, and even more if she hadn't downed a whole wine slush in the hour leading up to now. Perhaps that is also partly to blame for it, but her head is hardly swimming. It only splashes with the warm aftereffects of the alcohol, a light buzz to pinken her cheeks.

It's too bad that she has no idea where they are, but once she gets up above the fair, it should be easy. So, she'll lead him away from the crowds at a brisk pace, this time making sure to shove through any dawdlers who might be in her way.

Until they've found a clear spot for her. It isn't much of one, but it's yalms better than doing it in the thick of the crowd like she could have done.

She cannot believe she's doing this at all, and she might find it within her to object more later, but more than that—]

How do you want to do this?

[He'll just follow along, carrying the large back over his shoulder as he lets her push her way through. Nor will he stop her—he's had enough of crowds, it's their turn to push! And once they're in a good, clear spot, he ponders.]

...Hm. I'm assuming you're going to semi-prime, so I could just hold onto your shoulders and you lift us up.

[So he'd be standing next to her for the whole ride.]

Unless you want to use your talons and I just hang off those.

[A bit strange that he is so willing, considering how much he despised Garuda's magicks. To hear him so openly talking about it as if it were the most natural thing in the world rather than unnatural like he would have her believe, it is just a bit surprising.]

You're certain you don't want me to carry you in my arms?

[She demonstrates with the bear, throwing it into a bridal carry with a light smirk.

Yeah, alright. Maybe the buzz from the wine is growing a little stronger.]

[It's certainly a complicated feeling, however given how things are a bit different here, and her already using Garuda like a third limb, he won't protest as much in this situation—one that is clearly to their benefit. More than that... Well, neither here nor there.

He's just going to quirk a brow and give her a bit of a look at that.]

Would you let me squeal and call you my dashing, princely hero as I snuggle up close in fear of falling?

[Because he would.

And yes, he is wondering if she's a bit tipsy—]

[Tipsy, no. A little buzzed? Yes. Her head and chest feel just a bit tingly and warm, but she doesn't need wine to tease him about that.]

No. Unless you want to be dropped in the ocean instead.

[She rolls her eyes at him, and in a single eruption of aether and feathers, her wings unfurl. She doesn't even wait for him to say anything—a claw is already wrapping around and grabbing him tight. Funny, how once she sought and even desired to sink one of these claws into him and now...

Now, in a beat of her wings, she is kicking off the ground with him in tow, those standing nearby watching in awe as Benedikta takes off with him with no word of warning. She probably should not be flying this fast with him dangling from a talon made up of aether but think of this as payment for calling her his dashing, princely hero—

It doesn't take long for her to figure out whereabouts they are on Eltrut, and she flies them away from the heart of the island and keeps to the edge of the city proper. Dodging buildings until she lands on the roof of one, so narrow that there is hardly room for two. But from here, they can see Eltrut as it stretches up the colossal shell on one side, and on the other, the ocean.

Carefully, she sets him down first, the claw disappearing with the rest of her semi-primed state.]

Best view I have found so far.

[He kind of regrets this—

Although he mostly expected it, being picked up like this by her claw is still a very discomforting feeling. Particularly when the last time he faced it he was sent flying back first into Greagor's statue. And did it have to be so tight???

—No, nevermind, with how fast she was going yes keep that tight hold, thank you.

Regardless, as she flies, Cid won't say a thing, instead looking first down as they fly over the town to then her. Being able to fly as Ramuh, he doesn't find the height unusual or frightening. If anything his thoughts drift instead, to a time that seems as distant as the stars above and the people below.

He's first reminded of the first time she pulled that little prank on him when she was first learning her skills, suddenly grabbing him without warning. Oh the scolding he laid on her afterward, enough to make her look like a little pup he could practically see the ears dropping. He would of course relent and there were other occasions when they would do this, with her more eager about it than he ever was.

Unlike her, he never really flew for "fun" much in the past. Even with Benedikta, he usually limited it to just training, moreso to conserve his own powers than lack of interest. But there were those times when the two would take to the skies together and share that same view. How he would have her chase him, taunting her as he would teleport away at the last second.

But as enjoyable as those times could be... Truthfully, he enjoyed watching her fly freely in the skies. The laughter that once filled the air, echoing the beat of her wings and the wind that would ruffle his hair when she soared past above him. How she would sometimes call down to him and he would just smile or wave in return.

It's why for as much as he curses her Eikon, he also can't help but feel grateful for it. For without it, she would have never been given such beautiful wings and instead still be suffering, still shackled to that old life.

And he never would have met her.

Staring at Benedikta now, there's a bittersweet feeling with how silent and cold it feels, and the harsh truth that no matter what kind of changes or attempts he makes, they may never get that back. Even as his hand brushes against the rough skin of the claw, all he can feel is that cold aether that makes it.

Yet, she still looks as beautiful as he remembers, and so as bittersweet as it is, a small smile forms as they dart through the air under that large red moon's light.

No, they may never have those times back.

But...is it foolish to hope they could try and make something new instead? Reclaim what was taken from them, build from those ashes?

...Maybe.

He knows it's a long, uphill battle, but he's far too used to those, already.

And he doesn't want to lose again.

When Benedikta finds that roof, Cid will land lightly on his feet on release, careful to not let the bag he had been holding spill as he looks around. Narrow space indeed.]

So this is where you go to hide?

[A light joke with a teasing grin as he steps near the edge to get a better look of the view offered.]

But I can see why. You can really see everything from here.

Edited 2023-11-03 19:13 (UTC)

Not anymore.

[Now that it's been found out. Though, with how simple and quiet her voice is, it's hard to tell whether she's joking or not. Benedikta hardly knows whether she is or isn't—why give up a perfectly good spot just because he's found out about it?

Well, because she comes here when she needs a moment to breathe. A moment away from him and the things that his mere presence can do to her if she's not careful. Or memories, even. She comes here to clear her head.

And of all the people to have flown up here, it is him.

She seats herself upon the narrow ridge of the roof, one leg propped up to her chest with the other dangling over the edge, leaving him some room beside her... though it isn't much, especially with the bear on her other side.]

I can see everything, but I prefer it because it's far away.

[Not much at all, especially when he has to set the bag down and all that's left is either a corner or the space behind her. And so he ends up stepping behind her and sitting down with his body turned so his left shoulder is to her back and his legs stretch out to cover the rest of the space.]

Don't want to get too close?

[She remains still and silent, her eyes cast forward out to some point on the horizon, when she hears him shift, and she only sighs when she feels his shoulder bump against her back.]

What, you're still afraid I may bite?

[Does that answer his question?]

[A small laugh as he tilts his head back.]

Maybe I like it when you do.

[And smirk as his head tilts slightly towards her.]

[He's going to get a hard nudge of her shoulder to his for that.]

Careful. Wouldn't want you to slip and fall. You'd miss the show.

[He manages to keep his balance!!]

Oh I'd just grab onto you and take you down with me.

Well, I suppose that is one way to get bit, if that's your goal.

[She flexes her arm and her shoulder, almost as if she's trying to shove him away before she rests it on her knee as she slides it closer to her chest, chin propping up on top of that with a little huff.]

You can't always rely on my wings.

[Says the one who had relied on him more than the other way around for so, so many years, and the thought makes her chew on the inside of her lip now that he's successfully tended some of that ire.]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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