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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

[She'll see the heat and building want clear in his eyes when she pulls him up, and he will eagerly meet her lips with his own, broken only by her words. He does catch the way her voice seem to tremble, but he doesn't think of the true reason why, only keen on continuing what they're doing.]

No. [A quick, almost amused answer between another kiss before he look at her.] You read correctly.

[As if there was any other way to read his actions.

He supposes it didn't necessarily have to bring them to this, whatever "this" is and whereever it's going. He could have stopped when she first called out questioningly to him, just play it as if just to idly tease her and keep things...quieter. Just keep watching the fireworks, even if neither would have been paying that much attention.

And really, while he was of course always open for that potential for more, he had mostly just wanted to have this quieter time with her. Let them have a chance to experience something a little normal. To not push or rush her into anything...not to mention they probably needed to talk about things more, especially as a result of last night.

But the fire from that night was still smoldering, ready to burn again, and wanting and loving someone naturally came hand in hand. And when it comes to Benedikta... Maybe he really is no better than any other man.

Yet when she responds in kind, when she clearly wants the same and he's already desperate to do whatever it takes to lash her to him, it's difficult not to give in. Especially when he did get that sweet taste again, only to have it so cruelly taken away before he could completely indulge.

......Just really wishes they weren't on a tiny roof and half tempted to suggest they move elsewhere—]

[Maybe she should have let him go on with what he was doing. Let him strip away her blouse, let his mouth continue to rove over her than run it at her instead, because the longer their gazes remain locked on each other, the clearer she can see all the things swimming beneath that scorching fire in his eyes. She doesn't need the green or purple lights to show them to her — they burn brighter and hotter than any firework could ever hope to reach.

And in turn, she wonders what he can see in her own. If he can spot not the desire that he fuels in her, but the love that pools on the other side. That sort of deep, long-lasting, devastating love that could crush her.

The sort that makes her breath and her hands quiver before she brings her lips to his again in a kiss so fierce that it leaves room for nothing else. And with another more sure rock of her hips, she pushes those thoughts away again because this is easier.

Though deep down, she knows that this will only make it all come surging back tenfold. That it will build and build until the pressure is too great for her to supress it any longer. That it will drown her, and whose hand will it be that she searches for but his? Whose hand will it be that reaches out to pull her from it, or dive in to drown with her?

His. His. His.]

Edited 2023-11-04 21:08 (UTC)

[He can at least see that much—even more when a firework goes off behind her, illuminating everything that remains unsaid between them. It's captivating, beautiful...

...

Haunting.

In that moment, a strange tremor of fear passes through him. A fear that if he let her go she could disappear into the night, just like the lights that burst so brightly, so colorful and beautiful until they fade into the night, into the stars.

Just like she did back in their world, an event that is still relatively fresh for the both of them and still lingers and haunts his mind.

So when she again takes him, he meets her with equal if not more heat and fervor, as if sensing and matching that desperation to not think too deeply, to not let thoughts wander too far and just drown himself in the current moment. To grasp at the warmth of her skin as his hands first slide over her sides, her back, over the hidden lace of the—okay he's actually not used to this piece of lingerie but he'll have to explore and figure it out later. Right now he just wants to once again feel the full length of her body beneath his hands, to feel the way it warms and moves at his touch.

How much she comes alive in his embrace.

And to let her feel how much she makes him feel more alive in this moment than he has in all the times he's been without her. Just like how he felt last night.

A hint made more obvious as his hands go to her hips, slipping down past the band to grip her tight and push and grind her more against him—into him. From the low growl that rumbles from his throat into her mouth before sharply biting her, prying her lips more open so his tongue can push further against hers to take and fight for more of her taste.

And the longer they go, the further they push, rational thought and reason disappear into the wind as more memories of last night return along with the want to return to it.

To finish where they left off.]

[Last night feels like an eternity ago now. The day was as long as it was difficult for her, every moment of it spent thinking of him and what had transpired rather than getting any real rest. Every time she so much as tried to close her eyes on that beach or in her room, it was him that filled her head—his voice, his scent, the memories of his skin and how it felt under her fingertips. The old memories that it stirred in turn. Yet, despite how long ago it feels, it's as though all that time had been spent allowing these pent-up emotions to mount, as if she'd been waiting so, so much longer than a day to finally feel him again.

He get a low growl in response when his teeth sink into her lip, and she bites back before shoving herself further over him, her hips yielding to his hands as her own freely explore. Around his shoulders and down so that they may slip beneath the hem of his shirt, to feel the plane of muscles and how they move as he holds her, her nails raking and digging gently into his flesh.

Like the claws that she wishes she could sink into him so that they would be bound to one another.

Her hips move over his, sighs turning to low, quiet moans as she buries her face into his neck, the sound of his breathing and the roar of her blood in her ears more than enough to mute the fireworks—turn them into nothing more than distant cracks, like a thunderstorm far, far away.

That pressure is pulling tighter, like she is a bowstring beneath his fingers as he moves her, and as she lets him. It's a slow build, careful as the winds remind her of how high above the ground they are, and fuck, how she wishes to go higher... to reach the heights that they did on that terrace, but maybe it's the deliberate and cautious way that they are that makes it so much harder to hold back.

So much harder to not want to finish where they left things...

So much harder to not want to utter those words as she parts from him, just so...]

Cidolfus, I—

[As if Garuda herself knows, there is a more violent, brisker wind that smites them, thick with her aether, snapping Benedikta out of her reverie enough to realize that her heart and her body had been moving faster than the rest of her, leaving her mind and, with it her restraint, behind. The wind is swift enough that it could knock them both off balance if they are not careful—]

[He has no idea what she plans to say, not even a clue what to expect. Wants more? Wants to move? He would have gladly listened and followed whatever it was she wanted. Listened to that breathlessness in her voice, that hidden want and desire.

But along with that sharp wind is a loud series of explosions, the fireworks bursting so much they're like a deafening roar. People were even lighting their own to join the finale, and one from somewhere near below whips up and explodes near them. Not close enough to cause any immediate danger, but the sound along with the rest is startling enough to jolt him out of that heated reverie.

So all that—the wind, the fireworks, the cheers—it really is enough to cause a sudden surprise—]

Fucking hell—!

[—that makes him swear and suddenly brace himself with one hand behind him whole the other wraps around her waist, a desperate attempt to keep balance as he ends up leaning back from the wind. And he'll manage, more so if she helps, but that's one way to get one's heart racing.

And when it all finally dies down enough—]

You all right?

[A good thing that it had, honestly, because Benedikta had been so lost in him that she had forgotten herself. Again. So lost that, now that she's pulled free from that spell he so often places upon her with his mere presence, she doesn't even know what she had meant to say—her lips doing so much of the talking without saying a word... until they did. Almost.

And that terrifies her.

She could fault Garuda for that wind, and maybe in part, she is to blame. It would be easier to pin it on her, would it not? Rather than say that it was Benedikta—that some deep part in her soul knew she was not prepared for those feelings to come to light—that it was the harpy reminding her not to fall for it.

Though, she knows that he knows.

Even still...

Now they find themselves in an even more delicate position: with him nearly knocked back and Benedikta's hands braced on either side of him, her face just inches from his, their mingling, tattered breaths tickling the sensitive, swollen flesh of her lips.]

... I am. I don't...

[She mutters, dropping her gaze from his.]

Edited 2023-11-05 00:27 (UTC)

[He can sense the change, feels that shift in the winds and realizes late that it had not been natural. And now he can feel her starting to pull back from him, closing herself off, and he frowns. Slowly he leans back so he's flat on his back, his arm still around her waist. But his other hand will now rise to gently cup her cheek, pulling her a little to face him.]

What's wrong?

[It's her turn to loom over him now, hands braced on either side of his head, knees bent at his hips, her hair draping over them both as he guides her eyes back to him. Her heart practically leaps into her throat when she meets his gaze, and he will no doubt see the conflict pressing forward through everything else.]

... It's nothing.

[And she would climb off of him if there was anywhere to go, but there isn't, so she has no choice but to remain right where she is, eyes closing at the press of his warmth to her cheek, shielding her from the wind that is still gently brushing through.

But it's not nothing. It's far from nothing. It's too much, all at once.]

[It's definitely not nothing, and with her eyes closed she won't see the pained expression that flickers over his features, doubt bubbling. Did he push too hard again? Did he get too carried away?

...

What is she thinking?]

Benedikta.

[Her name falls from his lips with a sigh as he gently brushes his thumb over her cheek.]

Talk to me.

[It isn't that he got too carried away...

His thumb at her cheek, combined with that way he too-gently says her name makes her heart nearly seize in her chest, and one hand comes up to wrap around his wrist so that she can pull it away from her face. Slowly, she sits up over him, and with a tug, she motions for him to follow.

Talk to me, he asks of her, like it's the easiest thing in the world. And maybe, for him, it is. As if she were brave enough to do it... If Garuda were awake, surely she would screech in Benedikta's ears. Weak, weak, weak...]

I felt...

[That's all she says, but he should understand, shouldn't he?]

[He continues to watch her carefully, a little uncertainty flickering in his eyes when she pulls him away...only to tug him upright.]

...Felt?

[Perhaps he should, but she's given him so many mixed signals in the past few weeks, it's hard for him to really be certain for anything. He thought she was okay. Thought she was into it. But clearly there's something else, and he can make all the guesses in the world based on what he's seen so far, but that's all they would be.

Guesses.

And, well, he's already proven in one lifetime he's guessed completely wrong. He'd rather not make the same mistake this time.]

[Just the slightest sharp sigh of frustration when he tries to coax that clarification out of her. She hoped he would understand what she meant and that she wouldn't have to explain, only because she doesn't know how. Doesn't know how to word it without calling it what it is...]

Something.

[She gives him a look, one that pleads with him to not make her say it. Not make her talk about how full her heart had felt as they kissed, as they touched each other. Not make her talk about the way her lips had parted with the words on the tip of her tongue. Not make her realize how terrified she was of those feelings, those words...

It isn't much of an answer, but she doesn't have one.]

[He can't help but feel his own ripple of frustration when she only answers with that, however it's not towards her.

It's towards himself.

Still he hasn't been able to break that wall, and still he has yet to make her feel comfortable enough, trust him enough to let down those guards.

And he knows it's not going to be easy and this will take time, but it's hard to not feel a bit disappointment when things seem to be going well only to be blocked again and again. The only saving grace—]

...But not a bad something, I hope.

[—is that even if it's difficult, even if it's only small, he does feel that the wide rift between is inching closer. Bit by bit.

And the hand that had once tugged his will be covered by his own, thumb lightly pressing against her palm.]

[The hardest part of it all is putting into words the amount of fear that she feels when he asks her that, or how much she feels when he looks at her like that. When he holds her hand the way that he is now. The hardest part...]

Cidolfus.

[The hardest part is trying to put into words how hurt she was—still is—when he fled. How hurt she was when she couldn't tell him how she truly felt, and how she believed with all her heart that he didn't feel the same. He knew, she's sure of it, but did he ever know how afraid she had been to say...

... Did he know?

Her answer comes in the smallest shake of her head, and the way that her fingers curl.

But she once more keeps her eyes cast away, to a point someplace within the lights spread across the city that arches upward to the stars.]

It hurt too much. Back then.

[There's a small hitch in his breath, a prick of guilt and pain as he knows very well what she's referring to. And at first, he can't really say anything—what could he say? He knows, but he doesn't know. Of course she had done the same to him, made him suffer and hurt just as much. From when she started to move away from him, to choosing to stay instead of leaving with him.

But two wrongs don't make a right.

So he wavers, and she'll be able to feel it in the slight tremble of his fingertips, how he doesn't immediately curl his fingers over hers.]

...I was wrong.

[Until he finally does, if only in a small, gentle squeeze.

And at least with that, it's true.

Regardless of the circumstances, his guesses and assumptions had been wrong. The path he had thought was right worked for everyone else—but wrong for them. Her feelings towards him, believing they had been shallow and turned to nothing—he was wrong.

Come back to me, Cidolfus. I need you.

You need me? Hah. Your king needs me.

Words that would haunt him. If he had perhaps listened, looked beyond his own veil of hurt...

Should have, could have, would have—things he only realized much too late.]

Edited 2023-11-05 04:17 (UTC)

[Protect herself, is what everything says. Tries to tell her. Protect herself from the things that she no longer can control. Protect herself from him, from everyone, from the world and its cruelty, because the moment she lets her guard down, it will only hurt. The moment that she did let her guard down, it did.

But he gives her a mile. Maybe not before, but ever since coming here, he has. He's stepped his foot out over the line, walked over that rift to try and reach for her.

Maybe... just maybe, it's fine to give him an inch.

Even if that inch is the most terrifying. She shifts that line in the space between them, just so.]

It's too much sometimes. That way that you...

[Her other hand moves over her chest, wrapping around the pendant that rests against her breastbone.]

It's too... soft.

[He looks at that, a bit bewildered.]

...Too soft?

[He has to really think about that since that wasn't he had expected.

...Well, maybe a little. He already knew she would feel overwhelmed and seemed to be afraid when he moved in too close. Still, he's a man, Benedikta, he needs a little more to figure this puzzle out.]

You mean how I treat you?

[She gives a small nod.

Well, he's getting there. And while that is a large part of it, that isn't all...

Her hand slides out from under his, only so that she can wrap her fingers around his wrist again instead, as if holding his hand, threading their fingers together, was also too much... because it is. It's one of those tender gestures—something that can weave its way past her walls through the cracks to tangle into her heart, and while it is warm, it is also suffocating because—]

My feelings, Cidolfus. Our feelings.

[His eyes drift down to how she holds his wrist and then back to her, taking in her words and piecing what he can from what he's seen and figured out so far before letting out a small exhale.]

...I think I understand. I will admit it's a bit difficult, but I want to work with you.

[Well, it's not like he's trying to be so...sentimental or intimate. But it just kind of comes out, wanting to touch her. Hold her. Kiss her.

Still, he said he would wait. He said he would let her process things on her own terms, and while he can push when needed, he's not going to force her into it, either.]

So what's okay then?

[....If anything.]

[Just like before, her thumb traces light lines against the exposed skin of his wrist as she sits and mulls it over, circles through her thoughts to find a good place to land. A way to explain it...

But she can't.

Where does she even begin? How does she tell him that it still stings? That she still sees the outline of his back leaving her behind when she closes her eyes sometimes, and that her heart still feels shattered and scattered on the floor, a million tiny pieces that she is too afraid to pick up, lest she cut herself on the many sharpened edges.

And how does she tell him that even then, she wants him still? But that sometimes, when that love that they share comes pouring forth, she has no way to contain it? That it is overwhelming in every sense of the word. A force to be reckoned with, and she is too afraid to dare...

How does she tell him any of this?

Rather than say a word, she gives her answer by leaning in slowly... meeting him halfway... and waiting for him to breach the other half.]

[He waits patiently, letting her have all the time she needs...and wonder what she's thinking. Wonder how many steps forward or back will they take.

Even wonder if this is really the path they should be taking.

Yet when he feels her thumb tracing over his wrist, how he still has her on his lap, not moving any further away, that little thread of hope tugs and tugs like a noose. That little thread that has somehow, somehow, weathered through everything else and remains, now latching onto what it can with a deep hook that he knows should it be severed will only rip through even worse than before.

But it's a risk he'll take.

If it means bringing her back to where she belongs.

To fulfill those promises, those wishes.

To do what he failed before.

Though it's still a little nervewracking as he also wonders how he should proceed. Should he just pull back a bit? Not show as much? Maybe he has been a bit too handsy... Though he thought she liked it...

He's pulled from his thoughts when she finally moves. He sees her leaning in...and waiting for her to say something, he leans in to meet her and even turn his head slightly, thinking she might speak quietly.]

[Her eyes had fluttered shut by the time he leans in, but when Benedikta feels the cool air still on her lips, parted ever so slightly...

...

Where did he—?

She blinks them open again, only to find him with his ear pointed at her instead? Her brow pinches in confusion.]

... What are you doing?

[He waited a beat, and then two, but when he hears nothing, he frowns a bit before he turns just as she asks her question.

....?]

Weren't you going to say something?

[What—]

No?

[And between her tone and the way her eyes linger on his lips, surely he will pick up on the "kiss me, you fool" message.]

[...No??]

Then why—

[He just stares at her confused before he finally catches on. From how she leaned in, to how she's looking at him, to the way he can feel gaze on his lips...

.....................

Pft—

He can't help but laugh, feeling a bit stupid as he leans in.]

Message received this time.

[A wry grin, eyes shining a little before he closes that distance to press his lips to hers.]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

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