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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

[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.]

[She's just going to wait for it to click for him, but her eyes do close in preparation when she finally sees that glint of recognition in his, and as soon as his lips capture her own, an arm is slipping around his shoulders for support, the other moving so that she can pin his arm behind him. She presses more firmly to him again, as if to send a message—to answer his question of what is okay. Of what it is he can do...

But slowly, her lips will begin to soften, as will her grip on his hand and she hopes, at least, that he will pick up on this a little easier.

That even she doesn't know what is okay and what isn't, but that she is testing. Dipping her toes into the water and hoping that something doesn't leap out to grab her and pull her under.]

Edited 2023-11-05 05:54 (UTC)

[The bit of aggression is expected—he's more used to that coming from her and honestly does not mind it at all. Why would he? But when he feels that slight shift...feels that softening, it makes him wonder a little. Is this her way of showing him—telling him in her own way of what she wants, of that bit of depth she can't bring herself to fully express?

At least for now, he'll try to move at her own pace. Perhaps another time he would have reached for her face, to give that gentle caress, but now more conscious of how such more affectionate actions seem to make her feel, he instead just moves his hand to wrap more around her waist. Pull her in as he invites her further into the kiss, but slowly.]

[The kiss is unlike any that they have shared thus far. Not since all those years ago, in that distant past that they share, and that they so often look upon in moments like this. She tries not to—she tries to remain in the here and now, tries not to allow her heart to get too sentimental by longing for what once was because she knows that as soon as she does, it will ruin her, and she will buckle under the feelings and the what-ifs that will come crashing down over her.

It's so achingly soft and slow, every light press or brush done with purpose, and while there is a heat there still, that flame still not extinguished from the night before, within it lies everything else that she didn't want to let free. She still holds onto it, still ropes it in when she starts to feel it pull, but it's there, somewhere, no matter how small.

Her hand moves now, from his wrist and shifting over his hand, and she brings her fingers over his.

She parts ever so slightly, far enough that she can whisper...]

You can, too...

[Test, she means.]

[There's a small twitch of his fingers at her words, his eyes briefly opening to look at her, as if to ascertain if she's really okay with it.

Until then, he had been a little lost in the different way this kiss had come to be. Gentle but careful. Slow but always on the cusp of something more. More importantly, he was more aware of her emotions and feelings behind it. How she would push and then pull back, seek out before retracting just before going too far perhaps. But it wasn't so bad, really. No, it just made her want her more and to savor this more delicate feeling.

Somehow, this felt more intimate and more revealing than anything else so far.

So to try...to figure out where those boundaries are... This will surely be a difficult task as everything he does carries that hidden weight of his own love and feelings towards her. Difficult to really hide it, especially when she should already know it. But he will try—for her. He can be content and satisfied that he at least has her, that she hasn't run away.

That she, too, is trying in her own way to take those tentative steps over the ever slowly mending bridge between them.]

...Stop me if it's too much.

[A quiet murmur before he once more captures her lips, pressing just a little more firmly to her before softening like she did, slowly his hand moves up from her waist to her back. Slowly moves to her shoulder, to her neck, to thread his fingers through her hair. His lips slowly rub and brush over hers, a heat that remains trapped like a bubble, wanting to go further yet restrained.]

[She doesn't stop him yet, but her pulse beats quick and uneven to keep up with the way her heart starts to flutter in her chest. Already, he'll feel her breaths growing a touch erratic, though not out of panic. Not yet, anyway, even as his lips brush lightly over her own.

Just like he experiments, so does she—her other hand slipping under his shirt, her palms pressing to the heat of his skin.

She dips away from him for just a moment to lean in a little further, to nuzzle against his jaw, her mouth tracing the sharp contour of it, pausing to savour the way that his stubble scrapes so lightly against her cheek. She always has loved the feeling of it—that rough, masculine line that is only his. She would reach up and run her hands over it before kissing away the light pucker of a frown that would sometimes form because of it.

She returns not long after to press into another kiss, firmer and more certain, as her hands slip forward... forward and forward until they are sliding up his chest, nails raking featherlight over his flesh.]

A little more...

[A quiet plea. A gentle encouragement ridden on a shaky breath for him to push just a little further. She can feel it rising, can feel it swelling in her heart, but if she means to teach him—and herself—what it is she needs, then...]

[...He's going crazy.

Little does she realize how this is actually affecting him more than any of their previous heated exchanges. This slow buildup, this slow swell of emotions like a storm... It's beautiful, but agonizing. He's starting to understand why she might have preferred the rougher, faster pace. At least then they can be lost in the throes of passion, to just hunt and chase that physical high without having to be lost in the depths of their true wants and emotions. To act without restraint, without thought. And now, here he is, finally getting a taste of that deeper meaning between them he had wanted—but it's only made him want it more.

He always considered himself a patient man, but how are her slow, careful movements fraying that patience faster than what they did last night? Is it because of that emotional weight? That conscious effort to hold back? Knowing that she's trying her best to meet him part way? That somehow all of this is more endearing that she probably intends?

Fuck if he knows. All he does know is that nuzzle to his jaw, her hands and nails at his chest, is doing something to him that he can't explain. It's like she's teasing him without meaning to—and it's only worsened when she encourages him to go further. It's enough to make him groan in quiet frustration as he has to stop himself from biting her lip, letting his teeth just graze it instead.]

...You're making this really difficult.

[A rough admittance as his eyes flick to hers, unable to hide the smoldering heat of desire that continues to burn. A heat that flows from his fingertips that run down her neck, a small spark of his levin brushing over her skin before his hand slides down her shoulder, pushing the fabric down a little before retreating, disappearing only to appear right at the center of her cleavage where the strings he had messed with remain undone. There his fingers hook over the center and tug down.

Firmly.]

Edited 2023-11-05 07:21 (UTC)

[It is far from easy for her, too.

With that rushed, urgent pace, it's easier for her to forget everything else. It becomes harder to stop and think about all the tender things that lie beneath their fingertips, gentle or firm as they may be on one another. Rushing headfirst into that passion, soaring to those heights before she can recognize that it is his caressing winds that carry her is so much simpler than having to face what that means, and the reality of their feelings.

The unending depth of them.

This sort of restraint, this sort of softness feels foreign to her now. So used to sinking her claws into people, so used to living within the chaos of her own storms, her screams and shouts drowning out the broken sound of her heart, that she had forgotten what it was like to be so gentle. To be so scared to touch and to be touched...

Still, she lets him. Only him...

Her lips, swollen and as red as the moon, fall open with a soft moan when she feels that spark dance over her throat.]

As if you have ever made it easy...

[Their eyes meet, and he will see a flicker of something in her own. That conflict still swirling in the greens, the fear that stirs it, and the love that tries so very hard to push through that tempest and rush to him.

One hand slips out from under his shirt to grasp at his again, to stop him from pulling down any further on her blouse. The point of this was to not tumble into their throes, but to teeter close to the edge. To see how far he can push her before she is too afraid to leap off.

So, she leans in to kiss him again. The slow kind—one whose burn will linger long after she brings them apart, only so that she can exhale, her breath trembling to keep up with her ever-quickening pulse.]

Gentler.

[Her fingers squeeze around the hand at her chest.]

Edited 2023-11-05 07:52 (UTC)

[There's just a low huff, a quiet grumble—]

Thought you were afraid of gentle.

[But he understands what she means...well he thinks. He's going to try, anyway, even if that slow kiss once more elicited a stronger pulse of arousal in him that he hadn't expected to happen.

It's as if they've gone all the way back to the beginning, when they first started to explore and touch and test each other. And perhaps that's exactly how he should think of it—after all, they are practically starting over. Relearning each other, finding new things among the old.

With that thought helping to temper some of those fires that started to rise again, he briefly looks at her before he resumes that kiss, this time slower, quieter. And with that same thought, his hand at her chest moves down to just...slowly, carefully palm over her curves. Not too hard, not too forceful—his movements more as if he's just exploring and tracing the outline of her body as he moves downward to her side and waist.

And if he's allowed that much, he'll slowly move to slip his hand beneath her shirt.]

So what...

[Another breathless whisper against his lips, but she pushes forward. Just a little more, surely...

Lifting his shirt a bit further to expose his skin to her and the cool air, she presses over him, wishing to feel more. There is that ever-present desire to rock her hips and ease the ache that has not once diminished since last night, but she resists...

She can sense his impatience growing alongside her own, and it's both amusing and frustrating. Amusing because is it not always him who tries to stop and appreciate, with her trying to speed things up? Frustrating because there is that same heat simmering within her too, threatening to boil over before she's ready for it to. His touches stoke that fire as they wander over her curves, beneath her blouse, and that kiss leaves a burning mark upon her lips that ripples through her like the heat of lightning.

It's the perfect time for her mind to wander again. The perfect time for it to get sentimental as it picks through all of the memories when they had been just like this. Slow, tentative, careful. She had been afraid, yes, but it was not a fear that had her wishing to flee from it every time the feelings overflowed. It was one that had her running into his arms instead, leaping into them and seeking the solace and love that only he could offer her, and that she could only ever find in him.

How her hands would tremble until his reached around hers to steady him. How her body stung until he soothed each and every little pain. How she could almost collapse under the weight of duty were it not for his arms there to catch her. How she cried until he whispered into her ears, breathed into her hair, and wiped away her tears.

And now, here she is. Here they are. She is not chained down by duty, but by something far, far more fearsome than that, and she is still afraid. She is not running into his arms but running from them, trying to find reasons to fly away. But he keeps reaching and reaching, his grip on her so unyielding, that string that holds them together wound so tight, that she cannot escape no matter how fast or how far she flies. She tried. She tried and tried and tried and failed.

She wished for six years that he would come for her, that he would return to her, and now that he has, she is stuck in the middle, not knowing what to do.

Doesn't know how to protect herself from this love that keeps coming back, the tide growing bigger and more violent each time it rises and falls.]

Cidolfus...

[His name slips out of her and Benedikta pulls herself out of the kiss, lips just barely brushing his, and she blinks open her eyes, heavy as they are, to look at him. The hummingbird beat of her heart is tremendous, leaving her without any breath besides the wine-tasting air in the small space between them, and her nails dig into his skin, seeking purchase, because now she feels like she may teeter over that precarious edge, the love swelling so high and burrowing so deep that it may very well push her.

And she's afraid of what awaits her at the bottom.]

[Slowly, slowly, his hand travels over her, feeling the smoothness of her skin, how her muscles tighten and tremble as she's pushed further to her limit. All those delicate lines and curves that he gently brushes and caresses, like a lost, sacred treasure.

He had already reacquainted himself with her bare skin last night, but the heat of the moment prevented him from truly appreciating her. Didn't take the time to savor and treasure it like he should have after all this time. Not that he didn't at all before, but last night he had been too consumed by the flames of his ire and possessiveness that it was all different. And while the images of her rocking wildly above him and then writhing and arching up beneath him are seared vividly in his mind, it's a far cry from what they feel now.

Nervous. Uncertain. Afraid.

Instead of fighting each other for control and dominance, now she's reaching out to him for some semblance of reassurance and security. And he's trying to give it all to her, trying to coax her, encourage her. An unknown delicate tenderness, as if they are now over a bed of glass that could shatter and break at any time.

And it's a little heartbreaking to feel her so torn, knowing he's the cause. To know she does still love him but too afraid of it. To wonder if she had always been like this since before and he mistook her fears and changes for rejection and being discarded, left behind. Perhaps not the same fears she has now, but some kind.

...

Rather than wonder, it's something he needs to actually ask. To figure out once and for all... What happened six years ago. No, perhaps seven or eight, when she was sent to Hugo and everything started to change.

But not right now.

Right now, with his hand near the underside of her left breast, he can feel how her heart hammers against her chest. Feels the quickening of her breath, the tension building within her. Can hear it in the breathless whisper of his name, see it in her eyes.

In that moment, he feels the crushing weight of his love for her—for what else could it be at this point but love? A love that had once been so rich and bright only to be ripped up, trampled, betrayed, buried, to then be poked and prodded whenever they happened to meet, and then torn asunder again upon her death. To be once again left raw and broken until he saw her, bloodied and screaming in that room. Alive. And now it grasps onto any shred of hope, a chance to grow again. And grow it does, perhaps dangerously and recklessly so, spurred by this rare second chance, to make up for all his failures and more.

She's so close now, in his grasp—yet still so frustratingly far away.]

...It's all right.

[A quiet murmur against her lips as he lightly brushes the corner for a small, reassuring kiss.

Oh how he just wants to pull her into him and crush her within his arms, but he resists and holds back. Pushes back against the overwhelming tide and swallow down those growing desires.]

Do we need to stop?

[As agonizing as it is, what with how her nails still dig into his chest, the telltale signals there. But if it's too much, then he won't push her.

If only she could once again have faith in him, that he would be there to catch her when she falls. But he knows it will be a long time before that happens.]

[That voice, that reassurance... It sends her back, all the way to the early days. The very first when they were still falling in love. And just as they had then, now they still try to figure each other out. Try to navigate these complicated feelings that they harbour so deeply for one another, because it was never so simple as just loving someone else, was it? It was more profound than that, and while it had been truer than anything else that Benedikta had ever felt for anyone, it had also been tainted by duty from the very start, her being pulled away from him while his heart crawled away from her.

Until it wasn't the duty that poisoned it, but betrayal. Confusion. The familiarity that hatred and unbridled rage could bring her.

Except that she doesn't hate him. She could scream it until her lungs caved in, until her throat broke, but there was nothing further from the truth than that. It was simply easier than being hurt, abandoned, and unloved. And that is what she keeps trying to tell herself when he gets too close...

No, she loves him. She has always loved Cidolfus with her whole self—mind, body, heart, and soul, and she can feel it all being returned to her in equal measure. It's as difficult, perhaps more so, to be so loved and to love so much in return... Especially when the one time that she had left her alone in the end.

But she is not alone, is she? Not anymore. Not here. He is an ever-present and warm and stubborn reminder of that, always reaching out to grab her when he thinks she might fly away.

And where, she asks, would she go? She remains trapped, though not because of Barnabas. While her King's presence is, indeed, a factor, she cannot say and believe with all that she has that it is him who keeps her tethered. It is not those bindings of duty or loyalty that shackle her any longer, but those of fear... Fear that Barnabas will hurt him, that he might find out what happened to her—or perhaps he already knows, but she could not stand the thought of being discarded by anyone.

Not again.

She's pulled back to the present when she feels his heartbeat under her palms as they press, persistent, to his chest, and Benedikta's eyes move to meet his, green and so very deep that she can lose herself again if she does not watch her step.

There's a long stretch, but it is anything but silent. Her desperation buzzes within the aether in the air, the wind that brushes past so suffocatingly warm and gentle. Her breaths reflect that same tension, her heart quickening still. She closes her eyes, tries to remember how to breathe, their lips running so soft over one another that it hurts before she dips her forehead to his.]

... Yes.

[It's too much again. She's buckling under that devastating weight of his love, and her own, that pendant a force around her neck, and her wings unable to keep her afloat.

But she doesn't dare let go, either.]

[Although expected, it's hard to not feel a little disappointment. But seeing her like this, he can only smile softly and lightly press his forehead forward, nose gently brushing against hers.]

All right.

[And he'll slowly withdraw his hand from beneath her shirt, fingertips trailing over her skin almost longingly before disappearing...

...But he won't release her, instead wrapping his arm around her waist from outside to pull her into a light hug. Maybe even this is too much for her, but he can be a little greedy, can't he? Remind her that even when she tries to push him away he'll still reach for her to bring her back to him.]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

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