escordvi | « october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

Entry tags:

« october: ghoul's moon (test sail) »

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

They're not.

[It isn't snapped at him, but it is offered somewhat defensively because from where she is standing? They are very much not the same thing and do not feel similar in the least.

But she falls quiet a moment, her finger tapping idly against his shoulder where it's gone to rest.]

... I don't know.

[She truly has no idea. For fuck's sake, she can't even comprehend her own feelings as they are.]

[Uh huh.]

Fairly certain if we hadn't stopped we wouldn't still be on this roof, I can tell you that much at least.

[Just a dry remark to hint that yes, their mood was that good. And that yes, feelings can play a part.

However, he's also not against things developing without those feelings. He just can't help but wonder if she'll start having them and if they have to end up stopping during so help him—

Closing his eyes, he leans back to flop onto the roof, one arm bent behind his head.]

But I suppose that's just something we'll have to figure out as we go.

[When he is the one that pulls back more first, Benedikta watches him with slight furrow to her brow before she is also retreating, shifting to sit back where she had been perched before at the roof's edge. She doesn't know why that hit her so hard, but between the looks he'd been giving her and the frustration that she feels radiating from him, perhaps it's for the best.]

As we go?

[She huffs quietly.]

You speak it as if you intend for there to be more.

[She knows that there is, but... maybe some small part of her wants to hear him say it. Wants to be sure that he still remembers the things he had said against her lips on the terrace last night. The promises that they made under the watchful rays of the moon...]

[She'll hear him rustling his pocket, and soon there's the small spark and scent of tobacco as he lights one of his cigars, taking a deep drag before releasing it.]

What, you'd think I'd quit now?

[A small laugh.]

You know how stubborn I can be. I'm already plotting our next date.

[And he reaches over to hold his cigar to her.]

[She eyes the cigar a moment, the scent of it stirring all sorts of things. Feelings, memories... how odd that such a simple gesture can carry so much in it. When was the last time they had shared one, she wonders? Exchanging them like this was always such a natural thing between them but now, it just leaves her feeling... sad.

Wishing for the days long gone.

Benedikta plucks it from between his fingers anyway and presses it between her lips, the taste of sour wine already stuck to the outer shell, and she takes one, two, three puffs, letting the silence be her response at first when it falls between them. The smoke billows, and she stretches it back over her shoulder.

It tastes more bitter than she remembers it being when he had offered her one in her apartment.]

Don't call it that.

[Her eyes are downcast and her voice is quiet, but there is some ire edging it. She wishes that he would take this seriously, but he just has to crack his one of his fucking jokes as he does, doesn't he? Just has to try and draw out a smile or a laugh, and even a ghost of one would leave him satisfied.]

[He takes it back, but he eyes her a bit as he does.]

Clandestine meetings, then? Trysts?

[He had actually been serious before, but he wonders if it's too much...again. This is going to be rough.]

What would you like to call...this?

[Whatever "this" is between them right now.]

[They all make her wince, the tension between her shoulders building slowly again.]

Must we call this anything?

[Is it not just easier to leave it unnamed? Less complicated, with less of their feelings attached to it? At the very least, until she has navigated her own.

Until she is ready to take that step over the line she has drawn in the sand between them, or to let her winds erode it away altogether?]

[He just watches her back before he smiles quietly to himself.]

No, we don't.

[And they really don't, he doesn't mind. It would be nice if there was some clarity, but... Considering the circumstances, this is probably the best that can be expected. Even better, really.

He takes another slow drag, rolling the smoke around his tongue as he also tastes her lips left behind.]

I was serious about the "date," though. And no, it doesn't have to be called that, but at least go out and have dinner or something.

[It's enough that she is here at all—or still here, rather. That is her answer, even if she might not give a straightforward one.]

We'll see.

[It's not a no, is it? But really, the thought of it only makes her chest warm and her heart warmer that she wonders if it's such a good idea.

Slowly, her hand reaches up and fingers wrap around the pendant against her collarbone, fidgeting with it.]

Was tonight not enough?

Well... I may or may not have been hoping for a little more.

[He slowly drags out the word as he half turns onto his side so he can look at her—]

After last night.

[—and so she can really feel his gaze.

While his tone suggests one thing, he actually is also considering of the other things that still remain unsaid and need to be addressed. Some of which have been touched on here and now, but there is still a lot ambiguity between them.]

[Oh, she can feel it. His gaze is burning itself right into the back of her head, but she doesn't dare turn around, but at the mention of last night, he may spot the way that her shoulders suddenly tense again, everything now settling into her spine.

She knows how much there is unsaid between them, and she spent the better part of the night wondering what it is he felt, what he thought, what he wanted, but had been too afraid to ask. Was she scared of asking, or scared of the answer? She doesn't know, but...

The worst part is that she had been looking for something, too. Wanting something...]

What about it?

[Seeing her tense, he debates if he should pull back. They made a lot of progress, and he doesn't want to undo any of it. At the same time, he feels he needs to push or now or it might be a while until they bring it up again, and he thinks it better if it's still while fresh in their minds.]

A lot.

[Slowly he sits up so that he's now sitting on the edge next to her, taking another small smoke before slowly releasing it. He even keeps it in the hand close to her in case she wants a turn. But he'll keep his gaze forward so she won't feel that direct pressure anymore.]

I meant everything, you know.

[And there it is.

She does want a turn, and she'll take it... if only so that she is better able to distract herself from the way that her heart hammers in her chest at that. It's a long drag, and she is silent as she lets the smoke swirl in her mouth, the taste still as bitter as those first few puffs before she holds it out for him should he want to take it back.]

I know.

[She always did. Even when she was just as lost in the throes of their passion as he was, Benedikta knew that he meant every word that he'd said. Every demand, every wish. More than that—]

I did, too.

[He does reach for it if only so she doesn't have to hold it the whole time, but it's right when she gives her answer and it makes his hand stop right over hers.

For a moment, there's an impulse to grab her hand instead, his head inadvertently turning to look at her. Because he knows—knows how difficult it is for her to admit that. And that somehow, her words send a bolt of emotion that he's not sure how to handle.

Relief? Joy? Sadness?

So there is the light brush of his fingertips over hers, that lingering touch before he takes the cigar away. Slowly. It's only out of consciousness of what she said before that stops him from going further—well, that and it honestly would be a poor idea to hold her hand with a lit cigar between them—but she'll be able to easily sense and feel his true desires in that one moment. That one touch. The heat in the air that lingers as his hand doesn't move that far away.]

Just so you know, I'm holding back quite a bit for your sake.

[And subtly switching the cigar to his other hand for another smoke.]

[She notices, and she feels it, too. That lingering touch, the heat and the yearning that they both share behind it, and the knowledge that at some point, it will all come to a head once more, just like it had last night. Her own fingers flex under his, opening and closing slowly when he takes the cigar from her, as if trying to shake it off.]

I know.

[She echoes again, quieter this time.

And at this point, she doesn't know what she wants. If it's that she wishes for him to grab her and kiss her or if it's to move away from her... She wants both, and she wants neither. She simply wants him, but she knows that she cannot handle all of him in the way that he wants to give himself.

Another pause, and then she sighs.]

I don't suppose I'll be going back to the Naughtilust again anytime soon.

[... In case he was wondering.

How often is it that anyone dared to demand anything of her the way that he did? Even Barnabas had been gentler in his, giving orders like any king would. But Cidolfus... his had been possessive, commanding, as if he expected her to follow.

And she did.]

[Immediately he recalls the words her gave her at the peak of their passion. It had been a rare moment for himself, a moment born not out of lust but anger and frustration. Greed. Desperation. In some respects he does feel a little ashamed by how it came about, but he would have demanded it all the same. On that he would not change, so he has no plans on taking it back.

Made clear when he finally does take her hand—]

No. You don't.

[—the grip firm, touch hot almost scorching with how quick and fast it comes.]

Though if you need a reminder why...

[The air now is a far cry from the brief moment of tenderness just a second ago, the tension different.]

Edited 2023-11-06 17:04 (UTC)

[When she feels him finally take her hand, something in the air snaps, and it has Benedikta whirling her gaze around to look at him for what feels like the first time in hours. His eyes have a different look about them, his voice changed too, compared to what they were before — nothing like the tenderness the winds can bring, but with the scorching heat of lightning.

She stares back, her chest heaving with a caught breath.]

I don't. You made yourself clear.

[But she doesn't pull her hand away, nor does she break her gaze from his, almost like she is silently challenging him anyway.]

And I believe I did, too.

[Whether he believes it or not is another matter, but as if to drive the point home, her fingers curl around his hand.]

[A part of him does hold some doubt. That she might run off and find comfort in another stranger's arms, too afraid to be in his own. So less of a "trust" issue and more that they are still not so clearly defined, and in some ways he doesn't have that full right just yet. At the same time, he does believe her, or at the very least believe that she would want to keep her word.

That she's as serious about it as he is.

...Even so, the very idea still bothers him, and he still doesn't quite feel as if he has her securely fastened to him. That she could still fly off and leave him behind.

More to the point, although things had cooled that desire for her had never wavered or diminished. And it's always so quick and easy to reignite, to push him in ways he normally wouldn't.

Especially when he can feel and sense that she is the exact same way, also feeling unfulfilled and on the cusp of wanting more. So the distance between them closes, his voice lowering as his eyes never breaks from hers.]

You did.

[He should just stay behind his side of the line—]

But we never finished.

[—but he was always terrible about keeping to his side when he wanted something.

And feelings be damned, he tightens his hold on her hand, a small tug that would have been stronger were they not sitting on the edge of a roof before he swiftly moves in to roughly kiss her on the lips. Words and actions to reaffirm his deeper wants and intentions.]

[She shouldn't be surprised by this brazen move of his. Shouldn't be because that intensity buzzes through his fingertips—almost as if she can feel the static of his aether pulsing where their hands tangle around one another. Because he has ever been the stubborn, bold, overly cocky man with no self-preservation and a knack for annoying her...

But he is hers. Her overly cocky man with a knack for annoying her. Her stubborn, bold, old man who refuses to stay on his fucking side of the line that she has drawn for him, which is why it does come as a surprise when his lips take hers.

And she indulges in him all the same, even if one part of her is saying to push him away—that she had set her boundaries and that he is crossing them again. Only she didn't. She knows this. She still doesn't know where they should be, and where she wants them to be. That was the whole point of the test, was it not?

Yet, him kissing her like this seems to set her back a step, or several, but she kisses him back anyway. Invites his roughness with her own, her tongue seeking out the spice of the cigar on his lips and offering the same in return.

A kiss like this should be simple enough for someone like her, one would think, but the longer that it goes on, the more she feels the crushing weight of his emotions again, the feelings that she knows are there behind the bold heat that scorches in the air between them. Now that she has felt them, and now that they have buried deep within her, it's harder to shake them off and just... be.

She pauses, then pulls back, all of that tension pulled tight into her shoulders again.]

... You know that we can't.

[Not up here is what her words seem to imply. The roof is as good an excuse as any, she hopes, though it runs much further than that.]

[Cid expected this. Hoped otherwise, but expected it given what they just discussed and how she must still be feeling. And he should respect that and just stop right here and now.

But instead his grip tightens just a bit—not too much, but enough to hint that he's having to restrain himself. A small gesture of protest, but not as forceful as he might have been had he not known what he does now.

...Still, he's going to protest a little. Just...just a little nudge, testing that limit.]

Can't? Or can't?

[He's going to make that distinction—between physical and emotional—and he'll lean in just a little to keep the gap between them close, but still grant her at least some distance.]

[She's stuck in that place between wanting that distance and not, and he has firmly rooted himself into that place between it being not enough and too much. A thin line, worn out by them constantly toeing and then crossing over it. So, when his grip tightens over her hand, she stiffens further, stopping herself from backing away and withdrawing from him.]

Can't.

[Despite their closeness, she can't bring herself to meet his eyes.]

[...]

What if we just got drunk? Won't have to worry about anything that way.

[He's half joking, half serious.

And clearly just a little frustrated. But just a little.]

[Just a little? Is he sure?

Benedikta keeps her eyes cast downward, but they do narrow, her brow pinching ever so slightly.]

And you think that will solve it all?

[Not even that little bit of wine had been enough to mute the voices in her head long enough for her to indulge further in these desires that are swimming there.]

Would get us a little farther...

[Just a slight mutter before he lets out a breath, knowing how this is all sounding and not wanting it to.]

But no...I know it won't. Can't blame me for wanting, though, can you?

[He almost reminds her of herself when he gives that little mutter...

With their hands still together, her other one reaches all the way across herself and him to take that cigar from his fingers so that she can steal yet another drag of it. If anything, it at least helps to ease some of that tightness in her chest at his admission, and at the one that she is about to give after she watches the smoke billow back out into the open air.]

... I said nothing about not wanting it.

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject