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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 watches the smoke leave her lips...

...

Fuck, bad idea, just going to glance away as he mentally runs through some old Waleoder drills from back in the day.]

Just can't seem to handle it.

[Now he's reaching over to take that cigar to help distract him.]

[And she clicks her tongue when he takes it back before she falls quiet.]

I know you know my reasons, Cidolfus.

[She may think him an old fool sometimes, but she knows he isn't stupid. There's a difference.]

I know.

[And doesn't hold it against her.

...

But would be a lie to say it wasn't frustrating a little. Still, he'll endure, and just allow the smoke he inhales to help calm some of those agitated nerves.]

So. From what I've observed so far is hugging—questionable. Kissing is fine...to a point. Same with touching.

[Another small drag of smoke as he tilts his head one way and then another with a small nod.]

Not a bad start, really.

[The way that he lists it all off like that makes it sound so... stiff. Orderly. It makes her nose wrinkle.]

Must you say it all like that?

[She snatches the cigar from his fingers and immediately presses it between her teeth, biting down on it slightly as she pulls another breath from it.

It makes this sound as if she were a brothel worker on the Naughtilust and he a client, and not the man that she's loved for the better part of a decade. Like a laundry list of do's and don't's.]

It's more complicated than simply fine and not fine, Cidolfus.

Just trying to figure this all out. [Though he will look at her with some confusion and thought.]

As you said, it's complicated, and I only have your cues to go off of. Least I can do is have some baseline to work from.

[That might be more of his practical, engineer-like thinking process speaking there.]

So if there's something else that can help me help you, I'm all ears.

[She thought that she had given him enough of a baseline with that test. She let him push—asked him to keep going further and further until it was too much and had to stop them both before she fled from it all. It isn't just love that comes rushing back, but everything else that came before and after it, too.

Her many years spent as a slave being taken advantage of, never knowing kindness except when there was something they wanted in return. The idyllic days that they spent together in Waloed. And then everything that came after he left—reminders of the lessons that she learned early on in life: that she cannot trust what she cannot control, and that all kindness, all happiness, all love comes at a price.

...

Something that would help her?

She isn't sure that there is.

That Bearer boy put it best: she has been long past saving for a long time. Long past helping, and so she can only just help herself. Her heart in pieces scattered into the wind, long gone, and no one there to guide her to them. No one there to show her that they could still be found, somewhere out there, if only she looked hard enough.

...

The only thing that she can even fathom...]

When I ask you to stop, then stop.

[He waits, wanting to give her whatever time she needs. He really means what he says—that he will work through this complicated mess they're stuck in. And he knows that this is harder for her than it is for him, that he can't push or pull her too hard.

So really, what she says sounds reasonable and so he nods.]

Sounds simple enough.

[He was never one to force himself on someone unwilling, anyway. Not unless it was a situation where he had to for their own good.

...Hm.

He'll look at her for a moment, eyes drifting to her lips in idle thought.]

Even if we're in the middle of...an intense moment?

[His thumb presses against her palm, a small, light stroke.]

I only ask...because there have been many times where you say one thing, but then act the opposite. Now I'm not going to do anything you don't actually want, but it's those times where I wonder if I should push you instead.

[Try and bring her a little further, take another step beyond her original limit.]

[She glances down at their hands—it's malms better than at him and whatever sort of look he is giving her, whether it is a soft, loving one or one of frustration. Another pause, another distraction with the cigar to buy herself a moment to consider.

She never was excellent at expressing herself, but it makes it especially hard when she can't even understand where her own feelings lie. They push and pull at her heart, two sides warring with one another constantly in his presence, and even without she finds herself still thinking of him when she doesn't want to be.

Her gaze is slow to move, but they pause on his lips, her own parting to let out the smoke that's been sitting on her tongue.]

It isn't the physical I am worried about you pushing.

[He keeps speaking of limits, but Benedikta's tolerance is quite... high for reasons she wouldn't dare speak of now, or ever, but surely he knows.]

It's the other part.

[She hands the cigar back to him, and immediately her hand will reach for the pendant at her neck again, her fingers brushing over the spot where he'd pressed it into her flesh.]

[He's silent for a moment, watching her. Watching how she reach for the pendant, brush over that mark he left on her.]

And yet, they're both connected.

[And as if to make his point, he'll lean in so that his lips brush against the exposed skin of the ridge of her shoulder, close to her neck.

He knows she means the emotional aspect of things. But when it all ties to whenever they start getting more physical, more intimate...]

[It's the intimate part...

The soft brush of his lips on her shoulder that makes her heart go aflutter, his breath warm on her skin, that tickle traveling all the way into her chest where it makes a home of it. It's the pendant that rests against her collarbone. It's the way he looks at her when he says things like that. The way his voice sounds in her ear...

Take away all of that, and they are left with the raw passion that was last night and not the tender, genuine feelings that he has stirred here on this roof. The baser instincts that Benedikta knows how to navigate. That she has been trained to navigate...

It's so much easier then than it is now.]

They are...

[The words slip past her lips without her permission, a breathless sigh.]

And that is what makes it difficult... for me.

...Maybe you just need to get used to it.

[A quiet voice closer to her ear as he travels a little closer.]

A little more each time.

[And then a small bite against her skin.]

[She knows this is another test to see how far he can push her. Or so she will tell herself when a shiver spreads through her, rippling outward from where his teeth nip at her sensitive flesh, the heat from his breath chasing away the cold of the rooftop.

But even this is full of those emotions. Ever since he kissed her under the light of the fireworks, they have clung to her relentlessly and without mercy and even now, continue to sink further.

Her fingers tighten around his, locking them together, but her mouth betrays the rest of her when she sighs.]

No more...

[He feels how her body trembles, the breathlessness in her words.

And how she tightens her hand around his.

He hesitates then, his lips lingering but not advancing. She wants more, but can't handle the feelings it brings her. And really... Isn't this enough for tonight? Maybe he can wait and try to push again another time...

So after a small stretch of silence—]

Code word.

[He finally settles on something he remembers from old military strategies.]

If you say stop, I will. But if for whatever reason I don't, or if you really need me to pull back completely, if it's more than you can handle, then say something else.

[The ultimate stop word, the signal that it's gone beyond a small breach. That he's pushed way too hard and threatening to do more harm than good.]

[She does want more, her body craving it more than anything else it could ever want right now. More than the wind on her face, more than the air her lungs need to breathe, Benedikta needs to feel him. Needs a release for that coil that winds itself tighter and tighter, and she feels it about ready to snap.

Not the feelings that she has for him, nor his for her. She just needs to drown and drown and drown under his hands and his lips pressing to her until she has no room to think about the things that lie beneath their urgent, searching fingertips.

The way that she grips his hand says so much of that, even as the conflict flashes bright in her eyes when she brings them up to look at him with no shortage of surprise.]

A code word?

[She knows what he means. The Intelligencers had plenty amongst themselves, but they were military. She's heard of it being employed in other places too, namely in brothels.

Not... whatever this is.

It's a good idea, to be sure, she just wasn't expecting that they would go there, or that he would even suggest such a thing.

There is a long, long silence that follows as Benedikta looks away and...around.

Until...

...

.....]

Peach.

[She winces saying it out loud, but she can see the bag of goods they bought from the bazaar set down behind them. But maybe that's the whole point. It had just been the first word that had come to mind because this much... this much she might be able to do.

He gave her a mile, and now, she is giving an inch.]

Peach?

[He can't help but arch a brow in surprise before a wry smile forms.]

...It's unusual enough. All right, peach it is.

[And a bit cute, knowing it's her favorite fruit and the possible other meanings behind it.]

So, are we at "peach" right now?

[Well, now that he keeps saying it like that, she wonders if maybe she picked the wrong word, or if this is a bad idea altogether. Brow furrowed, Benedikta nods.]

It has been for a long time.

[To be honest, since the balloons. Or maybe even before that.]

... Since last night.

[—Oh.]

Last night?

[That actually surprises him a little bit... But when he considers everything that transpired, maybe it's not so surprising.

Slowly he leans away from her, but still remains sitting close, hand still holding hers. Just enough to give her back her space.]

A lot of things did happen...and left a bit unresolved.

[She hums quietly in agreement.

It wasn't just the physical part of it that was left unresolved, though it was certainly frustrating at the time. Still is considering how he's stirred those aches within her, that flame since reignited and has yet to be put out. She would not dare ask him for it, nor has she thought about finding that relief elsewhere, but she would be a filthy liar if she said that she didn't need it.]

You had plenty to say about it then...

[And very little now, she suggests, when she lets those words hang.]

[At least he's smart enough to know she doesn't mean just the physical part and fortunately he also meant more of what they were (sort of) discussing.

...And the physical.

And strangely, he finds it a little difficult to find a place of where to start. Doesn't help that when they started it was through fits of anger and passion, where words could tumble and shout out more easily. Now, as he looks down at their hands, with a much cooler head and more care between them, it's more difficult.

Now, he feels he doesn't have to try and rush in and grab her. That he can take a bit more time and in turn be a bit less overwhelming for her. On the other hand, that method also seems to be even more overwhelming, so it's like trying to thread a needle with how he should approach.]

Well.

[He glances over to the still smoldering cigar before he smashes it against the concrete roof, thoroughly extinguishing it before setting it aside and turning back to her.]

We can continue now.

[With no more distractions. In whatever way she wants.]

[Picking up where they left off... easier said than done, she thinks, whether that's one part, or both. They had just gotten caught up in the moment of last night—in the heat that they built together through the dance, and then in the moments when they reunited after until they both finally snapped under that ever-growing pressure.

Now, while the heat is still there, it has simmered into something warm. It's no longer something that fuels the fires, making it burn hotter and brighter, but instead, it stokes it. Keeps it lit as the soft, flickering flame that it is now.

Something that they can both reach out and touch.

Something that they hold together between their fingers.]

Why is it that you asked all that of me?

[He had made those demands, and in the moment, Benedikta simply accepted them. Didn't think to ask why, or what it was that had provoked such possessiveness in him, considering where they had left things off six years ago. She didn't want to, because she knew that whatever his reasons were they would only invoke those deeper feelings that she had been trying to seek refuge from in those throes of passion.

But now...? Maybe this is where she wants to continue. It's left her feeling confused when, in the past, he's told her that he didn't care what she did.]

Edited 2023-11-07 19:48 (UTC)

[Ah...the tough question. Because it is true that at first, he was willing to let her have her freedoms, do what she wanted. But then...

He slowly runs his hand over his chin and lips, his habit of when he's stuck having to consider a tough question and how to best answer. And when it finally falls—]

There are a few reasons, but it all boils down to one.

[His other hand tightens slightly over hers as he lifts it up to the space between them, bringing it closer to his lips but not quite kissing it.]

I want you. And while I was and still am willing to wait, I wasn't going to tolerate watching you chase after my image in someone else.

Not anymore.

[They had no choice back in their world, and at first he was letting her have her choices in this one, but after what he's learned and what he saw? No more. He's held back long enough.]

Call me selfish, possessive, obsessed—but that's how it is. [For better or worse. Really, he hadn't quite realized it himself until last night, provoked by her behavior.] However, I wasn't going to force myself on you, so it would be different if you didn't think anything of me, but...

[He brings her hand to his lips, his eyes boring into hers with the heat that's been smoldering since the night before.]

You clearly do.

[And that's the only reason why he went so far. Truly, if she didn't care much about him, then he would have no right or place to make any of those demands. If she had just gone with any other man, then although bitter, it would have been an easier pill to swallow. Both adults, both can make their own choices, and he's always been one to put individual choice above others. But seeing all that, seeing how she kept chasing after him, wanting something of him—and how he was also fed up with seeing her with someone else—it was the tipping point to make a more daring move. A risky one. It could have easily backfired and undone everything, perhaps even ruined everything for good.

But they're still here, so it was a gamble that at least so far is working.]

[Her lips press into a tight line when he brings her hand up near his lips. She wasn't sure she would be ready for his answer, but as he gives it, she's certain now that she isn't. He'll feel her pulse racing in her wrist as he holds it, see her chest hitch without air, and her eyes fighting not to break away from his even as he lowers his lips to her knuckles.

Peach, peach, peach, her brain screams... but the word doesn't find its way out.

But he isn't wrong, and they both know that. She made it perfectly clear last night, and then again tonight when her feet touched the floor of the overlook. When she flew from Nogard to Eltrut just to meet him, and for what? A silly night at a fair? How many other men can say that they have managed to convince Benedikta to come out to this? Hell, it's a feat that he has, given their history and yet, here she still is, perched on a rooftop beside him.

Because she clearly does feel something towards him.

A dangerous cocktail of love and hate, both so strong that the very thin line between the two has blurred, and Benedikta doesn't know anymore where one begins and the other ends. Love him, hate him, it's all the same when the feelings are so profound that they always lead them back to him one way or another.]

...And so... [Her voice has gone quiet, her fingers flexing in his hand.] You wish for me to chase you instead.

Edited 2023-11-08 00:01 (UTC)

[A small breath of laughter warm against her skin as he lightly brushes his lips against it.]

At least actually fly to me.

[Because he knows... Or at least he now knows she has been chasing him. She was just chasing him in all the wrong places... In places where there are only shadows and illusions, but never to where he actually is.

Over that rift, not one made from their betrayals. But one forged from her fear of the unknown, that uncertainty that keeps her tied to what she's more familiar with.]

But even if you don't... I'll pull you over one way or another.

Edited 2023-11-08 01:51 (UTC)

[Closer, she moves, leaning in ever so slightly without realizing she is.]

And how do you plan on doing that?

[A dangerous proposition, she knows, but her heart races at the potential of an answer. At least if she knows, then she can prepare herself... but it may also be a fruitless endeavour. There is very little that can prepare her for Cidolfus here in this world, she's learned.]

Hmm...

[A low hum as he watches her, noting the distance closing between them.]

Slowly...carefully.

[And then a sudden forceful tug to pull her closer to him, his other hand reaching out to catch and steady her so she doesn't topple off the roof after such a dangerous maneuver.]

And then grab you just like this.

[Heart. Body. Mind.

He's patient, yes, but his patience has his limits. It's also clear that she's the kind who needs that forceful pull every now and then. So he'll do whatever it takes this time, even if he has to play dirty.]

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST SHIP

QUESTS

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