seaboards: (Default)
seaboards ([personal profile] seaboards) wrote in [community profile] escordvi2023-08-18 12:48 pm

« test sail »



Welcome to the first Test Drive Meme for [community profile] escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on August 25th and apply on September 1st. Our Interest Check can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice. If undecided, put "Undecided" for the Armada.

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 carryover the threads. We'll have more armada focused prompts in the opening log in September. The log itself is set to cover the next two weeks, 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.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MAGIC USERS!! All magic abilities will be "sealed" until characters get their tattoo from the Inkwave parlor in Eltrut. That means no magic on the starter ships before docking.

We do require TDM threads for samples for our application!

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 August 28)
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Mai | Undecided
Azur Lane - Bremerton | Paladin
Azur Lane - Enterprise | Paladin
Baldur’s Gate 3 - Astarion | Corsair
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - Miriam | Paladin
Critical Role - Percy DeRolo | Paladin
Dragon Age 2 - Fenris | Corsair
Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves - Xenk Yendar | Paladin
Fate/Grand Order - Edward Teach | Corsair
Final Fantasy V - Faris Scherwiz | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Aerith Gainsborough | Undecided
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Nanaki/Red XIII | Paladin
Final Fantasy VII - Reno | Corsair
Final Fantasy VII - Zack Fair | Paladin
Final Fantasy VIII - Laguna Loire | Paladin
Final Fantasy X-2 - Rikku | Undecided
Final Fantasy XII - Ashe | Corsair
Final Fantasy XIV - G’raha Tia | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Benedikta Harman | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Cidolfus Telamon | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Clive Rosfield | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Dion Lesage | Paladin
Final Fantasy XVI - Gav | Undecided
Final Fantasy XVI - Midadol Telamon | Corsair
Final Fantasy: Type-0 - Rem | Corsair
Forgotten Realms - Jarlaxle Baenre | Corsair
Friends at the Table: Twilight Mirage - Morning’s Observation | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Lyney | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Wanderer | Undecided
Good Omens - Aziraphale | Undecided
Granblue Fantasy - Eustace | Corsair
Guilty Gear - Ky Kiske | Corsair
Honkai Star Rail - March 7th | Paladin
Jujutsu Kaisen - Toge Inumaki | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Roxas | Paladin
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker - Tetra | Paladin
Nimona - Nimona | Paladin
One Piece - Roronoa Zoro | Corsair
Overwatch - Reaper | Corsair
The Owl House - Gus Porter | Undecided
Pokemon - Professor Turo | Paladin
Samurai Jack - Ashi | Paladin
Shades of Magic - Alucard Emery | Paladin
Skies of Arcadia - Fina | Corsair
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - Cal Kestis | Undecided
Stormlight Archive - Shallan Davar | Corsair
Sweetness and Lightning - Kotori Iida | Paladin
Tales of Berseria - Eizen | Corsair
Tales of Berseria - Velvet Crow | Corsair
Tales of Zestiria - Sorey | Undecided
Welcome Home - Julie Joyful | Corsair


STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

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.



ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

After reaching the port of Eltrut, several birdfolk will appear and happily greet all the new arrivals from both starter ships. Here it doesn't matter which side they are affiliated with, as long as they keep those swords and weapons sheathed and not pointed at each other's throats. The birdfolk will even act as guides, showing them the main places they should visit and give them a visitor's map to help guide them.



🐚 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.

It's a lot to take in for sure, with the port city bustling with all walks of life. Not only do they have both armadas mingling with each other, there are different races and species from all over Escordvi gathered here. It's not just humans, which many riftfarers always seem to be surprised about. There are also plenty of veteran riftfarers who will gladly give some advice and even share stories of their world. Maybe some are familiar.

After finding their belongings, exploring the town, and meeting other people, being able to just sit back and enjoy a drink and warm meal will be in order. While there are plenty of places to choose from, the Minstrel and Cask will be the top recommended tavern for all newcomers to visit at least once. Great drinks, great food, and can learn a lot from the patrons or meet more people.

Of course, as expected of a highly popular tavern, it's not always peaceful. A man will ask travelers what they want to do with their life. Clearly drunk, he only accepts answers that hint at wanting to find riches. If told this he will give out a treasure map. But if told anything else, he'll put up a fight, hoping to deliver a black eye. Those who do receive the map will be sorely disappointed—it will lead them down a long, winding, circuitous path around town and end at a random outhouse, likely occupied and certainly stinking to high heavens. There's likely some kind of moral here, but at some point, others who have been duped will return to the tavern to sling their fists around.

Looks like another tavern brawl for the night.



QUESTS

For those who want to try their hand at some quests, there are a few that would do well for newcomers. 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.



Spicy Squid Eating Challenge
Eltrut Port

There is a traveling food ship (think food truck but on the water) that has been going around challenging ships to their extraordinary Hornswaggle's Spicy Squid Eating Challenge. If participants can scarf down a prepared three-pound bowl of exceptionally spicy ghost pepper squid and rice, they will win their meal for free as well as a crate of dried spicy squid for their ship's stores. If participants fail, they will have to pay for the meal and the crate.

...Careful, are some of the squid tentacles still moving?


Coral Reef Snacks
Eltrut

Rumour has it that certain types of coral reefs contain unique properties that can make you more alluring to the one you desire, but no one is sure what the side effects are. Test this out by trying to crunch into chunks of coral reef pieces to see if there are any added effects on your body. Hopefully, they don't ruin your teeth in the meantime.

Oh, and you have to find the correct coral reef too! Red chunks seem to make you more affectionate towards others, while blue chunks seem to make you more volatile towards others. Eaters, beware!


Giant Sea Slugs
Starter Ships

Giant sea slugs tend to only attack ships if they feel threatened but are otherwise peaceful creatures. They're about the size of a large wild cat. They also secrete a slime that contains strong disinfectant properties. This thick slime is highly sought after for its ability to heal wounds cleanly, so kill them and collect as much slime as possible.


Killer Sharkgulls
Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These new birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds. Beware and kill them before they can kill you!


Siren's Serenade
Out at Sea

A merchant's ship has crashed upon an outcropping of rocks after being lured in by a group of rogue sirens. These captivating creatures possess the power to ensnare their prey with their enchanting voices, luring unsuspecting souls into the depths to meet the grim fate of drowning.

Search for the missing ship and help rescue the captive sailors before it's too late! You will be supplied with special earplugs to muffle out the siren's voices so be careful to keep your ears effectively plugged. You don't want to succumb to the siren's bloodlust yourself.

Any sailors or rescuers affected by the siren's song can be treated with a harpy's potion that can reverse the song's effect. Or tie up the afflicted for twenty-four hours to wait out the effects.


subigito: (12)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-08-26 06:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ He holds back more impatient demands. Ironic, with how Jarlaxle clearly wanted to hear him. But he's too afraid of coming off too strongly all at once, or being too much, or being too loud, which was certainly a thing he was capable of being.

Well, he'd probably share that particular part soon, anyway.

Astarion's body accepts the other man with a practiced ease. He rocks his hips along with Jarlaxle's movements as best he could, meeting him halfway. His expression is full of bliss, and now the little noises of pleasure fall from his lips. He feels good, warmed by Jarlaxle's body and filled with his cock.

But he wants to share that with him. He reaches over to him to try and drag him to a kiss, to let him feel how much he loves this. ]
acheat: (Default)

man im so good with html im the best

[personal profile] acheat 2023-08-27 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
[He'd never resist a kiss, and Astarion would find him wholly obliging, dipping down to indulge, deep and heated, punctuated by a nip as his hips firmly met the curve of Astarion's ass.

There was more than one way to get some noise, of course, and while those pretty little sounds were a good start, he was keen to turn up the volume. Each stroke was deep and rolling, the speed of each thrust slowly increasing, and he broke the kiss to nip at the other man's neck. Had he noticed the scars at all? It was hard to tell, but then it was hard to imagine he'd not felt them at this point. If so, he made no commentary on them, it gave him no cause to hesitate in the slightest.

He couldn't help but allow one hand to roam, sliding upwards over Astarion's hip and along his waist, tracing along his side before slipping around to press against the small of his back. Better for the angle, it seemed, giving the other man a little more lift so as to drive himself as deeply as he could.
]
subigito: (07)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-08-27 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's clear how heated Astarion is--he pushes for more, trying to shove his tongue into Jarlaxle's mouth, indulging in kind as Jarlaxle comes to him. He laughs breathlessly at the little bite but he doesn't return the favor, still careful with his fangs even while enjoying pleasure.

Astarion tries to follow when Jarlaxle breaks the kiss but to no avail. His cries become louder as Jarlaxle pushes deeper, but it seems that his neck is especially sensitive, and the little bite changes the timbre of his voice entirely, more desperate and higher pitched. ]


Ah--

[ As Jarlaxle moves him, he brings his legs up and hooks them around his hips. He wants it too, that depth, the feeling of him really driving into him. ]

Yes, that's--fuck, just like that--you're so good.
acheat: (Smuggity)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-08-28 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
[The sound is encouraging, positively provocative really, and he chases it, daring to sink his teeth into Astarion's neck firmly enough to leave behind a mark, sucking at the point he'd bitten into as if the drow were a vampire himself.

His nails rake down the other man's sides, dig into his hips, happily indulging in the offer Astarion had made earlier. He didn't mind a bit of roughness, and Jarlaxle it seemed was quite pleased with the apparent hardiness of his partner. The hold was commanding, sure to leave a mark or two behind, and the pace had now hit it's peak; deep and fast with every intention of seeing Astarion over the edge first and foremost. The heated words in his ear were just as good as the cries of course, and he'd give in turn. He'd release the other man's neck to murmur into his ear,
]

Louder, ussta che, [the drow language sounded far sweeter and warmer than they'd any right to be, all things considered, there wasn't a hint of cynicism in the tone to be found,] Abandon any shame, we have no need of it here.
subigito: (37)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-08-28 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ Jarlaxle gets his wish. Astarion obviously loves the rough treatment, to say nothing of the bite, which practically lights his nerves up with pleasure. Astarion's cries are loud, unabashed, now, a song of pleasure pulled sweetly from his lips. He's not afraid to show it. He'd always been told that his cries were the sweetest. Surely even Loviatar would be glad to hear these offerings.

Astarion reaches up to grab onto Jarlaxle, digging his nails into the man's back, holding tight. Just as the drow had promised, he clings onto him as his body is given such perfect pleasure, and pain that grounds him besides.

He finds nothing to be ashamed of here. It feels good, and he wants Jarlaxle to know that, too. His only hesitation had been for the drow's sake, but now given permission, he'll sing beautifully for him. ]
Edited 2023-08-28 07:24 (UTC)
acheat: (Default)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-08-28 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sweet they certainly were, befitting the pretty face that beget them. Greedy as the drow could be, he wouldn't be sated until he'd gotten all he could out of the moment, and he'd consider it a job well done if he could hear that voice go hoarse before the end of the night.

The soft grunt he made as Astarion dug his nails into his back was approving, bearing down on the other man as he sought to drive more music out of him with each and every thrust. The cries were rewarded by another bite, just below the last one, content to decorate the other man's pale neck with red and purple blooms, and so too his hips with rosy streaks as he gripped him, nails dragging along soft flesh.

He'd have found the consideration for him adorable if he knew, almost heartwarming really. He'd be more than happy to put any anxiety in regards to his feelings to bed; Jarlaxle could not have been more pleased with the outcome.
]

I'll see you over the edge. [His voice low, husky, and only vaguely breathless,] Nothing would be more pleasurable then to see the look on your face as you come and cry out, che.
subigito: (07)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-08-28 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It strikes him as surprising, how focused on his pleasure Jarlaxle is. He expected, after his description of everything, that if Jarlaxle was given the chance to do whatever he wanted, he'd relish the opportunity to take pleasure for himself. Focus on his body, and his needs. Astarion wouldn't have faulted him in the slightest. He was used to pleasuring others no matter what the position turned out to be. It wouldn't be surprising, the way this is surprising.

Better still because Jarlaxle is good at it. It's rare for Astarion to meet a partner that can match his own skill. But Jarlaxle follows his cues (a miracle that he even bothered to find them, based on how this usually goes), and keeps giving him more. Every mark formed on his flesh feels like a gift, potent and intoxicating. The drive of his cock warms him from the inside out, making him feel raw and alive and good.

Jarlaxle's words send a shiver down his spine. Of course he wants that that too, he wants to come for him and he wants to give him everything he desires. How could he not, when he's getting such good treatment? ]


I want to come for you.

[ Where Jarlaxle seems to still be well and in control as he speaks, Astarion is so clearly falling apart. As if Jarlaxle has found the perfect thread to pull on and unravel him.

It doesn't take much longer with that treatment. Astarion's orgasm is full-bodied and strong. His pale skin flushed, back arched, head thrown back in ecstasy with his neck and all those beautiful bruises and marks well exposed. His cries are loud and wanton, dripping with the pleasure he feels. ]
acheat: (Default)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-08-29 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[What was the point of sex if everyone didn't enjoy it, after all? A discussion he would eagerly have with anyone if he were asked of it, the man did have a lot of feelings about the act. But even more importantly, how was he supposed to enjoy it if his partner wasn't gripping him like a lifeline in a stormy sea? Nothing felt as good as a job well done after all. The cries, the nails in his skin, the writhing body pressed against his as his partner called out in uncontrolled pleasure all spoke of a job well done. He'd not be settling for any less.

His own climax sat upon a razor's edge, so frustratingly close, but the drow was bound and determined to make sure that Astarion would hit that peak before him. It only made his own orgasm all the sweeter, he'd not been lying when he'd said nothing would be more pleasurable after all. Unlike Astarion however, he buried his face in the other man's neck, stifling his own cry against the other man's bruised skin as he spilled himself deep inside him. Buried as far as he could, clasping Astarion tight until that crashing wave of unbound pleasure ebbed away into a warm and soothing glow.
]

Beautiful.

[His words were a little thicker now, uttered with a clumsy tongue in the moment.]

You are perfect.
subigito: (46)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-08-29 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion almost thinks to tease him that he'd been so quiet, hiding his cries like that. But instead he just turns his head and kisses the tip of Jarlaxle's ear, careful not to bite, though if his fangs glide against him just a bit he can't really be blamed, can he? He's shown considerable restraint here already, given how the drow has been biting him and driving his basest instincts absolutely insane.

Besides, the way Jarlaxle speaks now is almost as good as any amount of cries he could've gotten from him. For people who cared so much about appearances and about control, that kind of clumsiness spoke volumes.

After the last little quivering aftershocks of his orgasm subside, he lets up on the way he's clinging so tight and instead runs his hand gently along Jarlaxle's back. He hopes he didn't claw him up on accident, but he doesn't smell any blood so he must've been okay. Plus, the drow seemed to really enjoy it. ]


Thank you, darling. You were exquisite as well.

[ But where Jarlaxle becomes clumsy in the aftermath, Astarion seems to regain control, the haziness of the afterglow seemingly fading far faster than it should for him. ]
acheat: (Knowledgable)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-01 05:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Nothing wrong with a bit of controlled vulnerability, and it was after all very good sex. Trying to maintain too much poise would be like refusing to compliment the chef on a perfect meal, it was actually necessary for it to be known that he had a wonderful time. He shivered faintly at the kiss to his ear, feeling the slight touch of sharpened ivory over the sensitive skin.

He didn't immediately roll off the other man, though he did take care to ease himself out of him. Sensitive after all, still so sensitive yet. The shallow furrows dug by Astarion's nails across his back barely drew pinpricks, just lightly stinging lines that would bring back a few pleasant memories when he'd lay down to rest for the next few days. The drow's flesh was smooth and soft, untouched by any mark or blemish outside the raised welts drawn by Astarion's hand. He didn't miss how quickly the other man had gotten his head back about him again, and if nothing else it spurred him to reluctantly start putting himself back together. Ah, that's right. Stranger, strange land, etcetera etcetera... He indulged just a little bit longer there, giving a faint chuckle at the compliment before he begrudgingly went to slide off from atop Astarion.
]

For as sour as this day started, I cannot find much to complain about in regards to the ending. Mayhaps ending up here was more fortuitous than I'd originally thought.
subigito: (66)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-01 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ Regaining control though he may be, Astarion still sighs wistfully when Jarlaxle pulls out and away from him. Of course he knows that's for the best and that the oil will dry and they can't stay like this forever and all kinds of reasons--but it doesn't change the emptiness he feels after being so full of him. ]

A pity it couldn't have happened back in Faerûn instead of here.

[ he rolls onto his side so he can look at Jarlaxle, which is easy even in the dark. He's so handsome of course he wants to keep enjoying the view while he can. He props his head up with a hand and lets his eyes travel slowly over the other man's body before returning to his face. ]

This was nice, though. It really does make up for the rest of it.
acheat: (Default)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-01 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
Well, should we ever return, I'll have to make it a point to find you and we could fix that little problem.

[Better to assume that returning home would happen eventually. There was no sense in being a defeatist about it after all. He rolled onto his side, simply so that he could do the same thing Astarion was; admiring the view. Reverie would come eventually but until then, he didn't want to miss out on a single thing.]

Where were you, exactly, when you were taken? The Underdark, you'd said?

subigito: (110)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-01 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
I'd like that.

[ they'd definitely be a force back home, spending any amount of time together. ]

Ah, no. We'd finished our business in the Underdark and had just made it back to Baldur's Gate.

[ meaning he was that much closer to solving his own problems--it was that much harder to be here now, knowing he couldn't. ]

And now I'm here, waiting to commit acts of piracy, it seems.

[ he's not tired now so much as quite thirsty--he'd been able to pick off a couple rats on the boat but that wasn't much and sex involves a lot of moving around of blood! He's definitely going to need a meal before sleeping but he can sneak out eventually for that.

Though it does sort of occur to him that he ... doesn't really know what you do at this point? Do people just sit here talking like this? Wild. ]
acheat: (Knowledgable)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-01 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
Well and good enough, the less time anyone spends down there, the better.

[He was sticking with his assessment of the place being a miserable hole in the ground, no amount of light up mushrooms was going to change that for him.]

Exciting, isn't it? Not being kidnapped of course, but the piracy. I know that you'd plenty of business to attend to at home, so with any luck perhaps your stay here will be short-lived, but until then if nothing else you won't be bored.

I must say, I've shared my bed with some fascinating people and beings before. But never a vampire.

[Just tossed out there right at the end, as casual and as easy as you please as the drow gave a long, languid stretch.]
subigito: (72)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-01 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Shit.

He should've been more careful with his fangs after all. He didn't even have the pleasure of biting him and the jig is, nevertheless, quite up! He does consider laughing and asking him what he means, but they both damn well know that's a lie. They'd had their mouths all over each other and Jarlaxle had been biting his neck like that.

Fuck. ]


I don't really make a habit of telling people.

[ He probably shouldn't say that either. If it was really important to him, Jarlaxle would have something to hold against him.

Some vampire he is! Can't keep secrets can't properly threaten someone! ]
acheat: (how many smug icons do you need)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-01 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
I can understand why, I imagine it might be something of a mood killer for other, less interesting folk.

You needn't worry about me telling anyone, if you're concerned about it. I certainly take no issue, after all you refrained from biting me.

[He may have chowed down on someone else, he may have drained multiple people since he got here for all Jarlaxle knew. But they weren't him so....]

Your secret is safe with me, I simply found it an enlightening experience. Like the copper dragons, for instance. Also equally enlightening.
subigito: (73)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-01 06:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ With the initial panic subsiding, he finds himself hearing the other words he'd missed while he was too busy worrying -- fascinating and enlightening. The comparison to the dragons. Emotions bubble to the surface, recalling other times where he'd been found out only to be treated like he was so interesting; people who wanted to be bitten like it was some kind of fun kink.

Color runs to the tips of his ears again, but he's not just embarrassed this time. That's there too, of course, from being found out. But he's also a little indignant over the commentary and the comparisons. ]


It was just sex, no different than you'd have with anyone else.

[ really should have gone out the window when he had the chance!! ]

I kept my fangs to myself! I didn't even try to bite you.
acheat: (A moment of thought)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-01 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah, now that was a response he wasn't expecting. It didn't take much on his part to realize he'd touched a nerve somewhere, and while he couldn't quite put his finger on why, well...]

I feel as if I may have picked my words poorly, I apologize.

[Acting like it was nothing but an overreaction wouldn't get him anywhere.]

You were nothing if not gracious, and I do appreciate the fact that you didn't simply bite and run. It was simply something that I'd picked up upon, and rather than dance around the subject I thought it would be better to speak it aloud and be done with any potential future uncertainty or awkwardness. I'll do better to have more care in regards to it now.

Who or what you are is of no matter to me. The quality of your person is what I find attractive.

[Frank and direct this time, at least, he'd have no misunderstandings.]
subigito: (47)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-01 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion's heart races with the kindness of Jarlaxle's words. He tries to tell himself that they're just the kind of sweet lies he'd use to manipulate someone, that Jarlaxle was ultimately no different than him and, like him, needed allies. That words are cheap.

But he can't help how the consideration warms him all the same. It makes him feel young, foolish. ]


That's kind of you to say.

[ the gratitude is on the tip of his tongue, caught between not wanting to show vulnerability and yet feeling it all the same. After a moment's hesitation: ]

Thank you. I have no intention of biting you.
acheat: (Default)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-03 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
[The best persuasion always had more truth than lie in it. Right out lying would have been far more difficult, and while Astarion wasn't necessarily wrong in regards to the drow's ultimate goals, the words themselves were honest enough. He truly was interested in the other man outside of mere immutable factors, and the choice to sleep with him wasn't based off of anything more than that interest in his character.

... And his looks, couldn't just pretend that Astarion wasn't strikingly good looking, and the drow was terribly shallow in that fact. But being a vampire? Completely secondary with no influence on Jarlaxle's decisions for the night.
]

And well glad I am to hear it. I do some of my best work with all of my blood inside me, I've found.

[A small joke tossed out there, in an effort to gently lighten the mood]

But I imagine at some point you will need a decent meal, and I'm sure there's more than a few people here who could do with a little less blood in them. You've been very gracious to me, and one good turn deserves another. Should you need any help in finding dinner, I'd be more than happy to assist.
subigito: (66)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-03 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Astarion smiles at the joke at least -- ]

Yes, I imagine you do.

[ -- but he shakes his head at the offer to find an unsuspecting NPC to snack on. He definitely needs more blood after all that exertion, but that's not the point. ]

I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer not to arouse suspicion by leaving exsanguinated bodies around the port.

[ that sounds better than the truth, which is that he still doesn't make a habit of drinking from thinking creatures except, well... ]

I'm sure I'll come up with a suitably polite reason to slip away in a little while and go for a hunt.
acheat: (Knowledgable)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-06 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Perfectly understandable.

[That would definitely raise a few concerns after all wouldn't it? But that didn't really leave room for much else other than animals, obviously. It was not a fact that was brought up, simply no need for it.]

I'd bemoan the loss of pillow talk, but personally I always get peckish once the afterglow wears off so I can hardly fault you.

If nothing else however, I'm happy to be sending you on your way satisfied in one sense.
subigito: (56)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-06 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
Think of it as a compliment--I wouldn't be nearly so hungry if it weren't for your excellent work.

[ Really got the blood pumping, you know? But his blood doesn't replenish itself. ]

This was fun.

[ Although he doesn't say "let's do it again sometime," the thought is so obviously there. And he's relaxing, too, given that he's able to joke around his need to drink blood. Jarlaxle makes him feel at ease, which is a rather dangerous thing, but he concept it at least for the little while longer that they're still together. Whether he'll trust him enough to try this again is a mistake to be made another day. ]
acheat: (how many smug icons do you need)

[personal profile] acheat 2023-09-06 04:45 am (UTC)(link)
[He beamed, the smile just as dazzling and charming as it had been before. By this point it seemed that post-coital tiredness was wearing off, though he seemed disinterested in getting up out of bed. It's comfy, he wants to laze around a bit!]

There's truly nothing I love more than seeing the results of a job well done, I'll take it as high praise, coming from you.

[It's obviously there, that unspoken suggestion that this should all happen again, and so to is it there in Jarlaxle's glowing tone. Truly as if Astarion was just slipping back out to the tavern for a bite of roast and some ale, utterly mundane and scarcely worth being concerned about.]

Feel free to help yourself to any amenities here before you leave, I can't in good conscience let you walk out without offering. Though I must say you might not even need a brush, you look lovely with your hair tousled like this.
subigito: (49)

[personal profile] subigito 2023-09-06 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ the comment about his appearance makes him smile too, always glad to hear about that which he knows but cannot see. ]

I know, one really does have to prepare for everything.

[ and his appearance was meant to be flawless for all purposes. He runs a hand through his hair to right any strands that had made their way out of place, something he knows easily by feel. He lingers only a few moments longer--enough that he doesn't make it seem like he was looking to dash at the first excuse, and then he slides out of bed to grab his clothes and get dressed. Careful as he does, so that he doesn't give away any more secrets this evening. ]