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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 received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on October 25th and apply on November 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

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 the IC dates of October 11 for new arrivals to appear, and October 25th until the end of the month for the event itself. 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 29)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after October 11th 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 serve 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. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on 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 lookout 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

Each year, during the month when the Ghoul's Moon rises, its reddish glow illuminating the waves like blood on water, the spirits of the dead gather at the edge of the tide and their spiritual energy reaches its peak. During this monthly period, spirits and ghosts seem to be most active, dancing and playing in the dark and searching for the last ship they will ride in their journey over the ocean to reach their final resting place. Spirits are powerful and energetic enough that are able to appear in their living corporeal forms and appear as living, breathing people. Or they are able to walk the earth as they once saw themselves. Even if some of their memories of those lost years might be hazy.

The Leviathans and surrounding islands are bright with festive colours and lights so that these spirits may find their way in the dark and shadows. Even Eltrut gets into the festive spirit, "shaking off" its shell to reveal a pumpkin form with a natural glow like a lantern. Celebrations are ripe with music, dancing and good old merriment to see them through.

This year’s Ghoul’s Moon celebrations includes a Farmer’s Market that is situated at the main pier. Locals, farmers, and merchants from near and far away have gathered to the market to sell their handmade goods for autumn, selling anything from fresh grown fruits and vegetables, to pickled jars of eggs, beans and beets. To dried moose jerky and cuts of fresh steaks and cured sausages and tasty cheeses. Don’t forget the homemade soaps, knitted hats and mittens, ribbons, jewels, weapons, fashion accessories and more! Riftfarers are also encouraged to take up their own booths and to sell their own goods and services to the festival goers as well!

🥤 Spooky boba challenge. One of the many market booths is holding a challenge to go along with their seasonal boba drinks (like pumpkin spice!). Several boba drinks are sold with floating pumpkin jellies, candy worms, bat-shaped tapioca pearls and ghost-shaped candies. The add-ons themselves are various random unknown flavours that might take the drinker by surprise. Some might taste like sour lemons, while another might taste like spicy chili peppers. If anyone can drink the entire boba without making a face, they’ll be rewarded with a coupon for a free boba with a very normal flavour.

🎃 Pumpkin collecting. One of the local pumpkin farmers has brought a boatload of pumpkins to the market for the season. But instead of just picking out what pumpkin to buy, the pumpkins have been scattered in a random pattern across a dark grassy patch. With only a few dim lanterns to help, try and collect as many pumpkins in the dark as needed. Just be careful not to trip on the various magical pumpkin vines in the patch that might try to trip others on purpose.

🍬 Candy treat exchange. There are various vendors selling all sorts of seasonal homemade candies and sweets. A little game has appeared between the vendors that if a candy or sweet is bought from one vendor that it should be traded with another person who bought from a different vendor. Buy some candy corns, milk chocolates or fruit lollipops and exchange them with friends to collect the whole set of candies available. And eat them all, too!

🐈‍ Black kitten spirits. The market is a bustling little zone that isn’t free from pesky Ghoul’s Moon spirits. A gaggle of mischievous black kitten spirits are haunting various booths and vendors, stealing items and scratching at things that aren’t theirs. They seem to be so small they fit in one hand, so they are hard to spot! The market vendors are asking others to keep a look-out for them. And to catch them with little wicker baskets, if possible!

🍏 Bunnyfish bobbing. One of the booths selling fresh apples is offering a little “apple" bobbing challenge with a twist! While blindfolded and handcuffed (it was a corsair’s idea), use only your mouth to catch a Bunnyfish bobbing in a bucket of freezing ice water. If a flopping Bunnyfish can be picked up, the vendor will offer an apple smothered in candy caramel and peanuts as a reward! Sweet-sour apples can be purchased by the basket as well.

🧴 Potions & lotions. A beauty guru has a special market booth where she is offering various potions and lotions for a price. These products are boasted to be mood enhancers. Including potions or topical lotions that will increase happiness, confidence or love. While other offer to enhance moods such as anger, sadness or hate. Because there might be someone out there who needs a potion like that. The effects of these products last for about twelve hours. For a little extra excitement, she can give you a potion or lotion at random. They’re also very hydrating!

While there are traditional festival game booths and food stalls scattered all through the main roads of Eltrut, there are special activities set up just outside of town available. A haunted corn maze out in the fields where the volunteers try to scare participants and the corn seems to shift and move to change the layout, but those who make it through will enjoy some corn ribs. Bubble races where participants go on a wild, tumbling ride down a giant hill while inside a giant bubble shaped either as pumpkins or skulls and referred to as "pubble" and "skubble" respectively. Try not to get popped early! Haunted hayrides for a thrilling adventure through the woods that end at an old haunted manor that will leave everyone screaming. And for a bit of a thirst quencher, try some Pumpkin Nog, which comes either with or without spiced rum, this alcoholic treat will warm up anyone with just a few sips.

On the night of the 31st, fireworks will go off to signal the end of the festival. Until then, it's an almost week-long festival for everyone to have fun and celebrate those who have passed.

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 pumpkin 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.

This year, the theme of the masquerade is Haunted Funeral Wedding. A strange theme that mixes the formality and dress of weddings, but with a side of macabre as it is implied it is a wedding after death. Those who participate will be required to wear formal wear that can be from modern to regency ballroom, but one' s entire appearance must have an "undead" look: ghostly, ghastly, bloody, zombie, mummy, etc. It can be as tasteful or as gruesome and hideous as they want. Wedding styled gowns are also allowed. Many boutiques will offer costumes either to rent or buy 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.

🎭 Masked dance partners. While some may already have a dedicated partner, there is a special enchantment that will be cast on all masks that will mask one's identity. There will even be a portion where everyone will be matched up at random with a dance partner. With only dance skills and voice alone, dance the night away or enjoy a song or two with a stranger. Perhaps it will be a chance to find a new friend or a new romantic interest.

🍹 Drunk pirate. There is a truth and lies drinking game offered to drinking adults. For everyone participating, they must share one random unique fact about themselves and the others must decide if the fact is the truth or a lie. If the guesser is wrong, they have to take a shot of straight coconut vodka. Start getting to know each other and start getting drunk like good pirates do!

🥇 Costume contest. Whether they volunteer or not, couples will find themselves suddenly tagged for the costume contest and shuffled into a special staging area where they will need to act out their costume and perform a themed dance. All participants will also receive a temporary enchantment to make their costumes more "realistic" to improve their performance.

🪶 Dancing in the air. Dancers will be "blessed"—or perhaps cursed?—to experience the ghostly wonder of flying while dancing, either within the main ballroom or even just outside on the terraces and gardens. While those in the ballroom can go as high as the ceiling, those outside will only venture up a few feet, so no one will find themselves flying off to sea. Some may find themselves a little transparent at times, but the warmth shared with their partners is still very real.

💐 Boo-quets. Create hauntingly beautiful bouquets that can be used either for the weddings or funerals that are taking place around the masquerade. Or perhaps make one as a gift for a loved one. Just make sure the flowers picked are the less "screeching" kind…or won't whisper dark, embarrassing secrets.

Outside the Helice Palace are special gardens that one can take a romantic stroll around and host hauntingly beautiful weddings under the blood moon. They 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. This year, the flowers in particular fit the theme, with bloody red and black roses and some should be wary as the flowers may be even scream out or whisper eerie tidings. A number of tombstones also fill the area. Perfect for creating a haunting ambience to cling onto each other.

👰 Wedding jitters. While some may have fun with the "undead wedding" concept and pretend to get hitched, there are some spirits who are taking this opportunity to make the vows they were unable to while living. However, even ghosts can feel nervous and some are having cold feet, hiding in dark corners while their awaiting partners are left searching for them. Help the couple before their negative feelings turn them into more hateful spirits throwing ghost hands.

😍 Possessed lovers. Some ghosts desperate to find their "eternal love" will latch onto living "grooms" or "brides," regardless if they are already spoken for not. While some will retreat if confronted, others may prove more stubborn, perhaps even try to force their "betrothed" to the altar. Then there are the rare few that must be dealt with—ghosts that will take to possessing the lover or who they think is the lover of someone. In this scenario, their acting may be good or bad, and some may just want to help spur on relations while others have more nefarious plans to steal the other's soul. One big tell for who is possessed is the eyes of the victim will have red hearts in their eyes. To save the victim, try one of the following methods: 1) throw "purified wine" at the victim; 2) throw "purified rice" at the victim; 3) ring the special bells found on tables right in their ear three times; 4) try and help fulfill their desire (suitable for non-dangerous spirits); 5) kiss them; 6) punch them.

🕯️ Weeping candles. As part of the theme, special candles can be lit either in the halls outside the ballroom or out in the gardens in remembrance of those who passed. When lit, the melting wax looks like tears, and the crackling flame sounds like quiet sobs—and the fumes may make those nearby cry as well. These candles are especially useful in helping lingering ghosts pass on.

⚰️ Floating coffins. There are special coffins set outside in various locations outside the palace. Large enough for two to ~~sleep~~ fit in comfortably, they are "open casket" though a lid can be pulled over for those who want some extra privacy. These coffins can also float through the gardens, allowing for a special private view while being closer to the red moon.

Whether one is deciding to pledge their eternal vows or not, some party crashers in the name of Captain Salt's Lonely Hearts Crew will appear, and they are different from the same crew that appeared in Latrommi— all of the ghoulish, ghastly kind. Only those of the undead will rush in, but because of the setting, not many will actually believe they will do harm and in fact some of the lonelier guests and ghosts may take them as a partner. But for the more determined, there will once again be some bride and/or groom abductions, be they dead or alive. Best to thwart their efforts or some weddings will turn into funerals.

GHOST PROBLEMS

All threads for these prompts are worth 4pts.

On the edge of the watery world of Escordvi, where the horizon blurs between sea and sky, tales of the Farplane echo through the salty winds. This underworld, a shadowy mirror of the living seas, is where the souls of the departed find their final resting place, guided by the spectral hand of Envoy Jades and his ship, The Asmodeous. The Farplane, this is where the spirits and ghosts can spend the rest of their eternity in the bliss they choose.

Envoy Jades, with his tattered coat and a gaze that pierces through the veil of life and death, has sailed the seas for as long as anyone can remember. He sings old sea shanties and sleeping lullabies as he makes his rounds collecting souls. And while his appearance is ghoulish and grave, it is said that his presence is kind and encouraging, often coaxing ghosts to enjoy their last days in celebration in the realm of the living before taking his ship to embark on their final journey. The ship, said to be forged from the remnants of sunken galleons and woven with the souls of the lost and found, sails the seas like a looming ghostly shadow all month long. It is said that those who witness the ship's passage may catch a glimpse of their own fate, as their reflections ripple through the water.

However there is a bit of a problem. Those out and about need to be careful as there are many restless and vengeful spirits about. Many are harmless and are out to play pranks, however there are some who may have grudges and can be dangerous, even possessing people. The following methods are known to work to help those who are possessed: 1) help fulfill their desire; 2) beat them down; 3) find some "blessed" water or relic to expel the ghost (many will be sold around the festival but whether they are real or fake is a hit or miss); 4) dunk the person in the ocean. Once released, help capture the ghost and bring it to the shore where Envoy Jades can collect the wayward soul.

👻💀 Ghostly possessions. Be careful not to be possessed by ghosts that are obsessed with love who will make the person possessed do anything and everything to find love, even if it means hurting someone. Or ghosts with a very opposite personality compared to the possessed, which will make them act how they normally wouldn’t act. Or even ghosts that used to be dangerous or murderous that will possess others and make them want to murder someone too. Ghost possession can be any and all sorts, from dangerous to playful.

🧜 Mermaid ghosts. Ghosts of mermaids that perished in a terribly violent way are around and swimming about various docks and boats looking for unsuspecting victims to attack. These mermaids look half-eaten and angry and will attack anyone on sight and try and take a bite out of them in return. Be careful when docking and escape while you still have all your limbs. Trying to fight a ghost-mermaid-zombie off could be tricky.

👻 A dead man. A familiar looking ghost of a man once alive is wandering about demanding that his seamstress be returned to him. He keeps blathering on and on about how he owns his woman and that no one can take her away from him and that she is his to control. With a closer look, this ghost’s neck is ripped open so he has a hard time speaking clearly and his angry ugly shouts come out as wheezes and growls. Most believe this delusional ghost doesn’t deserve to be around, so find a way to destroy or send it away.

🌹 Emberbloom victims. Many of the lost ghosts wandering about are ghosts that carry beautiful red and orange flowers that look like the bright sunset. These ghosts are the departed spirits of murdered people that were buried on the Leviathan, Elah. These ghosts seem happy enough to be wandering about once again but they also seem sad that they never found their true love to give their flower to. Help these ghosts find their true love (Maybe it’s you? Maybe it’s someone else?) and help them give their ghostly sunset flower to another.

🐄 Bull ghost. A massive skeletal bull ghost is also out and about wandering the lands. It doesn’t seem particularly aggressive or violent, even if it looks like it could stomp on someone and kill them instantly. Actually, it seems quite nice and likes to listen to love songs. Try avoiding a fight and sing him something pretty instead.

🎃 Pumpkaboos. Little pumpkin-like ghost spirits are dancing and playing all over the Leviathans and the surrounding islands. These little spooks are playful and sweet and enjoy lighting the way for people walking around in the dark and are said to be spirit guides that lead ghosts to Envoy Jades’s ship. But while sweet, be careful, as these little spirits are able to hypnotize others and can control them to do their little pranks and harmless bidding. But they mostly want to play.

Every now and then, The Asmodeus will appear on the shores of Eltrut and other places that are having issues with ghosts. Although the ship may appear dark and dangerous, it will only appear to only collect the roaming spirits nearby before departing. It will remain active until dawn, and once the ship has been loaded with the spirits ready to depart, it fades away on the ocean’s horizon.

However, The Asmodeus should be mistaken for the ghostly ship that attacked Eltrut’s shores last year. In fact, while also collecting the wayward spirits, when it's off in distant waters, its speed picks up and seems to be searching…perhaps for this very ship that has not been seen since last Ghoul's Moon.

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.

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 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!

Message in a Bottle

Everywhere

It’s a popular tradition to write a handwritten message and put it in a bottle and to send it out to sea. Sometimes messages come back with written responses. Sometimes they don’t! But writing a message can be a very therapeutic or fun thing to do. It might net the writer a few new pen pals or some well needed anonymous advice. Pen a letter, place it in a glass bottle and release it into the ocean's waves to see what happens. And be sure to respond to any bottles you find, too!

Plundering Pumpkins

Everywhere

There’s been a rumour going around that wearing a mask crafted from a carved pumpkin is an effective countermeasure to scare away ghosts. Demand for pumpkins has thus spiked all month, and farmers are struggling to keep up with demand. Some people are willing to pay a very high price for people to, ahem, acquire pumpkins from the local farms for them, while farmers will pay with coin and free produce to any who will help guard their crops for harvest.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Darin nods apologetically and removes his hand from her hip...then places them in the much more traditional places— her back, just below her shoulder blade while the other takes her hand in his. He's limbered and loosened up considerably and once he finds the beat of the music, he starts to lead.]

[But the hand on her back will feel less rigid. It splays out a bit and she might be forgiven if she imagines it twitching— as if the hand wants to begin to roam of its own accord. The truth is, he can't strike the images of her from his mind. The way her bodice amplifies her figure. The way she moves, gracefully but with practiced and controlled strength. She's not so different from him in that department. They're both experts in control of themselves. But for some reason when he's with her, that control erodes. He stops focusing so much on what he needs to be and his mind tends to gravitate towards what he wants to do.]

[The moment in her apartment the days after the confrontation with Ganondorf springs to mind in a flash. He remembers the heat of her lips as they approached his. She did want to kiss him that day, didn't she? He didn't imagine that? And what would have happened if she had? Darin had long ago decided that he could never be with anyone out of fear of hurting them. And when he learned the truth of his strength, that only solidified his decision.]

[But when he's with Zelda, he can't help but wonder. Because she was so strong.]

[As someone so accustomed to working with his hands, he can feel the lean muscle of her back. He can feel her move even as he leads. And Zelda might notice that his eyes have never left her from the moment they started this slow dance. Where before his eyes were darting about the room nervously comparing himself to strangers...now?]

[The rest of the world didn't matter.]

[It almost felt like they were floating.]

[ In fact, Zelda notices all of these things, because once they begin to dance, her attention narrows until it's all solely on him. Her roaming gaze returns to Darin and meets his. She doesn't need to look where they're going or watch to make sure she doesn't step on his feet. She follows his lead effortlessly.

She is keenly aware of the hand on her back. How could she not be?-- her back is completely bare, save for the accessory running the length of her spine. She can feel every tiny movement, the spread of his fingers and the twitch of muscles, as if he thought to move it lower but quickly changed his mind. And that's not to mention the pressure of his touch and the heat of his palm upon her skin.

Does he feel her as acutely as she feels him? Darin's hands are calloused and rough from years of difficult work as a blacksmith. Can he feel the faint quiver in her back beneath his touch?

And if he can, does he like it? Because she does.

The rest of the ballroom feels like it has faded into the background. It's just Zelda and Darin, swaying slowly together in a world of their own, their steps buffeted by the music. It feels like... dancing on a cloud, strange as that might seem. Being with him just makes her heart feel so light. He smiles at her with all the affection in the world-- no, as if she was the whole world. He has said again and again how he wants to use his hands to lift her up--- ]

Ah- [ A quiet gasp escapes Zelda's lips as she realizes that she's no longer looking up at Darin, but down. She has somehow risen a few inches above him, almost as though he were holding her up at the waist. Her eyes widen, and out of the periphery of her vision, she can see that the ballroom is somehow quite a distance below them. ]

We're... we're floating... [ She says in a hushed voice, incredulous, as though any louder sound would break whatever spell is raising them aloft. ]

[It takes him a moment to register that she's even risen a little above him. He's so trained on her— on her movements on the feel of her body. Each little minutiae. He's spent his life watching how people move to better understand the works and gear he crafts for them but this is the first time he's ever thought of a body as more than muscle and tendon and bone. More than fluidity of motion and flexibility. He is acutely aware of Zelda and each time she seems to flutter under his touch, it's like electrical sparks running through his hand and up his arm. Like he's touching a live current and he reflexively doesn't want to let go.]

[So when he realizes they're floating, he looks down and instinctively pulls her a little closer. As if the realization would cause her to either float from his grasp or send them plummeting to the ground. But they're high enough to be dancing among the chandeliers...with no one else in view, let alone in earshot.]

[And with her inches above him, when he speaks...well, his hushed voice is practically resonating against her collarbone.]

I think...the ghosts are trying to make this...memorable.

[He lets out a soft laugh as he looks up at her.]

...Is it working?

[ Darin pulls her close, as if he's afraid that she'll float right out of his arms if he doesn't hang onto her. It causes Zelda to smile, and she moves her hands to his shoulders to accommodate the shift in position.

As they float upward, their dance steadily loses structure until they are simply swaying together in time with the music, now sounding faint and faraway below them. Zelda gazes down at Darin, her expression soft and reflective. There's something... nice about this view, looking down and seeing his head just below her chin, his lips so close to her clavicle. It's... intimate. Once more, her mind is filled with images of the two of them between bedsheets, wrapped up in a lovers' embrace just like this.

She feels Darin's voice just well as she hears it. The soft vibrations of it against her collarbone make her sigh. ]

It is. [ If only her memory worked like the Purah Pad's camera. She would capture this image in her mind and keep it forever.

The way Darin looks up at her makes Zelda's heart turn over in her chest. Gods, she really is falling for him. She's been trying to talk herself out of it ever since she had that revelation a few days ago, trying to convince herself that she's not actually in love with him. She loves him as a friend, the way she loves Link. She desires him physically because he is incredibly attractive to her. But she's not in love. She's just misidentifying her feelings.

And that fragile logic works... up until something like this happens. Then the whole house of cards comes tumbling down and she has to rebuild it all over again. ]

Are you still afraid? [ She asks in a hushed voice. ]

[Darin's eyes find hers and even through their masks, even through his cerulean bangs, she can see that there's very little fear in his eyes. They're focused on her.]

[Whispered like that, her words run like warm water down his spine. His hands have found their way to her hips again and he guides her just a little closer. Like being this high up was depriving him of warmth only she could provide. But the truth is the opposite— he's burning like a furnace. And her question stirs something inside of him.]

[The truth.]

...Constantly. I live in fear of a thousand little things every day.

[His words match the cadence and softness of her own voice. A whisper in the rafters of this grand dance hall where no wind can carry them away.]

I'm afraid of who I am. What I can do. I'm afraid of...being a danger to others. To you. Of hurting people.

Disappointing people.

[He knows she's asking about his fear of ghosts. But he's never felt so compelled to share himself this way with someone before. This is a trust that he's never fostered with another person and he knows that taking this leap won't leave him alone.]

I'm afraid of what tomorrow might bring but I'm excited too. I don't think I've ever been so...excited for the next day.

Because...you're here. And I'm here.

So...yeah, I'm afraid. I'm terrified. But I'd rather be scared of a million things with you by my side than be fearless and alone...

[ For a brief second, Zelda's confused. She was trying to ask if Darin was still feeling scared of the ghosts. Was she not clear enough?

But as he goes on, she starts to understand. Zelda never would have guessed that Darin carried so many fears. Some she knew, because he had told her. Others she had inferred on her own. But hearing them like this, all laid out for her to see all at once... the picture looks so different than it did before.

And it reaffirms what she has already realized-- all his bravado, it's just a facade. All his attempts to convince Zelda that he didn't want her around were an act. A lie. For someone who says he hates lying, he used to do it all the time to Zelda. Every time she got a glimpse of the real Darin, he'd hastily cover it up or excuse it away. He was so dishonest, not only with her, but, she suspects, with himself.

(Is she doing the same? Is she lying about how she feels? And to who? To Darin... or to herself?)

He can be honest with her. Doesn't he deserve the same in return? ]

I'm... frightened. I try to act like I am not... but the truth is, I am. I have so many decisions that I must make... and I am terrified of what might happen if I make the wrong ones.

[ She can't manage the full truth. She's not even sure what the full truth is. Love? Lust? Neither? She can't burden Darin with that until she knows which it is for sure. But at least she can confide her fears in him. He is brave enough to do the same with her. ]

Edited (better dialogue) 2024-11-01 00:09 (UTC)

[He's both surprised and not to hear that Zelda harbors fear. After all, the object of her fear still runs free as a riftfarer. He could strike at any moment...and the blood moon only reinforces those fears. But to hear that she has decisions to make? Clearly, those decisions have to do with Hyrule. Gods, Darin can barely keep his own life together...ruling a kingdom? He'd never be able to handle that.]

[But Zelda's strong. So much stronger than she gives herself credit for. And when she's with him, he's treated to her breaking free of some of those gilded bonds. She's going to be a great ruler because her heart is so full of compassion.]

[He's so proud to know her. He's so blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn and be inspired by her.]

[But Darin wouldn't be Darin if he didn't attempt to assuage her fears. Even if he doesn't know the specifics. So, he reaches up to her arm draped around his shoulder and he frees it enough to bring her hand to his cheek.]

[And he places his hand over it.]

You thought something similar before, you know. When you felt like you failed to awaken your power.

[He laughs a little and offers her a warm smile.]

There are no wrong decisions, Zelda. If you lock your perspective into 'right' and 'wrong' you're gonna miss the answer. The question isn't 'how do I make sure I'm right?'

It's 'what can I do?' You'll know what to do when you have to and that's going to be the 'right' decision for the moment. Because it's what's true to you.

And whatever choices you make, I will fight for.

With these hands.

[ How does he do it? How does he make it seem so easy?
It has to be because he doesn't know the decisions she's grappling with. If he knew that he was a decision she's grappling with, would he still feel this confident in whatever choice she makes? Would he still fight for it?

It's not just him. It's not just Hyrule. It's so many things, the two of them together, and even more beyond that. And her decisions effect so much more than just herself. It's a luxury when the choices she needs to make don't impact anyone but her-- a luxury she's been enjoying since she arrived here. A luxury she's become spoiled to.

Although he doesn't manage to assuage her worries, his touch soothes her. Her hand on his cheek, with his overtop. His other hand on her hip. Her body comfortably close to his and the warmth between them.

If only her decisions did not effect so much; else in this quiet, perfect moment, she would kiss him. ]

I am counting on you. I cannot do this without you by my side.

[ Do what, she will not say. But it doesn't really matter. The fact is that simply that she needs him, and the longer they stay together, the less capable she feels of being alone. ]

[Darin beams. He never knew how good it could feel being needed. Being counted on. Who would have ever thought he'd be counted on by the one he lo—...]

[Ah.]

[That explains it, doesn't it? He knew he had feelings for Zelda but...he may have been ignoring just how deep they were. Or maybe he was pretending. Hoping they'd ebb and disappear. That his fears would win the day and he could safely keep these tender emotions tamped down.]

[But the way she looks at him. The way her whispered words set him on literal fire. The smiles, the laughs, the way she inspires him. This last month was...well, it was hell. And now he knows why.]

[He was afraid the woman he loved wouldn't wake up. That he was powerless to help her.]

[He's in love with Princess Zelda.]

[He lowers his gaze a bit as he grows self-conscious by her presence.]

I'm not going anywhere...and even if I did? Pretty sure I'd use all of my power to find my way back to you.

[The song starts to wind down and their blissful swaying starts to allow them to descend. As they get closer to the crowds of people, Darin scoops Zelda up, bridal style. And if she should give him a curious look, he glances away, almost pouting.]

I...don't want anyone to get a look up your dress...

[There might be a tinge of jealousy in his voice.]

[ Zelda does give Darin a questioning look. The sullenness on his face as he looks away from her, the hint of defensiveness in his tone as he explains why he picked her up. Darin seems strangely concerned about her modesty. Does he really think someone is going to look up her dress? ...And why does he sound almost surly about it?

Well, whatever the reason, it is considerate of him. ]

My thanks. [ Her tone is sincere, but the smile she gives him is a mix of amusement and perplexity.

As they reach the floor, Zelda expels her breath in a long exhale. ] Perhaps we should take a break from dancing for now.

[ They've done three dances so far, and although she's not exactly tired, she is feeling a lot of other things. Feelings that are exacerbated as long as she remains in Darin's arms (even though she does like when he holds her). A breather would do her some good. Maybe something to drink as well, just to settle herself. ]

[Darin sets her down gently and shoots a look around at the other attendees. Everyone seems engrossed in their own dates so it doesn't seem like anyone tried to sneak a peek...]

[Regardless, Darin positions himself protectively behind her, shielding views of her bare back from others.]

...A break sounds nice. I'd like to look around a the palace a bit. I've only ever seen the inside of the knight's barracks back home.

[Darin offers his arm to her with a smile.]

Want to explore a bit?

[ Zelda's expression becomes even more perplexed as Darin steps behind her to... obscure view of her back? Why?? No one's even looking at them anymore now that their impressive dance number is finished. And even if they were, Zelda's outfit is hardly risqué compared to some of the things the other guests are wearing.

But she doesn't press him for explanation; Zelda simply smiles and places her hand on his offered arm. ]

Yes, that sounds like fun.

[ ...Then, on second thought, Zelda removes her hand and instead loops her arm with Darin's. This is too familiar for a princess, but it's perfect for a simple researcher with her close friend. ]

So tell me, what exactly were you doing inside the knights' barracks?

[ Said with a bit of mild suspicion. Typically, only knights and other soldiers are permitted in the barracks. Even the princess (or perhaps especially the princess) hasn't been inside them before. ]

[Darin guides her out of the ballroom easily and while there's still plenty of attendees about, the halls of Helice Palace are more private by a wide margin. Trysts and secret rendezvous of both the living and non-living take place in the alcoves and behind columns...but Darin is largely unbothered by what's going on in his periphery. Assuming he even notices them in the first place. He seems to be admiring the architecture far more. At Zelda's question, he laughs.]

Hey, who do you think was supplying them with their gear? My old man and I would make some pretty frequent trips there. Plus, I was pretty well-known being Captain Kessler's student and all.

[A beat.]

Of course, by "well-known" I mean people kept trying pick fights with me because they didn't think I belonged there. I'm pretty sure I was almost arrested at least a dozen times...

Edited 2024-11-03 23:18 (UTC)

[ Zelda is doing her best not to pay attention to the couples (or more?) who have stolen away into private corners to further enjoy each other's company. There's no reason to feel all scandalized-- this is the Naughtilust, after all. She should've been expecting this.

Just ignore it. Look at the architecture. ]

His student? [ She sounds a lot more surprised by that than how many times Darin has been arrested. ] But I thought you told me you never enlisted with the knights.

Edited 2024-11-03 23:54 (UTC)

Oh...I never enlisted. Acteon and Captain Kessler were friends of my father...

[As they meander through the halls, Darin gets a wistful smile on his face. It's rare that he gets to talk about his biological father.]

My dad was a mercenary. Apparently, he was a big deal. He traveled around fighting the battles that the knights couldn't. He and Captain Kessler were good friends and my Old Man often took care of their gear.

[His father was a hero in every regard and Darin wishes every day he could have learned more from the man.]

...The Arclight knights always had stories. About the things he'd done. More often than not I'd overhear them talking about how much of a shame it was that I couldn't have upheld his legacy.

[He exhales softly and shakes his head. No, he wasn't about to bring the mood down because of that. Those people weren't here now.]

A-Anyway...when I was younger, Acteon spotted me watching the knights train when he was in Arclight on business. I told him about what Dromas and I wanted and...well, I didn't want to enlist but Acteon thought it'd make me a better smith if I learned how to fight properly. So...he called in a favor to Captain Kessler who was all too happy to train one of his best friends' son.

[In other words, the son of a hero has been formally trained by the captain of the royal guard.]

[ Darin has talked about his adoptive father, Acteon, a number of times, but he's said little about his birth father-- and nothing about this Captain of the Arclight knights.

Zelda listens with interest as they wander the halls. When he mentions how the knights disparaged him for being "unable to uphold his father's legacy," her hold on his arm tenses. The princess knows better than most how that feels, to be condemned as a failure for not living up to the greatness of your family. It is a burden she still carries today, the title of "heir to a throne of nothing," despite how far she has grown beyond it.

Thankfully, Darin doesn't linger on the subject and the tension in Zelda's grip eases as he goes on. In fact, she smiles a little bit as he mentions Acteon; the more she hears about him, the more she's coming to like him. ]

So you've the training of a knight, but not the title. [ Zelda surmises. ] Why did you never enlist formally?

[ Thus far, she has assumed that Darin simply wasn't allowed to join the knights. But if he has been mentored by the Captain, then there is no reason he should be denied entry into the ranks. ]

...Honestly? It...never felt right.

[Darin bows his head slightly. The muscles in his arms tense just enough to be felt. Enough to cause some of the stitching in the tight formal shirt to strain and audible creak.]

It was never just my dream. Dromas is the one who said we should do it. He wanted us to become knights and show the world we weren't...well...

Mistakes.

I always followed Dromas' lead and it was easy to get swept up in his energy. Even as little kids he was always looking towards the next opportunity for us to prove we were more than people thought we were.

So...enlisting when he was gone felt...I dunno. Disrespectful? I didn't want to be something he couldn't. And by the time I was old enough, I'd found a new way to help. I figure if I can't be out there with the knights, I could at least make gear to make sure they came home.

[Darin runs his free hand through his hair to rub at the back of his head.]

Besides...I'm no leader and people look to knights for inspiration. I'm...better suited for the background, if you ask me.

[ Zelda winces visibly when she hears the word "mistakes." It sickens her, not only that people considered Darin and his brother to be "mistakes," "curses," "monsters," but that the boys knew they were called such things. All of this because of their unusual hair, because that suggested they might not be completely human. They never should have been made to feel like they needed to prove themselves.

She doesn't try to argue Darin's reason for never enlisting with the knights. Zelda does not agree herself-- if anything, joining the knights seems like a way to honor Dromas' memory, not disrespect it-- but it's not her place to tell him his feelings are wrong.

Zelda tightens her hold on Darin's arm, leaning in closer against him. ]

I disagree. [ She insists. ] One need not be a leader or a knight to inspire people. Some of the greatest heroes in Hyrulean legend came from the most humble backgrounds, and their tales are still told today. It is the courage to speak, or to stand up, or to act when others do not... that is what inspires people.

[Darin falls silent as a pang strikes his heart. He'd heard so many stories of his father, Dracer, leaping into battle. Mouthing off to people in positions of power.]

[The man had an energy about him and a grin that could reassure even the most doubtful. One of the sparse memories Darin still has of his father is of that grin. Reassuring him and Dromas that they weren't mistakes.]

[They were treasures. His treasures. The "culmination of all of his adventures."]

[Darin's eyes fall to a recess in one of the grand hallways where a large cloister of candles are housed. Dozens are flickering with dim flames but plenty still remain unlit. Darin watches as a couple lights a few in somber silence.]

[That's right...all of this was for a festival that celebrated the dead, wasn't it?]

[He stops in place and looks towards the candles, but makes no move to head towards them. But Zelda can feel it in his muscles. In the slight lean of his body. Like he's stopping himself from paying his respects.]

[ Zelda doesn't press Darin for a response, even though she takes his silence to mean that her words have challenged his own preconceptions-- whether about himself, leadership, knighthood, or something else entirely, she doesn't know. Regardless, pressing him often leads to an argument and Zelda would rather not ruin tonight with arguments.

In the silence, she follows the direction of his gaze to the large cloister of candles. This isn't a decorative display like she would normally see at a ball and there's a brief moment of questioning in her expression... but watching a couple pause to light a few candles, suddenly it clicks.

These aren't for decoration. These are for memorial.

Which Darin seems to have noticed too, because he pauses and seems like he's about to lead Zelda over there... but doesn't. She can easily feel the hesitation in his body language, as if he is purposefully holding back himself back. But why? He has lost people he loves-- his entire family, one. Why not stop and light a few candles in their memory?

Zelda considers asking him, or simply encouraging him, but maybe it's better if she doesn't put him on the spot. There is another way she can do this. ]

Darin... would you mind if we stopped there for a moment? [ She nods her head towards the candles. ] I'd like to light a candle for Queen Sonia...

[ And perhaps also for her father and the Champions, or even her mother, but Zelda has mourned and memorialized all of them before. Sonia, she has not. ]

[He words jolt him out of his ruminations and he gazes down at her as if he's not entirely present. Like the request just hit the ear wrong and he can't parse it.]

[But when the request registers and his eyes flicker with recognition, he nods.]

Y-Yeah...yeah, of course. I'd...I'd like to light one as well. If you don't mind.

[He's being intentionally obtuse as to whether he means he wants to light one for Sonia or for his own loved ones. Darin's trauma and grief are hard to express and he's been trained by his world to tamp it down. But the cracks are forming. Zelda's uniquely special in that she's seen more of what's behind his mask than anyone else.]

[He leads her to the recess where the candles line the wall in different heights. Small groups of candles flicker while others stand cold and lifeless, waiting for a flame of remembrance to ignite upon them. Darin finds a long, ornate piece of metal holding a wick that can be used to light one candle with the flame of another and he dutifully holds it out to Zelda.]

[He licks his lips as if his mouth were suddenly dry. As if he wants to say something but holds his tongue.]

H...Here.

[ Zelda has learned to read Darin the same way that she reads Link-- slowly and carefully, knowing that there is far more beneath the surface than either man shows. Their reasons are somewhat similar, but the manner in which they hide themselves could not be more different. Link suppressed his emotions until he became as stone; Darin shaped himself into someone else entirely.

Over time (and helped in large part by amnesia), the stone cracked and the real Link began to shine through. Perhaps someday Darin will discard his mask. He has allowed Zelda to see beneath it, to glimpse the truth of who he is. If only she could, she would snatch that mask away from him and throw it into the sea. But she can't be the one to remove it; Darin has to do so in his own time.

Zelda holds up her hand to decline the offered flame. ]

Would you mind going first? I haven't thought of what I want to say.

[ It's a lie and it wouldn't come as a surprise if Darin was able to see that. But Zelda can see that he has something to say. Perhaps she can, in a manner, encourage him to speak. ]

[Darin looks at her and then at the wick in his hands, pondering it like one might stare into a campfire. He nods slowly and moves to light it with the flame of another candle.]

[Where does he begin...? How does he start grieving people he'd never had the chance to properly grieve? He was just born when his mother died. And he was fighting for his life when his brother and father's remains were laid to rest. He woke up and instead of celebration for his well-being, he was forced to contend with one question.]

['Why did you survive?']

[So...maybe it's best to start with a question.]

Did I...Did I ever tell you...why I'm so afraid of ghosts...?

[It's rhetorical. Darin's never told anyone why he's scared of ghosts. Not even Acteon. It's a fear that's rooted deep in his image of himself. One that he has always refused to address...until someone came along and made him wonder if maybe he could be more. To someone. To himself.]

You...know how they say ghosts are created...right? That people die with...unfinished business. Or they die feeling strong emotions that...that tether their spirits to their world...

[Darin can already feel the emotion causing a lump to form in his throat. He swallows but it persists, and so too must he.]

My mom...died giving birth to Dromas and me. My dad and Dromas...they died protecting me. And...heh...and Dromas came back all twisted and— ...he hates me. What I am. But...but the fear began long before that...

I was always...I was always afraid that my parents didn't pass on like they should have. That they could see what I became or...what I didn't become.

[Shakily, he lights one candle.]

I don't even know my own mother's voice...what would she say if she saw how I lived...?

[He lights another.]

A-And my dad? Heh...I'm sure he had such high hopes for Dromas and I. We were gonna be knights. The man was a real life hero and what am I? I was born to become what heroes fight against.

[He hesitates...but lights a third candle.]

And Dromas...I've let him down too. He died in my place. Protecting me. If he'd been the one to survive...he probably wouldn't have walked away from our dream. He's come back and he's seen how much of my life I've wasted.

[Darin exhales slowly and takes a step back. He watches the three candles beginning to burn. Slowly, the wax begins to dribble...]

[And Darin finds himself unable to hold back the lifetime of sadness that has sat within him. Congealing like a murky pool in the depths of a cave. Deep and unfathomable where no light can reach. Tears trickle down his cheeks in time with the wax.]

I'm scared of ghosts because I'm scared that one day I'll cross paths with the ghosts of my parents. I'm terrified of how disappointed they must be. I'm scared that the first time I hear my mother's voice, it'll be to tell me that I've let her down.

[He steels his jaw and stares into the flames, too afraid to avert his gaze. He doesn't want to see the pitiable look Zelda must be giving him.]

I'm their unfinished business, Zelda. Just like I'm Dromas' unfinished business. He has every right to hate me for the joke that I've become. Caught between who I am and what I am. Every ghost, every specter, every phantom...

...They're just reminders that regret transcends life.

And when I see them, I can't help but wonder if my family regrets me.

Edited 2024-11-04 21:11 (UTC)

[ Zelda listens quietly, keeping her eyes on the candles in order to spare Darin any potential discomfort her gaze might unintentionally cause. She has to fight the urge to interrupt him and refute his assumptions of how his family would feel about him if they could see him today. It's not just because she believes wholeheartedly that they would feel nothing but love for him-- it's because the princess has been here herself, when she survived the Calamity that killed almost everyone she loved. She know the guilt of being the one who survived.

As she watches the candles, Zelda can feel her eyes beginning to burn. That's unusual-- smoke from candle flame usually doesn't bother her eyes. She removes a handkerchief from a hidden pocket on her dress and dabs her eyes with it.

But it doesn't help. If anything, it makes her eyes feel worse, like she's on the verge of tears herself. Swallow them, she reminds herself. Don't let them fall. A princess must not cry, even at a memorial. A princess must be strong and steadfast for others.

As Darin falls silent, Zelda leans in against his arm, using her weight to remind him of what's real and bring him back to the present, lest he get lost in his grief. She lets the silence hang in the air for a moment, giving him space to breathe, before she speaks. ]

If the spirits of your parents yet linger in your world, I do not believe that it's regret that holds them.

[ Zelda carefully takes the wick from Darin's hand and lights the first two of her candles ]

There are many different types of spirits in Hyrule, including ghosts like these, clinging to the living world because they refuse to leave it just yet. Some refuse to leave behind their unfinished business, their unfulfilled duties. Others are trapped by the strength of their own emotions.

[ She lights her third and fourth candles. ]

When the Champions were killed by Calamity Ganon's blight, their spirits remained within the Divine Beasts they once piloted. I suspect they may have been trapped by the blight, but even if they weren't, I believe they would have chosen to remain. They died before they could fulfill their duties to protect Hyrule from the Calamity; they would never allow themselves to rest while the beast yet lived.

When Link freed the Divine Beast's from Ganon's control, the other Champions pledged to fight by his side to defeat Ganon once and for all.

[ She lights her fifth candle. The smoke is really starting to bother her eyes now. ]

My father died in the Calamity as well, but his guilt and his regrets kept him chained to the land. For one hundred years, he held vigil over the Shrine of Resurrection, waiting for Link to emerge fully healed. And when he finally did, Father-- [ A small sob chokes her and the tears she's been holding back spill over. ] --Father asked Link to save me. Not Hyrule. Me.

[ Zelda has more candles, but she pauses here for the moment, eyes locked on her five candles. ]

For a long time, I used to ask, "Why me?" Why was I the only one to survive the Calamity when I was the least worthy to live? The Champions were depending on me to awaken my sealing power so that we could defeat Calamity Ganon before it destroyed our home. They died believing in me. Why did these incredible warriors have to be the ones to die? I was the one who was weak. I was the one who failed. It should have been my life the Calamity claimed, not theirs. My father, the Champions, they should have hated me for surviving when they did not.

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

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