escordvi | « october: ghoul's moon 2024 »

Entry tags:

« october: ghoul's moon 2024 »

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

[ Despite the haze of warmth clouding her mind, Zelda does hear that click-- the unmistakable sound of someone snapping a photograph. Oh no. Someone must have just taken a picture of the newlyweds-- newlyweds who are actually just borrowing Zelda and Darin's bodies to tie the knot.

Zelda mentally nudges Elise to, ah, hurry up a bit, lest the photographer decide to take any more pictures.

The lady's spirit hums in amusement, deliberately extending the kiss a few long seconds more... then finally breaking it with a sensuous exhale. She gives Hector one last heated look before turning her attention to the minister.

Cherry eyes sparkle with delight as Elise notices the picture in his hand... and then turn mischievous when she feels Zelda's fluster grow. ]

Oh, thank you, Minister, that is most kind! Here, let me give you my... what's the word... hellphone address.

[ Elise disentangles herself from Hector so that she can give the minister Zelda's shellphone number. How convenient that this mental connection is! The lady is privy to all sorts of information in the princess's mind. ]

Edited 2024-11-12 02:00 (UTC)

[Darin, all the while, stands back dutifully with his hands clasped behind his back. Which, given his sleeveless attire and the fact that the jacket and dress shirt are barely holding on to his broad frame, just makes it look like he's posing.]

[He, similarly, has a smirk on his face. Not just because being able to kiss Elise like that after centuries is a dream long awaiting fulfillment, but because Darin is similarly having a difficult time in the...heat of the moment. The looks Elise was giving Hector using Zelda's body were searing themselves into his mind. He didn't think Zelda was capable of such low-lidded, sultry looks but now he'd give anything to try and find a way to get her to make them again.]

[With the details exchanged and a souvenir photo in hand, Hector bows to the minister and leads his new wife out of the chapel by the hand.]

We owe you two a debt that I fear can never truly be repaid. You have our eternal gratitude.

[Hector turns to Elise with a warm, loving smile.]

I believe it is about that time, my love. We should leave these two to their...musings...

We have stolen enough of their time...

Edited 2024-11-12 02:06 (UTC)

[ Part of the reason Zelda is continuing to let Elise remain in control of her body is because she's still trying to get her heady thoughts under control-- something that Elise is delighting in making more difficult for her by actively replaying that last kiss in Zelda's mind. The princess is still feeling all sorts of worked up from that.

But the other part is that she's reluctant to say goodbye to Elise and Hector. It's not because Zelda wants the lady's spirit to stay in her mind. It's just that, once they leave, it will just be Zelda and Darin... alone together... with quite a few things they need to talk about.

And Zelda is more than a little bit anxious about the prospect. Yes, she could tell that he was enjoying kissing her-- he was just as enthusiastic about it as she was. But how much of that enthusiasm was actually Darin and not just Hector? Ever since that first kiss, it's been difficult to tell where one man's feelings end and the other man's begin. Zelda can barely sort that out between her and Elise.

The lady, of course, has no compunctions about leaving the princess alone with her tangled thoughts and the object of her desires. She smiles up at Hector, equal parts affectionate and impish. ]

Yes, I do believe we have imposed ourselves upon them a bit too much. [ Said in such a way that all parties know exactly what Elise is implying. ]

Hector's right, we cannot ever repay you both for your help... but there is a little something I can offer. The sirens have kept my chambers largely the same over these past centuries... including the key I hid for Hector.

Please make use of them to, ah, "work things out" between yourselves.

[ In Zelda's (stunned silent) mind, Elise leaves a memory of how to reach her chambers, as well as where to find the hidden key. ]

Edited 2024-11-12 03:40 (UTC)

[For Darin, Hector leaves some private words.]

[You are a good and honorable man, Sir Altway. I sense a fearsome power in you and I understand your fears. You do not fear what you will become. You fear the hurt you may visit upon your loved ones. My only advice to you is that you remember what you mean to those who would call you friend. I often doubted myself and found solace and meaning in Elise's eyes. I pray that you too find the same path forward in Lady Zelda's...]

[Darin can feel a lump in his throat. Hector easily saw through some of his greatest fears...but perhaps that is because the man himself resonated with them. He hasn't even fully comprehended what Elise's parting message could imply.]

[In a rush of cool wind, Darin feels himself grow lighter. As if a weight were being lifted off his shoulders. The brisk gale cuts through them from the back and when it fades two specters stand, hand-in-hand. Handsome, Raven-haired Hector standing with his stunning new wife, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders like radiant pitch, clad in their finest looking every bit as youthful as they no doubt looked in life. On their ring fingers, crimson red, braided bands with black, ethereal roses, inverted shadows of the rings Zelda and Darin now wear in their stead.]

[They offer one final bow in thanks before Hector sweeps Elise into his arms. He kisses her lovingly before he begins to ascend into the dark rafters of Helice Palace leaving Darin and Zelda alone...]

[Darin can't help but smile seeing two people finally fulfill their dream of being together. Whatever awaited them in the afterlife, he hoped they could be truly happy. And after all of that, his fear of ghosts seemed almost childish. Zelda was right...not all phantoms were filled with hate or sorrow. Some just needed a push to find their proper path.]

[A push that Darin was feeling himself, in light of Hector's words.]

[He clears his throat and turns to Zelda.]

So...I uh. I never...really got a chance to finish telling you what I wanted to say before but...after all of that? Words are kinda...well, where do I even begin...right?

[He turns to her with a lopsided smile, his cheeks burning red.]

So...maybe...there's something else I can do instead. Something that might...make a little more sense...?

[He takes a slow, steadying breath...and he reaches up to his own face. Slowly, he peels the domino mask off. He then takes her hand, turns it over, and places the mask into her hand.]

[Darin's lived by some mask or another his entire life. He's always been so scared to show who he really is. How he really feels. He fought Zelda tooth and nail to keep his mask on, to keep his guard up, so sure in his assessment that he'd be better off without her. But he couldn't be further from the truth. Zelda has changed his life. She's made him unquestionably stronger. She's given him the gift of want. And to hide his true self, his true feelings, behind a mask before her was a grave disservice to everything she continues to do for him.]

[He doesn't want to hide anymore. He wants her to see him. All of him. Because he trusts her with everything that he is.]

[The smile he offers her isn't his usual wide, brimming smile. It's reserved and shy. It's nervous and hopeful. This is who he is— a young man in love. Scared and excited, anxious and clumsy. Darin Altway is a young man who wants to be good.]

[And he wants Zelda— not Princess Zelda, to see him for who he is.]

[He doesn't know if she'll understand the gesture. And he bows his head a little in embarrassment as he realizes that this likely only means something to him.]

[But he hopes she'll understand. Somehow.]

Edited 2024-11-12 05:35 (UTC)

[ Elise nearly parts from Zelda without another word... but, sensing the princess's anxiety, changes her mind.

Girl, listen to me.

You're in love with that boy.

And I barely even need to look at him to see that he's in love with you too. He looks at you like a lost sailor looks at the polar star.

Stop hiding behind your worries and your duty and all that other nonsense you've got rattling around in here. Go upstairs, tell him the truth, and work out your shit together. Just because this won't last forever doesn't mean you shouldn't be lovers while you have the chance.

If you don't, you're going to regret it. And I don't think I have to tell you what that feels like.

She definitely doesn't. Zelda has a lifetime's worth of regrets weighing on her mind-- all the things she wishes she had said and done with her father and the Champions while they were still alive.

Maybe Elise is right. If Zelda was to wake up tomorrow morning and find Darin gone, she would be filled with regret over never telling him how she feels.

She can't keep going on like this. She has to tell him. ]

Edited 2024-11-13 04:07 (UTC)

[ After the spirits depart, Zelda turns to Darin at the same time that he turns to her. Just looking at him makes her mind fill up with images of kissing him and Zelda's cheeks bloom crimson with embarrassment. Elise is right-- they have to talk... or else Zelda won't even be able to be in the same room as Darin without feeling self conscious.

But before she can figure out how to even start that conversation, Darin breaks the silence. Just like her, he's bright red, fumbling over his words and offering a lopsided smile. It seems like Zelda isn't the only one feeling awkward now that it's just the two of them again.

With no small amount of nervousness, Darin removes his mask, then takes Zelda's hand and carefully places it in her upright palm.

Zelda looks down at the mask for a moment, then looks up at Darin again, her expression quizzical. Is this what he meant, that he was trying to find something he could do that would express the feelings he couldn't figure out how to put into words? But what exactly is he trying to say? Why does he look so shy when all he's done is give her--...

His mask.

Realization dawns in her expression like the first rays of morning light. He's... He's removing his mask. The one he has always hidden himself behind, ever since he was a little boy whom no one wanted to love. The one he staunchly fought to keep Zelda from seeing behind when they first met. The one he has begun to lower in the months since their fight with Ganondorf.

And behind it... behind it is the man she is falling in love with. A man who is not always loud and brash and confident, but also nervous and timid and hopeful. A man who averts his eyes and shyly looks away as it appears that his gesture has not been understood by the woman he is trying to show himself to.

Zelda curls her fingers protectively around the mask and presses her hand against her chest, right over her heart. As she does so, she steps closer to him, leaning slightly to the side to bring herself into his field of view. She seeks his gaze, and when she catches it, she gives him a gentle smile. ]

I... believe I understand.

[ With her free hand, Zelda removes her own mask as well. It is not as symbolic a gesture as his, but as he is offering to show his true self, so too will she.

And that means the part of herself Elise has told her to stop pushing down. ]

Darin, could we... go upstairs? I'd... I'd like to be alone with you for a little while.

[ In Zelda's eyes is that same hopeful, bashful look... The look of a young woman falling in love. ]

[Darin tilts his head and blinks owlishly. 'Upstairs?' Were they even allowed upstairs? He remembered hearing that rooms would be available for rent for those who wished to stay the night in Helice Palace...be he didn't recall Zelda mentioning she wanted to stay in a room...]

[And besides, Zelda's a princess. What could be so enticing here that she hasn't already had once herself? Darin assumed getting to stay the night in a palace was a novelty reserved for tourists. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious...he's never set foot inside of a palace before today.]

[Darin glances around. Couples filter in and out of the hallways, ballrooms, and banquet halls. They've been here for awhile but, like every event on the Naughtilust, it seemed like this soiree would last until sunrise, if not later than that. And...she and Darin should probably talk. After all, he kissed her. It was a gross breach of trust and boundaries but that was all he could think to do! Not to mention Hector's influence probably pushed him to that point and— gods, he should apologize. But if he was going to do, privacy and discretion were probably best.]

[Two things that Darin was famously bad at.]

[He laughs a little and nods, trying his best to gloss over his uncertainty. Hiding it outright would go against the gesture of removing his mask.]

[He clears his throat once more and politely offers an arm.]

Lead the way...?

[ Zelda interprets Darin's uncertainty as nervousness, assuming that he has already figured out where she's taking him (Elise's chambers) and what they're going to do there (talk about everything that's just happened between them). Her expression slips back into anxiousness as she places her hand on his arm. Whereas earlier, she was completely comfortable clinging to his arm and leaning against him, now she's carefully keeping her touch exactly as dictated by etiquette.

Nodding wordlessly, Zelda leads Darin to a magitech lift that will take them to the upper floors of the palace. Normally, such a machine would immediately grab the princess's attention and she would forget her worries as she excitedly examined it. But right now, even technology isn't enough to break through Zelda's nervousness. The ride in the lift is a tense and silent one.

Once they reach the appropriate floor, Zelda navigates the way to the rooms that used to be Elise's chambers. She crouches down next to a large planter beside the doors and feels around for the hidden compartment Elise showed her in her memories. Sure enough, it's exactly where the lady remembered it to be... as is a single ornate key. Straightening, Zelda unlocks the doors and ushers Darin inside before locking them again behind her.

The chambers of the former Lady of Helice Palace look almost exactly the same as they did in Elise's memory. It seems like the sirens have maintained them throughout the centuries (likely as an expensive suite to rent). Grand and spacious, the rooms are furnished with ornate dark wood furniture, stylish rugs, and an array of exotic plants. Inside the bedroom proper is a large four-post bed covered with a luxurious damask bedspread, matching drapes, and no less than a dozen pillows tossed upon it. The bed faces a large stone hearth, presently unlit (it's not quite cold enough to warrant a fire tonight). ]

W-Well, here we are. [ Zelda says in an awkward attempt to break the even more awkward silence. ] L-- Elise said these were her chambers and that we could... use them... if we wanted.

[ Already, Zelda is second-guessing her decision. Goddess, why did she ever think this was a good idea? They could've found an empty parlor downstairs in which to talk. Bringing him to this decadent room... he's going to assume she's trying to tempt him into bed with her! ]

[Oh gods...she's uncomfortable around him. She's acting so stiff and formal. He's going to have to fix this. He has to!]

[Darin, similarly, barely registers the magnificence of the magitech lift. He's already going over ideas in his mind on how to ask for Zelda's forgiveness. Flowers? Nah, that's too ordinary. And bowing his head always seemed to make her feel awkward. Maybe he could make her something? Ugh, but he doesn't have his tools, or materials, or a workspace...! Maybe he could make her a special dinner? No, that just means things will be like this until tomorrow and he wouldn't be able to stand it if such a good night ended in such a poor way! Come on, Altway, think! You might not have any experience with women but you're an expert craftsman! You always know what someone needs!]

[He's only shaken out of his thoughts when he sees Zelda reaching for some sort of secret compartment. When she procures a key...well, he's more than a little curious.]

[He steps inside the enormous chambers and he looks around incredulously. A few steps in and he turns to admire the furnishings, the ornate sconces casting the chambers in an inviting glow, the decor...]

[He turns in place and meets Zelda's gaze.]

...Elise's chambers?

[He casts one more look around the room and then...]

...No way! Zelda, this is incredible! I've never seen anything like— is that a fireplace?!

[He runs over to poke around the stone hearth excitedly.]

Do nobles really have fireplaces in their rooms?! Isn't that like...a fire hazard? Hah! Did Elise say anything else? Did she leave a treasure or something up here to thank us??

[Darin is, of course, still nervous. And there's a tinge of that in his excited musings. But behind that is a young man who is just excited to be sharing something new with someone he treasures. For all his talk of breaking cages...it's easy to forget how trapped he's been by his own self-imposed limits. He's only ever known Kenmore and Arclight and been given every reason to believe the world beyond those two places would never want or accept him.]

[And now he's in a world where people not only want and care for him...but want to see him grow.]

[He just wants to grow with her.]

Did she leave us any clues? Maybe a cryptic riddle? She seemed like the type to enjoy riddles...

[ Well

At least he didn't immediately assume she was trying to take him to bed.

Zelda can't do anything but stare, bemused, as Darin moves about the chambers, poking into this and that and rattling off questions faster than she can even begin to answer. This is far from the reaction she expected from him... but then again, maybe that was her own misjudgment. Darin has probably never seen-- or even heard about-- what the bedchambers would look like inside a noble's manor or a king's palace. His home in Alvale is probably smaller than Elise's suite. After all, the entirety of the house in Hateno could have fit within Zelda's bedroom in Hyrule Castle.

Darin's enthusiasm at least has the unintended effect of soothing Zelda's nerves a little. It reminds her that he's still Darin, still the boyishly charming and excitable friend she adores. ]

No, I don't believe she left behind a treasure here. [ Zelda sets the two masks and the photograph on a coffee table in the entry room and follows Darin to where he is investigating the hearth in the bedroom. ] She wanted us to use these rooms to... "work things out between us," as she said. I felt she was rather clear about what she meant...

[ Zelda fidgets, tucking a flyaway strand of hair behind one ear. Her mask was doing a good job of holding her upswept hairstyle in place-- with it gone, everything is starting to come loose and fall down. ]

[Darin turns to regard her, a look of confusion and bewilderment settling in as the wonderment passes.]

...What's there to work out?

[He pauses for a moment before he tries to answer his own question.]

Zelda, if...this is about when I kissed you, I...

[He takes a deep breath and prepares to speak. But...then he stops.]

...How...do you feel about it?

[How many times has he always jumped to the worst conclusion possible? Launched into some sort of passionate explanation to advocate for or admonish himself before ever thinking to hear her side. How many times has he just assumed how she felt and always been stunned to find she felt differently?]

[No. No more. He has to trust in and listen to her...]

I...want to hear your thoughts. I don't want to speak for you or just...assume things anymore. That's not how any of this should work.

[ How does she feel about it... That's the million rupee question, isn't it?

Zelda feels a dozen different ways right now, all of them whipped up into a frenzied whirlpool thanks to the events of the past hour with Elise and Hector. There are a dozen different ways she wants to answer Darin's question, everything from telling the truth to outright lying and burying her feelings forever. What she "should do" wars with what she "shouldn't do." Her wants war with her responsibilities. A lifetime of instruction on how to conduct herself as the next sovereign of Hyrule clashes against months of encouragement to be true to herself.

In reality, she already knows what she needs to say. Elise was right; Zelda needs to be honest with Darin. Everything else she's thinking about?-- it's all just a frantic scramble for an excuse to avoid an awkward and potentially shameful explanation. She doesn't want to risk harming her friendship with Darin... but after how they kissed in the garden and then before the minister, avoiding this conversation would be more damaging to their friendship than anything they might say.

(And what if Elise is right? What if Darin really does love her? It almost sounded like he was about to say that before Hector interrupted him.)

Zelda takes a deep breath, then lets it out in a shaky exhale. The truth, Zelda. He deserves the truth. ]

I... I enjoyed it.

[ She fidgets with her hands in front of her, gaze stuck on the floor. ]

I... Darin, I-- I find you very attractive. I always thought you handsome from the outset, but ever since you stayed with me after our altercation with Ganondorf, that feeling has... grown.

[ She chews her lip nervously, her face filling with color. ]

I don't want you to think that my only feelings for you are physical. I care for you deeply. You are my dearest friend.

[ "I think I'm in love with you."

But she stops short of admitting that. Zelda still hasn't made sense of that feeling yet. It feels like she is falling for him and falling hard, but it's only been a few days since she had that realization. She needs to be more sure of it before she tells him. The last thing she wants to do is break his heart if she discovers that her feelings are not as romantic as they seem in this moment. ]

I have kept these feelings to myself because I do not wish to make you uncomfortable around me. B-But... but the way you kissed me...

Th-Th-The truth is.. The truth is I enjoyed it. M-More than is polite to admit. A-And I do not wish to cause you unease, but I can no longer continue to hide how I feel.

[Darin's expression shifts from mild concern to surprise as Zelda begins to explain herself. Was...Was this a confession? Darin's never been confessed to in his life...and he'd only ever heard or read about confessions like this. He always wondered what it would feel like to hear that a girl actually liked him.]

[His heart is practically pounding out of his chest as Zelda continues. She finds him attractive?? She really does??]

[And while Zelda might try and reassure him that hers is more than just a physical attraction, Darin hadn't even considered that a possibility. Zelda wasn't that type of person but...the fact that she was trying to assuage his fears made him realize that...]

[Zelda's scared.]

[Probably scared she's going to ruin something between them or that he'd abandon her and...gods he's never seen her like this before. She's always carried herself with poise and resolution and seeing her seem so unsure of herself just makes him realize how much of herself she hides out of duty and station.]

[Hector always strove to see Elise for who she was. Now Darin understands. Beneath the title and trappings, Zelda's just a young woman likely as inexperienced as he is.]

[There's a phenomenon that when someone you love is in dire straits, you often find the courage and clarity of mind to take the lead. To allow them their moment to feel scared and insecure while taking control of the situation. How many times has Zelda taken point when he was drowning in his own sea of uncertainty?]

[Seeing her like this only boosts his resolve. Whether this was love or something else...he'd sort it out in time. But right now, she needed something strong and stable to support her.]

[He steps forward and takes her hands gently in his. Then, with a curled finger, he hooks her chin so she can look at him.]

I like you, Zelda.

A lot.

I kissed you because I've wanted to kiss you for months. And I don't want you to hide anything from me anymore. Whatever it is, I'll accept it. I'll accept every facet of you just like you've accepted me.

There isn't a single thing about you that I don't treasure. From your love of frogs to the way you fuss with your hair when you're nervous.

[His face is burning red, but he pushes through to give her one of his trademark grins. But this one is different than all of the others— the confidence isn't bravado. It's not an act. He wants to take on the world not just for her, but with her.]

I'm your blacksmith. Yours.

[And then...he lifts her hand and kisses the top of it gingerly. Right next to the ring he'd made.]

Nothing's gonna change that.

[ Zelda stares up at Darin with wide green eyes, looking so much less a sovereign leader and so much more a girl admitting a crush.

Her heart leaps into her throat. He likes her? A lot? He's wanted to kiss her? For months?? The gears in her mind turn frantically as she races back through their every interaction over the last few months. Then... then she wasn't imagining things back when they almost kissed in her apartment. He did want to kiss her then, didn't he?

The way he smiles at her... The way he calls himself hers... Her blacksmith. Hers. Hers.

The kiss he places on the top of her hand causes her breath to hitch. Zelda has received a kiss like this many a time; it's a common show of deference to a princess. But never has such a kiss caused her insides to turn to jelly. ]

It's... more than just that. It's not merely that I enjoyed kissing you. It's that I... I desire you.

['Desire?']

[Darin almost asks 'Desire me to do what?' but catches himself. That brief connection he shared with her when they kissed thanks to Hector and Elise was beginning to fill in the blanks. It was fleeting but...he could feel it. In the low-lidded way she looked at him. The sultry whispers and hot puffs of breath on his lips. It was there back in her apartment the day after he awoke from his injuries too, wasn't it? That...heat.]

[Darin's spent his lifetime in the forge but he's never felt a heat like that before.]

[And he certainly didn't want to shy away from it.]

[His cheeks are burning crimson and his countenance falters slightly. With her hands still in his, he swallows the lump forming in his throat in hopes that it stops his heart from leaping up to take its place.]

[Part of him wants to crack a joke. To diffuse the tension with a charming remark. Maybe even a little self-deprecating humor as he's so fond of. But Zelda looks so...fraught and uncomfortable admitting this. Playing off of it would just make her feel all alone.]

[Darin knows that feeling.]

[So..he exhales a little laugh.]

You think I don't desire you too...? Zelda, you know I sketch don't you...?

[He lets the implication hang before he continues.]

Every time you sidle up to me. Every moment I have you in my arms I'm...very aware of you.

And trust me, if I didn't like it, I wouldn't look for every opportunity for you to jump back into them.

Edited 2024-11-14 00:44 (UTC)

[ Somehow, she's not terribly surprised when he tells her that he desires her. She had a feeling... not just in the way he kissed her in the garden, but in the way his eyes and his hands have traveled over her body all night.

The color in Zelda's cheeks deepens as Darin admits that he feels more than just comfort when he holds her in his arms. ]

I... thought you simply found it easier to hug me that way. You are so much taller than me and you can pick me up as though I weigh nothing to you. [ She glances guiltily away, a sheepish smile forming on her lips. ] ...I have come to quite enjoy how you hold me.

[ Zelda's gaze returns to his, this time with a question amidst her blushing self-consciousness. ]

You... You said you sketch me?

[ She picked up the implication, yes, but she also wants to hear it directly from him. ]

I do.

Sometimes without even thinking about it. That's how much you're on my mind...

[The more he shares...the more comfortable he's beginning to feel. Zelda doesn't judge him. She's always so...engaged and interested in him. And now, he realizes that maybe it's because there's more there than just passing interest.]

[He releases her hands and places his hands on her hips, effortlessly lifting her into his arms so that their height difference ceases to be an issue. After all, she likes to be held and what kind of a man would he be if he denied her such a simple pleasure?]

Zelda...whatever this is...whatever we have...

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to explore it...

[And they both know how much he hates lying...]

[ A little noise of surprise escapes Zelda's lips as Darin picks her up and holds her in his arms. Somehow, being in his arms actually makes her feel less embarrassed about this conversation than when she was standing. It's kind of incredible how comfortable she is like this. ]

I would too... [ Her voice grows quieter, not quite a whisper but not quite her normal tone either. Something more appropriate for their current closeness.

Gently, Zelda lifts her left hand and places it on Darin's cheek. She can't help but notice the ring on her finger with its tiny rose. Whatever this is... whatever they have... Zelda has no idea herself. She only know that she feels it strongly. ]

... And you are... all right? Not knowing what this is between us?

[Darin leans his cheek into her touch— he nuzzles her hand. He loves this...he loves when she touches his cheek or rests her forehead against his. It makes him feel human. Loved and cared for and acknowledged. It feels like home and his sheepish grin turns into a content smile.]

Of course I'm alright with it. Isn't that kind of the fun part?

We're not just...floundering in the dark by ourselves trying to make sense of it.

We do it together.

Zelda...I want this.

...I want you.

As...long as you'll want me...

[ She loves this... She loves the way he responds to her touch, the way he reciprocates it. It's soft and affectionate. It's gentle and loving. Darin is warm and tender and when he cradles her in his arms, Zelda feels like she is home. ]

I want you, Darin... [ She rubs her thumb over his cheek.

Then slowly, she leans in close... Close enough for her nose to brush against his. Her voice falls to a low whisper. ] Hylia, how I have wanted you...

[ Three times tonight they have kissed, and each time, Darin has been the one to instigate.

This time, it is Zelda's turn to instigate. She brushes her lips experimentally over his... before softly completing the connection. ]

[It feels like electricity. Like a live wire being touched to his lips. It's a shock that runs through his system. It floods his mind and drowns his senses. He's been the one to kiss her so many times tonight but he's never been kissed before. And gods above he loves it when she whispers against his lips. It feels like she's sharing the world with him, passing a secret truth directly through his lips and right into his heart. It makes him shiver in the best way possible.]

[As before, he kisses her once...twice...three times in soft, quick succession. As if he were stoking a fire with each press of his lips. Until finally the intensity blossoms into a roaring inferno— how fitting that they're before the hearth as the sparks fly because the heat radiating off of him might make the room feel a touch hot.]

[He keeps one hand at the small of her back where he can easily hold her against him while the other wanders her back. The soft murmurs and coos of pleasure from earlier are seared into his mind and now he wants to find what causes them. For Zelda's part, she doesn't have to do much. Each soft kiss, each peck of her lips, each touch of her hand on his cheek draws a sound from deep in his chest. One that reverberates through him and into her.]

[This time, there's no reason for them to stop. No ethereal eyes watching their ministrations or plumbing their thoughts. They're alone with the faint sound of the music and the revelry below them and the maroon tinged night streaming in through fine drapery.]

[He doesn't know how long they kiss. It could have been seconds or hours...all he knows is that it wasn't enough. But he breaks the kiss enough to huff a panting breath against her lips.]

So...what do you want to do now...?

[ Each kiss she gives is a bit more than the once which preceded it-- more firm against his lips, more airy when she takes a breath, more heated, more impatient, more hungry, more and more and more.

She can feel the warmth as it builds between them and, rather than shy away from it, she wants to be consumed by it. The heat of his hand on her bare back draws pleasant sounds from her lips, sounds muffled by their incessant kissing. If only she wasn't still wearing this magitech accessory, he would have free range to explore her entire back.

And that is to say nothing of the way the sounds he makes into her mouth set her alight. She never knew he could make sounds like this, so vulnerable and wanting.

She can't tell how long they kiss, but she nearly doesn't let him pull away. She's out of breath herself, panting against him, but she doesn't draw back. She presses her forehead against his, unwilling to move away as she catches her breath. ]

I was hoping you might... come to bed with me...

[ And in hopes that he will not misunderstand her, she removes her hand from his check and lowers it to his chest. Her fingertips pluck at the tattered bits of cloth that are all that remains of his shirt and jacket. There is an invitation in her touch to remove it. She has seen him without a shirt plenty of times, but never has she allowed herself to enjoy the sight. She has never allowed herself to touch him... ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« october: ghoul's moon 2024 »

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST PROBLEMS

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject