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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's thankful for the mask because he assumes it hides his blush...but the blush is so complete it extends out to his ears. Darin has never thought of himself as attractive by any measure...but Zelda's words hit a different chord with him. That he would look at home with the Knights of Hyrule.]

[To think that maybe...if he had been born anywhere else, he could have stood for the things he'd always wanted to stand for.]

[He guides them through the entryway where the grand hall splits off into different wings of the palace. People seem to be congregating towards the main ball room, so he begins to take their first steps in that direction.]

[He huffs contentedly as he actually internalizes Zelda's compliment before he responds.]

...Maybe if Alvale had someone like you, I wouldn't have given up wanting to become a knight.

[ Zelda catches sight of the color blooming on Darin's face and kindly lowers her gaze to spare him any embarrassment, but there is a fond smile on her face. ]

She would have been lucky to have you in her service...

[ She leans in against his arm as they head towards the ballroom. ]

...But I feel lucky that you are not, else you might not be in mine.

[ Zelda knows that being a knight was Darin's childhood dream and she doesn't want to disrespect that. But if he had become one, he would not be the same Darin he is today. He would bow to her with the respect befitting her station, rather than the flippancy she finds so charming. ]

[The way she leans into his arm makes Darin's heart leap into his throat. She's being so affectionate...is it because they're at a ball together? Or maybe she's just caught up in the experience. The palace is impressive— there's so many balconies, terraces, and gardens. Darin almost feels like he could get lost here.]

[As they step into the grand ballroom, Darin can't help but laugh sheepishly. There's already plenty of people dancing and the wrought iron chandeliers above the dance floor seem to be hovering magically. Will o' Wisp like flames linger about giving the whole room a sort of otherworldly glow. It's like the room is alight with burning pale blue and purple fireflies.]

You...might have to give me some pointers on etiquette here. I've never gone to one of these and...well, I don't know how to dance...

[ Zelda makes an impressed sound as they enter the ballroom, looking around to admire the decor. The blue flames upon the chandeliers really add to the ghostly atmosphere! Zelda wasn't exactly charmed by the whole idea of the Ghoul's Moon when she first woke up-- and why would she be? it's a blood red moon-- but the strange holiday is starting to grow on her. ]

You don't? [ She looks back to Darin in open surprise. Why did he invite her to a ball if he doesn't know how to dance? (...He does know that's the main thing you do at balls, right?)

But she nods to him and offers a reassuring smile. ] It's all right, I can teach you. You know how to count music, right? As long as you can do that, everything else is simply a matter of moving your feet to the right count.

[ Easy to say when you grew up with this stuff.

Zelda has been letting Darin lead her around thus far, but she catches the sound of the band warming up. They're just in time! Her smile widens, a giddy energy spreading through her as she starts to lead him onto the dance floor. ]

Come on! The best way to learn is by doing.

W-Well, wait...are you sure?? What if I trip you u—w-whoa!!

[He wasn't expecting Zelda to suddenly tug him onto the dance floor...and for all of his great strength, she manages to sweep him up so easily.]

[He stumbles after her as other couples start to make their way onto the floor. It seems like the first song is one with more of a beat, which...well, Darin certainly prefers that to the alternative. It gives him something to move his body to.]

[The music begins to pick up in pace and tempo and this ball certainly looks more like a festival dance than anything else. Darin always pictured these to be slow, stuffy affairs but this?]

[He could probably adapt to this.]

A-Alright...so, I can follow the beat well enough. Aren't there...stances? Forms?

[It sounds like he's talking about fighting.]

Positions. [ Zelda corrects with a laugh.

She moves to stand in front of him so that they are facing each other. ]

When dancing in pairs, one person leads the other. Traditionally, men lead, so I will teach you that, but I can lead instead if that will be easier.

First, extend your left arm to the side. [ Despite giving him a direction, Zelda actually just takes his arm and positions it. ] That will be the direction you lead.

Next, place your right hand on my back. [ Once more, she takes Darin's hand and moves it to her back. ] For a dance like this, it should be on my shoulder blade. Right about... there.

Now, my left hand goes on your shoulder-- [ She places it there. ] --and you take my right-- [ Zelda gestures for Darin to bring his left hand closer (he's so much taller than her!), then places hers in his palm. ] --and that's it. All you do now is follow the music.

[ Perhaps a bit of an oversimplified explanation, but Zelda beams up at Darin like she's an excellent teacher. ]

[Zelda is an exceptional teacher, of which there is no doubt. But it's not her zeal for teaching that Darin's focusing on. It's the way she's so casually positioning her hands around her body that he's becoming hyper-aware of (despite the fact he only very recently touched her bare back when examining the spine accessory).]

[He flusters as she goes about moving him like a figurine and before he realizes it, she's looking at him expectantly while he holds her in position.]

[Well, it's do-or-die time, isn't it?]

R...Right. The uh...the music.

[How Zelda doesn't hear the audible gulp as he swallows the lump in his throat is beyond him, but he trains his ear to the beat of the music and begins to move. Slowly. His steps, his motions...they're all rigid. And he keeps looking around at other couples— he probably looks so ridiculous. They look like they're having a much easier time of it. What if Zelda's embarrassed to be out here with him...?]

[ Zelda fully expects rigidity on Darin's part. It's his first dance; no one masters their first dance.

...Well, no one except Link. But Zelda always hated that about him, back when the two of them on the verge of adolescence and Link was brought in to be the princess's partner when she was learning to dance. They were to be partners in facing Calamity Ganon, her father said. They should learn to move together as one. (Zelda thought that was a silly excuse, but of course, she kept that to herself.)

The young princess had no ear for music, so of course, her skill in dancing lagged far behind Link's. She fought his lead constantly, stepped on his feet (accidentally and on purpose), and was all around a frightful dance partner.

And Link never once reacted.

Zelda does her best to follow Darin's jarring lead, carefully adjusting her steps to keep pace with him. He looks so out of his element, constantly looking around at all the other dancers as if he's trying to copy them. She can see how hard he's trying... and the considerable effort is making him all the more stiff. It's not the perfect dance by any means.

But it makes her heart flutter all the same, because it's perfect to her. ]

Don't look at them, Darin. Keep your eyes on me. [ She coaches in a patient tone. ] Your eyes will lead you wrong. Ignore everything else around you and let the music guide you.

R-Right...right, I'll just...

[He turns his gaze back to her in an attempt to not look and feel so foolish when something catches his attention in her periphery.]

[He looks up just in time to see two ghostly dance partners waft by just behind Zelda.]

[The color that Zelda had spent this time to painstakingly cultivate washes from his face in an instant. He hurriedly pulls Zelda close to him and spins away...]

[Only for the two of them to be intercepted by two more ghosts. They're not menacing them in any way...in fact, it looks like several want to offer Darin some tips. But Darin's kneejerk fear of the otherwordly specters has him moving on instinct.]

[He steps and leads Zelda away in a one-two hop, only to be intercepted again. One of the ghosts sees an opportunity to take a playful "swipe" at Zelda that has Darin twirl her away in attempt to dodge.]

[Seeing the brouhaha start in the center of the dance floor, the band decides to happily switch gears— upping the tempo of the song while Darin dodges ghosts with Zelda in tow.]

[It must seem eerily familiar— the moves, the sudden jumps and flowing movements. It's just like back on the Desert Wind. Except they're not fighting for their lives. Well, Zelda isn't at least. Darin's yelping and bounding around as he reels, pulls, and twirls her. Until one ghost comes flying in around shoulder height, causing Darin to sweep Zelda's leg and dip her so the ghost floats harmlessly overhead.]

Of course there'd be ghosts here!

[He hasn't realized he's been dancing the whole time.]

[ One moment, Zelda is nodding in encouragement-- the next, she is abruptly pulled in against Darin and spun. ]

Wait, Dari--

[ She starts to tell him that this isn't that kind of dance, but she's cut off as he leads her through a one-two hop, then into a twirl, and on and on.

Where did all this come from? She said listen to the music, not completely ignore it! This feels just like the "dance" he lead her in on the Desert Wind, when they were dodging strikes from Phantom--

Zelda yelps in surprise as Darin sweeps her leg up to dip her, and as her vision suddenly goes horizontal, that's when she sees it: the spirit wafting by overhead. ]

Didn't you see them when we arrived? There were a number of them milling about the entrance way.

[ Honestly, she figured he had already come to grips with that fact. Otherwise why else would he have invited her to a Ghoul's Moon party? ]

N-No! I had no idea! I was a little— GAH!

[He pulls Zelda up and against him as he spins away, unwittingly moving in time with the now sped-up tempo of the music. The ghosts, at this point, are clearly targeting Darin and Zelda— giving him the perfect reason to loosen up and cut loose.]

[That's to say nothing of Darin's hands. Before, he'd been rigidly making sure his hands did not deviate from that particular spot on her back and held her hand 'just so.' Now? Now his hands are all over. Her back, her waist, her hips. And more often than not, his other hand has laced his fingers with her as he twirls and spins her about.]

[As the song reaches a crescendo, he spins her out away from him, catching her hand so she snap-stopss in place, just in time for a ghost to float just under their bridging arms. And when he spots one more ghost coming up behind her, her spins her back in until her back is pressed firmly against his chest. He holds her by both hands, both of their arms crossed in front of her protectively while his eyes dart around.]

I...I was distracted...!

[He looks down at her and...well, now he's a little more distracted because he is embracing her rather intimately.]

[ If she could, Zelda would probably laugh at the way the ghosts are obviously messing with them on purpose now. Maybe she should've explained dancing this way in the first place-- "just do the same thing you did against Ganondorf's phantom."

But laughing would require breath, and Zelda is decidedly out of breath as Darin whisks her along... and not just from the fast pace of their dance. No, it's the way his right hand travels over her body, how the fingers of his left are laced with hers, how every so often he pulls her up flush against him, chest to chest.

Zelda is an experienced ballroom dancer, to the point where it really doesn't move her emotionally. Dancing is just another one of the Princess of Hyrule's many duties. But this "dance," like the one they shared on Ganondorf's ship, makes her heart pound.

Darin spins her out, holds for a beat, then spins her back in. But this time, he pulls her in so that her back connects with his chest, crossing their arms in front of her.

Zelda tilts her head back to look up at him, about to ask what he was so distracted by that he didn't notice one of his greatest fears... when she notices that he is looking down at her and realizes what kind of view their current position and difference in height affords him. Zelda doesn't consider her bust to be anything more than 'modest' at best, but the bodice on this gown fits in such a way that it makes her cleavage look more... ample than usual. (Which is part of the reason she picked this dress in the first place.) And, well, Darin is at the perfect angle to notice that.

Her cheeks turn as red as the roses on her mask. No, don't think about that! (And especially don't wonder if he likes it!) ]

W-Well you don't need to panic. They clearly aren't trying to hurt us!

[If Darin tried to deny that his eyes were wandering, he'd be a liar and, as she's well aware, he hates lying. Truth be told, he was more preoccupied with not making a fool of himself in front of her tonight but...the moment he laid eyes on her in her dress, any semblance of rational thought flew out the window. Up until they set foot on the dance floor, she was the only thing in his field of vision. They were alone in the world and he was focused every time she leaned into him. Every gentle touch on his arm. Every laugh. Every meaningful look.]

[And now he's aware of her body pressed against his. Of his arms crossed over her petite frame and the view— gods the view. Darin's not the type of person to focus on physical features...especially given how harshly his were always judged. But Zelda is...well, her curves might not be substantial but they're certainly curves. Curves that are only accentuated by the bodice of her dress and the arch of that accessory on her back naturally leads the eye downward...]

[He tries to swallow the dryness in his mouth. Zelda was always beautiful to him but this is the first time he'd say she was...well.]

[Sexy.]

[He's panting slightly as the ghosts afford him a moment to cool himself down...though considering the sly smiles some of them are sporting, they might have realized that Darin's only heating up.]

[If Zelda watches him close enough, she'll likely see his eyes roam into the valley her dress has afforded him...but her words shake him out of his trance enough that he looks up and around.]

[The ghosts were waiting...as if they were hoping he'd catch on. They're not attacking. Some ghostly couples are simply moving in time with the music, waiting for the next refrain for this fun dance to start again. After all, this whole festival is meant to celebrate mischief as well as merriment, right?]

...They're playing with us.

[He speaks more to himself than to her, and Darin spies some of the ghostly dancers nodding in approval. And that's when it dawns on him.]

[They were helping him loosen up. Guiding his movements in a way that were familiar to him. And more than that, he was so focused on keeping Zelda safe, he'd been moving on instinct. Using his training to read movements to guide his own.]

[The music begins to swell. Brass and drums begin to kick in as the genre shifts into something akin to swing— something neither Darin or Zelda have likely ever heard but bodies don't need to be genre savvy to enjoy some good music.]

[Darin glances around at the ghosts preparing to move again and that telltale grin creases his boyishly handsome face. Then he gives Zelda a look.]

Second verse same as the first. Ready to dance, Sunshine~?

Edited 2024-10-28 07:15 (UTC)

[ Oh, she noticed where his eyes are going. And she's trying very hard to convince herself that she's offended. Of course she wouldn't want him to look at her like this. They're just friends... and they need to stay that way, for both their sakes.

The music starts to pick up again, this time in a tune she's never heard before. Now it's Zelda's turn to feel nervous. She hastily searches through her childhood dance lessons for something similar-- anything that will give her an idea how to move. She can count this music just fine, but that's probably not going to be good enough. The Princess of Hyrule can't be seen fumbling on the dance floor!

But Darin seems to notice her budding worry, because he's grinning down at her and giving her that cocky look that says he's about to do something unpredictable. She knows that look. She's seen it before. 'Trust me,' it seems to say.

Zelda swallows her nerves and nods. She's not the Princess of Hyrule here; she doesn't need to impress anyone. She's just Zelda. ]

On your lead.

[His grin only widens.]

[The drum starts to thump rapidly and Darin's head and foot bobs with the beat as he gets a feel for it. Zelda tried to teach him how to ballroom dance, but they both know that adhering to rigid tradition is the last thing he's capable of doing. Established norms? Set, structured steps? Darin's not himself if he's not doing things his own way.]

[His eyes dart from specter to specter who seem as eager to kick this off as he is.]

[And Darin just gives Zelda a short laugh.]

To the beat then~

[The specters start to move, whirling and twisting about like smoky streamers attempting to corral them. Darin spins Zelda out to arm's length, leaving her twirling for a moment while he does his own spin around a pair of dancing ghosts. His hand snaps out and catches Zelda's wrist as he passes near, stopping her spin with her back to his chest. He takes her right hand in his right and places his left hand on her hip, then guides her in a sweeping slide to their right as a pair of ghosts come twirling by.]

There it is, now we're cookin'~!

[Darin sets her twirling again, but he holds her hand up above her head as he moves around her, watching their small platoon of ghostly partners carefully for their next moves. One floats up and seems to gather the floating flames from one of the chandeliers in hand and sends them out as if he were scattering jacks around their feet.]

[Darin lets out a sharp laugh and pulls Zelda in close, chest-to-chest. He laces the fingers of his left hand with her right while his other hand takes her by the small of her back and pulls her in tight, practically hip to hip as he sets them prancing lightly between the popping flames at their feet, as if he were dodging poppers or small fireworks. Not to be outdone, a few more flames are sent spinning in their direction...]

[Causing Darin to really pull Zelda's hips tight against his, even going so far as to hook her leg by the thigh so he can dip her back a bit.]

[They have a moment and Darin can't help but whisper a snide remark.]

Hah! So, how about these positions? Didn't teach these in Princess School, I'm guessing~?

[ Darin's confidence gives Zelda confidence, a feeling which builds with each step of this strange dance. Strange, but somehow exhilarating. The room spins dizzyingly around Zelda as Darin twirls her at the end of his arm or reels her back in like she's caught on his line. Each time they connect, his hands move freely across her body, leaving her more breathless than the dance itself. He's not the only one heating up.

The ghosts dart about, barely more than smears of evanescent light across her vision as they dance. One spirit rises up to the chandeliers, gathering bits of spectral fire and scattering it across the dance floor.

Darin pulls Zelda back in against him. His hand slides down her lower back and pulls her flush against him. The firm contact of her hips against his causes a warm feeling to suddenly blossom below her naval, but before she can register what's happening, they're moving again. Darin effortlessly guides her steps between the tongues of blue and violet flame licking at their heels.

Suddenly, she feels him pull her in harder, hooking her leg and dipping her backward. As he holds them in this position for a moment, Zelda stares up breathlessly at him, eyes wide and face scarlet. ]

N-No, they did not. [ She's panting lightly when she responds, and it's not from exertion. ] I don't believe my dance instructor would be very fond of them.

[ But Zelda just might be... ]

[Darin has no idea just how flustered he's making Zelda— he's far too engrossed in the beat, in the thrill. Darin's not even sure he'd call this dancing...but from the way some of the other couples are moving, he could hardly be far off, right?]

[But he can't let that comment about her instructor not caring for his moves slide.]

That's okay. I'm used to not getting anyone's approval. I just do what feels right.

['Right' is punctuated as he pulls her back up to her feet against him as the music begins to swell into the song's climax. By now, Darin's getting used to moving in these shoes and his footwork has only gotten a little quicker. He pulls away from Zelda, holding her hand in his so that they both spin away from each other, separating them by a few paces. Darin takes a few quick steps and pivots, one arm sliding behind his own back as he extends a hand towards her. He almost looks like he's struck a traditional fencing pose.]

Big finish now~! Who cares how it looks! Forget whatever you were taught!

[She's got several paces between them now and clear path lined with ethereal fire. At the end? A man determined to break her out of the gilded cage of her title.]

[ Zelda comes to a stop and pivots to face him, finding several paces between them and Darin with one hand extended towards her.

'Forget what she was taught?' Zelda understands what he's getting at, but that's not quite her style. Why throw away what she knows when she could turn it into something new instead?

Zelda takes two elegant steps, positioning herself in the middle of the burning path. She holds there for a full count, locking eyes with Darin. And then she grins, her expression a mirror of the one he gave to her. 'Trust me,' it seems to say.

She kicks her right leg out in front of her, then swiftly moves it in a circle clockwise, while simultaneously rising up on the ball of her left foot. The combination of the two movements builds momentum, propelling her into a series of low pirouettes. But unlike normal pirouettes, each time Zelda completes a full rotation, she stamps her feet loudly against the floor before rising up again. The drums soon join in, adding to the percussion of her dance. Spin, stamp, spin, stamp, over and over again. With each stamp, the flames lining the path creep higher, until they're as tall as Zelda.

She drops out of her pirouette into one last stamp and the music starts to crescendo. Without breaking momentum, she twirls the remainder of the distance until she's close enough to take Darin's outstretched hand. She wraps his arm around her as she spins in and comes to a stop inches from his chest, the music finishing with a triumphant flourish. ]

[Darin watches her and before long, he realizes he's not the only one. It seems like all eyes are on Zelda as she builds up momentum, as she drives the beat...not just of the band but of his heart as well. That confident grin widens into one of elation. It reminded him of that night in her apartment...when he saw how much respect she could command. How such a slight woman had such a presence.]

[He finds himself stomping his own foot in time with hers.]

[She's incredible. She defies expectation. And when she takes his hand and twirls into him, he finds his other hand finding a natural place at her hip as he looks down at her. At some point he began to pant and it wasn't from exertion. Darin's athleticism and well of stamina are nearly boundless...but all of this energy has sucked his breath away.]

[She's sucked his breath away.]

[And when the song comes to an end and the music pauses and prepares for the next song, Darin can really only say two words.]

You're incredible.

[ Just those two words, coupled with the awe with which Darin says them and the way he looks down at her as he does... it makes Zelda's heart pound. The rest of the ballroom seems to dissolve and it's just the two of them in each other's arms, flushed and breathless and getting lost in each other's eyes.

Incredible... He's the one who is incredible. Zelda barely did anything at all, simply followed Darin's lead and then built on his foundation for her solo. He has so much energy, so much passion... Any time he looks at her with that flame in his eyes, Zelda feels herself catching fire as well. What she wouldn't give for him to look at her like that every single day. ]

I simply did what felt right.

[ Goddess, if only she could let that flame consume her.

The sounds of musicians picking up their instruments heralds the start of a new song, shattering this breathless moment and bringing the two dancers back to reality. Zelda notices for the first time that Darin's hand is on her hip again... and she likes it there. She shouldn't, for a number of reasons, but it's hard to deny that she does.

Bows are set to strings and the opening bars of a significantly slower song begin to waft through the ballroom. A breather after how... energetic the previous song was. ]

This piece sounds to be more on the traditional side of things. Would you prefer to sit out?

[ As they have just finished establishing, 'traditional' is not really Darin's style, so Zelda offers him an out if he wants it... even though she would really like to dance with him to a song like this. ]

[If Darin had any insight into Zelda's thoughts, he'd refute her on the spot. He's only incredible because she gives him reason to be. She's been so instrumental in teaching him to trust. The world seems brighter with her in it. His zeal for life is unparalleled. Where once he thought he'd be doing the world a favor by not existing, he finds that he wants to exist because of her.]

[Thanks to her.]

[The look of admiration he gives her is the look one would give their hero.]

[But if only she knew just how deep that passion she senses runs. Seeing her move like that, the skill, the poise, the strength. It draws a realization into Darin's mind. That Zelda isn't some porcelain doll of a princess that needs to be shielded and protected. She isn't some...damsel. She can fight. She has been all this time. And while she might not match him in physical strength, she has a will to make even him take a knee.]

[And it's that image, coupled with the way he's holding her that's making him start to burn red hot. Zelda is a lot more toned than he realized. He remembers how her back looked when he was admiring her accessory and suddenly his mind starts to imagine more. Where else might that strength have permeated aside from just her heart and her convictions?]

[He knows he shouldn't...but with her in his arms like this, he wants to find out.]

[He swallows the lump in his throat as he realizes Zelda's waiting on his response. No doubt waiting to accommodate him as she always does.]

[But now, all he wants is her.]

...I think I'm warmed up enough. I think I'd like to share another dance with you.

[His voice is soft. Almost apologetic but hopeful.]

If...you'll have me.

[ There's something in Darin's soft tone that makes it sound like he's asking her for something other than the dance. Or perhaps a different kind of dance... away from the dance floor, between the bedsheets.

An image of lying in bed with him leaps unbidden into Zelda's mind, sending that warm feeling rushing through her body and flooding her cheeks with color. Hastily, she banishes the thought from her mind before it starts to show in her expression, forcing herself to answer the real question: whether she'd like to share another (literal) dance with him. ]

I would. [ Her voice betrays her anyway, coming out in a hushed tone more appropriate to the bedroom than the ballroom.

Goddess, where did this come from? It's been months since the last time Zelda lost control of her imagination like this. She thought she had been handling things better, attending to her needs and forbidding herself from thinking about her friends while she did so. ...No, that's a lie. It's not her friends... it's just Darin, invading her thoughts any time her wants start to turn physical. She feels ashamed every time it happens.

Zelda clears her throat, both to disrupt her train of thought and subtly remind Darin he needs to remove his hand from her hip so they can change position.

As she takes a step away from him, her guilty gaze casts around the ballroom. This position is hardly the most scandalous in the room. Some of the couples around them are much more free with their hands than Darin and Zelda, and along the ballroom's periphery, other couples are freer with more than just hands.

Zelda exhales a steadying breath. Calm down. It's just the atmosphere getting her all riled up. This is the Naughtilust, after all; it's impossible to ignore how sexually-charged everything is on this leviathan. And Zelda, a young woman attuned to her own physicality, is not immune to its influence. ]

Edited 2024-10-31 02:17 (UTC)

[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?

GETTING STARTED

ELTRUT: FESTIVAL

NAUGHTILUST: MASQUERADE

GHOST PROBLEMS

QUESTS

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