【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-Star Resort and Casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to unprecedented high demand we are temporarily unable to check you in to your reserved room. We apologize for the inconvenience. We have arranged for a temporary room while we work on processing your reservation as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.
As a special wedding gift from us, we have arranged for you and your new spouse to stay in one of our junior penthouses while you wait. Congratulations on your new marriage. We are so pleased you have chosen our resort for your honeymoon.
You will be notified as soon as your official reservation has been processed. Your comfort and happiness are our utmost priority. We hope you enjoy the provided amenities and lose yourself in marital bliss. 】
EVENS
EVENS: NEW CHARACTERS
Music plays. Instrumental, the tune gentle enough not to disturb peaceful rest. The sudden insistent beep of the Watch is a cutting cacophony across an otherwise sweet lullaby. Upon opening their eyes, new arrivals will quickly discover that something is wrong. The quilt snug across their body is weighty. Crystals glint in a weave of embroidery and cotton shimmers with threads of silver. Dozens of decorative pillows surround the bed. The gauzy curtains of the canopied bed are drawn, obscuring the rest of the room.
Extravagant for a kidnapping. Too extravagent. What’s more, these new guests will find something even stranger than this new diamond-studded suite tucked into bed beside them. Someone else. Who are they, what are they wearing? What happened last night?!
Guests are encouraged to explore the resort from here! There are paper maps available for those who would like and staff are happy to recommend locations if they have any preferences. Enjoy your honeymoon, you lovebirds!
ODDS
ODDS: SPECIAL RE-ARRIVAL
Never trust a hallway in the Golden peacock.
Cross the wrong threshold and time begins to slow. A short hallway becomes long, sheds its doors, only leading to turns without end. Guests too eager to explore the resort have gotten lost before. For how long always varies, dependent upon capriciousness of the resort. Hours? Yes. Years? Yes. Every guest caught in the winding hallways has reported the same thing: time is different there and too difficult to discern.
Some wayward guests have been caught in the endless hallways since the FIRST TDM. Weeks pass before a single doorway appears in the distance. It creaks upon opening before everything goes topsy-turvy. These guests have been let out of a trap door in the depths of Crane's Respite.
All water corridors will eventually lead back to the populated areas of Crane's Respite. The waters are warm, the scent of bath salts returns, and staff are wild with joy at finally finding all of you. They have been beside themselves searching ever since you vanished!
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Because we love all of the new characters premiering on this TDM, we kindly request that our Evens prompt be top level exclusive for new characters. Current characters are encouraged to tag in to these prompts with the caveat that they’ve been picked up from their assigned suite (or wherever else they were before) and dumped into the new arrival’s bed. We would like for new characters to have this prompt unique to their top level comments!
▶ Players are welcome to have their current character riff off of these prompts in the log community with the exclusion of the new arrival element. This request is just for TDM top levels.
▶ Current characters and new characters are both welcome to freely mess around with the Odds prompt with the exclusion of the arrival element. For new characters, players may participate with the idea that their character is exploring Crane’s Respite after their unique arrival in the Evens prompt. The Odds arrival element may also be utilized by current player characters who may have been on an unofficial hiatus in January and did not tag as much as they would have liked, to explain any long IC absence.
▶ Octopi may be killed. If a character decides to eat one of the octopi they may find themselves taking on some of its traits. Which traits are up to player discretion.
ELEVATORS
ELEVATORS
The house has recently ordered a full changeout of art in all high traffic areas. The elevators in particular have received special attention with many different famous artworks and portraits studded to the walls for guests to admire. These artworks are treasures of the modern world that one would typically see behind glass at a museum. Guests may even find works from their own world hanging in the elevators. Even famous works that maybe have been lost to time. So this is where they ended up. Is that Vermeer's The Concert?
Guests may find their elevator suddenly stopping without warning. The portraits on the wall stir, curiously studying them, but there are three main portraits calling the shots. The portrait that controls that particular elevator will make their demands known with the threat that, if they are not obeyed, you will be trapped forever.
Elevators will function after the portrait's demands are met. Guests that hold out and refuse may find themselves trapped upwards of twelve hours. Guests with the ability to do so may crawl out of the top emergency door, free to go wherever they want from there.
GREAT TIT!
GREAT TIT!
Great Tit! is the Golden Peacock’s popular dessert bar and cafe. With its bright pops of color and whimsical treats, guests simply can’t resist stopping in for a butt shaped cookie and hazelnut coffee. After catching wind that the resort has decided to celebrate a dessert shop's most lucrative holiday, Great Tit! is ready to impress the masses. Advertisements for limited edition drinks and desserts rain the main lobby; one can’t go three steps without slipping on a neon pink coupon for 10 percent off nipple buns. Guests that decide to pass by the cafe will find themselves assaulted with confetti cannons and eager employees ushering them inside.
Guests will find a temporary communal shower room upon exiting Great Tit! where they can wash off after a fun day of rolling around in sugar. All guests will be gifted a tee branded with a, CHOCOLATE IS MY LOVER logo.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ This portraits prompt has been triggered by several characters expressing interest in and investigating the lore of the resort paintings. This is just dipping a beginning toe in, but congrats to all for poking around!
▶ Portraits in the elevator should not be destroyed, purely for continuity’s sake. If a character would go far enough to attack one of the portraits, the portrait will slap them back with ghostly power.
▶ Characters may also figure other ways out of the elevator if they have specific abilities to do so. While the portraits can control the elevators, they cannot control your character(s). Any destruction to the elevator itself is liable to result in a rush of security dragging the culprit(s) away to the Iron Net.
▶ Great Tit! is running a massive sale! Even characters who are on the broke end of the spectrum will be able to afford to join in on the fun and indulge in sugar at these prices.
▶ Players are encouraged to make up any other elements for the Hall of Chocolate. If it’s a dessert and edible, it’s there. Enjoy your sugar coma!
▶ While the chocolate boxes are ICly limited due to Alessandro’s skills as a chocolatier, this is only an IC mechanic. There is no OOC limitation on this prompt as far as chocolate rarity goes.
THE NEST
ALICE AND THE PARROTS
Fashion boutiques are a dime a dozen in the Nest. The shopping hub is massive, lined with stores all trying to aggressively appeal to guests. A challenge in itself — but the guests of the Golden Peacock are no ordinary people. Used to being pampered and fed excitement, if these boutiques don’t bust their bottoms to appeal to the fickle nature of their patrons, they won’t be in business for much longer! One particular boutique, Alice and the Parrots, is riding winds of romantic thrill and churning out a couple of brand new fashion lines sure to draw in loads of chips.
Guests are welcome to try on clothes in Alice and the Parrots' dressing rooms. These dressing rooms are small and can only accommodate two people sharing at a time. Such is the life of a small boutique store. Sharing is no big deal, right? And there’s no way you can buy clothing this expensive without giving it a test first.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Players are encouraged to make up whatever cute outfits they would like for this prompt.
▶ Wedding clothes do not have to be cute and frilly; this section accommodates tastes of everyone.
▶ Alice and the Parrots is more expensive than Love Dove. Their clothing quality is excellent but their price tags are high. Staff may watch low ranks extra diligently to cut off any stealing. Thieves will be chased by NPC security! Anyone caught gets a day in the Iron Net.
CASINO CHAPEL
CASINO FLOOR
A Pop up Chapel has appeared in the Phoenix Casino. Guests are delighting in playing out weddings and pretending to get married — and a few guests are even tying the knot for real. They aren't worried about the sanctity of marriage; they can divorce tomorrow if they get bored of each other. And everyone knows that getting married doesn't mean you can't fuck whoever you want!
Since the resort isn't keeping track of how many marriages a guest has, all guests are encouraged to marry as many people as they would like. The more the merrier!
Wild wedding events will continue all throughout the month of February, until the guests find it's gotten stale. A divorce rush will round out the fun at the end of the month.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Weddings are not legally binding. Birdvis is not registered as a real officiant, but he does have an excellent beak and pompadour.
▶ Prizes from easy mode slot machines are automatic and do not require mod thumbs up to claim.
▶ Chip prize from difficult mode slot machines is automatic. The special prize is 5 reward points to add to your bank on rewards. Players who wish to claim the special prize should link the finished thread (the kink in question has been completed) under their rewards header with the header, Wedding Slot Machine. If you do any combination of 6/6 (finger hand lol) we ask you somehow make this sexy or involve a climax in order to claim the points.
BLANKET CW: Aphrodisiac; Compulsion; Costumes; Dubcon; Entrapment; Foodplay; Gambling; Lingerie; Matrimony; Tentacles; NSFW Images and Language; NTR; Nudity; Roleplay; Sacrilegious Themes
▶ All new characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. The house is still observing and deciding. As rank and suits are assigned upon acceptance your new character's suit will not manifest until they are accepted into the game.
▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's February event.
▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Please make sure to review the arrival prompt notes! Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.
▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are priority and receive attention!
▶ If you aren't satisfied with the prompts on this TDM please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort.
▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread anyway!
▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.
▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.
▶ Thank you for spending Valentine's Day with us! You're our sweetheart this year. 💕
01 ✦ SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE ARRIVAL — EVENS
( penacony dreams sure have changed since the last time he entered them - which is to say, fairly recently. this is what aventurine thinks is happening, because the setting still has that familiar atmosphere of luxury, extravagancy, an expensive resort that matches too well the kind of entertainment and environment the family wishes to offer their guests and people. the room is fancy, the way he likes it, too, but when a carefully crafted plan doesn't go his way, or it strays without his permission, he can't help but be suspicious of it all -
it doesn't help he's accompanied by someone else, that his clothes were taken (again, even, a certain intelligentsia guild member would've scoffed and walked away from him again for that), that at the bottom of his stomach and the depths of his mind, aventurine can't help but wonder: is this, still, penacony?
but hey, at the very least the suit they've given him isn't so bad. it's a nice fit, aquamarine in color, and whatever dreamscape this is, they know his preferred colors still. ) I have to say, I never really expected to get married so soon.
( a casual, throwaway jest coated in an amusing tone he gives his company as aventurine walks around the rather spacious suite, looking over the decorations, the presents, the furniture, anything that could give him any hint about this dream, whose it is, how he has ended up here at all. this is, by all means, an exquisite game with a sudden twist - and who would he be, if he didn't entertain the notion?
he looks over the ring forced on his finger, nothing like the ones he prefers sporting, and turns to his new spouse. i'm so sorry you will have to be fake-married to him. )
So? I can't say I mind playing the part. With the kind of treatment we get as a married couple, it feels much like cheating in a game, doesn't it? ( smile smile. it doesn't seem at all genuine. )
02 ✦ XX - THE JUDGMENT CARD WELCOME — ELEVATORS
( the artwork in the elevators is fascinating, all things considered, but aventurine's first thought is thus:
cluttered, and visually unpleasant. whoever is decorating this place needs to be fired as soon as possible.
aventurine's second, and far more valuable thought, is thus:
something is very clearly not right, because he recognizes one of the paintings in the elevator as an expensive relic of amber eras of eld. the marketing development department would be ecstatic to hear of it, pulling strings and whatnot to get their hands on it. as a senior manager of the strategic development department, he will keep this place in mind, and bring it up to diamond eventually. if they seize this planet, too, perhaps offer a good trade agreement with them, he might just get promoted to a p46. wouldn't that be pleasant.
business mindset aside - as it goes in this place, he's not alone in the elevator. not because there is another, actual physical and corporal person in there, but because the paintings speak, with will and desires of their own, and request something that, quite frankly, has aventurine burst out laughing.
ah, if they knew. )
Quite the unfortunate situation, isn't it, my friend? ( you've been instantly been assigned friend status, btw ) This place truly is so entertaining, with all its unexpected yet quite interesting games. What do you say? Surely a little game won't hurt.
( boy if he knew. )
03 ✦ TAKE MY HAND pop up — wedding slot machines: easy
( this is a dream tailored for him, actually. although he had been in the middle of a rather important job, a gambler's heart longs for a challenging game, high stakes, worthwhile rewards. he is not, however, entirely here for fun, nor does he ever lower his guard. aventurine knows well the kind of place this is, and for all it's worth - he fits well, still. tailored for him even in the worst ways.
wedding celebrations are truly always so cheerful; he toasts to whatever new couple had been newly-wed, taking a sip of his own champagne. his magenta-blue eyes glaze over the slot machines - unfortunately drawn to them, really, he can't help it -, and finds it all too amusing that these, too, fit the general erotic atmosphere of the whole casino. and who is he to turn down an interesting game? there is a reward, one he might make good use of, if he is to stay here for longer than intended, and aventurine knows well how to climb this sort of ladder. he reaches for the lever, and pulls.
it's all too easy. )
The festivities sure are heartwarming, aren't they, friend? ( assigned friend at first meeting, again, ) You're here all by yourself? Too loud, or maybe the people are too carefree? Is it the air-conditioner that's a little too cold and killing your vibes?
( as always, aventurine is all smiles - never genuine, not with the way his eyes slightly narrow, almost fox-like. ) Shall I keep you company? I'm a rather good conversational partner, myself.
( dance with someone cold in the bridal suite? what an easy challenge. )
04 ✦ NOTES
( some things to mention: i see aventurine as a very chaotic bisexual switch with a particular preference for men, but he'll sleep with anyone if it means he's getting something from it - good sex, stress relief, money, connections, etc. canon sure does heavily imply he might have slept around with higher-ups with ulterior motives, or at the very least, that he wouldn't be against the idea. he'll be anything you want him to be as long as you make him a good offer.
the slot machines prompt is hella fun so feel free to wildcard me your own rng or pick a combination you wanna throw at him! he loves a challenge and he's here to win, unfortunately.
for any hsr peeps, the canon point i'm taking him from is right after his interaction with dr. ratio, so he went to sleep and woke up here. there will also be no spoilers at all, so no worries! )
( When one less than genuine smile meets another, it's almost like a separate dance. Knowing, curious, almost a little playful— Esikko is quite cold, and is also currently in search of his own mission from the slots. LICK THIGHS BRIDAL SUITE.
He doesn't mind playing the long game to get there in the end. Someone approaching him is all the easier to slide into that— although, he's also aware that anyone else could be chasing these slots. So, what is it that this man wants, hmm? )
Oh, are you? ( His laugh is pleasant, soft and short. ) That's not often something I hear.
( It's playful, teasing— does a good conversationalist have to say so? But it's equally flirtatious. He's on a chase here. )
I don't mind the company. You really don't have any yourself? You hardly seem the type to be caught alone.
( there's always several ways to read a person's response to his behavior; one, if they are avoidant and put-off by it, then they're too sincere and naive for their own good. two, they can tell from the get-go that his smiles are fake, that his words are coated in honey, that his intentions are, for the most part, selfish. three - and this is the one aventurine enjoys the most -, they can tell his smiles are fake, and give him the same treatment.
it's always fun to find someone on the same page as him, with the same mindset. though there are types of people easier to manipulate, to use for his own gains, the ones who are much like him are straight-forward, and don't beat around the bush.
his smile widens, and his eyes narrow even more. an easy game to play. )
Haha, you flatter me, my friend. Perhaps I was simply in search of someone more entertaining, you see - perhaps someone who seems to welcome the general essence of this place. ( games, after all, don't all need to be physical by any means. sometimes, using other people and weaponizing them for one's personal gains is, too, a game.
one aventurine is rather good at playing. he gives his glass of champagne a little swirl, takes a sip, steps closer. this could be sexier if he weren't so short, man. ) Say, why don't we play something together? I promise I will make your time worth.
( Look at this tiny little man trying to be sexy...
Just kidding. He's sexy enough. Sexier than a filthy dog in a nice suit, and Esi needs the break. This dance of words is interesting. Some push, some pull, and an equal amount of flattery and hinting that makes it somehow thrilling. Oh, he rarely has anyone keep up with him quite like this. It's so boring when people just don't get it.
It might be less convenient in the long run, but in the moment? Fun is all that matters. )
Esikko. ( He offers his name, a gentle touch of his own hand to his chest before dropping it away just as quickly. His eyes scan down to the man before him, meeting those curious eyes. )
I do like the sound of that. I'll play along, then; what do you have in mind?
[ whatever amount of rest he got in one of those bridal suites was short lived. no way would he spend any more time with anyone else if he could help it; the clothes he was forced into at some point would also get trashed and replaced with something more subtle. black turtleneck. black pants. a half-glove on his right hand. sadly no pads to be seen but... he'll make do. it'll just hurt like a bitch later.
unfortunately, the only way out seems down. and in this elevator. with this guy.
... ]
It's something. [ a cold and short response as he leans against the wall of the elevator and folds his arms across his chest. ] And I hate games.
[ don't fking make him play another one. he will flip. ]
( ah, that kind of person, huh. it's fine. not all short-kings can be blessed with a good temperament. he gets it. it's hard, isn't it, mr. subedar?
aventurine still smiles all the same, that carefully measured smile of his never once faltering. neither wants to play this game in particular - or rather, aventurine doesn't quite mind playing it... but he will do it with his own rules. it's hardly that he cares much to confess his crimes and sins, really, but wouldn't that just spoil this friendly mood? they don't need any of that. )
Is that so? I think you just might not have found the right game for you, my friend. ( that kind of speech, yes, ) Hmmm, how about we ease you into something simple, before we get into the heart of this game? I'm certain our dear painting won't mind. ( right john?? right? )
It won't hurt to try. I'm sure getting out of this predicament is in both of our interests, yes?
[ the only game he's willing to play is the kind where only one of them gets to leave alive.
buuuuuuut cooperation is sometimes required. he would rather have a partner that is reliable and there's nothing about adventurine that makes naib feel comfortable. his skin crawls underneath his clothes, and he idly rubs one of those elbows of his that always ache for some reason. the cold, the hot. the humid, the dry. and also while in the presence of someone that practically begs for a stabbing. ]
I guess so. [ the silence of the elevator is deafening. the paintings are curious and watch with wide, frozen smiles. god. ]
( all those questions, but kirma chooses to only address his last sentence. perhaps it reinforces the statement. it's curiosity in the machine that drew him over, not the man; he's heard tell of something like this, in the far south, but he's never witnessed one in person. pointedly, his gaze stays on the reels, head tilting slightly as he watches. eventually— they stop.
and as far as he can tell, nothing happens. he frowns. why couldn't it have been pictures? )
... What does it say. ( his eyes slide back over to the talkative stranger, his ears swiveling back. don't be weird about this plz. )
( really, again: several ways to read a person based on their behavior. though this one is...
hmmmm...
illiterate... in more ways than one? haha just kidding. unless? )
Hm? You can't read it? ( could aventurine lie about it? yes. will it amount to anything? not really. though, for a moment, he has a far better idea - the sudden surprise washes off his face, and it's replaced by that signature, empty smile of his.
he turns to his new friend, who is thankfully about the same height. thank god. ) Mine isn't anything much interesting, friend. Instead, why don't you pull the lever and get a reading for yourself? Games are much more enjoyable when you partake in them yourself, after all.
( no bully... it figures that aventurine wouldn't actually answer, though. perhaps he should've assumed as much, from how his introduction was so many words to say nothing at all. kirma exhales in way that isn't quite a sigh, but surely isn't delighted.
and, against his better judgement, he spins. his only saving grace is that it's the same machine aventurine had just used, or the results could truly end up devastating. the reels spin again, and kirma's ears move as he watches them, trying to figure out if there's any sort of pattern to what he sees. again, the reels come to a stop.
trade clothes with someone new in the confessional. his watch beeps in affirmation of his, and his only response is to shake out his hand as if throw off something unpleasant. annoying thing. )
And then what. ( what does it say, you fucking twink. )
[ Six is less worried about the visual clutter, but more focused on the portrait's absurd demands. It's as if he's managed to get trapped in the one that knew exactly what kind of monster he is, and thus have demanded him to confess his sins. And he would have, really. It's no different than other moments of his life where he had willingly given up that information, but—
His ears pin themselves to soft, fluffy hair, unintentional but it's an instinctive reaction. There's something odd about the way this man laughs... Maybe he's just being way too cautious, though.
(How unsettling.) ]
You won't even question its demands?
[ The Judgmental John huffs, obviously offended by his way of inquiry. ]
( the first thing he notices, while his company speaks, is that the ears are a little too short to be foxian. could be a defective one, all things considered. maybe half-foxian? do they mate outside of their race? with the majority of them now living in the xianzhou's hexafleet, the probability isn't so far-fetched. he shelves this thought for another time.
the half-foxian man brings up a fair point, after all, and aventurine flashes that same old smile. ) And all the same, it could not be a trap. Playing with probability is a game in itself, is it not? A fifty-fifty chance is much like flipping a coin.
( and that's an idea in itself. the coins he carries with himself had been taken with all his other belongs but, at least, he had found a stray chip on his way to this elevator. it will serve the purpose well enough, one of its side bearing a feather, and the other the letters gp. )
A trap, or not a trap. You bet that it is one, and I that it is not. Depending on what Lady Luck chooses, we will engage with the painting's demands, or use our time and efforts to find a way out. How about it, friend? Seems fair enough, no?
[ This is ridiculous. Six knows it, but he's not too sure if the other man does. The idea that they should leave their fate to a flip of a coin isn't something he'll ever consider a good idea, so he should say no. Forget it. He'll find a way out of this elevator by himself if he has to.
But Judgmental John is staring down at him, as if expecting an answer. Somehow, he almost feels compelled to give one. ]
—fine.
[ Narrowed eyes stare at the coin caught between the other man's fingers. ]
But if Lady Luck brings us down a more troublesome path, I'm forging my own way out if I must.
( what if i just fuck with you on every character without saying anything, huh. what then.
and who would i be if izou wasn't the one fitted in a tight bridal gown in this scenario, the accompanying tights underneath his flowy skirt threatening to chafe his thighs with every step? it's an elegant get-up that appears particularly unflattering on a firm-waisted body like his, or so it does in izou's opinion.
though in his opinion, none of this shit, including the way his shapely chest doesn't completely fill the gathered bust of the dress' bodice, should be happening. )
I mind. So keep yer hands off me.
( he's just gonna proceed to try and rip off the band on his finger, the decorative pillows on his side of the bed all scattered in frustration. )
( i'd drop everything to tag you back right away tf
cute, though. for whatever reason, he can tell this guy is really annoyed - it's not just the demeanor, or the way he keeps, or the words he uses. it's almost as though aventurine was feeling those things himself, and it's... a little weird, frankly. he doesn't get this annoyed, hasn't felt something like this in many, many years. it's hard to really sort out what belongs to him, in the matter of feelings, and what's an invasive, almost empathy-like intrusion in his brain.
at least watching a scruffy guy in a poorly fit dress trying to remove their wedding rings is amusing enough. )
Now now, you're hurting me. Is it so bad to be married to me? I will have you know, I make quite a fair amount of money. ( :)
aventurine crosses his arms, watches, smiles that same old, empty smile. the game of life involves speaking throwaway words that are always bait, to see if his company bites, to study how well he can use them. is this guy seduced by money? we'll find out sooner than later. ) Ah, but if that's not so appealing, I'm an excellent company. Surely we can fix our relationship with a good talk, my friend.
it's one thing to wake up in the dreamscape, the overwhelming sights and sounds and smells of penacony assaulting his senses like an overbearing failing student; it's another to wake up in an entirely unfamiliar place, covered with suffocating silk and lace and brocade all up in his face. he doesn't often have any patience for antics like this (and a part of him is already expecting this to be some kind of trick or practical joke), but the message he receives tells him enough of what's going on.
at the very least, there's a familiar face nearby, even if said familiar face is the last person he wants to see. evidence that this is no longer penacony and that the timing couldn't be anything worse.
for a moment, ratio debates on it, weighs the absolute pros and cons of letting aventurine see him in his current hideous clothes, before he decides against it. it's only logical for one to avoid such a person when in this kind of situation, familiar or not; after all, this is humiliating as it is.
and with this supposedly "e-cats" thread, ratio starts to walk away ... ]
( sike. finding a familiar face at last and allowing him to leave? that's certainly a crime, somewhere in their vast universe. if it's not, well - maybe he'll bring this up with some of the higher ups in the ipc.
besides. he has let ratio get away from him once. isn't it a fair exchange that he only stays this time around? )
Hey now, that's not how you treat someone you know, is it? ( not friend, here, because ratio isn't a piece in aventurine's current chess board, at least. not to mention,
it's not as though ratio is really trying to get away and not be noticed, is it? he's taller (unfortunately). he could run, or hide, or be stealthy if he didn't want to be spotted. good thing aventurine enjoys the game of chase, huh. he reaches for ratio's wrist once he's caught up, further away from the bustling crowd. )
Ratio. What's wrong? Embarrassed about your outfit? ( he will, blatantly, ogle him, just saying. the wedding dress, because i'm godmodding ratio into one (jk) (unless?) ) I say it fits you well. I'll keep this a secret if you work with me, how about it?
Edited (donmai this edit i'm changing my icon) 2024-02-11 21:54 (UTC)
[ Xie Lian, arms crossed in his long blue cardigan, looks exasperated at the idea of a game when he was on his way to see his husband. Still, the cute stranger is very much to his tastes. ]
ah, but unfortunately, that's not how this game is played. aventurine doesn't mind betting the chips first, not at all. but there's a lack of information here that just doesn't allow him to have room for mistakes. what are games for, if he doesn't win them?
at the very least, he can test the waters. can the painting detect lies, or is it all just a ruse? )
Very well. I suppose a game only starts when player one makes a move. ( he feigns thinking, and then: ) I have pushed down an old man before, and I don't feel bad about it.
( that's total bullshit, of course, but aventurine is, unfortunately, a good actor. )
[This man, vivid and eye-catching as an exotic animal, is talking a lot.
On an ordinary day this wouldn't bother Tyki much at all — he navigates conversation with ease, wending paths to topics for his own humor and amusement, puzzling out strangers to either a sense of satisfaction or information if he needs it. Though outgoing, his extroversion is better reserved for the people he enjoys talking to, but he still has no issue making small talk.
This past week, unfortunately, he's found himself in a foul mood. Listless, lethargic... down, which is a sentiment he doesn't enjoy feeling and has never been as bad as it is now, not even when he first woke up to the screaming pain of the Noah Memory.]
Don't go out of your way. [It's said in a sigh as he turns, facing the slot machine.] I really don't need the money, but I'll play the game with you. Consider it charity. [lmao]
( charity, he says. can you imagine? there's no such thing as the true essence of charity in a capitalist world, but this is a game he knows well how to play. charity, as it goes, has the underlying implication of being indebt to someone.
that's a card the ipc deals, instead, and they will do their damned best to have that in their deck. )
Think nothing of it. We can use this to get to know one another better, hm? The festivities do call for quite the sociable mood, after all! ( just a friendly dance, nothing to see here.
though, for once, aventurine would have to gather a loss in this department. dancing... well, he has never had the chance, not with the life he has had. ) Is your willingness to teach me part of said charity, or something I should pay you for?
If I'm being totally honest, I wouldn't've thought you'd be the type to get married at all.
[ Living life unattached and carefree suits him, in her opinion. If that sort of freedom was truly possible for him. Maybe it isn't. She doesn't know anything beyond the office gossip and avoids him when she can. What she does know is that she feels sorry for anyone who makes a deal with him.
She is in a fully committed relationship with work, and she has the lifetime contract with the IPC to prove it. But if she ever decided to get married, at least she knows she'll look good in all white. The high-low cut of her gown shows off her legs and cascades down to a long train. The only hint of color is a pale blue silk garter.
The lace edged veil does nothing to conceal her smile, but it's not the gentle expression of a blushing bride: it's her business game face. ]
I've never considered getting married, but if that's the part I'm supposed to play, then I should act accordingly, right?
[ She hands him a tablet. On it is a pre-nuptial agreement that can only be described as predatory. In the event of a divorce, she expects an outrageous percentage of his assets and stock options, as well as "child support" for her three cats, two dogs and Numby for the rest of their lives. If she were this heartless at work, she'd be on the fast track for a promotion. ]
You're free to negotiate the terms, but I believe this is a fair starting point.
I'VE NEVER GASPED SO LOUDLY??? this is the best day of my life
( damn. a woman after his heart, aren't we, miss topaz?
she does look good in white - everyone knows it, anyways. it matches her hair and eyes, the gown accentuates her figure, and though aventurine's opinion and thoughts aren't so highly valued, needed or requested by his dear coworker, he would still gladly offer it. they are two of the ten stonehearts, after all. while the people they make business with are nothing more than stepping stones and pawns for a greater goal, their relationship doesn't have to be so build in empty smiles and vague words.
clearly, if anything. the contents of the tablet are far and wild. his sigonian eyes skim through it, first, because considering their jobs and her position as the leader of the special debts picket team... not going over the minute details and in-between the lines would be a death sentence in itself.
also - three cats and two dogs?? plus numby???? girl???? )
You have really thought everything through already. I'm almost inclined to believe you've schemed all of this yourself, and this is your particular way of confessing to me, Topaz. ( haha. :) just a friendly jest between coworkers.
the smiles he offers her, at the very least, isn't the empty, carefully built one he offers his friends. he is genuinely entertained by all of this. )
I think you're getting a little too ahead of yourself, though. An expensive suite, luxurious outfits and even rings to match. If I'm not wrong, this calls for a honeymoon first, no? Surely we can leave our work mindset behind for a little while.
[Those eyes are striking. It takes Dimitri a moment to realize he has been spoken to — attention diverted between the gleam of that unnatural color, and the slot machines themselves. He cannot say how he arrived here; his wandering around the resort has been aimless, an effort to try and familiarize himself with a world so outside the one he knows, his own anonymity the strangest privilege in that it allows free movement wherever he would like to go. The games attracted his attention mostly for their noise and confusing whirl of lights, and though he has no intention of playing any, he's lingered long enough to be approached.
Dimitri, while still wearing the furred cloak he first woke in, has at least removed his armor down to the dark clothes beneath. His stature is tall and imposing — yet his voice is soft, careful.]
The festivities? Ah, I'm not partaking. [A romantic celebration is no place for him, though it does call to mind the white-rose garlands gifted by women to their lovers at a certain time of year. Still, not chocolate, or... the other terribly obscene items he's sighted.] I wouldn't say no to company. If you could tell me more about how you've found this place — the resort — that would be helpful. I am still new, you see.
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peacockstop2024-02-10 11:29 am
aventurine / honkai: star rail
ARRIVAL — EVENS02 ✦ XX - THE JUDGMENT CARD
WELCOME — ELEVATORS
03 ✦ TAKE MY HAND
pop up — wedding slot machines: easy
04 ✦ NOTES
3
He doesn't mind playing the long game to get there in the end. Someone approaching him is all the easier to slide into that— although, he's also aware that anyone else could be chasing these slots. So, what is it that this man wants, hmm? )
Oh, are you? ( His laugh is pleasant, soft and short. ) That's not often something I hear.
( It's playful, teasing— does a good conversationalist have to say so? But it's equally flirtatious. He's on a chase here. )
I don't mind the company. You really don't have any yourself? You hardly seem the type to be caught alone.
💕
it's always fun to find someone on the same page as him, with the same mindset. though there are types of people easier to manipulate, to use for his own gains, the ones who are much like him are straight-forward, and don't beat around the bush.
his smile widens, and his eyes narrow even more. an easy game to play. )
Haha, you flatter me, my friend. Perhaps I was simply in search of someone more entertaining, you see - perhaps someone who seems to welcome the general essence of this place. ( games, after all, don't all need to be physical by any means. sometimes, using other people and weaponizing them for one's personal gains is, too, a game.
one aventurine is rather good at playing. he gives his glass of champagne a little swirl, takes a sip, steps closer. this could be sexier if he weren't so short, man. ) Say, why don't we play something together? I promise I will make your time worth.
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Just kidding. He's sexy enough. Sexier than a filthy dog in a nice suit, and Esi needs the break. This dance of words is interesting. Some push, some pull, and an equal amount of flattery and hinting that makes it somehow thrilling. Oh, he rarely has anyone keep up with him quite like this. It's so boring when people just don't get it.
It might be less convenient in the long run, but in the moment? Fun is all that matters. )
Esikko. ( He offers his name, a gentle touch of his own hand to his chest before dropping it away just as quickly. His eyes scan down to the man before him, meeting those curious eyes. )
I do like the sound of that. I'll play along, then; what do you have in mind?
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2
unfortunately, the only way out seems down. and in this elevator. with this guy.
... ]
It's something. [ a cold and short response as he leans against the wall of the elevator and folds his arms across his chest. ] And I hate games.
[ don't fking make him play another one. he will flip. ]
my trusted merc...
aventurine still smiles all the same, that carefully measured smile of his never once faltering. neither wants to play this game in particular - or rather, aventurine doesn't quite mind playing it... but he will do it with his own rules. it's hardly that he cares much to confess his crimes and sins, really, but wouldn't that just spoil this friendly mood? they don't need any of that. )
Is that so? I think you just might not have found the right game for you, my friend. ( that kind of speech, yes, ) Hmmm, how about we ease you into something simple, before we get into the heart of this game? I'm certain our dear painting won't mind. ( right john?? right? )
It won't hurt to try. I'm sure getting out of this predicament is in both of our interests, yes?
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buuuuuuut cooperation is sometimes required. he would rather have a partner that is reliable and there's nothing about adventurine that makes naib feel comfortable. his skin crawls underneath his clothes, and he idly rubs one of those elbows of his that always ache for some reason. the cold, the hot. the humid, the dry. and also while in the presence of someone that practically begs for a stabbing. ]
I guess so. [ the silence of the elevator is deafening. the paintings are curious and watch with wide, frozen smiles. god. ]
So. What do you want to do.
[ fine. he'll... do this... ]
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03.
I'm not.
( all those questions, but kirma chooses to only address his last sentence. perhaps it reinforces the statement. it's curiosity in the machine that drew him over, not the man; he's heard tell of something like this, in the far south, but he's never witnessed one in person. pointedly, his gaze stays on the reels, head tilting slightly as he watches. eventually— they stop.
and as far as he can tell, nothing happens. he frowns. why couldn't it have been pictures? )
... What does it say. ( his eyes slide back over to the talkative stranger, his ears swiveling back. don't be weird about this plz. )
this tag is haunted
hmmmm...
illiterate... in more ways than one? haha just kidding. unless? )
Hm? You can't read it? ( could aventurine lie about it? yes. will it amount to anything? not really. though, for a moment, he has a far better idea - the sudden surprise washes off his face, and it's replaced by that signature, empty smile of his.
he turns to his new friend, who is thankfully about the same height. thank god. ) Mine isn't anything much interesting, friend. Instead, why don't you pull the lever and get a reading for yourself? Games are much more enjoyable when you partake in them yourself, after all.
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and, against his better judgement, he spins. his only saving grace is that it's the same machine aventurine had just used, or the results could truly end up devastating. the reels spin again, and kirma's ears move as he watches them, trying to figure out if there's any sort of pattern to what he sees. again, the reels come to a stop.
trade clothes with someone new in the confessional. his watch beeps in affirmation of his, and his only response is to shake out his hand as if throw off something unpleasant. annoying thing. )
And then what. ( what does it say, you fucking twink. )
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i can't get over this what is his PROBLEM
take your tag slut
2.
His ears pin themselves to soft, fluffy hair, unintentional but it's an instinctive reaction. There's something odd about the way this man laughs... Maybe he's just being way too cautious, though.
(How unsettling.) ]
You won't even question its demands?
[ The Judgmental John huffs, obviously offended by his way of inquiry. ]
It could be a trap for all you know.
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the half-foxian man brings up a fair point, after all, and aventurine flashes that same old smile. ) And all the same, it could not be a trap. Playing with probability is a game in itself, is it not? A fifty-fifty chance is much like flipping a coin.
( and that's an idea in itself. the coins he carries with himself had been taken with all his other belongs but, at least, he had found a stray chip on his way to this elevator. it will serve the purpose well enough, one of its side bearing a feather, and the other the letters gp. )
A trap, or not a trap. You bet that it is one, and I that it is not. Depending on what Lady Luck chooses, we will engage with the painting's demands, or use our time and efforts to find a way out. How about it, friend? Seems fair enough, no?
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But Judgmental John is staring down at him, as if expecting an answer. Somehow, he almost feels compelled to give one. ]
—fine.
[ Narrowed eyes stare at the coin caught between the other man's fingers. ]
But if Lady Luck brings us down a more troublesome path, I'm forging my own way out if I must.
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— 01.
and who would i be if izou wasn't the one fitted in a tight bridal gown in this scenario, the accompanying tights underneath his flowy skirt threatening to chafe his thighs with every step? it's an elegant get-up that appears particularly unflattering on a firm-waisted body like his, or so it does in izou's opinion.
though in his opinion, none of this shit, including the way his shapely chest doesn't completely fill the gathered bust of the dress' bodice, should be happening. )
I mind. So keep yer hands off me.
( he's just gonna proceed to try and rip off the band on his finger, the decorative pillows on his side of the bed all scattered in frustration. )
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cute, though. for whatever reason, he can tell this guy is really annoyed - it's not just the demeanor, or the way he keeps, or the words he uses. it's almost as though aventurine was feeling those things himself, and it's... a little weird, frankly. he doesn't get this annoyed, hasn't felt something like this in many, many years. it's hard to really sort out what belongs to him, in the matter of feelings, and what's an invasive, almost empathy-like intrusion in his brain.
at least watching a scruffy guy in a poorly fit dress trying to remove their wedding rings is amusing enough. )
Now now, you're hurting me. Is it so bad to be married to me? I will have you know, I make quite a fair amount of money. ( :)
aventurine crosses his arms, watches, smiles that same old, empty smile. the game of life involves speaking throwaway words that are always bait, to see if his company bites, to study how well he can use them. is this guy seduced by money? we'll find out sooner than later. ) Ah, but if that's not so appealing, I'm an excellent company. Surely we can fix our relationship with a good talk, my friend.
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3, i hate this
it's one thing to wake up in the dreamscape, the overwhelming sights and sounds and smells of penacony assaulting his senses like an overbearing failing student; it's another to wake up in an entirely unfamiliar place, covered with suffocating silk and lace and brocade all up in his face. he doesn't often have any patience for antics like this (and a part of him is already expecting this to be some kind of trick or practical joke), but the message he receives tells him enough of what's going on.
at the very least, there's a familiar face nearby, even if said familiar face is the last person he wants to see. evidence that this is no longer penacony and that the timing couldn't be anything worse.
for a moment, ratio debates on it, weighs the absolute pros and cons of letting aventurine see him in his current hideous clothes, before he decides against it. it's only logical for one to avoid such a person when in this kind of situation, familiar or not; after all, this is humiliating as it is.
and with this supposedly "e-cats" thread, ratio starts to walk away ... ]
this isn't the real tag give me a minute
i can't ecats either gomen
besides. he has let ratio get away from him once. isn't it a fair exchange that he only stays this time around? )
Hey now, that's not how you treat someone you know, is it? ( not friend, here, because ratio isn't a piece in aventurine's current chess board, at least. not to mention,
it's not as though ratio is really trying to get away and not be noticed, is it? he's taller (unfortunately). he could run, or hide, or be stealthy if he didn't want to be spotted. good thing aventurine enjoys the game of chase, huh. he reaches for ratio's wrist once he's caught up, further away from the bustling crowd. )
Ratio. What's wrong? Embarrassed about your outfit? ( he will, blatantly, ogle him, just saying. the wedding dress, because i'm godmodding ratio into one (jk) (unless?) ) I say it fits you well. I'll keep this a secret if you work with me, how about it?
crawls back in here
lifts u up
2.
[ Xie Lian, arms crossed in his long blue cardigan, looks exasperated at the idea of a game when he was on his way to see his husband. Still, the cute stranger is very much to his tastes. ]
Alright, you can go first.
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ah, but unfortunately, that's not how this game is played. aventurine doesn't mind betting the chips first, not at all. but there's a lack of information here that just doesn't allow him to have room for mistakes. what are games for, if he doesn't win them?
at the very least, he can test the waters. can the painting detect lies, or is it all just a ruse? )
Very well. I suppose a game only starts when player one makes a move. ( he feigns thinking, and then: ) I have pushed down an old man before, and I don't feel bad about it.
( that's total bullshit, of course, but aventurine is, unfortunately, a good actor. )
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3 i'm here... also sorry tyki has depression this month
On an ordinary day this wouldn't bother Tyki much at all — he navigates conversation with ease, wending paths to topics for his own humor and amusement, puzzling out strangers to either a sense of satisfaction or information if he needs it. Though outgoing, his extroversion is better reserved for the people he enjoys talking to, but he still has no issue making small talk.
This past week, unfortunately, he's found himself in a foul mood. Listless, lethargic... down, which is a sentiment he doesn't enjoy feeling and has never been as bad as it is now, not even when he first woke up to the screaming pain of the Noah Memory.]
Don't go out of your way. [It's said in a sigh as he turns, facing the slot machine.] I really don't need the money, but I'll play the game with you. Consider it charity. [lmao]
Can you dance, or will I have to teach you?
it's ok tyki we can make it worse! don't worry!
that's a card the ipc deals, instead, and they will do their damned best to have that in their deck. )
Think nothing of it. We can use this to get to know one another better, hm? The festivities do call for quite the sociable mood, after all! ( just a friendly dance, nothing to see here.
though, for once, aventurine would have to gather a loss in this department. dancing... well, he has never had the chance, not with the life he has had. ) Is your willingness to teach me part of said charity, or something I should pay you for?
1, I am so so sorry
[ Living life unattached and carefree suits him, in her opinion. If that sort of freedom was truly possible for him. Maybe it isn't. She doesn't know anything beyond the office gossip and avoids him when she can. What she does know is that she feels sorry for anyone who makes a deal with him.
She is in a fully committed relationship with work, and she has the lifetime contract with the IPC to prove it. But if she ever decided to get married, at least she knows she'll look good in all white. The high-low cut of her gown shows off her legs and cascades down to a long train. The only hint of color is a pale blue silk garter.
The lace edged veil does nothing to conceal her smile, but it's not the gentle expression of a blushing bride: it's her business game face. ]
I've never considered getting married, but if that's the part I'm supposed to play, then I should act accordingly, right?
[ She hands him a tablet. On it is a pre-nuptial agreement that can only be described as predatory. In the event of a divorce, she expects an outrageous percentage of his assets and stock options, as well as "child support" for her three cats, two dogs and Numby for the rest of their lives. If she were this heartless at work, she'd be on the fast track for a promotion. ]
You're free to negotiate the terms, but I believe this is a fair starting point.
I'VE NEVER GASPED SO LOUDLY??? this is the best day of my life
she does look good in white - everyone knows it, anyways. it matches her hair and eyes, the gown accentuates her figure, and though aventurine's opinion and thoughts aren't so highly valued, needed or requested by his dear coworker, he would still gladly offer it. they are two of the ten stonehearts, after all. while the people they make business with are nothing more than stepping stones and pawns for a greater goal, their relationship doesn't have to be so build in empty smiles and vague words.
clearly, if anything. the contents of the tablet are far and wild. his sigonian eyes skim through it, first, because considering their jobs and her position as the leader of the special debts picket team... not going over the minute details and in-between the lines would be a death sentence in itself.
also - three cats and two dogs?? plus numby???? girl???? )
You have really thought everything through already. I'm almost inclined to believe you've schemed all of this yourself, and this is your particular way of confessing to me, Topaz. ( haha. :) just a friendly jest between coworkers.
the smiles he offers her, at the very least, isn't the empty, carefully built one he offers his friends. he is genuinely entertained by all of this. )
I think you're getting a little too ahead of yourself, though. An expensive suite, luxurious outfits and even rings to match. If I'm not wrong, this calls for a honeymoon first, no? Surely we can leave our work mindset behind for a little while.
OK, I'M GLAD. 👍🏼
i love topaz... i'm blessed 🥹
That's heartening to hear <3
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3
Dimitri, while still wearing the furred cloak he first woke in, has at least removed his armor down to the dark clothes beneath. His stature is tall and imposing — yet his voice is soft, careful.]
The festivities? Ah, I'm not partaking. [A romantic celebration is no place for him, though it does call to mind the white-rose garlands gifted by women to their lovers at a certain time of year. Still, not chocolate, or... the other terribly obscene items he's sighted.] I wouldn't say no to company. If you could tell me more about how you've found this place — the resort — that would be helpful. I am still new, you see.
[And so painfully, virginally naïve... ]