▶ ORIGINAL TEST DRIVE 2 POST IS LOCATED HERE ▶ ALL NEW TOP LEVELS SHOULD NOW BE POSTED ON TAKE 2
▶ ALL CARRIED OVER OLD TOP LEVELS SHOULD BE LINKED, NOT COPY AND PASTED
【 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. 💕
( his smile does not falter at her answer, and that's the response she gets. he is, after all, aventurine of stratagems - the promise that he won't cheat, or the reassurance that a deal with a coworker won't be so predatory as his usually are mean nothing if they are crafted under a well said lie.
the point is the seed of doubt to be planted, to allow it to fester. it is, at the end, a gamble in itself - will he cheat, or will he not cheat? will he be nicer to her, or is the idea of watching topaz one-up him so against his principles? )
Let's play Old Maid, ( a deck of cards materializes in his hand as soon as he speaks - thank the aeons for imaginary element -, and he gestures for her to follow him to the bed where he sits on the edge, and flicks the deck open, ) Since it's just the two of us, I'll split the deck in half.
Of course, it won't be any fun if we're too focused playing it. It's really just to lighten up your mood, so let's have a nice little talk while we play, alright? ( fifty-two cards split in half, neatly organized so they could properly play the game, ) I'll sign your pre-nuptial agreement if you win. If I do, let's enjoy our marriage without worrying about a divorce, hmm?
( their "marriage", that neither of them agreed with and both know isn't real, but hey, if it's to play a part to smooth over whatever operation this is, then what harm could come from it? after a couple of minutes skillfully shuffling the twenty-six cards, he gives topaz her half of it - that forever smile of his still faithfully on his face. )
[ His game proposal throws her off balance. When he was that close, with this nimble fingers in her hair, what was she hoping for? The moment has passed, it's better not to dwell on it. It's a scary thought. Her expression slips into something cool and indifferent. Perhaps an overcompensation, to show how little she's bothered.
The prenup certainly wasn't a confession: if she's being perfectly honest, she was being a bit of a brat. So his compliance isn't much of a prize. Would he even play a game if there isn't anything to win? Time to see what he does. She takes a seat at the edge of the bed and watches him shuffle the cards. ]
Oh, that thing? Don't worry about it. They'll clear up the misunderstanding eventually, and there's no point in making this a miserable time for everyone involved.
On the other hand, I can't think of anything else I'd want from you.
[ In her mental simulation, she can't see any options that don't come with countless strings attached. He'd never put himself on the losing end of a deal. The best way to win isn't to play the game at all. Or at least with faux marital harmony on the line.
It's more beneficial to both parties to get along. And while she pities the people manipulated by him, and she disagrees with his methods on principle, she doesn't hate him.
If she's being honest, she's actually happy to play a children's game. She wasn't able to play them as a child, and now that she's older, she doesn't have time for them. Until now. Playing a game with little no stakes, no pressure... that's more enjoyable to her. ]
I don't mind fun. So I'm open to leaving the wagering aside, unless that's a deal breaker for you.
( and so the bets are off, just like that. he can't help but shift his gaze from the cards to his coworker, smile always, eternally unfaltering -
and he looks back down, as though he has seen everything he needs to see. ) There's no shame in playing safe when the odds aren't in your favor. You do know better than to make bets with me.
( games without gambling aren't as much fun, but not all gambles are crystal clear. in the grand scheme of things, life itself is a constant gamble, and so is their current situation. destress and don't think about work, he had said, but what else do they have if not their life in the ipc?
aventurine sets down two pairs of cards, the joker sitting neatly between the ones in his hands. under trained eyes, the cards could so easily serve as metaphors. a pair of cornerstones, out of their hands. would diamond be mad, if he found out? maybe so. topaz had already been demoted once - there's no saying what this would do to her perfect reputation. the lack of any information whatsoever isn't helping either. it's too early to discard the option that this is still penacony - throwing him off with sudden surprises and mysterious resorts isn't so far-fetched of the family, after all. not with all that he had been scheming.
the oddity is topaz herself. a more reliable companion than ratio, sure, but for them to potentially end up in the same dream? )
It's rare seeing you without Numby, though. ( casual talk disguised as information gathering, though that's hardly something he needs to do with someone he actually trusts, to some extent. old habits die hard. ) I doubt you lost each other. Well, I'm sure he can fend for himself. You, however...
( can absolutely survive without him, but - ) Aren't you lonely?
[ She's way too easy to read. The way tension leaves her body in a soft sigh of relief when she gets what she asked for without a fight. ]
I'd like to keep that experience second-hand.
[ Although in playing the game, thoughts of work are already slipping her mind. As a pair of her own is discarded, she observes how he's started the pile. Automatically, the gears in her head start turning. She doesn't have the joker. He just put down four cards. Therefore, there's a one in nine chance that she'll pull the joker. But where would he put it? Maybe if she stares at him hard enough, she can discern where he put it. It's almost sad how ineffective this is, but she'll try to read him. She reaches out to the left, then swings right, then left again, checking each time for some kind of hint from him at each change of direction...
In her concentration, she almost misses what he's saying. As if roused from a trance, she blinks, her attention bouncing from the cards to his face. Immediately, her mouth is agape, poised to protest what she assumes will be some implication that she can't fend for herself, but then—
It snaps shut. Is she lonely? She gets along with her co-workers. Her clients like Asta make fine acquaintances. She's got three cats, two dogs, Numby and three baby Vonwacq lizards to shower with affection (which were too new to include on the prenup, that's unfair to him). She's financially stable, even with the pay cut and the loss of bonuses this quarter. She's happy, fulfilled. She's in a position where she doesn't want for anything. For someone who grew up with nothing, that should be enough. Isn't it enough? She isn't sure. ]
You've read through the info they've provided, haven't you? This is hardly a place for them. If you're expecting me to break down crying just 'cause we're apart, it's not gonna happen.
[ For all his taunting about her soft-hearted nature, she doesn't actually believe he'd relish the sight of her in tears. But the thought that he might be concerned is also difficult to process. ]
Edited (Unlike Topaz I cannot math) 2024-02-24 04:58 (UTC)
Do you truly think so ill of me? ( for all of his particular sadism, it hardly applies to someone he mostly has a good relationship with. the question is posed without a hint of his true feelings behind it.
topaz crying would just make things awkward. though he knows her to be far more honest and sincere with her feelings, showing weakness in their line of work is a death sentence in itself. in her position, even more so. hadn't it been her soft heart that led to jarilo-vi being a mostly unsuccessful investment, even despite his warnings?
the answer she gives is the answer aventurine had sought. it shows resilience; that in spite of their current predicament, she's still someone he can rely on. she's good at what she does, even when he's so unwilling to partner up with others.
that alone is reassuring enough. )
Guess it takes more than Penacony for the 'mighty Aventurine' to start collaborating with others. Ahah, maybe Diamond expected this to happen, and that's another reason why you got demoted? I'll make sure to make good use of this boss status over you. ( it's a joke! mostly. probably. that's just the reality of a hierarchical work place, really. ) Two heads think better than one. We have lost all our belongings, too.
( their cornerstones, most importantly, which surely she knows what this means, in the grand scheme of things. from the cards to her azure eyes do his eyes travel, with that familiar hypnotic feeling to them. )
The wagering isn't off; we just don't know the terms. How good are you at guessing?
No. My ill thoughts of you stop at your cutthroat tactics and annoying personality.
[ The reply is shot off without the slightest hint of venom. Her feelings are hardly a secret, and she won't waste her breath with lies (unlike some people). Even the difference in rank can temper her guileless candor. Sure, she'll respect Diamond and Jade, but Aventurine? Her demotion is temporary. The gap between P44 and P45 isn't that great. He's practically an equal, and regardless of her opinions of how he does his job, he's not beneath her. If they have to work together, fine. She can tolerate him.
Right or left...? Her eyes linger on his, more focused on selecting a card than any response to what she said. It's not like he can say she's wrong. No amount of staring gives her insight, but that's expected. ]
Anyway, me crying wouldn't be productive for either of us.
[ Her fingertips dance around the middle of the hand, then she snatches a card from the far right. Her eyes sparkle with joy as she matches it with one of her own. A bright giggle fills the room as she throws the pair down. ]
Anyway~ I seriously doubt making you my boss is meant to teach you a lesson. It's probably more like a weak attempt to put me on some kind of leash.
[ She wrinkles her nose at that. He can try to pull rank, but she will absolutely make him regret it. ]
If our stuff was taken, then that's probably how it is for everyone else here, too. To encourage compliance. And if they're capable of taking it away without anyone putting up a fight... then we're not dealing with an ordinary opponent.
[ It's worrying, honestly. As she waits for him to pick a card, she tries to suppress concerns that they're dealing with a force on par with an Aeon. It makes her chest tight, buzzing with stress. ]
What do you think they want?
[ She has her suspicions, but at this point, she'll gladly accept a lie. ]
Edited (Sorry for adding more) 2024-02-25 04:22 (UTC)
( ah - he can't help but laugh at that. ) Feisty as always. You haven't changed.
( not that he thinks she would, in such a short time. for all that aventurine might tease her about her current rank, of course she wouldn't suddenly change the way she treats him; nor would he want her to. that kind of behavior they can reserve for jade or emerald. topaz is, at least, easy to talk with. maybe because her emotions are always so clear on her face that she just gleams at getting a new pair down. cute, really. one would almost think she isn't the very leader of the special debts picket team. )
Diamond doesn't need you on a leash. He knows you're proud enough that the loss of a rank will make you work your way back to P45. With a guy as obsessed with results as he is, that's enough. ( and this is likely a good opportunity.
with both of them having two pairs down, it means the loser is the one who can't take the joker from the other - now more than ever. which means it's over once topaz takes it, and that only makes it all the more fun. the game itself isn't who ends up with the joker, but how long he can make her doubt her choices. aventurine takes one of her cards, sets down a pair, and shuffles his own cards. the joker sits two cards to the left. )
Throw us off balance, maybe. ( like he is doing right now, yes. ) They know we can't leave without the stones, at least. If everyone else is more worried about their belongings than they are with figuring out a way out and the people behind it, they will have more time to execute their plan. Whatever that is.
( and his smile falls, at last. a bothersome obstacle that he knows not the shape and form is annoying. building a plan around the unknown is bound to fail, no matter how careful he is with his pawns. )
Every game has a loophole. We will have to play until we figure out what it is, then exploit it.
[ Thanks for throwing her off balance, Aventurine.
Shuffling his cards feels like a personal attack, but it breaks the tension held in her expression, with irritation flaring up through the cracks. ]
I'm not always gonna deliver the kind of results Diamond wants. Or Taravan expects. You know how that guy is: "It's not my problem if you don't have the money. That's your problem," Remember?
[ It's a perspective she can't abide by. As she quotes the IPC Director, she doesn't try to make her delivery convincing. The card she pulls at random is just shy of the joker, something she's unaware of as continues to stew over Taravan. ]
That's why the successful reacquisition of Penacony is important. [ Her feelings and demotion aside, the weight of the Penacony project means their department can't afford to fail. ]
Just taking our belongings hostage would make this a prison. Whoever is in charge is smart enough to distract people from revolting or finding a way out by incentivizing compliance.
On that note, I feel like I should ask how far you're willing to take that. [ Her phrasing prompts an immediate backtrack. She knows too well that many people in desperate situations are willing to do anything to make their lives easier. ] Well— "Willing" isn't the right word. "Happy" is better.
[ As grueling and heavy on her heart as working for the IPC can be, Topaz has always felt happy. It is the key to her resilience. ]
( and that's why he had been perfect for the job, huh. jade had told him as much, and part of him can't help but wonder if this, too, is a way to prolong the inevitable. could this be seen as a bout of good luck? )
A fancied up prison. Not many will think of it that way, not when it's far better living conditions than most of them are used to. We might as well be wearing invisible shackles.
( even aventurine himself, for all his smarts and experiences, isn't exempt to how much the entire place caters to him. the gold is nice on his eyes, and later, when he's down in their own casino, it will be much like dangling fresh meat in front of a starving lion. life itself is a gamble, one he plays and bets with each passing moment; but the ecstasy and sheer excitement that comes from any sort of game where he can gamble chips or his own life are always an unavoidable temptation.
it's too perfect a distraction. he takes a card, and downs another pair. he doesn't shuffle his own cards this time. )
As far as it's necessary to find that loophole. Haha, you didn't have to change your wording to cater to me, you know? Though you're right. I couldn't be happier to be part of this game. ( the ipc pays well, at least his rank does. the climb from p13 to p45 isn't an easy one, and he had done many a jobs to get where he did, to earn the right to the aventurine stone.
though he doesn't want for anything, compliance is only truly successful when there's something to be lost. there's nothing in sigonia for him, and he's as much of a replaceable asset to diamond as anyone else. then what is the key to his own resilience? ) Ahh, but change is a little too annoying, you see. I have such a good life that it would be a shame to lose all of it. The stakes right now are a little too unfavorable, so I would like to request a change. Isn't that the same for you?
[ It wasn't that long ago since the revitalization of Topaz's planet and her ascension to Senior Management. All the perks of her position are very nice, although she still feels more at home in the office or in the field rather than at a glamorous party. There's no need to argue Aventurine's point on the matter, it's perfectly understandable. She considers herself lucky that she found her own way out. At least until she wound up in this hotel suite.
Topaz's luck has to run out eventually. Apparently, to further illustrate this point, she pulls the Joker this time. Her expression sours, the loss compounded by being misunderstood. On the other hand, she doubts that if she asked directly whether he was happy about the present situation, and how much of his own happiness would he compromise for the sake of finding the loophole that she would receive a direct answer.
It's fine. It's not like she cares. She shouldn't care if this is a place where he's thriving. Clear blue eyes narrow in a withering glare at him as she shuffles the cards with considerably less finesse. ]
Ah yes. Of course. What was I thinking? Forget I asked.
Do you think our present captors are open to negotiation? They have our stuff; they possibly have the ability to take us from where we were to transplant us here; they possess resources to provide incentives for playing along. [ a point she demonstrates by gesturing to the room and her dress with her free hand. ]
I wouldn't be surprised if other deterrents for noncompliance existed. Basically, nothing's in our favor until we get more info. [ Her fanned out cards conceal her scowl, though they don't provide a shield for her gaze. It's as if she's actively trying not to make eye contact with the Joker on the far right ]
What do you want?
Edited (the errant "a" bothered me. Watch me find other typos later.) 2024-02-26 00:01 (UTC)
( that sincerity is going to be the end of her one day. the look on her face once she takes the joker, the way her words carry when he doesn't give her the answer she was looking for. didn't she say it herself? he does have an annoying personality. avoidant and too secretive for his own good, perhaps.
even if that were not the case, aventurine doesn't have a proper answer. is he happy, being away from a life that keeps him shackled down as much as this self-proclaimed resort does? what even brings him happiness, to begin with? )
Every captor has a motive. If they want something from us, they will torment us until our spirits are broken and unwilling to fight. If they just want to watch us like we're nothing but experiments, then that just makes it easier. ( not fighting would be the same as fighting, after all.
his hand hovers her cards for a moment, feigning indecisiveness. his pick is in itself a gamble, one too easy to play, but one even aventurine finds amusement in. he hovers over the far right card, nearly pulls it out of her hand-
but settles, instead, for the card next to it. another pair down, and an innocent smile on his face. )
From you now that I have pretty much won our game? ( even when he still has four cards left, but topaz makes it too easy. it is, still, a very obvious tease. ) Who would have thought that the trusty Topaz would ever put her life on the mighty Aventurine's hands.
[ Her sincerity hasn't ended her yet, though it continues to doom her game. As his hand approaches the far right her breath quickens in anticipation, eyes dilating with excitement. This is dangerously close to the high she got winning last year's Aetherium Wars Championship.
And then it all comes crashing down. This is so rude. The fake innocent smile makes the loss burn even more. She needs to refocus. Forcing her irritation out in a huff, she goes back to the conversation. Another of his cards is taken and matched with hers. ]
They're pretty clear about what they want, but what do they gain from it? The goal has to be more than just keeping people here, 'cause after a certain level of population density, detaining people will become unsustainable.
[ And then everyone enjoying themselves will suffer. She makes a mental note to determine the number of rooms and the square footage of the property, so she can figure out where that limit is. ]
The game isn't over yet. [ Spoken like a true loser deluding herself. The obvious teasing riles her up even more. ] And I already agreed to work with you, so what else is there?
( her reasoning isn't wrong, but that's a mystery they would have to dig out the answers to. what does the house want, what they gain from it, whether each one of their guests have been cherry picked. topaz's spirit is a hard one to crack, her golden heart made of the toughest minerals. introducing her to a place of opulence and debauchery is a good test in itself, whether she has the resilience to put down her own self-worth in order to come out on top.
aventurine... well, hasn't he already gotten long used to this sort of assumption of his person? )
Life is far more than just one game to win, ( still not an answer, but that's just how he is. ) but no one plays to lose, do they? Isn't there only one question to that answer?
( another card, another pair down, another question he completely deflates, knowingly and willingly. )
[ His last card, which she pairs with hers, leaving her with only the joker in hand. There's no point in even showing it to him, so she gathers the pile, squares it up and hands it back. It's a children's game, the stakes are low. It would be stupid to let something so small get her down, when far greater challenges wait beyond this room.
And when faced with an unknown, it's even more important to stay calm, be patient and remain genuinely oneself. ]
Do you ever answer questions directly? Or are you just holding off until we get a better understanding of the situation?
[ Ever comfortable with eschewing formality in his presence, she muses aloud with little care and doesn't expect an answer. ]
Which one do you want to bet on? ( it's a joke! ) In our line of work, there's no benefits to answering questions with full sincerity. Even a good conversation can be a game in itself.
( a match of wits, a game of words, so on. the astral express's navigator had been good at that - not better than him, of course not, but good enough that she didn't sink their space train into the ground. aventurine takes the cards, his eyes landing on that special joker card. a red herring and a trump card both. )
No one plays a game to lose. All I want is to win. ( whether that's an answer to her question or a lone statement, he would simply leave it to her own interpretation. a moment later, the cards vanish into tiny, golden particles. ) Whatever rewards come from it is just a bonus. The development and progress of a game in itself is what makes it far more fun than the result. Is that not the same for you?
[ The joke sours her expression. And saying there's "no benefits to answering questions with full sincerity" has her feeling a little defensive. Being (mostly) transparent has always been part of her negotiating style: Sincerity fosters goodwill. It shows clients she can be entrusted with their planet. Maybe it doesn't work for him, but sincere has served her well. But he answered the question, so her balled up fists return to her lap.
While she feels out of her element with this sort of game, she does understand getting enjoyment from the process of playing. It should be fun, and it's only as fun as she allows it to be. ]
Fair point. I get it.
[ She can't help being a little petty and getting the last word in: ] And there are benefits to being fully sincere, you know.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
goldmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
peacockstop2024-02-19 10:08 pm
@ softstoneheart
( his smile does not falter at her answer, and that's the response she gets. he is, after all, aventurine of stratagems - the promise that he won't cheat, or the reassurance that a deal with a coworker won't be so predatory as his usually are mean nothing if they are crafted under a well said lie.
the point is the seed of doubt to be planted, to allow it to fester. it is, at the end, a gamble in itself - will he cheat, or will he not cheat? will he be nicer to her, or is the idea of watching topaz one-up him so against his principles? )
Let's play Old Maid, ( a deck of cards materializes in his hand as soon as he speaks - thank the aeons for imaginary element -, and he gestures for her to follow him to the bed where he sits on the edge, and flicks the deck open, ) Since it's just the two of us, I'll split the deck in half.
Of course, it won't be any fun if we're too focused playing it. It's really just to lighten up your mood, so let's have a nice little talk while we play, alright? ( fifty-two cards split in half, neatly organized so they could properly play the game, ) I'll sign your pre-nuptial agreement if you win. If I do, let's enjoy our marriage without worrying about a divorce, hmm?
( their "marriage", that neither of them agreed with and both know isn't real, but hey, if it's to play a part to smooth over whatever operation this is, then what harm could come from it? after a couple of minutes skillfully shuffling the twenty-six cards, he gives topaz her half of it - that forever smile of his still faithfully on his face. )
A little fun won't hurt, Topaz.
Re: @ softstoneheart
The prenup certainly wasn't a confession: if she's being perfectly honest, she was being a bit of a brat. So his compliance isn't much of a prize. Would he even play a game if there isn't anything to win? Time to see what he does. She takes a seat at the edge of the bed and watches him shuffle the cards. ]
Oh, that thing? Don't worry about it. They'll clear up the misunderstanding eventually, and there's no point in making this a miserable time for everyone involved.
On the other hand, I can't think of anything else I'd want from you.
[ In her mental simulation, she can't see any options that don't come with countless strings attached. He'd never put himself on the losing end of a deal. The best way to win isn't to play the game at all. Or at least with faux marital harmony on the line.
It's more beneficial to both parties to get along. And while she pities the people manipulated by him, and she disagrees with his methods on principle, she doesn't hate him.
If she's being honest, she's actually happy to play a children's game. She wasn't able to play them as a child, and now that she's older, she doesn't have time for them. Until now. Playing a game with little no stakes, no pressure... that's more enjoyable to her. ]
I don't mind fun. So I'm open to leaving the wagering aside, unless that's a deal breaker for you.
no subject
and he looks back down, as though he has seen everything he needs to see. ) There's no shame in playing safe when the odds aren't in your favor. You do know better than to make bets with me.
( games without gambling aren't as much fun, but not all gambles are crystal clear. in the grand scheme of things, life itself is a constant gamble, and so is their current situation. destress and don't think about work, he had said, but what else do they have if not their life in the ipc?
aventurine sets down two pairs of cards, the joker sitting neatly between the ones in his hands. under trained eyes, the cards could so easily serve as metaphors. a pair of cornerstones, out of their hands. would diamond be mad, if he found out? maybe so. topaz had already been demoted once - there's no saying what this would do to her perfect reputation. the lack of any information whatsoever isn't helping either. it's too early to discard the option that this is still penacony - throwing him off with sudden surprises and mysterious resorts isn't so far-fetched of the family, after all. not with all that he had been scheming.
the oddity is topaz herself. a more reliable companion than ratio, sure, but for them to potentially end up in the same dream? )
It's rare seeing you without Numby, though. ( casual talk disguised as information gathering, though that's hardly something he needs to do with someone he actually trusts, to some extent. old habits die hard. ) I doubt you lost each other. Well, I'm sure he can fend for himself. You, however...
( can absolutely survive without him, but - ) Aren't you lonely?
no subject
I'd like to keep that experience second-hand.
[ Although in playing the game, thoughts of work are already slipping her mind. As a pair of her own is discarded, she observes how he's started the pile. Automatically, the gears in her head start turning. She doesn't have the joker. He just put down four cards. Therefore, there's a one in nine chance that she'll pull the joker. But where would he put it? Maybe if she stares at him hard enough, she can discern where he put it. It's almost sad how ineffective this is, but she'll try to read him. She reaches out to the left, then swings right, then left again, checking each time for some kind of hint from him at each change of direction...
In her concentration, she almost misses what he's saying. As if roused from a trance, she blinks, her attention bouncing from the cards to his face. Immediately, her mouth is agape, poised to protest what she assumes will be some implication that she can't fend for herself, but then—
It snaps shut. Is she lonely? She gets along with her co-workers. Her clients like Asta make fine acquaintances. She's got three cats, two dogs, Numby and three baby Vonwacq lizards to shower with affection (which were too new to include on the prenup, that's unfair to him). She's financially stable, even with the pay cut and the loss of bonuses this quarter. She's happy, fulfilled. She's in a position where she doesn't want for anything. For someone who grew up with nothing, that should be enough. Isn't it enough? She isn't sure. ]
You've read through the info they've provided, haven't you? This is hardly a place for them. If you're expecting me to break down crying just 'cause we're apart, it's not gonna happen.
[ For all his taunting about her soft-hearted nature, she doesn't actually believe he'd relish the sight of her in tears. But the thought that he might be concerned is also difficult to process. ]
no subject
topaz crying would just make things awkward. though he knows her to be far more honest and sincere with her feelings, showing weakness in their line of work is a death sentence in itself. in her position, even more so. hadn't it been her soft heart that led to jarilo-vi being a mostly unsuccessful investment, even despite his warnings?
the answer she gives is the answer aventurine had sought. it shows resilience; that in spite of their current predicament, she's still someone he can rely on. she's good at what she does, even when he's so unwilling to partner up with others.
that alone is reassuring enough. )
Guess it takes more than Penacony for the 'mighty Aventurine' to start collaborating with others. Ahah, maybe Diamond expected this to happen, and that's another reason why you got demoted? I'll make sure to make good use of this boss status over you. ( it's a joke! mostly. probably. that's just the reality of a hierarchical work place, really. ) Two heads think better than one. We have lost all our belongings, too.
( their cornerstones, most importantly, which surely she knows what this means, in the grand scheme of things. from the cards to her azure eyes do his eyes travel, with that familiar hypnotic feeling to them. )
The wagering isn't off; we just don't know the terms. How good are you at guessing?
no subject
[ The reply is shot off without the slightest hint of venom. Her feelings are hardly a secret, and she won't waste her breath with lies (unlike some people). Even the difference in rank can temper her guileless candor. Sure, she'll respect Diamond and Jade, but Aventurine? Her demotion is temporary. The gap between P44 and P45 isn't that great. He's practically an equal, and regardless of her opinions of how he does his job, he's not beneath her. If they have to work together, fine. She can tolerate him.
Right or left...? Her eyes linger on his, more focused on selecting a card than any response to what she said. It's not like he can say she's wrong. No amount of staring gives her insight, but that's expected. ]
Anyway, me crying wouldn't be productive for either of us.
[ Her fingertips dance around the middle of the hand, then she snatches a card from the far right. Her eyes sparkle with joy as she matches it with one of her own. A bright giggle fills the room as she throws the pair down. ]
Anyway~ I seriously doubt making you my boss is meant to teach you a lesson. It's probably more like a weak attempt to put me on some kind of leash.
[ She wrinkles her nose at that. He can try to pull rank, but she will absolutely make him regret it. ]
If our stuff was taken, then that's probably how it is for everyone else here, too. To encourage compliance. And if they're capable of taking it away without anyone putting up a fight... then we're not dealing with an ordinary opponent.
[ It's worrying, honestly. As she waits for him to pick a card, she tries to suppress concerns that they're dealing with a force on par with an Aeon. It makes her chest tight, buzzing with stress. ]
What do you think they want?
[ She has her suspicions, but at this point, she'll gladly accept a lie. ]
no subject
( not that he thinks she would, in such a short time. for all that aventurine might tease her about her current rank, of course she wouldn't suddenly change the way she treats him; nor would he want her to. that kind of behavior they can reserve for jade or emerald. topaz is, at least, easy to talk with. maybe because her emotions are always so clear on her face that she just gleams at getting a new pair down. cute, really. one would almost think she isn't the very leader of the special debts picket team. )
Diamond doesn't need you on a leash. He knows you're proud enough that the loss of a rank will make you work your way back to P45. With a guy as obsessed with results as he is, that's enough. ( and this is likely a good opportunity.
with both of them having two pairs down, it means the loser is the one who can't take the joker from the other - now more than ever. which means it's over once topaz takes it, and that only makes it all the more fun. the game itself isn't who ends up with the joker, but how long he can make her doubt her choices. aventurine takes one of her cards, sets down a pair, and shuffles his own cards. the joker sits two cards to the left. )
Throw us off balance, maybe. ( like he is doing right now, yes. ) They know we can't leave without the stones, at least. If everyone else is more worried about their belongings than they are with figuring out a way out and the people behind it, they will have more time to execute their plan. Whatever that is.
( and his smile falls, at last. a bothersome obstacle that he knows not the shape and form is annoying. building a plan around the unknown is bound to fail, no matter how careful he is with his pawns. )
Every game has a loophole. We will have to play until we figure out what it is, then exploit it.
no subject
Shuffling his cards feels like a personal attack, but it breaks the tension held in her expression, with irritation flaring up through the cracks. ]
I'm not always gonna deliver the kind of results Diamond wants. Or Taravan expects. You know how that guy is: "It's not my problem if you don't have the money. That's your problem," Remember?
[ It's a perspective she can't abide by. As she quotes the IPC Director, she doesn't try to make her delivery convincing. The card she pulls at random is just shy of the joker, something she's unaware of as continues to stew over Taravan. ]
That's why the successful reacquisition of Penacony is important. [ Her feelings and demotion aside, the weight of the Penacony project means their department can't afford to fail. ]
Just taking our belongings hostage would make this a prison. Whoever is in charge is smart enough to distract people from revolting or finding a way out by incentivizing compliance.
On that note, I feel like I should ask how far you're willing to take that. [ Her phrasing prompts an immediate backtrack. She knows too well that many people in desperate situations are willing to do anything to make their lives easier. ] Well— "Willing" isn't the right word. "Happy" is better.
[ As grueling and heavy on her heart as working for the IPC can be, Topaz has always felt happy. It is the key to her resilience. ]
no subject
A fancied up prison. Not many will think of it that way, not when it's far better living conditions than most of them are used to. We might as well be wearing invisible shackles.
( even aventurine himself, for all his smarts and experiences, isn't exempt to how much the entire place caters to him. the gold is nice on his eyes, and later, when he's down in their own casino, it will be much like dangling fresh meat in front of a starving lion. life itself is a gamble, one he plays and bets with each passing moment; but the ecstasy and sheer excitement that comes from any sort of game where he can gamble chips or his own life are always an unavoidable temptation.
it's too perfect a distraction. he takes a card, and downs another pair. he doesn't shuffle his own cards this time. )
As far as it's necessary to find that loophole. Haha, you didn't have to change your wording to cater to me, you know? Though you're right. I couldn't be happier to be part of this game. ( the ipc pays well, at least his rank does. the climb from p13 to p45 isn't an easy one, and he had done many a jobs to get where he did, to earn the right to the aventurine stone.
though he doesn't want for anything, compliance is only truly successful when there's something to be lost. there's nothing in sigonia for him, and he's as much of a replaceable asset to diamond as anyone else. then what is the key to his own resilience? ) Ahh, but change is a little too annoying, you see. I have such a good life that it would be a shame to lose all of it. The stakes right now are a little too unfavorable, so I would like to request a change. Isn't that the same for you?
no subject
Topaz's luck has to run out eventually. Apparently, to further illustrate this point, she pulls the Joker this time. Her expression sours, the loss compounded by being misunderstood. On the other hand, she doubts that if she asked directly whether he was happy about the present situation, and how much of his own happiness would he compromise for the sake of finding the loophole that she would receive a direct answer.
It's fine. It's not like she cares. She shouldn't care if this is a place where he's thriving. Clear blue eyes narrow in a withering glare at him as she shuffles the cards with considerably less finesse. ]
Ah yes. Of course. What was I thinking? Forget I asked.
Do you think our present captors are open to negotiation? They have our stuff; they possibly have the ability to take us from where we were to transplant us here; they possess resources to provide incentives for playing along. [ a point she demonstrates by gesturing to the room and her dress with her free hand. ]
I wouldn't be surprised if other deterrents for noncompliance existed. Basically, nothing's in our favor until we get more info. [ Her fanned out cards conceal her scowl, though they don't provide a shield for her gaze. It's as if she's actively trying not to make eye contact with the Joker on the far right ]
What do you want?
lmfao you don't have to worry about the edits!!
even if that were not the case, aventurine doesn't have a proper answer. is he happy, being away from a life that keeps him shackled down as much as this self-proclaimed resort does? what even brings him happiness, to begin with? )
Every captor has a motive. If they want something from us, they will torment us until our spirits are broken and unwilling to fight. If they just want to watch us like we're nothing but experiments, then that just makes it easier. ( not fighting would be the same as fighting, after all.
his hand hovers her cards for a moment, feigning indecisiveness. his pick is in itself a gamble, one too easy to play, but one even aventurine finds amusement in. he hovers over the far right card, nearly pulls it out of her hand-
but settles, instead, for the card next to it. another pair down, and an innocent smile on his face. )
From you now that I have pretty much won our game? ( even when he still has four cards left, but topaz makes it too easy. it is, still, a very obvious tease. ) Who would have thought that the trusty Topaz would ever put her life on the mighty Aventurine's hands.
no subject
And then it all comes crashing down. This is so rude. The fake innocent smile makes the loss burn even more. She needs to refocus. Forcing her irritation out in a huff, she goes back to the conversation. Another of his cards is taken and matched with hers. ]
They're pretty clear about what they want, but what do they gain from it? The goal has to be more than just keeping people here, 'cause after a certain level of population density, detaining people will become unsustainable.
[ And then everyone enjoying themselves will suffer. She makes a mental note to determine the number of rooms and the square footage of the property, so she can figure out where that limit is. ]
The game isn't over yet. [ Spoken like a true loser deluding herself. The obvious teasing riles her up even more. ] And I already agreed to work with you, so what else is there?
no subject
aventurine... well, hasn't he already gotten long used to this sort of assumption of his person? )
Life is far more than just one game to win, ( still not an answer, but that's just how he is. ) but no one plays to lose, do they? Isn't there only one question to that answer?
( another card, another pair down, another question he completely deflates, knowingly and willingly. )
no subject
And when faced with an unknown, it's even more important to stay calm, be patient and remain genuinely oneself. ]
Do you ever answer questions directly? Or are you just holding off until we get a better understanding of the situation?
[ Ever comfortable with eschewing formality in his presence, she muses aloud with little care and doesn't expect an answer. ]
no subject
( a match of wits, a game of words, so on. the astral express's navigator had been good at that - not better than him, of course not, but good enough that she didn't sink their space train into the ground. aventurine takes the cards, his eyes landing on that special joker card. a red herring and a trump card both. )
No one plays a game to lose. All I want is to win. ( whether that's an answer to her question or a lone statement, he would simply leave it to her own interpretation. a moment later, the cards vanish into tiny, golden particles. ) Whatever rewards come from it is just a bonus. The development and progress of a game in itself is what makes it far more fun than the result. Is that not the same for you?
no subject
While she feels out of her element with this sort of game, she does understand getting enjoyment from the process of playing. It should be fun, and it's only as fun as she allows it to be. ]
Fair point. I get it.
[ She can't help being a little petty and getting the last word in: ] And there are benefits to being fully sincere, you know.