peacockstop | TDM 05

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!tdm

TDM 05

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our KING SUITES for all new arrivals. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.

As a token of our gratitude for your understanding, front reception has arranged for a GRAND FEAST to welcome our newest guests. The attendance of all guests is required. The house will enforce compliance.

Please note that rank-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking social code may be disciplined. We hope you enjoy your stay! 】

ARRIVAL

DIVINE AWAKENING

A cool breeze lofts across the room. Gentle, soothing. Cotton sheets and silken covers slip with the tired stretch of limbs. New arrivals dozing in the comfort of their king-sized beds wake to the balmy warmth of a hazy sun and the rhythmic lap of waves on the shore. Clouds mist around the floor, granting ethereal ambiance. Gauzy curtains flutter, revealing a majestic stretch of sky in all directions. This temple is nestled at the top of a mountain, one where the sea somehow meets its edge.

All King suites have been set to the Heavenly setting for the comfort of these new Wildcards. To call this place a room feels like a misnomer; all of the senses scream that this is a real temple at the top of a crisp oceanside mountain. The only clue that this place isn't what it seems is the door in the distance. It stands dark against light, a stark rectangle distinctly out of place.

New arrivals aren't waking up alone. Reception would never expect their guests to wake up in a cold bed. All new guests will be waking up next to another Wildcard or a current guest snatched up from the hallways. Guests waking up in these heavenly King suites will wake dressed in sheer white tunics and togas that leave very little to the imagination.

MARK OF THE GODS None of the traditional suits have manifested on these Wildcards. Instead, all new arrivals will discover intricate patterns winding their arms and legs, each one different from the next. Thorns, vines, stars, or moons — the commonality of these marks is that they come in either glittering gold or shimmering silver.

► BENEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of gold running along their skin have been identified as benevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the kind spirit within. All benevolent Wildcards may experience the effects of any RED SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

► MALEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of silver running along their skin have been identified as malevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the muck that lurks beneath the surface. All malevolent deities may experience the effects of any BLACK SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

MADDENING HUNGER Itchy throat, dry mouth. Headache. Hungry. It comes on slow, at first nothing of note. But, surely, it begins to deepen. Grapes don't feel filling. Water barely quenches thirst. All new arrivals will wake up in a state of hunger. They will find that despite the complimentary snacks left in their room by room service, nothing hits the spot.

No matter how much food they eat, these new arrivals, who have been dubbed as divines, won't find any satiation from food or wine. This gnawing hunger is exhausting; as it increases, their strength decreases. They cannot continue on like this for long.

All Wildcards, regardless of divine differentiation, will need to be worshipped for sustenance. Otherwise, they risk falling into a frenzied state.

There are many ways they can be worshipped. While having their bodies worshiped through sex is the most effective, they can find minor relief in acts of praise, affection, offerings, service, and so on. The longer a Wildcard goes without being worshiped, the more their god mark will leech their energy, and the faster they will lose their sanity. Loss of sanity can result in any kind of frenzy, from general mania to breaking from reality.

GILDED CAGE

AN ENDLESS FEAST

Doors to the grand banquet hall of Gilded Cage have been opened. A singular massive table stretches throughout the entirety of the restaurant, every available inch loaded with trays of food and goblets of wine. Waiters seamlessly dip in and out of the kitchens with platters over their shoulders, bringing delectable cuisine from all avenues of every earth around for guests to enjoy. Vibrant fruits, roasted meats, and decadent desserts funnel into the hall without end.

Rugs and cushions have been laid out for low rank guests. All high rank guests have thrones and benches covered in crushed velvet and delicate linens. Wildcards have a seat of honor amongst it all, each fresh new divine lead to the grand dais for their own semi-private tent with daybed and eager servants.

Low ranks are carefully watched by security and wait staff. Some low rank guests may even be dragged in by resort staff to assist serving high rank guests and Wildcards. All high rank guests and Wildcards are revered and catered to during the feast. Low rank guests are expected to feed them, rub their feet, and comply with any whimsical demands. Any low rank guest that defies a higher ranked guest is at risk of being shackled, forced to scrub chamber pots, and other humiliating punishments.

ROYALS ► Royal cards are King, Queen, and Jack ranks. All ranks beneath them must comply with their demands, no matter how whimsical or stupid. They are waited on hand and foot, with low ranks throwing themselves forward for the honor of pleasing them. Royals do not need to obey the commands of anyone aside from Wildcards. While it is good manners for a lower royal card to defer to a higher royal card they will not be punished if they decline.

► Royal cards are encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry. Be selfish! Be greedy! Take everything you want! There is no end to the pampering and indulgence offered to royals. Long-standing guests line up to flatter them and give them gifts. Resort staff are desperate to make them laugh or smile. A royal card frowning strikes terror every servant. Resort staff will insist that they seek their own pleasures and not worry about the feelings of those lowly cards. All numbered cards exist to satisfy the royals; being concerned about their peasant feelings is unnecessary.

► Royals can command any numbered rank. If they find a numbered rank they particularly like they may monopolize them for their exclusive use. The word no does not exist. Whatever a royal wants, a royal gets. They can also issue punishments to numbered ranks that do not please them. There are guards prepared to discipline servants at their command. They may also dominate unruly servants with their own hands if that pleases them.

SERVANTS ► Servant cards are ranks A - 10. Hierarchy exists within the servants as well. While a rank 10 servant must flatter and please the royals, they may issue orders to any servant rank beneath them. This continues down the line — a rank 6 servant must obey and adore any rank above them but may command and bully any rank below them.

► The Ace rank shows its fickle nature. All Ace cards are bottom-barrel servants sitting at Rank 1 that anyone can bully. They are automatically ordered to clean up trash, scrub sticky floors, and dance provocatively for any rank that demands a show.

► Servants must obey anyone that outranks them. There are guards standing along the walls waiting to discipline any servant that defies the hierarchy. However, the guards are mostly for show — suits enforce real compliance. Any servant that disobeys an individual who outranks them is at risk of their suit flaring. If their suit does flare, submitting and obeying or an orgasm can abate suit effects.

WILDCARDS ► Wildcards are akin to deities. There is no greater honor than to serve or possess a Wildcard. Royals want to own them and servants want to please them. All Wildcards are showered with endless adoration. Fights break out for the chance to feed them grapes or rub their calves. Wildcards may do whatever they want without consequences, even toward royal ranks.

► Wildcards are encouraged to indulge in the finest of everything. Servants must tend to them and obey their commands. While royals do not need to obey them, there is great prestige in claiming a Wildcard’s affection. Wildcards are encouraged to be selfish and enjoy themselves to the fullest.

► Any royal or servant that satisfies a Wildcard can collect a Wildcard token. This is an electronic token that appears in their bank account once a Wildcard has climaxed during sex. Physically pleasing two Wildcards bring about great blessings. Players may submit two Wildcard tokens under their rewards thread to collect a small item voucher.

PHOENIX CASINO

ALEA IACTA EST

Phoenix Casino has been reborn in antiquity. Stone pillars line the aisles and embroidered linens cast a gauzy filter over every corner of the gambling center. The number of statues has increased, with every corner decorated with marble figures in provocative poses. The feast continues into even here; scantily clad servants and waiters carry around platters of succulent fruits and pitchers of wine.

The game tables are abuzz. Special games have kicked off in honor of the new godlings that are waiting to check in. Even here, those of different ranks are distinct from one another. The lowest ranks wear small slips of clothing. Some are even collared to show they belong to a particular royal or Wildcard. Royals and Wildcards dress luxuriously in thick robes and golden jewelry.

Game managers clap and encourage guests of all ranks to join in on the fun. While there are numerous card games, slot machines, and raffles happening around the casino, staff are promoting three events in particular.

WILDCARD AUCTION ► All shiny new Wildcards have a unique number pinned to their robes. Early in the night these nubile virgin Wildcards will be paraded across the stage and asked to introduce themselves to the crowd. After, the bidding will commence. Don't miss this opportunity to claim a resort virgin and beloved divine!

► Bidding for a Wildcard can get intense! Numerous long-standing guests are already obsessed with these stunning new arrivals and are quick to bid high. Bidding wars can break out at any time. Some very eager long-standing guests are willing to get violent if it means they get to monopolize one of these Wildcards. Security is on stand-by for cases of Wildcard theft; some guests are so desperate for these Wildcards that they'll even try to kidnap them if they see the chance.

► The hierarchy is temporarily set aside for auction purchases. Any rank can dominate a Wildcard if they have the means to bid high enough and buy. In the case of Wildcard purchases, their god marks will force compliance to whoever buys them during the auction.

CASTING LOTS ► This special game of lots is designed for a high rank and a low rank to play together. In the case of guests of the same rank playing together, a coin flip will decide who plays the "low" rank for this game.

► The high rank guest will roll a six-sided die. The number rolled will reflect the game rule by which the low rank guest must try to satisfy the high rank guest. If the low rank guest manages to satisfy the high rank guest they will receive a large payout. If the high rank guest is not satisfied they may discipline the low-rank guest in any way they see fit.

ONE: Without using hands.

TWO: Using only mouth.

THREE: While blindfolded.

FOUR: Using only butt cheeks.

FIVE: Using only legs.

SIX: While remaining on knees.

► The high rank decides if and when they have been satisfied. Work hard, low rank!

HEADS OR TAILS

► What's a casino without a bit of risk? There's a special game of Heads or Tails happening at the game tables. All guests must bet their rank in order to play. Winners of the game will have the option to either swap ranks with the loser, or keep their rank as is and move on to another game. With a little bit of luck, even a Rank 2 can experience living the high life.

► All rank swaps are temporary. Winners that choose to swap ranks with the loser of their game will have 24 hours with their new rank before they revert back to normal. They may continue playing on with their "new" rank if they want to test their luck.

► Heads or Tails is played with a physical Golden Peacock coin. Players will take turns as the coin flipper, with their opponent guessing if the outcome will be heads or tails. The first guest to reach three correct guesses is the winner.

BEAK

ENTERTAIN YOUR BETTERS

A massive circular arena has been erected in the middle of Beak. Staggered seats rise up to the ceiling, where royals lounge in luxury viewing boxes. The gaping mouth of the arena is wide and desolate. An assortment of weapons, such as spears and shields, hang along stone walls. It waits for the taste of blood and stench of battle. The sound of the audience cheering and booing echoes throughout the Wellness Quarter.

Beneath the open arena is a smaller closed arena and the warrior’s bunk. Warriors will find cold showers, rustic wooden benches, and training weapons available for their use. Deep in the earth is a grimy prison where servants who refuse to battle are thrown to wait for their turn. There are also cages where the hungry “animals” wait to go out and entertain the masses.

A long track rings around the perimeter of the arena. Gone is the standard green fuzz and white lines, replaced with stone and dust to elicit the real feeling of running beneath the hot Grecian sun. Foot and chariot races take place throughout the day.

BATTLE ROYALE ► Numbered ranks have been conscripted into battle for the amusement of the Wildcards and royals. While high ranked servants may be able to wiggle their way out of a fight, low ranked servants will be thrown into the arena without mercy. Warriors that win their battles will be showered in accolades and payouts while losers will be mocked and pelted with rotten tomatoes. Warriors that try to forfeit their match will be stripped naked, strung up on a pole, and mocked for 24 hours.

► Battle rules are simple. Any means and methods of fighting are acceptable when in the arena. The arena’s overseer will decide if a battle will end when first blood is drawn or if it will continue until one side can no longer continue. There are rare instances of battle to the death, typically reserved for warriors who have deeply offended a Wildcard or royal.

► Royals and Wildcards are welcome to join in the royale if they wish. They will not be forced and they will be given any armor they want before stepping into the arena. Low rank warriors are given no armor — some may even be forced to fight nude.

SUBDUE THE BEAST ► Any numbered ranks that have displeased a Wildcard or royal will be thrown into the arena to fight barehanded against hungry tigers and lions. If there are no troublemakers on hand to throw into the arena for entertainment, low rank servants will be forcibly volunteered instead.

► Those alleged hungry tigers and lions? They are other servants dressed up in sexy animal costumes. While staff will take genuine volunteers for this role first, they will forcibly volunteer low rank servants into the role if needed. All costumes are revealing and offer little protection. There is an assortment of looks to choose from, not just tigers and lions, though whether or not a servant gets to pick their outfit depends on how charitable the arena master is feeling.

► Matches will end when one party can no longer continue or the audience is sufficiently amused. Royals and Wildcards are permitted to partake if they please, and there will be no consequences if they decide to withdraw.

RACE TRACK ► Royals and Wildcards are invited to participate in horse racing. Only, there are no horses to be found — all the “horses” are servants! Any chosen servant must carry their master over the finish line. While piggyback rides may make the most sense for a race like this, many of the high class prefer more elegant positions, so anything goes. Horses are required to wear a bridle at all times during the race.

Servants are also allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. Servants may ride any servant of a lower rank. Aces are ordered to walk around with a poop shovel and bag, even if there won’t be any real horse poop lining the track (probably).

► Royals and Wildcards are also invited to participate in private horse racing. These races involve no track, taking place in the back of Beak in private rooms furnished with cushions and silks. Like with the public races, royals and Wildcards may select any servant that catches their eye. Unlike the public races, the goal here is to make their ‘horse’ orgasm as quickly as possible. Times will be saved on their Watches. The faster a master makes their horse come the more bragging rights they have.

Servants are once again allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. The higher ranked servant must make the lower ranked servant orgasm as quickly as they can. While the ‘horse’ may offer mutual comfort they will receive no accolades for their skills.

TALON

SHOW OF STRENGTH

Talon is bustling with warriors training for the arena. Several strength building stations have been set up, including benches for royals to perch on while warriors bench press them. Additions have been made to Talon as well; multiple mud pits have been dug for warriors to participate in some mud wrestling between arena battles.

Servants that appear too fragile to handle mud wrestling have been conscripted into the oil bearer role. Their job is to slather the warriors in oil from head to toe, and otherwise prepare them for their matches in either the arena or in the pit. This includes styling their hair, tending to their wounds, and wiping the sweat off of their bodies if so desired.

The locker rooms that connect Beak and Talon have been fully stocked with first aid kits and luxury bathing supplies. Warriors that have won their matches get first pick, leaving the dirty towels and shampoo that smells like ass for the losers to sift through. Those sneaky ghost hands are having a field day, snapping rat tails at unsuspecting bathers and locking naked warriors together in the supply closet. Guests lacking vigilance may find their bottoms unexpectedly pinched.

MUSCLE CONTEST ► Who can appeal to the royals and Wildcards most? It’s a competition based on aesthetics! Strip down, oil up, and flex your muscles to earn a high score from the judges. Royals and Wildcards may issue a score between 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

Wildcards and royals are welcome to join in the competition. For some reason, their scores always end up being 10 no matter how skinny or noodly they may be! The flattery and praise for their stunning looks and bodies is endless. No need to work out, my lord, my lady. You’re stunning as is! Truly no body is more perfect!

► Servants are not only allowed, but encouraged, to bribe royals and Wildcards into giving them a high score. While chips and gifts can certainly be offered, isn’t the most compelling argument some hands on experience? Staff will hint to competing warriors that offering sexual favors to the judges may help improve their scores. What better way to prove their physique is the most superior than to put it to work?

► Royals and Wildcards may purchase warriors for their exclusive entertainment if they so desire. Staff are eager to impress these nobles and make a pretty penny in the process. While this isn’t an official auction, these sneaky staff aren’t above making sure the elite and their requested warrior are left alone in a locked room. You grease my palms, I’ll make sure that sexy warrior greases yours.

WRESTLING MATCHES ► Guests will find that a deep mud pit has been added to the front hub of Talon. Servants are stripped and oiled down before being thrown into the pit to wrestle for the entertainment of the nobles. While staff will take volunteers for wrestling matches, they will also grab whoever looks good, even if they’re just passing by! On-lookers place bets during the matches. The winner of the match will receive a small cut of the prize money.

► Wildcards and royals may enter as well. Servants are expected to throw their matches if they’re facing a noble… and if they don’t, they may be facing some unexpected consequences! All suits are sensitive to the hierarchy and will suddenly flare if a servant starts thrashing a noble.

► During a match-up of nobles, it is expected that the lower ranked noble will throw the match in favor of the higher ranked noble. While royal suits will not flare if this isn’t adhered to, discipline between royals isn’t unheard of!

► Some matches are held under “Special House Rules” — which means that the winner of the match gets to claim and fuck the loser. On-lookers will jeer and demand that the winner publicly fuck the loser where they can watch, but private rooms are available for the winner to claim their spoils of war without sharing.

WAYWARD ARROWS ► An archery range with targets has been established for warriors to show off their shooting skills. Like the arena, there are benches and boxes for the audience to admire this graceful art — or to throw tomatoes from when a warrior misses the mark! Both servants and nobles are welcome to participate as archers.

► Servants have been conscripted to act as moving targets across the range. They are told to heckle the archers while avoiding their arrows, and only advised that the arrows won’t pierce their bodies if they get hit. It’s all fun and games. We can’t have all of our servants dying en masse!

During this portion of the games, archers will be given an assortment of charmed arrows with chalk tips that elicit different effects:

RED ARROW: Chalk powder from red arrows will trigger an intense need for physical release by grinding, humping, or frotting.

BLUE ARROW: Chalk powder from blue arrows is pure aphrodisiac. Inhaling this powder will cause close spike to near-orgasm, one that the target will find that cannot be completed by their own hand.

GREEN ARROW: Chalk powder from green arrows will stir neediness. The hit target will suffer cravings to be sticky and hug, climb, and generally latch on to another person.

PURPLE ARROW: Chalk powder from purple arrows will cause a bad case of loose lips. This may manifest in a compulsion to loudly speak in pretentious purple prose, dirty talk, or say otherwise hilarious things for the amusement of the audience.

► Effects from the arrows will wear off within the hour. Multiple hits from differently colored arrows can create fun new effects so feel free to get creative!

INDULGENCE

DESIRES FROM THE VOID

The spirit of the festivities rouses something primal. With emotions heightened, the core of the Golden Peacock responds in kind. It drinks in the sweat of the warriors in the arena. Inhales the laughter of the royals using servants as furniture. Basks in the brilliant glow of fresh Wildcards. The portraits in the elevators are rowdier than usual and the chandeliers lining the hallways gleam with new vibrance. Energy is palpable.

Things begin to move around the resort. The forgotten and the old exhale a dusty breath. Like the hunger that the Wildcards woke up with upon arrival, as its heart begins to beat quicker, there is a tension in the air of those things hungering to feed. To join in, and indulge. To get what they want.

And they’re coming out.

GALATEA ► Statues around the resort begin to stir. First it’s with a hazy blink, moving to the slow creak of their stiff mouths. Eventually they break off of their pedestals and out of their poses before clumsily making their way down the hallways, stone feet an emphasized thump with every step. They tremble, their cold stone bodies aching for warmth and human embrace.

► Statues around the resort have begun trying to kidnap guests for themselves. Once they’ve spotted a guest they want, they will stop at nothing to try and drag them back to their pedestal to spend forever locked in love’s embrace with them. They do not need food, drink, or rest.

► There are two ways to put a statue to rest. One is to engage the statue in battle and break off its head. Once the head is broken off, it will cease to have a spirit and crumble to dust. The second is to involve the statue in a physical act of intimacy — have a threesome with it! Or twosome, if someone is willing to watch. In the case of the second, statues will return to their pedestals satisfied upon completion.

► Statues that end up destroyed may drop a small lore hint. They will wheeze as their stone begins to disintegrate, their stone eyes dripping liquid gold tears. “I just wanted to feel alive again… I wanted to feel like you again… to be whole,” will slip past their marble lips before they crumble away.

NARCISSUS ► Gaze into the water. Admire your pretty face, the curve of your lips, the squint of your eyes... wait, are you winking at yourself?! Over the next few weeks, water-based reflections will begin acting of their own free will. They have the ability to move within the scope of the water and speak, their voices muddled but understandable.

► These reflections are extremely flirtatious and charming. They smile and bat their lashes, pretending to be innocent while drawing the original owner in closer. How about a smooch? How about more than a smooch? Their whispered promises are sweet. Salacious. Loving. Anything to get closer to you. Leaning in too close to the water is dangerous — these reflections will reach out and try to drag unsuspecting guests in. Whether this is out of malice or affection is unclear, but how can they possibly make love to you unless you join them in the water?

► Once caught, it is challenging to escape from their phantom limbs in the water alone. Several long-standing guests need to be saved from The Nest’s decorative fountain because they keep coming close to drowning after trying to kiss their reflections. Unfortunately, not every location with water is as prepared to save unsuspecting would-be lovers. No body of water is safe — not even a cup of it!

► Reflections will become increasingly indignant if they're ignored. Their sweet words will take a sharp turn into insults similar to, "I'm the better looking one between us anyway!" They may also let slip some personal secrets like, "This is why Johnny will never love you back! You're so cold, ignoring even yourself!"

Any mention of the fact that they'll end up drowning the character in question will earn a scoff and another small lore hint along the lines of, "Why are you being such a baby? Only the resort can really kill you anyhow. It's not like you'll die forever if I fuck you in here for a while!"

PANDORA’S BOX ► A spider's web threads through the resort. Invisible, but audible to those that are willing to listen. One of the Punishment Rooms on the maintenance levels is unlocked. Without the padlock on the door to keep them silent, silvery whispers drift up from the basement. A brush of thought, a tickle of an idea that won't quite go away — come down… come down and see… what is inside… don't you want to know?

► Those that heed the call and explore the maintenance levels will find the unlocked Punishment Room. The closer one comes to this door, the stronger these voices grow. They will continue calling, eagerly encouraging whoever stops in front of the door to step inside.

► The inside of this Punishment Room is plain. White walls, a single card table, and two plastic chairs. A single lightbulb offers a dusty glow. There is nothing particularly interesting upon first glance. Slowly, the door behind will creak closed until it is closed, locking itself in the process. That small lightbulb will begin to dim until everything inside the room is plunged into darkness.

► This Punishment Room senses the worst memories and fears of one of the captives inside and forces them to experience them in real time. The manifestation of memories or fears inside this room are realistic, to the point that it's impossible to discern whether or not this takes place in reality or the mind. The Punishment Room will randomly select which prisoner to dig from if there is more than one, but all guests inside will experience the room's effects.

► The door cannot be unlocked from the inside. Someone must either open it from the outside or captives must wait until the punishment is over and the door unlocks itself. How long that takes is random, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. That’s what you get for listening to disembodied voices!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; aphrodisiacs; battle; blood; bondage; compulsion; costumes; discipline; dominance; drowning; dubcon; fears; fighting; food; hierarchy; humiliation; indulgence; kidnapping; noncon; paranormal; power imbalance; roleplay; servitude; stalking; submission; supernatural; terror; violence; weapons

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's August event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from August 15th - September 1st.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. 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 prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, 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 regardless!

▶ Wildcard tokens from the GILDED CAGE prompt may be redeemed even if the newbie(s) in question do not join the game, but only for the small item reward; the token does not carry over to Game 52.

▶ 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.

▶ Don't forget to relax and enjoy the end of your summer! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I see. [ She can't say she's impressed, it's a talent she too possesses for the most part. Being out of touch with her own emotions thanks to a rather neglectful upbringing.

But if there's one thing that brings her joy, it's experimenting with new concoctions she's created. ]

If it comes to that then I have something else that will relieve such feelings for a short period of time. [ Her grin turns a bit sheepish but no less enthusiastic. Even her manner of speech has become more animated. ]

I have been working on trying to come up with a counteractive to the aphrodisiacs they use on us, even those released by suit activation. So far, I have only managed to make it worse but in the process of doing so, I stumbled across a medicine that will bring one to release shortly after consumption.

Release shortly after consumption? That sounds messy doesn't it?

[ Joshua listened to everything. Even when the door opens again, leading them to the hallway where the royal elevators are. They need to take yet another elevator, gesturing for Maomao to get off so that he can lead her to the next one. The elevator leading to his guest suite has metallic red doors, and to the side of it where the buttons are, has a feather embossed on top of it.

He presses up, and the doors open immediately. Once Maomao gets on, he closes the door and presses the only other button inside, going up once again.

All the while he considers everything she's said. ]

I take it you're a physician? Or an herbalist, perhaps?

Release is messy to begin with. [ She responds in a matter-of-fact tone. It only seems to be even messier in this place when one takes into account suit activation and other strange substances this place offers.

She follows along, happy to have this conversation to focus on over how disgusting she feels. ]

An apothecary. [ A bit of a mad one if anyone else was to have a say in it. ]

[ That's all Joshua can really contribute to the conversation. First of all, he's speaking with a lady! Any more details feels like he isn't being very courteous to her, and he doesn't want that. After all, he's here to help her and not make her feel uncomfortable.

Her response does help distract him though. The bell dings again and the elevator doors open to a small hallway with just one door at the end of it. Beyond the door, which Joshua opens with his Watch, is a suite of heavenly setting, one that makes them look like they're in nature's paradise rather than a hotel room. Joshua honestly wouldn't know what a regular suite in this resort looks like. If and when he formally checks in, he's sure to have a big culture shock. ]

And do you lend your services to other individuals here? I think I may accept that remedy of yours, even if it may not be complete yet.

[ Or perhaps she's committed to only helping a handful of people of the same allegiance? He doesn't know, but he certainly believes that she may be able to help him at some point. It is why he shows interest, accepts that concoction she mentioned earlier. Something to win the lady's favour, because he may not be as skilled in making potions of his own. He knows he'll need his medicine at some point though, else he'll grow ill and would not be able to leave this place.

Not to mention, his suit tells him that they were destined to find each other here, even if that may not actually be the case.

Once they're inside, he places a hand on her shoulder again and gives it a gentle squeeze. ]

Here we are. Please make yourself at home. I should give a tour, although I understand you'd want a bath first. Right this way.

[ It seems like they're in a forest than a hotel, so there aren't any formal room dividers. Joshua leads Maomao to a small path past some trees and flowers, onto a pebbled path that eventually becomes an outdoor bath. ]

[ Maomao does not consider herself a lady, at least not in the delicate sense. She's a brothel-born child so such talk is nothing new or problematic for her. She honestly misses making crude jokes or telling lewd stories.

Maomao pauses once they enter, letting a soft 'huh' as she does. She hadn't expected all of the Wildcard rooms to look the same. It's almost a little boring. ]

If they require it, I do. For a price, of course. [ She's not a bleeding heart like her father. She's much more practical.

The touch to her shoulder is met with a shiver or perhaps her subtly trying to shrug the hand away. Despite her time here, she's still not fond of men putting their hands on her.

While he leads her along she's much more focused on the foliage of the room. Is it possible there's something growing here that can't be found in the gardens? Something she can take along with her to experiment with? Oh, she only hopes.

But, yes, a bath first. That's probably more important. ]

Huh. [ She says softly once the bath comes into view. ] I had expected something a bit more grand.

Edited 2024-08-31 03:40 (UTC)

[ Joshua at least lets go of Maomao on their way to the outdoor bath. She does not seem impressed, but he didn't bring her here for that sort of thing. This isn't his room, after all, although it certainly is much more grand than his own.

When you live in hiding for most of your life, what you are surrounded with mostly is darkness. Joshua's has that, alongside a set of shelves, books, quills, letters, and the like. To him, this is rather grand, much more reminiscent of the sort of garden he imagines his mother would have liked to have in their duchy. ]

A price... hm, I can't say I have much to spend.

[ He gathered that the currency is "chips", but he's got no idea where the heck to even get himself some. No matter. While he's considered royalty here, he imagines he'll get as much free service as possible. It is a problem for another day. ]

Please accept my apologies as this is all I'm able to offer. Dare I ask what you were imagining?

[ For a second or two, he scans Maomao up and down. He would not want her to strip before him, but he'll help however he can so that she can get comfortable when she takes her bath. There's soap and other hygienic products by the tub—even ones Joshua's never seen before, so he won't have to get her those any more. ]

Please let me take your cloak, and ah- [ If she has sandals or shoes, he gets on his knees for her so that he can take them off one foot at a time. ]

For the first one, we can consider this payment. [ She's not so greedy as to take advantage when he's helping her out like this. ]

Something a bit more like the baths used by the servants of the Inner Palace, I suppose. [ The kind of bath she actually finds she misses. It was nice to share such time with the other women and girls serving in the Inner Palace. ] A large bath made of stone filled with scalding hot water. Have you ever been to such a bath?

[ She lets him take the cloak though finds it awkward when he kneels down to take off her sandals that she was thankfully allowed to wear. She hates going barefoot. ] I can deal with the rest unless you plan to join me?

[ Her tone is too flat to tell that she's teasing him. ]

And for a second, for the future, I must find myself some means of compensation.

[ The description of a large bath made of stone is not out of this world, though. While he does not show his body to most people, just his attendants, he does know what she's talking about. ]

I have not tried it myself, but I have heard of such. There is a settlement in the desert that is popular for its baths. [ Thinking of it now, he smiles fondly. ] Although I must say, the natural springs are much more beautiful.

[ He folds the cloak before letting it hang off his arm. Perhaps the staff are on their way to this suite for the new set of clothes, so he should wait by the door. And while he wasn't intending to join her, that invitation gets Joshua's cheeks to colour a lot brighter. He forces himself to look away to the side to hide much of his expression. ]

That- That would not be proper. You must- [ He clears his throat, a hand balled to a fist as he coughs loudly. ] I shall leave you be now, but please do not hesitate to call for me if there is anything you may need.

[ He's a little too flustered to look her in the eye right now, so he just bows his head while looking the other way before taking his leave. And when the staff arrives with a nice and clean set of clothes for Maomao to wear, he merely leaves it by one of the tree stumps nearby without getting too close that he would be able to hear her. He'd rather not see or hear anything that he shouldn't, even if it means she has to walk a little farther just to be able to change. ]

Or a favor owed. [ While chips are preferable, she will take favors in return. Sometimes those are better to have. ]

It can be nice. [ She doesn't have anything to say in springs in the like as she has no experience with that. She's always lived in the city and had access to the Verdigris House's bath prior to living in the Palace as a servant.

The way his cheeks color and he stumbles over his words is almost enough to bring a grin to Maomao's face. However, she manages to keep her expression mostly neutral. If one were to look closely they might catch a glint in her eye, one that suggests she'd love to tease him further. ]

Perhaps another time? [ She'll let him go with that. Unlike him, her suit isn't activated nearly enough for her to pursue persuading him to join her.

While she's thorough about her bath she also tries to complete it in a quick enough time. She doesn't want to overstay her welcome, after all. But more than that, she did say she was going to give him some of the medication she's been working on and is excited to see if it works.

Once dressed in what the resort deems appropriate for those of the serving ranks she calls out to Joshua. ] I'm done with the bath.

[ This lady is not to be trifled with, Joshua thinks. And much of what Maomao says will be something he'll have to consider later on.

He doesn't feel sick at this time, which is a good thing, but he fears the day when his being active gets the best of him. His body is a fragile thing, one that requires constant attention, and even if he hates taking his medicine, he fears he might have to at some point.

He isn't the best at creating his own potions, leaving it up to his attendant, so perhaps Maomao's talents may come in handy someday. She may quite literally save his life at some point.

Those are things he thinks about as he minds his own business closer to the entrance to his suite. Anything remotely unattractive or dull is what he thinks about to curb more of what he's feeling. Deep in thought by what he believes is the living area of this "suite", it's only when he hears someone else's voice that he looks up, a hand still close to his chin from how he was seated earlier. ]

I hope it was comfortable for you and that you feel better.

[ He stands to pull a chair out for her, in case she'd like to sit down. ]

Do you have any wounds that need tending?

[ She most certainly isn't a woman to be trifled with or underestimated. The latter is something more common as people take her small size to mean she can't cause a little hell.

Maomao looks a bit more impressed with the living area of his room. It's different from the other room with a much better view. ]

I am clean that's all that matters. [ She'll soak in her bath later to relax after all of the day's "excitement".

Despite the offered seat she remains standing, eager to get a move on things. ]

You needn't do so, I have some medication I'd like to test. [ She's no longer actively bleeding so that's all that matters. ] Speaking of, shall we head to my room?

Ah.

[ She only said yes so that she can take a bath, then? Joshua's rather surprised, the way he looks, rendered speechless, completely unfiltered. If she's alright and doesn't need healing, then that's good.

He gets to his feet. As he's helped her out, now it is his turn for her assistance. Whatever may be inside this medicine, he hopes it would work. For both their sakes... ]

Please lead the way, then.

[ Though he'll at least open the door for her out of his suite and all that. ]

Do you use carrots in these medicines you make?

[ It sounds like a random question, but he has a reason for asking. He hates taking medicines in general, because they taste disgusting. Hopefully no carrots, though, because he really will not eat anything that tastes like them. ]

[ She is undoubtedly injured, but it's not so bad that she can't simply ignore it. Having assessed the damage while bathing, she came to the conclusion that it was not so bad that she needed emergency assistance. In the end, she decided this was the perfect opportunity to test some new medication she's been toying with.

She nods and leads the way out to the elevator. ]

Not for this medication, no. However, it may be worth trying in the future. She looks thoughtful as she makes a mental note of that.

[ That gets a pained expression out of him. While he's thankful that carrots weren't used in the one that he agreed to take, he's rather worried of what might happen next time.

He's not sure if he should voice that out, though. ]

Do you think it would be helpful? [ Hopefully he can try and coax the idea away... ] It could only make your concoctions fail.

Hard to say, many foods we eat can have medicinal properties and if not the fruit of the plant itself other parts of it might. However, on the flip side, they could also be poisonous.

[ As she speaks she's more animated than she's been this entire time. It's clear the woman has a special interest in such things.

Once they're on the elevator she glances around as if looking for something before relaxing a little for the ride down. ]

[ Joshua does sense the interest in Maomao's words. It's amusing, really, that she speaks in such a way. It puts a smile to his face, and he tries to match it with the same level of curiosity. ]

Were it poisonous, then it would be bad, yes?

[ Because why does she sound happy? Joshua isn't too worried just yet, though... He remains amused and will continue with this line of conversation. ]

It would also depend on the amount of the ingredient put in the medicine.

Of course, it would be bad, though some poisonous things can be used in medication with the right counteractive.

[ She grins back at him over her shoulder. ]

That too, yes.

In my experience, the measurements would have to be very accurate for the poison not to take effect.

[ Oh, but he hopes he isn't making her think that he's some sort of potions expert. He lets out a soft laugh, thinking of his own caretaker who's been by his side for so long. ]

It is often that we harvest herbs and plants to mix together when travelling. Should we run out of our own medicine, and there are no shops nearby, then we make our own.

It would, but that's where a little experimentation comes in.

[ She almost looks outright giddy as she says that.

However, the giddiness gives way to curiosity as she looks back over at him. ]

What medicine?

To heal cuts and wounds, mostly. I do need to conserve my energy and use my magic only as needed. My constitution is not as strong, as well. My attendant always makes sure that I take my medicine so I do not succumb to my poor health.

[ He pauses and gives her a small smile. ]

I hope you do not worry for me, although I would be glad for your assistance in the future in creating something for me.

You did say payment did not have to be monetary, yes?

[ There are more important things to be thinking about, like how he's even going to survive this ongoing heat he's experiencing. He swallows thickly and lets out a heavy sigh, looking Maomao over and quietly hoping that the potion she's made would work on him. ]

So despite your healing magic, it doesn't do much to help you? [ She finds that interesting, though she doesn't know a great deal about magic to begin with. ]

If I can make what you need then I'd be glad to, for a price of course. [ Since he mentioned it. ]

A favor if chips are not available. [ She says with a nod just as the elevator doors open. She takes the lead to the first elevator that'll take them down to the 8s floor. A trip which she hopes will be a short one. ]

If your medication just to help bolster your constitution?

Quite ironic, isn't it?

[ Joshua can't be upset, though... It's this power that he has that has help him save people, that has brought him this far. Without it, he'd have long been dead. ]

Of course. My life is, quite literally, in your hands. I am at your disposal.

[ Definitely no pressure there, Maomao.

He follows her into the elevator, all the way down to her floor. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like any paintings have come to play. Joshua will remain oblivious of these paintings until another day. ]

It is, yes. It isn't as if I have been cursed with a particular type of sickness. It is just- [ He has a weak body, and he doesn't know how quite to say that without seeming... well, weak. ] If I am out for too long, then it feels as if my lungs would give out. It becomes difficult to breathe. Any longer, I would get a fever and would need bedrest for days.

I'd rather it not come to that.

Mmn, I see.

[ She curls the index finger of one hand against her chin, just under her bottom lip, as she mulls over the description of his illness. It sounds familiar enough, the breathing difficulties anyway. Fever is always easily treated with the knowledge she possesses. It's just a matter of if she can get her hands on the required herbs. ]

I will have to see what herbs are available after a proper examination. [ She looks over at him. She's no doctor but she's watched and helped her father enough to know what to do. ]

While I don't know where to find these herbs, the potion I typically drink contains Stonaworts. It is red, however. I'm not sure how it is that way.

[ He sounds like he knows what it is, but he typically just drinks what his attendant gives him without question. Much rejection, because he hates taking medicine, but he certainly doesn't ask what's in it. ]

Of course, I trust you would be able to craft something if such an ingredient isn't available here.

[ Still, no pressure. He just believes Maomao's capable! She certainly presents herself to be as such. ]

First, there is the matter of my current condition that needs fixing.

Stonaworts? I can't say I'm familiar with such an herb but it is possible it might be found here. The garden is... interesting like that.

[ While she comes from a rather mundane world without such interesting plants as others, the gardens seem fit to bring all sorts of plants into itself. A fact that has made her ventures all the more exciting. ]

I'm sure I can find an alternative if that's the case.

[ There is a touch of pride in her voice. If there's one thing she's confident in, it's that she can make just about any medicine if she finds the right ingredients. Granted, she has run into one medication that requires the use of magic so that one is out of her expertise. ]

Of course, I'll see what I do about that little problem.

[ She's a touch less confident about that. This place doesn't seem to want her to succeed there.

Before long the elevator slows to a stop and she leads the way once more, this time to her room. Moments later, she opens the door to reveal what some might consider a mess of a room. Plants line nearly every empty wall the place has to offer. Every tabletop surface is covered in storage and implements used in the creation of medicine.

At least the singular couch in the main room is free of clutter. ]

If you don't mind taking a seat.

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