TDM 06

[goldmods]

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

On behalf of the house and resort, we would like to advise all Game 52 players to exercise caution around the Golden Peacock for the next few weeks. The veil between 'what is' and 'what has been' grows thin and the threads of fate have tangled in unexpected ways. We are currently observing how these two phenomena behave when they occur simultaneously and act in concert.

We advise that all guests monitor their physical states until the veil thickens once again and the threads of fate return to running parallel. If you find yourself undergoing any strange transformations, please report to the Broken Wing clinic for observation. We will do our utmost to make sure you are comfortable during this time.

You may also notice other strange phenomena around the Golden Peacock while the veil is thin. Please continue to exercise caution. New wayward spirits have joined us during this time. While spirits are crossing, it is possible for guests to get swept along into the ghostly realm.

As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your stay. 】

HEADS

BASEMENT SUITES

SQUEEZING IN

► Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals are being checked in to the rooms that have the most overall vacancies — the basement suites. Despite their small size and narrow twin beds, characters are stuffed up to three in a room. Don’t worry, that’s why the staff have thoughtfully removed the doors of every new arrival's room. It's easier to stuff inside that way, isn't it? More space for everyone!

► Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are warm autumnal plaids made of thick flannel to help keep warm through the supernatural chill. Some of these robes are more elaborate than others, with seasonal patterns like apples or pumpkins.

► Existing characters currently living in a basement suite may find one or two new arrivals taking up residence in their room. The staff appreciate your understanding and willingness to share during this influx of new guests and spike of supernatural activity! There's safety in numbers. It's to everyone's benefit, really.

ICY HALLWAYS

► The normally dirty and forgotten hallways of the basement suites are in even worse shape than usual. Yellow stains ripple down the walls, the floor is coated in dust, and there are suspicious globs of something in the corners. Their standard chilly temperature has taken a sharp plunge to freezing. Guests without any resistance to cold will find it challenging to walk around the hallways without bundling up. For those that don't have the proper clothing, the staff suggest sharing some body heat and fucking to make do. They probably shouldn't have removed all those room doors, huh...

► Don't even talk about going out and about without shoes! Stepping in one of those gloopy puddles may unexpectedly trigger a fever or other similar illness. As time passes and the supernatural grows stronger, these goopy masses will crawl the walls and drip from the ceiling. As they grow stronger, so will the physical reaction to touching them. Guests may experience any of the CLUBS effects when the sludge is especially potent.

► When walking in any of the basement suite hallways, characters may hear the ghostly whispers from the maintenance levels. They are stronger than usual and can be heard on even the rank 3 and rank 4 floors. What's more, these whispers, if directed at a particular guest, can be heard by everyone in the vicinity. Whispers may provoke, accuse, and guilt characters by targeting their insecurities or regrets. These whispers will slowly turn to screams the closer the date creeps toward October 31st.

COMMUNAL BATHROOM GHOULS

► The ghouls in particular start becoming audacious as supernatural influence strengthens. A pesky group of water ghouls have marked the basement communal bathroom as their territory. Characters who seem particularly vulnerable or aren't paying attention to their surroundings may find themselves cornered by water ghouls in the showers. The ghouls are relentless, pushing and shoving and pulling hair for shits and giggles. Those on the lower end of the rank scale will suffer the worst harassment, and they may even go out of their way to harass wildcards and 2s.

► Some especially raunchy water ghouls have taken to haunting the toilets, showers, and baths. The toilet ghouls have especially long tongues, which they stick out to get a lick of some unsuspecting ass. The bath ghouls, the most attractive of the lot, pretend to be guests and try to lure new arrivals and low ranks into a clandestine affair. The shower ghouls hide and outstretch their arms to shamelessly grab and squeeze whatever their grubby claws can touch.

► Despite the bravado, these water ghouls are not very strong and can be easily dealt with. They will run if someone overpowers them. They will flinch and hide if someone screams too loudly. And, most importantly, they're absolutely terrified of dry towels. They're supposed to be wet, damn it! Don't threaten them with being dry. Aiming a hair dryer at them is enough to get them curled on the ground in agony.

TAILS

BROKEN WING CLINIC

THE MORGUE

► Did we mention that we had some overbooking? Some unfortunate new arrivals won't be waking up in the basement suites with their peers. These guests, with a stroke of bad luck, will find themselves waking up in the morgue of the Broken Wing clinic. The morgue has never seen a real dead body before — so when waking up on morgue tray sliders, they thankfully won't be assaulted by any rancid smells.

► New arrivals waking up in the morgue will be covered with a white sheet. They will also be dressed in a standard white hospital gown, each of their big toes tagged with a cause of death. These causes of death, however, all seem to be a bit unusual. They range from 【 DIED AFTER SIX CONSECUTIVE ORGASMS, ABSOLUTE KING 】 to 【 DIED OF LITERAL EMBARRASSMENT, WHAT A DORK 】... it's not like the doctor expected you to see them!

► Some especially unlucky guests will find that the door to their tray slider is locked. The keys to all of the tray sliders, as well as several mortuary tools, are available around the room for those that are kind enough to lend these poor souls a helping hand! It's just a matter of finding them. The desk and tool areas of the morgue are shockingly messy, as if the doctors and nurses left in a rush. Wonder why that is?

ABANDONED CLINIC

► Exploration of the clinic will yield some interesting results. Despite reception advising that those affected by the veil thinning should report to the clinic for observation, Broken Wing is completely void of any medical staff. The hallways are in ruin. Cabinets with medical files are empty. The beds have no patients. Even the air is musty. Broken Wing appears to have been abandoned for a long time.

► A small stroke of good luck — even if the doctors are gone, medical and general supplies can still be found scattered throughout the clinic. Guests can utilize staff clothing if they don't want to run around in those open-back hospital gowns. Over the counter medicines and bandages are available. Guests that may have had their eye on the harder prescription stuff can take this opportunity to scrounge through the clinic's pharmacy, now that there is no pharmacist to guard the goods.

► As exciting as a clinic free for all is, guests should be careful...

WALKING UNDEAD

Loud noises echo from the clinic's basement. Thud, thud, thud — heavy footsteps resound through the otherwise eerie silence. Muffled voices come in strange breaks, as if the speakers are having difficulty moving their mouths. Slowly, from around the corners and up the stairs, a group of long-standing guests drag their bodies awkwardly toward the sounds and warmth of any "living" guests in the clinic. Blue lips gape. Their skin is waxy and strange. They stare with red and yellow eyes. Then, slowly, they begin to drag their bodies forward...

► Zombified long-standing guests have been lurking in the clinic. These zombies are hungry for flesh in all meanings of the word. Some want one, some want the other, and some want both. Though they move slowly and have little control over their dead appendages, they are relentless, and will chase any non-zombie guests through the clinic.

► However, these zombies will not leave Broken Wing. Leaving the clinic is akin to a safe getaway. Those that want to fight will find that these zombies are fairly traditional: destroying their heads will kill them.

► A bite or scratch from a zombie is a potent aphrodisiac. The guest that is bitten or scratched will similarly begin to hunger for flesh... mostly in the horny way, but if you want to play it in the hungry way, we support you. Guests will not transform into zombies from a bite or scratch. The aphrodisiac will continue to burn through their system until sexual satisfaction is achieved. Going without "the cure" with result in fever, hallucinations, chills, muscle pain, and other extremely uncomfortable symptoms.

MAIN LOBBY

THE VEIL THINS

A STRANGE MOON & ENDLESS NIGHT

► Darkness pervades the main lobby despite clocks claiming that morning hours have come. The grand chandeliers and fixtures are not working, so staff hurry to light lanterns around the central hub and connecting hallways. A strange full moon floats in the center of the lobby. This moon hovers silently, always staying close to the high ceiling, and never changes its phase even when passing days begin accumulating.

► Those that bask in the pale light of the moon for too long may begin to feel an itch of strangeness... this itch will go away once farther from the moon. Once a guest basks in the moonlight, they might feel the overwhelming urge to continue doing so. It's inexplicable how this gentle moonlight feels like it can help them become their true self.

► An endless night will continue to accompany the moon. This night covers the entire main lobby, front reception, the elevator bank, and several hallways that deposit into the lobby. While the endless night is in play, all affected areas will feel the cool breeze and unique weight of a genuine deep night. Unlike the weather and time simulations offered in the garden and vale, this night is poignantly real despite happening indoors.

THE ROOKERY SETTLES DOWN

The Rookery, the elusive wandering night market, settles down beneath the moon in the main lobby. Construction of wooden stalls takes no time at all, offering a proper shopping experience compared to their usual tents and makeshift sheets. The sellers of the Rookery are more lively than usual, their ghostly faces illuminated by the light of the moon. They aggressively boast about their wares and try to hook customers over to their booths.

► Worthwhile treasures to be found in the Rookery. Truly useful items worth haggling for.

WOODEN MASKS: Charmed wooden masks that allow the wearer to blend in seamlessly with the supernatural. Come in fox, wolf, and tanuki styles.

MAGIC TALISMANS: An assortment of talismans with elemental capabilities. A snap of fire, a dash of light, a flash of ice, and so on. Useful in a pinch.

WARDING INCENSE: A lovely scent of Jasmine that keeps the ghosts and annoying exes away. Calms even the ghosts in the basement and maintenance levels.

ZOMBIE PILLS: Another cure for the symptoms to the above Zombie bite, found under our TAILS prompt above. Will completely cure the bitten party. Unfortunately, these pills must be administered rectally.

GHOST BELL: Helps the living find a wayward ghost. Particularly useful for finding those that have been separated from their bodies when getting mixed in to the ghosts crossing.

HOLY WATER: Burns the flesh of demonic and monstrous entities. Also clears the skin of any blemishes.

► Cursed treasures to be found in the Rookery. Scam artists boldly lie about how these items are blessed despite knowing full well that they're not.

BLACK CANDLE: Burn this candle and make a wish, it will come true. In actuality, the wish will be fulfilled but in the worst way possible, a la the classic monkey's paw. It also smells bad, like cheeto feet.

BLESSED TUNIC: A tunic that will ward off any attacks from the living or the dead. In actuality, this tunic does keep people away ... but only because it makes the wearer smell pungently of body odor.

VIAL OF POWER: A draught guaranteed to improve your strength and make you more appealing, sexually. In actuality, all this liquid does is make the drinker gassy. Best guarantee is that you'll fart every three steps.

LUCKY PENNY: A significant increase in luck! Technically true... but in actuality, the luck is bad luck. Small things, like stubbing your toe or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

A REAL SOLID GOLD RING: An exquisite piece from the ancient ages, made of pure gold that holy virgin priestesses wore when bathing in celestial light. Fake ass ring made of tinfoil. Makes your finger green.

1000 YEAR OLD WINE: The most delicious wine to ever exist! Coveted by emperors and gods alike! Tastes okay, and the alcohol content is high, but changes the drinker's voice into an embarrassing high pitch that cracks often. Also, can potentially make your ass hair grow long. Like, really long.

► Plenty of junk, knickknacks, and used clothing can also be found for reasonable prices. The sellers in the Rookery prefer to trade but will take chips since they're in such a good mood thanks to the influx of yin energy.

BACK HALLWAYS & STAIRS

OUT OF SERVICE

A LONELY GHOST (EASY MODE)

► While the moon is full in the main lobby, the elevators are out of order. Staff will ask guests to kindly use the stairs and, due to the urgency of the situation, allow them to use the special back hallways usually exclusive to staff. Back hallways have the ability to traverse great distances in the stretch of an average hallway. The downside is that these back hallways and all the stairs around the main lobby are plunged into the darkness of the moon's endless night. While there are candles, their light doesn't travel very far.

Well. That isn't the only downside.

► Though there are numerous wayward spirits passing through, one stubborn ghost sticks around to haunt the hallways and stairs. The lonely ghost takes on the appearance of a charming young man or woman before approaching guests to ask, "Am I pretty? Will you kiss me?" A negative response will result in continued persistence and sobbing while a positive result will result in frenzied joy.

► No matter the form the lonely ghost is taking, when it steps forward to try and initiate a kiss, its mouth will trisect open and unfurl several slimy tubes. Even with this hideous transformation its eyes will glitter with adoration and hope as it leans in for a passionate smooch... it can't help that it was born this way! It just wants love too!

► The ghost will chase would-be lovers through the hallways, a la Scooby Doo. However, escaping the lonely ghost isn't difficult, and it will change targets when it spots someone else to pursue.

A LONELY MONSTER (INTENSE MODE)

...drip... drip... drip...
► In the deepest corridors and the darkest corners lurks another creature. It scuttles across the ceiling, dripping slime from its maw and curled tentacles, waiting for unsuspecting guests to pass by with delightful anticipation. This tentacled monster is more aggressive than the lonely ghost, looking to snatch up anyone it can find and steal them away to its sticky nest. This monster is greedy and willing to snatch up as many guests as it possibly can.

► This tentacle creature is extremely fast and aggressive. It will chase its prey through the hallways with incredible speed. Its flesh is difficult to pierce, though not impossible. Bloody it up enough and it'll scuttle away to tend to its wounds before heading back out again looking for prey.

► However, this monster isn't looking to eat its captured victims. No, no, no. Stop crying, beloved captured prey. It just so happens to be this monster's breeding season. The lonely monster will use its tentacles to pleasure its captured prey and, potentially, lay its eggs inside particularly suitable guests. Don't worry — if you like tentacles but not so much the eggs, this monster is particular about the mother(s) of its monster cubs. It won't take anyone. Only those that especially catch its eye.

► Not that there will be any monster cubs. Unfortunately, this tentacle monster really needs another tentacle monster to properly raise a family. Any guests imbued with eggs will be left to shit them out. Thankfully, they're on the small side.

THE ELEVATORS

Wait... weren't the elevators out of order?

► Throughout the next few weeks there will be clear signs and posts around the elevator bank that the elevators are not currently in service and that guests should use the back hallways and stairs. However, at random times, the elevators will appear to be fully functional. Their doors will slide open in front of guests, emitting an inviting glow out into the darkness. The door will remain open until someone steps inside.

► Any guests brave enough to ignore all of the classic horror movie signs that these elevators are possessed as hell will be locked inside once the door closes. A childish giggle rings inside before the elevator plunges into darkness and everything jerks wildly. Elevators will play the classic tower of terror prank of plunging for several floors before spitting guests out in a random location. If the ghost is feeling particularly cheeky, it may spit its prisoners out somewhere they would really hate to be.

MONSTER MASH

ITCH BENEATH THE SKIN

OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE

► Guests that spend too much time amongst the wandering spirits or who end up swept along with a group of them hurrying into a wall may find themselves knocked out of their bodies and forced into ghost form. Their bodies will collapse while their spirit is swept away into the resort.

► While in spirit form, guests can do everything a ghost can! They can walk through walls, possess or haunt their friends, and even infiltrate the dreams of other guests. Whatever ghostly tropes you would like to lean into, including the Patrick Swayze love experience, are at your disposal.

► The longer they're away from their body, however, the harder it will be to readjust to the flesh. There's also the small issue of staff picking up any "dead" bodies and shipping them over to the morgue. If they spend too long playing outside, wayward spirit guests may have to head over to the morgue to find their body (please see TDM prompt Arrival, Tails for details on why this sucks for them).

MOONFLUENCE

► The moon grows stronger after several days of gathering strength in the main lobby. Those that have basked in its light, even if it was only for a short while, may begin to feel that itch again... only this time it does not abate. The sensation becomes maddening, rippling beneath the flesh without restraint. Then — suddenly — it breaks free.

► Guests are transforming into monsters of all kinds under the influence of the moon. There is no limit on the type of monster that guests can transform into. Some guests may transform into vampires and weres while others may turn into dragonkin and tentacle monsters. The moon does not discriminate. Players are welcome to turn their characters into any kind of creature or monster they would like.

► Transformations do not need to be complete. Guests may have half or partial transformations. Transformations also vary in duration; a guest could potentially turn into several monsters over the course of the moon's rise in the main lobby. A guest could be a werewolf for an hour and shift into a vampire the next. Of course, a guest could also remain a werewolf for the entire duration of the moon's influence. This moon really loves some chaos.

► Any guests undergoing monster transformation may also utilize any of the DIAMONDS effects. In typical Golden Peacock fashion, transformations can also automatically come with intense arousal to get these guests into the freaky monster fuckin' spirit.

THE VALE

OVERGROWN WILDS

INFLUX

► In an effort to keep the monster situation under control, and to avoid mass destruction of the Golden Peacock, staff are attempting to corral any transformed guests into the vale. Of course, there's no way for them to get nearly half of the transformed guests in there, but some of the monsters seem to enjoy the more natural ambiance the vale provides.

► As more and more guests transform into monsters, the staff have little choice but to place advertisements for monster hunters. The job is easy enough: anyone who has not been transformed qualifies and the job description is to drag monsters into the vale for containment. Monster hunters will earn a medium payout for every transformed guest they toss into the vale. Monster hunters that fuck the monster before tossing them into the vale will receive an additional large payment.

► Transformed guests that turn back to their normal form will be allowed to leave the vale. Not that the staff can actually do much to stop them from leaving when they're monsterized, to begin with...

TERRAIN

► The vale has been shifted into night mode for the next few weeks to accommodate the newly turned monster guests. A full moon hangs overhead, though unlike the monster moon in the main lobby, this moon is digitized on the overhead panels for the sake of ambiance.

► A thick fog perpetually runs through the forest and weather simulations such as rain and snow rotate on a timer to provide a realistic experience. Every type of weather common during autumn/winter rotates through the vale.

► Caverns, caves, alcoves, and other earthy terrain stretches across the base of the vale. Tall trees with giant gnarled roots provide shelter. Bioluminescent mushrooms light the way in the darkness of simulated night. A long river runs through the vale. There are also several small ponds where these rivers lead to, as well as a couple of small waterfalls.

PACK MENTALITY

► Monsters of the same type may experience a resonance, or pack mentality, triggering any of the HEARTS effects between them. For example, canine-based monsters may feel unexpected fondness toward each other and be inclined to create a pack or share a den. Feline-based monsters may feel affectionate and groom one another. Aquatic-based creatures may feel that lightning shock of love at first sight. You get the idea!

► Resonance that triggers a Hearts effect can occur between monsters of different types but it's less common. Like calls to like, and monsters of the same or similar types will be naturally drawn toward one another.

SMOKED EGG

DEN OF THE BLOODTHIRSTY

THE COVEN

► Some of the civilized monsters refuse to be caught in the vale. Particularly, a coven a vampires has flooded into the Smoked Egg and transformed it into a den of debauchery. Gone are the gauzy curtains and pillows, replaced with stark red and black upholstery that lends itself to the vampiric aesthetic. The smoke, however, remains a haze over the lounge. This smoke is imbued with a relaxant to help loosen up any "prey" that wanders into their den.

► As far as prey goes — any creature that isn't a vampire applies. Prey will be doted upon and coaxed with the hopes of being fed upon. All those who come to the Smoked Egg will be encouraged to dip into hedonism with the coven and join in the sensual vampire orgy. Clothing in the lounge is optional, with many couples making love right in the open where other guests can watch.

► Guests that have turned into vampires, or were vampires to begin with, will be warmly welcomed by the coven. All vampires are capable of turning other guests into vampires through siring — this ritual involves exchanging blood between the master and sire, and will create an empathic bond between them. Vampires of the coven are happy to teach newly turned vampires how to do this trick if they don't already know. While guests can still shift from a vampire into another monster under the moon's influence, or return to a normal human, this empathic bond with their "creator" could potentially remain indefinitely.

VAMPIRIC LUXURIES

► The bar is stocked with numerous blood-based cocktails. Some blood has been collected in bottles, while other drinks are made from the blood of live and willing donors. The cocktails run the gambit of accompanying effects — players may select any SPADES effects for drinks at the vampiric bar.

► Though the core coven that have taken up residence in the Smoked Egg seem to be exhibitionists, there are numerous back rooms for those that prefer some privacy. Rather than traditional beds, however, guests will find luxurious coffins. There's nothing quite like fucking in a coffin, is there? Especially an upright one!

► We can't forget the vampire's pride and joy: the blood pool. This pool is filled with 100% bona fide blood, perfect for a round of fucking or just some relaxation. This pool is kept at a warm temperature because cold blood just isn't as good. Non-vampire guests will be encouraged to add some blood to the pool. It's the least you can do after being waited on hand and foot, after all.

BALANCE RETURNS

TIME TO TAKE THAT PTO

THE HOUSE TAKES A VACATION

► Between getting pummeled by guest shenanigans earlier in the month and then managing an invasive monster moon, the house is exhausted. Even near-omnipotent manifestations have a bottom line. Since the house isn't really going anywhere it's more accurate to call this a staycation, but either way, it's not taking any calls for a while.

► A general notice will flash on the electronic bulletin boards that due to overwork, the usual staff have also been granted paid time off by the house. Given how haggard the receptionists, bellhops, and cleaners all look after cleaning the Peacock from head to toe after overwhelming monster mischief, it's a much needed break. The Golden Peacock, after great efforts, is restored to semi-normal from most monster-caused damage. Some reminders remain, like those scuff marks that won't come out no matter how hard the cleaners scrub.

► During this time, the house will not be causing any mischief and harassing guests. It's a time of decompression for everyone. Right about now it's sitting back with a glass of whiskey and wondering why these recent guests have been such a handful compared to years past. It's almost like they don't want to lose themselves in hedonism and debauchery!

THE B-TEAM

► Of course, the house won't leave the Golden Peacock totally unmanned. The guests still need tending to! During this rest period, temps and back of house staff that don't typically work front of house are filling customer service roles. You know what that means: minor inconveniences abound.

► The B-team is nowhere near as good as the usual staff. Simple mistakes are more common during this time. Deliveries are sent to the wrong suites, the wrong dining service arrives, the towels aren't washed, and the front desk knows literally nothing outside of the basic function of checking guests in. It's not even worth asking when the house will be back, let alone asking for some other manager. But after the chaos of the past month, maybe these small annoyances aren't all that bad?

► The house will be back! ... Later. For now, the Golden Peacock is quiet, even the most party-hard guests fatigued from the past year of fun. What's to come? You'll just have to wait and see.

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: aphrodisiac; biting; blood; body horror; coercion; death (referenced); dubcon; fear; furries; ghosts; horror themes; monsters; noncon; orgy; oviposition; scratching; tentacles; transformation; vampires; wounds; undead; xeno; zombies

▶ 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 October event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from October 15th - November 3rd. All supernatural phenomenon will increase in strength over time, culminating in peak activity on All Hallows' Eve. The days following Halloween will relax, leading into eventual normalcy. Some locations are spared the supernatural frenzy, so players can play as normal if they wish to avoid these tropes/prompts. Players may assume that the supernatural come and go in the above specifically incorporated locations.

▶ 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!

▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate. This TDM in particular has the potential to get real wild, so we want to emphasize this request!

▶ 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.

▶ Go forth and let your freak flag fly!

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

elevator joy(?) ride!!

[theidlemaiden]

Before this experience, elevators were such a joy and marvel of modernity that Hilda hadn't had the pleasure to experience before arriving here. And if Fódlan ever developed anything remotely like this, it's entirely possible that she would have never experienced it in her lifetime. It had only briefly occurred to her that what goes up might come down in the plummeting sense, but her propensity to focus on the fun of things had quickly smoothed over the thought that the plummeting could one, happen to her, and two, be dangerous.

Needless to say it catches her completely off guard when the lights go off and the screams she's screaming are not ones of joy as she's knocked off her feet by the other person in the elevator with her. Her fingers grip at the floor finding nothing to purchase on. And eventually when they come to a halt, she looks ill with the sensation of her stomach having been left behind ten floors up. She had taken fast dives on her wyvern before, but this is a distinctly different experience. With a wyvern, there were at least signs of them preparing to dive. There's no easy tell with an elevator, no saddle to onto or anything for her thighs to tighten around.

There's barely a moment's rest when she hears her elevator companion declare that they should do it again. Apparently she's not so ill that she can't stagger to her feet and reach for him. "Wait a minute! Don't you think that's a little hasty? We nearly hurt ourselves!"

[iluso]

"Oh!" He seems startled by the prospect that they might have gotten hurt, mostly because he hadn't actually been thinking about what normal people with non-Rubber bodies would be feeling after that. He drops his finger from where it's hovering just over the elevator button, not actually looking sheepish about it but still eyeing her with sudden concern. "Are you okay?"

She looks okay, he thinks, if a little green around the edges. Actually, she looks really cool—the hair and eyes and outfit—but also like she didn't have any fun with that at all.

"You didn't like that?" He sounds genuinely confused, which is ridiculous, but he's a pretty ridiculous guy. Maybe she just doesn't like surprises! He loves them personally, but he's met plenty of people who don't big fans (or maybe they just don't like getting dragged into the orbit of his chaos? ...Nah, couldn't be that.) "What if we just did a couple floors this time?" He looks so hopeful!

[theidlemaiden]

What little annoyance she might have had immediately melts in the face of the confused concern he shows her. The excitable air that he gives off is akin to that of a puppy or even any of the younger dogs that had spent their time frolicking and wandering in the grounds of the monastery asking for any of the passing student or staff to play with them.

Really she should know better. She was a master of the on cue puppy dog eyes and now here she was on the receiving end and being a certified sucker for them. It curbs whatever heat she had been ready to throw had he just carelessly chosen to press the button again.

Enthusiasm unfortunately isn't a cure for the mild nausea that she's feeling. The moment she opens her mouth she feels another wave of mild vertigo hit her and those cool eyes of her flutter shut as she grips onto his arm a little tighter in an effort to steady herself. After several moments pass she aqueses with a little sigh of defeat. "I guess we can do a couple of floors. But I think I need to sit down first before I fall down again."

[iluso]

The arm in her grip squishes a little oddly, like nothing's quite as solid under his skin as it should be, and Luffy sinks to the ground in a graceless cross-legged sprawl with her in tow so she can sit down and recover without him looming overhead link a gangly cloud. Despite his eagerness from just a moment ago, he doesn't look upset at the change of pace.

If he was anyone but himself he'd probably offer to escort her off the elevator, but he is who he is so he wants her along for the ride. Obviously, they're going to be pals (look at her!!), and pals don't let pals miss out on exciting, life-threatening experiences! So really, she's lucky she got trapped in here with him if you really think about it.

"Sorry about that," he laughs, sounding somehow both apologetic and amused, because he did kinda go spilling everywhere there, huh? "I didn't expect to go flying like that! I'll definitely be prepared next time." So she has nothing to worry about over getting knocked down a second time! (She should probably still worry about that a little.) He grins, thrusting out a hand in her direction—the free one, if she's still hanging onto one of his arms as she fights back the nausea. "I'm Luffy!"

[theidlemaiden]

The odd texture of his arm definitely doesn't go unnoticed but there's not much time to consider why as she quickly makes room for him beside her - similar to how she doesn't consider why he chooses to sit right beside her when there's still plenty of square footage for him to sit in the elevator considering there's only the pair of them. Even if she cared greatly for things like personal space, being tactile herself it doesn't even begin to cross her mind. There is, subconsciously, also some comfort from the fact that he gets down to her eye level. Having lived a life being one of the shortest people in the room she's used to look up at others but it's nice when she doesn't have to crane her neck.

In other words, the act of kindness is only serving to wear away at the brief spike of annoyance from before. And at this rate, she might very well think that she's lucky to be trapped in here with him. Then again, there's still plenty of time - so don't mess it up, new (potential) friend!

The earnest apology and the opportunity to sit back down are welcomed and somehow, it manages to coax a weak little smile from her as she catches her breath. "I don't think anyone really expects these to suddenly drop. If I had been prepared I'd probably have enjoyed it more," she replies. Probably. There is also the other matter that she can't see where they're going. Free falling on the back of a wyvern is far different than free falling in an enclosed box. It's easier to focus on the introductions at hand than that though. While she keeps her other hand firmly on his arm still she reaches out to shake his. "Hilda." And then there's a beat where something else clicks. "Wait - Luffy the pirate?" 

[iluso]

"Oh, you don't like surprises, huh?" He asks, nodding sagely like he finally understands, as though the shock of a sudden drop in a thing that should be secure and predictable was the bad part, and not the brief flirtation with death that said drop implied. Listen, he's never had his priorities in order, and he's not about to start with that now.

And regardless, he shakes her hand enthusiastically, before lighting up like a christmas tree when she recognizes his name. He grins big, chest puffing out slightly. "Yeah, that's me!" He's still, even a few weeks out from starting now, very tickled pink by the association of his name with pirate. If he hadn't already been having a great time, that would have tipped his day right over into a better one alone. "I'm going to be King of the Pirates someday," he blurts as well, on instinct. That's a very important part of his usual introduction.

Speaking of introductions though, it seems to dawn on him belatedly: "How did you know?" It has been made very clear to him for the past couple weeks that people don't think he looks like a pirate, even though Luffy couldn't disagree more. His straw hat is so clearly a pirate's straw hat, after all! But he doesn't have it here, so surely she couldn't have picked up on that in the normal way. (Can it really be the normal way if it's never happened before?)

[theidlemaiden]

There's a moment where she thinks he understands what with the sage nod and thoughtful expression. But at the same time, with how enthusiastically he had taken to the sudden death drop she feels like she has to clarify. Because never let it be said that she doesn't enjoy a good surprise. In fact, she's often the planner of surprises. "I wouldn't say that I don't like surprises. I love them actually. I'd just prefer that they aren't dangerous surprises."

Key word being dangerous.

The way the smile on her face grows is a clear indication of how endearing she finds this. Aside from the clear lack of danger sense, the way he lights up is nearly dangerously endearing to her. The vibrancy, the enthusiasm, the way delight seems to light him up from the inside out is something she's always been drawn to because like typically draws to like. But after being here for the several months that she has, a pinprick of worry begins to creep in at the edges of her mind that that light might dim in the time here. It's a worry that is really unfounded in a lot of ways. She knows very little about him aside from his clear daredevil, adrenaline seeking ways and it's entirely possible that she may never encounter him again despite their soon to be relieved mutual connections - but that doesn't mean that

There's a slight tilt of her head as she puzzles on what exactly 'King of the Pirates' means. But before she can ask for any sort of clarity that she has no doubt he'd have no problem answering, he asks his own question. "Nami and Sanji both mentioned you. They're friends of yours right? Part of your crew?" It's clear from the way she speaks of them that she's clearly fond of them.

[iluso]

Luffy wishes he could be the guy who plans surprises, but he's terrible at keeping secrets (or really, just not blabbing about every little thing he's excited about to everyone nearby), organization, remembering details, punctuality, and a whole host of other things that are all very necessary to being that guy. He mostly just surprises people by committing off the wall, insane acts that they have to join him in or fish him out of at the drop of a hat, which is not quite the same.

Alas, some things just aren't meant to be. "Not dangerous..." For a moment he looks like he's thinking Pretty Hard, like he's trying to picture what that would even be, because to him all the fun surprises are at least a little bit dangerous! She can probably guess about the extremely chaotic lives Nami and Sanji have been leading as his crew from that alone, honestly. "Like, birthday parties? Oh, or like 'meat surprise'?" He likes both of those too! So it took a few, but now he is actually starting to get it.

But then, of course, he's immediately distracted by the mention of his crew! "Yeah! They're my best friends," he says, delighted, which is definitely not a thing that anyone on his crew has agreed to explicitly—aside from Usopp, of course, who is on the same page as him. And also absent, unfortunately. (Fortunately?) He hasn't given his present crewmates much time to talk about their new friends from the resort though, considering the nature of their reunions. So now he's twice as glad to hear about it anyway! "They're your friends, too? How did you guys meet?" Logic dictates that everybody is trapped in the same magic hotel so it's probably harder to not meet the people who are here, but Luffy and Logic have never met, themselves, so.