TDM 004: WASHED ASHORE

[erkumods]

TDM 004: WASHED ASHORE

Arrival This time, you come out of the water. While the Augur reboots, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy draws people in. It's like being suspended between realities and walking through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you and carrying you to shore. Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. Inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● I. Feel the friendship! Recent arrivals and visitors to the beach may notice a sudden influx of hundreds of bright red crustaceans crawling (and coupling) across the sand. It's crab mating season, as it turns out, it's a regular invasion! To keep the beach a pleasant place to gather for the island's inhabitants, the robots are offering credits to especially enterprising crab-catchers. Grab a bucket and get to work! Be sure to watch out for their pinch, mind you. Their little claws are tiny, but that doesn’t mean they don’t hurt. Surprisingly, there is another effect that even the robots don't anticipate: islanders who are pinched by the crabs find themselves feeling instantly buddy-buddy with the next person they spot. Did you just become best friends?! Get pinched one too many times, however, and those feelings may sour into a crabby mood, indeed. If you are feeling particularly vengeful (or just hungry), the little crabs do make for delicious gumbo. Once cooked, they have no side effects whatsoever. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● II. Phallus Phestival Although the Augur is offline and supplies are scarce, the robots of Erku are still eager to make their run-down little island a welcoming place for the new arrivals. To that end, they have arranged a three day festival to boost morale and promote the generation of plenty of Eros energy to assist in the restoration of the damaged and decayed parts of the city. The robots claim that this celebration was once a cornerstone of the long-lost civilization of the island. By the dawn of the first day, every island resident will find at their doorstep (or tent flap, mobile suit, etc) the traditional costume of the ancient islanders to wear to the festival. It appears to be... a giant sheet? There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the sometimes garish colors and patterns of the fabric, but at least the robots have uploaded instructions on how to wear it to your bracelet device. Attendees will find food (mostly crab-flavored), confections, and household necessities in rather suggestive shapes, as well as goods you might find handy to complete your A5 squares: sex toys, pervertibles, sexy maid outfits, and the like. While islanders are welcome to set up shop on the festival grounds and sell (or charge) whatever they like, all items from the robots are offered up for free to those who wear their traditional island garb! ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● III. Fireside Adventures Each night of the festival is wrapped up in style with an enormous bonfire on the beach, where drinks, fruity cocktails, and lively music appropriate for dancing is all provided at no cost by the robots. Even if you’re not usually much of a dancer, the longer you stand by the fire and allow it to warm your limbs, the more you feel like moving! Not only that, but everyone is looking quite beautiful by the firelight, are they not? If you’ve grown tired - or if dancing just isn’t your thing - you might prefer to sit back and swap stories on one of the many driftwood log benches the robots have prepared for seating. Or, maybe you’d prefer to rough it for the night in one of the beachside canvas tents. Better claim one quick, though, or be prepared to share… there’s only one sleeping bag! ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

iii

[shaft]

[ Hopefully Lorenz knows better than to assume that his trials and tribulations for the day are already over, a hand coming down on shoulder in a quick and gentle pat. ]

What's this? A strapping young man like you can't already be tired.

[ He'd purposely approached from behind, just to maximize how much he could grate on Lorenz in a single gesture, but he circles around to face his old comrade with an amused smile now that he's announced himself.

Unfortunately, not even being torn through dimensions is enough for Claude to go easy on Lorenz, the spark of mischief bright in his eyes as he takes in the familiar face. If he's surprised to see him (which he is, somewhat) it doesn't show, nor does he seem particularly relieved. Hilda had been on the look out for their old allies from the Alliance, but as far as Claude was concerned, they were all better off back in Fódlan than on this nameless island.

Especially Lorenz, whose delicate sensibilities will likely lead him to an early death.

But for now, Claude simply holds out a hand. ]

Can I interest you in a dance?

[silky_bearing]

[Ah. He knew he felt a headache coming on.

He shouldn't be surprised, not after finding Hilda and Ferdinand here but the very idea that this place seems to be collecting Fodlan nobility, especially crest-bearing nobility, and then insisting on such... activities. Well, after Shambhala it does not sit well with him in the slightest. That is a discussion for another time, though, in private where they are unlikely to be overheard.]

You know quite well that such an exquisite demeanor requires adequate rest to maintain.

[Which is a lie. He is just as functional on 5 hours as he is on 8 but Goddess save them if the reason for it is not directly related to battle and necessity. He's insufferable.]

I've seen what you consider to be appropriate dance... [But he finds himself taking Claude's hand regardless, utterly confused as to how one is expected to keep step when sliding around in all this sand.] ... but if it keeps you from causing mischief then I suppose it is for a good cause.

[shaft]

[ Claude wastes no time in leading the way once Lorenz accepts his invitation, feet light over the sand as he guides them both into a sloppier, quicker version of the Fodlan ballroom dances. His attitude doesn't appear to be the least bit phased by Lorenz' pointed comments, smile still in place and a relaxed tilt to his shoulders. ]

Even traversing dimensions isn't enough to keep you from policing my behaviour, is it? [ He shakes his head, amused. ] I suppose it is a small comfort and no matter the time or universe, the great Lorenz Hellman Gloucester will always remain true.

[ He means that genuinely. Regardless of his and Lorenz' rocky relationship, he's glad to see that his old ally isn't having a mental breakdown at being plucked from his world and thrown into another, without explanation or any means of escape. He supposes they have their good old Teach to thank for that, after watching her cut through time and space with that wicked sword of hers, the idea doesn't seem as impossible as it might've otherwise.

And now that he's determined that Lorenz is okay, he can continue teasing him without remorse. ]

Though you'll need to adjust some of your values now that you've arrived here.

[ He follows that up with a wink so Lorenz is sure to get his meaning. ]

[silky_bearing]

[The first few steps are awkward and stilted, Lorenz both having trouble keeping his feet in the sand and also resistant to letting Claude lead. It only takes a moment for him to fall into step, though. He doesn't trust his footing and that is a quick way to end up making a fool of himself. Better to allow Claude to mangle the steps of a dance with his improvisations than to fall on his face.

Though it does mean he ends up holding the other man a bit tighter than is strictly necessary.]

Now, more than ever, you need to be aware that your behavior is a direct reflection on all of Fodlan. We wouldn't want to let the people here think ill of our home, now would we?

[He's going to expect you on your best behavior, Claude. Which is honestly a terrible idea. The only reason Lorenz is being so obliging about all of this nonsense is entirely because he refuses to accept the truth of the matter. Even if Hilda's already tried to insist otherwise.

Of course that wink still makes him blush, first embarrassed and then promptly indignant at being made to feel embarrassed. Must you?!]

I should think not. If they are so easily manipulated then they would hardly be values at all.

[shaft]

[ Claude most definitely does notice Lorenz' unease—it would be impossible not to, as close as they are—and it brings an infuriatingly smug glint to his eyes. (But he doesn't tease Lorenz for "clinging" to him. Not yet, at least.) He makes no effort to adjust to a pace that might be easier for him to follow, instead taking advantage of the sand beneath their feet to glide through it, spinning on his heel as he leads them into a turn.

He's actually having fun, which can't entirely be attributed to forcing Lorenz out of his element. ]

I suppose if nothing else, one has to admire your dedication. [ He doesn't sound entirely congratulatory as he doles out the compliment, looking at Lorenz as if he's on the verge of shaking his head and sighing. ]

I won't advocate for you to do anything that you find abhorrent, but this does mean that while you save yourself for your marriage, that Hilda and I will need to keep you alive, heathens that we are.

[ Not to say that there isn't food available, but he doubts it'll suit Lorenz' palate. Not because it's plain and tasteless—they'd all had to make compromises during the war and while on campaigns—but because it tends to be laced with aphrodisiacs. ]

Hopefully a noble such as yourself isn't above accepting charity.

[silky_bearing]

[The turn is so much sharper than he expected, than he can keep up with. Trying to push harder against the sand to try to cover more ground with his next step only makes him sink further and he staggers against Claude. If he wasn't clinging before he sure is now. The worst part is that he knows it and it only makes him more uncomfortable. He always tries so very hard to be at his most pristine around the other man and here he is unable to even keep up with a few dance steps.

And then he goes and teases him like that, as though there's some.... some- shame in wanting to devote himself to one person and after everything else this day has piled on him that's the last straw.

Lorenz pushes himself away from Claude, forced to take a few steps before he can actually stop. Using every bit of his extra height even though he knows it means nothing to Claude, looking down on him with the kind of angry indignation he hasn't demonstrated in years. No small amount of hurt and shame buried under it all. Not just flustered embarrassment but the kind humiliation that burns.]

There is a great deal of difference between charity and pity, von Riegan.

[The words sharp and clipped and he knows there's nothing he could ever say that would come close to effecting Claude the way the other so effortlessly burrows under his skin no matter what precautions he takes. Like persistent nettles in a rose garden.]

[shaft]

[ Even though his relationship with Lorenz had lost much of its purely antagonistic edge over the course of the war, he'd never achieved the same level of ease in dealing with him as he had with Hilda. Whereas him and Hilda simply vibed, there was always friction in his discussions with Lorenz. Which wasn't necessarily something that Claude disliked. As long as the results were productive, Lorenz could question, needle and challenge him all he liked. Claude was more than used to it, and the simple fact that Lorenz was doing it for the benefit of the Alliance, and not just to antagonize him, was enough for him. Maybe Lorenz lacked a gentle hand, but his heart was in the right place, so Claude couldn't begrudge him for it.

Regardless of their differences in political opinions, and in spite of the imaginary rivalry that Lorenz had concocted in their Academy days, Claude doesn't actually wish him any harm. He steps back obligingly when Lorenz pushes away, his hands raised in a show of peace. ]

And? Choosing pride over survival is a luxury afforded only to the privileged. We're all paupers here, Lorenz. Take this as an opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of the people you claim to serve.

[ He doesn't offer any apologies for his teasing, given that it was still the truth, nor does he soften the blow by showing any intimidation in the face of Lorenz' anger. (Claude doesn't always have a gentle hand either.)

Instead, he sighs. ]

We don't pity you either. Why would you even think that?

[silky_bearing]

[Pride over survival. Goddess he would never understand, would he? It's not about pride, or at least not just about pride. He had responsibilities that came with that privilege he so often mocked him for. Maintaining his reputation, marrying well, improving the standing of his House and his resources means the ability to do more for his people.

What good is he to anyone if he throws away that privilege with reckless behavior and disregard for others' opinions?

And then for Claude to say that it is merely a baseless claim that he works to serve his people on top of it all. That actually gets the tiniest little flinch, no matter how he tries to steel himself against Claude's accusations. It can be so infuriating trying to talk to him, sometimes.

Lorenz breaths out a slow, measured breath. One hand lifts to hover over his chest, familiar... defensive in many ways.]

The people I serve [Not merely a claim, dammit.] rely on me making decisions that are beneficial for Gloucester and the Alli- ah... I suppose all of Fodlan now, hmm? I do not see how devaluing myself is, in any way, achieving that goal.

And do not think I don't see, clearer here than ever, how the two of you regard my... intolerance for leniency.

[shaft]

No one is forcing you to "devalue" yourself. [ Well, no one that isn't an all-powerful super computer capable of reaching across dimensions, but it doesn't seem like Lorenz is mad at the Augur right now. ] I already told you that Hilda and myself won't sentence you to starvation.

[ Sometimes it feels like a conversation between Lorenz and him is not unlike two people blindfolded and throwing ropes at one another, completely missing the point each time.

It's both fun and exhausting, though in this moment leaning sightly toward the latter as he runs a hand through his hair, giving Lorenz a fatigued look. ]

And yes, maybe I do think you have a stick up your ass, just like you probably think I have a few screws loose in my head. So what? We're still on the same team.

[ At least he knows now that Lorenz was pulled from the tail end of the war, hopefully that means they'll be able to cooperate once the adjustment period has passed. ]

[silky_bearing]

[It's hard to place blame on something that you only barely have a concept of what it is.

Is it any wonder that he's exhausted as well, after everything he's had to process today? As much as he might like to rely on that indignation and anger to keep himself apart from the weight of it all, easier somehow to ignore the more uncomfortable pieces when there's something to be righteous about, he can't. Not with Claude. He'll just work himself up until he's no use to anyone for the exact opposite reason.

Goddess, this is a nightmare.]

More than a few I'd wager. [A scoff but a weak little hint of a smirk, a concession, a conscious effort to let the anger and hurt go. Which just fades into a sigh, fingers rubbing circles against his temple.] You do know I have no desire to... be a burden to either one of you.

[Why isn't it possible to be too tired to blush. He'd really appreciate that about now. Between the sun and everything he'd seen his cheeks legitimately ache from blushing so hard all day. And yet... just acknowledging what Hilda and Claude were apparently doing with each other no doubt just makes his face burn all over again.]