ercookies | TDM 014: A DAY AT THE FAIR

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TDM 014: A DAY AT THE FAIR

00. Arrival

You come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface 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. If you don’t manage to get away from them quickly enough, they may even usher you toward the Laid Bare Spa, where new arrivals will be offered free massages, a sauna, hairstyling, and their clothing may come up permanently missing. But you will be given a complimentary towel to leave with if needed!

Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see beyond what arrivals before you have helped to rebuild. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased.

With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a place to live in the now, whether a rundown apartment in the City, a tent on the beach, a bed in the barracks, or your own space at the House of Worship. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home.

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I. HAY FEVER

A new mode of transportation has made an appearance! From one end of the fairgrounds to the other, and even sometimes off the beaten path and into the wilds, robot-horse-drawn hay wagons shake, rattle, and roll. And, of course, what are hay wagons great for? Anyone fancy a roll in the hay?

Anyone who is taking a hay ride will see their A5 card flash - and they will be given the option to trade one square for the vehicles square. (New players engaging in this prompt can call it a freebie.)

But beware! The wagons roll at all hours of the day and night. At night, the spooks come out to play! Rides will be "haunted" by frightful spooks played by machines and your local Islanders. The 'bots will hire anyone interested to don their favorite slasher costume or ghostly garb. After all, everyone knows that fear and adrenaline are related to attraction, right? Just another thoughtful service provided by your generous benefactors.

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II. Acute Beef Poisoning

How about an eating contest? Multiple competitions are held throughout the fair: hot dogs, hot dogs, pies -- just use your imagination! Of course, there's always the chance that you've been recruited to be "eaten"... So sit back and enjoy the ride.

For those of you with an exhibitionist streak, all contests are held in front of an audience.

Be careful, ye who eat here, because the pies in particular have been known to have the following effects (with a two-hour duration):

Meat - A simple aphro pie; a character finds themselves craving a very different kind of meat.
Apple - Temporary amnesia befalls those who've tried the apple pie. The effects can be as great as forgetting your entire identity or as minor as forgetting what you've had for breakfast.
Cherry - Look upon the very face of innocence! All guile falls away from this character, making it impossible for them to lie.
Strawberry - The compulsion to follow orders may be strong sometimes, but the strawberry pie comes with the compulsion to give orders instead.
Blueberry - Oh no! You're looking a bit... off-color? The blueberry pie turns a character's skin blue for the next two hours.

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III. BRODEO

Last but not least, try the mechanical contraptions of various sizes - equipped with equipment of various sizes as well! The objective of this game is to last as long as you can.

Thirteen Hand Sam is the smallest of the mechanical horses. It has no attachments, but instead vibrates until the rider orgasms.

Mechanic Mike is the second mechanical horse. With a modest six-inch dildo, it bucks its rider around until orgasm.

For those who like a real challenge, the mechanical bull -- the Bonine -- is a two-person contraption that straps each rider in with their own dildo. They sit face-to-face on the thrashing machine, within touching range, able to encourage each other to come (and to lose) more quickly.

Ride like you've never ridden before, or comfort someone in the aftermath of a job well done.

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N A V I G A T I O N

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They had been much more tactile as children, a trait that Verin never lost and Essek had grown to only tolerate from most people. And even with all of the time he has spent in physical intimacy since coming to Erku, there's still an automatic stiffening of his shoulders when his brother comes close in consolation. Essek allows himself to be caught anyway, and it fades, mostly, after a moment.

"I'll be fine," he says, half forcing himself to believe it. Through the illusion, Verin's embrace is warm.

"Come." Essek starts leading Verin in the direction of the row homes, walking rather than floating. "I'll...explain what is going on, and we'll find you some proper clothes for the time being."

"The towel wasn't so bad," he quips when Essek offers to find him some real clothes. As they start walking, Verin clasps his hands behind his back.

"I almost forgot how short you are," he says with a dry smile when he realizes that Essek is walking. Verin thought he had been while they were in the spa, but it seemed a poor time to bring it up. Perhaps this isn't better, but at least they aren't trying to intimidate objects into compliance.

"I can make myself taller if that will be more comfortable for you." His tone barely changes, sounding almost like a genuine offer.

A thought occurs to him, and Essek stops suddenly, looking intently serious as he searches Verin's face.

"Verin, tell me...where-...where was I last, that you recall?"

The joviality begins to fade and he looks over at his brother. He studies Essek for a long moment.

"The last I heard, you were at the Vurmas Outpost." About as far from the heart of the Dynasty he could get without completely leaving it. After a moment, he adds, "I was worried about you."

It doesn't offer comfort necessarily, but at least their timelines appear to closely matched. It's...a little bit of a relief, and Essek nods, murmuring a soft "good" to himself under his breath--

His eyes snap back to Verin's. An ache wells in his chest, evident in his gaze. There hadn't been time to see him in Baxxozan before his departure, nor on his brief, subsequent return trips to Rosohna for particular resources. Essek had been planning to go the next opportunity, but it had never happened.

"It is not an easy place to be, but I am glad for the change of pace to Rosohna. There are many skilled individuals there who help keep the dangers at bay."

A pause. The weight like a lead ball settling uncomfortably between his heart and stomach.

"I'm sorry...I wanted to see you before I left, but there wasn't time."

"Imagine a prodigy dunamancer saying there was no time." It's a jab, but a gentle one. Verin isn't angry. Their lives had drifted into different spheres and their orbits did not often cross. Verin misses Essek, some days feeling it more than others. And part of missing ihs brother is knowing that Essek spends far more time alone than he does.

Then hearing he'd gone to Vurmas, of all places... Essek says it's for a change of pace, but Verin can't quite believe him. There has to be something else. He remembers hearing the news and thinking, almost immediately, What happened?

"Well, you're seeing me now, thanks to... whatever brought me wherever this is."

It earns him a wincing smile, and Essek begins walking again. It hits a little more painfully than Verin meant, but there's no way he would know that. There are so many things he doesn't know. So many things he deserves to know, and yet...how could could he? Even with all the evidence that their memories do not transfer back to their home worlds...the risk feels overwhelming. If Verin learns the truth, Essek has no illusions that he would feel compelled to expose it. For all that his brother had been the only one to never pressure him on his feelings about their home and its practices, he has always had a strong sense of justice.

Worse, he would also likely never forgive him.

It's not a problem to be solved in that moment, and knowing it is the only thing that keeps the panic at bay. For now.

"Such as it is with this place, many things can be seen as a blessing in disguise. Whatever else you may come to think of it...I am happy to see you."

And as they walk he explains the purpose of the island, of the Augur, the cards and the limitations of his magic and the similar situations of others, and from there loosely his connections with the Mighty Nein, and the others from Tal'Dorei.

Verin hasn't gotten as far as he has without being able to read people, and while his brother is an enigma to most, he likes to think that he has some understanding of Essek. At least enough to know when he is not saying something.

He doesn't press. Essek has been keeping secrets for a long time, and Verin doesn't believe that he will stop any time soon.

He listens patiently as Essek lays out the bizarre information he's gathered about the island and the Augur. He has never in his life heard of eros energy, but he doubts that matters. He's more interested to hear about the combined households of Wildemount and Tal'Dorei.

Verin keeps his eyes ahead, rolling over all of this without trying to make sense of it. Some things defy sense, he knows that much. Or it will do him no good to try.

"It's a lot to take in," he says at last. "And how have you been... faring here?"

Please do not tell him about your sex life, he just wants to know you're okay.

There are differences in him. Noticeable ones, especially as he speaks of the Nein, even if it is only superficially. A softness in his expression and voice that comes more easily than it had in the past, if it had shown at all. They reach the steps of the row home he had established, and Essek ushers Verin inside, leading him quickly to the room that has been his for several months, now. It is considerably less extravagant than his towers, with few real personal items in it other than the desk strewn with notes and books and a few jars of various components. A not unfamiliar sight, perhaps.

The bed is draped with dark curtains and neatly made. He offers Verin one of the chairs at the desk, and goes to rummage through a small wardrobe in the corner for some appropriate clothing. Essek returns with some suitable items that may fit, even if they're a little...flashy, and sets them on an empty spot on the desk.

He pauses at the question, however, fully considering it a moment.

"I am...all right. Even though there are...challenges here, with the expectations and limitations set by this place, it is also absent of those I have long felt trapped by at home."

Essek sits, floating himself onto the bed by second nature. "I am not the same person I was, Verin." In so, so many ways he could maybe never fully articulate. "But I think that perhaps...you will find that agreeable."

Verin wants to know better who these people are, the ones that have so evidently wedged beneath his brother's armor. The house is a far cry from the home that Verin remembers. It's nicer than Bazzoxan, but definitely not the Firmaments.

But the room itself is all Essek. The feel of it draws a smile from him, and though Essek offers him a chair, Verin doesn't sit right away. His eyebrows slowly creep up when he sees the clothes Essek sets out. Well then.

His gaze cuts back to his brother as he answers. He watches Essek, considering his confession. Secrets wrapped in mysteries shrouded in enigma obscured by a conundrum. But still his brother.

"I hope it's made you happier," he says at last. It's what he wants. Happiness is not exactly touted as something to chase, far less important than enlightenment. But what makes a life worth enduring if there is no light in it?

Seeing the look at the clothes, Essek hastily explains that they're scavenged from the island itself, mostly by other people who have brought them in for him. The pants are decidedly not his - Caleb won't mind. But he doesn't add that detail.

Still, the wish brings a faint flush to his cheeks, tingling the tips of his ears. A feeling washes through him, one that he tries to hold back at first - over the years he had grown accustomed to hiding his thoughts from everyone, including his brother. Having him here is bringing out old habits again, but it's clear that they're fighting a losing battle. A softer, real smile comes to his lips, because there's no denying this simple truth at least.

"It has."

Essek lets the admission hang in the air a moment before he gives another easy wave of his hand, murmuring a spell Verin likely easily recognizes, but especially when it starts to lift the extra moisture from his skin and hair, leaving him fully dry and clean.

"Get dressed while I get us something to drink, and then you can ask any more questions you like while I fix your hair."

The softness in his brother is unprecedented. Verin hasn't really seen anything like it in decades. Not since they were both children. Seeing him blush is just as surprising, and Verin can't help but wonder what - or who - has caused such a change. It makes him feel a hopeful sort of warmth. He has worried about Essek for a long time, and while he doubts that will fade, maybe his brother is finding a place.

He truly hopes so.

"Go on," he says with a smile and a gesture toward the door. While he has no compunctions about losing the illusion in front of Essek, he expects his brother would rather not endure that. Verin laughs when he looks at the clothes again, but he gets changed as soon as he's alone. It could probably be worse, and he has to admit... the shirt definitely looks good.

Perhaps on another day, when his brother is not newly arrived to a sex island, it won't be awkward to be around his brother mostly naked. They grew up together, but it has been quite some time. Modesty feels appropriate, at least for now.

Essek returns a few minutes later with two steaming mugs of tea floating gently above his hands. It is strange, to say the least, to see Verin in this different clothing, and it occurs to him then that it must likewise be the same for him - nothing here particularly resembles Xhorhasian clothing, except for Caleb's coat, which came with him. He floats one cup over to him, and takes his own by the handle, sipping delicately.

"Now, what other questions do you have, or would you care to enlighten me about recent happenings at Bazzoxan, or anything else back home?"

Verin accepts the tea when it's close enough.

"Tell me where to sit since you're so intent on fixing my hair."

He thinks he could have a lot of questions if he gets going, but he also isn't sure that he wants all of them answered right this second. Verin can let things unfold.

He apparently isn't going anywhere, after all.

So he shares information from his end. The state of Bazzoxan, news he's had from Rosohna. Little bits of gossip that he doubts Essek will really care about, but it's information to share anyway and Verin, at least, thinks some of it is funny. There are a few names that occur with frequency, ones Essek might recall from conversations before this. For as well-liked and gregarious as Verin can be, his intimate circle is relatively small. Bazzoxan is harsh and he is a commanding officer. Fraternizing doesn't look good, and so the socializing he manages to do on equal footing is considerably less.

He looks down at his tea with a smile that doesn't have quite as much light to it.

"I think our mother is somewhat disappointed that I have not sought higher position." There is a war on, and Verin knows what it could do for him should he request command in the field. "She would see me at Ashguard, at the very least."

Essek directs Verin to the chair offered earlier and retrieves a comb from the bedside table. It's been...at least a decade, perhaps, since he's done this for his brother, but not so long since he had begun to do it for someone else, recently. He combs gently through clean hair - longer than he last remembers, and begins working in a few braids as Verin talks. The style is perhaps on he hasn't worn for a while, and Essek's skills are limited, but he manages something clean and elegant.

At the mention of their mother, his hands still. His jaw clenches, quiet for a long moment, before he finishes tying off the last braid.

Once his brother's lack of ambition might have grated. He is a skilled warrior, and could be improving on his skills if he so chose. With Essek's prowess in Dunamancy, they could have potentially developed new things together that would make Echo Knights an even greater force to be reckoned with. But Verin had no patience for study or interest in it beyond what he already has.

Now, Essek thinks, that is for the best. Verin may not have great ambitions, but he is not complacent. Not like their father had been. Complacent, hot tempered, and foolish.

"It is easy for us to disappoint our mother," he says finally, clipped. "The war is at a standstill for now anyway, and no prestige to be won." For a while, at least. "Why should you rush to the end of your first life just to appease her?"

Verin can feel the tension pass through Essek. He doesn't need to look over his shoulder to know that it's there. He doesn't pull away, allowing Essek to finish the braid he's working on.

Verin knows what potential exists should he and Essek have decided to pursue working together. He knows only because he knows the lengths his brother is willing to go to in pursuit of his craft, and he knows his own dedication. Perhaps not to study, that has always been Essek's forte, but Verin has his own talents. He wouldn't be where he is now if he didn't. That he has not gone further is his own choice, not a failure of ability.

"I think it's easy to disappoint anyone who's lived that long," he says after a moment. "And it is at a standstill for now." Verin doesn't know if or when or how it might kick up again, but the tension is there. It wouldn't take much for it to snap again, he's certain. He huffs a soft laugh, little more than an exhale.

"Thank you for your vote of confidence."

"You know what I mean," he responds with mild irritation before floating himself back to the bed, facing Verin once more. Essek settles on it cross-legged, fingers intertwined and palms pressed together thoughtfully. "The Bright Queen will find another reason to battle the Empire again soon enough, even with the beacons returned. Our mother wishing you to take up a position on the front lines is for her own prestige, if that is not what you want. For all their wisdom, even the Umavi cannot predict all of the forces at work."

They are perilously close to dangerous topics. Essek betrays nothing, voice even and breath calm. But it is uncomfortably close. The Empire has uncovered another beacon. There is likely one within the ruins of Aeor, somewhere. War will likely happen again, in the not so distant future.

"If you wanted to spurn her even further, you could always join me up north."

It is not a new conversation by any means. Sure, the topic isn't exactly the same, but the vehement feelings are. Verin will not try to change Essek's mind, knowing for a long time that his brother will not budge. He can't even blame Essek, really. They grew up in the same family: the genesis of some of his brother's thoughts and beliefs are not a mystery to him.

Verin's gaze flicks up at the offer.

"Do you really want me there? Or are you trying to save me?"

The temptation is there, Verin can't deny it. He feels a sense of responsibility to Bazzoxan, it would be difficult to justify leaving. But the possibility of spending time together again... He doesn't think he could change Essek, but it would be good to see him again with any frequency. And, maybe, a break from Bazzoxan is warranted.

The ache wells up in his chest again as he looks at his brother. For a little while, it's almost been as though they aren't even here; just in a strange, liminal space neither Erku or Exandria. But the weight of their current reality hits him once more; how long they've been separated, how much he's missed the few familiar elements of home. It is a little hard to believe he is really here, even after the last hour.

"...can it not be both?" Essek asks softly. The offer is both sincere and empty; he won't remember to ask him whenever the Augur sees fit to send him back, or to end his timeline here, or whatever it is that truly happens. This conversation won't have happened, and having Verin close to him in Exandria only puts him at risk.

But here, and now, he can be honest, at least.

"Besides...we are both here for the foreseeable future. Perhaps we can make up for lost time here, instead."

"I suppose it can be," he concedes. Verin isn't sure how true it is, but he is willing to take it on Essek's word. "A reprieve from Bazzoxan would be welcome. Even if you are dragging me from the wastes to the frozen north," he says with a dry smile.

The truth is, if Essek asked him to come, he will go. Whether it's because his brother needs his help or has some other motive, Verin would find himself hard pressed to resist that call. Maybe it would jeopardize his career, but he's starting to make peace with some of the realities of his life. It's been difficult, but... perhaps he will find some freedom in it.

But that is not a conversation he is certain he can have right now. Verin drinks his tea, taking that moment to try to clear his head.

"I would like that. Especially if it means you're going to keep dressing me," he quips.

"An improvement, I should think."

At least Aeor had some interesting things awaiting in its depths, so far as Essek is concerned.

A curl of fingers summons his own cup back to his hands, cooled now after having busied himself with Verin's hair for a little while. It's one of Caduceus' blends, though he can't recall specifically which sort. It's floral and grounding.

"Ah, well," Essek sips from his own cup. "Unfortunately I do not have the means to dress you at all beyond this seeing as most of my things will not fit you. You'll have to go scavenge on your own, I'm afraid. I'm sure some of the others would be happy to go with you."

"Hopefully those things do return what they took. I'll at least then have that."

He'll have to find somewhere to store his armor, though he suspects Essek might oblige if he asked. Verin holds his tea close, focusing on the warmth seeping into his hands from the mug.

Then he frowns.

"I hope those moorbounders will be all right."

"Yes. I have reason to believe that they will, if they've said. Though if they give you your weapons, your abilities as an Echo Knight may have been curtailed instead."

There are still spare rooms, even with all of the newcomers from Exandria lately. Verin will have a space for his own, if he chooses to stay here that is.

...Essek nearly spits out his tea. He coughs instead, taking a moment to recover.

"...Ah, you found them. I'm sure the Nein would like to know they've been taken care of."

Verin can't help a smile when he sees the look on Essek's face. That cough is a moment of triumph.

"It was hard to miss them. They're feral things, but they were lingering around. We had to do something with them."

And it was wiser to take them in and try to take care of them than let them start going after the livestock.

"I believe time was of the essence when they were left, and the Nein never had the chance to return for them. I'm sorry if they caused any trouble."

It isn't really his action to apologize for, but the Nein had been his responsibility for a time.

Essek settles back, quiet as he sips at his tea. This is possibly the most time they have spent together in quite a long while. Something in him feels comforted, an anxiety put at ease, a lingering ache that feels a little better now. There are other reasons to be worried that will find him later, but for now...this is welcome.

"There is an empty room here," he says after a while. "You are welcome to it, if you like, but of course if you would rather have something else for yourself, I understand."

TDM 014: A DAY AT THE FAIR

00. Arrival

I. HAY FEVER

II. Acute Beef Poisoning

III. BRODEO

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