Updating environmental system to version 2.69...
When you blink your eyes open, it is to the glare of blinding overhead lights and the sight of a pair of glassy mechanical eyes boring into your own. The face above yours moves like liquid mercury, forming an approximation of a figure that you recognize and trust implicitly: a friend, a loved one, a caretaker. Perhaps even a god or a goddess. From its lips fall the patterns of a language that is strange and robotic, and yet familiar to you:
Everything is fine.
Welcome to the ̶͓̃N̵̼̈ă̷͙m̴̝͋e̵͕͐l̴͔̋e̷̦͘š̴͙s̵̬̚ ̵̝͌I̴͙͐s̵͖̄l̷̞̓à̴͖n̷̺̏d̵̮͠.̶̼̊<
Darkness overtakes you once again. In the blackness of your dreamless sleep, you are sure you hear a strange chime. You are conscious of a choice:
Yes
Y̶o̶u̶ ̸h̵a̸v̸e̵ ̸c̷h̸o̶s̵e̵n̷ ̶w̶i̶s̵e̴l̷y̸.̷
The Augur thanks you for your loyalty.
I. Orientation
With your support, the Nameless Island will thrive and prosper -- but it may require a little more energy than usual to sustain. Step outside and you will soon see why: the skies are calm, the seas are clear and blue, and the pink sands of the beach have never looked more inviting.
Rome wasn't built in a day, but a facsimile of it certainly was. Enjoy new facades for all of the structures in the Nameless City - everything has been retooled, renewed, and restored to be sleek, shiny, and the absolute height of high tech, eco-friendly luxury, with lush greenery and futuristic architecture blending together seamlessly. You have been transported from the hospital directly to your new residence in either the Apartments or in the House of Worship, sparsely furnished with all the basics and some of your belongings. A friend, partner, or stranger may be there with you. This may be your roommate, but this place isn't hurting for space. No robot will stop them from selecting their own room if they wish.
The Augur calls everyone to the Loudinus Amphitheater, an outdoor stage nestled among the tropical foliage where 'bots put on a play about the purpose of the island, the Auspicious Acts, and the history of the past year, including the all-too-recent attack on the Augur. The robot sex scenes are numerous and explicit, and you may find yourself watching a horribly butchered version of any of your old encounters.
Pick up a free Playbook, a comprehensive list of the dramatis personae with detailed character profiles, and learn a thing or two about your fellow Islanders. No detail is too trivial!
(This play will be streamed to all devices to be viewed remotely, and a digital download of the Playbook is also available.)
II. With Great Power
As a boon for taking on guardianship of the land, characters will find themselves sublimating into the purest form of themselves, embodying a particular trait, quality, or concept to the point where they might as well be revered as its new lawful ruler. That's right: you've become as gods, right down to the development of unique magic powers OR changes to your form which reflect the very core of your being. Enjoy being able to create water, fly with your brand new wings, or even summon geese... among other things.
Of course, with semi-phenomenal, nearly-cosmic power comes semi-phenomenal, nearly-cosmic responsibility! After each expenditure of your new powers, you find yourself becoming weaker, hungrier -- but what you're craving isn't food or rest, it's eros energy. The more outrageous your power or transformation, the more your body will crave the completion of an Auspicious Act. Those who do not gather Eros Energy will be driven mad by this lust, until they begin to lose touch with their sense of self - perhaps even some of their most defining memories.
If the burden proves too great, these powers or changes may be wished away with a request to the Augur and the exchange of one Act.
No
You have chosen to exist away from the Augur's wisdom and b̷e̴n̸e̵v̵o̵l̶e̴n̵c̴e̸.
Please accept your gracious punishment. Have a p̴l̷e̷a̵s̴a̸n̷t̵ day!
III. Dis-Orientation
You awake outside of city limits, out of sight and out of mind, but with the looming sight of the bright and shiny Nameless City always on the horizon. What surrounds you is not luxury, but instead drab, run-down buildings and despair. Your orientation, an extravagant and sexually explicit play which describes the purpose and recent history of the Island, is remotely streamed to your device. Watch it if you wish. Meanwhile, there are a few 'bots to be seen among the rubble and rundown buildings that surround you -- but are they friend or foe? Ask them questions about what has happened to you, and they will be vague and evasive. You're inside a simulation, they say, and this is all very temporary while the Augur's systems update.
They do have one answer for you: if you want into the Nameless City before that time comes, it will cost you an Auspicious Act... and a visit to the Augur. The 'bots will escort you there, if you wish.
These robots are a far cry from the well-oiled machines of the Nameless City, though they're no less helpful. In a rundown shack, a robot bartender dispenses rations and bootleg moonshine. (You can even check out the bathtub it's brewed in!) The liquor is definitely real, and it can definitely strip the rust right off the robots. Whether it's fit for human consumption remains to be seen. Regardless, it's going to give you the night of your life - drinking the stuff may cause a variety of effects, from normal intoxication, to erections lasting more than four hours, to wild hallucinations.
IV. It's Morphin' Time
Later, the rogue robots bring some scavenged technology: small, pink globes with "PROJECT DAEMON" etched on the side. These globes bond to specific individuals and morph into different creatures based on the emotions that those individuals exhibit: someone feeling brave might find themselves with a bright, roaring lion, while someone scared may find themselves pocketing a small mouse. A singer may find themselves warbling alongside a siren.
They shift often and at will, and they are here to help you survive in this landscape. Need someone to help you catch fish, gather firewood, or find you a partner to complete that Auspicious Act? This little critter has your back!
These creatures can communicate with everyone in simple language, but you'll soon realize they're not just voicing their own thoughts, but the thoughts of the person they've bonded with.
These are temporary creatures who will run out of power by the end of the month, though they can be resurrected with rewards at a later date.
Continue
V. The Doctor's Back In
All of this must be a lot for Islanders to take in and process. A lot of new information, new feelings, and new surroundings to become acquainted with. But they should know they are not alone here. Dr D. Love is still as present as ever to help anyone who may need to work through accepting their new situation. He and his helpers might even be rather insistent on you having a session!
Whether you're in the city or out of it, you may suddenly awaken to find yourself sitting in a comfortable chair in the doctor’s newly remodeled office that is tastefully decorated with finely detailed, “hand” painted posters of beings in positions of pleasure. So many positions. Or you may find yourself in the Immersion Room, an equally tastefully decorated room filled with a large, comfortable bed (perfect for group therapy sessions!) and shelves full of toys and other supplies. For the duration of your session, enjoy access to anything one might need to help relieve the stress of their body and mind on their own - or with a partner, who might have been brought here just as unwittingly as you were.
The Doctor is there to help you work through your feelings and discomfort if needed, please have no fear. He knows some of you may be resistant to his help, but he’s as cheerful and devoted as ever, to the point of not letting you leave the building until you’ve admitted to whatever feelings you are holding back - not just to him, but also to your therapy buddy. What's the diagnosis? The fact is, you must not be receiving enough pleasure. You are too tense, you need to relax and allow yourself to embrace the carnal nature of this world and what it can provide you.
The more you resist, the more the Doctor shall insist. He may even choose to activate your Neural Implant, which all Islanders have been gifted with upon arrival. Said neural implant may cause immediate arousal, sexual attraction to those near you, and even turn various parts of your body into extreme erogenous zones! Once activated, the Implant's effects may kick in at the most random of times.
The Doctor knew all you needed was the right motivation.
OOC Notes:
Welcome to the updated Erku! As this is a setting shift and a re-launch of sorts, this TDM is open to top-levels from both current and prospective players. Feel free to tag around with reckless abandon, and have fun!
Whether you are new or old, it is entirely up to you as to whether your character wakes up in the Nameless City or in the ruinous world of the Simulation. Even characters who acted to attack in the Augur in Event 16 may wake up in the City and vice-versa, according to player preference. This simulation is a temporary run and will last for about two weeks (in other words, the duration of the TDM), at which point all characters will wake in their new Nameless City apartments. Even if you choose "No", you may future-date prompts for the City for this time period.
For now, previously requested safe havens and residences are not currently accessible. They will be made available again in following Simulations, but 'bots are inclined to leave characters in mystery and suspense about this!
Feel free to ask questions below.
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N A V I G A T I O N
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2, I'm only a LITTLE sorry
It should be just the one person, I believe. They just happen to be able to do so no matter where you are.
never be sorry >:3
He starts and spins to look wide eyed at Seteth, expression suspiciously close to a student caught passing notes in class before he recovers.]
... Seteth?! [Wait, he shouldn't be surprised. Felix had mentioned that he was here too.] How- [How can he be so nonchalant when getting yanked around like this. But if he's been here a while maybe he's used to it by now. He shifts his weight to one foot, hand on his hip.] You're looking pretty relaxed.
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Well, that's enough of that. If Sylvain is reacting so strongly to his mere presence, it's likely he's only just returned--and without any memory of the island at that, judging his complaints. That's..... probably for the best, honestly.
Give him a second to save his work and turn off the bracelet, so he can give Sylvain his full attention.]
Given that I'm awake and hopefully unmeddled with, only being Warped should be a relatively minor inconvenience. But how are you faring, Sylvain? I know this place demands quite a lot of adjustment.
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I gotta say, I was a little better while strolling on the beach. But. I guess this is happening now.
How long have you been here? Felix told me he'd been here for a few months. That's crazy. I saw all of you this morning.
[He spares a quick glance toward the 'doctor' who seemed to be satisfied for the moment that they were at the very least interacting, though he certainly got the feeling that a bit more was going to be expected of them.]
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[This morning, hmmm? Much the same had happened to him, when he'd first come here. That meant the same must be true of Sylvain as Felix; he had fought alongside them under Dimitri's command. Once again, he'll need to clarify that he isn't the same person Sylvain had come to know. Hopefully the man won't take it too personally.
Seteth makes an inviting gesture, glancing between the two. Odds are good he's going to be expected to talk Sylvain through this, isn't he? They may as well bring in someone Sylvain is familiar with, if not actually comfortable with, to get him talking.]
Why don't you make yourself comfortable? If I've been brought here to do his job--please correct me if I'm wrong, Doctor?--, then it may take a little time to explain circumstances here.
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He takes a seat as directed, almost thankful he'd been on the beach. He's not sure how comfortably this would've been in full platemail. But what was?]
Yes, it's important to relax and accept your new duties, Sylvain. I understand Seteth is familiar to you. You should follow his excellent example. [The Doctor then turns back to look at Seteth, the same vacant smile plastered in place.] The basics have been explained to Sylvain but if you'd like to demonstrate some pleasurable techniques, it would be very beneficial.
Sylvain, Seteth, if either of you require help relaxing, it can be provided. [Now the smile looks even more unnerving and Sylvain glances over to Seteth.]
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That--
[No. Talking back isn't likely to help either of them, is it? If they aren't already locked in here, they surely would be. And who knows what else the doctor might consider helpful? Far safer to preserve a cordial relationship with their hosts, if possible. Seteth blows out a measured, aggravated breath, even as he nods.]
I understand. But I believe it would be easier to relax without an audience, as well.
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He turns his head sharply to look at Seteth when he basically agrees, searching his face. Oh, so that's how it is. He knows that expression all too well, that kind of bitter acceptance where all you can do is agree.]
Hm, although I understand that you might have reservations, I'm afraid the goal of this therapeutic exercise is to learn how to open up, express yourselves and communicate with one another. As your doctor, I must insist that I remain to, at the very least, observe. But, please, if you'd prefer, you may continue as if I'm not here. Sylvain, what would you like to say to Seteth? Seteth, what would you like to say to Sylvain?
[Sylvain once again furtively glances toward the uncanny robot before speaking, words barely audible.] Are they serious about all this?
[The robot frowns a little before his expression slides back into a vaguely positive expression. Nothing seems to change, there's nothing palpable, but it's obvious after a beat that Sylvain is feeling... different. It seems like his senses are sharper, his heart beating stronger, skin hypersensitive. And the heat. He feels unbearably hot despite his light, loose clothing.]
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[It's litle more than a soft warning hiss; just as he'd suspected he might, the doctor insists on remaining. Why wouldn't he want to supervise a treatment he himself prescribed? Of course he would assume they need the "gentle guidance" of a trained, caring professional. If they need to talk about something, then--
Something teases at the edge of his senses, as much viscerally felt as smelled, alluring on a deep, primal level. Pheromones? Is the doctor resorting to that already? But they hadn't.....
Even skepticism must have been enough; it isn't as though human senses would be able to tell anything is amiss until it's too late. Seteth's eyes flick up to the air conditioning vent, before returning back to Sylvain, taking a deep, shaky breath to steady himself. This..... this is fine. He's endured laced food countless times before. He can handle this. If this is Sylvain's first time being exposed to the Augur's handiwork, then he needs someone to remain in control of themselves.]
.....I'd like to hear what he has to say, first. What is it that you enjoy, Sylvain? What exactly do you need from me?
[Surely he can offer that much, at least. Sylvain had gone on plenty of escapades during his year at the Officer's Academy, hadn't he? Much to Seteth's exasperation. If the doctor wants them to communicate, then the best thing he can do is figure out how to make this more bearable.]
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He shrugs a little at the first question. Noncommittal and seemingly open.] Whatever you're into.
[His eyes flicker apprehensively toward the Doctor as if he's expecting scolding and quickly elaborates before it can happen.] I mean, I like it when whoever I'm with feels good.
[He'd never really paid much attention to Seteth back in Garreg Mach, the baseline disapproval the man seemed to feel for him had pretty much ensured he'd steered clear of even jokingly flirting. But, he'd known a few students who were drawn to the potential of discipline, that stiff authoritativeness. He kind of got it.
He felt strangely attracted to the idea now, curiosity piqued.] So, you've done this kind of thing before? Here? I'm kind of surprised.
[Although mostly oblivious that he's under the influence of anything outside of himself, he's still feeling something and he's almost a little surprised by just how low and husky his voice had been as he questioned Seteth, sounding way more suggestive than he'd really meant to. He swallows thickly and leans in a little closer. Not quite brave enough for a kiss, he instead tilts his head to brush his lips along Seteth's jaw, the beard tickling and sending little jolts of pleasure through hypersensitive skin. He's obviously still a little uncertain but he doesn't even know where to start with Seteth's second question; this was much easier than trying to stumble through an answer.]
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[Perhaps even in multiple senses. Is Sylvain open-minded and conscientious about his partners' desires, or simply indiscriminate and eager for company? It's not something he'd ever considered in detail, nor had he ever wanted to. Why would that be something to concern himself with, when he'd seen little more than the man flitting between women like a hummingbird? Such brief, shallow engagements weren't likely to spell anything but broken hearts for the ladies he trifled with. Whatever Sylvain's own preferences might have been, all that had mattered was that Flayn didn't get chewed up and spat out by such a cruel game.
Perhaps Sylvain really will do well here, if he's kept such a cavalier attitude about intimacy. Or perhaps this place will simply gut him like a fish, if he can't find even the pretense of genuine affection or passion here. Who can say? He admittedly doesn't know Sylvain nearly well enough to tell, let alone take a guess just yet at what he needs. This will have to be touch and go, until he can draw firmer conclusions on how to handle him. However little time they had spent together at the Academy, Sylvain is still his student, and his other self had surely fought alongside him--he has a duty to watch over him, at least until the man can get his feet under him.]
No doubt you are. But I can't say I've managed to stay entirely unmoved here; even I was young, once.
[No matter how cold he must seem, he's not made of stone. His skin prickles in the wake of Sylvain's lips, pulse racing; it takes more resolve than he'd like to remain composed. Sylvain may be hesitant, but Seteth is confident and deliberate, even if he's still feeling the situation out. Calloused fingers come up to cradle Sylvain's jaw, the better to urge him into position so he can claim his lips.
Everything is fine. Just leave it to him; he'll make sure they get through this before Sylvain can be influenced too badly. If Sylvain can't say what he needs, then he'll help him figure it out, one way or another.]
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An impish spark of curiosity lights up his eyes as Seteth seems to admit that he isn't always so stiff. That he still has the same emotions and desires as anyone else.]
I’m not sure I believe you. [His tone is goading and suggestive, voice low again, a bit of his usual confidence creeping into it.] What kind of stuff have you done here? I mean… how have you been moved? [What a Seteth way to put that.
His lips are practically brushing Seteth’s skin as he speaks. Even as he asks the question though his imagination springs forward, supplying him with a handful of creative scenarios for Seteth. A flush colors his cheeks even before his head is tilted up and he’s being guided into a kiss.
He doesn’t need much, eager to enthusiastically follow Seteth’s lead and honestly just excited that kissing is on the table. He presses back into the kiss, lips parting and tingling pleasantly already. As he attempts to get closer and his hand brushes Seteth's thigh as he tilts his head at a better angle for to invite Seteth to deepen the kiss, shifting and pressing closer.
Seteth's fingers are almost rough against his skin and the feeling of them brushing across his face sends little sparks of pleasure down his spine, making it hot and hard to focus on anything else.]
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[Believe him, he knows. After all, he's much the same in that regard, isn't he? If something is worth doing, it's worth doing well. There's simply no point to any of this, if he isn't ensuring his partner is enjoying themselves. So if that's the case..... all he really needs to do is indulge himself and keep an eye on Sylvain's reactions, yes?
Even if they happen to be tinged with skepticism, as the case may be. Seteth hums wordless encouragement, free hand slipping under Sylvain's shirt to seek out skin as he draws the younger man against him. For the moment, it's easy to set aside the question and focus on the warmth of him, the softness of his lips, how pliant and easily guided he is. It's a far cry from how disobedient he'd been in his school days, isn't it?
He likes this better than the constant headache it had been to deal with Sylvain back then. Much, much better. His kisses are deep and thorough and demanding as they punctuate his answer, the warm taste of chai lingering on his lips and tongue. He's not inclined to offer too much detail--if Sylvain wants more, he can ask. And if not? Well, he can put his imagination to work instead filling in the blanks.]
Let's see..... I've gotten down on my knees and offered my mouth. Laid claim to someone in a dream. Indulged in interspecies intimacy. Made someone watch from every angle as I took them.....
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Oh, he has questions. He has so many questions, but each act listed makes him forget his questions about the previous one and he really does save the best for last. Of course, it's impossible not to imagine what Seteth would look like, on his knees, looking up at him, or seeing Seteth behind him while looking in a mirror.]
That sounds so hot. [It's all he can manage to articulate, voice low and rough, dripping with desire.
Hand moving to Seteth's shoulder, he presses back into the kiss, lips parted once again, inviting the steady, demanding control from the other man. He needs to be closer though and he's sidled up as close as he's going to be able to. It only feels natural to shift to face him and ease a leg over to straddle him. Settling forward, their hips meet and it's immediately obvious how affected Sylvain is -by the pheromones, the kissing, the touching, the half formed fantasies based loosely around what Seteth had said- by all of it. He breaks the kiss to inhale sharply, quickly pressing back into it with a soft, needy moan.]
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In fact, the further they go, the more he's starting to feel out the edges of this encounter, he thinks--or perhaps even shape them himself? Sylvain almost seems to be mirroring his touches, as though he's looking to him for guidance and approval in a way he'd never bothered to before. This really is up to him, for better or worse; it's all the more reason to be cautious, to ease them through this without demanding too much of Sylvain. However much he might want this now, once he comes back to his senses..... Even a gadabout is liable to find all this manipulation uncomfortable.
He just..... needs to hold onto those concerns. Think about taking responsibility, not..... not how Sylvain sliding into his lap like this is enough to stir his own arousal to life beneath him. Not how badly he's craving his lips right now. Not how easy it would be to pin Sylvain to the mattress and cover every inch of bared skin with marks, or how the thought of wringing more moans out of him makes his blood run even hotter. Flames, this is harder than it should be--in every sense of the word.
Maybe he can just--just take care of this, of them, as quickly as possible? Just touching him should be less violating than actually taking him, yes? Seteth buries a hand in Sylvain's hair, grip firm as he tugs the man's head back to deepen the kiss. Everything Sylvain is willing to give, he'll take, steadily pushing their make out hotter and heavier to distract the man as his free hand moves to liberate them both from their trousers. Even he sounds a little hoarse and breathless, struggling to keep his composure and exercise some restraint.]
Good, just like that.
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His own hand finds its way into Seteth's hair and, the second his fingertips start to card through it, he knows he wants to see Seteth undone, hair messy, lips swollen, panting, breathless. He wants to see him slip and let go and he has no idea how close he actually is to that.
He rolls his hips forward at, unfortunately, the wrong time, bumping into Seteth's hand. Half breaking the kiss to glance down, a flush colors his cheeks as he sees Seteth hard. For him. There's something surreal but incredibly hot about that and the doesn't hesitate to reach down between them as well. He pants softly against Seteth's skin as his fingers trace up along his length before wrapping his hand around him, stroking with slow, deliberate movements as he rocks his hips to grind into Seteth's hand, breaths turning sharper and shorter. The praise, Seteth's voice rough and breathless himself, elicits another low groan despite trying and failing to muffle it by biting his lip.]
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He should redirect Sylvain, one way or another. Hands in his hair are a risk he shouldn't be taking. The Lions don't need to know, not the way his Deer do. The best he can do is duck his head to ply lips and tongue along the younger man's jaw and neck instead, muffling the soft sounds he can't quite hold back. Hands may not be enough, but that doesn't mean he's not growing slick and hot under Sylvain's torturously slow ministrations, or that he doesn't start stroking Sylvain as well, touch firm and coaxing, encouraging him to take everything he needs.
The more Sylvain takes, the sooner he'll finish, after all--and that means the sooner their heads can be clear. No matter how many times he's been drugged here, it never gets easier to keep a hold of himself, only more predictable.]
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Each little hitch seems to travel straight through him, hips jerking into Seteth's palm with each scrape of teeth to his neck or jaw. And that's when things seem to come full circle and he squeezes Seteth's cock more firmly as he strokes him, pace steadily increasing, firmly teasing across the head with the pad of his thumb. Just this side of rough. Sylvain was making it pretty obvious that he enjoyed an edge of pain with his pleasure.
He shifts, nudging one knee forward as he tries to press closer, chasing release almost desperately now.]
Se- [Sylvain can't quite manage wrapping his lips around his name, barely getting out a sigh of half of it. Rolling his hips forward now grinds them together but barely leaves enough room for their hands.] 'm close. Just- Just a little more.
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Good. Show me.
[His free hand comes down to curve over Sylvain's ass, helping to pull them flush together. Demanding though he is, he doesn't last much longer himself; Seteth spills hot over both their hands, muffling a cry against a broad shoulder. No need to try and delay it, when they're only doing this to satisfy the doctor's expectations, is there? Once Sylvain is in his right mind again, he can apologize, and they can talk through this as they need to.]
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His rough panting as he tries to catch his breath only seems to bring attention to just how quiet the room is. And he's still for a moment, not quite ready to meet Seteth's gaze or even open his eyes.
As he comes down, it's obvious Sylvain really has no idea what to do or say but he also hasn't moved, still straddling Seteth with his shirt undone and half pushed off save for a button or two, Seteth's hair mussed.
He also feels acutely aware that this is exactly what they'd been expected to do and there's something familiar and upsetting about that. So, of course, he smiles when he finally meets Seteth's eyes.] Guess we should clean ourselves up.
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Seeing Sylvain talking relatively naturally again, though? That's proof enough they've worked the aphrodisiac through their systems. He should be back to himself, more or less. Seteth digs into his pocket to offer Sylvain a handkerchief.]
Indeed; I'm sorry about that. How are you feeling? Clear-headed again?
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Right. [The tips of his ears are burning so he just knows that that he's likely blushing pretty badly as he gingerly wipes his hand as he moves off of Seteth's lap. It's still difficult to really wrap his head around just how not awkward Seteth had been. Was this place responsible for the change or was Seteth as well versed in all of this back home as he seemed to be here.
He finished cleaning himself up and tucked himself away before folding the handkerchief and holding it back out to him.]
Hey. No need to apologize, right? [He forces a convincing smile that doesn't come anywhere close to reaching his eyes.] Yeah. I'm good.
[Just going to pretend this was all totally normal and fine.]
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[Gracious, he's nearly as red as his hair. Who would have expected a man like Sylvain to be bashful about something like this? Hadn't he prided himself on being quite the ladies' man? Ah, but maybe he's being uncharitable. It isn't as though they're strangers or peers, after all, and Sylvain is only newly arrived. This is an unsettling position, and they're far from being in the roles they're used to playing with each other. Besides, he's still young, still coming into his own and becoming who he's actually meant to be. That's no doubt reason enough to be self-conscious.
Well, the most tactful thing to do at this point is pretend he doesn't notice, isn't it? Seteth takes a moment to tuck his handkerchief away and refasten his pants, smoothing his hair and clothes back down.]
That is what I was referring to; we're frequently exposed to drugs or magical influences like those here, both deliberate and incidental. I would urge you be extremely careful what you eat or drink, if you want to keep your wits about you.
[Seteth glances back towards the doctor, equal measures cautious and expectant; surely he can't fault him for a simple warning, can he?]
I trust my demonstration was satisfactory?
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Once he's cleaned himself up, he does his best to straighten his clothes up and get his pants done back up, unable to meet Seteth's gaze just yet though his flush was slowly subsiding. He nods. Yeah, he gets it now. And he realizes that it's only now, long after the fact, did his sudden urges strike him as unnatural.]
Yeah... that was... something.
[He falls quiet again, deep in his own thoughts, and glad that Seteth is turning his attention to the robot. The robot, or rather the Doctor, responds with an approving smile. 'Yes, quite a thorough demonstration! A wonderful introduction to the kind of thing that he can expect in his new home. You're both free to go, though I do recommend that you continue mentoring Mr Gautier.'
Sylvain doesn't need to be told twice and gets to his feet, a blank, joyless smile slapped firmly on his face.]
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[A polite bow of his head, and Seteth rises to escort Sylvain out. Had the door been locked, before they were given permission to leave? The doctor hadn't made any move to unlock it--but in all honesty, that really doesn't mean much in a place like this. Odds are just as good the lock could be engaged remotely, with a robot not even needing a separate mechanism.
He falls silent himself as they go, watching Sylvain from the corner of his eye; not exactly a convincing performance, is it? No surprise, if this is the first he's truly experienced of what he can expect here. Perhaps he'll have an easier time of it once he's not caught off balance..... It's only once they leave the building that Seteth speaks up again, voice quiet but as steady as ever.]
You don't have to be happy about this, you realize? You only need to understand how to handle the circumstances you'll find yourself in.
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