🌸FALL CATCHALL🌸

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🌸WHO: Otegine and many others
🌸WHAT: Closed prompts for Autumn including the date auction cruise
🌸WHEN: From Fall 1 through the end of the month
🌸WHERE: Various
🌸WARNINGS: some NSFW (labelled)

Hit up plotting or my contacts if you would like a closed starter! Open prompts including most bonus effects will be on the event posts!

Comments

DATE CRUISE (some dubious time between Fall 1 and Fall 7)

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Pyra/Trahearne

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dinner three ways -- let's do order of Ote > Trahearne > Pyra for this

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[He's a little blown away just stepping into this place - he's never been ANYWHERE quite this fancy, let alone treated like a patron. But it's about midway through the day, and Otegine at least wanted all three of them to spend some sort of time together, even if there's some very clear boundaries on how he wants to approach both parties on this date of theirs.

That doesn't, however, change the fact that his eyes get as big as dinner plates when he spots other dishes at other tables. Someone here loves food... quite a lot.]

Aaaah... Look at all of this...! Finally, some place with sake... [Oh and speaking of which -- Otegine's brightly thanking the server that rounds with a bottle and three glasses, offering to pour. The brunette, oddly, declines the offer, letting the server give them time to look over the menu before they come back.

Otegine's smile falls into something comfortable and nostalgic as he takes up the bottle, a straightened and gentle formality to how he organizes the glasses, how he starts to pour.]

I'll do the honors. [Starting with Pyra, then Trahearne.] Thank you for letting me in your care today, both of you. And for letting me care in kind.

[Only when they have their own glasses comfortably to themselves does he pour one for himself.] I drink this often with one of my closest companions back home. It's been sorely missed, so... it's good to see it in a place like this.

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne has never been a part of such luxury, either. He has been received well by important people, given his standing at home, but nothing like this. Nothing so...opulent. Meant for relaxing, and not for business.

With great interest, Trahearne watches as Otegine pours with practiced hand. He gives the other a similarly pleased smile when he sees the wistful look cross his face. The context of this entire dinner aside, it's nice to have comforts from home. ]

I'm glad, Otegine, for your sake. I can tell how much you've missed this.

[ He takes the small cup in his hands. It must be strong if they have to use such tiny little things. ]

And I'm delighted to get to know you, Pyra. I hope I've not made your outing uncomfortable.

[ He holds up his glass to her in a little "cheers" motion. ]

Trahearne

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[It's an odd balancing of the day, trying to juggle two people. But Otegine finds a quiet time to go look for Trahearne when Pyra's been given time to herself - perhaps in the spa, perhaps taking a rest - either way, leaving Otegine alone and with a good chance to speak to the Sylvari without making things too awkward.

Wherever he finds Trahearne on the boat, Otegine will give a little clearing of his throat to get his attention, nodding respectfully.]

Sir. Do you mind if I take up some of your time?

[pactmarshal]

[ The sun hangs low over the horizon when Otegine finds Trahearne--he stands on the deck, absently watching the shimmering of the setting sun on the water. He's perfectly still, lost in thought.

This is his favorite time of day.

But Otegine's voice isn't a shock or scare for him. He slowly rights himself and turns to face the other, a small smile on his face. ]

Of course not. What do you need, Otegine?

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Just your time for now. Please.

[He'll let the request settle in the silence, insistent, before stepping up to join Trahearne, letting his elbows lean against the deck railing with a deep inhale of the salty air of the sea.]

Have you ever been out to the ocean like this?

[pactmarshal]

In a way.

[ Trahearne idly observes Otegine for a moment before turning his attention back over the water. ]

I often traveled by ship--I had business in an island just off the mainland, and the safest and quickest way there was by ship. [ His hand comes to rest on the railing; he's still surprised by how it's coated in smooth lacquer. He doesn't have to worry about splinters here. ] The rocking of the ship over the waves was often accompanied by a stir of unease inside of me; that instinctive sensation is at odds with the knowledge we will be safely returning to harbour at the end of the day.

[ His mouth twists into a wry smile. ]

How about you?

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[He shakes his head.]

Our country is an island, so I've seen the ocean often. But history never had need for us out at sea, I guess. [To be taken out to sea after the borders closed meant you were destined to rot at the bottom of the ocean... he knows quite a few that would have unease for the sea just like he does for the flames that haunt his dreams.]

To be out with nothing but water is a little... daunting. As if I think about too hard, I might wonder if solid ground will ever come back. Like looking off a cliffside and not being able to see the bottom.

[It's weird! He doesn't know how to feel about it all.]

Maybe I just wasn't built for boats.

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne glances at Otegine as he speaks, quietly letting his words settle in his mind. He places it alongside the tidbits he already knows of him, letting it form a bigger picture of who Otegine is. History never had a need for us out at sea is such curious wording. An island nation that did not need a navy? Hmm. ]

I don't think many of us were.

[ Not to belittle Otegine's sentiment, but to offer sympathy. ]

But I understand. The vastness of the open ocean makes one feel infinitely small, in a way that gazing at the stars does not. [ Likely because there is no risk of the night sky suddenly coming down and consuming everything.

He watches the sunset for a moment, then turns to Otegine. There is faint worry for him in his eyes. ]

I hope that hasn't detracted too much from your time today.

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Eh?

[Detracted... oh. Was Trahearne worried he wasn't enjoying himself?]

No, not at all! It's... heh, it's kind of nice, actually. It's something I don't know if we'd ever get a chance to do back home unless we got lucky. Really, I'm more than glad I get to experience it with good company by my side.

[...

His fingers lace together over the railing with a firm exhale.]

That said, I feel I owe you an apology, sir.

[pactmarshal]

[ Ah, that's good. Trahearne eases a bit when Otegine reassures him; sometimes, he wasn't sure how deep another's idle worries and comments went. He offers a little nod, a tiny smile, then begins to turn his head away--

--when Otegine surprises him again. ]

You do? [ A frown. ] I don't think you've done anything that warrants an apology.

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You... uh...

You opened up a lot of your feelings after what happened at the auction, right? I don't want to treat that lightly. But I know this whole situation's put you in an awkward position.

[Understanding emotions has never been a strong suit for him, and he wasn't sure how else to help. But he can't shake that he might have caused more of a problem here than not.]

So... if I've made you feel obligated or anything, by being here without your own say... then I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken that sort of choice from you. Especially not after what you've told me.

[pactmarshal]

[ Ah, about that.

Trahearne's unease and disappointment in himself had eased these past few days; the cruise, it turned out, had been a good distraction. As refreshing as it has been, he can't lose sight of his goal. ]

Not at all. There's no need to apologise.

I have enjoyed my time on the ship, and I have enjoyed spending time with and getting to know both you and Pyra. Though I'd hardly count our time spent here as romantic, I still value it nonetheless.

[ There's a little pause. ]

To be honest, I was not expecting this whole ordeal to be so...serious. Considering our previous town events were not.

Pyra

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[They've had some time to do some exploring as a group. But Trahearne has taken some time to dismiss himself to speak to Mishka, and for Otegine... this feels like a perfect opportunity to jump onto the nervous, winding hesitancies currently tightening in his chest.

Wherever Pyra's wandered off to, Otegine goes searching, giving her a polite distance to make sure she's not occupied before sliding in to try and get her attention.]

...Hey, Pyra? If it's alright... did you want to talk a walk for a little bit, before we do anything else?

Owen

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[It's been an awkward morning, trying to navigate anything on the ship without feeling like it might make Owen miserable. At the very least, Otegine's tried to coax Owen to show him anything on the buffet that he recognized from home, tried to chatter when the space lulled. But the air still sits tense between them, especially with Owen pointedly dodging the spa amenities. Otegine thinks it might do him some good, but... it's nothing he can force.

So when Owen slips back to the bedroom for a bit to sulk, Otegine gives him a little space and time before eventually following up behind, closing the door but not quite latching it just yet. If Owen told him to leave, he'd leave.]

...Hey. [It's gentle, cautious, trying to see where Owen's at before he gets too comfortable.]

Is the mood getting a little too boring for you up there on the deck?

[sicklysweet]

[Owen knew the date was coming up, but finding out it was on a ship was a bit of a surprise. It's even worse then he was expecting - how can there be all of these little pieces of home brought in but he's so weak? Why couldn't they use all of this magic to send them back home without them needing to worry about marriage? It's stupid and it seems hypocritical, and that combined with the fact he's got to deal with Otegine means Owen is in a worse mood then usual.

Which says a lot, considering how sour the wizard usually is.

It's not even like Otegine's done anything wrong, or that Owen loathes spending time with him, but that's also exactly what the problem is. Maybe Owen's just been cursed. That makes way more sense then any other alternative, and Owen is. Tense. Irritable. It's almost soothed by all the sweets in the buffet, but he still finds it all gets to be too much and too frustrating and he skulks back to their room.

He'll never admit to being relieved Otegine doesn't chase him down or that he's made any demands of him at all during the date so far, instead trying to be considerate and even interested in the bits from his world, but... He is, just a little.

He's opened the box of chocolates left for them by the time Otegine does join him, the note tossed aside with little regard for the contents, and he has the box resting on his stomach as he lays on the bed.]

This whole thing is a disgusting spectacle.

[What's even the point of it all, really. At least the chocolate and all the other food tastes good so it wasn't a complete waste of time...]

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[Owen splayed out on a king-sized bed eating chocolates with a sulking face... yeah, that's about more what he's expected.]

So... not boring, just... irritating?? [Hm.

He crosses the space to plop himself down on an unoccupied corner of the bed.]

I'm surprised you're not a fan of it. You kind of get a little over-the-top too, right? [It's a gentle jab.]

Does it not feel very sincere?

[sicklysweet]

Of course it’s not sincere.

[He eats another chocolate, eyes narrowing at Otegine.]

I’m not the one who wanted to be here in the first place.

[Can’t trust anybody in this place, especially not himself. Also not a fan of the jab, and he retaliates with a jab of his own. A physical one, twisting to jab at him with his foot.]

This just seems like a waste of my time. I don’t see how any of this would make anyone fall in love. How is having some random person touch you romantic?

[Another chocolate. He should probably stop, but he’s cranky and it’s the closest treat on hand. His irritation is also incredibly overblown, but that’s not unheard of.]

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[Oh. Oh, Owen's actually really pissed off. Otegine knows it wasn't under either of their control, but he still can't help but flinch.]

...I know, I know. I'm just... trying to think of how we can try to make this oka--

[OW? DON'T KICK HIM?

The blow doesn't hurt much, but Otegine's face still tightens in irritation as his hand grabs at Owen's ankle, holding his leg up just enough to not repeat the action.]

--Come on. Seriously?

[He sighs, but quickly lets Owen go.]

You mean the spa, right? Mmn... Maybe some people just like the sensation of it? I don't know. Getting special care like that when I was a weapon was always kind of nice, but I don't know if that's the same with a body like this.

...

It's okay if it's not for you. I wasn't expecting it to be romantic, but... [He shrugs.] I don't know.

Is... there anything we can do to try and salvage it? I can't exactly turn the ship around.

[sicklysweet]

[You manhandle Owen? You grab him like the football?

Except the touch sends a spark Owen isn’t expecting, so the look on his face is less offended and more starstruck.

Then he looks even more annoyed, the odd sensation and warmth in his belly making him wonder if this ship is getting to him.]

Then go try it out for yourself. I’m sure you’ll enjoy special treatment, but I’m not going to let just anyone fondle me.

[He has slightly higher standards then that! Also, he doesn’t understand how it’s relaxing to begin with because it’s not something he’s experienced before, but that is clearly besides the point. Clearly.]

Why don’t you try to be romantic? Oh, but I bet you have no experience with that either.

[He’s just lashing out to piss Otegine off, so he’s not the only one feeling out of place or discombobulated on this date. If Owen is upset, Otegine should be pissed off too.]

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[Well, it works.

He WAS going to say something about not really wanting to put himself under that right now, either. But Owen's words dig, and Otegine's eyes widen, before twisting into something hurt, shoving himself off the bed and glaring down at him.

He doesn't realize what the glare is going to do. But he doesn't care. Owen's hit a nerve.]

Oi. You know I don't.

[Was he so miserable that he'd just gone full loop into making it Otegine's problem, too?

...

He exhales, jaw tight, but gaze ripping off the wizard and down to the floor, tightening his hands at his sides.]

Owen, I can't read your mind. If you really, genuinely want something, you need to actually tell me, okay?

[sicklysweet]

[He got what he wanted, but the satisfaction of hurting Otegine lasts for only a split second, an unfamiliar feeling replacing it. It takes a moment to realize that it’s guilt, and that realization might shake him more then the guilt itself.

His expression softens, and he pushes himself upright, reaching out to take Otegine’s wrist as if to guarantee he won’t just walk out on Owen. It would be what he deserves, after trying so hard to drive him away, and he knows that. He also knows that he doesn’t actually want him to go, if only because the warmth in his core feels like it’s getting worse. Mostly it’s because he wants to make Otegine feel better, because he cares about him.

(He can’t place that feeling as disingenuous, currently, entirely unaware that he’s being manipulated by something right now, because every feeling he’s had on this island has felt alien to him.]

…I know.

[Still not apologizing, even with all the guilt. It would just be a waste of words if Otegine doesn’t believe he’s actually sorry.]

It’s not like I have experience with this, either. I don’t… know what I want, or what to do in a place like this, but…

[There’s never been a romance in his life - any relationship he’s had never was anything more then physical. Romance and affection were just the things that existed in stories, but he knows that still gives him more hands on knowledge then Otegine.]

I don’t want you to leave.

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[He flinches at the grab to his wrist, the initial tension as though he means to pull away. But the repeated insult he expects to possibly double down on him doesn't come. He braces for it, and yet the more Owen speaks, the more confused Otegine feels.

...

Quietly, he turns to look at Owen, his expression still tight with hurt. But a moment passes, two, and his weight lowers back down to the mattress, keeping his wrist against Owen's palm.

...

When he speaks again, it's quiet.]

I won't.

...

I get that you're really unhappy right now... and I don't want you to be miserable when this whole thing's already been a nightmare. But I can't help you if you give me weird mixed messages like that.

If you didn't want me to leave, why are you telling me to go do things by myself, or reminding me how bad I am at all this? That just...

[His hands clench, as does his jaw. But it's passing, the flair of frustration replaced with a strange exhaustion. The last several days have drained him, and for this to be how he's spending the crux of it, sitting and forcing himself to take insults from someone he was tangentially responsible for making miserable... it eats at him.]

I... don't understand. But I don't want to be another waste of time.