uhmani | TDM #2

Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Based on feedback from current inhabitants, I was able to gather that the drinks at the bar were awful. Also, based on data so far it seems the desire for alcohol correlates to a person's stress levels! Hopefully, making better drinks might help everyone relax."

At the bar on the first floor, a bartender is now assigned to mix drinks rather than The Peacekeeper themselves. The lacquer countertops have been dusted off so that the screens just beneath the surface can be better seen. Soon as someone sits down, the screen will light up and display a menu of featured drinks.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources, each person is only allowed one. That isn't to say you can't share, swap, or find other means to get a taste of a different drink though! Each one even comes with a complimentary slice of cake if you'd like.

While The Peacekeeper knows people are likely hesitant after incidents caused by the cake, part of this special offer is that an order of one of the drinks will come with a credit equivalent to a one-stamp reward. And, if you're lucky, the effects of the drink will get you even more stamps! Everyone wins! Especially you!

The featured drinks are as follows and come in alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties:

Firecracker

red

blue

speak a truth

red flames

risqué

blue flames

sadder admission

insecurity

anxiety

Sangria

stamina fruit

energy and libido

cocked

lessened refractory periods

Hot Buttered Rum

freezing cold

will

body heat

desperate

Mojito

make your mouth tingle

oral fixation

If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds on the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.

WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?

If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.

Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.

You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

Once the celebration has concluded, characters are encouraged to head out of the main hub to either explore the city or take a ride on the railway. It's time to truly begin your new reality! Whatever they choose, The Peacekeeper will explain to them that they are free to take up any housing they so wish. Most dwellings are at least habitable but it's likely that characters will want for more before long.

Especially considering the adjustments made to the weather paradigm recently. The Peacekeeper has been informed that it was far too warm for some of the residents. As a result, the temperature has dropped to appropriately align with winter months and the hours of sunlight have now shortened as a result. While the snow currently isn't more than light dusting now and again, that may be subject to change. (At least those pesky flowers from the Love Bugs appear to be dormant for now as a small blessing.)

In order to apologize for the inconvenient and sudden shift in atmosphere, everyone will get a cute new winter accessory to help acclimate to the chillier conditions. Enjoy the cozy new addition to your wardrobe! Or whatever excuse for a wardrobe you're beginning to assemble.

Additionally, candles will spawn throughout the main hub, houses that are inhabited, and pathways that people have been tracked as walking along often. Isn't that romantic and totally not just a convenient way to encourage one of the kinks of the month! Why would you think that?

If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.

Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.

FLY AWAY HOME

After The Creators reconfigured the peace parameters and dropped a Giant Bird on everyone in the simulation, The Peacekeeper has tried to come up with its own solution to keep the beast preoccupied. Although still highly aggressive and dangerous, if it has different prey to chase it might not be as much of an issue between spawn periods.

It takes about one week before The Peacekeeper announces its newest creation to Amani: Bunnerflies! These adorable flying creatures are friendly and uplift the moods of anyone they happen to hop or float by. Yet, they are still supposed to be prey for a Giant Bird and it didn't seem fair to leave them completely defenseless. As many of the simulation inhabitants are beginning to find out, appearances can be deeply deceiving.

As a result, their fur may be soft but the edges of their wings are sharp as razor blades. Careful you don't get caught in the path of one fluttering your way.

They also breathe fire! Thankfully, The Peacekeeper has made simulation inhabitants immune to the flames. Sort of. The only type of heat one will feel is that of passion. Whether that means starting a new project or an intense make-out session, it's up to the individual and how they decide to channel it!

SEXY STAMP CARD

If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.

Sexy Stamp Card

Issued by: The Peacekeeper

1 2 3 4 ♡

6 7 8 9 ♡

❤

<div style="width:100%;padding:10px 10px 0;font-family:garamond, georgia, serif;font-size:20px;font-style:italic;letter-spacing:2px;text-align:left;">Sexy Stamp Card</div>
<div style="width:100%;padding:0 10px 10px;">Issued by: The Peacekeeper</div>

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<div style="max-width:300px;width:100%;margin:-10px auto 0;text-align:right;font-size:10px;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#eee;">❤</a></div>

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Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it! NOTES

★ The kinks of the month have changed! Be sure to check this post for what the new ones are. Also, give a congratulations to Niles (

cyclopticsadist) as the first person to place on the sexy leaderboard! 🎉

★ The effects of the drinks can be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in alcohol tolerance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc. Also, they can mixed-and-matched! Have fun with that.

★ Have fun with the winter accessories! Pick whatever goofy thing you'd like your character to wear.

★ The flora and fauna page has been updated to include Bunnerflies and the flowers from the Love Bug event. While dormant right now, Spring is just around the corner! There won't be as many as there were during the event but enough that people will be able to play around with them as they see fit in the future.

★ Any questions can be asked right here!

NAVIGATION

F.A.Q. ★ RULES ★ CHARACTER CLAIM ★ LOCATIONS ★ MAIN NAVIGATION

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Her first instinct was to go very very still. Her sandaled feet were stuck fast to the floor as she couldn't make herself move. Her normally neat hair had been pulled out of it's updo and was left wild and confused around her shoulders. Her dancers attire wasn't the warmest and for a moment Marianne wished that she had the benefit of her cloak to keep her warm.

But it was the sound of others that were injured or suffering that brought her to startled attention and Marianne forced herself into action. "Please, let me help--" She rushed to their side, her hands glowing the magic of her faith. All other concerns needed to be put to the side once she could help the to the infirmary.

Fly Away Home

A little bluebird sat on Marianne's shoulder as she traversed the land, eventually chirping in the metallic tone that most DTFs had; Marianne! There are animals nearby you might wish to visit! I'll show you the way! It took to the sky, leading her to where the Bunnerflies were currently cavorting in the grass.

She sat down a short way away from them, allowing them to come to her rather than startle them, smiling gently when one took up residence in her lap. "Good afternoon, what's your name?" She would cheerfully ask with a small giggle. "You are very cute." She softly reached out to scratch behind their ears and before long another bunnerfly came to take up residence in her lap. And another. And another until Marianne was half-sprawled with not enough hands to pet all of these delightful creatures all by herself.

[ooc: Hit me up on plurk or discord if you want to plot something!]

Edited 2022-02-23 16:39 (UTC)

It's been so long since he'd seen that head of blue hair but it was unmistakable. They were young then, weren't they? He had never known what truly happened to Marianne once war broke out, but he... Part of him is almost glad that she never had to face him as he was before Byleth steered him on the correct path. He doesn't have to remember the way Areadbhar felt piercing through her abdomen or the way the light left her eyes like so many others.

He just doesn't realize yet that she will remember him as he was then but dying to a much grislier fate.

"Even here, they take to you." It's not a surprise. He can recall her talking to Dorte at the stables. Whenever her eyes weren't fixated to the ground, they were up to the skies to watch birds flit by through the monastery. He'd always found it very endearing and that hasn't changed. "Just do be careful, their wings are rather sharp."

He pauses for a moment trying to collect his own thoughts and giving her a moment to collect hers, no doubt, before following up with: "Hello, Marianne. I can't say I'm glad that you're here, considering the circumstances, but... You'll be in some familiar company, at least."

That voice was unmistakable. Marianne felt her head snap to it from the first few words, a cool chill of shock descending over her as she heard it for the first time in so many years as she froze once again much like a deer in a hunter's sights. The last time she had heard that voice it was in the midsts of frenzied screaming. The Gronder Fields. That terrible day.

'You feel guilt for not dying along with the others.' Those words from a brief conversation in the dining hall at Garreg Mach had followed her from that day onwards. The momentary relief of someone else who could understand her thoughts being cut so cruelly short when Dimitri had been executed. If Marianne looked at all as if she had seen a ghost it was because she felt she was seeing one.

"Ah--" As one of the Bunnerflies nosed into her hand, she turned her attention back to them. "Could you give us a moment, please?" She softly requested, scooping up the more persistent ones and setting them down before standing and brushing herself off. It didn't stop a few of them from taking to the air to try and get her attention instead but she was able to now focus her attention on him.

"Dimitri, I..." What words were possibly enough? Enough to explain the impact his few kind words and companionship had meant all those years ago, to explain her guilt and upset at his death, her guilt in survival? Marianne swallowed hard and instead settled for something highly improper and reached out to hug him, standing on the tips of her toes to reach.

While Dimitri was honest to a fault, he had never considered much the impact his words might have on others. As king, perhaps, but not as a fellow student at the academy. The way she pales... He has to wonder, then, if - like Byleth had mentioned - she was from a different 'timeline.' If she, too, had known a different version of himself.

He was that man. He won't deny it. Part of him still is, he's accepted, but his voice isn't as unhinged and there's a spark in the blue of his eye once more to live rather than throw himself in the jaws of death.

There's a small upturn of his lips at the bunnerflies being loath to let her go. He can't blame them. Truth be told, he isn't expecting her affections to turn on him instead but- He also isn't opposed to it. In the short time he's been here, Dimitri has already participated in all manner of depraved acts. But somehow? This almost feels more intimate than most of them by far.

It takes him a moment but he's bowing down just slightly so that she isn't having to extend herself quite so far. His own arms wrap loosely around her to return the embrace. "I didn't realize," he admits, placing his forehead to her shoulder and sighing, "just how relieved I would be for a chance to see you again." Ah, Dimitri. Always so earnest, even now.

He had gotten so much taller than she remembered. It was one thing to see him across the fields of battle and another to come face to face with him and realise how much taller he had grown since the days of the academy. It was relief that she felt even as her body still trembled with the pure shock of seeing him again racing through her system.

He seemed so much more peaceful. Marianne leant into him for a moment, also pressing her forehead against him as she attempted to come to terms with the reality in front of her.

But then her mind - will all the good social grace and political sense she had been taught by the Margrave - caught up to her actions and she realised how grossly inappropriate she was acting. Marianne felt her face grow hot and flushed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have--" She pulled back as her eyes went wide with alarm. "Please forgive me." She requested, trying and failing to not be horribly embarrassed with her own behaviour. "I was so glad to see you again that I forgot my good manners." And she stepped back to once again put a polite distance between them, instantly sinking her eyes to the floor as she wished for the ground to swallow her up.

In contrast, he's realizing now just how small she feels in his arms. That isn't anything new for Dimitri and Marianne had always felt a bit frailer even before the war. Still, with the way she was shaking and her frantic apologies he can't help but already feel a tinge of protective instinct.

(She also looks very cute when red in the face, he thinks, but will absolutely not say aloud anytime soon.)

"You have nothing to apologize for," he says, to that. "If anyone became carried away, it was me." He can already hear Gilbert's disappointment in how casual he could be with some of his older friends. 'As king, you need to set an example and be the standard of nobility-' and blah blah blah. "But thankfully, things here are more... relaxed than they might have been in The Kingdom or otherwise. I don't think we'll scandalize anyone with just a hug."

Marianne asserts herself once again, straightening up, pulling back her shoulders and willing the warmth away from her face - it was no good staring at the floor. This was part of the brave new life she was attempting to live even if this part of it was harder than some others. She bit her tongue to prevent the urge to apologise once again. The distinct lack of tutting tongues and disapproving glances was something that Marianne found herself glad of even if left her adrift on how was appropriate to act.

"I think that I have spent too much time in company of Hilda." She conceded instead, giving credit to the cause of many a scandal herself. Marianne couldn't help but be glad that she hadn't yet seen Hilda's face. That meant she was still safe; alive and fighting. That was reassuring if they were without a priest.

"You, um, please forgive me for being so tactless as to note it, but, you seem...brighter then the last we had an opportunity to speak." She was pointedly attempting not to think of the Gronder Fields but instead of the times they had spoken in the Monastery. Marianne reached out to delicately touch his arm. "This situation is not ideal but I am pleased we got the opportunity to meet again." He was a strangely kindred spirit.

"Hilda does have a certain... influence on people, I must admit." He had recalled her insistence of being a 'dainty,' overworked maiden. In the same breath, she'd practically taken Dimitri with a swift throw of a short axe. He wanted to believe that the woman was holding out come what may; even if she did fall, she was certainly someone important enough to be brought to this simulation of theirs.

When Marianne mentions him seeming brighter, that almost confirms it for him. She must be from a timeline where he... It was difficult to think about, in away, what had become of him. While he can't say that fate wasn't deserved, well- It's strange to imagine what his fate was to be without Byleth by his side.

"Yes, I... I imagine the last time that you saw me, I was not in the best frame of mind." That's one way of putting it. "But I assure you, I have found myself back on the correct path and towards being a king my people will be proud of. I am glad as well that you get to see this version of me, if nothing else."

"I am glad too." There was no comparion. Marianne had never thought herself worthy of being offered the grace to overcome but she had wished and prayed for it on Dimitri's behalf. His Kingdom deserved a good leader. One that cared as deeply as he had seemed to. It was gratifying to see that he was well even if it seemed confusing to her.

Some of her old thoughts crept in; perhaps it had been her proximity had that caused him such misfortune on the Gronder Fields. But, no, she knew that wasn't true. Her crest didn't create misfortune.

"It was explained to me that people come from all different reflections of the same world." She didn't care to ask what had happened to her in his reflection of time. "I...I am working hard on trying to make the best of this life I was gifted by the Goddess. I am still trying to find the purpose she intended for me and it is hard. But I take greater steps forward every day even if the burden is heavy." It felt right to share that with him. "My adoptive father selected me as his heir and I hope to make the Alliance stronger by what I can contribute."

Caring so deeply, as Dedue had once said, was what put him in the position he had been when Marianne crossed his path. He had everything taken from him once, twice, and then betrayed by one of the only remaining people he thought to trust. It was no wonder how he'd ended up as the wretched creature he was that day on Gronder, but... If he hadn't been that man then, he wouldn't be the man he is now. He has to keep looking at it through that lens.

"Yes, it seems some of our memories aren't quite aligned." There does appear to be the theory that whatever class the professor had chosen to lead were the ones who became victorious in the war; in that way, he's just grateful that the Byleth here remembers their relationship as it was for Dimitri too. "But forging ahead is all you can do. Even that can be a struggle, so it's commendable that you've found the will to carry on. The Alliance is lucky to have someone like you it can eventually rely on."

"I don't know about lucky, but, I hope to lend whatever strength I am able to muster." Her life had gotten better since they had last met. It was easier now to not feel as desolate and broken and isolated. The warmth and companionship of her friends even despite the many flaws that stood as a barrier to her usefulness had helped to melt some of her walls down.

"You--" She had started to ask a question that was quickly interrupted by a Bunnerfly bumping her ankle impatiently. "Ah!--" She glanced down in alarm. "D-Don't do that, you'll hurt your head."

"I have no doubt it will be more than enough," he follows up with. He wants to support Marianne however he can. Especially considering... While he hadn't known what her fate was, well- He can hazard a few guesses and all of them are fairly grim.

"Ah, I see that your services are required with the bunnerflies. I apologize, my friends, for taking up so much of her time," he says, crouching down to reach a large hand out towards the furry, fluttering creatures in peace.

Stars above, at least the Augur fixed people before it dropped them in the ocean. Though, perhaps, this is simply a means to allow the people arriving to reconcile their memories and their current state more easily. None of the wounded seem to be anything actually grave, even if they claim otherwise.

It's interesting. And distressing. Maybe even moreso that he's starting to think in the strange computer logic that these beings that hold them captive use.

Not that any of that means a damned thing anymore when Lorenz registers just who has swept in to assist behind him. He goes still, turning to watch her go to work, utterly unsurprised she doesn't immediately recognize him. A year on The Island has changed him a great deal, his violet hair now falling to his waist, his clothing fitted and lacy, a blend of modern materials and a sensual twist on his usual extravagance.

His already considerable height only enhanced by the tall stiletto heels on the leather boots he wears makes him a difficult figure to miss, though, so after that first spell is cast he is rushing over to take her hands in his, squeezing gently.

"Marianne... I-" No, he doesn't have any words right now, there'll be so much to explain shortly here but first? He just pulls her in against his chest and squeezes her tightly.

Marianne makes a startled noise when she was pulled into an embrace by "Lorenz." She sighs in relief. He's certainly dressed...interestingly, but then, the Gloucester Heir had long been one of the more dramatic among the Golden Deer. But this new countenance was a whole new level of frippery and fuss that Marianne had yet to cone across.

She found herself craning her neck further than she normally had to in order to look in his face, her eyes wide and mild confused. "Lorenz, you're...does that mean...we are dead then." She whispered as the cold reality of it dawned on her. This wasn't the afterlife that she had been expecting but it was the one she had been granted.

She swallowed and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to heal you in time." If he was here it was uncountably because he had fallen in battle and she hadn't been able to come to his assistance quickly enough. "I never would have wanted this to happen."

"Oh, Marianne." Her apologies only have him squeezing her tighter, swaying slightly as he hugs her, one hand soothing up and down her back.

"You've nothing to apologize for and you needn't take the Peacekeeper's suggestions so seriously." He finally steps back, taking her arm and leading her over to one of the empty beds in the infirmary so he can sit down with her. "I know it makes little sense to you now, what with the newness of all of the technology, but it is capable of creating illusions. Showing you what it wants you to see. It may be telling the truth but I have my doubts, I have encountered similar things in my time since leaving Fódlan and they are far from trustworthy."

Marianne - still spooked by Lorenz being here - allowed herself to be lead to sit without so much as a whisper more, not really hearing what he was saying. She was too deep in her pit of worthlessness. This was her fault. She should have been there, she should have been better, she should have been quicker or stronger or-- They would have been better off without her.

Her attention phased back in and she found herself blinking at Lorenz.

His time leaving Fódlan; "You haven't been in Fódlan?" But that was impossible she had just been on the same battlefield as him. "I don't understand."

None of it is her fault and Lorenz will not hear a word otherwise so he settles his arm around her in a gentle hug.

"Not exactly, no. I was somewhere like this and it was from there that the Peacekeeper collected me. So. Even if what it says were true you've not failed me in the slightest." He knows her well enough to know where her mind must have gone, where it always goes. It seems unduly cruel for the Peacekeeper to bring her here and insist that she's failed in some capacity.

One more reason to hate the vile thing.

It's a sign of quite how unsettled Marianne is by all of this that she doesn't even flinch at the hug or shy away from the rare physical contact. She instead leant into it. Lorenz was a familiar presence. A safe presence.

There's an instant flash of shock and guilt that goes across her face as Lorenz seems to read her thoughts.

"You think it isn't telling the truth?" She asked, trying and failing to keep a note of hope from her words.

"I'm quite confident that it is not, in fact, telling the truth. I have plenty of other suspicions about it's intentions but it wouldn't do to discuss them here, so close to it's primary location." He gives her a reassuring smile, squeezing her lightly.

"Besides, from what I recall we've won the war months ago and begun the process of rebuilding. So if I were to fall it would be no fault of yours. You weren't even in Derdriu last I knew." See? It's silly, Marianne. It couldn't possibly be your fault.

"Ah, of course." Marianne nodded, appreciative as she ever was for Lorenz's tactical mind. She would never had thought of it, being caught up as she was in her blind panic. And so she pressed her lips together to silence herself.

Marianne's face broken into a small frown of concern. "I see." But, that didn't make sense to her. The last she remembered, they had been returning to home base from their battle with Those Who Slither In The Dark. "That doesn't precisely line up with what I remember. But...I believe you." She had no reason not to believe him.

"I'm not surprised... there are infinite variations of events and points within them that this machine takes people from." He sighs then, the first sign of just how weary he is of it all. "It does not matter, not truly. Whether our memories are precisely the same or not. You are still my dearest friend." With that he lets an arm curl around her, drawing her in to lean on his shoulder. Inappropriate, perhaps, but having Marianne at his side again after so long is more of a comfort than he thought to expect from this place.

"But, so I do not confuse you... I think, given what I've already said, that you do recall the Professor choosing to teach the Golden Deer? I ask only because it seems to be the most common point of deviation. And beyond that what's the last you recall?" How much does he need to explain, in other words. Though depending on how late her memories go he may not need to explain much at all.

Marianne still struggled with people. Being around them didn't come naturally to her and from time to time she found herself unable to think of the correct words to say. But, the Golden Deer were more than simply people, they were as close and dear to her as her family had been. That's why rather than pull away, Marianne reached to hold Lorenz's hand, fingers curling against his. It seemed like he had been dealing with this situation far longer than she had. "As you are mine." She quietly confirmed. Who but he could understand the precarious position that the young nobles of the Leicester Alliance was like?

"Yes, Professor chose to teach us." She nodded. "We were returning to the Monastery after defeating Nemesis at the Caledonian Plateau." It seemed odd to even question that it had happened but from what Lorenz was saying, not everyone recalled the same.

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TDM #2

Marianne Von Edmund | FE3H (VW Ending) Post-Skip

fly away. (tl;dr, AM dimitri w/no recruits so. he killed A LOT OF PEOPLE)

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