penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #40

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TEST DRIVE MEME #40

Arrival

"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.

It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.

It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.

And so you do.

Darkness and nothingness consumes you for a second, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.

Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody.

Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.

The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"

Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."

On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.

After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."

They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a cruise ship.

The demon stationed outsid the entrance looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend ways to spend their time while they reach new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.

Stand Your Ground

The Penance Community is gone. Lilith made the tough call to abandon the community and urged sinners to save both Lucifer and Barbas along the way. Everyone who arrives will appear on the ship itself after stepping through the door, regardless of where it is in the waters. There may be a bit of disorientation at first, having to travel what may be a fair distance and the residual magic of Lilith’s touch, but it will fade quickly. Don’t worry, sinners!

They are safe on the waters. The icy, icy waters that appear as if they shouldn't be navigable at all. That's possibly a bit concerning, isn't it? There's also snow falling from the skies and frozen spirits that desperately scratch at the sides of the ship to climb aboard. They're used to the boiling waters of blood, not ice. Listen carefully, you can hear their whispers of confusion and desperation. "Why is it so cold?" they ask. "We hurt!" they howl. The staff busying themselves around the ship insist it's best to not concern oneself with it too much. It's like a vacation for them, really. Best worry about yourself.

Blankets are available on request, as well as warm clothes. Not all of these items will be... modern, maybe, but they will at least keep you warm. Hot chocolate, teas, and coffees are also being handed out freely by staff in an attempt to combat the freezing temperatures.

Lucifer may be spotted around the ship, looking rather wary but up and about again at least. He's quick to reassure everyone that Mammon will be giving them aid again and that they're heading to some absolutely beautiful lands. Perhaps sinners who are familiar with them will give them a recount of what it was truly like from the last visit.

The Voyage

The large luxury ship is painted a rather ominous black, giving it an intimidating feel on the outside. Once boarded, sinners will see that this initial feeling is likely unfounded. There are plenty of luxuries anyone could want, including a pool, a hot tub, and plenty of tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas provided free of charge. And that's just the deck! Bedrooms range from four person units, three person units, to couples' beds for those who wish to continue their matrimony (or who would rather avoid the hassle of potentially being paired with someone entirely new for the time being).

Not only that, but there's plenty of festive decorations saved from the hotel! Ranging from Jack O'Lanterns to spooky fake skeletons to inflatable witches, and anything in between. Just because tragedy has struck doesn't mean that the holiday spirit has disappeared! People need something to keep them distracted now, more than ever. The staff is happy to (try to) provide this.

There's also a grand bar that provides plenty of cider, mead, and ale, whiskeys from Mammon's own personal stock. These drinks range in strength and may land even the most resilient on the ground after a few sips if one isn't careful! Additionally, the drinks seem to inspire a feel good mood and chase away the dourness that seems to have settled over those in the Penance community. There's constant music playing that may inspire those around to dance, as well as rather hungry incubi and succubi wandering around. They seem eager to please in any and all ways and, like in Penance, give off a natural aphrodisiac that smells sweet to the senses.

There's also a theatre for those who may prefer to watch some festive movies (Enjoy this! There won't be any such things once sinners arrive in Mammon's domain!), an arcade for the younger crowd, and a lovely spa with saunas, massages, and any other way to treat oneself. Happy endings may be included.

The kitchens are always open and offer an array of decadent desserts, meats, vegetables, and anything else one could want. No request is too much! And don't worry, nothing is drugged or of questionable quality or origin (that one would recognize).

Reach Up High

There are two methods for earning a sin removal this time around, and none of them are painful! Very painful, at the very least.

The first option is to find a way to warm the spirits who enter the ship, whether this means cuddling the spirits and sacrificing your own warmth, or finding alternative means by wrapping them in blankets or offering them warm drinks while they have the energy to make themselves solid enough to hold items. Showing kindness to those damned to eternal suffering will certainly earn some points with God.

The second option involves volunteering to watch Barbas from his cage in the lower decks of the Hell ship. Bonus points for maintaining patience and kindness even with one of Hell’s least favorite Lords.

Follow Me Down

Prompt I

Lucifer is asking all sinners and demons alike to give something valuable (whether it's valuable in an actual monetary sense or just to the owner) to present to Mammon as a gift. They need to sway his favor back towards them, Lucifer insists, and gifts are the way to go. Mammon functions on greed and a love of all things unique. Items can be listed here. Those who are generous may receive special favor once they reach Mammon's lands, either in the form of special dinners, pampering, or more comfortable rooms, etc.

The second request is to kidnap the spirits climbing aboard and seeking warmth. While these guys just want to cuddle a bit or curl up next to the fires to try to chase the cold that somehow penetrates even their undead, incorporeal forms, they’re also a precious source of energy that Mammon will appreciate. While sinners are allowed to show kindness towards the spirits (much to the dismay of the staff), they will also be given bottles to capture them, also as gifts to bestow upon Mammon.

Please note that doing either of these will result in the sin of bribery and potentially betrayal being added to your list of sins.

Prompt II

WARNINGS: dubcon, aphrodisiacs, body transformations, drug use, alcohol

That isn't the end of the festivities either! Not at all. The demonic staff has orchestrated a bit of fun to distract from the cold and sense of impending doom hanging in the air by way of trick or treating. Sinners will be grabbed up by eager demons and led cabin to cabin to trick or treat. Those answering the door may choose either option! Treats may be in the form of candy, booze, or other trinkets or whatever one may consider a 'treat', and if a trick is chosen? Well, if you've just set yourself up for a little bit of a prank, haven't you? Good luck trying to figure out ways to appease the eager demons wanting a show! They just want to know they're appreciated, you know. Things have been rough.

For those who aren't terribly interested in any such thing, the staff has also decided on the perfect way to deal with any residual ghost trauma... which is telling ghost stories, of course. On the deck, there's been a special place set up with a fire pit (don't worry, it's being carefully watched! Last thing they need is a fire on the ship...) and blankets. There's also an array of food and drink while the goblins formerly of the library urge sinners to gather around for some story time. Sinners may listen to the goblins or share their own encounters with the spirits.

While they hardly managed to save much in the way of costumes, there's even an impromptu costume competition going on for those who may wish to try to piece together something from what odds and ends did make it to the ship. Voting will be done via sinners and rewards will be in the form of candies. Actual candy, don't worry! The barista from Helluvacup will also be out and about with Bean to spread cheer in the form of Halloween themed pastries and coffees with little spiders drawn in the foam (that may or may not look like spiders. Don't criticize him! Bean will protect his master with lovely disease-ridden bites.)

Of course, for all the well-intentioned shenanigans of the staff, the succubi and incubi are adding their own twist to things. Some have decided to taint the chocolates to add additional energy in the air. Once again, the sex demons feel as if they're famished with the lack of energy and they're doing their best to makeup for it... whether the sinners are aware of it or not. These chocolates the devilish incubi and succubi pass out will have a multitude of effects:

Milk Chocolate - inspires lust so strong, one cannot control it. It may lead to begging or public displays of self-pleasure.
Dark Chocolate - inspires the urge to dominate and aggression. It's time to take control and take what you want.
Chocolate covered cherries - inspire the urge to be submissive and the urge to please those around, in multiples if possible.
Chocolates filled with liqueurs - Inspires loose lips. Suddenly, the most appalling filth will be falling from your lips, every filthy desire there that you've kept hidden is now out in the open. How will others react?
Mint chocolate - May inspire transformations. Whether this is of the animalistic variety or sex, it is entirely up in the air. All of these effects can absolutely be mixed. Take as many chocolates as you like!

At least the succubi and incubi are being cordial enough to lead sinners off to a private area of the ship they've filled with plush cushions and bedding for the fun... mostly.

In addition, the sex demons will urge sinners in keeping each other warm in any sense of the word. What better ways than sharing some body heat? Or maybe adding a bit of candleplay to the mix...

If none of that tickles your fancy, there are also a wealth of drugs available to partake in, as well as a fight night happening below deck on one of the lower levels. Fights are carried out among sinners and demons alike, with plenty of help standing by to patch those injured up. Those partaking in either watching or actively participating may swap sins as bets, or anything else they may be willing to risk losing.

Wildcard/Misc.

Don't see something you love but still want to get a feel for the game? Check out our extensive list of LOCATIONS and write up your very own prompt however you'd like to! You can also add a "NETWORK" post option to your TL for quick, easy, and fun interactions.

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[Now, that sounds awfully boring. Still, doesn't change his mind about getting this supposed 'second chance,' as he highly doubts that such a big change will occur in his lifetime. There's much to be done when he returns, part of it involving retaking the North once more. The details about doing something like that? Well, one step at a time.]

I'm more or less well acquainted with fear.

[Mostly, with him being the one to cause it, but the last moments of his life was the first time he's really tasted it for himself. Still, showing fear to others is not really his thing. He's more of a fan of people showing their fear to him. Much preferable.]

After all, I'm from the time where bloodshed is more common, as you've said. How about I turn the question towards you, are you afraid? [Although, he did talk about the Fears, so perhaps his life wasn't so easy and peaceful. Ramsay is a little more interested in hearing that.]

[Chipperly:]

Of course. This is the sort of situation that demands it. I just thought, perhaps incorrectly, that it would be more profound for someone of your time.

[Fear has been a constant in his life. It's a good thing, to be afraid. Comfortable and familiar. But some kinds of fear are easier to deal with than others, and he doesn't like this feeling of being trapped. He can't disappear. He can't slip into the Lonely. He can't go unseen, unheard, in to the fog and quiet, and he is terribly afraid of that. After the hands, it's already edging into 'too much' territory.

But his face doesn't betray anything. His smile and tone are consistently pleasant, in a 'talking to a store manager' sort of way.]

I'm well acquainted with fear myself. It's not such a bad thing, to be afraid.

[He's always willing to offer up his own fear to his god, even when he hates the kind of fear it is.]

Oh, don't misunderstand me, fear's very prominent back home! It seeps into our lands, into the very air... even wielded as a tool. There's not a day that went by that I didn't see it in someone's face.

I'd say all this is familiar, except for the people and place.

[Which does make a big difference, he's well-aware. Knowledge of the world and the sort of people that reside here are all foreign to Ramsay, which does distinctly make this a bit more difficult. Now, he wouldn't call this feeling fear to be exact, just uncertainty.

He can at least appreciate someone talking about fear with a smile on their face. Some people just don't have a positive relationship with it and that's really too bad. As such, he keeps his own smile cheerful, so that he won't be unpleasant company. If he's going to be such, he wants to be so on his own terms.]

So! We've both lived our lives with fear as a constant companion. I believe that it'll serve us well here.

Exactly why I thought there'd be more of it evident, along with a healthy heaping of religious fear and displacement. People of the modern time are swaddled and ignorant, honestly; they can't imagine half the things you can. I'm sure even I can't, despite my own familiarity.

[Though he doesn't care for gory fear, anyway, so he isn't fussed. Psychological is much more effective, in his experience.

He gestures his companion toward the ship, eager to find some quiet corner away from other people.]

Doesn't seem like there's much to fear quite yet. A cruise ship for hell... very novel. I hope there's single cabins.

[He didn't see anything about that in the pamphlet.]

Edited 2022-10-31 08:47 (UTC)

[He has no context for what a 'modern' man may experience in his normal life, but guess flaying has long gone extinct then. Really a shame, that. Maybe he can introduce such a concept back to the people, if this place doesn't get to it first.]

Unfortunately, this older man doesn't have that deep fear of religion as some others may have. Hope that isn't too disappointing, but as you've said, there are many sources of fear out there.

[As they get closer, Ramsay whistles slightly as he really takes in the ship, because it's nothing he's ever seen before. Not even the biggest ship in Westeros can compare to this. He can freely admit now that he's impressed.]

You called this a 'cruise ship,' I'll make another guess and say that it's common in your... time. [Still an odd thing to say, but he's adaptable. It feels like the best way to describe his differences in eras with others.]

Not a fan of shared space? And I thought you'd want company, I hear being alone does monstrous things to a person's spirit.

[As long as he's afraid of being alone, Peter'll be happy. Most are afraid of that to some extent, even the ones that prefer a solitary lifestyle. Especially them, sometimes, once they've been forced into true isolation. Some just adapt to it better than others.]

Oh, it does. I've seen first-hand the sort of things isolation does to a person. But personally, I've always relished it. I owned a ship not unlike this one, in fact. Just bigger, plenty of space, so I could only ever hear the sea from my cabin.

[Peter absentmindedly goes to adjust his hat and belatedly realises it isn't there. Sighing, he drops his hand.]

Seems I lost my Captain's hat on the journey here. I had that for two decades.

[He seems more upset about this than the fact he's in hell.]

And yes, a lot of cruise ships. [He wrinkles his nose.] They're for leisure. People getting drunk and doing... group activities, or something along those lines. Shameful waste of a ship, if you ask me.

[So, he prefers isolation, good to know. Ramsay imagines him sailing a large ship all by himself, out in the middle of an ocean, with no one to keep him company. Well, probably not entirely alone, right? He doesn't know how many people it takes to run this sort of ship but doesn't seem like a one-person job. But what does he know about the modern man and his vehicles!

Ramsay reaches over and pats Peter on the shoulder, although a boisterous laugh escapes him at the same time.]

You're a crotchety man, aren't you.

[Being on this ship will probably be torture for him. Ramsay definitely finds that amusing.]

[A crew can be very easy to ignore if you pay them enough to be quiet. He doesn't expect this ships crew will be nearly as palatable to deal with, but it's a ship in hell, so it might have some quirks; people being tortured in the lower levels, perhaps. He could deal with screams easier than he could merrymaking.

He jerks slightly when Ramsay pats him on the shoulder - he can't remember the last time someone actually touched him; most people are too afraid to get close - and gently brushes it off, smiling. He probably wouldn't want to linger, anyway. Peter is unnaturally cold, and there's a moment of everything being too quiet, too still, like being enclosed in a tomb. But it a fleeting thing.]

About some matters, but aren't we all?

[He starts trudging up the boarding platform.]

If I'm denied my peace and seclusion, you wouldn't mind sharing with me, would you?

[The lingering feeling of isolation remains with Ramsay for just a second, along with the cold-- something that he thought he was more than familiar with, but there's something disconcerting about it. The feeling isn't just cold, but something more that he doesn't really want to delve into further. It's gone now though and so the lord brushes it off, walking forward so he's by Peter's side.]

Sharing my own peace? Well, why not! It might include more alcohol than you'd prefer, but we can't be choosey in these times.

[He has no allies here, not that he knows of, so best to just make tentative friends for the time being. Besides, having a modern man around might be useful.]

[Upon stepping onto the ship, Peter takes a moment to breathe in the familiar salty air and listen to the waves. It's not his sea, and this is not his ship, but it's good to be on the water regardless. In quieter moments, he might be able to pretend this is the Tundra.]

This should be nice at night.

[He'll definitely be having a skulk about once people are in bed.

He turns to Ramsay with an arm draped over the railing.]

I'm not sure the alcohol here will be worth drinking, honestly. How good could alcohol from hell be?

[He's not much of a drinker. And when he does indulge, it's always the same kinds of alcohol, from the same cellars. He's a man of habit. He's also a man of very expensive taste, so anything here definitely isn't going to have anywhere near the quality he's used to. Still, it probably won't hurt to have a cup or two. It'll make it easier to sleep, if nothing else.]

[There's actual curiosity to the lord as they board the ship, just taking in... everything. While it's far from the first time he's been out on the seas, it's not like he frequents this sort of travel either. The North is where he's lived and raised and died, with its miles of land stretching from coast to coast. There's nothing familiar about this, other than the cold biting into his skin.

Well, that at least feels like home in a way, even if only water surrounds them now. Ramsay would've might have called it peaceful, if not being cognizant about where they're exactly at. Who knows how long this quiet will last before something terrible happens?

He almost looks forward to it, even if he might have some regrets later. Things being a little too silent can be rather boring and he hates that. Still, for now, he leans against the railing as well, taking a small glance over to his 'companion' with his usual easy manner.]

Might taste like piss water. [He doesn't seem too bothered by the idea.] Worst bit if it doesn't have any real kick-- might as well be drinking mine own if it ends up that way.

[The ship sways gently, and each motion leaves Peter more at ease. He eyes the waves gently bumping up against the side of the ship while Ramsay takes in his surroundings. The man must not go sailing often.

His gaze is drawn back to Ramsay at the mention of 'piss water', which gets a face. You'd think he'd be used to vulgar expressions, being a Captain and all. But, no; he doesn't socialise with his crew enough to hear such things, and he's a sheltered rich boy, all his atrocities and human rights violations aside.]

I think that experience would be markedly less pleasant. [He eyes the doors leading down into the ship.] How about you investigate the alcohol situation, and I look into rooming arrangements? It'll be a team effort.

[He makes a little fist pump motion, like a dweeb.]

[What in the seven kingdoms is he doing?? Ramsay actually looks baffled, but he chalks it up to some tradition he's unfamiliar with, and soon laughs. Thanks, he truly needed that, ridiculous movement and all.

But his idea is truly decent and so Ramsay pushes himself off the railing, giving him one parting smile.]

A splendid idea. Reach Lord Ramsay Bolton when you find out.

[He pats Peter's arm as he leaves (while feeling that cold once more?), because they're teammates now! Also because he knows it bugs him.]

Will do. Peter Lukas, by the way. Pleasure to meet you, Ramsay.

[No unnatural chill, this time. Just someone that seems to have trouble retaining heat, and that's not terribly noticeable on the cold of the ship. He's in a better mood, despite that unnecessary arm pat. After readjusting the sleeve Ramsay touched, Peter totters off to figure out the rooming situation.

As he feared, there aren't rooms for singles. There aren't even proper doubles; just... couples rooms (ew), which are the only option that don't involve the potential for a third person to join them, so they're the only option that seems moderately comfortable. Fortunately, he doesn't expect the lack of single beds to be an issue. He enjoys his night walks, and he's never needed much sleep. His and Ramsay's sleeping schedules aren't likely to collide, and he can adjust his if they do. So, a couple cabin it is.

After persuading a demon to assign them one of the larger cabins with a nice, big window looking out into the sea, Peter wanders off to find the bar. Which doesn't take long, since that's where most of the demons on board have congregated, and he soon locates Ramsay there and drops his cabin key in front of him.]

There you are. So, how's the drink?

[If it's any good, he'll probably grab a few bottles to store in their room. Just as a nightcap. He is, unsurprisingly, not much of a social drinker.]

[Lord Bolton to you!! Nah he'll let it slide, as it's a pointless gesture to stop walking just to correct that. Not to mention he's on a far more important mission, securing alcohol. The ship's large, far larger than anything he's ever been on, so Ramsay knows it might take him a few minutes or so to even locate the dining area. He's curious enough to try and explore the ship itself, but that can come later.

It won't do to not have anything to show for. No, that'd just be sad. Never be able to show his face and everything. But luckily for him, it's not long before he finds what he needs. A generous amount of food and alcohol awaits him...

He's definitely a bit inebriated by the time Peter comes around, too much feasting and now drinking at the bar. Initial descent aside, he's been having a far better time in hell than he ever imagined. Such indulgence will unlikely last, which means he plans on taking advantage of what they have.]

Peter Lukas! My ally. Yes, I remember-- though you should call me by my proper title. [He raises his cup towards Peter's direction anyway, smiling at him despite the slightly flustered look to him.] Oh and the drink? Good, very good. There's a decent variety, even your particular taste will find something.

[Peter raises his eyebrows at Ramsay. Well then, the alcohol definitely isn't piss water.]

Is that necessary for allies? Seems a little overly formal.

[As he takes a seat next to Ramsay and orders a drink, he mulls over whether or not to accommodate Ramsay's preferred form of address. It's a little beneath him to address people that way... on the other hand, they're sharing a room and he should try to keep the peace. Especially as he doesn't know Ramsay well enough to predict how he'd react to perceived disrespect. He could be quietly indignant, or Peter could end up stabbed in his sleep, which wouldn't be that big of a deal (pretty standard for 'allies', in his experience), but he only has one set of clothes and he'd rather not have any holes in them.

He shrugs and returns Ramsay's smile, though with less inebriation and more teeth.]

Or it does for my time, at least. But I can oblige if it's important to you. Lord Ramsay? Lord Bolton? My Lord? Do you have a preference?

[And there's his wine. He starts filling a plate to go with it, because it's been a while since he last ate and one shouldn't drink on an empty stomach.]

Tradition's important, even if we're no longer home. After all, tradition's what makes us! And part of that is the use of my correct title. You don't want to show disrespect to my entire family line, do you?

[As flustered as Ramsay is, he manages to stare straight at Peter, any prior amusement lifted off his face. Maybe it would be intimidating if it wasn't for the fact that he is sort of wasted, so the focus on Peter doesn't last long. Unfortunately, every so often, one can't stop their indulgence, especially when the offer's free.

But hey, he's going to address him properly after all. Well, good man. Be a terrible shame to ruin whatever fragile alliance they have because of terrible manners and misunderstanding.]

Lord Bolton will do.

[He knows, or at least assumes, that Peter has no title of his own, so Ramsay doesn't bother asking how he'd like to be addressed.]

Well, is it suited to your taste? Be honest now-- at least to me. Hosts can sometimes be easily offended by their guests.

[Peter stares right back, smiling brightly. A baseline human wouldn't be terribly intimidating even if Ramsay hadn't been visibly inebriated.]

There's a sentiment I've heard a few times- [His entire life, actually.] And I'm inclined to agree. With the bit about tradition, at least. Lord Bolton it is. [For now. He'll probably drop it later down the line, once Ramsay has settled into their alliance a little more and he gets a better read on the man.

After filling up on some unidentifiable meat (it tastes good, so he's trying not to think too hard on what it might be), he takes a slow, thoughtful sip of his drink.]

Mmm. [And another.] My taste is very particular, but it definitely exceeds my expectations. And it's free. You wouldn't believe how much I've spent on my favourite wine. [He laughs softly.] I imagine it's spectacular for you, with the advancements made to production and all. The alcohol content is probably much higher, so I'd be careful about how much you drink.

[Otherwise he'll be bent over a toilet bowl before the night is through, and Peter would prefer their room didn't smell like vomit. He already looks pretty far along.]

I must admit that these drinks are more potent than what we're used to.

[As much as Ramsay wants to comment how men of the North can very well hold their own, especially if liquor is involved, it's a little hard to deny the effects they've had on him when he can feel his focus slipping throughout the past hour or so. Normally he doesn't go overboard, not wanting to be entirely vulnerable, especially in a place that is not his own, but the drinks have hit him hard.]

With this food and drink being both fine and free, it's easy to think we're just being fattened up before being led to a slaughter.

[Ramsay's still in a pretty hearty mood, but he's actually put some thought into this. Not that it's an entirely difficult conclusion to fall into, but it's a thought that's in his mind despite the fog covering it.]

Rarely do good tidings come so easily and without consequence, so drink up for now!

[Unless they're getting poisoned, but it's too late to back from that now.]

[Peter, meanwhile, did not put any thought into this. Seeing the bigger picture is something of his Achilles heel, despite him insisting otherwise (and then promptly being killed because he failed to see the bigger picture). He casts his eyes over their surroundings in search of some portent of what's to come and turns back to Ramsay when he doesn't find anything. Not that he really expected there to be something. Just a reflex.]

Considerate of them not to jump right to the slaughter, if they are.

[There isn't much they can do if that is what they're heading for, so he piles a little more food onto his plate and calls the bartender to select him a few bottles from the shelves. He'll drink well, as Ramsay suggests - but he'll skip any merry making.]

I'll be leaving shortly. It's getting... boisterous in here. [He wrinkles his nose.] When you've had your fill, we're in cabin 112. Down the back, where it's quiet.

[Usually he would say something like that with ominous intent, but he sounds very casual about it in this instance.]

You really are the dourest of men.

[Ramsay says that with a laugh, but he waves him off as Peter makes his way back to the cabin. He'll go there in due time.

Admittedly, there's a brief passing thought of Peter killing him there. Even with that all to do about being allies, it's been built on a single conversation, not nearly enough to build any sort of trust. Still, Ramsay finds himself carelessly shrugging it off. He's already mentioned about being led to a slaughter, so it would almost be fitting.

It's only an hour or so before Ramsay's in front of cabin 112. He thought about exploring the ship more, but surely such a venture can wait until tomorrow. The deck has been swaying and he almost feels ill from how much he's indulged himself, so the best option is to retire for the night. He grapples with the key Peter gave him earlier and it takes him a few seconds, but he eventually opens the door with a smile.

And takes in their temporary living space.]

Adequate lodgings, good, very good.

[Different from what he's used to for sure, but it matches with everything else on this ship. Ramsay can't find himself being too surprised by that.]

[For the duration of Ramsay's absence, Peter simply parks himself in front of the window with a bottle of wine and watches the sea. It crashes and foams; rolls and surges, and Peter stares fixedly at it while taking slow sips of wine. It's easy to forget just where he is while watching the sea. Until Ramsay enters, that is, drawing him out of his reverie.

He turns his head just far enough to see Ramsay in his peripheral.]

That was fast.

[Probably. It's hard to gauge the passage of time when he gets lost in his own head.

He carefully sets his half-drunk bottle of wine and empty glass on the bedside table and rises to his feet, gesturing to the bathroom.]

I'm glad you approve. Now, you'll want a shower before you sleep. You know, to keep the bed clean.

[Mostly because Peter is also going to be sleeping in it. He'd rather it didn't smell.]

I'll provide a demonstration of how the taps work. I'm sure you'll find the invention of indoor plumbing marvellous!

Disappointed that you didn't have more time to brood alone?

[Ramsay almost snickers, clearly wasted from the drink, and if the thought of sharing a bed with another man bothers him, he doesn't show it. Oh, he doesn't enjoy it, and part of him wants to demand Peter to just sleep on the ground like a fucking dog, but not the best thing to pull when he's without weapon... or without all of his senses. Besides, it's still a large and comfortable looking bed, and as a bastard growing up in the Dreadfort, he's dealt with far less suitable beddings. Maybe later, he can arrange something...

But he makes way towards the bathroom, wanting to see what else this room has to offer.]

The devices that which keep this ship full of light has been a feat in itself.

[He's sure that this indoor plumbing will impress him as well. Ramsay is totally fine with acknowledging how nice these new conveniences are and it'd be a complete shame to waste them.] All of this a common sight for you? I admit, I've been mostly impressed with these inventions you modern men have.

Edited 2022-11-13 23:10 (UTC)

Always.

[Peter grins while saying it, because he's kidding! He definitely doesn't spend 99% of his time staring out to sea and brooding! (This is exactly what he does).

He's quick to guide Ramsay into the bathroom and head straight for the sink. It's a safer bet for demonstrating temperature control than the shower.]

Yes, thankfully. We've perfected the art of convenience. Should you return home, perhaps you could bring them to the people. I'm sure they'd adore you for it; make you a prominent figure in the annals of history.

[Which sounds like a nightmare to Peter, but the sort of thing that might appeal to Ramsay.

He turns the cold tap to a fast, steady stream, then inches the hot tap along until the water turns warm.]

Instant hot water. It's a marvel. Cold, too, but it's not quite as impressive, I'm sure.

[And since he's there, Peter peels off his gloves and scrubs his hands and face with soap to rid himself of the blood and filth from his trip down. Probably should have done that earlier, but he got rather taken with the sight of the sea.

After drying with a hand towel, he pulls open the bathroom drawer and sifts through the contents until he finds a fresh bar of soap and some complimentary shampoo, which he extends to Ramsay.]

And these prevent disease. [Well, the soap does; the shampoo is just personal preference, because he'd rather Ramsay didn't touch the pillows with his hair in the state that it is.] Smells like- [A pause.] Oh, rose. And I thought hell might have something more unusual. Just lather up the soap like I did and apply it everywhere, and you apply the other one to your hair.

Any questions?

[The thought of being known as the lord that brought indoor plumbing to the common masses is rather humorous, but Ramsay also doesn't care too much about nice convivences for peasants. They can continue to bathe in whatever river or shitwater they find, but he'll happily try to find a way to bring this to himself back in Winterfell.]

My knowledge on the workings of these tools isn't something I've spent my time in, nor do I care to. Perhaps I can pitch these ideas to a maester and they'd know more what to do with it.

[Ramsay startles slightly when the water instantly pours from the faucet, peering over to see the constant stream wash over Peter's hands. Okay, now that is incredibly convenient, especially if it can turn hot as well. No need for firewood or anything like that? Just one turn of that switch and it becomes warm? It's something he never imagined.

Granted, most of the things he imagines has to do with torture and death, but you know.

He takes both soap and shampoo in hand, and the former object is slightly familiar, more so than the latter. Ramsay brings the soap to his nose and sniffs it, making a slight face when the flowery scent hits him. Does he really want to walk around smelling like a fucking flower??]

We have soap, but never did it smell like this. Shape's different too. [Guess he's supposed to use this other tube for his hair, which is sort of ridiculous. He doesn't have any questions on how to bathe himself, but Ramsay still looks at Peter with a rather scrunched expression.]

How often do you modern men bathe?

[Peter probably doesn't want to know when the last time Ramsay's taken a bath.]

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