week one | arrival

[marriagebroker]

The characters will arrive one by one, in whatever vehicle suits them the best to the front of estate. It's a beautiful estate filled with plants and trees and little ponds and all kinds of little hideaways. But it all cumulates at the main house, where they will be dropped off and greeted by a familiar face who stands outside the house and welcomes them in. They will be able to bring one suitcase with items and clothes as well as their pet(s?).

The main thing to notice when you step into the house though is that cameras are everywhere. Despite the many little hideaways of this house, there's no privacy whatsoever. Oh well!

When everyone is gathered together, the host from earlier will greet everyone with a merry:

"Welcome, my affection seeking friends! This is where you'll be staying the next few weeks. Find a place to settle in and get to know each other! I'll be around, in case you need anything."

He genuinely seems to mean it, at least?! But that seems to be it, he'll slip away in the meantime and leave you all to it.

A few things to note, of course:

• There is only one "bedroom" which is a large room, with a closet full of futons to roll out and use in said room. Sleepover time!


• There is an extra, extra, extra, extra large futon for Messmer.


• In one of the rooms of the estate, there is a lovely piano ready for use. Feel free to ask for more instruments, if you'd like.


• The kitchen is filled with food of all kinds and modern appliances so folks can cook whatever they'd like! There is also a bar in the kitchen, stocked with alcohol.


• In the living room, there is a screen showing everyone's profiles. It is touch screen, so feel free to swipe through!


• There is, of course, a banner in the living room reading 有緣千里來相會 (which, for the keen-eyed, translates to "Fate brings together those that are a thousand miles apart"). This was definitely written by the host.


• There is a welcome cake.

Boom Boom Room | Property Damage
Truth Booth Voting | Match Ceremony Voting

Comments

[gamboler]

[ That again would make two of them... ]

That it is, isn't it? I confess, I'm here because I was curious to see if this is a game I can win. Any attachments or grand wishes that come along with it are simply a bonus.

[ Perhaps it's not so simple, but there's no attempt at subterfuge on Aventurine's part. There's simply no point in it. ]

My profile wasn't twisting the truth when it said I've never lost a wager.

[reverso]

A gambling man?

[A skilled one at that, if it's true. But Verso's a little perplexed, because putting oneself through a four week long dating game just to see if he can win is sure... a choice.]

Don't tell me you're here just for the rush. You realize they're probably going to put us in all manner of embarrassing situations, right...?

[gamboler]

[ Aventurine is sure a Maker of Choices... ]

You don't think it'd be worth it? The thrill of victory, I mean.

[ Is he asking Verso, or himself? Who can say, really. ]

[reverso]

[It's okay. They both are Choices Makers in their own way, probably.]

It would. But aren't there easier ways to chase that thrill?

[gamboler]

Mm, I'll admit I may be just a tad jaded, in that regard. You see, my last wager involved me winning back partial ownership of an entire planet for my superiors. The stakes were extremely high...so what better way to follow that up than wish a highly-publicized interdimensional television appearance where I win the hearts of all those around me?

[ There's a note of self-deprecating dryness in his tone — he's not quite that bigheaded. ]

[reverso]

[Ah, but he knows that tone well. He’s used it before, maybe, once or twice.]

It sounds to me like nothing would follow that up. The vacation’s needed instead — especially if you’re telling me you run the entire half of a planet?

[gamboler]

Oh, no, not personally. Another branch of the IPC has taken over managing the asset, now that it's been reclaimed. I'm simply one chip on the table that made it happen.

[ An important chip, perhaps, but far from the only one. ]

Even so...you're not wrong about this feeling like a vacation. Seeking victory or not, it's a welcome change of pace. No doubt that's the case for you as well, Disastrous Expeditioner.

[reverso]

It is. And I plan on making the most of these weeks, even if it’s selfish of me.

[Wry, a pause.]

And it sounds like you should, too. I don’t know what the IPC is, but it sounds big, important, and stressful. So pull yourself away from wagers and victories and just enjoy the view.

That’s my unsolicited advice, anyway!

[gamboler]

[ Unsolicited perhaps, but not unwelcome, if it seems a little unobtainable, in the moment. Enjoying the view isn't something he really has had the luxury to do, well...ever. It's not how he operates.

Still, if even by appearance only, he could unwind for a change. ]

This sounds like the ripe opportunity for a wager to me. If either of us catches the other slacking on our...relaxing...the other owes him dinner. Ah, though I can't promise I won't throw the game on purpose, if that's the outcome.

[ Genuinely! Verso makes for enjoyable company, and that goes a long way for him. ]

[reverso]

[Unwinding would be nice, wouldn't it? Even if it's all that's ultimately garnered from this game, he'll appreciate these four weeks as they come.

That makes him laugh, though, a rumbling bark of a thing.]

Oh, don't lie to me, friend. You said it yourself; you've never lost a wager. I'd doubt you break your streak purposefully just for little old me.

[His grin widens.]

Which just means I'll have to lean into the relaxation aspect of this whole situation tenfold. Yes, I think I'll practically be boneless.

[It's a bet, basically.]

[gamboler]

[ Is it breaking his streak if he loses on purpose? Never mind there are easier ways to ask someone to dinner, he's too far into this already. ]

A veritable puddle on the floor. You're on - I look forward to you treating me. Can't lose my win streak now, can I?

[reverso]

[Why make things easy when they can dance around asking someone out for dinner by framing it as an unserious game-]

Oh, you'll lose, all right. You've never met someone as useless as me.

[Self-deprecating humor is always good too.]

But in the meantime, do you mind answering a few more questions about yourself? Maybe over a drink? I'm curious to know if this place stocks any wine.

[gamboler]

[ With their powers of avoidance and self-deprecating combined... ]

Enjoying a drink with handsome company? It would be my pleasure. [ Depending on the questions, anyway. ] I'd like to hear a bit more about your expeditions, too — no doubt you have a vast and unending repertoire of stories to tell.

[ As he starts towards the kitchen, he motions for Verso to follow. He hasn't looked for booze yet, but they must have something for them to enjoy while they're here. Nothing creates drama better than alcohol. ]

[reverso]

[Indeed, and what's a dating show without drama? Not that he'd know.

Verso follows behind.]

Oh, plenty of stories to tell. But I'll warn you, not all of them are very happy ones.

[When they enter the kitchen, Verso starts fossicking around for any sign of wine. Maybe there's a small wine rack nearby or something — either way, he holds up a bottle once he finds his prize.]

Fancy some red?

[gamboler]

I'd say the less-than-happy ones are the ones I'm more interested in hearing, but those also might be less enjoyable to tell.

[ And despite his penchant for gossip, he's not one to pry where its unwelcome. If it's not for work, then he doesn't need to dig deep — and none of this is for work, for once.

also, fossick, weir mention?! ]

More than fine by me. Though if we're having wine, we ought to have a toast.

[ As he fields some stemmed glasses from a cabinet. Their gracious hosts do know what they're doing. ]

[reverso]

[Surprise weir cameo!!! (No) (thank god)

He brings the wine bottle over, held by the neck in one hand. His other wrist flicks, and with a whirl of painterly magic(?), a thin short sword appears in his grasp. He pops the cork off the bottle with the edge of the blade and then dismisses it immediately after. Like a normal person.]

Hm. [He eyes the glasses, thinking.] How about, “for those that come after?” It’s what we used to say on the Continent, not knowing if we’d survive. In this context, at least it’s more hopeful.

[And humorous, a wry jab at their chances of failure, too.]

[gamboler]

[ If Aventurine finds it odd that Verso is opening the wine with a magic sword, he makes no sign of it. Seems perfectly normal to him! And saves them the trouble of finding a corkscrew. It's called improvising. ]

"For those that come after"... [ He mulls the words over, and they feel a little stale on his tongue. There's no such prayer he can make for the Avgin of Sigonia-IV, and what should he care for those that come after he's turned to dust?

...Verso really would make a fitting Trailblazer, it seems.

All said, Aventurine only looks reflective for a moment, a smile still lingering at the corners of his mouth, before an amiable chuckle escapes him. ]

For those that come after, then. It has a nice, hopeful ring to it...and even if the stakes might not be quite so high here, I believe we can still use whatever blessings we can get.

[reverso]

[For those that come after. Something passes over his features as Aventurine agrees to the toast, just a quiet somberness that loses the quick sharpness of his smile as he nods and pours.

The wine is a deep red color, and it looks top-notch. Wei Wuxian at least knows how to pick the alcohol.]

We can. I'm going to wring out as many blessings as possible while I'm here, even if it's a little selfish.

[Wine for each glass. He raises his, then, by the stem.]

Shall we?

[gamboler]

[ Not selfish at all, as far as Aventurine is concerned. Then again - perhaps his tendency to amass wealth doesn't make him the fairest judge in the matter.

Without delay, Aventurine takes his cue to lift his glass in his hand and raise it aloft between them. ]

For those who come after.

[ He sounds sincere about it. ]

[reverso]

For those who come after.

[And may the souls of those long gone not hate him for this.

Verso raises his glass, clinking both together. He meets Aventurine's gaze briefly, and there's a part of him that appreciates that sincerity, that willingness to humor him with this. The look he gives him says as much, quietly so.

Then he drinks. It goes down smooth.]

Ah, we really are spoiled here.

[gamboler]

[ Maybe Aventurine is humoring him, and maybe it's a fair reminder he could use, in a roundabout way. As the wine slips down his throat, Sunday's sweetly harmonious voice echoes in the back of his mind. Do you wish to destroy this world with your own two hands?

He exhales his satisfaction over the taste of the wine, smacking his lips. ]

So, they really do know how to treat their guests, after all...or they're trying to give us any incentive to drink while we're here. Good television, and all that.

[ He's going in for another sip. ]

[reverso]

Unfortunately, I wouldn't know anything about that. Good "television." This whole concept is quite new to me. How lucky that drinking isn't...!

[He, too, will take a pull from his glass, enjoying the flavor.]

Now, then. I was going to ask you questions, wasn't I? What's all this about a- [Er.] IPP? ICC? IPC?

[gamboler]

[ It's ICP, actually, Insane Clown Posse. ]

Ah — Interastral Peace Corporation. As the name might imply, an organization dedicated to preserving peace in the galaxy, ostensibly, though whether or not that's really what it manages to do most of the time...

[ A wry, somewhat withering smile. ]

Let's just say their reach extends further than you might expect. My particular role is as a member of the Strategic Investment Department, tasked with reclaiming wayward IPC assets across the cosmos. It's — more interesting than it sounds, really.

[reverso]

[Mon dieu. Most of that really goes over Verso's head, though he tries his best to follow it.]

Wait, so, you mean... across all of space?

[Sorry, but even for a [redacted] man with a big imagination, this is still a very fantastical concept in Verso's estimation.]

Travel is that easy?

[gamboler]

[ A wry chuckle. It may be the sort of thing Aventurine takes for granted now, but he'll never forget when his was a child, and those first IPC ships arrived on his planet. Even if he'd heard about worlds beyond the stars, he'd never seen anything like it before. ]

Well, I'd say there's still a decent number of people across the cosmos that never go far from home, but for many of us, it's just another fact of life. I've seen my fair share of worlds, but I'll tell you — it never really gets old, arriving somewhere new with fresh eyes.

[ Not unlike coming here, either. He's no Trailblazer, but he can understand what drives the Nameless to choose the Path they follow. ]