TDM #24

[duplicitymods]

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

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It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Yet, solace is found in the lies we tell each other, comforted by the peace of knowing that we're not alone in our depravity, and once on this path, sin itself becomes the lesser of two evils masked in a cloud of normalcy. This is how Duplicity has functioned since the beginning. The divide of power and social standing is overt in that Dominants influence the decisions made both publicly and privately while Submissives cater to the rules presented to them. It is the way of Duplicity to assign random designations at birth with no leeway in altering what has been given. Climate in the Up is far stricter than that of the Down; violating outlined personas for a Dominant or Submissive while in full view of others is punished by degree of infraction. In the Down, many tend to turn a blind eye to these sorts of offenses. To counteract the discovery of the deceit gene – a natural "negative" response to all stimuli – the LIEs program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the deceit gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from LIEs after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues. ... and you're here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity. After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a paper gown to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of Orientation. If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You're a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your high-rise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You're a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you'll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms. Enjoy your free time until Orientation! Participation is mandatory for all new and past arrivals. Skies are clear and the weather is warm.

» » » ALL ABOARD

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After stepping through the door and participating in Orientation, LIERs are assembled together in the Up for a tour of Duplicity in its entirety. Seats are in pairs and randomly assigned to Dominants and Submissives alike. Traveling from Fiddler's Square, the train journeys through various parts of the Up, showcasing society and examples of lifestyle. Along the way, frequent stops are made; a variety of passengers can be seen exiting and entering the doors. A Dominant with a kneeling Submissive takes a seat near the front of the train at one stop. A small group of Submissives board and sit closer to the LIERs at another, all seemingly content in their roles. As the tour continues through the Up, the train passes close to the Market and White Wall Bridge and zips by North Park before heading into the Down and bypassing Red Wall Bridge and South Park. The train makes a "final" stop at Riddler's Square, where inhabitants of the Down are instructed to return to their temporary housing. Those who live in the Up are permitted to stay on the train and revisit the same locations while returning.

« « « REACTION MECHANISM

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(cw: sensory deprivation, coercion, dub-con/non-con) One of the workshops at this month's Orientation pairs Dominants with Submissives for an exercise in blind chemistry. Literally — they'll all be blindfolded before meeting their partner and the blindfolds must stay on! They will be encouraged to explore with their other senses, such as touch and taste. Kissing is the bare minimum of what's expected, though no one will stop them should they want to take things further… Each pair will get around 10-15 minutes together (unless they really hit things off) before switching to a new partner. Some participants may also be tapped for a secondary exercise in which Submissives remain blindfolded, while Dominants are not. Dominants may do as they wish with them and may choose whether to keep their partner or swap blindfolded Subs back and forth with other Dominants.

« « « COMPANY PICNIC

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(cw: aphrodisiacs, drugs, altered mental states, public nudity) With the arrival of good weather and sunny skies ahead in the forecast, LIEs has decided to sponsor a post-Orientation BBQ in North Park. Picnic blankets and picnic tables are set up for use around the park and there is a main food station handing out catered food, as well as a few small charcoal grills available for those who wish to grill themselves. Sausages, burgers, and kebabs (vegetarian options available) are either ready to go or laid out to be cooked, along with stuff to make sandwiches (did someone say PB&J?). All the usual sides and condiments are available as well. In addition to flavor, many of those condiments contribute a little something extra to one's meal. Does the jelly in that PB&J make you feel a little more jealous than usual? Does that mustard get you all hot and bothered? It just might. Perhaps most nefarious of all is that a few batches of the condiments have truth serum mixed in with them, making people open up about their true wants and desires. See someone you wouldn't mind kissing? Feel like baring it all? Maybe you should tell them — or simply go for it. Inhibitions are lowered and tongues loosened so stuff that hotdog down your throat and get ready for some fun. There are a few different games being played in the park that LIERs can join in on, such as three-legged and wheelbarrow races with Dominant and Submissive pairs, capture the flag, and something that resembles a raunchier version of Twister. If games aren't your thing there is also a hot yoga class that is taking place, open to anyone who wishes to join. Some people are fully nude as they pose and stretch while others wear workout gear that seem more scandalous than those who are naked. Of course aside from your traditional yoga poses the instructor encourages Dominants and Submissives to practice what are clearly Kama Sutra positions with one another. Hope you're flexible!

« « « FEELING SUPER

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(cw: transformation, body modification, drugs) There's a lot of buzz surrounding a store from one of Duplicity's sister cities, Insincerity, setting up a temporary pop-up location in Fiddler's Square. The store in question is the Supermarket and they deal in temporary upgrades, enhancements, and all things extraordinary. You can sample what it's like to be super at the Supermarket! Staffed by enigmatic Insincerity natives, the mini market is open to Dominants and Submissives alike. In order to entice buyers to visit their home location, the wares on offer make up a limited selection of their full stock — a carefully curated selection of the Supermarket's best-selling products and seasonal specials. The staff won't elaborate too much, but there are rumors that something big is happening soon in Insincerity. This month they've come to you; next month you may be coming to them. Products fall into three broad categories: power-ups, transformation/body modification, and sexual enhancers. The most common form they come in is a colorful glowing syringe, but potions, pills, and topical creams are available on request. The menu is as follows: Something Super: Invisibility Super Strength (2-3X average human) Fire/Ice/Electric Touch Transform: Wild Side (grow animal ears and/or tail) Tongue Twister (tongue lengthens and becomes fully prehensile) Flutter (sprout wings; limited flight capabilities only, more like hovering) Enhance: Shiver (increased sensitivity) All Night Long (enhanced stamina) Multi-O (frequent, cascading orgasms) Effects can be mixed and matched with the application of multiple products — though the Supermarket employees caution that buyers do so at their own risk — and may last up to one full day.

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

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Please read carefully. On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters will still have gone through the doors but the assignments are OOCly randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chooses "left" or "right." When participating on the TDM, there will be a third option. Players may link either a top level or a thread (five or more comments from their character) from the TDM and title the link as "Door Pass." This means that the player is choosing to take the designation that they were randomly assigned on the TDM, rather than taking the designation of a door. If the player decides to select a door rather than use the pass, then they are trying their luck; they may get the same designation they had on the TDM or the opposite. Once the application is submitted, players can't change their choice. To assign roles to characters for this TDM, use the following guide: If your character prefers jelly, they are a Dominant. If your character prefers peanut butter, they are a Submissive. To Note: Characters can only swap their designation for one of the following reasons: an event occurs that allows it or there are OOC reasons that make it a necessity. Any swap always requires mod approval and each character can only ever switch once. Characters that are being reapped will keep their previous designation but players can choose to use new TDMs with different designations for fun! Test Drive threads can be used as activity proofs for characters currently in-game. Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have fun!!

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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

kate sharma | bridgerton | dominant

[lilysoap]

( 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓜𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓶 )

[ It's been a dramatic twenty-four hours for Kathani Sharma.

Last night she had a moment of weakness with a man she had been exchanging heated looks with for months in a moonlit gazebo outside his family home, not returning to her bed until the following morning. Now she finds her skin being scrubbed clean of his scent by enthusiastic strangers, a smell she strangely found soothing in unfamiliar surroundings. She should be grateful to have any trace of him be stripped from her so she won't think about him, yet she doesn't feel any better once the process is over.

They don't have lily soap to calm her nerves, but it wouldn't work even if they did. Her family had to be worrying sick over where she was... But was any of this even real? The last she remembers was falling off the back of her horse in the pouring rain (foolish girl, she scolds herself), hitting her head and everything going black. So perhaps this was all happening within her deranged mind... even what happened at the gazebo.

She might have her blindfold on at the blind chemistry workshop, but that doesn't mean she's willing to explore physical intimacy with a total stranger wearing one. Hearing someone's presence in the room, she clears her throat politely. ]

I must warn you I would prefer to use these fifteen minutes to engage in polite conversation. [ As most civilized people should. ] If you take issue with my request, we can stand in silence until I am switched with a more willing partner to suit your needs. [ Something about her tone suggests the idea of just swapping partners after being intimate with each one is completely alien to her. ]


( 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓟𝓲𝓬𝓷𝓲𝓬 )

[ A picnic is a much more pleasant activity at least, though it's unlike any occasion she's ever been to before. Nobody was really looking at each other with judgment the way the ton did back in England. People appeared to be here simply to... well, have fun. It felt refreshing in a way, being somewhere nobody looked at her pityingly because they considered her to be an old maid for being unmarried at twenty-six.

With her memorable purple dress returned to her (memorable for all the wrong reasons, as far as she's concerned), she's sat on a picnic blanket, spectating the games. It oddly makes her miss the Bridgerton family and the game of pall-mall she played with them. She's usually a competitive person, but it's hard to find the desire to join in when she can't stop thinking about her younger sister, Edwina. Was she perhaps glad Kate was gone, after everything she had put her through with her complicated feelings towards the viscount? She hated to think of a world in which her sister hated her, but was that the world she was living in now? Had she broken her sister's trust forever?

She's so lost in her pensiveness that it takes her a moment to notice someone is standing over her, wanting to share her blanket. It's more than big enough for two so it would be selfish of her to keep it to herself. ]

My apologies, I was a thousand miles away. [ She moves the hem of her dress so it isn't the way of the person sitting down, then returns her gloved hands to her lap. ]

( 𝓦𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓭 )

[ ooc: feel free to come up with another scenario to meet Kate! ]

company picnic

[aspirers]

[Funny Kate should miss the Bridgerton family as there is one particular Bridgerton in the city. She may not have all the graces of Daphne's finesse to explain the rules of the game, and she certainly does not have Anthony's coveted mallet, but she does bring with her a sense of familiarity.

Of course she does not bring with her any sense of decorum and instead of calmly crossing over to where Kate was, she's now excitedly standing over her.]

Kate! [If anyone else has to be in this city, she is nearly glad it is Kate Sharma. Any of her brothers would be a freight if they knew half the things she's been up to (though she misses Benedict dearly). She is unsure how Daphne's sensibilities would respond to such a place. But Kate she admires and respects, and she probably knows so much more of the things here than Eloise does.]

When did you get here?

[lilysoap]

[ Kate may have been thinking about the Bridgertons, but she wasn't expecting one to actually show up here. For someone usually so graceful, even she stumbles to her feet out of surprise. ]

Miss Eloise! [ They aren't sisters but her protective streak kicks in all the same. She would hate Edwina being here, and she can imagine Anthony would feel the same way about any of his sisters. Eloise isn't her responsibility - but if Anthony isn't here, she almost feels like she has to watch over her and be a stand-in older sibling. ]

I could ask you the same question. I just arrived. Is the rest of your family here?

[ Don't sound so hopeful, Kate. It changes nothing if they are. She's a Sharma, not a Bridgerton. ]

[aspirers]

[Ah, where are her manners. She shouldn't have forgotten them so easily, but well a month of this place has rubbed off on her a little more readily. She smiles a bit and dips her head, but she is truly glad to see a familiar face.]

I arrived a few weeks back, but I must tell you you are the first familiar face I have seen since arriving. [Somewhat to her relief. It's certainly given her room to grow here without a particular brother threatening to duel any man she chooses to engage with.]

You are stuck with just me it seems.

reaction mechanism.

[mislay]

[ He doesn't know what it is about this city and its weird kinks, but at least the blindfold isn't the worst thing to be wearing. They still have their clothes on, and he's not being pushed to do something he really doesn't feel the urge to do. It's the least of his concerns, though his partner – from the sound of it – isn't really having it either.

If she could see him, he'd probably look almost amused. ]

And what needs do you think I have? I'm here for the same reasons you are.

[ Because he's required to attend. ]

[lilysoap]

[ It's probably a good thing she can't see him because if she caught him looking the slightest bit amused, she might mistake his expression for mockery and the conversation would quickly turn sour. ]

By virtue of forced attendance, lest we be punished?

[ She usually doesn't follow orders, but even she isn't foolish enough to get into trouble on her first day. ]

Some men might take advantage of this situation. [ Obviously she doesn't want him to, she just sounds surprised. And relieved. ]

I would thank you for being a gentleman, but I should not have to. [ She's not about to swoon over the bare minimum from a man. ]

[mislay]

[ Well, he'd certainly be punished since he's a submissive, but without being able to see her, he can't tell what designation she is. ]

Yes. [ The answer is flat. ] I get the hesitation, but you should know they have ways to work around that.

[ Larus isn't even talking about himself, and since they're alone, he decides to end the "game" by removing his blindfold. There's a quick glance in her direction, though it's less an inspection than it is a simple look. Not a submissive then. He can hear her heart beating so steadily though, strong. ]

We can talk better if you take your blindfold off. [ He clearly doesn't care about the rules. ]

company picnic

[marriageable]

Oh, don’t apologize. You’re quite alright. [ The lilting voice that greets Miss Sharma is warm, genial even.

If the other woman were to look at her, however, there would be no hint of recognition to be found. Though it’s likely to be veiled by the affable way Daphne Bridgerton possesses. An easy friendliness, especially to somebody who looked, in a way, familiar to her.

Specifically, Kate’s dress was more than familiar. Indeed, just about the only person she had spotted in days dressed in the fashions she is accustomed to. It’s why she had chosen to approach, a small smile twisting on her mouth. Hopeful. ]

Do you mind if I sit with you?

[lilysoap]

[ Kate couldn't actually see who she was addressing when she looked up, only the silhouette of a woman while squinting against the sun. It's only she hears her voice that she understands it's yet another one of Anthony's sisters - the Duchess of Hastings, in fact. After stumbling upon Eloise earlier and being informed she was the only Bridgerton, it completely takes her by surprise to see Daphne...

Daphne, who once caught Kate almost kissing her eldest brother, and now she's face to face with her after spending the night with him. She can't quite look the duchess in the eyes at first, but she's going to have to because it would be very rude if she didn't and the last thing she wants is to offend her. ]

By all means, Your Grace. [ Kate would stand up and curtsey before her but it's too late when she's already sat down, so she just bows her head respectfully. ] Forgive me, I was not prepared for your presence.

[ Yes, that's why she's nervous. No other reason... ]

Are you well?

[marriageable]

[ Kate has nothing to worry about. Daphne doesn't recognize her; she certainly has no knowledge of whatever illicit things she's done with her brother. Not that she'd put anything past Anthony, really. She's aware of his other activities, even if she disapproves of them. Not like she can exactly judge.

Your Grace. Initially, it does not strike her as out of place. The title is new to her, yes, and a little strange to hear (even though it had nearly been Your Highness instead). But it's the proper address. There's nothing abnormal about that.

It's only, nobody else has addressed her as such until this moment, and she doesn't recall seeing this woman at court. Most alarmingly, Kate is not fast enough to conceal the fleeting look of panic that ghosts across her features before it smooths away.

Even with it gone, she looks less than at peace to be... disrupted, perhaps? Daphne is far from daft, but she reasons with herself maybe she's just being paranoid. She's not exactly at home here. ]

I am... faring the best I can, under the circumstances. Thank you for asking. [ And more than a little relieved to have found a kindred soul! There is a rustle as she maneuvers her skirts in order to plant herself beside her, smoothing them out once she has. Primly, she half-faces her new companion. ] And yourself, Miss...?

[bigbads]

( honestly, how many times does one girl gotta get orientated? Bee felt she got the idea of the place the first time around, and got to head to the Down with paint splotches all over her to prove it. still, here she is. again! and she's trying not to be a little put out about it. honestly, she's not sure she's into the blindfold thing. she kind of likes knowing what is going on, and having one sense stripped from her is a bit more unsettling than she'd like it to be.

still, she doesn't have room to be a choosy beggar just yet. she is unceremoniously deposited in a room by a stranger, and before she can really get a sense of where she is someone speaks to her, and lets her down gently. )

Okay, ( Bee says agreeably, because look, if that's the vibe she can respect it! she's not exactly jumping for joy that she's been roped into this, either. honestly the double blinded thing is a total miss for her. she suspects it'd be kinda fun to push the sensory limit of a blindfolded partner, but being equally limited makes her immediately less inclined. ) But just so you know, last time they made me do one of these things, I didn't get to leave until I fulfilled the assignment. You can't see it, but I just did this thing? With my eyebrows.

( a if you know what i mean eyebrow waggle. so sad it was lost on her company. anyway, the point is if some perv will mark them as free to go if they make out a little, her company sounds hot, so, Bee supposes she is game. if not, well, good luck to the girl finding someone she'd be amenable to eventually. )

[lilysoap]

Last time? [ The incredulity in her voice. Was this woman suggesting she'd have to participate in something like this again? Was once not enough discomfort? She lets out a disgruntled breath at her disclosure.

Of course, none of this is this other woman's fault so she shouldn't take her anger out on her. She should learn what she can from someone with past experience, someone who appears to want to be helpful.

(The mention of her eyebrows is a little odd to Kate, but she doesn't comment on it.) ]

And what was your assignment? [ She dreads to ask, but curiosity gets the better of her. She ought to know what horrors might befall her. ]

[bigbads]

Arts and crafts, but kinky. Make dick molds or fool around covered in paint, nude sketching. Definitely better than this.

( same air of you will do what we want it isn't optional, but at least she'd been able to pick her poison, so to speak. and see her poison, too. this whole blindfolded business is really not doing it for her. )

Speed dating is awkward enough without a blindfold, in my experience. You're a dominant, huh? Maybe you can get away with ditching yours. ( is she hoping that being young and blonde means Kate will take pity on her and kiss her a few times so she can be done with this song and dance? yes, yes she is. so sue her! she'd rather get it over and done with, and Kate seems as good a mark as she's going to get as any. )

company picnic

[belonged]

[ if there's anyone who understands complicated sibling relationships, it's Lena. though to be honest, Lex hasn't been on her mind in the last few days and she's grateful for it. the less she thinks of her brother, the happier she is. it's why she's in good spirits when she looks for a blanket to share.

she doesn't mean to interrupt the woman's thoughts, though considering how preoccupied with them she was, she can't help but wonder if she could use someone to listen. Kate's a classic beauty, and Lena's style is far more modern - she's in a fitted black skirt and vibrant red blouse, with heels that might look like an impractical choice. she sits easily, smoothing over the front of her skirt, and nods towards the new dominant.]

There's no need to apologize, I was the one intruding on your thoughts.

[ she smiles, sincere yet guarded.]

I can't recall seeing you around, and we all have a tendency to bump into each other at one point or another. Are you a new arrival?

[lilysoap]

[ Kate has never seen a lady in clothes like Lena's before, but she has to admire the fabrics and flattering fitting once she's seated in a position to observe up close. Obviously she doesn't stare too much, not wanting to make her feel like she's under some kind of scrutiny. She's had enough looks from the ton back home that she would never want to make another woman feel so judged.

Her head shakes at the woman's apology. ] You were no intrusion. It is dangerous for me to linger with my thoughts for too long. It is I who should be thanking you for the distraction.

[ She sends a small but genuine smile Lena's way. ]

I am new to this society. [ She confirms, smoothing her gloved fingers over her gown. ] And unsettled, but one must remain composed.

[ If she can handle the ton - which is practically a lion's den - she can handle this. ]

Assuming you've been here an unfortunate period to notice an unfamiliar face, may I ask how long?

[belonged]

You're right, your composure will serve you well here.

[ though it's not a simple thing to ask in a city that constantly seeks to unsettle them. for now, Lena merely admires that understanding and moves on. she'll help her if she can, but she would've done that in any situation.]

It's been seven months for me. There are others who've been here for two or three years.

[ from what she's seen, that's the longest anyone has been here - though she suspects the program may have started at that time, given what she knows of all of this.]

Some come and go within a few weeks. It varies. And with no obvious pattern to it.

Company Picnic

[dancingknives]

[The man that's standing over Kate is a strong contrast to her: he's dirty, for one, because Aloïs can't resist the draw of physical competition, and wrapped up in soft leathers and more medieval dress that's well-loved and frayed around the edges. What weapons and other tools that haven't been taken away from him or lost to fighting in the Down are strapped to his hips and thighs. Really, the only thing about the rogue's appearance that might not seem out of place and singular to the city, is the dark line streaking down the column of his throat.

Aloïs eyes Kate skeptically. The rogue's prejudices already incline him not to playing nice with someone who looks to his eyes like a fancy and spoiled princess. Naturally, he's made to wait to do something for the purposes of someone like that. That's the prerogative of the so-called higher orders. When Kate moves her dress, Aloïs shrugs and drops himself heavily down on the blanket next to her and starts pulling off dust-streaked gloves with his teeth.]

If you're waiting for an escort to get involved, I wouldn't hold your breath in a place like this.

[How to make friends and influence people.]

[lilysoap]

[ Kate isn't one for judging people on their appearance. She might look like a pampered princess, but looks can be deceiving. Back home she often got her dress muddy whenever she snuck out to go horseback riding - which she did so astride, a very unladylike choice. And while she's managed to learn everything that helps her blend into society, her father was a clerk, certainly not a rich or important man, so she's not one for looking down on others, not if they're kind. She's met some very well-dressed people with awful personalities. Someone's character will always be more important to Kate than their looks. Her father taught her that.

She notes his weapons and Submissive mark, but her gaze doesn't linger too long on them, looking away respectfully. ]

I wait for no one, sir, nor do I require an escort.

[ And since she's curious about whatever he's been participating in - ] Are you a victor or here to lick your wounds?

[dancingknives]

[His focus is attracted somewhat by her not shying away from his jab. She's a little tough, huh?

But the rogue 'hmphs' softly at the idea that he lost (that mage cheated, damn it), but yes, he did in fact come out worse for his efforts in capture the flag. It's written all over him in the amount of dust clinging to his form. He lobs his gloves down onto the blanket and flexes his fingers.]

The latter. This city's full of people who don't have much respect for an old fashioned dust up, and who would rather throw their abilities everywhere to barge their way into a victory. Can't compete with that when I can't even get my hands on them. [If there's any food around, he's going to reach for it and cram a bit into his mouth.]

Nothing here to your taste, I'm guessing. [It's a rude presumption about her willingness to engage in any of the events or sexual situations happening around them.]

Reaction Mechanism

[requiemshark]

[ This isn't the worst thing that Duplicity's tossed him into, but it's far from a fun time. He's only got the one eye left and a mess of brutal scars across his face, and the thought of letting a stranger into proximity has his shoulders creeping up toward his ears.

Yet, this is happening.

He keeps his back firmly to the wall, in the meantime. ]

We can stay in our corners.

[ His voice is rough. Smoke inhalation did a number on him years ago. ]

But they might not let us out otherwise. Things tend to escalate around here.

[lilysoap]

[ Escalate. That word troubles Kate. Things haven't stopped escalating for her since she came to London. And now she's in another society she has to learn to navigate, but one that's entirely out of her comfort zone.

'Might not' doesn't sound like he's certain, but is she willing to risk being blindly trapped with a stranger indefinitely? Her stubbornness might encourage her to. ]

You speak from experience, I presume? I am decidedly unaccustomed.

[ In other words, she's fresh meat. ]

reaction mechanism

[kimmish]

[Guided towards his newest partner, Kim's brows lift significantly upon hearing her voice. Her voice, when he is quite aware that in things like this they're expected to perform some sort of intimacy. Not that Kim has never kissed a woman before, but the instances have been few, far between and largely when he was much younger and rather more questioning about his leanings.

Suffice it to say, her preferences do not bother him. Though he doubts either of them will have much choice in the end. Still, there's no harm in trying.]

I'm completely in agreement. [His voice is soft, a bit high and very much indicative of good British breeding. For a certain value of good, anyway. Kim takes a few more steps towards the source of his partner's voice and then stops again.] What would you like to discuss, Miss....?

[lilysoap]

[ They've never met, but there's a familiarity to his accent that makes her feel somewhat at ease, as though she were meeting a member of the ton. After all, there's no man part of the ton that she can't handle. This is within her comfort zone.

He sounds like a gentleman, especially by addressing her as 'Miss', and the fact that he concurs with her is reassuring. ]

Miss Sharma, sir. [ He sounds closer, but not too close for comfort. ] Anything but the weather. [ She manages a laugh, then pauses to consider a topic. ]

What would you be doing if you were not here? [ She can get an idea of who he is by how he might be spending his day back home, she thinks. ]

Picnic

[gardienne]

[Eponine's had her clothes returned to her as well: without anything else, or any means to get more at the moment, she's stuck with her rags. It's bothered her more here in Duplicity, where most are dressed finely, than it did in Paris. But today, at the picnic, Eponine's more relaxed. She doesn't move to sit on Kate's blanket, too nervous inside about being told to go away. Instead, at Kate's invite, she sits on the grass.]

I wasn't meaning no harm, Ma'am. Just, I was thinking about your dress, Miss. How lovely it is. Is it silk? And the beads... Miss, you look lovely, you know? Like a painting, perhaps? Or a princess from a story.

[lilysoap]

[ Other than Bon (and her sister doesn't technically count because she's family), no one's probably ever said something so nice about her. It's enough to make her speechless for a moment, unprepared with handling such compliments. ]

You are too kind. It is silk, made by a talented dressmaker in Bombay. [ It's a shame she only has the one here, and even more so that it reminds her of the viscount she wishes to forget. ]

Please, you are more than welcome to sit closer. [ She notices she's on the grass and that simply won't do. ] What is your name? [ She must know the name of someone so gracious. ]