third ⚡ special delivery

[ramuhs]

Type: Video
Sender ID: ramuhs (Cid, featuring Zelda)
To: Public
Subject: Special Delivery
Warnings: None

[ Those who tune in will be greeted to seeing Cid and Zelda sitting next to each other. With a small wave, Cid will go first. ]

Well, things have been quite the mess as of late, hasn't it? Fortunately, Zelda and I have started a little venture that may be of great benefit to everyone.

[ Cid is going to let Zelda start, so he'll move the camera so that she's the focus. With the camera turned to her, Zelda offers a wave and a smile herself. ]

Last week, I acquired a potion recipe for a remedy that temporarily alleviates the "ailment" which many of us have recently become afflicted with. This remedy suppresses the negative effects of the ailment for a few days, allowing for close collaboration between people who would normally trigger an adverse reaction in one another.

[ Cid briefly pops onto the screen with a wide grin. ]

And it works!

[ He'll then grab Zelda's hand and make a show of waving it around, as if in celebration… When really it's another clue as to what this "remedy" is as their insignias are fully visible and glowing ominously. ]

Now typically, each dose of the remedy must be tailored to the individual taking it, necessitating different ingredients for different people. As you might guess, they tend to be costly. But after some careful testing and adjustments, my crew and I are able to reliably recreate the remedy without needing to adjust the recipe each time.

[ And she looks very pleased with this accomplishment. (Never mind the fact that she has to use her sealing power to enchant each dose.) ]

To help Zelda distribute these remedies, I've offered my crew's services to deliver them to specific locations for easier unloading.

[ Read: not in major ports where they would be scrutinized. ]

However, should there be any who have grown tired of the tension in the major cities and would like a bit of a "getaway," there are a few distant islands that I can recommend. Private, out of the way—perfect for those who may want to spend a few days away from it all. Perhaps even for a moonlight tryst?

[ A playful wink because yes, he's talking to you special couples who are suffering the worst of this whole stupid insignia debacle. Although not said outright, instead of just recommending, the Hideaway crew will ferry those interested for a small extra fee, information that can be discussed upon contact.

At the words "moonlight tryst," Zelda blushes. That may have been one of the methods used in testing the efficacy of different versions of the remedy. She quietly clears her throat before going on. ]

Please bear in mind this remedy has a nasty drawback that we are yet unable to mitigate: once it wears off, you will experience the delayed effects of the ailment in full all at once. The severity of the pain is directly proportional to the proximity and duration of contact with the person who would normally trigger an adverse reaction in those suffering this ailment.

[ Translation: the closer you are to someone and the longer you spend with them, the more it’s going to hurt when the potion wears off. ]

I recommend using these remedies only in moderation.

Now we only have so much supply and so many hands, so it's best if word doesn't spread too far or fast.

[ In other words, keep it on the down low, guys, they don't need enforcers from either side getting onto them. ]

But if you have any questions or concerns, you're welcome to bring them up here.

[ OOC: This is a joint network post between Cid and Zelda advertising Zelda's special potions that will help counter the effects of the insignia. Cid is partnering up to help deliver the potions in secluded areas away from watchful eyes while also offering a type of ferry service for those from different Armadas who want a safe, private place to meet up (especially couples). Both will be able to respond, but depending on the topic only one will if it's focused on their part of the operation. ]

Comments

voice;

[sunsetking]

How kind of you both.

[An almost lazy drawl.]

What's the estimated time limit on these remedies?

[multidisciplinary]

In trials, the longest a remedy remained effective was fifty-eight hours and thirteen minutes. [ A little under 2.5 days. ] My conservative average would be fifty to fifty-two hours.

[sunsetking]

[a thoughtful hum.]

And that's the max? Has there been a minimum time limit?

[multidisciplinary]

[ She pauses to think. ]

Excluding the times when it wasn't effective at all, I believe the shortest time recorded was a little over twenty-four hours.

But that was a failed formula and it's an outlier from the rest of the trial data I collected.

[ Thoughtfully, ] Why do you ask?

[sunsetking]

Because you can't completely guarantee the results will be the same from person-to-person to reach the fifty-two hours. By considering both minimum and maximum time limits, you're able to provide an ample window of time so they know how soon it can potentially wear off if something prevents the potion from working as it should.

[Not that he's trying to find flaws in Zelda's potions, mind you. But he'd rather it be transparent if there was a minimum time limit that they can be exposed to.]

[ramuhs]

Well, can't very well stand by if we have the resources and means to help others.

[join them leona]

[sunsetking]

Now, who said anything about standing by? Just don't go getting yourselves caught if word reaches the wrong ears.

[Make him, old man.]

[ramuhs]

I think we've all had enough time behind bars for that, so we'll doing our best. Besides, while the may not be happy it's not as if what we're doing is illegal. Officially.

[maybe he already is]

[sunsetking]

Hm, just being some good souls, huh. At least y'all seem to have enough help with it to ensure it's distributed properly.

[ramuhs]

I don't imagine this to be a wide scale operation given that we are also supposed to be more covert, but I would never refuse another willing hand.

Perhaps you'd care to join us?

[sunsetking]

[A brow raise.]

In what? Distributing your potions? Think I'll have to pass on that.

[He doesn't want to get caught up in all of that, sorry. Unless Cid is talking about something else...]

[ramuhs]

[A quiet laugh.]

I thought you might say as much. But if you'd be interesting in joining us in other ways, you could.

Seems like you've been quite comfortable around the crew for a while now.

[sunsetking]

[This is what happens when you keep feeding a cat.]

Ain't like you ever bothered kicking me out whenever I stop by.

[And take naps there.]

[ramuhs]

Then why not make it official and join our merry crew.

[sunsetking]

...

[Slow blink.]

Only as long as you keep feeding me.

[ramuhs]

You know you can't eat completely free. You'd still have to do some work.

[sunsetking]

I guess.

[...Enjoy your new crew member?]

[ramuhs]

Shall I take that as a yes?

[A large cat to join the birds.]