[b] [i] NOW PLAYING AS: $!{player_first_name} [/i] [/b] [i] In a hotel in Dia… [/i] “Now this is the life!” $!{roommate_name} jumps on top of a king sized bed, sinking into the formerly immaculately made bed. $!{roommate_he_she} sighs in content, leaving you to listen to the bellman that has been attached to your side since you and your roommate checked into Cape Odessa. The journey from Lox to Dia was pretty much smooth sailing. *if (vehicle = "car") You and $!{roommate_name} took turns driving your car and sharing your playlists during the ride. All of your lives were stuffed in the backseat and you almost couldn’t see out of the rear view window due to the number of suitcases you two brought. In just a matter of hours, your car was safely parked near the hotel by a valet and you two were checking into a hotel whose nightly rates were easily an entire paycheck at your job. *if (vehicle = "rideshare") Since you didn’t have your own car, another person from Odessa’s Royal Guard came down to fetch you and $!{roommate_name}. They didn’t talk much during the whole ride, only occasionally asking you and $!{roommate_name} if you needed to stop or if you were hungry. Needless to say, that gave you two plenty of opportunities to watch the scenery morph from the tall trees that surrounded Lox to the sprawling land that surrounded Dia. *if (vehicle = "bus") Since you didn’t have your own car, another person from Odessa’s Royal Guard came down to fetch you and $!{roommate_name}. They didn’t talk much during the whole ride, only occasionally asking you and $!{roommate_name} if you needed to stop or if you were hungry. Needless to say, that gave you two plenty of opportunities to watch the scenery morph from the tall trees that surrounded Lox to the sprawling land that surrounded Dia. *if (vehicle = "bike") Since you didn’t have your own car, another person from Odessa’s Royal Guard came down to fetch you and $!{roommate_name}. They didn’t talk much during the whole ride, only occasionally asking you and $!{roommate_name} if you needed to stop or if you were hungry. Needless to say, that gave you two plenty of opportunities to watch the scenery morph from the tall trees that surrounded Lox to the sprawling land that surrounded Dia. Your bicycle was safely strapped down on top of the car. You had no idea if you’d even have time to use it to go anywhere, but better safe than sorry, you thought. *if (vehicle = "motorcycle") Since you didn’t have your own car, another person from Odessa’s Royal Guard came down to fetch you and $!{roommate_name}. They didn’t talk much during the whole ride, only occasionally asking you and $!{roommate_name} if you needed to stop or if you were hungry. Needless to say, that gave you two plenty of opportunities to watch the scenery morph from the tall trees that surrounded Lox to the sprawling land that surrounded Dia. You would’ve much rather rode the whole way on your motorcycle, but instead it was hitched up on a small trailer behind the car. “Relax, $!{player_first_name}, it’s not going anywhere,” $!{roommate_name} assures, amused that you kept checking over your shoulders every five minutes to make sure it was still there. *if (vehicle = "feet") Since you didn’t have your own car, another person from Odessa’s Royal Guard came down to fetch you and $!{roommate_name}. They didn’t talk much during the whole ride, only occasionally asking you and $!{roommate_name} if you needed to stop or if you were hungry. Needless to say, that gave you two plenty of opportunities to watch the scenery morph from the tall trees that surrounded Lox to the sprawling land that surrounded Dia. You turn towards said bellman, giving him a smile. That prompts him to start talking about what you’re supposed to be doing next. *page_break “Again, welcome to Dia, $!{player_first_name}. I’m Kevin. If you need anything during your stay, call on me. Ross and Ryr were supposed to also be here when you arrived, but they got caught up in another situation,” Kevin explains, motioning for the two of you to move inside the hotel room as another group of bellmen begin to place your suitcases down inside of the room. $!{roommate_name} was lounging around in one of the two king beds that this room had. The walls were painted in the Odessan colors and featured various decorations like photographs of the palace, the palace gardens and other sights around Dia and Odessa. The two beds face a huge window that spans half of the room and gives you a view of the entire city, which has a healthy variety of green space and buildings. “Ross and Ryr will be both your and $!{roommate_name}’s bodyguards during the entire competition. They should be done with their situation by the time you’re due to meet with everybody on your schedule,” Kevin says. *if (background = "guard") You chuckle a bit to yourself at the thought of them alongside you for this whole crazy event. It'll probably be just like the good 'ol days, you muse to yourself. You shake your head to focus back at the matter at hand. Right. You’re meeting some web people, the Royal Dresser and the Royal Family today. “One thing will change though. We’re going to get you fitted first before you meet everybody. We didn’t think you would arrive so early, so just more time for Rumi to work their magic. $!{roommate_name} is more than welcome to accompany you, if you wish.” Before you could even consider if you wanted your roommate along with you, $!{roommate_name} answers for you. “Go ahead, Roomie. I’m just gonna lay in what is probably the softest mattress in the world and catch up on sleep I didn’t even know I was missing,” $!{roommate_name} says, throwing up ${roommate_his_her} hand as a goodbye before rolling over on ${roommate_his_her} side, ${roommate_his_her} back facing you and Kevin. “Guess that answers that,” you say as Kevin chuckles. *page_break He waits for the extra doormen to finish moving all of your items in before he leads you out of the hotel room. Before long, the two of you are in the hotel lobby, waiting on the two guards to come pick you up. “So Ross and Ryr will drive you around the first few days. After that, you are free to move around any way you choose, whether that is your own vehicle or using our public transportation,” Kevin says, glancing down at his watch as it vibrates. “Nice. They’re here. See you later, $!{player_first_name}. I’m just a phone call away if you need anything.” You nod, smiling a bit at Kevin before you duck outside to meet your ride. Ryr and Ross are in a sleek black car with tinted windows, though Ross is the only one outside of it. Ryr is in the front seat with the window down, tapping away his cell phone. “Hey $!{player_first_name}. Hope the journey wasn’t too bad!” Ross exclaims, opening the door for you. Ryr glances up from his cell phone to give you a nod and a small smile before going back to what he was doing. After you slide inside and buckle up, Ross does the same thing in the driver’s seat. Soon all three of you are headed towards the location of your fitting. By the way…how into fashion are you? *fake_choice #I typically just wear the same three colors all the time. *set formal %-3 *set bold %-3 #I’m super into fashion. My closet is full of the latest trends. #I might as well be the dictionary definition of the word! *set reputation %+1 #If wearing a shirt and sweatpants constantly counts as fashion, then I’m super into it. *set snarky %+3 *set sarcastic +1 #I’m not really into fashion, but I wouldn’t mind trying to get into it more. *set formal %-3 After about 10 or so minutes of driving, Ross stops the car in front of a brick building bearing the name “Royally Rumi”. It’s Ryr that opens the door for you this time and you smile in thanks. You watch as Ross apparently begins to secure the perimeter, glancing behind the building and inside of nearby cars. “Is this all really necessary?” You ask Ryr, who seems to choke on air. “Uh, very, $!{player_first_name}. It might not seem like it, but you have a lot of eyes on you now,” Ryr answers, as if you were supposed to already know the answer to this. “Not just the Royal Family, either. You’re already the front runner in the competition, all because of your compatibility score.” Ross joins the two of you after he’s satisfied with his perimeter check. “Ryr is right. We’ve tried to keep the scores for all the contestants under wraps but inevitably, they will get out before the competition starts." *page_break Ryr heads to the front door of the shop and easily walks in, holding the door open for you and Ross. The storefront is empty at the moment, with no signs of this said Rumi person. While the two brothers look around for the store owner, you marvel at the different racks with numerous hues, fabrics and clothing article types. You couldn’t even begin to guess the price tag on any of these. As your fingers brush against a blazer jacket, you hear the sudden laughter of somebody. A person emerges from behind a curtain in the back of the store, a cell phone to their ear. They’re wearing a pitch black cape around their shoulders and a bright pink dress shirt underneath. Black trousers and black shoes completes their look. “Look, love, I’ve got to go. I’m expecting some special people soon,” the person says and after a few more pleasantries, they hang up. “Rumi, there you are!” Ross and Ryr emerge from a halfway you hadn’t even noticed and move over to Rumi. Ross gives the person a hug, while Ryr keeps his distance but still smiles. “My favorite Odessa guards. You’re early. Where is my future $!{player_title}?” Rumi asks, eventually spotting you near the door. They smile and head your direction. “Hi, $!{player_first_name}! Aren’t you the sweetest little thing in all of Odessa? Besides me, of course,” Rumi says, smoothing out their cape before throwing a hand out. “I’m Rumi.” *if (background = "guard") You never had the pleasure of meeting this Rumi person when you were in the Guard, but you always heard nothing but good things about them. You shake it, taking Rumi’s appearance. They’re on the pale side, with short grey hair. Despite Rumi’s hair color, you’re pretty sure they’re way younger than greying age. They have small gold hoops in both of their ears and one through their nose as well. “Well, enough marveling at you. I can do that in the dressing room. Come along,” Rumi says, barely waiting for you to follow after them before disappearing behind the curtain they appeared through earlier. You look to Ryr and Ross who motion for you to follow. “Ross and I will wait for you out here. If you start cutting it close on time, we’ll come and get you,” Ryr says. With that, you follow behind Rumi, wondering just what the shop owner had in store for you. *page_break Apparently, what Rumi has in store for you was lots of measurements. Lots and lots of measurements. They measured your chest, your waist and your hips. Rumi took detailed notes of your shoe size, each freckle and scar you had on your body, even every birthmark. As they marked down everything about you and your body, you learn a lot more about them. You learn how they’re the only one of their six siblings to not go into the family business of working at a car dealership that had been in their family since cars even existed. You also learn that it was by a chance encounter with the Queen’s sister while on vacation that landed them the role as official royal designer and dresser. “The Queen’s sister had lost all of her luggage during a flight. I just so happened to hear her complaining to her guard about it at baggage claim. Before I knew it, I was prancing over there with my own baggage in tow and offering my services,” Rumi says while wrapping your waist with yet another tape measure. According to Rumi, they just so happened to have a sample dress in the size that the Queen’s sister needed, in their luggage. “I was going to show it off to a local boutique but hell, I’d say the Queen’s sister is much more important. She took the dress and my number with her and before I had even checked into my hotel, she was calling me and offering me a job,” Rumi adds, putting away the tape measure and finally allowing you to sit down on the platform they had you standing on for about 30 minutes. “Eventually I decided I wanted to open up my own clothing place, yet still serve a royal family. I left the country of Tisley with a great recommendation from the Queen’s sister and opened up a place here in Odessa. I’ve been here ever since, designing everything from Princess Mozelle’s coronation dress to Queen Ramona’s wedding dress,” Rumi finishes. They check off a few more things on their clipboard before grinning over at you. “Now I get to help dress you lovely contestants. Sure, you can get clothes at loads of places downtown, but they won’t be nearly as great as mine.” *page_break You watch Rumi as they disappear into yet another room and emerge with two big closet racks on wheels. Both racks were stuffed with every type and style of clothing you could imagine. “So I’m thinking these two racks has both your size and likely what you want to wear. Pick whatever you’d like, go try it on and I’ll make a few alterations for your competition wardrobe,” Rumi says with a wide smile. What would you like to wear for your series of introductions today? [i] Note: All options are available for all genders. [/i] *fake_choice #I actually like what Rumi has on, so I grab a cape, frilly undershirt and dress pants. *set player_clothing_style "rumi" *set bold %+5 *set reputation %+2 #Something revealing. I like the way that sheer shirt and those skin-tight pants look on the rack, so I grab those. *set player_clothing_style "revealing" *set bold %+5 *set flirty +1 #Something revealing. I’ve always been a fan of short skirts and tube tops, so I reach for them both. *set player_clothing_style "revealing" *set bold %+5 *set flirty +1 #Something casual. I pull out a pair of high-waisted jeans and a graphic t-shirt. *set player_clothing_style "casual" *set formal %-5 #Something casual. It might be a bit warm for a sweater, but I grab it and modest pair of shorts. *set player_clothing_style "casual" *set formal %-5 #Something royal inspired. I pull out a suit and tie, even a pair of white gloves for extra effort. The tie has both of Odessa’s official colors on it. *set player_clothing_style "royal" *set formal %+5 #Something royal inspired. I decide on a floor length gown and white gloves to match. *set player_clothing_style "royal" *set formal %+5 #Something smart. I love that houndstooth designed blazer, so I grab it and a matching skirt. *set player_clothing_style "smart" *set polished %+5 *set formal %+3 *set smarts %+3 #Something smart. I pick a button down shirt, dark colored jeans and a trenchcoat. *set polished %+5 *set formal %+3 *set smarts %+3 *set player_clothing_style "smart" #Something edgy. I grab a leather jacket and whatever I can find that's black and has silver studs on it. *set player_clothing_style "edgy" *set brawn %+3 *set cunning %+3 *set bold %+5 #Something frilly. If it's bright pink with a lot of bows, I get it. *set player_clothing_style "frilly" *set polished %+3 After putting on the clothing you decided on, Rumi makes final measurements before smiling once again. “Oh, $!{player_first_name}, you look amazing! Take that outfit with you and I’ll send over more things once I can make them or they can come in.” Rumi continues to fawn over you as the two of you walk back to the front of the store, much to Ryr and Ross’ delight. “Great. You’re just in time. The web team is ready for us,” Ryr reports, yet again looking down at his phone. You wondered if he ever unplugged from that thing. “That’s a new record, Rumi. Thought you would keep $!{player_first_name} back there for hours,” Ross teases, causing Rumi to roll their eyes. “I would’ve loved to, but $!{player_first_name} is apparently a busy bee. No matter, I’ll have plenty of inspiration now.” Rumi winks at the three of you before they turn around and walks back towards the back of the store. “Farewell, $!{player_first_name}. Don’t miss me too much!” Rumi calls. *page_break Your old office building in Lox has nothing on the building that’s before you. It seemed to reach into the skies with no end in sight. “This is essentially Odessa HQ. All of the royal initiatives are in this building. The Clean Water Campaign, Let’s Read, Odessa, all of that. Also, of course, Odessa Dates,” Ross explains as the three of you enter the building. *if (background = "guard") You remember a few of the initiatives, but they've certainly added more since you were in the Guard. Ryr chuckles underneath his breath and stares up at the building. "Whenever one of the heir's gets interested in something, the King makes an initiative for it," he hums to himself. "He's added nearly a dozen since you left." Ross glances back at the two of you behind him and shrugs. "Personally, I think they should make an initiative involving food or something. Or video games. Or both." Ryr just rolls his eyes as the two of you continue to move inside. You are greeted with an insanely monochrome lobby, with black and white couches scattered everywhere. Small machines scan all of the workers and guests’ eyes as they flow in and out of the building. Security guards keep careful watch as people move about. “C’mon, we’re heading to floor 18,” Ryr says, heading right through security after flashing his ID. A very cramped elevator ride later, you’re in another lobby, which has much more color than the ground floor. The words Odessa Dates are in a cursive script behind a pink haired secretary, who’s filing her nails boredly. *if (background = "guard") You recognize her immediately as Meredith Brinkley, Ryr's…friend with benefits or something. Ryr was never clear on her title but what clear was how often they broke up and got back together. *page_break The last you heard, the two of them weren't together, something that's clearly obvious when Ryr clears his throat to get her attention. Meredith looks up and narrows her eyes, but doesn't glare as long as she would've if you weren't there. "Oh! $!{player_first_name}, you're here! I haven't seen you in ages. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty excited finding out that you were coming here today," she says, getting up from behind her desk to come give you a quick hug. You hug her back quickly and after you let her go, you glance over at Ross and Ryr who look both amused and longing respectively. "Anyways, I'll let my boss know you're here," Meredith says, throwing a sniff in Ryr's direction followed by a quick smile to Ross. Before long, a gruff man with grey facial hair appears in a nearby doorway, wearing what is probably the most expensive dark blue suit you’ve ever seen. “You must be $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. Welcome. I’m Derek Briggs, Head Webmaster for Odessa Dates and various other royal websites. Come along, we have much to discuss,” Derek says, moving away from the doorway so you, Ryr and Ross could fit through. “Oh, Meredith, cancel the rest of my appointments today. Do not contact me unless it’s an emergency,” Derek tells her and she nods, batting her eyelashes towards her boss, much to Ryr’s dismay. You quickly walk through the door, figuring that Derek doesn’t appear to be the type of man to take kindly to having his time wasted. *page_break *goto_scene lyonmeeting “Welcome to Odessa Dates. How can I help you?” She asks, not even looking up from her nails. “Meredith, always a pleasure,” Ryr says, causing the secretary to jump up from her seat. “Oh my God,” Meredith says, hands flying to her desk phone. She’s still staring at the three of you as she dials a number without even looking at the receiver. “Mr. Briggs. Ryr, Ross and $!{player_first_name} are here. Uh huh. Yep. Gotcha. Alright.” Meredith hangs up the phone and smooths a hand over her hair. “Wow, sorry. I just thought that Ryr was kidding when he said he was coming by with you today,” she says. “I can’t believe you’re here. We all knew you were a real person but after only knowing you over a computer screen for so long, it’s still a bit shocking.” *page_break “It’s no problem,” you insist with a smile. “You and Ryr are friends?” Ross smirks and plays around with a loose thread on his uniform. “Oh, they’re friends alright.” Meredith narrows her eyes and crosses her arms. “Oh, Ross, dear, I forgot to ask. How was your last date with your hand?” This causes the normally stoic Ryr to burst out laughing. After calming down, he wraps an arm around his brother’s shoulders and hugs him to his chest. “Sorry bro, you have to admit that was pretty good.” Ross rolls his eyes, another smug smile appearing on his face. "Of course you'd think anything she says is good, given your history-" A door opening forces all of you guys to straighten up and at least attempt to act as if you were professional. A gruff man with grey facial hair is standing at the door wearing what is probably the most expensive dark blue suit you’ve ever seen. “You must be $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. Welcome. I’m Derek Briggs, Head Webmaster for Odessa Dates and various other royal websites. Come along, we have much to discuss,” Derek says, moving away from the doorway so you, Ryr and Ross could fit through. “Oh, Meredith, cancel the rest of my appointments today. Do not contact me unless it’s an emergency,” Derek tells her and she nods, batting her eyelashes towards her boss. Ryr huffs besides you and leads the line inside the door, a bit quicker than necessary. You quickly walk through the door after him, figuring that Derek doesn’t appear to be the type of man to take kindly to having his time wasted. *page_break *goto_scene lyonmeeting