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abraxasooc2022-07-20 10:26 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2022-07-20 10:26 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #8
TEST DRIVE MEME
Welcome to the eighth test drive meme for Abraxas! This meme is run a little bit differently than most in that you'll be asked to choose one of the three different arrival scenarios below for your character to take. If you have any questions about this mechanic or anything else related to the TDM, please take a look at the questions below or ask one of your own under the Questions header below. For general game questions please still use the FAQ.
Our Setting pages are full of information on the world of Abraxas, and an overview of the story so far can be found on our Game History page! Anything on that page - including information about the Horizon and the Singularity - can be assumed to be told to newcomers after they arrive, no matter which faction they are received in. For more information on Ambrose and the apprentice mages, Marlo, and Rowan, please see our NPCs page.
You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective questions threads.
◎ Rumor has it that two emissaries - a werewolf and a vampire - visited from Nocwich in early July. With them came some wares distributed to shops throughout each faction. A few sparse items may remain for purchase, such as glowing flowers or fine ales, but much of it has now been sold.
◎ New arrivals in THE FREE CITIES may hear a bit of chatter around Cadens about art, politics, and recent performances involving its sister city, Libertas. It's all standard fare - the kind of topics spoken about over a beer or in line at the market - but there's a small stir in the air.
◎ Lately, locals in SOLVUNN have begun to approach the Summoned with a sort of awe and respect. New arrivals will find themselves treated much the same way and may be asked for advice or given gifts that seem like offerings such as wine, harvest bounties, or some delicious goat cheese. Your character is free to turn these down and should they turn down enough people, they will not be bothered further as no one wishes to offend them.
Arrival
You awaken suspended in the abyss, silent darkness stretching out in all directions. If you try to yell, you'll find that the sound doesn't carry. If you try to move, you'll find it's impossible to tell whether or not you're actually getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying last time you remember being awake, your hand will only touch bare skin.
You're naked and floating helplessly through the void, and what little air you have in your lungs is running out.
There's a pinprick of light that almost looks like a faraway star but as it grows it becomes clear that it's actually quite close. Through the opening you can see a bright room, but it's hard to make out any individual objects, as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.
Scenario One: Welcome to Thorne
A hand plunges through and you realize water is just what it is. Whether you take hold of the hand or not it will grab you and yank you up through the surface, lifting you out until you're sprawled on solid ground. Once you catch your breath, you can get a better look at the surroundings: tall trees and even taller stone pillars surround the platform you're laying on. Behind you is an ornate fountain, the base of which is so deep and so dark you might be compelled to scramble away from it lest it suck you back in to that endless abyss. Ahead of you are the walls of a large castle with several tall towers reaching up towards the sky.
If you had any powers, they feel unusually weak. Attempts to use magic or enhanced strength or powers of any sort fizzle out without any effect, but they don't feel completely gone, either.
Set into an indent on a marble slab behind the fountain is a card bearing the image of one of the arcana.
An apprentice mage - the one whose hand lifted you out of the fountain - brushes the water off on their robes and runs back to join a group of three others, who all stare intently at a mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. He peers up at you for a moment and starts flipping through the book.
"One moment," he says, not bothering to look up from the tome. He looks tired. "I am Ambrose Rhett, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne. We’ll explain everything in a moment, but for now, please calm down. You’re completely fine."
Regardless of your response, he keeps flipping through the pages, until he stops on one specific passage, stares at it for a moment, and then sighs with relief:
"Finally!"
Ambrose's expression brightens, relief visible across his features. He waves one of the apprentices over with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals and with a wave of his hand they reshape to fit you perfectly.
"Oh, thank heavens," he says, closing the book and approaching you with a sort of worn-out relief. “I was beginning to believe we’d never get it exactly right.”
Now that he's not hunching over the book, he doesn't seem quite so stuffy and inapproachable. The apprentices all seem to visibly relax, and the one that handed you the tunic stops to take the tarot card down from the marble slab. If you show any curiosity about the card, they'll let you take a longer look, but won't let you touch it.
"Please, come with me," he says, motioning for you to follow him towards the castle. "As promised, my pupils will explain your current situation. And, ah - if you had any magic of your own, or other special abilities you can't access right now, fear not, they'll return within the week. The summoning takes a lot out of you."
One of the apprentices steps forward and rattles on and on about the castle, Thorne itself, the names of a bunch of royals and nobles, and of course, your reason for being here. The Kingdom and the world itself is in great peril, and tales of your exploits have reached far and wide across universes. If asked about these exploits, the apprentice will simply smile and shrug. The High Mage was happy to see you and that's good enough.
Once inside the castle you're taken to the North Wing, which has been set up as living quarters for you and your fellow newcomers. There are four people to a room, but each generously-sized bed has opaque curtains that can be drawn around it. You can meet your roommates here and discuss your shared situation (those who were previously brought in may have a great deal of information to tell you), or you can wander around and meet the others.
There's also a dining hall stocked with a rotating 24/7 buffet in celebration of the new honored guests. Somehow, your very favorite food is part of the rotation (or at least an attempted recreation of it given the limited technology available to the Thorneans). The town surrounding the castle is all abuzz as well, with most shops and services willing to give free samples of their wares to the new arrivals.
You may also notice that your sign is embroidered on your tunic: the same image you saw on the card from before with the name of the sign itself beneath it. If you ask the castle residents, they'll tell you a little bit about your sign (and will mostly stick to the positives, although some might point out the negatives).
Last (and, if you ask anyone else in the castle, least) there is a worn stone staircase leading underground to the dungeon. You can go there, if you wish, but all powers are restricted in the dungeons and most of the cells stand empty.
Scenario Two: Welcome to the Free Cities
You find yourself pulled from the water by a pair of strong hands. Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a warm hard floor. As your senses return you realize you're on dull ruddy stone and surrounded by strangers. Men and women in unfamiliar uniforms of brown and red leather stand in a semi-circle around a small pool of water. The very pool you were just pulled from. The water is still now, rimmed in pale gold tiles with odd symbols etched into them. Across it on the far side is a raised pedestal with a card propped on it. The card bears an arcana symbol.
You feel weak. Drained. Any abilities or magical powers you have seem far away and impossible to access. You're in what looks like a cave lit by dozens and dozens of torches set into the wall. There's no furniture or decoration to be seen besides the pool. It's almost uncomfortably warm and there's the sound of rushing wind somewhere in the distance. Flickering shadows obscure the faces of the guards. A robed woman stands off to the side, looking at you anxiously and then to the authoritative woman standing before you. She's grinning, dressed in a fancier uniform than the others. There's a sword at her hip. A guard covers you with a blanket and returns to their place in the semi-circle.
The woman with the sword gives a nod of approval and smiles warmly.
"Sorry about the circumstances."
She gives you a good hard look before standing again.
"Take a minute, catch your breath, you've had quite a shock. Take it nice and easy. I'm Prime Minister Marlo Reiner and you're in The Free Cities. That nice lady over there will explain everything to you and get you settled." A nod to the robed woman off to the side.
Marlo Reiner steps back and the robed mage approaches to help you up.
"Come with me, please." She brings you out of the cave through a corridor that angles upwards until you emerge in what looks like some kind of storage facility. Shelves of wooden boxes and cloth bags line them, unidentifiable parts of what might be machines are tucked into corners and propped against shelving units. "This is one of the Free Cities' outposts," the mage explains as she leads you. "We're honored to have you with us, I'm sure you have many questions but please save them. You need to recover!"
You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military outpost on the outskirts of Cadens city. You're brought to a room in the barracks that's been prepared. Each barracks room is rather sparse and utilitarian. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You're told the world is in a delicate and dangerous times and you're needed to help. You're important, you're told, and they're very grateful you're here.
You're asked to stay close for the time being, but to make yourself at home. The outpost is more a proper military base than the name implies, with full facilities. The barracks have a communal bathing room at the end of the hall, with curtains that can be pulled around the individual raised round tubs for privacy. There's a mess hall that has food available from sun up till a few hours after sundown. You're even encouraged to make use of the training grounds, if you'd like, with non-lethal training weapons available for use and obstacle courses set up. And the city of Cadens is only a couple of hours away by wagon - though you're asked initially to please be back at the outpost within a few hours of the sun going down.
For your own safety.
Scenario Three: Welcome to Solvunn
The feeling of floating is the first sense that comes to you as the edges of unconsciousness start to ebb. Sunlight filters through the rippling water as you open your eyes, making you squint. Before you have the chance to panic and inhale, firm hands grasp your arms and pull you to the surface of the water. Moments later, soft warmth is wrapped around your shoulders as you're guided on unsteady legs out of a pool of water. You're lowered to the soft grass. Men and women in simple garments with lavish embroidery stand by, waiting with bated breath, glancing seriously at an old man in an ornate robe. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. His eyes move quickly over the page, and he mumbles idly to himself.
Any strength you may have possessed feels as though it has slipped through your fingers. Any abilities or magical powers you have don't come to the surface no matter how hard you try. You're in a grassy clearing in the midst of a circle of large stone slabs stacked to look like doorways. In the middle is the same glimmering pool you were just pulled from. A gentle breeze blows through, carrying the scent of flowers and herbs from an ornately decorated altar set off in front of one of the stone doorways. The mage closes his book and steps out of the water, addressing a matronly old woman. Behind her are two younger people, a rough-looking man, and a meek young girl, both of whom are also watching the mage.
“I detect no ill will from the gods, it seems we've been blessed with success.” Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased.
The old woman smiles and steps forward, offering to take your hands and help you stand. “Any gift the gods give us is one we will happily take. I'm certain you have many questions, and they will all be answered in time. For now, rest and know you will be taken care of.”
She pats the top of your hand and steps away with a serene smile, letting one of the others come forward with some clothes that seem to fit you perfectly. Once you're dressed, someone approaches to drape a delicate-looking charm depicting a long-horned creature with large wings on a thin chain over your neck. Ask around later, and you may find that it is a symbol of Vielehauffe, the God of the Herd.
The rough-looking man from before steps forward once you're decent and motions with his head outside of the stone circle. His speech is informal, his consonants harsh.
“Hold your horses, I can see all those questions coming about! Rowan March, at your service. I'm one of the council members of Solvunn. There's a lot to discuss, but it's best talked about over a hot meal.” He leads you to a horse-drawn carriage and helps you up into the back. He talks the entire ride to the settlement.
You find out you are in the Primary Settlement, the first of three that make up Solvunn's great territory. The settlement is situated between two lakes and is humming with life. You're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. Rowan explains that the living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be, that local families would also be happy to host you in their home. That there are others like you who have also taken up residence within the three settlements. You're told that the world hangs upon the brink of disaster and that there are those in this world that are happy to see it fall to ruin with their meddling.
You're important. The gods have graced them with your presence. They're delighted you're here. Welcome to Solvunn.
Everything you need has been provided in this humble apartment, and if it hasn't, there are shops that line the streets and a marketplace in the center of town. Owners of some establishments or stalls are more than happy to give out samples or barter with your time for their goods. Babysitting can be a very lucrative business. You're told of the other settlements, that they'd like you to stay here for now, but if you can find a family to host you, the secondary and tertiary settlements are best to get to with an escort.
There are tales of travelers visiting the secondary settlement without invitation disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective, young traveler.
You’ll find that there are more than enough activities to throw yourself into to better settle into your new life in Solvunn. Work is done in the first part of the day so that families can spend the rest of it together in leisure and work on their crafts - whatever those may be. For those children who are not of school age, they need nannies or storytellers, and there’s always a gaggle of them running about unsupervised. Families with livestock can always take a spare hand, especially since farms are so spread out, they have a tendency to wander. Whatever skills you may possess can always be of use to the community or to honor the gods.
If any of these options are no good for your lifestyle, the main roads between settlements can always use a bit of monster clean-up… just make sure you don’t go alone.
How many slots are open?
Please check the Taken page for how many player, franchise, and canon slots are available. Activity check will be processed before applications open, so the count may change between now and then. Existing players can apply for a second character without restriction.
How do I choose a scenario for my character?
Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Which faction your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their personal morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into any one of the situations.
Can I try out more than one scenario?
You can! But please keep in mind that only the one you eventually choose can be game canon, if you decide to keep any of your TDM threads.
What happens if my character refuses to comply with the NPCs?
They will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and the faction leaders will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, they will be warned once that everyone is willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight they will make good on that promise.
My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the cities, murdering the NPCs, etc.), what would happen to them?
Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other NPCs would be thrown back in the well (which will mean drowning in the void, not returning home). Brawling with other PCs and causing minor damage is fine and will be greeted with a cranky attitude and intervention from various NPC guards, and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Abraxans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.
I want to wildcard a prompt or use one of the prompts from an earlier TDM that isn't on this one (eg. the library), can I do that?
Yes, in terms of the settings. As Thorne is no longer imprisoning any newcomers, that option is no longer applicable.
Is the power loss for characters permanent?
No, but it does take a week or so for their powers to be back in full, and certain powers (determined on a case-by-case basis) may require nerfs. If your character has world-breaking powers, please discuss with the mods what modifications may be necessary.
Can my character leave the bounds of the faction?
In Thorne, characters can leave the castle but not the city. In Cadens, they can take a trip from the outpost to the city. In Solvunn, they can explore the entirety of the Primary Settlement.
Can my character eventually change factions?
Yes. While the faction borders are currently closed, there will opportunities in the future for characters to relocate. For the time being, they are stuck where they are.
How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?
This choice will determine where your character initially lives as well as the bias of the information they receive from NPCs (although other PCs can and most likely will give it to them a bit more straight). This decision - and every other major decision you make in game! - will also be used to flavor some mod surprises that will be coming down the line.
Don't get too anxious about this choice, though; this is just one choice you'll get to make in a game that has a lot of them, and every character in every scenario can work their way towards many, many individual goals and outcomes. You're not locking yourself out of anything in the future via the choice you made on the TDM. It will primarily impact the immediate future with the far-reaching effects being up to each player.
Are TDM threads mandatory for my application?
No, you may use other samples, but we encourage you to post to the TDM and get a feel for this game and its mechanics before you join. If you do not have a TDM thread you will still need to choose one of the three scenarios on your application.
What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?
You can ignore sign-related prompts if you're undecided (or try out different signs in different threads).
Can my character go to the Horizon?
First time visitors to the Horizon must be taken there by other characters, through either shared meditation or a physical journey to the Singularity, and all first-timers experience memory loss. For the purposes of the TDM, we suggest against using the Horizon.
What about making use of the network?
Much like Horizon they would need to be introduced to it by another PC, as no NPCs would be aware of the network or be able to access it. Because of this we would advise against using this mechanic for TDM top-levels.
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Sam Winchester | Supernatural | Strength
Not only is finding himself in another world nothing new, but the people there to welcome him are actually welcoming. They're even informative, and while they can't answer every question he has, he doesn't really expect them to. He's not sure if he should feel grateful for how amicable they are or suspicious about why, so he settles on both.
Might as well cover all bases, right?]
[Thorne]
[The castle is pretty cool, honestly.
Way better than the last place in an alternate dimension that he'd been, anyway, and while that's a very low bar, Sam is not going to be choosy. Instead, as soon as the basics of arriving are out of the way, he goes exploring.
For anyone who ends up being his roommate, he's friendly and might strike up a casual conversation first, particularly if whoever he's speaking with might seem a little distressed with this whole situation. Although he's very tall and potentially a little imposing, he smiles brightly and asks--]
Hey, doing okay?
[Anyone who might be lurking in the library can find him easily enough, as he collects several large history books and spreads them out on an empty table. He has some studying to do, but although he's very interested in reading, he's also very aware of his surroundings and approachable should anyone want to talk.
He'll also be more than willing to get books from the high shelves for anyone who might need the help, and may step in without being asked if someone looks like they're struggling.]
[Free Cities]
[Sam isn't all too drawn to the idea of the training grounds, as fighting is one of those things that's necessary in his life but not something he particularly enjoys. However, there isn't a whole lot else to do at the outpost, and so he does eventually make his way out to the training grounds. If he finds someone practicing alone, he'll make a casual offer.]
Need a sparring partner?
[The city of Cadens is much more interesting to Sam, and he spends awhile exploring it over the next few days. He spends a lot of time in the museums, and will strike up casual conversation with anyone who looks like they might be willing to nerd out. He can also be found in a tavern, reading over some information about the different academies available to study at. If someone that he knows isn't native to this world is nearby, Sam will gesture to the information and ask--]
Do you know anything about studying at one of these places?
[Not that he necessarily plans to, but the idea is fascinating.]
[Wildcard]
[Whatever goes!]
[[ooc: I haven't rped in awhile, so please forgive slowness and the fact that I will inevitably screw up my tenses. ♥]]
𝑖 𝑑𝑜 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑖 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡
He still rides out to the barracks every few weeks when they pull through a fresh batch of folks. Has been every single time since he got here himself, just on the off-chance one of his People happens to turn up.
Can't pretend like he isn't hoping for one specific person in particular when he goes.
Almost thinks he's seeing things when he spots a guy that's ninety percent hair and shoulders. It's a sledgehammer straight to the gut. )
Sam.
( That's all the warning he gets, called over the din of chattering soldiers as Dean strides purposefully across the room. No talk, not yet, he's just launching straight into a hug.
Dude, you have no idea how bad he missed you, okay? )
hell yeah even breaking out the fancyfonts
So he's really mostly surprised by the fact that Dean is here, and only slightly surprised by the sudden hug, and it's not like he's going to complain. Instead, after a moment of processing, he hugs Dean in return, maybe a little extra crushingly at first.]
Hey, Dean.
only the red carpet for u
( Thick, a little hoarse, and nary a hint of protest at that crushing Sasquatch grip. He holds out maybe a couple seconds too long; it's broaching on one of those somebody died and came back levels by the time he finally pulls back. He doesn't go far; one hand stays clamped down on Sam's shoulder, the other hovers somewhere near neck and jaw in a let me get a good look at you way.
The physical differences are probably more than either of them were expecting. Dean's likely a couple years younger, and on top of the 24/7 365 combat purgatory fit he'd been when he got here, he's been doing a hell of a lot of cliff climbing and real monster hunting. The kind that's less about interviewing witnesses and more about grappling with crap with wings or shells, massive animalistic monster monsters. He's in pretty friggin' fantastic shape these days.
Sam... yeah, Sam looks a little bit older than a year and a half or so probably ought to put on him. It's not glaring, not enough to throw him, just enough to bring him pause and put a little furrow in his brow. Vaguely, subconsciously off in a way he hasn't pieced together just yet. )
Holy crap am I glad to see you.
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But staring at each other isn't going to get them anywhere and Sam gives Dean's shoulder a few firm pats, returning the closeness and reinforcing that he's indeed here. They both are.]
Yeah. Feeling's mutual.
[Obviously, but still.]
When did you get here?
['Here' as in the world, considering it probably wasn't the same time as Sam unless Dean showed up in a totally different location.]
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Free Cities
So far she's been wrestling with running through the portal, leaving Kaia dead behind her, only to end up here instead of with Jodie, Sam and Dean. And it hurts, badly - which is naturally why she pushes that hurt really far down. At that question, though...
Claire snaps to attention so damn fast, and spins around, allowing Sam to see and recognize her face - as bruised and busted up as it had been in what is his past and her present. ]
Shit.
[ That about sums it up, right? ]
This is the part where you tell me I don't need to go find any silver, okay?
[ No really, Sam - she kinds needs this to be you in the flesh. ]
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Of course, he knows to be wary of the same sort of thing she is, but after running into Dean, Sam is willing to just tentatively hope that this is indeed Claire, particularly when she asks about silver. The real weirdness would be whether this is the version of Claire that he knows, but they can figure that out.]
You don't need to find any silver.
[He says it obligingly but also earnestly, a small smile and half a shrug going with it as he continues.]
Looks like you got into enough of a fight with something already.
[Just, you know, asking if she's okay without directly asking.]
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Hunt, before coming here. You should see the other guy.
[ She can forgive him not recognizing the bruising - it was dark in the Bad Place, and she currently still assumes he must have stumbled here from that portal, too, instead of being a few years ahead.
Though maybe she shouldn't. This place seems to play fast and loose with timelines, after all. Speaking of... a look of uncertainty crosses over her face. ]
So... you make it through the portal alright? From the Bad Place...
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Yeah, but that was uh... Awhile ago, for me. I think we're from different times.
[Not that that's the weirdest thing they could possibly have to deal with, but it's still strange.]
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free cities - training grounds
But wishing and whining like a child, even in his head, is pointless. He nods.]
Can you use a sword?
[Not that the blunted training weapon in his hand counts as a sword if it can't even kill anyone (without extra creativity). But it's close enough.]
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Can I? Sure.
[That's about it though. Sam's used a sword before, but it's so far outside what he's comfortable with and the skill he has with smaller blades doesn't really translate, but he's not about to let that deter him. It just means--]
I may not be much of a challenge, though.
[Said as he locates another practice sword, because he is totally fine with losing as long as he learns something.]
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If we were meant to truly challenge one another, we wouldn't be left with nothing but blunted blades meant for children.
[It's possible that this might prompt one to question what children in his homeland get up to in their free time. But he raises his own practice sword and moves closer rather than elaborate.]
Besides. It's always worth it to increase one's skill.
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[Not a particular skill of Sam's either, and he's joking--no real point, pun intended, to sharpening wooden practice swords--but sometimes you've just gotta' make a stupid comment.
He intends to play mostly defense because it's what he's likely to end up doing if he finds himself stuck with only a sword in a real fight, but also because it'll let him gauge Altaïr's strength and style. He's not sure that'll do him any good, but it seems like a good place to start as he raises his own weapon.]
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can't resist { Was this over before, before it ever began
She's not surprised to find someone else already in the part of the library she frequents.
But she is surprised to see Sam, and she's not entirely certain she wants to see what face he's going to make when he looks up, after what Dean told he. But. Might as well rip off the band-aid, right? ]
"Hey."
"I hadn't heard you'd shown up here, too."
yeeeeeeeeees
Hey. Surprise?
[Though, really, she's probably surprising him more than the other way around. Some of his smile fades a little as he looks at her for another few moments, then adds--]
It's really good to see you, Jo.
[However the hell it's possible.]
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There's just something so clear in his always. ]
So I hear.
I'm — [ She gives a little shrug. Maybe on anyone else it would look helpful. On Jo looks strangely almost like an apology. ] — not, uh, dead where I came for. But.
[ What exactly is the but? God, that's a good question. It's not like she owes anyone an apology for being alive. It's not like she's decided to sit down and make a puzzle piece masterpiece of even thinking about this concept. She hasn't asked how she died. How she became a ghost. Why she catches Dean still looking at her, like that from time to time.
Like there's an ownership tag on whatever the hell happened.
Like it ripped open another of those thousand holes in him.
She should. She keeps telling herself. But she hasn't.
Jo rolls on like there's nothing else to do. ]
You from the same place as Dean?
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For now.]
Depends what you mean by same place. Generally though, yeah.
[Just the weird timeline, which all in all is not that big a deal. Not compared to what it could be.]
Cas too, though uh, actually...
[He pauses a moment, realizing something. If she's from either a time or place where she's still alive, then--]
Have you met Cas yet?
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i stay screwing up my tenses so it doesn't bother me any ♥ ohi
The afternoon had been met with its usual lull of patrons there too early to truly partake but as evening crept closer that would change and the bar would be full of people, loud bellowing laughter, music, and chanting. Much of the time Castiel preferred it to the sleepy haze of late morning, it was easier to melt into the background and go about his business.
Sam must have arrived before he'd come in to start his shift, but Castiel had been working from the opposite of the room and hadn't noticed him there until he heard his voice.
With more than twelve feet between them, it's impossible not to match that to what he remembers of his presence, his soul, and there are few that can occupy the same amount of space with the same stature and still have that warm and welcoming energy. Sam's always had that way about him.
The cutlery and glasses he'd been collecting are left abandoned in the tray he used to clean up with a metallic clang as Castiel moves from that task to something much more important.]
Sam?
[For Dean's sake more than his own he hopes that they're all within the same linear timeframe. He'd done a lot of things he's not proud of, but he'd never questioned his choice to help Dean and Sam, to align himself with them instead of the host. Not even in the midst of the civil war and the aftermath that came with it.]
excellent we can be terrible together and hi ♥
Hey, Cas.
[They hadn't seen each other all that long ago as far as Sam's concerned, but that doesn't have any effect on the broad grin that crosses his face. He isn't about to take the presence of anyone he loves for granted.]
Dean told me you were around, but I'm still really glad to see you.
[He's refraining from initiating a hug, but only barely.]
well hello there
[No.
No, no, no, no, no.
He's been behaving, all things considered. The good little Thorne Summoned. Oh sure, he has plans, and he's put... some particular feelers out to certain people around the Castle. Projects, long-term. Slow build. Precarious potential.
That all gets ruined if Sam Winchester waltzes on through and smears his name--although he'd like to think Mat is too ignorant and Wilhelm is already too ingrained for either of them to sway.
But he's made it so far by having no other influences, Dean and Castiel too far away to make a difference.
The question is: why would Thorne do this to him? If they have any control over who they summon, why bring a--a foil to curb Lucifer? He hasn't done anything to warrant this!
And Lucifer can't even steal Sam as a vessel, thanks so much for that one, Crowley!
What is the goddamn point?
There's a breath of time from Sam speaking to Lucifer considering just burrowing into his multi-layers of light-colored tunics and hiding his face in his reading and just acting like he's busy and should be Left Alone.
He doesn't. He doesn't scream. He doesn't take flight. He doesn't even look up from his book.
He responds in a drawl.] I don't know. [Pause. A small grin. He looks over his shoulder to Sam, biting the corner of his lip, a brow raised.] You tell me.
oh hai~
But some part of him still doesn't want to accept it. And although that part of him isn't strong enough to cause actual denial, it is enough for Sam to ask, a little breathlessly--]
Lucifer or Nick?
[He really, really hopes this is Nick even as he knows that it isn't. He knows Lucifer too well, far beyond the superficial trappings of voice and appearance, to ever really be thrown off by them.]
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That Sam has to be further along in the timeline, just as Lucifer was ahead of Dean and Castiel.
That somehow Lucifer is dead, because Crowley made hopping vessels impossible.
Lucifer knows the jig will be up almost immediately. All Sam has to do is ask him something that only Nick would know and he's out of the running, and everyone in Thorne knows him as Lucifer. He could maybe skew it as "Nick" playing the "role" of Lucifer for some reason--he could think up of a few on the fly--but the likelihood of Jack (Townsend) outing him was Extremely High.
And y'know. Sam's irksome older brother would tell him once he knew Sam was in Abraxas.
Still. Maybe he could get some deets.
He makes a confused face.] Lucifer's dead.
[Maybe he's incorrect, maybe there's another reason Sam's come in contact with Nick, but it's the best guess he has to play.]
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Cadens;
Inej hums a curious noise at the question and pauses, leaning over to glance at what he's looking at. "Oh, no, I haven't taken to doing much beyond browsing through the museums, really," she admits, swiveling to look at him properly. "But you could talk to Nadine, she's a healer around here. She's been taking courses for awhile now, she'd know." she nods a little, confident in that.
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"Great, thanks, I'll ask her. Do you know where I could find her?"
And he didn't miss Inej's comment about the museums either, which he will certainly be circling back to now. He's not passing up an opportunity to nerd out, after all.
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She leans a hip against the table she'd been clearing and looks at him for a moment. He looks... familiar in a way she can't quite place. She's certain she hasn't met him before, though. "I'm Inej," she offers in introduction, after a beat. "And you?"
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