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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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was that your roundabout way of inviting him to your bed after all?
So there's a chance there could be others of us, in some of the other cities? That if this war comes to a head, we could find familiar faces on the other side of the battlefield? [ One of his deepest fears come to life, all over again. Something he struggles with every time he's stepped onto a battlefield of late.
He curses under his breath, deep and fervent, then chases it down with a deep swallow of ale. ]
I didn't like the sound of this before and I like it even less now. I wasn't in a rush to enlist - I prefer to know what I'm fighting for before I'd ever commit to such a thing. But they certainly made it sound like that was the only reason I was here. And considering I arrived with only the skin on my back, there's nothing to go back and retrieve either. I just didn't want to have them after me for desertion or some such bullshit if I didn't show back up before nightfall.
[ He fixes his gaze on Claude once more, curious. ] Is that what you do, then? Trade your services for room and board? Is there enough in this city to get by?
i'm dying i didn't think that through but you know what CLOSE ENOUGH
I don't know. Honestly. I've asked around in the Free Cities and checked the Horizon in case someone else from home was in Thorne or Solvunn, but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one here unless I just haven't found them somehow. I'm not sure I'd wish this on anyone, so sorry you've been stuck with it too. At least we're in the same place?
[ Claude barely restrains a sigh in favor of taking a long drink himself, then leans forward to prop his elbows on the edge of the table. ]
They won't do anything to you if you just leave. Someone I came into Cadens with on that first day just didn't go back that night and nothing happened, so I left not too long after that without saying anything. But I don't think any of us should kid ourselves that we aren't being watched regardless of where we are.
[ It's comforting in a terrible sort of way that Sylvain seems to feel the same about all of this. The sentiment is shared by plenty of Summoned, he's found, but this is different. Now it's someone else who lived through the same war he did. Or, well - probably. Right? ]
I started out doing that, yeah. No reason not to when it gets you out of the barracks when you have no money, and Mag's a good person I don't mind helping out. Lately I've been picking up other odd jobs here and there to cover the rent and help out other people she knows, like - [ a vague gesture meant to be towards the front door - ] my merchant friend from before. There's better paying jobs to be had but most of them require a weapon and I haven't quite managed the funds for that.
[ There's no mistaking Claude's back to teasing now when he follows that up with, ] Just in case it isn't clear, this is all a little different than being nobility.
i mean. he can get closer?
Mag... she's the one that runs your inn? And you're certain she won't mind another person hanging around? I don't mind working my way for trade but how many of you are there already? [ The mention of weapons has him sighing heavily, however. ] I never thought I'd say this, but I miss my lance. Somewhere, Felix is laughing at me right now.
[ It's easier to transition back into a lighter topic after that. Or at least a more humorous one. The corner of his lips twitches upwards into a crooked grin. ] What, you're saying I can't just walk in somewhere, look superior and condescending enough and have them dote all over me? How disappointing. I bet we could channel Ferdie, or Lorenz, and see how far we get.
only after being difficult first because that is claude logic™
[ Claude does his best to explain the Horizon at a high level while keeping in mind just how bizarre doesn't scratch the surface: that it's another plane of consciousness they can all reach through meditation, how he'll lose his memory (temporarily) on that first visit but will create a domain of sorts, how besides the network, it's the only way to talk to anyone else in other factions. Then he'll take a long drink before continuing, because at least things get a little less outlandish from there for a minute. ]
Mag will be okay with it, I'm sure. It seems like everyone who doesn't go the military route ends up there at some point. There's a tavern on the first floor and the rooms are all upstairs from there. I've seen some familiar faces around but everyone's on their own schedule and people come and go. And she definitely won't mind as long as you... y'know, behave.
[ He'll stop again, this time to pop one of the snacks in his mouth to avoid grinning too widely over teasing Sylvain just a little and with no malice attached. Mag has her own list of expectations she'll let the other man know soon enough, even if there's no rooms open and it means sharing one for a bit. Not any different than wartime accommodations, really. Claude's not going to touch on missing lances, or Felix, or open the door to anything else which seems to have been left behind. Too difficult even just in passing. That doesn't mean he won't immediately laugh at the image of either noble mentioned trying to make it in the Free Cities. ]
Gods. No, that won't work here - they'd just laugh at us. Just imagine Lorenz ordering people around and getting offended when they ignore him. [ Claude can, too easily actually, and the image of it makes him drag a hand down his face with a groan though it's more to set up his next bout of dramatics incoming in just a second. ] If you try that anywhere, I'm ditching you on the spot. Fair warning.
loosen up, claude. let him teach you about being easy.
[ Hang on, he knows you just said a lot of important words there, but his brain stuttered to a confused halt after the first part. ]
Wait, what do you mean, 'he'? [ He doesn't think you mean Hanneman here, not with the hair and eye thing. But his Professor is most decidedly a 'she'. He would know. He's done a lot of flirting with her. ]
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED (on behalf of both of them)
What do you mean?
[ Asking mostly because he doesn't have an answer to that question, because - he can't figure out what Sylvain is asking. As such he raises an eyebrow, confusion evident. ]
I know this is my second ale of the night, but I haven't had enough to drink to forget about when Teach broke through some other dimension after merging with the Goddess - in his words, not that blasphemy matters here, though he didn't tell me that until way later. That's burned in my memory forever.
he does love it when they play hard to get
Oh, I haven't forgotten about that at all. She shocked all of us when it happened, after all. But we seem to be having a very different sort of misunderstanding about our Professor here.
have i got some good news for sylvain then
[ It only takes a second for 'she' to click in Claude's mind. Not that it answers anything - really just adds more questions, honestly - and he's still staring at Sylvain even as confusion shifts to disbelief. ]
But- Hanneman was your house's professor and Manuela had the Eagles.
[ Now Claude sits back in his seat, gears still turning as he studies Sylvain. Maybe the other is just messing with him and this is all a very good act. If it is, then it's successfully convinced him to be curious instead of brushing it off. ]
Who won that mock battle we had at Gronder Field back when we were all at the academy?
no subject
Sylvain's eyes wing upwards in surprise. ] You're right about Manuela having the Eagles, but Hanneman had your House. Linhardt was very disappointed about it. [ The question about Gronder Field has him frowning slightly as he leans back in his chair. ] And we did, of course. Wait. Is all this different for you, too?
[ What weird magical mishap is responsible for this bullshit now? ]
no subject
Yeah, because we won. Mostly thanks to Teach keeping us organized, and Manuela and Hanneman both sat out so he was the only professor out there fighting with students.
[ Then there's that one other piece of information he's been deliberately ignoring until now, having been glad to see a familiar face at last: that he's not actually sure what happened to Sylvain after that terrible reunion between all of them as adults at Gronder. Only one way to find out. (Maybe.) ]
You look... [ a quick appraising glance to double check; don't take offense, Sylvain - ] old enough to know about the war. Why don't you tell me what you remember of it?
i can answer this now that i've figured that out! lol
[ He can't quite hide the shadow of trepidation and... grief? Regret? that flickers through his gaze at the mention of Gronder. And the war. Which are two things that unfortunately are far too entangled for him right now. ]
Remember? [ He echoes that strange word choice, shaking his head. He takes another deep swallow of his ale, needing it as he shudders once more. ] Considering before I was dragged out of that pool this morning, I was standing on the edges of Gronder, staring down at two separate forces ready to recreate our mock battle with us all over again? It's still pretty damned clear in my mind. [ And he hasn't quite been able to shake the lingering dread of the consequences that would come from the day ahead even now. ]
I'd be more grateful for the impromptu abduction if I wasn't so worried about what was happening back there without me. And if they hadn't pulled me here hoping to make me do the same damn thing. I was consoling myself that this time at least I wouldn't have to be afraid of coming across a familiar face on the battlefield but from what you've told me, that might be the case even here.
ahh sorry!! totally didn't mean to put you on the spot, that's my bad
Even when Sylvain stops talking, it takes Claude a few seconds to blink back into responsiveness and set his face back to something neutral despite his frown though his mind is still whirring over those words. ]
You were just at Gronder. [ Repeating it doesn't magically make it make more sense, sadly. Here he had been hoping that even despite the differences in memory they had of Teach that it'd be some easily resolved puzzle in the end. But now? Now there's confirmation that won't be. ] Gronder was almost a year ago for me, Sylvain.
[ Or longer; Claude's not even really sure how to account for the time difference with Abraxas thrown into it. There's too much silence being drawn out without some kind of quip, he knows, for it to not imply that Gronder is every bit as awful as that fleeting expression on Sylvain's face said it looked even before he'd seen any bit of the battle. Being on the other side of it offers no reprieve. ]
You're somewhere in 1186, then. The year for me before I arrived here was 1187.
[ That explains nothing, Claude knows, and only kicks open a door to more questions. A cascade from both of them, probably, because he feels what might be a faint headache starting. There's one more point that feels important to reiterate even if it's redundant and Sylvain's already established it. ]
Was Teach with you? On... your side, I mean.
not at all! i needed to know anyway i felt bad for having to pause the thread in the meantime lmao
[ He stops. Looks like he's about to say something else before he stops that, too. And then he just gives a humorless laugh, raking his hand over his face again. ]
And I can't even ask you how it went, can I? Not with things so wildly different. It wouldn't be the same anyway, not if all the rest wasn't. [ He really hoped Felix and Ashe, at least, weren't out there getting themselves killed without him to keep an eye on them. He doesn't even stop to consider anything might have halted or delayed with his absence. He's pretty sure nothing would have been able to stop Dimitri from stepping onto that field, not even their Professor. He just hoped they didn't think he'd abandoned them by choice. ]
Yeah, she... Dimitri, he... he's not himself right now. She's had her hands full. We found her just a short while ago, in the ruins at Garreg Mach. We all thought she was dead. Dimitri, too. [ He'd grieved them both for so long now, it had been hard to believe either of them had come through it despite the impossible odds.
He blinks, wondering if that was different, too. ] The Professor... did yours vanish for a few years, too? After the Empire's invasion?
you're totally fine, there's never any rush so take your time!
Even if there's any chance that things somehow are the same, would it even be fair if I told you? That feels a lot like gambling with fate in a way that I don't think either of us should be fond of. I spoke to Dimitri briefly that day, though. You don't have to explain that part.
[ Claude offers a smile with that, one that's meant to be understanding and not pity. Outside of remembering that so-called trial and supposed execution, there's context to the Dimitri that greeted them on the battlefield he may never know - something he's happier to leave a mystery for once. As for Teach, he spends a second rubbing his brow in thought. ]
Teach disappeared that same day the Empire attacked. I was near the chasm he fell into, and-- [ Claude stops and presses his lips together in a thin line before taking a drink. ] Anyway. He's always said he was asleep for all those years and his story's never once changed. It's never made sense to me, but what's one more entry on the long list of strange things Teach does?
[ That's an attempt at a joke but it falls rather flat since even if Claude's just said he won't be revealing the future, it's too difficult to not comb back through the past with the temptation to double check all of it. Maybe it's better to focus on Teach: someone consistent, somewhat, even if nothing else is. ]
I went back to Garreg Mach when the millennium festival should've happened if war hadn't and broke into the Goddess Tower just for fun. And because I was curious what the view from the top looked like, and then there Teach was strolling up like he'd never left.
i already love them
[ His tone is dry now rather than teasing, not quite up to injecting the same amount of 'playful' as he had before, as he tries to come to terms with this new understanding. Honestly, he's been putting on a mostly good face since arriving here, because panicking is going to get him nowhere fast. Although he's becoming more and more that that might be exactly what's warranted here.
Instead, he takes another deep swallow of his ale. Coping mechanisms, right?
Although he does give a quiet scoff after a moment. ] Yeah, somehow I'm not surprised that that was a 'brief' talk. I can't imagine it went too well, considering. [ He knows what mental state he'd seen Dimitri in that morning. And the suspicions that Claude might have had their messenger murdered when they'd reached out for an alliance against the Empire. Sylvain didn't believe that for a moment, but Dimitri had become obsessively paranoid and mistrustful of everyone.
His lips quirk at the comments about the Professor, however, and he can't help but chuckle, fond affection in the tone. ] Yeah, the Professor's never been exactly 'normal'. Nice to know that they're still the same person, it seems, even when they're... not.
[ Weird. It's still weird. He's trying to picture her as a man and it kinda breaks his brain a little. Would he still be shorter than Ashe, he wonders? ]
We'd made a promise. [ His voice turns quieter after a moment as he stares down into his ale. ] All of us, back when we were in school. [ Sylvain took such promises seriously. Felix had bitched the entire trip, but Sylvain knew he felt the same. Ingrid just knew better than to let either of them wander off into trouble alone. ] No matter where we were in five years, we'd come back to Garreg Mach and reunite for the millennium festival. Together, again. Felix, Ingrid, and I traveled together, but even then, we weren't sure any of the others would. Not with... not with everyone believing His Highness and the Professor were dead. But then we got to the ruins to find them back-to-back fighting bandits and the rest of the Lions showed up as well and... well. It really was like old times again. Almost.
SAME there is Much Potential here
[ An important difference, and one he points out to Sylvain with a sharp half-smile more familiar from their academy days. The mention of Dimitri he lets pass by without any further comment; considering that it was jarring enough for the Deer to see Dimitri as he was, that's still no comparison to how the Lions would've felt. Or Sylvain, more specifically, given what he recalls of the other's friendship with the prince. Even if they're here and away from Gronder, endless war, all those years stretching out in between: Claude has no interest in pressing on bruises just to see what reaction he might get.
The agreement about Teach gets a less brittle smile from him, at least, because while it doesn't sate his curiosity (not that anything ever does, truly) it's enough of a balm that though they each knew a different professor that there's consistency. Something which matters more to Claude than he would've thought, and he shifts to people watch while considering something else. That it's reassuring that Sylvain also seems to match up with his memories even if they're dated ones, that time and conflict haven't warped all they've touched.
Speaking of time, though.
At that mention of a promise, Claude's gaze is back to Sylvain in an instant. Something that sounds all too familiar, he thinks, and once again actual shock has him sitting with lips parted slightly in surprise as he listens to what's too close to what happened in his memories. Again. ]
What's it called when you feel like you've had too much to drink and not enough at the same time? [ This, apparently. ] We promised the same thing, only I didn't think anyone would actually show up. It'd been so long by then and the Alliance went through a lot. It was just me and Teach there until the sun started to set. Well, and the bandits. I was more worried he was rusty after that supposed nap so we went down to clear them out. Then the rest of the Deer came after all, and--
[ Claude stops mid-sentence as another thought occurs to him and he fixes a level gaze on Sylvain. What he has to ask - it doesn't even feel like much of a guess at this point, but more and more like he's tracing along things they somehow both know eerily enough but shouldn't. ]
Next you're going to tell me that you used Garreg Mach as your base after that, aren't you?
RIP Abraxas
[ His lips quirk faintly, a hint at a sardonic smirk playing about the corners.
He's not sure what put that expression on Claude's face in response to Sylvain relaying the reunion to him. At least not until Claude begins to talk. It sounds eerily familiar and...
This really is just too weird. All of it. It's starting to make his head hurt. ]
I don't know if there's a word for that, but there needs to be one, because I'm pretty sure I'm there right now.
[ He's rubbing a hand over his face again when Claude interrupts himself and then drops that question into being and for a moment Sylvain hesitates, because even he's not sure he believes any of this is coincidence at this point. But... ]
Well. It was right there. It was Gilbert's suggestion, I think. [ He squints, his nose scrunching up as he tries to remember. ] His Highness wanted to march on the Empire right then and there but we definitely didn't have the numbers for it and he... well, let's just say we were already taking his opinions with a grain of salt just then. But the Professor was the one who cast the deciding vote to use it as our base while we figured out what we were doing. Made sense, at the time. She had five years' worth of information to catch up on.
he's ready to light the fuse on impending chaos at any time
We also stayed at Garreg Mach too because it was also Teach's idea. I wanted to head back to Derdriu since all our resources were there, and because I needed to still handle whatever the Alliance needed, but he won that discussion. It turned out to not be a half bad idea as the war progressed.
[ Which. That's too close to revealing what happened in what he's lived through in recent history, nebulous of a comment as it was with no further context. Saying more would definitely not be cheating - a comment he's stored away to bring out later at a more opportune time - but instead Claude rolls his head back onto his neck with a groan to study the ceiling like it'll offer him any answers. Predictably, it doesn't.
It's then that he realizes this... is not much of a welcome for Sylvain, this incessant comparing of what they know, and it certainly isn't going to help them when they're who-knows-how far from what they've left behind with no way to do anything about any of it. Maybe it's best to give it a rest just for now. He tilts his head down enough then to look across at the other again, one eyebrow raised slightly. ]
I'm kind of regretting not making you butter me up with your best lines before getting into all of this. It's not too late for an intermission, is it?
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But he's been staring into his half-empty mug of ale as if it could hold the same secrets and answers for him. Also with about the same amount of luck as Claude, apparently. But he can't help but grin at that not-so-subtle attempt at a diversion. ]
You know, with all this talk of yours, I'm beginning to think you've been feeling left out. I had no idea you were pining after me so much all this time, Claude. [ He props his chin in his palm to grin across the table at the other man. ]
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I said I was wounded, didn't I? Would I lie to you?
[ Wait - don't answer that. Better yet, Claude doesn't leave a chance for a(n immediate) response by heaving a put upon sigh as he holds his hands out with palms turned up again since, obviously, he's gotta get into the part of pleading for attention here. ]
That's not much of a line, though. Clearly you have no interest in putting me out of my misery, so I suppose I'll just suffer like I have been all along.
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What? And here I thought you'd be enjoying that, masochist that you are. [ He's just grinning at the other man now, though he does push to his feet and offers Claude a deeply apologetic bow. Even if the laughter in his eyes ruins some of the effect of it. ]
My apologies, Your Dukishness. I will have to make amends for this horrific oversight on my part. How can I make it up to you? A walk under the stars, perhaps? A midnight tryst in the... you know what, I don't even know where they have midnight trysts around here yet. [ He huffs, before pausing to give Claude a wink. ]
In which case... care to show me?
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It only takes Claude a second to sift through his options before he makes his choice, leaning forward with both elbows on the table and slightly over his clasped hands so it's all the better to very pointedly look up at Sylvain through his eyelashes and with a smirk. That also comes with a weighted pause and the utter illusion he's considering that offer of showing, and then - ]
Are you suggesting I give my secrets away for free? C'mon, Gautier, you know better than that.
[ And that smirk gets wider, and as he sits back in his seat again that's paired another carefree shrug. Unfortunately for Sylvain, it's not like they have anything but infinite time and that plays into Claude's favor at the moment. ]
That kind of information doesn't come easy just because you asked. You'll have to work for it first.
[ Is there any actual information to be had here? Who knows! That's just all part of the game. ]
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And then just casually leans over him, comfortably invading his personal space. Claude had leaned back and stretched out so conveniently, after all. ]
What if I ask very nicely?
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[ All in good fun and no actual complaints behind it as his grin suggests, plus: who better to spend coin on than a friend? Just as a friend is also the right answer to who better to loop into one's endless desire to cause trouble.
As demonstrated here because when Sylvain leans over him, well. It's only fair to shift around again himself, matching what feels like a dare, maybe, with Claude tilting his chin up to eliminate another sliver of personal space as he puts on a thoughtful expression. ]
I'm not sure asking counts as working for something anywhere that I know of. Then again, maybe it'll be worth a shot. You could always try anyway and see what happens.
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[ ...Sylvain would probably know, after all.
He had no idea one could play Flirt Chicken, but this is kind of fun. A hint of sly humor enters his gaze and for a moment, he considers doing something outrageous, right there in the middle of the tavern. But instead, he pulls back and props his hands on his hips as he surveys Claude with a deeply appreciative look. He almost regrets not indulging in the outrageous, but... ]
Nah, you haven't quite earned making me beg just yet. [ Smirking instead, he just holds out a hand to Claude with an impish gleam in his eye. ] Hey, I’m going for a walk. Will you hold this for me?
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it's a wrap!