TEST DRIVE MEME #11

[abraxasmods]

Test Drive Meme

Welcome to the 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.

Below are some links to information you may find useful. Our Setting pages have information about the world itself as well as current events for each nation, while our Game History page outlines the game's story so far.

Setting | Game History | NPCs | Arcana
You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective questions threads.

Reminder that the TDM is forward-dated to when the summonings occur in-game, at the start of April. For current players, this means all of the Summoned will have been rescued and recently returned home to their respective factions.

For prospective players, there's no need to familiarize yourself with the recent event, but prompts in the TDM may reflect the aftermath.

Summoning

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. It's hard to make out any individual objects, as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.

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 - still unclothed.

Arrival

You'll find yourself summoned to one of the following three major nations: the extravagant and magical Kingdom of Thorne, the bustling and advanced Free Cities, or the tightknit and faith-driven rural community of the Solvunn Commune.

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. After a week or so, your abilities will return.

When you gather your bearings at last, you look up into a series of unfamiliar faces...and equally unfamiliar surroundings.

Welcome to Thorne

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 another mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. The man 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 nods, satisfied. "Excellent." He motions for one of the young apprentice mages over. "Settle our guest in, please. I don't have all day."

The apprentice hurries forward with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals. With a wave of their hand, the clothes reshape to fit you perfectly. Once you're dressed, the apprentice leads you into the hallways of Castle Thorne, prattling on about the kingdom, names of royals and nobles, and, of course, the reason why you're here: 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.

◎ Surroundings

Castle Thorne is where not only royals and members of the court reside, but includes the surrounding city itself. Now in spring, the weather mild and cool. In the distance, you can see snow-covered mountain peaks that are beginning to melt, and the gardens are in bloom. The castle is enchanted to be at a comfortable temperature.

As you walk or look around, you take in some of what's going on around you:

• The North Wing, devoted to housing the Summoned, is tightly guarded against outsiders. As one of the Summoned, you're free to come and go. The guards aren't keeping anyone prisoner. They're there to protect you, and they take their jobs seriously.


• Apprentices, kitchen staff, guards - everyone seems to be bustling and busy. The air is tense, and you hear chatter of abductions and mutated victims who were only just recovered a week ago.


• The infirmary is full. Healers are in high demand. Normally, Thorne's staff put effort into welcoming new arrivals. This time, they're focused on what seems to be an influx of the wounded - including other Summoned who arrived before you.


• Despite the troubles, life in the Castle is beginning to resume. Still, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and much of the fallout remains.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, Castle Thorne and its surrounding city have much for you to indulge in.

Care Packages
Castle staff are putting together care packages consisting of flowers, hot meals, and draughts to manage pain. Gather flowers from one of Thorne's many beautiful gardens. The gardeners will direct you if you ask, though you're welcome to gather anything that catches your eye. There's no magic in the flowers beyond their ability to brighten up someone's day.

You can put together the bouquets and care packages with a partner, as well as deliver them yourself to one of the older resting Summoned. They might be in the infirmary or in their rooms depending on their injuries. Why not stay and chat? Though you've only just met, they've evidently been through something terrible. Perhaps they could use a friend.

Magic Lessons
Regular magic lessons are held by apprentice mages as part of their training, usually involving learning to cast a small spell. These classes are for the natives of Thorne, but you're welcome to join if you wish. The spell they will be teaching is conjuring a modest defensive light shield that can protect against a single magical blow. The spell relies on Academic Magic which involves a few words said correctly. You'll likely need a few lessons to grasp it unless you're well-versed in magic already. In the meantime, the class of fresh-faced students means there's a constant bright explosion of light coming from the practice room as the spells fail. It isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying.

Forest Growth
Patches of woods in the city of Castle Thorne have suffered from dead flora. It appears to be related to some heavy magical corruption from the past several weeks. Though Thorne's deemed it too dangerous to go directly into the woods, you can help plant new saplings in square crates filled with soil and pack them onto wagons. Make sure they're secured and kept upright. These trees will be taken out into the woods later by mages to replace the withered plantlife in the forests.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. While Nocwich is normally thriving, no shops are open in Oleuni Square. Nocwich citizens explain that unforeseen circumstances prevent the market from opening as usual and request you return next month to explore. However, you can stay to help. Tents, tables, and medical supplies around the Square need to be taken down and packed up. You can guess that this was once a site for heavy rescue operations and emergency treatment.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to rest, you're shown 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).

Although you can leave the castle, you can't leave its surrounding city with the exception of entering Nott via portal in order to assist with rebuilding or visiting Nocwich. Borders are especially well-guarded right now due to the recent attacks. Besides, Castle Thorne gives you everything you need: fine clothes, great food and wine, massive libraries, and all the magic and knowledge you could want. Isn't that plenty? You won't be given money as you're provided for, so if you want to do some personal spending later, you'll have to find a job in the city on your own.

Welcome to the Free Cities

Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a hard floor of dull ruddy stone. 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 is a raised pedestal with a card bearing an Arcana symbol.

A guard covers you with a simple robe and returns to their place in the semi-circle. Before you stands another woman, dressed in a more elaborate and decorated uniform than the others. A sword rests at her hip. She carries an air of authority as she approaches you with a nod and a warm smile. "Sorry about the circumstances. Take a minute, catch your breath. 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 robed mage off to the side approaches to help you up. 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. You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military base on the outskirts of the major city of Cadens. You're told the world is in delicate and dangerous times, and you're needed to help. You're important and they're very grateful you're here.

◎ Surroundings

While you're currently at the outpost just outside of the city proper, Cadens on the whole is a large bustling city. Temperatures are rising, and the climate is hot and dry, though still pleasant - during the day, at least. At night, they'll cool rapidly. Desert blooms dot the landscape for the spring. Look to the west and you'll see a long stretch of desert wasteland. This is the infamous Badlands. The soldiers don't recommend going out there unprepared - you're likely to face a slow death to the elements or be eaten. Reaching Cadens is possible by wagon, a trip of about 2 hours each way. You're asked to return by sundown for your own safety... but no one will chase after you if you don't.

You'll be given a military style uniform with your Arcana stitched on it where a formal rank would normally be. As you walk or look around, you take in some of what's going on around you:

• Libertas shows signs of having suffered a devastating attack, but a good portion of it is rebuilt including a new garden park memorial that commemorates the lives lost. Chatter has shifted from the fire attacks to the abductions and failed experiments recovered only a week ago.


• From Cadens to Aquila to Libertas, the streets are heavily guarded. Soldiers patrol all areas, especially those typically occupied by the Summoned. This includes a particular inn and tavern in the heart of Cadens - The Sarstina - where the Summoned like you are often found...though it may not be as busy and thriving as it normally is.


• Instead, many of the older Summoned are either resting in their homes or recovering in Cadens' largest hospital. Doctors are busy, and the hospital is heavily guarded, too.


• Despite the troubles, life around the Free Cities is beginning to resume. Still, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and much of the fallout remains.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, the barracks and Cadens have much for you to indulge in.

Training Grounds
Non-lethal training weapons and obstacle courses are set up for anyone to use. The soldiers will be watching, and if you catch their attention they might approach you and encourage you to enlist. You're free to invite other new arrivals to spar, but be sure to keep things friendly and avoid trouble. Discipline is key in the barracks. If you're especially competitive, the soldiers will sometimes hold impromptu obstacle races with informal wagers made. They'll be happy to race against even the most unlikely of opponents, and you'll be judged more on your spirit rather than your skill. If you really impress them, they'll even buy you a drink.

Supply Delivery
The Summoned are important to the Free Cities. The government means to take care of them through their recovery, and have instructed the military to assist. Soldiers are packing rations, medicine, and other supplies into crates to be delivered to the hospital in Cadens. You can help pack or make the deliveries yourself by hopping on the wagon. Though you aren't supposed to wander around the hospital, as one of the Summoned you have a bit more freedom than the average citizen. Maybe you could visit one of the rooms while you're there? Or you might run into a Summoned in the halls arriving to check on a friend.

Furry Friends
Researchers in Cadens have been studying the positive effects of animal companions on those who recently went through traumatic experiences. They've settled on the catlike Leosylph, a popular domestic breed, as the best choice. You can help bring these animals to anyone who would like one in the hospitals, or you can simply play with them and make sure they're fed while they're awaiting their assignments. They enjoy chasing mechanical mice powered by New Magic and purr when happy.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Cadens, the portal is a short walk away from the center of the city. While Nocwich is normally thriving, no shops are open in Oleuni Square. Nocwich citizens explain that unforeseen circumstances prevent the market from opening as usual and request you return next month to explore. However, you can stay to help. Tents, tables, and medical supplies around the Square need to be taken down and packed up. You can guess that this was once a site for heavy rescue operations and emergency treatment.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to turn in, the barracks are waiting for you. They 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. Each barracks room is rather sparse. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You can greet your roommates here, most of whom will be new arrivals, as well.

If you plan on making use of your assigned quarters, you'll have your basic needs met: uniforms, a roof, bland food from the mess hall, and access to the training grounds. You won't be paid unless you formally enlist with the army. The longer you take advantage of the barracks, the greater the pressure to enlist. Some soldiers will start to see you as a freeloader if you refuse to join them yet continue to use their resources. If you're set on not enlisting, you can always strike out on your own in Cadens - but you won't be provided for and handouts are rare. You'll have to work to earn every copper and loaf of bread. Whether that's honest work is up to you.

Welcome to Solvunn

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. An elderly mage stands before an ornate altar. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. "I detect no ill will from the gods," he says. "It seems we've been blessed with success."

Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased. One offers you some clothes of leather and knitted wool that seem to fit you perfectly. A rough-looking man steps forward once you're dressed 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 center of the Primary Settlement. 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.

◎ Surroundings

The Primary Settlement is full of greenery, blessed with the fresh ocean breeze. Winds are pleasantly cool with the occasional heavy spring rains that soak the farmlands. The scent of wildflowers fills the air. The shops, farms, and homes around you are all modest and unassuming. You get the sense that the people here prefer to blend in with their neighbors than stand out.

As you walk or look around, you'll be greeted warmly, even eagerly...though there's an edge of awestruck nervousness to some. Though the settlement is often quiet and calm, there's still plenty to take in:

• Shops and stalls in Solvunn are temporarily closed. Many of Solvunn's residents have instead dedicated their time to helping the rescued Summoned. They're reluctant to speak of the recent abductions, stating that what happened was blasphemous to the Old Gods.


• Solvunn Elders will accompany anyone who strays too far from the Settlements, and will give you protective charms to make sure you're safe. You're advised to stay close to the commune where possible.


• Shrines around the settlements are overflowing with offerings. It seems something has happened recently that's made the locals especially dedicated to showing their devotion.


• You're free to venture towards the ocean if you like, though heed the warnings of leviathans. These beasts do not stir near the shores, but if you look closely in the far distance - at night in particular - you'll see the water's surface bubble and roil beneath the moonlight.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the commune, the commune and its settlements have much for you to indulge in.

Warding Homes
In order to aid recovery, commune Elders have asked for your help to ward the doors of homes occupied by the Summoned. Many of these homes are in housing provided by the Council or with host families in the settlement. You can hang bone wreathes on the doors to request blessings of protection and healing from the Old Gods. You can also bring hot meals and herbal medicine to the Summoned while you're there. Host families are friendly, and will welcome you in as long as the Summoned inside are willing to receive you, as well.

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. This can be anything that feels right to you: fruit, wine, flowers, even an animal you've hunted. Whatever you choose, it must be retrieved by your own hand meaning you must pick the fruit, cut the flowers, or pour the wine yourself. You can travel to the shrine by yourself or with a companion. Once there, lay your offering and ask for a blessing through Solvunn's tradition of High Magic. Blessings are often made for the commune overall such as abundant crops or good weather. You will not see the effects right away, but you may find over the next day or so that the sun has cut through the rain. Of course, you're free to dismiss this as the nature of how weather works...but don't be too loud about it. Solvunn takes its beliefs very seriously.

Goat Herding
Due to the circumstances, Solvunn's traditional chaotic goat races will not be happening this month. This means the goats are filled with pent-up energy. Ornery and mischievous, they'll headbutt anything that moves, chew fence posts and clothes, and generally make a nuisance of themselves - some even escaping their pens. Exasperated farmers and herders are struggling. You can help retrieve escaped goats, repair broken fences, and do your best to contain the animals.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Solvunn, the portal is a short walk away. While Nocwich is normally thriving, no shops are open in Oleuni Square. Nocwich citizens explain that unforeseen circumstances prevent the market from opening as usual and request you return next month to explore. However, you can stay to help. Tents, tables, and medical supplies around the Square need to be taken down and packed up. You can guess that this was once a site for heavy rescue operations and emergency treatment.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready for your bed, you're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. The living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be: the local families would also be happy to host you in their home. In return, you'll be expected to contribute to their household, taking upon daily chores and repairs. While money has its uses, many establishments and craftsmen are happy to barter with your time or skill for their goods. You'll find your willingness to trade and your friendliness with the natives more valuable than gold.

You can even leave for the other two settlements if you like, but you're encouraged to remain in the Primary Settlement. Just be sure you have an invitation to the Secondary Settlement. There are tales of travelers visiting the secondary settlement without invitation disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective.

Questions and Answers

If after reading these you're still unsure about anything, or your question wasn't covered, please feel free to hit up our Questions thread below!

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.

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.

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 nation?

In Thorne, characters can leave the castle but not the city. In the Free Cities, they can take a trip from the outpost to the nearest main city, Cadens. In Solvunn, they can explore the entirety of the Primary Settlement.

Can my character eventually change nations or kingdoms?

Yes, but tensions between the major nations are at an all-time high. Doing so is possible, but will require some plotting and discussion with the mods once you're in-game!

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). It will also affect your character's day-to-day life and development. Characters who seek technological advancements or combat will find more of it in the Free Cities while those keen on court politics and learning magic will have the most access to it in Thorne. Anyone who wishes to uncover the secrets of the Old Gods and forest mysteries will best do so in Solvunn.

This is not to say characters can't do these things from another faction - with effort and the help of friends, anything is possible! Don't get too anxious about your choice. This is just one of many, and every character in each scenario can work their way towards many individual goals and outcomes. Additionally, once in-game the Horizon will provide characters with a way to easily find cross-faction CR.

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?

Your Arcana sign won't have an immediate impact on your character beyond them seeing it on themselves or being told what it is by the locals. You're welcome to disregard those aspects in your prompts or try out different signs.

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.

If you're interested in threading with characters outside your borders on the TDM, you can utilize the Nocwich prompt which will allow all characters to meet in person regardless of arrival scenario.

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.

Can I try out more than one arrival scenario on the same TDM?

Yes, although only threads taking place in the arrival scenario you formally choose upon applying can count as canon. However, you're welcome to try out as many as you like on the TDM.

---

return to main navigation

Comments

[theidlemaiden]

You've been in the outpost?

[ Marianne's hunch about heading off Hilda's worries at the pass is a good call. The adductions had been all consuming, but Hilda is positive — certain in fact — that she would know if Marianne had been here sooner, but a small voice of doubt suggests otherwise. She can't even bear to think about her having gone through anything that they had just experienced and she's quick to fold the thought away as her friend's arms wrap around her.

Funnily enough, with everything she's feeling, she can't help but feel mildly horrified at the thought that Marianne had spent several days at the outpost. She pulls back from the comforting space that is Marianne's embrace only just to look at her. ]

No, don't be silly, you couldn't have known. I should have been coming to check just in case. [ Now she understands why Claude makes the trek all the way out there every so often just in case. A flicker of her usual self appears in her gaze. ] We need to get you to the baths immediately! All of the sand took weeks for me to get out of my hair, of course we'll have to get you new clothes too. I'm sure there's something I could rustle up for you that aren't those military fatigues.

[sereneadherent]

I-it wasn't that bad...

[That Hilda seems aghast about her staying at the outpost catches Marianne a bit off guard. Did she miss something while she was there? Had Hilda's arrival experience been different from hers? Actually, how long ago had Hilda even arrived? She seems much more settled in this city than Marianne is.

Part of her feels like she should press Hilda on the questions that are building up in the back of her mind, not least of which being that Hilda herself seems a bit out of sorts, but her resolve immediately crumbles against the familiar pattern of her friend fussing over her.]

I, um... a bath would be nice.

[All of this fuss might help Hilda keep her mind off of things for a bit, too. Whatever those things are.]

We can worry about clothes some other time, unless you think you have something extra that would fit me.

[theidlemaiden]

[ The barracks, to give them some iota of credit, really aren't that bad but Hilda had been quick to toss the scratchy, ill-fitting clothes they had given her into the far reaches of her mind. She had probably seen plenty of other camps that were worse off but the barracks and Marianne simply can't exist in the same space in her mind. Even being exhausted wouldn't stop her from ensuring that Marianne only ever had the best. Whatever had been on her mind before is blown away with the appearance of her friend.

Marianne is also right in that this is a welcome reprieve from having to think about the hospital or the awful things they had experienced in the last four weeks. Somehow the prospect of having to explain to her what Abraxas is and after that, trying to unravel when in time she's from, isn't anywhere near as daunting.

All it takes is Marianne's agreement for her to tangle her hands with hers and for a pleased smile to spread like warmth across her features. She leads her up the stairs towards their living quarters, clicking her tongue slightly with a sound of discontent. ]

I can't get you cleaned up and then put you right back into those clothes. Those are going right into the trash. [ Never mind that Marianne is a little taller than her and has a pretty different body type to boot.

By the time they're back in the safety of their room, with the sounds of the inn muffled and quiet, Hilda is quick to draw a bath for her. She'll have to do a proper search for clothes will fit, but Petra probably wouldn't mind her borrowing her clothes until tomorrow. ]

Want me to wash your hair for you? It'll be just like we're home!

[ Stalling? Nah. Why would Hilda stall? ]

[sereneadherent]

[Marianne follows dutifully as Hilda grabs her hand and leads her upstairs, increasingly glad that she's decided to roll with this for now. Regardless of what she herself believes she deserves or is willing to put up with, Hilda has always insisted on something better for her. Deep down, it's something Marianne has always been grateful--even if she sometimes protests it out of sheer embarrassment over being so thoroughly fussed over.

No protests today, however. She's tired, and so is Hilda, and they both need this.]

If you think you can find something, then... um, thank you. Truly.

[Even if the clothes don't fit well, it's just the two of them right now. It should be all right, if Hilda's sure she won't ruin them by stretching them out or something.

As Hilda draws the bath, Marianne lets down her hair and shakes it out a bit. Despite her attempt to wash it back in the barracks, it's still full of dust and sand from her two nights out there and the journey to the city.]

That would be really nice, thank you.

[Marianne is more than happy to let Hilda stall for now.

As modestly as she can manage, she removes her clothes and slips into the bathtub. It's not anything Hilda hasn't seen before, as they've had to share communal bathing spaces in the past, but that's no reason to ignore rules of propriety.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda is acutely aware that Marianne doesn't always have to agree to her not-so-subtle suggestions. A more self-aware person would worry that she's being pushy, but Hilda knows that Marianne has always had more of a backbone than some would otherwise think of her. It's all the more reason that when she does agree to one of her whims, even something as simple as offering to wash her hair, it means that much more to Hilda than she's ever been able to express to her.

As Marianne goes to disrobe, Hilda busies herself, sweeping all of her bath products off the shelf into her arms with an enthusiasm of someone who clearly enjoys doing this for others. She's just as quick to pull the stool up behind the tub, taking another one of the smaller bowls to slowly begin wetting Marianne's hair letting the sound of falling water fill the bathroom. ]

Tilt your head back for me?

[ It's unlike her not to fill every moment with chatter, but there's a moment where she simply relishes in the fact that Marianne is here. A moment later she breaks it, feeling somewhat safe in knowing that her friend's back is to her. ]

This is going to sound a little weird but, what was the last thing you remember from home?

[sereneadherent]

[It's not like Hilda to be this quiet--usually she chatters on while Marianne dutifully listens. Unusual as it is, however, she doesn't call any attention to it. To do so would make things uncomfortable, and that's the last thing she wants right now. Hilda will open up about whatever's the matter when she's ready, and in the meantime Marianne is perfectly fine to relax in silence that's only broken by the occasional instruction from her friend.

When Hilda does eventually speak up, however, it's with a question that catches her entirely off-guard.]

The last thing I remember? Um... we're still at the monastery cleaning up and figuring out what we need to do now that the fighting's finally over. Why do you ask?

[She doesn't have amnesia or anything, does she?]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Working her fingers through Marianne's hair is comforting, a nice methodical way to ground herself even if she realizes moments after Marianne's answer leaves her lips that it isn't an answer she had been hoping for.

Hilda feels the knot in her stomach twist and she has to take a silent breath in. The last thing she wants is for Marianne to panic or worry however, so she forces herself to at least act fine. She busies herself lathering the shampoo bar in her hand before working it into Marianne's hair. All the while, her brain spins.

Is there any good way to go about trying to explain this? Her mind flickers briefly back to her encounter with Sylvain and Claude several months ago upon her arrival. How they had sat her down and tried to explain the strange predicament they were faced with. It isn't just that she had been pulled into a different world but they all remembered things differently. Eventually she realizes there's no good way to do this and she just has to break the news in the gentlest way possible. ]

I don't remember any of that. Or, maybe the better way to put it is that I haven't experienced it yet. [ In a split second she decides it's better to assume that Marianne is from the same time Claude is, which, granted, brings about her own blossoming insecurities, but she shoves the thought fiercely away. ] The last thing I remember is just before the battle at Gronder Field.

[sereneadherent]

[Marianne, at least, is from immediately after the fighting. Even Claude is from far in the future, as far as she's concerned. Later, Marianne will learn that she's separated from other people from Fódlan not just by time, but by differing events as well. But for now, this seems... well, impossible.

Then again, being summoned to a new world seemed impossible up until a couple of days ago.

Marianne turns in the tub to face Hilda, eyes searching for some sign that this is a joke. She doesn't find it, and really some part of her knew that she wouldn't. This isn't something to joke about, and Hilda wouldn't be so cruel besides.]

You don't remember Fort Merceus? Or Enbarr? Or anything that came after?

[She frowns a little, trying to consider the implications before deciding that they don't matter right now. Marianne can deal with that later, on her own. So instead, she takes one of Hilda's hands and gives it a gentle squeeze.]

I can imagine how stressful that must have been for you, being pulled away at such a crucial moment.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hands pause in mid-air as Marianne spins to face her and the sinking feeling she's been trying to stop begins anew. The look in her eyes is apologetic as she gives her a shake of her head in response.

The places Marianne rattles off are familiar in name, but not by experience and she fears, again, that something else may have changed with their friendship like hers with Claude that she cannot see.

The touch of Marianne's hands against hers is enough to stop the plummeting of her heart into her stomach while simultaneously quieting the fears that tried to creep above a whisper. Faintly but amusedly, she can't help but think to herself that Marianne is practically an angel herself in more ways than just her magic. She pulls a reassuring smile to her features, returning the squeeze. ]

Maybe a little. But really, there's nothing we can do about it now. And really, I'm the least complicated one out of you, me and Claude. Petra and Sylvain are from completely different timelines. Did you know that their Professor is a woman?

[sereneadherent]

[As far as Marianne is concerned, the difference in time between them changes little, if anything at all. It's thrown her off, certainly, and she has no shortage of concerns and questions about how that's even possible. But that's hardly Hilda's fault, nor is it her place to provide answers that she can't possibly know. She's still Hilda, and they're still friends, and that's what matters.

The slightly more than four months that have passed since Gronder Field have had tremendous ups and downs for Marianne. And they will for Hilda, when she has the opportunity to live them. In the meantime, she just won't bring any of those events up for conversation unless Hilda herself insists on it.

Hilda's question has Marianne's eyes go wide, and she leans forward as if this were some kind of conspiratorial gossip instead of a statement of fact that should, for all intents and purposes, be impossible.]

A woman?!

[She pauses thoughtfully, considering the idea. Eventually she shakes her head as she turns away from Hilda and settles back into the tub for the hair washing to continue.]

I can't imagine it. If it were just Sylvain, I'd wonder if he was making it up. But Petra always seemed to be really honest.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda teeters on wanting to know what her future holds - or is it more accurate to say that she fears what it could hold? When had her optimistic outlook taken on such a pessimistic tinge? Even in the whirlwind that is her mind, there's some comfort in assuming that, based on Marianne's reaction to seeing her, she hasn't died in her timeline. But then another thought rises from the maelstrom: what if their timelines aren't the same either?

There's more important things in front of her now though, like washing Marianne's hair and the fact that Marianne is here. Those are far more important things to occupy to her mind than dour subjects.

The conspiratorial nature brings a spark of delight to Hilda's smile and she resumes her work. She's focused in apply the right pressure to Marianne's scalp while ensuring that all the sand and gunk is banished from her beautiful locks. ]

Right? Doesn't it make you wonder what a female Professor would look like? I wonder if she'd have long hair or short hair like our Professor. Or if she still has that vacant stare that just stares into your soul sometimes. [ A delight laugh punctuates that thought, signalling that it's nothing more than affectionate teasing. ] We should really ask them to draw a portrait of her so we know for sure.