TEST DRIVE MEME #12

[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.

The TDM is forward-dated to when the summonings occur in-game (when applications are accepted), at the start of June.

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. Though some tension is in the air when locals discuss recent abductions and an execution involving the gods in Solvunn, there's also a buzz of excitement from the recently concluded Blossom Cake Festival - where a new pastry chef was crowned champion for this year's cake!


• Though life in the Castle is beginning to resume as usual, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and some of the fallout remains. There are also rumors of strange floating lights appearing on the furthest outskirts of town.

◎ Exploring

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

Cupcake Decorating
Noteworthy participants in the Blossom Cake Festival are given the honor of having their cakes displayed in the castle. You can have a slice of this year's winning creation, filled with delicate notes of lavender, pecans, and vanilla. Also available are an equally impressive chocolate cake feature and a lemon honey cake. The champion pastry chef will be there to give decorating lessons. Why not join someone and pipe some flowers on a cupcake? Even if it doesn't turn out like you hoped, you can eat it afterwards!

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.

Dewey's Decimals
The main library in the Castle is in chaos. Apprentice Mage Dewey has received approval to implement a new classification system of all publicly available scrolls and tomes. This can cause a huge disruption to studies and projects, so Dewey has been given a deadline of one week to complete his task. If he catches you in the halls, this harried and sleep-deprived mage will ask for generous volunteers to assist with the project. Though he only has gratitude to offer, he assures you that the changes will streamline the research process for centuries to come. You can help move heavy books from one section of the library to the other, take down shelves with the use of a few approved telekinesis spells and capture book worms who are notorious for destroying old papers.

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. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another faction's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other factions, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ 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 large 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, as well as a gruesome execution involving the gods in Solvunn. Scholars and laymen alike can be heard debating the nature of gods and men.


• From Cadens to Aquila to Libertas, the streets are 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. It's evident they're here for your protection rather than to prevent you from moving freely. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is cheery, with many innovative inventions and fashion item still on display following the month's festivals celebrating the arts.


• Though life in the Free Cities is beginning to resume as usual, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and some of the fallout remains. There are also rumors of strange floating lights appearing on the furthest outskirts of town.

◎ 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.

Arts & Science Workshops
Throughout Cadens, those skilled in their craft have set up free workshops, both to market their wares and to encourage creative minds. You can attend a workshop on writing with one of Libertas' famous playwrights, learn how New Magic can be used to useful household devices such as fire-less lamps and iceboxes, and get a brief lesson in the art of color theory to aid you in your future as a painter or clothing designer. Why not join a friend in the workshops? Or make some new ones!

Pimp My Ride
Innovation is the way of the Free Cities, and showing it off is just as important. Every few years wagon enthusiasts will come forward with their customized New Magic-powered wagons in what they call the Wagon Parade. Locals line the main streets of Cadens to view the curious designs as they move from Portam Hall to the Grand Academy. A panel of judges in front of the Academy will vote on that year's best design. The winner receives a certificate and, most importantly, notoriety. There is also a crowd favorite award so attendees are encouraged to write their favorite wagon on a slip of paper. And there are several contenders this year. As with any event, pop-up merchants appear along the parade line selling food, drink, and all sort of small baubles and commemorative tokens.

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. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another faction's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other factions, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ 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 gentle and temperate 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 booming as the celebration of the Spring Equinox is in full swing. Vendors are eager to barter goods and are in the habit of including extra gifts with any purchase or trades made. If you are looking for a good deal, now is the time!


• Those in Solvunn are openly discussing the recent execution of former Council member Josselyn Creed. Many believe justice was served and that the gods have set things right. If questioned, they will praise the Summoned for capturing Josselyn and restoring the Old Ways. The ashes of her bones remain on display by an altar in the Primary Settlement - a reminder and a warning not to stray from the flock.


• Though life in the Commune is beginning to resume as usual, you can sense that a major crisis has only just been resolved, and some of the fallout remains. There are also rumors of strange floating lights appearing on the furthest outskirts of the settlements.

◎ Exploring

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

Giant Crop Picnic
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community, but the spring is unique for featuring giant crops. Oversized gourds, melons, and cauliflower are aplenty as the locals display their creations proudly. Considered a blessing from the gods, receiving the boon of a large crop is a great source of luck and pride to Solvunn. As a new arrival, you can take a look at these unique fruits and vegetables - and eat them! - as well as help hang decorations before the picnic. Place flowers, pin ribbons, or lay the tablecloths. The food is simple and hearty, ranging from stews, roasts, fresh bread, and puddings. If you're shy, someone will be there to fill your cups and plates if you won't do so yourself. Eat, drink, and be merry - it's what the gods would want.

Acts of Love
Shrines around the settlements dedicated to Lyfbringr are overflowing with offerings. Flowers and all manner of sweet and bountiful things are the most common. It's also customary this time of year to present gestures of affection with one another in front of his effigies. You may see lovers, neighbors, friends, and even business partners make a show of embracing or shaking hands in hopes that their relationships will blossom like the spring flowers. Newborns of man and beast are also brought to be blessed in his presence. Newcomers are encouraged to set off on the right foot in the Commune by participating in this tradition, and begin their journey into High Magic.

A Weekend of Weddings
Weddings are popular in spring due to Lyfbringr's presence and this year is no different. Declan Gardsbruk and Tiril Blom, a handsome inheritor of the Gardsbruk Farms and a popular local singer, are getting married! While weddings in Solvunn are often a community affair, given the Gardsbruks' involvement with the Summoned, Solvunn's Summoned are explicitly invited as honored guests. Celebrated over several days, family and friends from across every settlement come to town. A bonfire blazes throughout the week. The height of the celebrations is the binding ceremony itself, held on the final day. The couple and their guests will gather by a shrine in the forest. Their union is made official underneath an arch of wood, reeds and seasonal flowers. The party continues until the following sunrise, symbolizing the beginning of a new life and partnership. In addition to attending, you can help weave the ceremonial wedding arch, keep the bonfire going, or simply enjoy the drink and music until you can't remember where you sleep.

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. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another faction's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other factions, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ 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.

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[abraxasmods]

Bay Kennish | Switched at Birth | Thorne & Nocwich | The Star

[wasalmostdaphne]

[Overall note: Bay is Deaf due to her current canonpoint, she won’t be able to understand anyone who is looking away when they talk to her, or if she can’t see their lips (due to a mask or not having lips) if they are looking at her.]

A. Castle Thorne - North Wing

Bay can be found more relaxed in the gilded cage of the North Wing, there’s not as much foot traffic so she doesn’t get herself as underfoot as the rest of the castle or the town. Usually she’s got herself hunched over some parchment and a pencil sketching something, usually it’s a person or a place. Or she has a book with hand gestures on each of the pages, taking regular breaks to practice what she sees in the book.

The othe noteworthy thing is that if you talk to her, and she’s got her head down and focused she won’t respond unless you catch her eye or touch her shoulder.

B. Castle Thorne - Cupcake Decorating

At first the Master Cake Decorator seemed ready to offer Bay some pointers, but Bay effortlessly made three different types of flowers on three different cupcakes. With skill that pretty clearly stated she’s done this before. After a brief nod of approval the Master Baker wandered off to leave Bay to her own devices.

“I didn’t know I could do that,” Bay says, turning to fully look at the Summoned next to her. It’s worth noting Bay’s looking at the person’s mouth and not their eyes, or the rest of their face, as she talks to them. "Do you need help with yours? What are you going for?"

C. Castle Thorne - Wildcard

In the Castle proper, Bay seems to be pretty much always under foot, as someone rushes this way or that in the corridor calling for her to get out of the way, she doesn’t react being pulled out of the paths of hurried pages, servants, or Summoned as they catch Bay not being aware of her surroundings.

Otherwise she can be seen talking with one of the Librarians. Well, studying, after arrival she’s being taught Abraxian Common Sign to help her function in the Castle and serve the purpose the Summoned are meant for here. She’ll regularly be found with him talking, or trying to, around the castle but especially near any pieces of local art.

Lastly Bay often watches magic classes, mostly just in awe of the fact that magic is real. Not that she doubted it with all that’s happened to her the past few days. Like with everything she unerringly focused on what she sees to the point that anyone could just walk up behind her and catch her off guard.

D. Nocwich

Bay was surprised, after being given a small stone to provide light (not enough to pierce the night, but more than enough to read by), that Oleuni Square is lit enough she can pocket the stone in her dress and wander around the market freely. She’s not equipped to buy anything, but she’s curious as to what she can see here.

Of course, as is usual with her she’s not used to her current condition, and crowds, and regularly bumps into people not hearing them in her periphery. When she’s still, and not a tripping hazard, she will be peering over any art and art supplies she can find in the market.

Fëanor | JRR Tolkien's The Silmarillion | Thorne | The Tower

[tinkerheart]

He did not expect to wake up drenched in water, getting dragged out of a fountain like semi-drowned kitten with no respect for his name or station. In fact, he did not expect to wake up at all. All this is secondary. Curiosity vies with anger for control, while Fëanor looks around takes in the surroundings, trying to no avail to identify anything familiar in it. Strange people he does no recognize. They tell him to calm down. Calm down! Ha!

Curiosity does win in the end. Fëanor accepts the clothes he's been given. Noticing not without a fair amount of disdain the poor craftsmanship of their make. Truly, someone should send both the weaver and the tailor back to their respective apprenticeships for this fabric abomination. He does follow the chatty youngster though. Does not even interrupt too often. The moment he realizes this is not Arda. That those people, if there's truth to their words, have pulled his fëa from under the greedy paws of the Valar, his mood shifts and he laughs frightening the young apprentice who looks for the first possible occasion to free himself of his company.

Fëanor pays him no mind. Let the child go. He can take care of himself. This is brilliant! He might have left his affairs unfinished, but the very fact that someone was able to pull such a number on the mighty Powers of Arda is endlessly funny. He has already realized the people here are no Eldar. They have the coldness and a shadow about them that's entirely unfamiliar. It alone supports the theory this is indeed not Arda, but some other completely different realm. Excellent.

Cupcake decoration

Why would you even be given a piece cake if you weren't expected to form an opinion on it? Fëanor is rather disappointed that his own is not taken with appropriate respect. He had no chance to speak with its maker, but he is curious of his technique. So he does not join the lessons expecting to learn something, merely wanting to witness the chef at work.

He shares his opinion with any poor soul that gets unlucky enough to be paired with him.

"I do think the whole set piece was needlessly top heavy, but the balance of flavours was quite alright. Especially, when compared to the other two."

Magic lessons

"Interesting."

Fëanor is more lenient to those who are still learning. Himself, he picks up the spell immediately. After a second try, his execution is flawless. It was only the second because he was too occupied trying to dissect the wording of the spell to pay enough attention for getting it completely right. He seems to be perfectly fine with ceaseless light explosions. Honestly, it can't be called a good practice if someone is not getting a third-degree burn once in a while.

Dewey's Decimal

He knows a failed project when he sees one, but he also takes pity on the poor apprentice with true fear in his eyes. He's in a good mood, with not much to do, and isn't this an opportunity to look through what is studied here. Maybe something catches his interest? For now, he hasn't seen a proper forge, so a library will do.
Adding another spell to his collection does not hurt either. With two, it's a bit early to get their system figured out, but Fëanor feels he's on a good path. But pity does not make him hold back on honest opinions, or rather chastising criticism.

"This idiotic and overly complex system," he declares. "But I see why it's an improvement over existing one. It might be a good start."

Nocwich

Fëanor did not bother to change into any other attire for his visit. In fact, he was too busy investigating the pendant he was given to even think about it. Given complete freedom to explore Nocwich, he does exactly so. Making notes on anything that catches his interest. Which is, frankly, everything.

Wildcard
[OOC: Feel free to assume meeting Fëanor anywhere around Castle of Thorne or Nocwich. He'll be going around and inevitably having strong opinions on everything. Most of them very damning. His standards for any craftsmanship are sky high, and he doesn't feel silly things like politeness should stop him from expressing said opinions. So it's entirely ok to assume he has just criticized something, or someone's work or went on some overly long tirade on how things could be done more efficiently.
Either PM or bitweaver works for plotting.]

rocket | mcu — free cities, solvunn — no arcana yet

[respiting]

what the hell am i doin’ here? ( free cities ) ;

[ Here we go again, right?

At this point, it’s hard not to take this whole world-hopping, time-bopping thing in stride but the unexpected thing here is that for the first time in a long time, there are no familiar faces from the get-go. None of the people he’d come to call family (though you’d never catch him saying that aloud) can be seen from where he’s standing, but that doesn’t really mean anything. It’s no reason to lose his shit. Not yet.

Rocket takes the opportunity instead to stretch his legs, readjusting the waistband of his uniform trousers (with the custom cut-out for his tail, of course), and strolls right on through to Libertas’ garden park memorial with nary a care for whatever responsibilities he may have been assigned at the barracks.

If someone tries to stop him, he’ll respond with a biting: ]

I was told people here were grateful I'm around. [ It's pretty clear he's only taking that at face value because gratitude is still something he’s learning to get used to; it shows up so infrequently. He crosses his arms, an ear twitching.

And don’t think the snatches of gossip he’s been hearing around town escape him, certain words seeming to draw a sense of stillness in him that feels too contemplative, too serious.

What he says, of course, doesn’t reflect whatever inner turmoil he might have. ] So what’s the deal with this thing?

[ He gestures to the memorial itself with a dark-black clawed finger. ]


goin’ up to the spirit in the sky ( free cities ) ;

[ You might catch a raccoon walking around, still in uniform, inspecting the parade of wagons with a very keen interest in the absolute nitty gritty, all the way down to the very last nut and the very last bolt. It might even be easy enough to mistake him for a judge, what with the way he’ll make an off-handedly snide remark about one wagon, and then marvel another with just a little less bite. ]

You know, I gotta give it to ‘em. That thing looks like a hunk of rolling trash parts but it’s not bad. Hope it wins.

[ He raps a knuckle against the side of a spectacularly bulbous engine, admittedly pleased with the hollow echo the sound produces and stretches his features into what can really only be described as a shit-eating grin. ]

Still. Give me an hour and I could do better.


laugh, laugh, laugh, i nearly died ( solvunn ) ;

[ It’s a little sobering to see something so grim and marked with violence in a pastoral place like this — but it’s good. It’s a good thing. Maybe this place reminds Rocket of some other life not lead, some alternate timeline (yeah he’s all about those these days) where he could have lived out the rest of his days doing dumb shit like gardening and farming and … you know, being blissfully happy.

But executions, violence, punishments and warnings … these are things that ground him back to reality. It makes the knitted wool feel less scratchy over his fur, though he’s admittedly a little overwarm right now. That's got nothing to do with the altar though. ]

Yeesh. [ He’s staring at the ashes on display, the ones of that former council member he’s never heard of. And sure, he could be a little more sensitive to something he has absolutely no knowledge about, keep his comments to himself, but Rocket likes to push buttons sometimes.

Okay, he likes to push buttons a lot of the time. He’s pushing one right now. Yep. Yep, we’re going for it. ] Guess it’s better than keeping a head on a spike, right? Less smell after a week in this sun.



wildcard ;
[ ooc: canon point is just post-endgame for now while i de-rust my voice.

for now i’m just bopping between the free cities and solvunn but i’m down for any wildcard in any city while i try to figure out a good match. in between wandering around, in the free cities rocket can also be found doing a little training (imagine a raccoon flipping around, doing a little target practice, keeping his claws sharp, you know normal stuff); and daring someone to come along with him into the badlands.

in solvunn, rocket can also be found pigging out on free food at the picnic, and scoffing at all the lovey-dovey love matches and marriages, and maybe burying fully-grown radishes in the wrong plots of some unsuspecting farmer’s garden because that’s just hilarious.

the world is our oyster so if the above prompts don’t jive, feel free to leave something below or shoot me a PM! ]

Jasper | Dragon Quest | Solvunn

[leitstern]

This home which once was serene | Solvunn

[The empty bed beside the window has been uninhabited for months. One morning a woman enters to replace the wildflowers in the pitcher. She exchanges another bouquet with a posy of pink carnations and baby’s breath. Silence is perpetual and habitual - and disturbed when she breaks with routine.

Bedding is stripped and replaced. Protective charms are hung around the bed. Medicinal herbs are bundled with twine and hung to dry. Magic permeates their leaves, infusing the air with the scent of gardenia and sandalwood. Ten minutes later a man is helped across the threshold and transferred to the bed. He offers his gratitude and is content to be left alone.

Now there is peace. Now there is silence.

Nothing until vigorous knocking breaks the peace. One minute passes before he awakes, lethargic and dazed from daydreaming. He groans and closes his eyes for a second. It takes another minute for the hammering to disturb his rest. He slides his legs over the side of the bed. Sitting upright, he looks up begrudgingly towards the door. Whoever it is, they’re loud enough to wake the dead.]

Enter.

Now is home to the screams | Solvunn

[The primary settlement is hardly as impressive as the castle that had been home for the past thirty years. The school is a simple building, the library unimpressive, the markets quiet and peaceful. The town hall looks too small for a town and homes are little more than huts and hovels.

But his home now lies in ruins.

He stands before the altar bearing a pile of ashes.

Perhaps this settlement is what he deserves.]

And to flying plates and shoes | Solvunn

[The shrine is a combination of colour and shade: a symbolic union of light and darkness. Ears of wheat lie across stalks of millet and scoops of oats and rye. Green beans, cabbages and tomatoes wilt in the heat but he knows better than to remove any from their offering spot.

So he watches who comes and goes.

Lovers. Partners. Friends. Clasping hands, stroking fingers, crossing arms. Looking into each other’s eyes, embracing with free and open emotions. Each in good spirits. All in a cheerful mood.

He takes a hesitant step but turns his back instead. He furrows his brows and pinches his nose, fingers his hair and looks anywhere but towards the shrine.

There is a bouquet of heather and purple clematis in his hand.]

But I have no souveniers | Nocwich

[The image of a city shrouded in eternal twilight is a familiar one. His hometown had once shone like a jewel in summer. Now it rots beneath everlasting dark.

He arrives in the square and feels the tension twist his shoulders. Werewolves and vampires. Humans and monsters. All mixing uneasily but living under the same sky.

His hands begin resting by his side. His memories of familiar faces steal the spring out his step. He looks away from people who meet his eye and crosses his arms. He has a few words for those who continue to badger him but otherwise continues his journey.

One stall catches his eye and he stops to look at a gold pendant from the counter. He lifts it gently in his palm: a shield on a chain. The way he stares at it one might imagine him looking at something else.]

Rude | Final Fantasy 7 Remake | Thorne/Nocwich

[not_actually_a_bad_guy]

Castle Thorne - North Wing
Rude feels like a wet cat as he is pulled from the fountain. It is something about the sudden water that just has that effect on him. He starts to ask a question as the underling runs back to his group and the big wig of the group starts talking. Mage, huh? That is different. Probably some sort of self-important bullshit. It is not like he isn't used to that from home. Fuck, where the heck is he? And how does he get back home? Then the bigwig is handing him off to one of the underlings, also not a new thing in Rude's world, who proceeds to speak at a pace that would impress even Reno. Shit, where is Reno? Rude's been here all of five minutes and he is already missing his redheaded partner.

As they are walking, Rude's trying to pay attention to both the information he is given and the layout of the castle they are walking through. Thankfully this isn't something that is entirely new to him. Soaking up information on the go and adapting is something the Turks have to be good at. That and putting whatever feelings they have aside for the sake of the mission. And right now, this is a mission in Rude's mind. No time to panic.

Once he left in his room, he just stands there for a moment. One hand pinching the bridge of his nose he sighs. This is a lot of information to take in. He doesn't feel entirely prepared for this situation. Then again, when is one ever prepared for being kidnapped to another world to serve in a war? Well. No time to dwell on that right now. He got work to do. Time to meet his roommates.

Castle Thorne - Magic Lessons
It doesn't take long to pick up that there is magic here, and it is very very different from the closest thing he is used to. So once he hears that there are magic lessons happening he figures that the best thing to do is to check it out. Anything that he can use later is worth doing now. At first, he is just quietly at the back of the class, somewhat unbelieving that he can actually learn to do this. But as the class goes on he is willing to give it a go and even if he is by no means a natural at it, you can certainly see the beginnings of something by the end of the class.

And he shows up to the next class, and the one after that, steadily building his skill.

Castle Thorne - Settling in
It's been a rough few days, but you wouldn't know it from looking at Rude. It doesn't take him that long to establish a rhythm. He keeps to morning workouts, running the perimeter of the castle. Besides being a workout and something that feels familiar it does give him a chance to map the castle and get to know it better. Some of these runs also venture into the city, trying to get a feel for the major landmarks. Another time he makes it to the castle gardens and quickly decides that his workout ends right then and there, instead of exploring this rather new environment. At meal times he tends to settle at one of the larger tables, welcoming people to sit with him. He is quiet, as he always is, but not disinterested in what you have to say.

Nocwich
Just when he thought he had the castle, or at least the North wing, under control another variable pops into the mix. Rude debates about going but then his curiosity gets the better of him and he is headed to Olenui Square. And once he is there he can't help but smile. It reminds him of back home. Of winding through the streets after a long day, or night for that matter, and relaxing. He wanders around the market, checking out the goods on offer, but making no purchases of his own.

solvunn

[leitstern]

[Jasper continues staring at the shrine without listening to the outside world. Unfortunately, the outside world has the unfortunate habit of being rude. The more it talks, the more his peace is disturbed. He looks unbothered by the talking rodent - he speaks to monsters and is one - but the sheer crass of it all? That makes him talk.

That he is rude himself counts for nothing.]

Did nobody teach you not to speak ill of the dead, rat?

[How should he know this thing is a raccoon?]

nocwich

[leitstern]

[The walk from the hot spring to the market is a peaceful affair. He pays no attention to the people passing on either side, content to occupy the middle of the street. He is careful to dodge and weave through the crowd but is happy to bump shoulders along the way.

That he might be responsible for the latest encounter doesn't cross his mind. He stares incredulously at the offender.]

Do you mind?

max mayfield , stranger things , the hermit

[madmaxed]

SOLVUNN
i. arrival

( max opens her eyes to the startling dark, one that swallows up her immediate scream. the pinpoint of light may have been the only anchor in this moment of impossible suspension, but as soon as a hand breaks the surface and grasps at her arms, max thrashes and yells and there is the pinprick of cold air on skin, grass and dirt under knobby knees and the rest of the introductions are downed out in the intensity of her disbelief and bone-rattling fear.

it is a blur, all the way to the settlement, until the very moment she's let back down from the carriage.

rowan march is right — there are questions. or there should be. she should have them, should be spurred to action, as they've done so many times before now. but all she'd done was stare at him as if she expected him to sprout extra heads and limbs. given the last twenty four hours, it isn't an unreasonable expectation.

max remembers the endless expanse of a terrible sky, stretched bloody and sinuous. she remembers eleven; she remembers the hope she tried so hard to convince herself of keeping and how visceral the loss of it felt. she remembers how her bones sounded when they snapped and the sickening calm of the end promised by a monster. she was sure she died. it was so real.

but this feels real too. the clothes feel warm, the air smells distinctly unlike hawkins. people talk to her, and although she brushes past them too quick — rude, she's sure — she hears little through the ringing in her ears.

there's a moment where she finds a tree, just a little ways out from the settlement, knees drawn up to her chin as she stares ahead of her. she just needs a moment. she's fine — she'll be fine. she just needs to stop thinking about everything that was happening. and then she can figure it all out — if this is real, or fake. but it doesn't help that the last thing she remembers is vecna's face. )

ii. exploring

( begrudgingly, max was starting to become more and more convinced that this was real. after the messy, unpracticed and fumbled way of stuffing the inner turmoil somewhere to the back of her mind, she was finally starting to accept it.

whatever that meant.

because this meant — that she had been pulled from certain death right from under vecna, and into what was basically one of munson's dungeon and dragons games, which is crazy that she was paying enough attention to lucas' descriptions to even make the connection.

wandering through a place feeling entirely like an outside wasn't an unfamiliar feeling. harder to ignore how absolutely insane she felt, staring at the faces of every passer-by trying to spot a familiar one, and max hadn't realized how much she'd want that between trying to convince herself she didn't need it. it was the sort of false bravado of a teen way over her head.

still, she finds herself amidst the offerings to a god she can't pronounce, overhearing conversations of high magic and bountiful harvest and on and on and she can't help the twist of disbelief scrunching her nose as she turns to look at the nearest person to ask, incredulous: ) — wait, they're really not kidding about the whole learning magic crap?

NOCWICH: oleuni square

( alright. she might not have been wanting to admit it, but something about this place was kind of cool.

maybe it was the fact that there was nothing immediately trying to kill her, or end the world as they knew it. maybe it was impossible not to feel a little bit swept up in the dangling trinkets and the ding of music.

she's at the stalls, though a particular potion shop catches her eye. namely, she holds a specific vial a little too long, something that promises the easing of nightmares. but — she has no money, and she's not sure how the locals would react to her trying to steal it. not her first go-to regardless, but a single night of decent sleep was a hell of a promise. slowly, she sets it back. )

WILDCARD ( always up to do something else!! she's exploring, and likely poking her nose into places she shouldn't! lets wildcard it! )

[respiting]

Oh, ha ha ha! [ That last one, delivered with forced throaty accompaniment, is just for effect. ] Real original, buddy. Like I haven't heard that one before.

[ He's been called worse, had worse done to him, he's totally over it.

... not that it doesn't still bristle every last nerve within him, sets his temper ablaze.

Okay, so maybe not totally over it.

Whatever. ]

Why — who is she, huh? Your sister? Mother? Wife?

PICKS YOU UP AND SPINS - exploring.

[hairington]

[ steve has been busy with the spring equinox preparations; it had been something to do, errands to run and things to help set up. and even as the celebrations started, the locals around the primary settlement know enough about steve to know that he'll be around, and happy to help, if they needed it. it kept him moving, kept him busy, and that's all he could really ask for at this point. there's not a whole lot else for him to do with the fact he can't really sleep, not a whole lot else for him to do with how he still smells rot and decay on the air. but festivals, parties, the friendly way the locals say hi to him as he passes through the square - these are distractions he can handle.

somewhere along the way he starts hearing whispers, other members of the primary settlement talking about new faces amongst the summoned. how they continue to be blessed, and how thankful they are for the support, that the gods must be pleased with what they're doing- but steve doesn't hear the rest. instead, he thinks of robin being alone for over a month in thorne. thinks about the fact there's still a chance someone else might be brought through and if he doesn't go looking for them-

he starts heading in that direction, preparing himself to be disappointed but knowing that it would be on his mind the rest of the day if he doesn't go to check. and it's a good thing he does, because just as he's about to head off across the main thoroughfair of the festival he catches a head of red hair out of the corner of his eye. part of his brain says he needs to stop being paranoid, that it's probably himeka or one of the locals, but he decides to look anyway as he is still heading off in the opposite direction, towards the pond, the summoning circle.

that's when steve stops, because there's no way- and yet there she is. he blinks, once, as if trying to remember how to do this or what it is he's doing, before he calls out across the crowd. ] Max! Hey! [ truthfully, he really doesn't care about the eyes that might turn to look at him, because he's already starting to push through the bodies themselves, muttering quick i'm sorrys and 'scuse mes as he tries to weave through them. ] Max!

free cities, wagons

[supersoldier]

[As always, during particularly big events that are clotted with crowds of people, Sephiroth has been delegated to guard work. He doesn’t mind it terribly, of course—he doesn’t mind his job at all, accustomed to it as he is—but today is particularly interesting. Some of the “wagons” on display are technical marvels, barely fitting the definition of something so simple, crafted with the same kind of mechanical ingenuity one might see at Shinra — though certainly with less whimsical flair.

He stands with his arms crossed, but below him is a… well, some kind of mammalian humanoid, inspecting every bolt and cog of the wagon before him, and hovering over the engine with what he can only assume is professional interest.

Sephiroth speaks stolidly, though he always does. The fact that he’s bothering to strike up conversation means he’s in an amiable enough mood.]

Would you? How, exactly?

[He gestures with a gloved hand to the side of the wagon.]

My old employer… would probably install at least several more weapons on each side.

arrival! c:

[vecna]

[Speaking of Vecna’s face.

Well, this certainly isn’t the face she would recognize, is it? Henry Creel is a tall, somewhat beanpole-esque man with pale skin, bright blue eyes, and blonde hair. His voice is soft-spoken, every intonation a friendly lilt when he’s trying to play at being amicable. (Ninety-percent of the time, he is.) Surely this utterly harmless sight is enough to chase away any horrid remembrances of some wet and writhing creature from the Upside Down.

Because where Max has found refuge under the tree, she seems to have not noticed that there was someone busying himself on the other side of the wide trunk, and the sound of movement deters Henry from whatever he was doing, just long enough to peek around the side in a half-lean.

He has no idea who this is. But she looks withdrawn and harried; something that is more curiosity than concern, but more importantly—]

You can sit there if you want, but can you try not to knock those over?

[“Those” being objects that she’s not noticed, he assumes, clinking at her feet in her haste to this tree. Glass jars, currently empty, tilt a little in protest at the heel of her shoe.

If Henry’s annoyed by the intrusion, it doesn’t show on his features.]

[respiting]

See? Yeah! Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about! More weapons, a couple blasters here, maybe an energy booster there —

[ Rocket hums, half in his own myriad of thoughts and plans and ideas so that this man could probably walk away and Rocket wouldn't even notice.

(And then he'd notice and call him an a-hole for leaving without a word. But you can't win with him sometimes.) ]

Security system in this thing's a crapshoot too. [ He could steal it right now if he wanted to, but maybe guarding galaxies has taught him it's better to restrain those sticky fingered urges every now and then.

That and prison's a drag; he doubts that this world is any exception. ] But I like the colour.

and they were roommates.

[oversurge]

Guess who's in luck—because when that door swings open, the roommate waiting for Rude is none other than his redheaded partner. Who, currently, is a little less of a redhead, seeing as he still hasn't figured out how the hell to touch up his roots around these parts, but whatever.

And okay, maybe it's not a coincidence; he'd glimpsed Rude getting the good ol' tour earlier with that kid who rattles off the same script to everyone like he's reciting a presentation to a bunch of bigwigs. Reno doesn't wanna make it a thing that they're buddies—trust is in short order, and he's taking his time deciding whether he wants to throw his lot in with Thorne or not—so he decided to hop into the nearest empty room and lounge on the bed, waiting for Rude to pop on in.

Here he is. The man himself. (Without the shades, though, which is weird.) Really fucking missed him, y'know? But he's not gonna cry about it or anything. It's just, look, you try getting yanked to another Planet and wind up with Sephiroth of all people as your only back-from-home companion. It ain't great.

'Course, it begs the question of: why him and Rude? And Sephiroth? Talk about a strange mix.

"Hey there, partner." His feet are crossed at the ankles, arms tucked behind his head. "Took your ass long enough to get here."

Nocwich

[supersoldier]

It isn't the market square that draws Sephiroth to Nocwich, though the sights and wares on display are always of dim interest. No, when there is an influx of new Summoned, he makes a point to visit, even if only briefly. The smallest chance that he might meet someone from his Planet remains a long shot, but the odds have played out in his favor at least once before. Back then, he found a Turk. Now?

He finds a Turk.

He's almost certain of it. He strides forward, silver hair a curtain behind him in his haste, lips thinning in consternation. And then, the inevitable announcement of his presence.

"Rude."

Time to gauge his reaction, too.

RUNNING UP THAT HILL PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND

[madmaxed]

( back in hawkins, belief in the impossible had stopped being a choice. and ever since and somehow especially after billy, it had only gotten worse and kept getting worse until the very end. she swears that she can still hear the echoing ticking of a grandfather clock when the din of the crowd fades into panic, something that has to be tamped down over and over again.

and yet, this entire place is downright fantasy — magic and gods and summonings are talked about like it's an everyday thing and there's a beat until she'd realized it must be, for them. but there is a long leap between the visceral powers of the upside down, of vecna and even eleven, of things max can't even begin to find actual names for and some flora god of crops or some crap.

she was thinking she'd began to accept it. it wasn't acceptance. it was avoidance, running, anything other than coping because how do you even begin to cope with —

in the face of this, her solitude is her defense. it's easier to remove yourself, to let yourself drift in some in-between shape of real and imagined when you don't have the solid anchor of familiarity to make it all come crashing down. no cassette player to ease the anxiety, as if kate bush can protect her from some overly friendly locals that can't decide whether to treat her like a kid or savior.

the false confidence — if it can even be called that — wears so impossibly thin at the very sound of her name. it makes her flinch, snap her head up and turn through the rather crowded square.

her heartbeat is somewhere in her throat when her wide eyes find — ) Steve?

( somehow, somehow through it all, it makes sense it would be him. how many times had to he run towards trouble, rather than away? her steps are uncertain, and the messy confidence held aloft like a shield shows hairline fractures as she breaks out into a sprint. ) — Steve!

[supersoldier]

[Sephiroth is more soldier than mechanic. Though he can appreciate the interest secondhand, the only weapon he's ever replied upon was his own blade. Even Shinra's vehicles, efficient and effectively dangerous as they were, never interested him beyond the prerequisite of knowing how to operate them if the need ever arose.

It never did.

But, still, he raises a brow as the other goes on and on about how he might improve this wagon, truly turning it into a killing machine.]

The color isn't bad.

[They can agree on that. But he prefers black.]

...Are you a mechanic?

solvunn

[nomnoms]

[ Suddenly, with more natural stealth than any seven foot tall creature has any right to, this massive bipedal shark man appears next to the furry creature. ]

Head spike... nom nom...

[ Nanaue nods in agreement about the smell, though Rocket may get the sense he is considering this alternative that did not occur as a positive one.

He does not understand why they let the sheep lady get eaten by the vultures when he could have eaten her. And much more quickly! This re-thought gives him disappointment and he grumbles some curses to himself, scuffing the dirt with a massive foot. ]

solvunn - hello rocket love you already

[aquaveiled]

[ Josselyn's ashes being on display isn't something Himeka had anticipated, but she's not wholly unsurprised either. It's the sort of thing she imagined happening in the background, in the shadows, rather than in front of the entire community. But given the fanfare that came after her execution...

Well. "Justice has been served", as they say.

Himeka herself hadn't attended the execution itself like Nero had, but curiosity gets the better of her when the ashes were first put out.

The fact that there's a small, furry creature that's talking to her also isn't as surprising as it should be. She spares him a glance--looks a bit like one of the auspices--and offers a shrug. ]

From what I heard, there wasn't much of her left after the God got to her. A "cleanser of sins" or some-such. But yes--that would smell pretty bad.

solvunn

[carmesi]

[ah.

they had met before, hadn't they? briefly, in all the chaos of battling thanos and then later, at tony's funeral. she hadn't thought much of it, and had simply accepted whatever explanation steve and bucky had told her. there was too much of everything else to focus on at the time, anyway.

suppose this is the normal for solvunn, though, summoning all sorts, from normal teenagers to powerful mages to... talking creatures of some sort.]

There really wasn't anything else to bring back, anyway.

[what with the execution and what it had done to josselyn— well, it stands to reason the commune's elders would want to bring in a little warning for all the rest.]

We've met before.

[?? what was..his name...?]

AND IF I ONLY COULD MAKE A DEAL WITH GOD!!!

[hairington]

[ it's an odd kind of feeling - the way everything seems to shed off of him in a single second. how quickly it can really just not matter where they are, or what has happened, or what is even going on. they are in the middle of a festival dedicated to ancient magic gods, having been pulled through some kind of magic water by people who use actual spells and shit to get this all to work. hell, he's even dressed the part, in trousers and books and a loose linen shirt and max is here, somehow, in the midst of it.

steve has been here long enough (nine months, he's been here nine months) to know how all this goes. how it definitely doesn't feel real at first, how none of this makes any sense, but also how it's just easier to accept it and move on. really, part of steve still doesn't know if he believes any of this entirely, like at any given moment he could open his eyes and he'll be back in hawkins, back in the aftermath of what they couldn't actually do. part of him worries about max, about the last thing she remembers and what sort of questions she's going to ask and god, oh shit what if she doesn't know about eddie-

but all of that is tucked away the second her head snaps around to the sound of her name. she sees him as he's already in motion across the festival, weaving in and around groups of people milling about. while he doesn't exactly see the moment she sees him thanks to a particular tall cart that is pulled directly in his path, he does catch the way she's already moving towards him as soon as the path is clear.

steve!

it's a good thing the crowd has thinned a bit by this point, because steve also breaks out into a run - closing any distance that remained between them in literal seconds. and it is strange, in that way, to know how quickly it can all be pushed away for later. how he's felt like he's been drifting since they all returned from that island, like some part of himself hasn't really slotted back into place and everything from that day until now has been just forcing himself upright and keeping his feet under him, except for now. except for right now.

when get finally gets to her, there isn't a moment's hesitation before he's got his arms around her and he's pulling her into a tight hug. he breathes, and god, she even smells the same (also a weird thing to think, he knows this, but he's getting used to these new abilities) and steve feels like he's actually got his feet under him. like maybe he can do this. ] Holy shit Mayfield- did you just get here?

[madmaxed]

( speak of the devil...

the voice is lilting and soft, and yet she cannot help a flinch. there's an owlish blink at this reed-like man just on the other side of the broad tree, hair bright in the sun, shadows cast from the leaves above them shivering in the passing breeze. it isn't a familiar face and everything around them is painted in brilliant color, vibrant and green and blue, stark contrast to the writhing red of the upside down. it was almost enough to forget.

max casts her eyes downward, with another jar plinking at the motion and it was a wonder she hadn't cracked one underfoot. ) Oh — ugh yeah. ( her throat is dry. ) Sorry.

( distant, barely polite, but it's somehow easier to chase the distraction. after a short, awkward pause: ) ... What are they for?

[leitstern]

[Feet adopt a wide stance. Fingers settle on his hips and claw into his sides. Tempers and nerves fray and spark, forcing his fingers to dig deeper.

His face looks like he's tasted something fowl. Ugh. He cannot even bark a laugh at that comment that is burrowing under his skin.]

Oh, what business is it of yours? Can those who inflict misery not have a family?

[Is that a glimmer of humanity? He hardly notices it.]

( magic lessons SORRY NOT SORRY )

[politicians]

[ elrond had stepped in just to do a little catch up in his studies. and immediately froze. it couldn't be. elrond had never met the elf, but he knew him. they all did. and his family knew him better than most. not to mention his mentors had passed along tales and stories of him when he was younger.

his expression tightens and for a moment he considers simply turning on his heel and leaving. instead he studiously ignores fëanor to fetch some scrolls he needed to pick up. let it be on fëanor's terms first. ]