abraxasooc | TEST DRIVE MEME #13

Entry tags:

!test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME #13

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 August.

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 summer, the weather warm and mild. To anyone used to hotter climates, it might even feel somewhat 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 debate an execution involving the gods in Solvunn or the recent emergence of the Fey, there's also a buzz of excitement from the Crown Sprint - where a noble steed named Summer Eclipse and her rider Maertisa Cassidy were declared this year's winner.

Life in the Castle has chiefly resumed, but the permanent increase in guards indicates a crisis in the past. There are also rumors of unusual rifts and creatures appearing out of nowhere.

◎ Exploring

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

Equestrian Exhibition
Hot on the heels of the extravagant Crown Sprint, Castle Thorne continues the celebration by displaying its finest horses. These include the Haylean Warmblood - bred for Hayle's mountainous cold regions - and the oldest breed in Thorne, the Circinean, named after Thorne's original settlement by Lake Circinus. You can get riding lessons from participants in the Crown Sprint, visit or volunteer to take care of the horses, or help the children who've arrived to take part in smaller pony races. While the children just want to have fun, many hail from noble and aristocratic families, so you find yourself witnessing a certain temperament from their parents...who are significantly more competitive and cutthroat than their kids.

Magic Lessons
Regular magic lessons are held by apprentice mages as part of their training, usually involving learning to cast a small spell. 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. 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.

Occupying Octopi
Due to the unusual rifts last month, a few octopi have made their way into Castle Thorne. These cephalopods have been spotted lurking in the baths, hiding in pools and lakes, and even taking a dip in the kitchen's water basin. Mages are desperate to catch the loose octopi so that they can return the animals to the ocean. The mages will give you a simple enchanted tracking orb to help locate them, but octopi have a habit of being elusive and squeezing into tight spaces - so retrieving one might take some innovation! Maybe it'll go smoother with a partner?

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 sweltering, and the climate is hot and dry. Even the summer nights are relatively warm. 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 the majority of it has been rebuilt including a new garden park memorial that commemorates the lives lost. Chatter has shifted from the fire attacks to the gruesome execution involving the gods in Solvunn, as well as the Summoned's invitation to visit the Feywilds last month. Scholars and laymen alike can be heard debating the nature of gods, men, and the Fey.

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. Many have just returned from a fulfilling trip into the desert known as The Firebrand, where hobbyists celebrate innovation, independence, and unique inventions.

Life in the Free Cities has chiefly resumed, but the permanent increase in guards indicates a crisis in the past. There are also rumors of unusual rifts and creatures appearing out of nowhere.

◎ 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.

Marble Engravings
A researcher named Esi Hollandse has unveiled her newest creation: a handheld "laser" tool powered by New Magic meant to help sculptors sculpt stone. Come visit the beautifully displayed marble sculptures created using this new technique, which allows for more refined carving techniques. Want to try it for yourself? Why not! With some guidance, you can create your own etchings on a small stone block and take home your newest piece of art.

Swan Song
Due to the unusual rifts last month, several swans have invaded Cadens and are now becoming a menace, stealing bread, grains, and desserts from market stalls and shops. You might come across a shopkeeper chasing a swan after it stole their cheese or a harried attendant at the museum shooing a bird away from their precious artifacts. Perhaps you could lend a hand? Or, you could find yourself an unsuspecting victim of a swan. Any captured swans can be brought to Portam Hall and delivered to one of the government departments there, though you might have to stand in line while grasping an unhappy bird. Be careful not to let it escape!

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 the temperatures are comfortably warm with light humidity. 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 with the fruits of spring and summer. 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 no longer discussing the execution of former Council member Josselyn Creed, but 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. As well, there's curious chatter surrounding the Summoned's invitation to visit the Feywilds last month.

Life in the Solvunn Commune has chiefly resumed, but the focus on appeasing the gods and increased shrine offerings indicate many have not forgotten the troubles of the past. There are also rumors of unusual rifts and creatures appearing out of nowhere.

◎ Exploring

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

Goat Racing
That's right. One of Solvunn's fine traditions is its regular goat races. Meant to be a bit of informal fun, there's a pen of goats where you can choose a goat, get a number, and simply join one of the starting lines. These goats are not trained so the race is less of a race and more pure chaos as the goats do what they please. Whoever eventually wrangles their goat over the finish line wins. The only rule is that you can't pick up or physically pull your goat, but you're free to cajole, lure, or even use a bit of magic to get yours to the finish line first. Winners receive small prizes of cheese, ale, wood charms, woven baskets, and other similar tokens.

Shrine Supervision
During the recent Summer Equinox celebrations, the youth have a habit of holding their own tradition called the Guardian Séance. These unsanctioned rites are quickly stopped by Commune Elders, but there's been some damage and messes that need to be put right. Elders have asked you to supervise the adolescents who've been assigned to clean up the shrines and restore the damage they've caused. Beware of snakes in the grass! You're also welcome to help the teens with their task. Once completed, Elders will invite you to make an offering in the formal traditions of High Magic.

Bird Baths
Due to the unusual rifts last month, and with the convincing of a few of the Summoned, Solvunn has agreed to raise some of the unique pack birds on one of their farmlands. Unfortunately, the week's downpour has caused them to become very muddy. Desperate farmhands have asked for your help giving the birds a good wash to clean their dirty feathers. You can also help feed them grain and prevent any jealous goats from headbutting or fighting these docile birds.

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.

return to main navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[If there ever was a siren call in the world -- nay, in the universe! -- to Jaskier, it is a beautiful lady looking at something in a market longingly. This is how tales are spun, how great romances begin. How the mere moments before one is torn in half or granted even a parcel of attention to bless one's day are so filled with possibility!

The man that comes seemingly from nowhere at Jill's side is richly dressed in a red coat embroidered with phoenix feathers, flames at the end of his sleeves, and rings on every other finger. Pushy shop owners? Say no more. The face the merchant makes when Jaskier appears is the same as if a bag of coin had just dropped into their lap.]

Would you like it? A lady should never be without her gems, even if they cannot hope to match the caliber of your charms.

( Flames take her. The man’s appearance has her taken off guard almost as much as the shopkeeper’s insistence that she purchase something. It puts her in mind of Joshua — no, the Phoenix itself — for her friend would likely never have opted to wear something as opulent as what this gentleman is wearing.

As for if she’d like it— )

There are surely better things for you to spend your coin on than on a stranger.

( The flirtation is noted, but Jill puts it out of mind. She won’t have someone spending money on her for something she doesn’t need, no matter how much it catches her eye. )

[Oh, this wonderfully kind woman. How very sweet of her. How very unnecessary, even. Jaskier's smile in response is brilliant, enough to wrinkle the skin around his eyes.]

There has never been anything more important for me to spend my coin on, my lady.

[And already he is passing over a heavily loaded bag full of it to a merchant with eager eyes and hungrier fingers. The Gem of the Phoenix is very well-known even in Nocwich, both as a friend of the werewolves and a man parted from his coin for the right pieces.

With the necklace in his hands, he holds it out in offering to her, all shimmering cold blues and silvers. It will certainly match her cool tones. (Another fair-haired catching his eye... there is obviously a pattern in his potential and actual lovers, but Jaskier refuses to recognize it.)] I believe a fair trade it will be if you grant me your name.

It’s alright, I don’t need—

( Will nothing she say sway him otherwise? The generosity itself doesn’t make her uncomfortable, nor does the fact that he’s a perfect stranger. But that she is the recipient of it when she has done nothing worthy of it — that’s what itches in her fingers, her soul.

Undeserving.

But he seems both keen and insistent, though her eyes go wide at what must be a substantial amount of coin traded over. He can’t be serious. He is unflinching so. And now that he’s actually bought the thing—

Jill sighs, coming to realize that there truly is no way out of this. If need be she can simply sell it later, and use what coin she makes to aid those more in need. (That she should keep it, that such things are something she deserves — the ostentatious man in front of her only has an uphill battle to climb on that front. One he wouldn’t be fighting alone, however, if he somehow decided to search for allies.) )

Jill. Jill Warrick.

[Bless for her trying, but even Jaskier's closest friends can hardly sway him from anything once he's decided upon it. And even if the lady appears very exasperated with him indeed, he is still granted the delight of her name.

He smiles.]

Hardly any of us need such decorations, Lady Warrick. [He gives her a bit of a bow, rising to hold the necklace out. Even in the night of Nocwich, it glitters tantalizing under the lights among the market.] But every one of us deserves to indulge. It is such a very human experience. [And really, what's he going to spend that coin on? Another bed for his gryphon? More shirts for Geralt to get blood on? Please.] Jaskier, Master Bard, at your service. And if you would accept the aid, I can help you put it on. Even if you decide it doesn't suit, you may as well take in a glimpse of it, hmm?

( Lady Warrick. Jill hadn’t expected to hear her name and the title she’s most used to having here, in this place where it’s pointless. Her shock is easily hidden, however, considering he’s offering to help her put it on. )

That may be, but I have found no desire to indulge in this particular way. ( Most of her’s are simple things, like taking a few hours to have a picnic with Clive. Or taking a long walk simply to enjoy the air and a moment of peace. ) An honor to meet you, Jaskier. And, if you insist—

( She turns her back to him, sweeping back her hair. It is easier, Jill is coming to notice, to indulge him. And he seems harmless enough, as a bard, that she is confident in her ability to defend herself. Even now, without the full power of Shiva in her. )

Then you have your other ways?

[He smiles, and it could be a bit teasing, but it is mostly a genuine question. Only out of curiousity; not all women need be enamored with jewelry, but the interest he'd first seen in her gaze did not appear put upon. Perhaps unconscious to the point she did not even acknowledge it herself.

He gives a nod. He insists. And he is very careful as he brings the necklace around her front, then clasping it in the back -- though he indulges in the beautiful movements of her hair, almost silver in the magic lights of Nocwich. A slash of moonlight over a pale line of shoulder --]

There. It suits you. Would you like a look? [He produces a rather expensive, flashy little item, even for Abraxas -- a compact mirror, with a sunflower painted on the front, and pops it open to hold in front of her.] Sapphires may be your gem of choice, my lady.

No. I do not need anything extravagant at all, especially when my coin could be better put to use.

( To help others rather than help herself. She might admire the finer things in life, but there is no true desire nor want for it -- Jill is satisfied with what she has. (That others really wish she'd do something for herself for a change is something Jill isn't particularly aware of, all things considered.) Jill lets her hair fall back when he's done, and he seems too enthusiastic for her to want to dim his enjoyment of the moment. What will it hurt to indulge him just a moment longer?

Though even Jill has to reach out and touch the pendant, distracted by the way the light hits the gems. His words do make her cheeks go pink, however. )

I've always been fond of blue.

[He takes that in without direct response. And so what does she use her coin on? He suspects she doesn't mean something else like dresses or fine boots. He's already painting the picture, one splash of color at a time, of who he thinks she might be. It's a slow bit of work when one meets someone new, but it is sometimes the most enjoyment he has in a day.

So far, he has her not cold, but... reserved. More than most women are around him (not to blow his own horn about it or anything.) Wary. Wary, but --

Ah. There it is. Still her soft spots, with those blushing cheeks.]

The bright blues of the sky, or the shadows of the ocean? I sense you enjoy something a bit murkier -- something with its facets and cracks. [Not that this necklace has any of those; a fine merchant would never allow it.] The sort of stone that feels much more real than one that appears as perfection.

( It isn't Jaskier's fault -- even if she were not so reserved by nature, he would still be fighting an uphill battle with his charm. There has ever only been one person in her life that makes the walls around her heart fall easily by the wayside. )

Ice. ( She can give him that much, at least. ) The blues of a glacier, and the frozen sea.

[Luckily, he's worn the correct shoes for uphill battles. Every day of his life.

There's a glow to his gaze as he takes her in with the necklace. Right. That's it, isn't it? It looks a bit like a snowflake. The silver, the blue gemstone, matching with her silver hair and pale skin.

Ah. It really does suit her.]

Are you from northern lands? [He closes the mirror, now she's gotten a look at the complete picture. And yes, most men might have taken that as an indication that she was icing him out -- and perhaps that's true. But it changes nothing: she is a beautiful woman, and the necklace is blessed to be upon her throat.] There are few and far between I know that prefer the harsh touch of cold over the kinder summers. But I've always thought they produce much hardier folk. And... well, and sirens. Sometimes I would go north just to see the sirens.

Originally, yes. ( It's been a while since she talked about the North -- having lost it to the Blight years ago, no one ever seemed to think of it much. Even Jill finds it difficult to recall, her memories overtaken by those in Rosalith alongside Joshua and Clive. Still -- he's asking, and he's been far more generous than she deserves. ) I can recall very little, save the blizzards and the warmth of my father's house and my mother's stories.

( But that was enough. Her father, though feared in the south, was always a gentle, genial man who refused to accept the death sentence the north had been handed. The south had land, the south had a child for a Dominant, and a Mothercrystal they could lose at a moment's notice. Jill cannot find fault in the Silvermane's reasoning -- what has she done, what blood is on her hands, now that she has decided to save the world? )

Though I can't say I remember any sirens in the tales. Just the ice queens of old.

Fine things to remember, if you must forget so much.

[It's too presumptuous to ask why, or to assume it is indeed a sad thing. Many wish to forget their pasts, and Jaskier knows men old enough to forget such things simply from the passage of time. She sounds wistful though, to him -- to remember such things as her parents and the snows.

Ah, a beautiful, mysterious woman, with an unknown past even to herself... please. The ballads write themselves.

It's more than that, though. Jaskier has wanted to know nearly every person he's met, and she is no exception.] Ah, the sirens were glorious! When they weren't trying to kill you and sink your ship, of course. But -- well, a busy market is hardly the place for such things, but know I would love to hear the stories of your ice queens. As I've said, I'm a bard, and stories are my one true love. I could spend a life time hearing ones from every sphere.

[Stories and beautiful, mysterious women.]

If you are ever in the Free Cities, you should come watch me perform. But if you are not allowed the trip, then... well, know this, Lady Warwick: I personally believe preserving our memories is one of the most important things we can do, especially when they are so prone to being lost. If you would ever like those memories immortalized in song, then I should be happy to do it for you. [He pauses.] I'm a very good bard, if that helps.

[The best, actually, but he's learning to be humble.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME #13

nocwich (ok with spoilers!)

oh my god i’m DELIGHTED

HEHEHE

no subject

no subject

no subject

sneaks back here

opens arms for

huehuehue

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject