abraxasooc | TEST DRIVE MEME #14

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!test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME #14

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 October.

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 autumn, the weather is cool and windy. In the distance, you can see tall mountain peaks and fall florals are in bloom in the gardens. 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. Some tension is in the air when locals debate a recent invasion of monsters through open rifts. Many agree that the Summoned are necessary to help stabilize the Singularity to prevent another crisis. The destruction has left areas outside the castle severely damaged, but repairs are underway.

Although Eifstide is a few weeks away, the Castle's head chef has started to serve autumn-themed pastries and fall-spiced teas in the dining hall.

◎ Exploring

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

Roaming Dolls
In preparation for the children who will Roam during Eifstide, the Castle is constructing autumn dolls to distribute on behalf of the King and Queen. Supplies will be laid out in one of the castle's rooms where you can create a variety of dolls using cloth leaves, waxed nuts, and yarn. An incantation is provided to enchant the dolls with a colorful sparkle, written in an ancient tongue. Make sure the pronunciation is perfect. A small mistake might cause your doll to turn a foul color or crumble into dust in your hands. If you possess your own magic, you can use that instead!

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 warming spell that can chase away the chill for about an hour or so. 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.

Equine Escape
One of the stablehands has accidentally let some of Thorne's riding horses out. In a desperate bid to bring them back before anyone discovers her error, she's approached the recent influx of Summoned for help - hoping that your status as a new arrival means you won't rat her out to her superiors. Fortunately, the horses are unlikely to have gone far. You can search around the Castle grounds, riding trails, and the city's lush woods where they might be grazing. Of course, two sets of eyes are better than one. Maybe another Summoned has seen a lost horse somewhere? Or perhaps you could use some help yourself to coax a stubborn steed home.

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 or Borrel 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. The climate is hot and dry, but temperatures are beginning to cool, especially during the nights. 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. Some tension is in the air when locals debate a recent invasion of monsters through open rifts. Though the majority consider the Summoned heroes, a few protest pamphlets can be found arguing against the government's insistence on summoning outsiders. The destruction has left areas outside the main cities severely damaged, but repairs are underway.

The barracks where you first arrive show signs of damage. Wounded soldiers fill the infirmary. They exchange stories about invisible hounds and strange mutant beasts that attacked - though some tales are exaggerated. Meanwhile, city guards are especially present around an inn and tavern at the heart of Cadens - The Sarstina - where the Summoned like you are often found. They're here for your protection, not to prevent you from moving freely.

Although Eifstide is a few weeks away, shops and bakeries have started to serve autumn-themed treats and fall-spiced ales.

◎ 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.

Talent Show
Children at an orphanage in Libertas are putting on a talent show for passersby and will insist on your participation if they corner you. They'll cajole you into doing everything from acting in a puppet show portraying grand battles against strange monsters to assisting with dance rehearsals. Be sure to bring your enthusiasm! Naturally, as with all talent shows, there might be a terrible emergency that needs your help. You could find yourself being asked to help with costume problems or to locate missing instruments and props.

Oh My Gourd
A new invention by a researcher named Esi Hollandse has taken off: a handheld "laser" tool powered by New Magic. Originally created for sculpting marble and stone, she's attempting to refine the device so it can carve gourds for Eifstide. Citizens are lining up to test it for themselves and retrieve a free pumpkin to carve in the process. Why not carve a pumpkin of your own? Of course, it's a bit of a two-person job - someone needs to hold the pumpkin while the other operates the device. Be careful! The invention is still in the works so now and again, a gourd might burst.

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...but they're temporarily crowded, forcing you into cramped quarters with other Summoned and soldiers. Unfortunately, due to the damage last month, only half of the barracks are operable. 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. Additional bedrolls are laid on the floors. 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 chilly and the temperatures are cool. Rains are beginning to grow more frequent. 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 apples, figs, corn, and other autumn crops. 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. A sense of awe is in the air when locals discuss the recent invasion of monsters through open rifts. The locals consider the Summoned their saviors, a sign that the Gods chose correctly. The destruction has left areas outside the main settlements severely damaged, but repairs are underway.

Although Eifstide is a few weeks away, friendly neighbors have started to deliver autumn-spiced candies and warm knitted socks or scarves to everyone around the Commune.

◎ 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.

Ap-peeling Apples
The orchards are overflowing with apples of all kinds. They must be gathered before oncoming rains rot the fruit. You'll be given a basket to collect your apples, and you're welcome to eat your fill while you work. If you'd rather remain in one spot, a section of the orchard has been set aside for the task of peeling the apples to bake some delicious pies. The task should be easy - except the humid air means the Shrieking Weeds surface more frequently. Harmless and even vital to many gardens, you must rebury the weeds should they rise above-ground and unleash their shrill scream. Once replanted, they'll quiet down and appear as a common weed.

Shrine Ornaments
In preparation for Eifstide, shrine ornaments made of bone and foliage are being crafted around the Settlements. Each ornament is to be delivered to a shrine dedicated to Koth, an Old God that oversees decay and death. Locals will encourage you to create an ornament of your own by collecting animal bones, leaves, and twigs from the woods. Once finished, you can bring your ornament to the shrine and ask for a blessing through Solvunn's tradition of High Magic. For Eifstide, many ask for the Gods to spare their homes from visitations of death and destruction.

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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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I do.

[ Eyes still on the skewers like this is an entirely casual conversation topic to drop on someone somewhat unexpectedly, Claude reaches for a flatbread first to tear it in half, setting one on top of the other as a makeshift plate before picking up a skewer next. ]

Those who comprised the cult were imprisoned and the leader executed, and we've been limited in some answers for what happened since though some of it was also supposedly in service to the old gods of Abraxas. Istredd - he's an excellent mage in Thorne and was also in The Pit with us. He and another Summoned, Wanda, have done some research into what happened and he has several records I'm sure he would be willing to let you browse.

[ While speaking, there's another sort of careful balancing happening as he slides some of the skewer's contents onto the bread then adds some herbs from the cup of them stashed within the basket to top it off. His sort of sandwich is progressing nicely, but there's more to be said first. ]

There's the first time we came to Nocwich as well. Delegates were chosen to represent us, and unfortunately there was someone who targeted them. They survived though an important Thornean mage was killed, and Thorne believed it was the work of the Free Cities.

[Dion reserves his reaction as nothing more than polite silence, though his brows knit together and he does not reach for his food nor his drink. Of course, it is to be expected that no land is without its problems, but this is a particular sort of problem. And certainly a unique warning to be told to someone new to the land.

He marks the names down in his memories -- if he is to acclimate to this world, he must research it, and the names of those who would make such work easier are valuable.

Even as Claude pauses, Dion only lifts his tea and drinks it. He is unsure whether to offer understanding -- because he cannot claim to have it -- or an apology for its happening, considering it has already happened, and he, if wounded, must have healed from it.

But his gaze does darken as he looks down, at the old gods of Abraxas. Cults, gods... like the Circle of Malius. It's as if he's hardly left home.

He curls that hatred and keeps it close to his breast.]

It sounds as if there are more interested in eliminating the Summoned than celebrating our arrival. [Or so it sounds. It isn't, to him, such a strange thing to think. He looks up.] And? Thorne surely did not stand aside if an assassination occurred. No monarchy would.

[ Claude, meanwhile, calmly takes a bite of his food and chews it with the appearance of one undisturbed. Somewhere beneath the surface is the truth that he's not - there's plenty about what little he'd described of the entire series of events which still plague his late night thoughts. Some of the worst parts have been neatly compartmentalized away after processing them all, and now only the questions they all have remain. Or so he tells himself.

That he expects Dion to have questions makes it easier to let those thoughts align here as he pretends to watch a nearby table where a rowdy card game seems to be going on while simultaneously watching his companion from the corner of his vision. It's only fair to let Dion have some time to consider it all, and what response does come is one which brings a hint of a smile from Claude he's quick to hide beneath a napkin. ]

You're correct about that. That same night while their Summoned watched Thorne struck Libertas in the Free Cities with a magical attack which leveled a large area within the city. Those of us in the Free Cities knew something happened but not what exactly until we were allowed to go later. [ A pause as he adjusts the flatbread in his hand to keep the contents from spilling out, and then - ] Make no mistake, the Free Cities also offered an attack of their own back upon Thorne in response and Thorne's citizens also suffered for it as the threat of war brings to all.

But I should also mention to address your first point - that while I have plenty of thoughts on where we are, [ underscored by a free hand gesturing to their surroundings as perhaps a reason why said thoughts might have to wait, ] and that though some things here come with costs, I've found the Summoned to be a rather... resilient group. In each location and collectively, there's no shortage of those willing to work together. That though it may strange to believe, you're not alone just because you're in a new place and possibly without anyone you know.

[ Though that latter statement, perhaps, is Claude telling on himself ever so slightly. ]

Greagor's grace... [The words come disbelieving, horrified; he makes a small symbol with his hand in the face of such news. There is no reason to disbelieve what Claude has told him at the moment, and it begins to align with some whispered things he has already begun to catch onto.

It is out of the pan and into the fire. A world with factions at war with magic. Nothing has changed. And while they may have altered the course of Valisthea, this place... if a magical attack could nearly level a city, what need have they of Dominants? The only pieces on the board that have stopped one territory from being wiped off the map by another was a Dominant of their own. Only those with Wardens have survived.

But here... He forgets himself, losing his appetite. It is only that he wished to awaken in something different.

It is the way of powers. And it is the way of man. Even if the people here are not to be claimed by Ultima.]

That you should still hold such hope in the face of atrocities tells me you have seen such things before... and are strong enough to bear them. [He looks up at his new companion, finally taking hold of his tea. His stomach broils, but he finally drinks it. It's soothing, the flavour unfamiliar. He shakes his head; he thinks of Clive, and Gav, and Jill. The entirety of the Hideaway. The people he had so little time to meet.] It is strange, but I do believe it. Such tribulations have brought humanity together before.

[ The mention of someone's grace and the motions made are ones unrecognizable to Claude, but the context of them are clear from watching many a follower of the Church of Seiros make ones much the same. Substitute a saint's name in there - or one of the gods he grew up with - and the effect would be the same.

If it wasn't for the heavier topics right in front of them, he'd be tempted to ask. As it is, Claude nudges the skewer basket towards Dion with only minor subtlety since tea alone won't be quite enough support here when that the other man is (rightfully) horrified is also easily spotted. ]

Oh, probably. I've always been one to look towards the future with a little hope things can always change for the better. It's helped me through many things and not just the now ended war I left behind thanks to arriving here.

[ All of that said a bit too casually which might equally suggest there's some other things being glossed over in there, but it's the sort of mild deflection he's used to making without really thinking about it. ]

That's not to say the Summoned are an entirely united group. Being here for over a year's taught me there's plenty willing to stand up for the things they believe are right, and those differences make us better. To me, anyway, but that might also be because I got rather used to being argued with plenty when I was a duke.

[He should think it is more than a little hope that allows Claude to even speak of it now. To speak of it to a relative stranger, in fact. And yet as they sit here, reveling in the skill that the Nocwich cooks have allowed them to indulge in, there is a part of Dion that feels as if they are not strangers at all.

It is not a subtle move, and Dion obeys it, taking a skewer of food and finally allowing himself a bite. His hold tightens; the war I left behind leaves a cold feeling in his chest, but at least does not sour the bite.

That, indeed, is where this feeling may arise from. There are similarities between them. Though Dion does not feels capable of sharing such intimate things to others. It feels... impossible, in some ways.]

I do not disagree. [Their differences, to be sure, are what make them human. Their will. There has never been a thing, he thinks, that could be more powerful. More important to who they are.] Such beliefs are not a terrible quality in a leader. [It is a care, an appreciation, for one's people.] In my experiences as a prince, at least.

[It feels impossible, yes, but... he can try it himself.]

[ It's not until Dion says in my experiences as a prince that Claude finally pauses in his actions, this time mid-raising the last of his flatbread to his mouth, to eye the other man for a second before continuing right on as though there'd been no stutter whatsoever. It isn't the prince thing or the title, really. But it is that he finally connects a vague feeling he'd had earlier on how the other man speaks to something else where it now suddenly makes a lot more sense. Beyond the title, there's an echo of something else he thought he'd heard in those words said before it. ]

Huh. You remind me a little of a prince I knew once.

[ Or 'knew' as much as anyone could actually know Dimitri; that's an exaggeration for a slightly stiff prince who'd once wandered the same academy halls as him with far too much politeness and a rather heavy dose of seriousness in such a combination Claude often wondered if it was real. It'd been enough for him to bother Dimitri now and then with the intent of prying around the edges of it to see what was beneath - and then the world had taken care of shattering that particular prince's mask into a thousand pieces.

Well. He'd rather not dwell on the last time he saw Dimitri or anything about Gronder Field. Claude waves his now free hand before reaching for his tea, taking a sip to clear his throat. ]

Anyway, I don't say any of what I did before to mean you have to commit to being very princely here or anything of the sort if you don't want to. Nothing wrong with figuring out who you might want to be outside of who you were at home, starting with, say, finding new foods to enjoy in Nocwich.

[ That's absolutely paired with a grin over the edge of his mug. A little levity after everything talked about never hurts. ]

[Is it so shocking? The reaction does not last long, but it does make him question whether he should have said it in the first place. He can only think -- he is prince of little now, and even less on a different world. There is not a soul here that knows him, that knows what his title carries. That knows what he ever was.

It could be freedom, but it only feels like another yoke around his neck.

A good one, I hope? But he cannot say the same for himself. He makes no remark in return.

But he does smile between one bite and the next. What a queer idea -- that he should be reassured he need not be "princely." Though despite Claude's casual tone, it stuns him how the duke has managed to get to the heart of the matter. To his heart. Do they share the same question? Who are they when they are not of their land?]

I do believe that was a fine first step. [If one had to find one. There is life in him now that has not followed him as he walked the halls of Thorne. There is fine food, and drink, and company... the basest of pleasures he could indulge in, even at a war camp.] I'm sure the second step will shortly follow.

A second one already? What'll it be? Let's see here.

[ There was no real response to that prince comment, he noticed, though - that could be for many reasons. Maybe it's simply that Dion shares something else in common with Dimitri as the latter disliked being referred to as a prince beyond where it was relevant. It'd been what'd led to Claude teasing Dimitri with all sorts of references, naturally, though he files that way for later. There's time to figure it out.

What's far better to focus on, in his opinion, is Dion has a nice smile. It hadn't really occurred to him before upon seeing it, so maybe it does now because the conversation's shifted to something lighter. Something Claude intends on keeping going - in terms of things best left to time, going over the less appealing things about Abraxas can be another item on that list.

Instead he makes a show of dramatically peering around the square as if he doesn't have what's here practically memorized by now or at least learned again on each visit, spotting something like it's not what he was immediately looking for, and then glancing back to the other man as he sets his tea down with eyebrows raised and plenty of amusement. ]

There's usually dancing in the square over there at some point when the musicians really get going. I can vouch for it being a pretty good time and nothing like the stuffy dances I used to suffer through.

[He can hardly sit back and wait for the next step to reveal itself. He must hold onto the future. Grip it tightly. Force his steps forward. Nocwich will take time to truly take in, to appreciate. To indulge in its cultures and its peoples. At least there can be some meaning there -- a rarity in his life, when his travels were always on war campaigns, never indulgences.

Dion follows Claude's gaze around them, sipping from his tea until he's nearly drained it. What he did not think was that two minds would be sorting out what that next step was. When he had come to Nocwich, as he was mostly in Thorne, it had been with the expectation of being alone.

Dion sets the drink down. It seems all royal courts must share their balls and, as Claude puts it, their stuffy dances. He did enjoy them, personally. The music, a rare moment at court where festivities were in full and the air was light.]

Are you asking me to dance?

I could be.

[ Claude's set his mug down now that it's mostly finished, and he leans forward to lean an elbow against the table and to prop his chin on top of that hand like there's deep consideration needing to be done. There's not - but if Dion's not caught on already that Claude likes to be a little difficult now and again purely because he can be, maybe it'll show now in stalling from a rather obvious answer to that question.

But - answering it right away would mean losing out on a chance to figure Dion out a a bit more beyond what little he's already learned. The grin stays even at the risk of it sounding a bit too teasing or perhaps not being serious, but. That's a risk he's willing to take. For a couple more seconds, anyway. ]

Maybe I should start with asking something else first. Do you like to dance?

[ That's asked with great innocence. Totally convincing and totally not up to anything. ]

[His brows raise, and then knit together. If he expected anything more than Claude's apparent playful nature -- perhaps even to make up for the somber tones from before -- he's utterly perplexed by it as it comes for him now.

He has been in this world such a small amount of time, and yet has been confronted with too many situations he would describe as new. Overwhelming, even.

It is such a small thing. It is second-nature that he thinks of Terence, looking back down to his empty cup, and his heart tightens in its cold. He has not allowed him to think of the dragoon since. Since he set him free. Their position was always precarious. Dangerous. They had prepared for it to end -- but because the curse would take him, not because of anything else.

He does not know what has become of Terence. Whether he found the girl. He must believe that is so, for he cannot accept otherwise.

Dion does not return the grin, but his eyes return to the duke's face, slowly, as if he has seriously contemplated the offer. (He has.)] It has been so long... I could not give you an honest answer.

[He knows it sounds so excessively serious, but. It's honest.] I am not opposed to trying once more.

[ Even for what he's thought he's figured out about Dion through this conversation, much as it's covered, Claude's not prepared for the consideration going into this. It'd seemed like a simple question to ask, maybe one even easier than outright asking about dancing together. But it's not difficult to see it's pulled something else forth he hadn't accounted for what with not knowing what it even is, and that doesn't settle Claude's curiosity any. Dion looks down and he keeps an even gaze on the other man, casual as ever without any clues on what else he should be doing in this moment, and waits.

The serious look he finally gets in return is less surprising as he considers it while Dion speaks, but that it's been so long there's no answer on whether dancing's even something enjoyable - that only solidifies his thoughts. It's that last part which gets a more genuine smile in return from him. ]

Well. In that case, I think there's really one thing which needs to be said.

[ More like multiple things, but with their meal and tea finished there's an easier starting point, and it's this:

It takes a second for him to summon up a sliver of courtly decorum from where he's long ago abandoned it, but it's present as Claude stands with mirth in the edges of his expression. The smile stays on his face as one arm goes behind his back and his other hand is extended to one very serious man. ]

Dion, would you care to dance?

[It is perhaps habit that has him take such frivolities so seriously. More accurately to this moment, however, is how fresh he is to this world. So new to... life. He had spent his last moments fully accepting -- with no room for argument -- that it was his end. He had no plans beyond it. There was nothing to return to. His family was gone -- what he had once loved in it. His lands, destroyed. He had bespoiled the name of Bahamut, used like a marionette by a god who could not even comprehend his own creations. He did not want to live much longer with such weights breaking his wings.

Yet he could never place the blame on Ultima. It would be too simple. Too easy. He had hoped for forgiveness... and now he will never know if he had earned it.

He will not know if his sacrifice was not in vain. He will know nothing of the fates of the people he left behind. He can only hope -- he can only pray that Greagor remains. That the world, as they left it, can find its own hope to go on.

(Perhaps that is what he needs. A small spark of hope in a world that does not regard him. But was the same not true of Valisthea? Of Sanbreque? Was the empire not great because of its people?

There is always hope in people.)

Dion's smile returns, and he places his hand in Claude's offered one, the contact warm. His first touch, he thinks, since they pulled him from the water. Since he was forced back into a life overwhelming with its breaths, its light, permeating the cold darkness that had taken him.

This one feels so much more real. And -- it is only a dance.]

I would.

[He stands, leaving the remains of what caused them to meet in the first place. (Well, the rooftops, but. It already has felt like hours have passed.) He follows Claude to the square he'd mentioned, and though there is no music yet, there are a few holding strings that seem to be perking up. It is no matter, though. Music is not always needed.] I shall follow your lead, Lord Claude.

Duke Riegan, actually, if you want to be formal about it. Though I can't say I go by it much anymore now that it's more like a relic of the past.

[ That's followed up with a grin and a wink, lest Dion take him seriously applying the formal part going forward, especially when in reality: Claude tends to be anything but formal. Not even when it probably should've been called for back in Fodlan, stifling as he found it to be even if it was a necessity for achieving all those goals he'd set out for himself. Or so he'd thought, until the Alliance proved to take up all of his time.

But it wasn't lost on Claude that he was the one to introduce it by way of inviting Dion along, after all, and the same goes for the consideration the other man puts in before he answers. It's a relief to be met with a smile again with the momentary sun slipping behind the clouds effect that asking if Dion likes to dance seemed to bring on. Something he'd rather not repeat, Claude finds, at least not over something like this. Perhaps there will be other times where what caused those shadows will be revealed, or perhaps they won't, but for now? For now he has a rather serious prince to lead.

The area loosely marked off as a dancefloor begins to fill around them at the sound of the musicians tuning up, and it's not long before they're far from alone as the song kicks off. It's no ballroom dance - another reason it's one of Claude's favorites - but a lively tune requiring steps to match. There's a whirl of activity around as their fellow dancers move around and past them in the larger formations, but he's in no rush. With the benefit of having done this (several times) before he keeps Dion's hand in his as they go through the steps, occasionally using his other one on the other man's back as a further guide if needed until the music starts to crescendo as a signal for another group dance section. ]

What do you think, ready to join the main part?

[The correction does earn another smile from him. Perhaps he was fishing for a proper name, perhaps not.] Duke Riegan, then. [Ah. What he doesn't know of relics of the past.] Claude suits you just as well.

[He knows not of Claude's past beyond this world, yet he certainly can respect the desire to leave it behind. If only for an hour, a moment. Dion himself wishes to think of it not at all. Not right now. Royalty is aa silver spoon as much as it is an mythril chain. It sometimes takes more than it ever gives.

And yet those chains cannot hold him now. Not as he pushes them further away, sinking into there a moment. In another life, on another world, where people were created for more than playthings -- there could have been a Dion Lesage who danced with charming men among the people, with his only care being proper footwork. It takes him some time to watch these steps, unfamiliar to him, and to replicate them. Old habits die hard. Old teachings die harder.

What matters most is Claude's hand on his own, the second against his back. Dion could be called nothing less than stiff, though it does nothing to lessen his enjoyment. And... what a revelation. A spark of light. He is enjoying this.

His desire for the darkness flickers in such light.] Only if you think you can keep up.

[So much for only following his lead.]

[ If there's any surprise on his face regarding that answer, it's only for a mere flicker of it before Claude laughs in genuine delight. That's exactly the kind of line he'd use himself whether in teasing, a challenge, or some combination of both, and he's too pleased to find himself on the other side of it being said.

Though he'd already let the world narrow a bit to their surroundings - more than he's really acknowledging to himself if he took a second to consider it - it's easy to do so a little more. A successful plan, it seems, to have brought Dion to somewhere beyond rooftop contemplation. Somewhere brighter than what little hints he's picked up on over the night, he hopes. It has to be a positive sign, Claude thinks, to not only be joking (probably) but to get more than an affirmation in return.

And he's pleased to see it's so, and pleased in a way which doesn't feel like idle interest alone though he lets that thought stay there. For now, since it'll certainly be something he'll contemplate later. Even if he's good at multitasking, there's still a dance to get to. ]

Well, in that case. Don't think I'll go easy on you!

[ All cheerful, all as much a playful invitation right back as he pairs it with using his grip on Dion and a bit of strength to fling them into the dance's wider fray in one step while the beaming expression stays on his face. From there it's just a matter of getting swept up into the music in a sort of controlled chaos considering no one seems overly concerned about keeping time in this sort of informal thing. Neither does Claude, for that matter, even if he's still careful to keep Dion's hand in his as they go to make sure he's not left behind. ]

[It is for the best, even desired, to have the world so small -- as small as a smattering of people on a dance stage. It is simpler that way. He cannot think of cosmic truths -- or universal lies, -- the taste of blood in his mouth and magic eather his aether away. He cannot remember falling.

His hand is tight in Claude's but his face is light. What have been the smallest twitches of his lips have now become a full smile. He is never more glad that he took this opportunity to leave Thorne, to come to these new lands, than he is in this moment. Perhaps life can be truly that simple: warm hands, a charming smile, and the quickening pace of music, the beat in time with his heart.

It is only a trip over a foot -- not his, but easily recovered from on a dragoon's light feet -- that gives the moment a stutter.

A stutter is enough. Claude's hands are warm, but unfamiliar. And for a prince who has been touched so little in his life, it is suddenly, abruptly, overwhelming, too warm. A tightness grips his heart, and Dion finds his body feeling weak. His magic is still not in him, as the mages warned. The night encroaches. Bahamut is nowhere to be seen, nor felt. And without Bahamut -- without Sanbreque -- who is he, really?

His breath comes too sharp as he suddenly pulls his hands back, the music ongoing though he steps back from Claude -- no. The duke. Duke Riegan. Though they look nothing alike, the brown hair of Claude's is just close enough to pull the sharp memory of Terence's last words to him. Goodbye, my prince.

Falling. He was falling before he ever flew to Origin, and he has never landed.

He may never breathe again.]

I'm sorry. [He does not know what to say. How to explain this.] I -- [Each breath is shorter than before. His fingers curl into tight fists with another step back.] I must... enjoy your night, Duke Riegan.

[His bow is short, but his exit shorter still. He marches off the stage, back into the night of Nocwich. Back to the portal. It is not an escape. It is --

It is cowardly.]

[ Dancing, Claude finds, is the perfect sort of thing by way of further introduction. There's nothing serious about this particular song and routine in the square where it's nothing but light-hearted and more participants join in by the second. The remaining spaces close in and it's not long until the turns involved mean bumping into others more frequently or the stumble from which he means to catch Dion, until suddenly he's holding onto air.

It's enough to get him to stop mid-step which results in having to dodge another dancer careening into his suddenly still path, an action completed while sending Dion a curious glance. Or what's meant to be a glance, since that brief look is enough to say something's off. Wrong isn't what comes to mind first when it could easily just be a sudden bit of self-consciousness over what's going on here. It's a public square, and possibly not the sort of princely thing the other man's used to if Claude keeps putting together assumptions; maybe it's that it's crowded and some reassurance is in order.

That seems more like the case when an apology's given without being asked for, and Claude opens his mouth to breeze by it with a suggestion to sit back down. But that something is wrong quickly becomes clear when a lull in the music means a dulling of the noise around them and he catches universal signs of being flustered, complete with that step back which makes it clear. The dance is forgotten when all that remains is concern as he starts to reach for the other's shoulder. ]

Wait a minute, are you alr--

[ His unfinished question's answered when Dion leaves and not without Duke Riegan hanging in the empty air left behind. Well. There was certainly a miscalculation in there somewhere on his part, though without knowing more it's nearly impossible to know what it is as he watches until that retreating figure can no longer be seen.

Something to consider, Claude thinks as he steps forward to get swept up in the last part of the dance to finish it out, along with whether he should offer an apology. There's still time in the weekend left to see about something in person - and if not, that's where the mind writing will come in handy. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME #14

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spoilers, cw: suicidal ideation

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it's a wrap!