TEST DRIVE MEME #15

[abraxasmods]

Test Drive Meme

Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for Abraxas! This meme is run a little bit differently than most in that you'll be asked to choose one of the three different arrival scenarios below for your character to take. If you have any questions about this mechanic or anything else related to the TDM, please take a look at the questions below or ask one of your own under the Questions header below. For general game questions please still use the FAQ.

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

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

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

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.

Kingdom of Thorne | The Free Cities | Solvunn Commune

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 winter, the weather is frosty. In the distance, you can see tall white mountain peaks and winter flowers are dusted in snow around 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 curiosity is in the air when locals discuss the recent negotiations with the Nether, the confirmation of dragons, and the Maritime Fair in Borrel, newly established last month. The ceremony in November included the promotion of the Queen's uncle, Admiral Rudolph Sidwell.


• Although the Dimming is a few weeks away, the Castle's head chef has started to serve winter-themed pastries and warm-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.

Fireside Logs
In preparation for the colder weather, and to appease the working class, enchanted logs are to be delivered around Nott. These logs are bespelled to last several weeks longer than a typical log. Help stack the logs onto horse-drawn wagons or make the deliveries yourself. Nott can be a little rough with pickpockets and thieves, and many aren't fond of the monarchy, so it's best to travel with a friend. While you're there, why not have a drink at the taverns or visit the fish market? Just be sure to return by dark or else a guard may be sent to fetch you home. Thorne wouldn't want you to be in any danger!

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.

Seaside Scenery
You're encouraged to explore Thorne's proud naval history in Borrel at its Maritime Fair, which had its first opening last month. Along with its many attractions and ships, you can join a paint and cider session where you can follow a guided instructor to paint the Borrel seascape. To finish your masterpiece, you can decorate the frame with Borrel's famous sea glass. The paints and brushes are enchanted to help you along, but it requires a little concentration. Growing frustrated with your progress might cause some splatters or turn the colors muddy. Not to worry! You can always start again with a fresh canvas.

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 nation's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other nations, 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).

As an important figure to the kingdom, you can't move out of the city of Castle Thorne without permission or take any extended trips. If you're feeling restless, though, daytrips to Nott or Borrel via portal are allowed, or you can visit Nocwich. Don't try to sneak out - someone will bring you back. 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.

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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, though not as hot as it was in summer. At night, temperatures drop dramatically. 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:

• In the Cadens barracks, soldiers exchange stories about invisible hounds and mutant beasts that attacked - though some tales are exaggerated. City guards are 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.


• A buzz is in the air when locals discuss the recent negotiations with the Nether, the confirmation of dragons, and the public execution of Cauldor Wain, accused of orchestrating the attacks in Nocwich two years ago. If you step outside the gates of Cadens, you'll see a decomposing corpse hanging there as a warning.


• Although the Festival of Enlightenment is a few weeks away, shops and markets have started to sell mechanical toys, clothes, and light-up jewelry in preparation for all the coming celebrations and parties.

◎ 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.

Save An Orphan
Eager to take advantage of the upcoming holiday cheer, orphans will corner passersby to try and sell small handmade trinkets, jewelry, and a cup of hot cocoa or warm pastries. They'll be grateful if you buy a little something! Wilier orphans might try to distract you and quickly tie a bracelet around your wrist, then demand compensation for your "purchase." But hey, it's hard to be too upset with hungry children, right? If you don't have any food or money on you, maybe you can find an older Summoned to help you out.

Loose Balls
In the holiday bustle, one of the delivery wagons has overturned, scattering colorful round ornaments all over the street. Distraught merchant Jilliane Tuttle is desperate to gather up her wares and will beg anyone she sees for help. Why not lend the poor lady a hand? Be careful, though! The orbs are designed to light up, and the damage might cause some of them to give a light shock when picked up. Try to bring as many of the ornaments back to Jilliane as you can. She'll reward you with a few silver coins for your help.

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 nation's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other nations, 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'll eventually have to strike out on your own. The government won't provide for you 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, but you will want to start making money. Nearly everything in the Free Cities has a price - including the portal to Aquila. Luckily, the portal to Libertas is free if you want to stretch your legs.

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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 cold. Sleet and hail 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 chestnuts, baked apples, candied orange peels, and other wintery treats. 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!


• The execution of former Council member Josselyn Creed is no longer a topic. Instead, a sense of awe is in the air when locals discuss the recent negotiations with the Nether, the confirmation of a long-lost dragon shrine, and the formally secured seat of Council member Isar Hart, the first Tertiary representative who does not come from the Tertiary Settlement.


• Although the Winter Solstice is a few weeks away, friendly neighbors have started to deliver hot cider 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.

Helping Hands
Due to the cold winds, Solvunn fine goat racing tradition is put on hold so the goats can be kept warm inside their pens. Skilled weavers have made blankets for the goats, which you can deliver to any home that has a goat or two. It sounds easy enough except while you're there, you might be roped into helping with a household chore or running an errand, from sweeping the floors, bringing a bit of tea to the family across the road (you're headed that direction, anyway, aren't you?), or picking something up from the market (it'll be quick, dear!). Before you know it, you find yourself juggling several tasks. Obviously, the solution is to pass the work onto someone else - maybe another Summoned you spot?

Wailing Wilma
Bored of the holiday cheer, youths in the Primary Settlement have started to sneak off to find Wailing Wilma. According to the tale, Wilma's sister drowned her in the icy waters as a sacrifice. When summoned, Wilma's ghostly face appears just beneath the ice, mouth open in an eternal wail. The "summoning" requires taking an elaborate path through the forest to reach the lake - though the instructions frequently change. Of course, between stepping onto the ice and wandering through the woods at night, the children are asking for trouble. Maybe you hear some screaming as the youths frighten themselves or a frantic mother asks you to find her son before dark. You should take a friend if you plan to investigate - the woods can be dangerous after sundown.

Red Herring
Each winter, cured fish are prepared in glass jars decorated with holly and delivered as-ordered to residents in the commune, a task organized by Fin McGill, whose parents evidently believed he would follow in their fishing footsteps. These small fish take on a rusty hue when salted and smoked. Unfortunately, his careless son (Finnie Jr.) has once again mixed up the batches of fish this year: the jars of herring have been mislabeled as mackerel and vice versa. A frantic Fin is asking anyone available to help correct the mistake before the wagon comes to collect his goods. You can swap the labels and move the jars to the right crates to make sure everything reaches its proper destination.

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 nation's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other nations, 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.

Goat-drawn wagons can help you get to the other settlements, but you're encouraged to remain in the Primary Settlement. If you insist, though, no one will stop you from leaving. Just be sure you have an invitation to the Secondary Settlement. There are tales of uninvited travelers to the Secondary Settlement disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective.

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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 nation 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 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 setting choice - 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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Comments

[thoughts]

[ she doesn't know this man either, but the gesture of flapping his arms to make a point is so terribly human that she can recognize him as a person - as personable. she wraps her arms around herself and sniffles. ]

Looks like a wilting flower.

[ the sleeves are truly ridiculous, but river has a fondness for strange and silly things. she starts shivering suddenly, as though his comment finally makes her recognize the chilly air.

they're still outside? river looks around as though she's only just now realizing there are people standing nearby, random passersby and the mages fretting from outside of the fountain. she turns to the man in front of her, staring at his shoes as he stands in the freezing cold water with her. her eyes are wide but a bit more focused when she looks back up at him as though she's actually seeing him for the very first time. ]

Alyx. It's cold.

[diametrically]

[ That comment manages the first genuine lift of his lips in a very long time. The breathy laugh he lets out and the accompanying cloud is like dust being blown off something that he hasn't touched in a while. ]

I feel like one. A cold, wilting flower.

[ An instinct to care for others in spite of the harsh realities of Ferrix and the suffocating fist of the Empire hasn't crushed kindness out of his cells yet. Just like how being a big brother is intricately knitted into his skin and will never be plucked from it - even if he doesn't know where his sister is.

Turning towards the apprentices, he motions for the towel. They quickly hand it to him, and it's warm to the touch, clearly meant not just to dry them but warm them up from the inside out. Not wanting to encroach on her space he doesn't move from his spot but instead holds it open for her, a gentleness creeping into his voice. ]

Once you dry off we can get you into some clothes and find some food if you want. I didn't catch your name.

[thoughts]

[ laughter has a way of acting like a balm for her madness, something soft and honest when the rest of her brain hurts. she likes the sound of it, and it soothes her enough to take a few steps forward to accept the towel graciously. she quickly wraps it around her shoulders and hugs it closed like a blanket rather than wiping off or attempting to dry her long, wet hair.

instead, river glances back at the mages as soon as the warmth of the towel starts soaking into her skin. her eyes are still red from crying but they seem full of wonder and confusion all the same. ]

Warm.

[ how? she blinks rapidly and turns to alyx again. ]

Do you believe in magic?

[diametrically]

[ It's more amusing than anything else that she doesn't answer his question about her name. Knowing her name or not is of no consequence to him, he figures. It's not like he had given his real name either. As she gets to warming herself with the towel he steps out of the fountain, cold air biting at his damp shoes and the fabric around his calves.

When he reaches a hand out for the clothing the mages seem to get the idea, quickly handing them to him sensing that he might have better luck than them at the moment. Like the towel, the clothing is warm to the touch. Gentle heat radiates off it as he unfurls the dress with similar ridiculous sleeves to his own tunic that's been apparently chosen for her. He can't fault River for the wonder in her expression; he hadn't registered that magic had been at work here when he had been pulled from his lungs from the fountain since hacking the water from his lungs had been the priority at the time.

Even in all of his cynicism however, he can't deny that there isn't something at work after being pulled through a fountain and having their clothes warmed to ensure they didn't freeze. All the same - ]

I'm still not sure. [ He hears a mage scoff behind him goes ignored. ] We don't have the ability to warm clothing with our hands in my galaxy never mind pull someone through into a different world. Do you?

[thoughts]

[ she's squirrelly about it, same as the mask he's wearing now. men have died over the name "river tam," died screaming as their insides boiled, and she thinks maybe it's a curse that will follow her forever. there's no saying the liánméng won't find her here - but he's been pleasant and welcoming, warm even. it's more likely she might spring it on him when he ain't expecting it. ]

Maybe some fancy folk in the Core might have a button they can press to make their chǒulòu de pò bù a bit warmer. Can't say there's anything magic about it though.

[ when she finally climbs out of the fountain, dripping water onto the cold stones beneath her feet, the first thing she does is pat down the dress alyx offers searching for wires or filaments that might do such a thing. but no; the cloth is fine, the dress is stunningly beautiful, and there's no rational reason she can find for why it's emanating such a comforting warmth.

she's suddenly quite eager to see what it's like to wear, so she drops the towel completely and accepts the dress from alyx to start climbing into it. once it's properly in place, river marvels at the thing and flaps her hands a few times the same way alyx had before. then she looks at him with the same wonder and surprise. ]

This place is weird.

[diametrically]

[ He's patient waiting for her to climb out of the fountain despite the chill beginning to seep into his lower extremities. He's patient too as she begins to examine the dress in length for other means of technology that could possibly be the source of the fabrics' warmth. It's something he would have done had he not already been wearing clothes whose magical warmth had already faded.

There's no frame of reference for him to draw from with what she's telling him, nor does he understand the language (or is it slang?) that spins easily off her tongue, but there's enough there that he can draw certain conclusions. Namely that she didn't consider herself a part of the fancier folk and that she was still talking about clothing. Of course the rich used their wealth to make their own lives slightly more comfortable while the rest were left to fend for themselves. Thankfully he manages to bite his tongue before any bitterness can make itself known.

When her towel drops Cassian averts his gaze. The act might be silly considering he had spent the last several minutes trying to coax her out of the fountain as she stood naked like a newborn porg in the cold but he still wanted to give her privacy - even if it was the illusion of it. Looking back only to be greeted with the sight of her flapping her arms is a ridiculous sight. So ridiculous that it tugs the corners of his lips up and another rusty laugh escapes him. ]

What gave that away? A fountain for a door, pre-warmed clothing or floppy sleeves?

[ As it fades he realizes that his laugh sounds so strange to his ears. Creaky. Misused. Like he's undeserving of laughter when Ferrix is in shambles and people he cares for are on the run. The smile fades slightly but distraction comes when the mages quietly hand her shoes over to him. They're easy to slip into but he crouches down to place them at her feet and provide something to hold onto should she need it all the same. ]

[thoughts]

[ river doesn't need to be a reader to hear and feel the change in him. she watched it happened, absorbed the awkward tilt of lips unused to smiling and the croaking sound of forgotten joy. laughter, again, something she looks for and holds so dearly -

his seems to have cracks along the edges, same as many she's seen that hide something heavy behind hand-painted masks. and even still, the sound makes her happy.

river contemplates the man called alyx as he crouches by her feet with magic-warmed shoes. water pools beneath him from his own soaked clothes, the underpinning how extraordinarily patient and kind he's being with her.

her heart squeezes, and instead of moving to put on the shoes, she stares at the mages that are still watching them from afar, passively waiting for alyx to clean up a mess they ( she ) made. ]

Can your húyán luàn yǔ "magic" fix his clothes too?

[ her stare is rather stern for such a small stature, eyebrows furrowed as though challenging the mages to prove themselves. they're supposed to be "honored guests," are they not, as the kingdom of thorne's stolen sacrificeschampions.

all thoughts of the shoes are lost for now, in favor of river stubbornly waiting for the mages to dry alyx's clothes first. ]

[diametrically]

[ The girl's request to the awaiting mages catches him off guard and he gazes up at her, eyes widening a fraction. The sudden shift in her demeanour - from screaming and terrified, cautious and childlike to this. There certainly hadn't been a dull moment since he had arrived, and he'd credit that more to her than the supposed magic that existed in this world.

Cassian casts a glance over his shoulder towards the apprentices who also seem to notice the change. A beat later they're quick to stumble over their feet, unable to decide which of them is going to actually fulfill her request. Eventually one of them approaches him, mumbles a couple of words as the same warming sensation from before envelopes his toes and calves. Huh.

He offers them a nod before looking back up towards the girl. There's an appreciation there that seems a little more genuine than the one he had offered the mages. ]

Thank you. You might have just saved me from frostbitten toes. But speaking of... [ His voice and eyes trail back towards her exposed ones that peek out from beneath the dress. Giving the shoes a little wiggle, something lighter appears in his eyes despite his otherwise mildly serious expression. ] We probably want to start you off on the right foot here.

[thoughts]

[ the hardness of her expression melts away immediately the moment she catches the mage whispering something, eyes once again blown wide with curiosity and wonder. her mind flits from one thing to another like a hummingbird's heartbeat, and her tumultuous emotions follow suit.

right now, she fixates on alyx and the way his expression changes after the mage is done speaking - presumably because magic happened, if it's to be believed. river is awed and well-pleased, seeing the brightness in him as he warms.

so she smiles, an odd brightness of her own when her cheeks are still flushed from crying out in the cold. she takes full handfuls of her very fine dress and yanks them up to her knees so it's easier to reach her feet. they're close to an alarming color, but she just wiggles her toes playfully. ]

I'm left-footed.

[ a lie; she's a dancer. but she accepts his help and places one hand carefully on his shoulder for support as she slips the shoes on. an unwitting sigh of relief escapes her as warmth finally begins to circulate more fully throughout her body.

what an ordeal to get here. river's smile is wide open and full of gratitude. ]

River. My name. Xièxiè, Alyx. You saved my toes.

[diametrically]

[ There's something childlike to her that continues to wear on his grief and hardened heart. It, like the warmth of the mages magic, helps him momentarily forget that they've been ripped from their galaxies. Whether or not she realizes it, her cold feet provides a welcome distraction and there's another soft chuckle form him as he slips the shoes onto her wiggling toes. ]

That would make two of us.

[ Dancing rarely happened on Ferrix and when it did it was always done in a somewhat joking manner - at least that was the case for Cassian. It was always a device to embarrass Maarva, Brasso or Bix if they were on speaking terms and he hadn't done something to annoy her. Another pang threatens to grip his heart tight when he's brought back to that snowy courtyard by the sound of River's voice as she offers him a name to her face.

The corners of his eyes crinkle slightly as he straightens up, brushing off whatever snow clings to his pants. ]

There's nothing worse than arriving somewhere with cold feet. I can give you tour – [ The mages hover nearby and he casts another glance towards them. ] if that's fine with our hosts and with you.

[ For some reason the offer brings about a wave of sheepishness. He lets out a breath, an almost hurried – ]

I'll know enough not to get so lost but not enough that it will be boring.

[thoughts]

[ she smiles at the offer and can't help a quiet giggle at his own self-criticism. ]

It'll be fun. An adventure.

[ maybe an odd way of looking at it with her volatile reaction to being here at all. but they're in an entirely new world, an unknown land to explore, and there's plenty of excitement to be had in being utterly lost. she ignores the mages entirely; they can come after her later if there's anything important she needs to know.

instead, she holds out her hand as though expecting alyx to take it. childlike, indeed, which may be especially strange for a seventeen year old girl. perhaps it's the end result of a childhood stolen - of years spent getting intimately acquainted with knives and needles and terrible secrets slicing directly into her brain - that the child still remains.

alyx has offered her a landing point, something more gentle than the rough way she was dragged into this world, and what does any child need more than a sense of safety? however faint it may be without simon, the only thing in the entire 'verse that can make her actually feel safe - but it's a start, and so river tries to hold onto that lifeline for as long as she can. ]