TEST DRIVE MEME #17

[abraxasmods]

Test Drive Meme

Important Links

Setting ⦁ Game History ⦁ NPCs ⦁ Arcana ⦁ FAQ

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 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. You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective question threads.

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

While the world is undergoing some tumultuous weather, newly arrived characters will be assured that everything is being taken care of and cautioned to shelter indoors where possible.

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 getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying the 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 territories: 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.

Go to scenario

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 spring, the weather is cool and marked by howling windstorms. In the distance, snow continues to cover the mountain peaks. Spring flowers are beginning to 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:

• Windstorms batter the walls outside. The city of Castle Thorne is largely safe, but debris, fallen trees, and toppled wagons are still a danger. Try not to go outside unless you have to! Across the sky, lightning surges horizontally, never touching the ground.


• 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. There's some buzz about the arrival of Admiral Rudolph Sidwell, the Queen's uncle. While Rudolph is temporarily staying in Nott, he can occasionally be seen in the castle halls when he visits Castle Thorne.

◎ Exploring

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

Sorting Tomes
A few apprentices out on errands have grown trapped behind some fallen debris, leaving the library short of helping hands. Volunteers are desperately needed to help sort and shelve the books, which are beginning to pile up. Fortunately, Thorne's magical shelving system means the shelves will immediately let you know if a book has been placed incorrectly. Unfortunately, the way this works is that the book will expel itself back out and fall to the floor. Watch your head!

Serene Steeds
Due to the heavy storms, Thorne's prized horses are growing nervous in their stables. To help soothe them, apprentice mages have asked you to cast a calming spell on each horse. The spell relies on Academic Magic. While the spell only requires saying a few words correctly, a lack of concentration can result in some unexpected memories or feelings surfacing, inducing strong emotions. You might vividly recall a tumultuous moment in your life or find yourself reflecting on who you are, where you came from, and where you might go next.

Painting Session
You're encouraged to explore Thorne's proud naval history in Borrel at its Maritime Fair. Because of the storms, it's being held indoors within heavily strengthened walls. Here, you can join a paint and cider session where you can follow a guided instructor to paint a displayed model of Thorne's famous naval warships. To finish your masterpiece, 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 eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, is, unfortunately, CLOSED due to recent events.

◎ 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, day trips 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 or you can earn some pocket money by doing chores around the Castle.

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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 the sandstorm has obscured the sun, lowering the typical spring temperatures. At night, temperatures will drop further. 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 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:

• Sandstorms assail the cites, especially in Cadens. The dust is thick and choking, and visibility is low. Try not to go outside unless you have to! Across the sky, lightning surges horizontally, never touching the ground.


• In the Cadens barracks, soldiers are hard at work fortifying its walls and preparing for further changes in weather. Shops and merchant stalls that populate Cadens' outdoor markets are absent. With the storms going on, the city streets are eerily empty except for vagrants and those who don't have shelter to retreat to.


• 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.

◎ Exploring

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

Pimp My Ride
Innovation is the way of the Free Cities, and showing it off is just as important. Every few years, wagon enthusiasts will display their customized New Magic-powered wagons in the Wagon Parade. Although this usually takes place in the streets of Cadens, this month's storm has forced the parade indoors into the Fortune Arena, the oldest horse arena in the city. They'll need help boarding up windows and doorways so that the this year's amazing entries aren't harmed. As with any event, pop-up merchants appear along the parade line selling food, drink, and a variety of commemorative tokens.

Masking Up
Dust storms are not unheard of in the desert, but the reduced air quality is still a concern. In response, the government is distribuing breathing masks and is asking for volunteers who are willing to brave current conditions to hand them out. Standard government-issued designs are free, but some wealthy citizens have elected for a more refined design while the cautious opt for total coverage. You'll be given your own mask (in the design of your choice), but the winds will still be a force to contend with. Be sure to travel with a partner for safety.

New Wave, New Age
New Magic is how the Free Cities diverges from reliance on more traditional magic. With New Magic, the Arcana plays a much more limited role. However, New Age thinkers of Libertas have risen with the arrival of the Summoned. They stress that to move to the future, you cannot forget your past. To encourage this reconnection with one's roots, a group of New Age practitioners have set up a table at the Cadens Library. You can take part in designing your own tarot card on pieces of thin metal. The goal is to create a design that speaks to you the most: find inspiration from your connections to the world, from home, or through an important symbol in your life. Special pens will easily burn and engrave any marks you make, so craft carefully.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, is, unfortunately, CLOSED due to recent events.

◎ 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 are 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 amid 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 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 who 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 who 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. With spring on the way, the winds remain somewhat chilly and the rains are heavy - not to mention the small twisters forming across the plains and on the ocean. 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:

• Small twisters assail the settlements. While it isn't strong enough to lift homes or large structures, important shrines, and small animals are still in danger. Try not to go outside unless you have to! Across the sky, lightning surges horizontally, never touching the ground.


• Shops and stalls have closed due to conditions. The strong community means in Solvunn everyone has chosen to pitch in to help each other out, delivering meals when there's a break in the storms, finding lost pets, repairing broken gates, and exchanging essential goods.


• Fishing in the Tertiary Settlement has also ground to a halt. Isar Hart, who sits on the Council, can be seen frequently in the Primary Settlement to gather much-needed supplies for the residents.

◎ Exploring

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

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. Due to the turbulent weather, Solvunn believes offerings in the tradition of High Magic might quell the Gods' fury. Create a bundle using a combination of fruit, wine, flowers, or an animal you've hunted. It must be picked and put together by your own hand. Once you're ready, you can approach any shrine belonging to a God that speaks to you: is it Cadaevos, who purifies the community and soul? Endrborrin, who brings forth spring and change? Vagn, who oversees one's journey in death? It's a good idea to travel with a partner. While the twisters aren't deadly, they can be dangerous if you're not careful. Perhaps, along the way, you can talk about what the concept of gods and blessings mean to you.

Goatnado
Due to the heavy rains, Solvunn's fine tradition of goat racing has been put on hold so the goats can be kept safe inside their pens. Of course, the goats prefer their free-range lifestyle and are prone to escaping. Help find missing goats or tend to the ones who have been returned to their pens. It may not be as simple as following the sound of bleating and tying them up; reports of small twisters picking up goats and other livestock have been made, sending them far away from their pens and farms and even into the more dangerous wilds or inconveniently on buildings and houses. You'll need to team up and track them down before they can cause any property damage or get hurt themselves.

The Shrieking of the Weeds
Goats and livestock aren't the only victims of the sudden winds. Farmlands and crops also face the brunt of destruction. The twisters travel quickly across Solvunn's low and flat landscape, and the freshly tilled earth is even easier to disturb. As a result, Shrieking Weeds, a staple garden guardian in Solvunn, are being ripped from the ground and sent in whirling, noisy tempests that keep everyone up all night and day. The weeds must be retrieved and will only quiet when planted back into the ground. Luckily, you can easily follow their discordant cries to find them.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, is, unfortunately, CLOSED due to recent events.

◎ 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 & 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 territory your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their 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 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 into 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 territory?

No, they must remain within the territory except when visiting Nocwich. Review the Travel section on each territory's Setting page for where characters can go within their borders.

Can my character eventually change territories?

Yes, but tensions between the major territories are at an all-time high. Doing so is possible, but will require some plotting 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. Those interested in court politics, the Singularity, and magic will have the most access in Thorne. Anyone who wishes to uncover the secrets of the Gods and other mysteries will best do so in Solvunn.

This is not to say characters are locked out of other scenarios completely. With effort and the help of friends, anything is possible! Don't get too anxious about your choice. Every character in each scenario can work their way towards many individual goals. Additionally, once in-game, the Horizon, Nocwich, and certain events will let characters make easy cross-border 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. You'll 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?

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. In situations where Nocwich is closed, you can put up prompts for multiple scenarios, though only the one you choose in the application can become canon.

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. 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

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[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy lets himself fall into the visions, overwhelmed by how real they all feel, how fresh it all still is.

His entire body aches from a lack of sleep and proper food and water, and the pressure of the nightmares constantly confronting him feels like a heavy weight trying to push him right into the ground. Everything down here wants a fight, and everything reminds them (them, because it isn't just him on his own, but there's Annabeth too — except where is she? He can't remember; he can't find her.) that demigods simply aren't meant to exist here.

He thinks, again, about Annabeth — he remembers how sallow her face was, how white and straw-like her hair had become, the further into Tartarus they went. He swears he can see her somewhere up ahead now, but when he tries to clear his vision, it's like his eyelids are made of sandpaper and it hurts to blink, and Annabeth's gone. His hand is empty, and his chest feels hollow, like maybe there isn't a point to keep going on. ]

Annabeth —

[ There's a sudden warmth against his face, but it doesn't feel like the hot blast of some unfriendly monster breath. It's urgent, sure, but it's comforting too, and it's familiar and real in a way that he can't really explain.

He finds himself quickly trying to fill that hollowness in his chest now, as if the touch has somehow uncapped the sudden flood of frankly overwhelming emotions that he's been doing a poor job of containing.

But at least it's snapping him out of whatever the heck that all was. ]

— I couldn't find you. I looked everywhere, and I couldn't find you.

[sophos]

[ he's here. he's with her. ]

[ she doesn't know exactly what happened to him, but she knows where percy was stuck, even before he snaps out of it and his eyes snap onto her instead. her face shatters with relief - there's worry too, and uncertainty and stress, but the relief takes the win, because he's with her again, in every sense of the word. he's warm beneath her fingers, and she's close enough to feel his breath against her skin. alive, alive, alive, in a very strange castle, but back together, as it should be. ]

[ at least until what he says next. annabeth immediately leans in closer and presses her forehead to his, clinging to his face. i couldn't find you. her eyes well up but she's trying very hard to stay solid, to not collapse against him in the stables. she's so tired, and it's like finding him again has broken through the shield she put up to pretend it was fine. she feels everything at once instead. ]

I'm right here. [ her voice wobbles, just a little bit. there's a lot to be said about how she looked for him too, about how long after her he might have arrived, about what it means to be in this strange new world, but that's for when she isn't compelled to hold him and ground herself in his presence as much as she's trying to keep him steady too. there's a part of her afraid to close her eyes, unwilling to lose the sight of him. ]

I found you. You found me.

[ as long as we're together. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy waits for the last of the visions of deserts and acidic air and deadly terrain to leave before he lets out a breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding.

He keeps himself rooted to where he is, just getting used to the feeling of being back in his own body and feeling Annabeth's hands on his face, their foreheads pressed together, hearing the sound of her voice — his tether, always his tether.

It's real. She's real. And like she's said, she's here, and they've found each other. Gods, it feels like forever ago, and he didn't want to admit it to anyone, not even himself, that being in this new land without her wasn't something he looked forward to. It scared him, even.

A moment later and he's freed from feeling paralyzed in his own body, moving his arms to fold around Annabeth's waist. He sinks his head into her shoulder in relief and just breathes her in. ]

You have no idea how glad I am to see you.

[sophos]

[ slowly, steadily, percy wholly comes back to her, and with each breath she finds herself solidified too. she knows she could have handled this place alone - it's nothing, compared to arachne beneath rome, compared to tartarus - but it doesn't mean she wanted to be without him. she's so tired of being without him. ]

[ annabeth moves as percy does, as always, as familiar; she lets go of his face to slide her arms around his shoulders, sinking into the hug and burying her face against him in kind. the press of him is like home. as much as she misses camp half-blood, percy is home too. it really doesn't matter where they are at this point. ]

I might have some idea, if it's as glad as I am to see you too.

[ her arms tighten around him. she will permit herself a little more comfort from his hold. she thinks that's allowed by now. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ Voice a little muffled, he does manage a huff of laughter, and it eases the last of the tension in his shoulders.

He feels like he can breathe properly again. ]

Okay, yeah. I guess you do.

[ Wrapped in each other's embrace, Percy kind of wants to stay in this moment for as long as this world will let them because with all of the unfamiliarities (seriously, even the stars and the sky are weird and unrecognizable) surrounding them, this feels safe and certain. It's something he can draw strength from. Anything could happen (but like, lets not jinx that please) but he knows he could weather it now that Annabeth's here too.

A moment later, and Percy feels the need to bring a little levity to the situation, happy to leave his own residual trauma regarding Tartarus behind. He knows he doesn't need to, certainly not with Annabeth who is literally the only other person aside from himself who could really understand what he'd gone through, but it's reflex by now. ]

I — uh. Think I messed up the spell.

[sophos]

[ she knows eventually she'll have to let go, but she isn't doing so yet. it helps that she also knows she can easily hug him again, whenever she might please, because he's here. his laugh makes her smile, happy for the sound, happy he's here, very much glad to see him. ]

Dummy. [ she makes it sound like the most affectionate, loving nickname in the universe. of course she's happy to see him too. of course she knows how much. ]

[ annabeth recognizes his comment is an attempt to divert away from tartarus clawing at him, and as much as she wants to tell him it's okay, that she understands and they don't have to ignore it, diverting is a tool up her arsenal too. she puffs out short laugh from where her face is still hiding away in him. she doesn't want tartarus to ruin how happy she is to find him. ]

Apparently it takes a lot of concentration. Did you get distracted?

[seaweedbrain]

[ Yeah. Being called 'dummy' by Annabeth does something kinda funny to his heart, like it isn't really about the word but about the way she says it, that tone meant just for him. Anyone else and he'd shrug off the name-call, but with Annabeth he almost ... savours it. ]

You know how it goes.

[ He says it lightly, like it's no big, but he still has zero plans to repeat that spell again.

Not for a while anyway. ]

You try and focus on one thing and you wind up thinking about five totally related but also unrelated things, and then you're seeing ... all kinds of stuff you wish you didn't have to see for the rest of your life.

[sophos]

[ she does know how it goes. annabeth isn't immune to her own distractions, but she likes to think (perhaps egregiously) that's she's got a better handle on it than he does, or most demigods. it's wrong, but she's not going to admit that either. ]

[ as if it were possible, her arms pull tighter around him at the small admittance. she doesn't need to imagine it. she was there, she sees it too, lots of stuff she'd really rather not ever see again. it hovers in the peripheral of her mind at any given moment. ]

[ it worries her in kind, about her own potential attempts at magic, what would await her if she messed up. ]

You have to pronounce it correctly too. [ she'll follow his lead about what happened, keep it light. for now. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy feels the renewed squeeze of her arms around him, and he appreciates the extra support — the camaraderie. He knows he's not alone in feeling this exact brand of fear, but he kinda hates that anyone else knows what it's like. Annabeth, especially.

Because it sucks, and it's constant, like it's been tattooed into the back of his eyelids even when he closes his eyes at night.

He doesn't think he'd wish this kind of nightmare on even his worst enemies. ]

Hey, I thought I was doing a pretty good job at pronunciation. [ he retorts, joking. ] Maybe the horses are just immune. Not that I'd know 'cause I can't even understand them right now.

It's weird.

[sophos]

[ it's a solidarity she wishes she didn't have with him. they have plenty of other shared experiences, and even the worst of those is still better than their latest joint effort. ]

[ annabeth pulls her head away - only her head - so she can look at his face again, still keeping her arms wound tight around him. she just wants to take him in for a moment, to watch his expression, make sure he's - relatively - okay. ]

I've heard it takes about a week for powers and abilities to restore. Give it a few days, then they'll be talking your ears off, I'm sure.

[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy meets her eyes now, and cheesy thoughts of getting lost in the greyness of them swiftly has him feeling grateful that she's here all over again.

He doesn't voice those thoughts aloud, thank gods, but the slight shift in his expression from rightfully stressed to something a little softer makes it obvious enough that he's probably got a bunch of really embarrassing dopey thoughts about Annabeth right now.

Refocusing on the matter at hand, and studying her in kind, he nods. ]

I hope so. [ Because it isn't just the horse whispering that appears to be missing. It's his affinity to water too; a quick test with one of the nearby wash buckets earlier had proven that. ] I hate to say it, but I do miss their gossip. And horses have the best gossip.

[sophos]

[ annabeth's not blind to the way he looks at her (not blind at all, thank - certainly not the gods. thanks to bob), and the warmness of his expression sends a flutter through her. the tips of her ears go red, but her face softens in kind, because how could it not when he looks at her like that? wherever they are, they're once again together, and that's always the most important part. ]

[ it's always easier, when percy's there. ]

You'll have to share all the deets. Maybe they'll have answers the people don't. [ what was that about her eyes?? she's too busy still taking him in and maybe getting a little distracted by the green of his, relieved to see him looking lighter. because of her. that's the biggest change, and sometimes it's still a marvel that someone could put that much faith and love to her without fail after a lifetime of people failing her. ]

You're okay now? [ from the spell. there are a lot of other reasons that might mean neither of them are completely okay, but it's a start. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy might have a long-standing history of being pretty dense when it comes to picking up on emotional cues, but it's hard to miss the way Annabeth's expression changes — the crease between her brows, the tightness in her mouth and in her eyes, it all seems to soften to something that doesn't quite reach a smile when he studies her, but it's good enough for him.

Nothing grounds him more to reality, to himself, than Annabeth Chase.

The last of the too-vivid images of Tartarus ebb away to the edges of his memory, easily enough to be distracted by anything else. Which, you know, is good, because he does not want to think about Tartarus as much as humanly (or non-humanly) as possible for the rest of his life.

With an exhale, he nods. ]

Yeah. I'm okay now.

[ Thanks to you, he doesn't embarrassingly blurt out, but that much is clear if he climbed a church tower and rang the bells as loudly as he could. ]

[sophos]

[ percy doesn't need to say it, because she can see in his expression the implication she already felt. thanks to you. the pull she has on percy is incredibly intimidating sometimes, as much as she thrives on it too. she saw how far he would go for her sake many times over in tartarus and can recognize the underside of that, but standing now in his arms she also knows the way they ground each other is stronger. they have a lot to figure out about whatever the hell they've been thrown into now, but right now she just wants to bask in the way he's looking at her, like she hung the goddamn moon. ]

[ but he's okay. and so is she. that's a good start. ]

[ annabeth would never admit she doesn't have anything to say, a little overwhelmed by her own feelings as much as his, but she doesn't think percy will mind the way she lifts off her heels just enough to easily kiss him. how else is she supposed to react to - any of that?? arms still wrapped around his shoulders, she smiles a little against his mouth and takes another bout of comfort from letting herself just exist in only his space. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ Oh no, Percy Jackson absolutely does not mind it any time Annabeth feels like leaning in to kiss him. It still has a way of sending all kinds of silly feelings churning in his chest, but like in the best ways possible. All those songs about butterflies in stomachs, and rainbows in skies, and a lightness in the air? He never believed any of that to actually be a thing until he started going out with Annabeth.

He can feel the slight curve in her mouth against his and he deepens the kiss a little, pulling her closer, as though to reiterate how great an idea this is, how effective it is at fully bringing him back from those visions and just about ... well, anything else.

Yeah, it's super dopey and he wouldn't admit this aloud to a single soul, but Annabeth has a way of capturing his attention in full and he happily embraces it. Even his penchant to fill the quiet with a bunch of dumb jokes is silenced. ]

[sophos]

[ it somehow never gets old. they've had some pretty dramatic kisses over the years but even the smaller ones make her feel warm. this one is no different. she felt grounded when she found percy here, but it's all encompassing when he kisses her back. percy is here, she's going to be fine. ]

[ she's not about to complain when he pulls her closer, because being close to percy feels like home. her grip around him tightens in kind, and there's a relief in it, relief against so many different things that don't feel as daunting when she has him. she winds her fingers into his shirt and follows his lead as he deepens it, and maybe she feels a little desperate for something good. percy is good. they're not in tartarus. she barely had time to register that fact before they were whisked away and briefly apart all over again, but at least they're not in hell. that seems most important right now. ]

[ so she kisses him with the dramatic relief of it all, clinging to him. she'll meet his dopiness with a giddiness of her own, mixing oddly with how urgently she holds him. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ Percy responds in kind, his kiss to answer hers, his hands wrapped around her waist and settled there: relieved and giddy and whole and grateful.

They could probably continue making out right here in the middle of the stables, near his fail-bucket still full of water he couldn't move unless he physically went over and kicked it, and in front of the most judgmental horses he'd ever met (and pegasi can be real jerks if you agitate them), but Percy can feel their judgey eyes boring holes into the back of his head even without having to hear their exact thoughts.

A moment later and he reluctantly pulls back just enough to catch his breath and offer a suggestion. ]

I'm pretty sure the horses behind us are giving the stinkiest stink-eyes right now. They'll be telling the cows about how they saw us making out, and while I can't speak cow, I can't help but think they're probably pretty well connected.

[ He's only joking. Well. Half-joking. ]

What do you say we get outta here? I think I'm gonna have to wait until my powers are back before I come here again and offer massive apologies anyway.

[sophos]

[ she perfectly content to just keep kissing him. it doesn't seem like a problem. annabeth feels happy, and relieved and giddy and she's glad when it becomes the only thing in her head. ]

[ when he pulls back, however, annabeth's face flashes with a glare before anything else. she takes a moment to catch her own breath, takes another moment to let what he says sink in because she's still mostly thinking about his hands on her waist and the warmth filling her from head to toe. ]

[ then she sighs, dramatically, brushing her thumb a little against the back of his neck. ]

I don't care about the horses gossiping. Stop making a good point when I just want to keep kissing you. [ it's rude of him, honestly. she could just kiss him again and change his mind, but he's right, and she hates when that happens. they should really get out of here and get their bearings, now that they're back together again. ]

[seaweedbrain]

[ It's that little grazing against his neck that has him suddenly questioning life, the universe, and whether he should be interrupting this moment with a silly little thing called logic. He can probably take a bunch of farm creatures and their death-stares, watching the show like they're kinda mad they're being forced to, and intrigued because it must beat staring at the walls of their coops.

But — no. He's sticking to his guns on this one.

Between the two of them, he's the one who's going to have to hear their judgments plain as day later.

He hopes.

Maybe. ]

Besides, as far as top five romantic spots in Thorne goes ... I dunno, we might be hovering somewhere near eighty. Maybe eighty-seven.

[sophos]

[ the look in his face tells her she could change his mind immediately if she really, really wanted to. she already knew that, but the proof is always fun to witness first hand. ]

[ instead, she snorts. ] It's not even our first foray into stables.

[ annabeth drops her arms from around his shoulders, but slides her hand down his arm, not wanting to disconnect from him even for a second, so she can tangle their fingers together. she squeezes his hand. ]

You better show me at least one of those top five before dinner.