TEST DRIVE MEME #20

[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 October.

The upcoming October application round is open to everyone again.

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 in stark modern robes and a large scroll. Two hunting dogs stand by, watching you curiously but politely. The sharply-dressed young looks up from his scroll with a pleased smile.

"There we are." He places a hand at his chest in a short bow. "I am Mace Hemmet, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne, here to cordially welcome you to our nation. You must be surprised, hm? Just calm yourself, I promise we'll explain everything in a moment."

Regardless of your response, he fluidly rolls the scroll back up and motions for one of the young apprentice mages over. "Let's settle our new guest in. New clothes, the works." He snaps his fingers. The dogs perk to attention and follow him out of the room.

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 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. With autumn well underway, the weather is cool and rain becomes more frequent. Leaves are beginning to turn yellow and orange. 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 city of Castle Thorne is largely safe and the main roads are clear, but debris and fallen trees are still a danger if you stray too far towards any off-beaten trails. Smaller roads are closed. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon taking place.


• 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. The mood in Thorne is grim but determined.


• Apprentices, kitchen staff, guards - everyone seems to be bustling as the new King and Queen settle into their roles. Portraits, paintings, and anything associated with the former monarchy has been taken down. The new High Mage, Mace Hemmet, has recently taken over and is determined to do things differently.


• When visiting Borrel, you'll see a large amount of construction going on, as new warships are being built at a rapid pace, using the aid of magic to speed things along.

◎ 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 wind spell that can cast a warming bubble over you. Perfect for when the weather gets cold! 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 gush of steam as the spells fail. It isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying...and cause everyone in the room to become very damp.

Painting Session
You're encouraged to explore Thorne's proud naval history in Borrel. Here, you can join a paint and wine 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 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 territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, 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. If you're feeling restless, though, short trips to Nott or Borrel via portal are allowed, or you can visit Nocwich. Besides, 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 Borrel or the city of Castle Thorne. Or, you can do jobs in the castle itself.

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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, the sun remains bright at midday. At night, temperatures are beginning to dip lower than they did in summer. Bring a coat if you're not used to a slight chill. 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:

• Medical tents, temporary facilities, and other signs of disarray are evident throughout Cadens and Aquila. Libertas is less hectic, but several theaters and playhouses are boarded up, having shut down permanently. A line snakes out of Portam Hall day and night as citizens await their turn with the government. Nonetheless, the mood in the Free Cities is hopeful. It seems they've come into a recent victory.


• Soldiers continue to patrol the streets, keeping order as citizens begin to settle back into their normal lives in the aftermath of the attacks. Theft has become a larger problem, given the damage to some shops and merchant stalls, and the price of staple goods has risen greatly. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon taking place.


• 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.

Oh My Gourd
A researcher named Esi Hollandse has returned with an upgraded variant to her creation last year: 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.

Talent Show
To raise much-needed funds, 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.

Traveling Merchants
Word of new arrivals spread quickly to enterprising merchants. Many will arrive with samples of their wares, offering free things to try. These items include miniature pastries, trinkets powered by New Magic similar to those cheap flashing toys one find at a carnival, ales, fresh fruits, and healing elixirs. Not all of the elixirs are of proper quality. Some are akin to snake oil and might have adverse (though harmless) effects - take care not to accidentally turn your hair bright green or similar. All of the merchants will be gathered at a central point in the barracks so they'll be hard to miss. Maybe you can make a friend or two while perusing.

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 territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, 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 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. There is a great deal of new recruits around you this time. The Free Cities has been hard at work filling its ranks.

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. Now in autumn, the weather is chilly and thunderstorms increase in frequency. 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:

• A few strings of animal bones decorate and hang among the trees in the forest, while the Tertiary Settlement has an abundance of broken seashells scattered across its shoreline, as if a large amount has recently shattered and has not yet all been swept away by the tide.


• Some shops and stalls have yet to reopen. The strong community means in Solvunn everyone has chosen to pitch in to help each other out, delivering meals, repairing broken gates, and exchanging essential goods.


• Fishermen in the Tertiary Settlement are thriving since the arrival of the God who created the storm wall. Extra fish means you'll likely be offered jars of pickled herring, fresh cod, and plenty of shrimp to feast on.


• An offering bowl has been placed out in dedication to Winifred Bordeaux, who recently sacrificed herself for the good of the commune. It can be found in the woods next to Vagn's shrine, the Guardian of Last Passage.

◎ 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. On occasion, one of the goats may stare at you or lift its hoof, as though it intends to make a knocking gesture before returning to its goat-like ways.

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. Solvunn believes offerings in the tradition of High Magic will ensure continued protection from the Gods. 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 woods are mostly safe, 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.

Evening Feast
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community. You'll be invited to join in one of these feasts at any time, held outdoors in a lush grove filled with wildflowers. As a new arrival, you won't be expected to bring anything yourself but you'll make a better impression if you do so even if it's merely a few apples you picked in the morning. Want to help hang decorations before the feast? Your assistance is more than welcome! Place flowers, pin ribbons, or lay the tablecloths. The food is simple and hearty, ranging from stews, roasts, fresh bread, and puddings. If you're shy, someone will be there to fill your cups and plates if you won't do so yourself. Eat, drink, and be merry - it's what the gods would want.

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 territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, 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 & 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

[spikyheaded]

[Cloud is quick to catch the sound of footfalls approaching behind him, but doesn't move to face whoever it is. At least not until they call out his name. He recognizes the voice in an instant.

Even if Cloud had been told that other Summoned could be called here, including those he may know, he hadn't bumped into anyone from back home yet. And, quite honestly, he wasn't sure which was the better choice between the two. This world, foreign and alien in many ways he didn't understand yet, or back on Gaia, which was under threat of Sephiroth and his plans.

The one consolation of having the others here was knowing that he wasn't in this alone, not with their familiarity. And of all the voices he had to hear, this was the most familiar.]

Tifa?

[The muscles in his body relax, his attention pulled away from the goat he'd been tracking down as he slowly turns to face her. He blinks once, twice, letting out a breath that sounded somewhere between surprise and relief.]

You're here too?

[suplexer]

[ It's one thing to see Cloud in profile, his attention focused on something else, unaware of her. It's another thing to watch as he turns to face her, his expression shifting into one of surprised recognition, his lips forming her name. ]

... I can't believe it.

[ Relief (and some uncertainty, but she buries that deep) washes over her too, as some tension leaves her body and her arms fall back to her sides. She closes the distance between them in a few quick strides, sending a brief glance in the direction of the cornered goat — which bleats at her in confusion — but that's all she can give it right now.

Part of her wants to reach out. To hug him, or maybe just to grab his wrist. But the space between them has been tense for a while now, and while they've talked it out before and she's made sure Cloud knows that she's looking out for him, it's hard to know exactly where they stand.

Especially when she's been here for months.

One of her hands hovers in the air, halfway on its path to him. She stares up into his eyes, still so different from how they are in her memories.

But she smiles, overwhelmed by the sight of a friend after so long on her own. Especially this friend. ]

It's really you.

[spikyheaded]

[He takes a few steps forward, but Tifa closes the distance between them before he can.

Giving her a cursory once over, his eyes pause momentarily at her extended hand. Cloud wonders if he should reach and take it, just like she had done when he offered his own on the skywheel. Lingering for a little longer, his gaze slowly flickers back to meet hers. In the end, he decides against his intrusive thought, nodding lightly, the faintest of smiles on his lips.]

Yeah, it's me.

[She has the right to be wary of him, especially after what had happened in Gongaga. How his actions betrayed him and how he feels that he had broken his promise of protecting her, doing the opposite instead. Even if they had some time to talk it out afterward, the guilt would still gnaw him on the inside.

All he could do was reassure her, even if it was simply in the form of words.]

You're making it sound like we didn't just see each other.

[It may have been a few days for him, but he can't imagine it had been far longer for her.]

[suplexer]

[ So Wanda was right. The way time flows here versus back home is completely different.

If that's the case, it's no wonder that Cloud thinks she's acting kind of strange. Tifa heaves out a sigh and shakes her head. ]

That's because we didn't. At least... not for me.

[ She realizes that's only going to confuse Cloud more, and for someone who's been struggling with his sense of reality and questioning his own memory, she really doesn't want to destabilize things further.

She takes a few more steps toward him, closing that final bit of distance between them, even if she still keeps her hands to herself. It's all too easy for her to fall back into worrying over him and wanting to make sure he's protected. ]

... It's hard to explain, but I've been here for a few months now. And while time passed here, back home I know it was like I was never gone.

[ She hears a scuffling sound and realizes that the goat has started dragging its hoof against the dirt, as if it's readying itself to charge. She pivots to face it. ]

I guess I'll have to explain the rest later. We should probably figure out how to catch this guy.

[spikyheaded]

[Though he listens carefully to Tifa's explanation, his growing confusion is obvious, his forehead creasing as his brows furrow closer together. Simply arriving here was enough to take in. Even that, he hasn't fully digested yet. Having a whole other layer added more questions than answers, and, as Tifa had said, it doesn't sound like it would go down easily.

Hearing that she's been here for a few months is even more concerning. Was there anyone else with her? What was the last thing she remembered from back home?

And, more importantly, was she okay?

However, Cloud can't get anything out, his mouth slightly agape, questions left on his lips, as the goat threatens to cause even more chaos. With a click of his tongue and a sigh, he turns his attention to the escaped animal once more.]

Right. Watch out, he's slippery.

[The goat bleats, throwing its head back as it cries. It begins to barrel down the alley, attempting to escape by weaving itself through the space between them.

Cloud reaches backward for his sword, a force of habit, only to recall he didn't have it with him. Looking around for a makeshift weapon, he grabs a nearby rake positioning it in front of him to try to block the goat from making it through.]

[suplexer]

[ Tifa knows that Cloud must have a hundred questions he wants to ask. That's definitely how she had felt when she first arrived here, and she's relieved that he's at least got her to fill him in, even if she's not exactly an expert on this place.

She's still been here long enough that she can hopefully answer most of his questions.

After they deal with this feisty goat, though.

She might have laughed at Cloud calling the goat "slippery," as she can't help but wonder how many times the animal eluded him. But there isn't time to think about that when the goat suddenly runs at them full tilt. ]

Cloud! [ She calls out almost on habit when she sees him reaching for a sword that isn't there. Wouldn't that be overkill for a goat? Thankfully, he ends up with a rake instead, and while Tifa had been hoping that would be enough to make the goat skid to a halt, instead it continues its charge, crashing right into the rake and tangling its horns with the tines of the gardening tool. ]

Oh! Keep it in place, I'll see if I can grab it!

[ And with that, Tifa circles around to the back end of the goat, taking just a moment to brace herself before she crouches down and lunges forward to try and haul the animal up into her arms. It's a little large to carry, but she can lift it with no problem — the question is how fiercely it's going to try and fight her. ]

[spikyheaded]

[Unfortunately, the goat was one hell of a fighter, bleating loudly as it tried to wriggle itself out of Tifa's grasp, quite literally kicking and screaming. While Cloud knew Tifa was strong enough to keep it steady off the ground, the two of them had to figure out a way to subdue the animal, preferably with as little harm to it as possible.

With one hand still holding onto the rake, keeping it as stable as he could, he reaches out to the goat with his other arm. Maybe getting it in a headlock will help somehow. It wasn't as if he knew how to handle one in the first place...

And he's violently reminded of this when he gets kicked in the chest. The impact knocks the air out of his lungs and he has to gasp to catch his breath a moment after. See, Tifa? Slippery.

But Cloud remains steadfast, not wanting to relent for even a second. He'll deal with whatever bruise comes out of that later.]

We gotta get it to calm down!

[Adjusting his hold on the rake, he plants the opposite end to the ground, keeping the goat's head trapped in that position. Now what...?]

[suplexer]

[ This goat is not going down easy. While it's kind of embarrassing that they're struggling like this, it's also kind of understandable. They don't have much experience with wrangling animals other than chocobos, and in that case they received a full tutorial from professionals. Sneak up behind them, hop up onto their backs, then soothe them until they're calm and ready to be used as mounts.

Goats were... something else entirely. And riding one wasn't really an option.

The goat is also kicking backwards, though with Tifa holding it in her arms it can't get a good hit in on her. The same can't be said for Cloud, who takes a hoof right to the chest, and Tifa winces in sympathy. That's gonna leave a mark. ]

I don't think picking it up was the right call, sorry! [ She should have known better, but in the moment she hadn't known what else to do. ] Maybe we can find something to use as a leash or a harness or something?

[ She shoots a panicked look around, even if she starts to ease the goat back to the ground. It tosses its head, but it really has gotten its horns stuck in the rake, so that's one small mercy for them. It won't be going anywhere, at least.

Tifa backs away slowly as she shoots Cloud a hopefully encouraging look. ]

Let me see if there's a rope around here. Do you think you can keep it in place?

[spikyheaded]

[As Tifa places the animal back on the ground, Cloud adjusts the rake accordingly, ensuring it doesn't jerk itself out of the tines. Right now it's the only thing keeping him and Tifa from getting hurt further.]

Don't worry about it.

[He shoots her a glance, shaking his head. She doesn't have to apologize to him, especially since they were both figuring this out together.

Once it's fully on the ground and Tifa backs away, he attempts to get into its space while keeping a safe distance from its horns. Carefully, he places a hand on its back, putting just enough force to keep it from bucking even more. It works in the moment and Cloud can only assume that it is beginning to tire.]

I'll keep it busy. Some food might be good if you see any.

[If it worked on chocobos, maybe it will help them here too... Why was it so much easier to get rid of fiends?]

[suplexer]

[ Even in this panicked moment, Cloud still makes a point of reassuring her. Tifa isn't expecting it, although maybe she should have because Cloud has always been this way — with her, at least. She stares at him in quiet shock for a few seconds before she nods. They still have a job to complete here, and he can probably only keep the goat contained for so long. ]

Right! I'll be right back!

[ She doesn't stray far, just searching down the side-street for anything they can use. Food is actually easier to find, as she comes across a half-eaten apple that's been dropped on the ground, probably from a kid who plucked it off a tree and then got distracted.

It takes a little more time to find a rope, but she does eventually come across a box of supplies left outside someone's house, and rooting through it earns her what she needs.

She jogs back to Cloud and the goat, relieved to find they're right where she left them. ]

All right, here we go!

[ She approaches carefully, not wanting to startle the goat, and then holds the apple up to its mouth. It immediately chomps down on the entire apple, core and all, and starts chewing. ]

Okay... Now that it's distracted let me see if I can tie this rope on it as a harness...

[spikyheaded]

[While Tifa is gone, Cloud does his best to keep the goat contained. But even if it was starting to lose steam, its prolonged endurance until this point surprised him.

Or maybe it was the other way around.

A dull ache began to throb in his arms, one he had only become aware of while he was alone. It had been a long time since he felt similar pain, quietly recalling the early days of his recruitment in Shinra when he and other recruits were pushed to their very limits. Maybe it wasn't even that, it was hard for him to say. But one thing was for certain, he definitely felt weak.

That feeling didn't settle well with him.

Thankfully, Tifa arrives not long after. Once the goat calms down enough to focus on its meal, Cloud gets on his knees, letting go of the rake and holding the creature down to keep it steady. Together with Tifa, they fasten the rope around it. It's clear that it's amateur work but it'll make do for the time being.]

Remind me never to piss off another goat.

[Was it just his imagination or did he really sound as winded as he felt?]

Think we should bring him back to the race? It might be over by the time we even get there.

[suplexer]

[ Tifa's no expert in knot-tying or anything like that, but she does figure that they need to wrap the rope around the goat's middle rather than its neck or they're going to end up choking it. The makeshift harness they end up with is hardly perfect, but hopefully it'll serve its purpose in making sure they can return the goat to where it came from.

At Cloud's tired comment, she glances to him from where she'd crouched next to the goat and lets out a breathy laugh. ]

They're definitely characters. Remind me to tell you about the time when they were walking around on two legs.

[ Or not. It's also something she wishes she could forget.

She stands up and dusts herself off, all while keeping a tight hold on the other end of the rope. Thankfully, the goat seems to have calmed down. ]

Well, we should still take him back. His owner's probably waiting around there hoping that he comes back, even if the race has ended. [ Or so she hopes, anyway.

But there's something else she noticed, something that causes her brow to knit with concern as she gives Cloud another long look. ] Before that, though... are you all right? [ That hit he took to the chest looked rough... and is it just her, or does he sound a little winded? ]

[spikyheaded]

[When the goats were what? That sounds like quite a story, but they had seen their fair share of unusual things since they'd set off on their journey. What's another one for the books?]

Like Nanaki on the ship?

[Instead he tries to make light of the situation, hoping that she hadn't noticed that he seemed weaker than he was used to. But as luck would have it that wouldn't be the case. Cloud busies himself for a moment longer, checking on the knots before standing back to his full height.]

I'm fine. [But a rasp in his voice gives him away. He lets out an annoyed breath.] Just kinda tired, I guess...

[suplexer]

[ For some reason it's the mention of Nanaki — and the use of his actual name rather than the title that Shinra gave to him, a fact about him that they all earned — that causes it to really sink in. Cloud's here, in Solvunn, with her. Now she has someone who she can talk to about home, about all the friends they've left behind, who will just get it. No explanations needed.

Her eyes sparkle with amusement at the memory, but the smile she wears is warm. ]

Just like that. Except... well, a lot creepier.

[ With Nanaki she was delighted by just how far he went to play some Queen's Blood. Whatever had been going on with the goats had just been unnerving, but that's besides the point. This one they've wrangled is thankfully just a normal level of nuisance for a goat.

When Cloud explains, Tifa suddenly remembers what she'd heard about that first week or so after arriving. She hadn't noticed as much, but that's because she didn't have enhancements like Cloud. ]

Right... people's abilities are suppressed for about a week when they're first summoned. Don't worry, you'll be back to normal soon.

[ She nods firmly to Cloud, then glances back to the goat, which bleats at them. This time it just sounds tired, though, like it's accepted its fate. ]

All right, let's get you back. [ She gives a small tug on the end of the rope to urge the goat forward, and thankfully it doesn't put up a fight for now as she leads them back toward the racing area. ]

[spikyheaded]

Right.

[He didn't like it. First the kidnapping and now this? Even if it was only for a week, it didn't settle well with him. He could only imagine how things have been for Tifa. How had things been for her here, and how was she dealing with it? Had she been alone this whole time?

After discarding the rake he'd been using, he follows after Tifa, keeping pace by her side. For a moment, the soft crunching of their footsteps underfoot and the goat's bleating are the only things they hear as they begin walking, making their way back. The silence was deafening.

Now seemed like as good a time as any to continue their earlier conversation.]

You said you've been here for months. What's that been like?

[suplexer]

[ Tifa hadn't wanted to just launch into an explanation when Cloud is still in the middle of processing everything that's happened to him in the space of a few hours. It's for that reason that she lets them walk in silence for a bit, allowing Cloud the space and time that he needs to get his thoughts in order and decide what he wants to ask first.

Somehow, Tifa isn't surprised that the first thing Cloud does is ask after her. She glances over at him with a fond smile and shrugs. ]

Well, first thing's first. Let me try to explain. I don't really know how it works, but I guess if you get pulled here, time just sort of... stops moving back home.

[ She hadn't fully believed it before, but Cloud's confusion has confirmed it. He hadn't noticed her absence at all. And while Cloud may not be the most reliable narrator these days, Tifa's pretty sure that he would have picked up on it — as would everyone else in their party.

She keeps an eye on the goat as they walk, and while it insists on marching ahead of them, otherwise it's being shockingly well-behaved. Guess it's had its fun. ]

So... Barret and Aerith and everyone else, they won't realize you're gone either. It's weird, but at least this way we don't have to be stressed that they're worrying about us.

[spikyheaded]

[There's still a lot that he didn't quite understand about this world, and hearing the explanation only raised more questions than answers. He truly hadn't noticed her absence, his last memory before arriving in Abraxas being that of the time he and Tifa spent together in the Gold Saucer. And with how everything had gone transpired, it would take a miracle for him not to notice she had gone.

Regardless, all he could do was take her word for it. He had to trust Tifa.]

Or us them.

[It's not something he would admit out loud, but if things continued moving on without them, that knowledge would've nagged him in the back of his mind, concerned about how the rest were coping.]

Barret might've put together a search party to find us if he noticed we were missing.

[suplexer]

[ It does go both ways. Tifa would have worried herself sick wondering about what they were all up to back home. Not that they couldn't get by without her, but it still would have been a big point of anxiety. Knowing for certain now is a huge weight off her shoulders.

She chuckles at Cloud's comment about Barret, along with how dryly he delivers it. It's so nice to just chatter about their friends rather than having to hold all of that in her heart, knowing that no one here in Abraxas would really understand. ]

Oh, he definitely would have. I think Aerith might have helped him too.

[ Nanaki probably would have had to serve as the voice of reason.

Tifa pauses, glancing over as another detail occurs to her. ]

Apparently Aerith was here once, so there are people here in Solvunn who met her. But I guess she was sent back to Gaia before any of us arrived...

[ She sighs and gives a small shake of her head. Like ships in the night, as they say. ]