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abraxasooc2022-01-20 09:31 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2022-01-20 09:31 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #5
TEST DRIVE MEME
Welcome to the fifth test drive meme for Abraxas! This meme is run a little bit differently than most in that you'll be asked to choose one of the three different arrival scenarios below for your character to take. If you have any questions about this mechanic or anything else related to the TDM, please take a look at the questions below or ask one of your own under the Questions header below. For general game questions please still use the FAQ.
Our Setting pages are full of information on the world of Abraxas, and an overview of the story so far can be found on our Game History page! Anything on that page - including information about the Horizon and the Singularity - can be assumed to be told to newcomers after they arrive, no matter which faction they are received in. For more information on Ambrose and the apprentice mages, Marlo, and Rowan, please see our NPCs page.
You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective questions threads— 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Arrival
You awaken suspended in the abyss, silent darkness stretching out in all directions. If you try to yell, you'll find that the sound doesn't carry. If you try to move, you'll find it's impossible to tell whether or not you're actually getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying last time you remember being awake, your hand will only touch bare skin.
You're naked and floating helplessly through the void, and what little air you have in your lungs is running out.
There's a pinprick of light that almost looks like a faraway star but as it grows it becomes clear that it's actually quite close. Through the opening you can see a bright room, but it's hard to make out any individual objects, as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.
Scenario One: Welcome to Thorne
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. Once you catch your breath, you can get a better look at the surroundings: tall trees and even taller stone pillars surround the platform you're laying on. Behind you is an ornate fountain, the base of which is so deep and so dark you might be compelled to scramble away from it lest it suck you back in to that endless abyss. Ahead of you are the walls of a large castle with several tall towers reaching up towards the sky.
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.
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 a mage with highly decorated robes and a large, heavy book. He 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 sighs with relief:
"Finally!"
Ambrose's expression brightens, relief visible across his features. He waves one of the apprentices over with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals and with a wave of his hand they reshape to fit you perfectly.
"Oh, thank heavens," he says, closing the book and approaching you with a sort of worn-out relief. “I was beginning to believe we’d never get it exactly right.”
Now that he's not hunching over the book, he doesn't seem quite so stuffy and inapproachable. The apprentices all seem to visibly relax, and the one that handed you the tunic stops to take the tarot card down from the marble slab. If you show any curiosity about the card, they'll let you take a longer look, but won't let you touch it.
"Please, come with me," he says, motioning for you to follow him towards the castle. "As promised, my pupils will explain your current situation. And, ah - if you had any magic of your own, or other special abilities you can't access right now, fear not, they'll return within the week. The summoning takes a lot out of you."
One of the apprentices steps forward and rattles on and on about the castle, Thorne itself, the names of a bunch of royals and nobles, and of course, your reason for being here. The Kingdom and 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.
Once inside the castle you're taken 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), or you can wander around and meet the others.
There's also a dining hall stocked with a rotating 24/7 buffet in celebration of the new honored guests. Somehow, your very favorite food is part of the rotation (or at least an attempted recreation of it given the limited technology available to the Thorneans). The town surrounding the castle is all abuzz as well, with most shops and services willing to give free samples of their wares to the new arrivals.
You may also notice that your sign is embroidered on your tunic: the same image you saw on the card from before with the name of the sign itself beneath it. If you ask the castle residents, they'll tell you a little bit about your sign (and will mostly stick to the positives, although some might point out the negatives).
Last (and, if you ask anyone else in the castle, least) there is a worn stone staircase leading underground to the dungeon. You can go there, if you wish, but all powers are restricted in the dungeons and most of the cells stand empty.
Scenario Two: Welcome to Cadens
You find yourself pulled from the water by a pair of strong hands. Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a warm hard floor. As your senses return you realize you're on dull ruddy stone and surrounded by strangers. 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 on the far side is a raised pedestal with a card propped on it. The card bears an arcana symbol.
You feel weak. Drained. Any abilities or magical powers you have seem far away and impossible to access. You're in what looks like a cave lit by dozens and dozens of torches set into the wall. There's no furniture or decoration to be seen besides the pool. It's almost uncomfortably warm and there's the sound of rushing wind somewhere in the distance. Flickering shadows obscure the faces of the guards. A robed woman stands off to the side, looking at you anxiously and then to the authoritative woman standing before you. She's grinning, dressed in a fancier uniform than the others. There's a sword at her hip. A guard covers you with a blanket and returns to their place in the semi-circle.
The woman with the sword gives a nod of approval and smiles warmly.
"Sorry about the circumstances."
She gives you a good hard look before standing again.
"Take a minute, catch your breath, you've had quite a shock. Take it nice and easy. 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 nod to the robed woman off to the side.
Marlo Reiner steps back and the robed mage approaches to help you up.
"Come with me, please." 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. Shelves of wooden boxes and cloth bags line them, unidentifiable parts of what might be machines are tucked into corners and propped against shelving units. "This is one of the Free Cities' outposts," the mage explains as she leads you. "We're honored to have you with us, I'm sure you have many questions but please save them. You need to recover!"
You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military outpost on the outskirts of Cadens city. You're brought to a room in the barracks that's been prepared. Each barracks room is rather sparse and utilitarian. Six simple beds set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You're told the world is in a delicate and dangerous times and you're needed to help. You're important, you're told, and they're very grateful you're here.
You're asked to stay close for the time being, but to make yourself at home. The outpost is more a proper military base than the name implies, with full facilities. The barracks 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. There's a mess hall that has food available from sun up till a few hours after sundown. You're even encouraged to make use of the training grounds, if you'd like, with non-lethal training weapons available for use and obstacle courses set up. And the city of Cadens is only a couple of hours away by wagon - though you're asked initially to please be back at the outpost within a few hours of the sun going down.
For your own safety.
Scenario Three: Welcome to Solvunn
The feeling of floating is the first sense that comes to you as the edges of unconsciousness start to ebb. Sunlight filters through the rippling water as you open your eyes, making you squint. Before you have the chance to panic and inhale, firm hands grasp your arms and pull you to the surface of the water. Moments later, soft warmth is wrapped around your shoulders as you're guided on unsteady legs out of a pool of water. You're lowered to the soft grass. Men and women in simple garments with lavish embroidery stand by, waiting with bated breath, glancing seriously at an old man in an ornate robe. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and in the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. His eyes move quickly over the page, and he mumbles idly to himself.
Any strength you may have possessed feels as though it has slipped through your fingers. Any abilities or magical powers you have don't come to the surface no matter how hard you try. You're in a grassy clearing in the midst of a circle of large stone slabs stacked to look like doorways. In the middle is the same glimmering pool you were just pulled from. A gentle breeze blows through, carrying the scent of flowers and herbs from an ornately decorated altar set off in front of one of the stone doorways. The mage closes his book and steps out of the water, addressing a matronly old woman. Behind her are two younger people, a rough-looking man, and a meek young girl, both of whom are also watching the mage.
“I detect no ill will from the gods, it seems we've been blessed with success.” Those that had gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased.
The old woman smiles and steps forward, offering to take your hands and help you stand. “Any gift the gods give us is one we will happily take. I'm certain you have many questions, and they will all be answered in time. For now, rest and know you will be taken care of.”
She pats the top of your hand and steps away with a serene smile, letting one of the others come forward with some clothes that seem to fit you perfectly. The rough-looking man from before steps forward once you're decent 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 settlement.
You find out you are in the Primary Settlement, the first of three that make up Solvunn's great territory. The settlement is situated between two lakes and is humming with life. You're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. Rowan explains that the living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be, that local families would also be happy to host you in their home. That there are others like you who have also taken up residence within the three settlements. You're told that the world hangs upon the brink of disaster and that there are those in this world that are happy to see it fall to ruin with their meddling.
You're important. The gods have graced them with your presence. They're delighted you're here. Welcome to Solvunn.
Everything you need has been provided in this humble apartment, and if it hasn't, there are shops that line the streets and a marketplace in the center of town. Owners of some establishments or stalls are more than happy to give out samples or barter with your time for their goods. Babysitting can be a very lucrative business. You're told of the other settlements, that they'd like you to stay here for now, but if you can find a family to host you, the secondary and tertiary settlements are best to get to with an escort.
There are tales of travelers visiting the secondary settlement without invitation disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective, young traveler.
You’ll find that there are more than enough activities to throw yourself into to better settle into your new life in Solvunn. Work is done in the first part of the day so that families can spend the rest of it together in leisure and work on their crafts - whatever those may be. For those children who are not of school age, they need nannies or storytellers, and there’s always a gaggle of them running about unsupervised. Families with livestock can always take a spare hand, especially since farms are so spread out, they have a tendency to wander. Whatever skills you may possess can always be of use to the community or to honor the gods.
If any of these options are no good for your lifestyle, the main roads between settlements can always use a bit of monster clean-up… just make sure you don’t go alone.
How many slots are open?
Currently, there are 23 slots open for new players. We will process activity check before opening applications, so we will have a better idea of the exact count then. Existing players can apply for a second character without restriction.
How do I choose a scenario for my character?
Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Which faction your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their personal morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their own accomplishments. Anyone can be put into any one of the situations.
Can I try out more than one scenario?
You can! But please keep in mind that only the one you eventually choose can be game canon, if you decide to keep any of your TDM threads.
What happens if my character refuses to comply with the NPCs?
They will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and the faction leaders will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, they will be warned once that everyone is willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight they will make good on that promise.
My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the cities, murdering the NPCs, etc.), what would happen to them?
Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other NPCs would be thrown back in the well (which will mean drowning in the void, not returning home). Brawling with other PCs and causing minor damage is fine and will be greeted with a cranky attitude and intervention from various NPC guards, and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now the Abraxans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.
I want to wildcard a prompt or use one of the prompts from an earlier TDM that isn't on this one (eg. the library), can I do that?
Yes, in terms of the settings. As Thorne is no longer imprisoning any newcomers, that option is no longer applicable.
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 faction?
In Thorne, characters can leave the castle but not the city. In Cadens, they can take a trip from the outpost to the city. In Solvunn, they can explore the entirety of the Primary Settlement.
Can my character eventually change factions?
Yes. While the faction borders are currently closed, there will opportunities in the future for characters to relocate. For the time being, they are stuck where they are.
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). This decision - and every other major decision you make in game! - will also be used to flavor some mod surprises that will be coming down the line.
Don't get too anxious about this choice, though; this is just one choice you'll get to make in a game that has a lot of them, and every character in every scenario can work their way towards many, many individual goals and outcomes. You're not locking yourself out of anything in the future via the choice you made on the TDM. It will primarily impact the immediate future with the far-reaching effects being up to each player.
Are TDM threads mandatory for my application?
No, you may use other samples, but we encourage you to post to the TDM and get a feel for this game and its mechanics before you join. If you do not have a TDM thread you will still need to choose one of the three scenarios on your application.
What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?
You can ignore sign-related prompts if you're undecided (or try out different signs in different threads).
Can my character go to the Horizon?
First time visitors to the Horizon must be taken there by other characters, through either shared meditation or a physical journey to the Singularity, and all first-timers experience memory loss. For the purposes of the TDM, we suggest against using the Horizon.
What about making use of the network?
Much like Horizon they would need to be introduced to it by another PC, as no NPCs would be aware of the network or be able to access it. Because of this we would advise against using this mechanic for TDM top-levels.
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Zhou Zishu | Word of Honor | Strength
[ Zhou Zishu is not unconvinced that this is the afterlife. Not one he's ever heard of, but he can't imagine where else he might have ended up after going off a cliff with zero hesitation. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, chasing after a falling body without regret. But now he's been pulled out of a fountain, given scandalously few layers to wear, and been marked with a symbol he doesn't understand. Perhaps there is a hell of confusion, and no one's ever told him about it.
There are explanations that clarify exactly nothing, and in the end Zhou Zishu goes with his training--find information for himself. He walks as much of the castle he's allowed, then spends significant time considering finding ways into the places is isn't allowed. Locked doors are no real impediment, but magic is an unknown. He may spend a little too long lingering in corridors, trying to get a sense of what is surmountable and what is breakable.
And then he stumbles across the library. And all but moves in. In no time at all he's amassed an impressive pile of books on just about every subject possible, and seems intent on reading all of them. Did you want one? Prepare to be met with an arched eyebrow, no matter how deep in his reading he seemed a moment ago. ]
Cadens; Training Yard
[ They tell him his strength will return in time. Zhou Zishu very politely keeps any doubts to himself, but this wouldn't be much of a punishment if he could face it at full power.
Still, for all that it looks nothing like what he's used to, a military encampment still pulls at certain habits. He finds himself moving to an empty of the training grounds, the practice sword in his hand a bit dubious but better than nothing. He just holds it for a few moments, trying to gauge the weight and balance before settling in to begin moving through sword forms.
He starts off slow, testing his body as much as the unfamiliar weapon. Figuring out what he is and isn't capable of has been a hard-won lesson the last year or so. Unfortunately, so has ignoring those limitations. The steps of this dance are as familiar as breathing and he lets himself fall into the patterns until his movements are nearly a blur.
Being that deep in concentration does mean that he's running on instinct, though, and sensing someone moving nearby is enough to have those instincts turn dangerous. In a flash, he's darting towards the approaching person, though he does come back to himself just in time to pull the sword strike.
Zhou Zishu is still for a moment, sword outstretched, as his mind attempts to catch up with his body, but after a breath he shifts to catch the hilt between both hands, blade pointed downward as he bows slightly. ]
My apologies.
Solvuun; Babysitting
[ The former assassin is probably not anyone's first choice as a child-minder, but he's even more useless at farming so here they are. He'd eyed the gaggle of small children he was apparently now in charge of like he was searching for weaknesses, and most of them had eyed him right back. So they understand each other, at least.
With a lack of any better ideas, Zhou Zishu falls back on what he knows. Somehow, he's managed to arrange his small charges into something approaching neat lines, and he moves between them with a critical eye. ]
Stand straight. Knees bent. [ His tone is brusque, and though none of the children seem particularly impressed with the commands, they do at least follow along. Still, he's almost surprisingly gentle as he helps one small girl arrange herself, hands pressed to her shoulders. ] Find your balance.
[ He steps back as the group slowly begins attempting the small movements he's taught them with varying levels of coordination. They are all trying, at least, and he can't help a very small smile. An expression that immediately vanishes as he registers someone coming up behind him, though the amusement is still there. ]
You're welcome to join.
[ The slightly dry offer is given before he turns to glance over his shoulder, but the minute his back is turned some of his orderly lines have already begun to collapse. Ah well. ]
Wildcard
[ I haven't decided on a specific arrival yet, so feel free to throw me anything! If you want to plan something, shoot me a line. I'm open to pretty much anything. ]
Solvunn
Zhou Zishu almost looks like he belongs there, leading the little gathering of youngsters around him. It's the most attractive sight he's ever seen.
But he's still got a grudge to keep, so he walks up to his zhiji haughtily, arms crossed in their awkward sleeves. ]
Tsk, join you? You've already found a whole herd of replacements and you've barely been out of my sight! Now you want me to come to you? Such a selfish bastard.
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So perhaps they are both dead after all. If this is the afterlife, he'll take it. ]
Lao Wen.
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Zhou Zishu! Don't think you can call me gently and get out of trouble this time. Were you going to leave me and travel here all on your own?
Pei. As if I couldn't find you.
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[ Not even Wen Kexing's attempt at annoyance can dampen the happiness rising in him, even if he can tell his zhiji's heart isn't it in. Wen Kexing can yell at him all he wants, as long as they're here together.
It might only be the young voices he can still hear behind him keeping him from reaching out to make sure the man is actually here. ]
Wasn't I the one chasing after you?
[ He might be angry about that later. Right now he can't bring himself to do anything but stare at the man in open wonder. ]
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Except now that he's face to face with him, he's struggling to think of the lecture he wanted to give. The warm smile that looks like pure sunlight to Wen Kexing is frustratingly hard to resist, and he has to huff a few times as Zhou Zishu reaches out to him, putting on a hard frown as he touches his hand. ]
Chasing me? Where exactly do you think I could go? You cursed me with your clever tricks and now you say I'm to blame? You sneaky yao, if I hadn't found you wouldn't this be another escape attempt?
[ And yet even as he rants, the edge bleeds out of Wen Kexing's voice. He might sulk, but he can't really be unhappy to find his zhiji unharmed. ]
...And now you're adopting without me. You didn't need so many children.
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And Zhou Zishu would be perfectly happy to hear it, right up until he's accused of something he takes offense to. That, at least, earns a thorough eye roll. ]
Adopting. What would I do with all these useless brats? [ The last part is given a slightly louder tone, and given some of the giggles he gets in reply, it's not the first time they've heard it. ] I'm just watching them. I have practice trying to keep you in line.
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Ah? And how long have you been "just watching," Great Teacher Zhou? They already seem quite attached to you. If I ask them, will they call you Shifu?
[ It's hard to maintain the sour expression he's trying to throw at Zhou Zishu with the familiar eyeroll and warmth he's being presented with. Sighing, Wen Kexing lets his arms drop and instead reaches out to take Zhou Zishu's wrist. Just to check it. ]
A-Xu. Never mind your children. I'm more concerned about your health. You should have waited for me.
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[ Considering who's fault it was for the first one.
The smile fades slightly to be replaced with a patient sort of confusion as Wen Kexing comes to take his wrist. He doesn't feel any different than he usually does, and if they're dead what does it matter? But he doesn't fight the check, just watching his zhiji as if the man might disappear at any moment. Perhaps it's habit. He always was a bit obsessed with Zhou Zishu's health. ]
Wait for you? For you to finish falling, you mean? Don't be stupid.
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[ He grins at the group of youngsters, a few of whom immediately throw some small stones at his heels for the insults. That just makes him laugh, which earns return laughter from the kids who have found a good target for their boredom. ]
Tch, falling? We came up from a pool. And you must have been half-drowned in it if you're confusing up and down. Come sit so I can look at you properly. You brats! Behave while I'm looking after him. Can't you see he needs rest? Don't hit him.
[ Although he can't feel anything jarring with Zhou Zishu's meridians, there's no guarantee he's healthy. The sense of what is and isn't right feels weak in himself, and Wen Kexing is convinced that they might both be losing their senses. He tries to herd Zhou Zishu to a nearby rock to sit, followed by the flock of children suddenly interested by the new, much louder adult. ]
How do you feel? Is it painful?
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And then blink once, before something like understanding filters into his expression. ]
No more than usual here. They said we might need time to recover, I'm guessing our qi is suppressed.
[ Which means there's less to rampage through his blocked meridians, at least. Maybe that will make Wen Kexing let up a bit. ]
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Tch, time to recover. What do they know?
[ So he'll take his pettiness out on the authorities that brought them. That seems perfectly reasonable to him. Wen Kexing stays leaning down in front of Zhou Zishu, almost covering him like a hawk with prey. ]
You need to rest. If our qi flow remains disrupted like this, it will only make things harder for you. And we don't know what kind of effect it will have. You can't take risks.
[ Not to mention that with the shallow movement, it's too hard for Wen Kexing to tell how much Zhou Zishu's body is suffering. He can't strip the man down right there, unfortunately, although by the way he keeps eyeing him, he is clearly considering it. How can he tell what damage was done if he can't even properly check him? ]
You there, brat! Go be useful and find us some good water to drink. And food if you have that.
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Leave them alone. I'm fine.
[ Ignoring the fact that at least one of them is running off already, which probably just means Zhou Zishu will have to track them down later. Who knew a horde of small children could be this much work. ]
It won't make things any worse than they usually are. Stop fussing.
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[He doesn't leave room for argument at the moment. Still tense from the possibility of losing his zhiji without even being conscious to fight it, Wen Kexing is keeping a stern eye on Zhou Zishu. The man is right and he seems healthy enough, but Wen Kexing isn't above using a band of children to fetch them food and blankets if they need them. He'll have every kid in town assisting if he needs to.
He sits next to Zhou Zishu, reluctantly accepting the man's assurances, but not without a sour look.]
I don't understand this place. If they could bring us here, why didn't they cure you? Laziness.
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How should I know?
[ He certainly isn't going to ask. There is still every possibility this is some sort of strange dream while he waits for his turn to cross the bridge. It wouldn't be the worst thing, to linger here with Wen Kexing for a while. He doesn't want to give anyone a chance to change their minds and send him to where he should be. ]
They say they brought us for a purpose.
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Heh. Everyone always has something they want, mm? Why do we have to care about their needs? You've done enough.
[ He's trying to be sincere, but at that moment, a pebble gets kicked by them, skimming a bit too close. ]
Hey! You little brats, I'll throw you in a lake!
[ The kids just think the louder big brother is hilarious. ]
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[ The echo is amused almost despite himself as he leans against Wen Kexing in turn. They're both here. Whatever else they have to deal with, at least they have that.
He's content enough to watch Wen Kexing attempt to terrorize small children, shifting enough that he can rest his head on Kexing's shoulder. If anyone makes him move, they might have a bit more of a problem. ]
We can see what it is they're after, at least. [ It's almost thoughtful, but not particularly worried. ] Maybe it'll be something interesting.
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[ He tries to be insulted by that, but with Zhou Zishu leaning against him, how can he really stay mad? It's already enough that he's showing this much affection--it means his zhiji has been through more than he's letting on. Wen Kexing sighs dramatically, rolling with that. ]
You collected all of these baby monsters just to taunt me, didn't you? Shameless.
[ Even as he pushes up against Zhou Zishu, the tension doesn't quite leave him. Zhou Zishu is alive and he's stable, but his condition is far from the ideal that Wen Kexing wants. ]
Fuck them. [ He speaks low, almost under his breath. ] They didn't have to put them back.
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At least until he mutters something, and Zhou Zishu frowns slightly as he tips his head enough to look up at him. ]
Put what back?
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Ah, come here, come. That's right. Give me those. Good work. Here, we'll make a fire and roast some of these, okay?
[ Wen Kexing stands, giving Zhou Zishu a flask and examining the spoils of apples and cured meat that the children brought for them. ]
We could roast these. Go get some firewood. We'll have a little feast.
[ The kids are excited about the suggestion, racing in all directions to find the best sticks. Wen Kexing glances again to his companion, brow furrowing with concern as he still fails to address the real issue. ]
Don't drink too quickly. It's cold.
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It's cute to watch him with the kids, anyway. He's better at it than Zhou Zishu will ever be.
Despite the warning, he tops his head back to take a long drink, then drops it again to meet Wen Kexing's eyes. ]
I'll live.
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Zhou Zishu, you insolent child! You behave or you won't eat. Children, you mustn't act like this bad older brother here. He'll teach you bad things and your parents will cry.
[ When he gets close, however, his voice softens and the hand he rests on Zhou Zishu's shoulder is gentle. ]
Haven't we suffered enough? Don't push yourself too hard.