hugme_mes | April Test Drive Meme

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April Test Drive Meme

a boy riding a black dragon as it flies through the air

April (Lasai) Test Drive Meme
Premise ♥ Setting ♥ Rules ♥ FAQ ♥ Mod Contact

The city has warmed up quite a bit, and the residents are enjoying springtime again. Colour is swiftly returning to the city; the grass is growing in green, flowers are starting to bloom, and the shades of the city are switching out as the next dominant god stakes a claim on their part of the year.

If you are curious about the situation of the city at large, have a look at our current World Status Page!

❥ PROMPT I: Char-cute-erie

various food items with googly eyes and legs or wings ambling around a rainy forest

The city's food replicators are working a little too well lately. On occasion, the replicator may spit out an extra portion of whatever you've ordered in a very dysfunctional form. That healthy apple, comforting bowl of noodles, or 3am grilled cheese? You might just get one that quite literally sprouts legs and comically large googly eyes before skittering around causing all sorts of trouble.

The native researchers have devised a solution; there are some fenced-in enclosures near the research centers and there are specialized pseudo-butterfly nets for available to anyone looking to help catch the adorable menaces. They'll offer a small dora reward to anyone who can bring them these strange little creatures alive and unharmed for research purposes. Of course, you may be so hungry after chasing down your lunch that you might just want to eat it... (they're pretty gross, though.)

❥ PROMPT II: Peace, Love, and Psychedelic Technicolor

a tiled roof with rainbow shingles and an open window in the center

While there are still some (literal) bugs occurring in the system, overall the natives have seen a drastic improvement in both Havenwell and Aellyn as a whole thanks to the offworlders. The seasons have been stabilizing, the city has expanded, and the people are happier than they've ever been. As the winter months start to give way to spring, it seems that happiness is spreading throughout the city. Everywhere the colors of the city seem brighter and more vivid. The emerging greenery really pops against the last vestiges of the snow, and the gods' statues in the city square are more vibrant than usual. The natives are taking this to be a good sign, however, as the colors of the barrier are even more pronounced than ever before, making the sky itself rainbow hued! It also appears to be stronger, with fewer weak spots along the outer edges.

Within Havenwell, though, any color in the city has its brilliance hyped up to the nth degree. Reds are redder, blues are bluer, and whites? Uh...those can actually be kind of blindingly bright. Which is not great, considering the main color scheme of the city is white and gold. Yikes. Better get some sunglasses out, offworlders, because while the natives can just turn down the brightness scale on their visual cortexes, the rest of you might need some help not being blinded by the light.

Moreover, all those colors might be pretty, but as time goes on, people may find that their favorite blue sweater? Is now their favorite rainbow sweater. Or their favorite tie-dyed sweater. Or their favorite constantly color changing sweater like it's some sort of hyperactive mood ring. Colors in the city are going absolutely haywire: switching around, turning rainbow-colored, reverberating iridescent everywhere. Buildings, clothes, hair, food, you name it. If it exists within Havenwell, its colors are not safe from being flipped topsy-turvy for awhile.

Have fun however you like with the setting! Make a network-style toplevel, make up other prompts based on the general setting, go wild. Havenwell is your oyster.

This TDM is for the April-May application rounds. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread below. The reservation rounds begin 3 days before the next application round at 10:00PM EST and our applications will run from the 2nd 10:00PM EST to 9th 10:00PM EST of the following month.

♥ Taken Characters ♥ Reservations ♥ Applications ♥

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Estinien blinks, looking down at the carbuncle in front of him. It's oddly friendly, and he sees no sign of the summoner attached to it.

He kneels down, holding a gauntleted hand out for the little beast's inspection. He's not entirely sure how to treat it, honestly.]

Where is your summoner, hm?

[ The proffered hand is sniffed, and Carbuncle takes a few steps forward to sniff further up the man's arm, relaying the information to its mistress. She's well accustomed to translating her familiar's vague concepts and feelings into something more concrete. That nostalgic sense of home lingers on Estinien's armour, which does much to narrow down what point in time he may be from.

Era allows herself a few moments to gather her composure, knowing that there is a very high probability one of her best friends has no idea who she is. Fortunately she does have some experience dealing with such a situation, so it won't catch her by surprise should her luck have run out.

Carbuncle yips again, drawing her attention back to the present. She takes a breath, steels her nerves, and approaches. ]

It's good to see you, Estinien. [ There is a distinctly Coerthan lilt to her voice; soft and pleasant beneath the proper Ishgardian overtone. ] Have you been suitably briefed of the situation?

[He straightens to his full height as he's approached by what he presumes is the Carbuncle's mistress--a small Auri woman. Unfortunately for Era, she's correct in guessing there's no recognition in his face, only confusion. He doesn't have the best social graces but generally he remembers people he's met before...(he thinks.)]

...and you are?

[He's abrupt, but not particularly harsh sounding. Though she also seems to be willing to explain what is going on here in terms he would possibly understand, which is welcome.

He shakes his head.]

Scarce anything that makes sense.

...My apologies. [ She offers a polite bow in greeting. It also gives her a moment to ensure her expression gives nothing away. Her Carbuncle withdraws from Estinien to rub up against her legs like a particularly large, affectionate cat. ] I am Era, a Scion of the Seventh Dawn. I have been trapped here for near twenty moons now.

[While it would be nice if he could realize that there was a misstep there, he...unfortunately isn't always the most observant, at least when it comes to other people.]

Twenty moons.

[That's. A lot to take in.

He looks thoughtful, though. He would not expect a great many Scions to know him by name. Reputation, perhaps, but...]

Are there others?

[ Era stands up straight once more and nods. Twenty moons and barely anything to show for it.

It's all she can do not to wilt at his query. Homesick as she's been of late, the reminder of the loved ones she so sorely misses is a painful one. ]

I am the only Scion here. However there are two others from the Source, and another from the First.

I believe you are familiar with Gaius Baeslar, are you not?

Edited 2021-04-18 05:11 (UTC)

[He can't help but feel a little like he's horribly mis-stepping here. He's not sure why, what he's doing, or what he can--or even should--do to alleviate it.

He nods.]

I am. We were traveling together, not long ago.

[He is...relieved, would be likely the best word, to hear that Baelsar had also escaped Garlemald unscathed. He'd been a decent ally, and they'd worked fairly well together.]

[ She nods again, glad for the confirmation. ]

He arrived here over a moon ago now. There is an extra room in his house, if you would be more comfortable boarding in a place with a comrade.

[After a moment's hesitation, he nods. It's not as if he isn't used to sharing barracks with others, but it surely is not his preference.]

If it is no trouble.

[He can just as easily go elsewhere, even if that is, apparently, not outside the city.]

Twas mentioned that we were to do something to...save this world. What threat is there?

He has been looking for roommates since the acquisition. I suspect an ally would take priority over strangers.

[ It would do them both some good, she thinks. Estinien to have someone he knows, and Gaius to have an ally uninvolved with the issues of Werlyt. ]

I wrote an introductory information post not so very long ago that should answer the 'something' in more detail. I can share it with you if you would like.

As for what the threat is... [ She frowns, the irritated flicking of her tail the only outward sign of her frustration . ] Something to do with the founding deities of this world being at odds, and there being an balance of energies. One has poisoned the land, making it as inhospitable as the Burn. The only safe refuge we know of is within the walls of this city, which are powered by its patron deities—the ones responsible for our kidnappings.

These deities are empowered not by aether, or crystals, but by non-violent touch between soul-bearing individuals with organic bodies.

[He nods. That's only practical, and Baelsar is a practical man. Makes sense.

(And, he looks relieved for the suggestion. Era is correct in guessing that Estinien would feel more comfortable around someone he is familiar with, in such a strange and unknown place.)]

I take it these...devices are involved.

[Estinien has been avoiding looking at the thing, because, well, he doesn't get it. Technology is far from his strong suit.

He listens to her explanation--it's thorough enough to get an idea of what's happening here, and has enough points of reference that he can actually understand it. Well. Until the last part anyway.]

...what?

[Run that by him one more time. He heard you, but it doesn't make sense.]

[ She nods. ]

They are a method of communication that can transmit messages that are text, images, or audio. They are saved and can be accessed again in the future via your device. They are not the easiest devices to learn how to use, but are indispensable.

[ Fortunately, Era has always picked up technology rather quickly upon instruction, else she would have had a much more difficult time in Deerington.

She raises an eyebrow at Estinien's reaction, knowing he couldn't have misunderstood what she said. ]

Touch between people of flesh and blood is what feeds local deities.

Yes, it's distasteful and stupid.

No, the deities aren't able to choose who they drag into this world. If they could, we wouldn't be here.

And no, you don't have to touch anyone, though it benefits you to do so.

Merely sitting back-to-back with someone is of equivalent worth as a hug or intimate relations. [ She pauses, debating on whether or not to continue, and then adds: ]

Resting my tail on or against someone counts just the same, if you ever find yourself in need of funds but have no desire for true contact.

[ She would have offered to pay for anything he needed had she not been a stranger to him, but a mutually beneficial arrangement is a much mess suspicious offer. ]

[Wonderful. He loves it. As evidenced by the resigned sigh.

Distasteful and stupid are certainly two words that describe that situation, Estinien would also offer up 'confusing and nonsensical.']

I had not expected to be the one plucked from our world.

[He shakes his head, looking down at her. (She's absolutely tiny. He knows better than to make comment on it but it's very striking.)]

...I simply did not understand why. Tis nothing for it but to adapt.

[Though, truth be told, he'd prefer something he could point his lance at.]

Nor I.

[ She's said it often enough before—that the deities are either idiotic or cannot control who they kidnap, else they never would have brought in a touch-adverse slayer of gods. ]

There is little to do here that you would find truly engaging, though an arena opened up a handful of months ago. It's imperfect, but well suited for sparring.

My— [ It shouldn't be so hard to say this to Estinien. He won't have cause to tease her about it, after all.

(Though perhaps that's what makes it hurts so much. That it means nothing to him—) ] ...My husband would be a good match, if ever you're in need of a partner. He would have defeated even the Warrior of Light in combat were it not for the Scions' aid.

[Well, now they've added an intensely private and solitary dragoon to the list. They're doing great.]

I should be glad to test my arm against him.

[He trails off, feeling rather awkward and as if he's missing something important, but has no idea where to even start looking for it. A Scion speaking with him so familiarly, surely Alphinaud hadn't told that many tales. Though he does recall how the boy can get, with his pining.]

...As I would you, should you wish.

It will bring him such joy to face the legendary Azure Dragoon in friendly combat.

[ Thinking about how happy Ardbert will be to spar with Estinien is enough to distract her from her own unwanted emotions. Her tail perks, then wiggles with something like delight as she imagines how bright and broad her soulmate's smile will be.

It goes still at Estinien's offer, and she looks up at him with clear surprise. Her expression soon turns rueful, for as much as she does wish to spar with her friend it would make things far too complicated.

She shakes her head. ]

It is kind of you to offer, but there is no need. The chance to bear witness to a confrontation of strength between you and Ardbert is more than enough.

[He hadn't been sure if the offer would be accepted, but...

There still is something off here. He can't put a finger on it. Her tail seems to give some indication of her mood--at least, it had with Orn Khai, and she had been far more animated when thinking about a spar between himself and this Ardbert fellow of hers.

It's something to think about.]

...Very well.

I would also welcome that information you spoke of.

[Even if he has to read it on this damn thing.]

Ah— Yes! Of course. [ The shift of topic is more than welcome. Era takes full advantage of it, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her own device.

Carbuncle detaches itself from her side. An absentminded gesture with her empty hand sends it off to finish its rounds, albeit with dramatic reluctance—it gives Estinien a very sad look over its shoulder before it finally skips off to check the status of her other friends. ]

Would you prefer I show you the basics on my device? That way you can follow along on your own.

[He watches the Carbuncle depart, struck by how odd it is that it turns back to him--between how cheerful it was when approaching him, and that pitiful stare, it's almost like the creature expected him to know it.

Strange indeed.

He turns to Era after, with a nod.]

It would be appreciated.

Your armour still smells of Eorzea, so it is reluctant to continue its patrol.

[ It had taken her Estinien some time to adjust to her and Alphinaud's Carbuncles, as they weren't something he had much exposure to prior. Summoning magicks were considered heresy in the eyes of the Holy See after all. (It had made her stay in Ishgard all the more uncomfortable at the time—not only was she an Au Ra, but a heretic.)

Her Carbuncle had eventually won Estinien over after a great deal of effort, though even now she suspects that was largely in part to it taking down a fully grown dragon all on its own. Nothing seemed to impress the man more than competence. She hopes her Carbuncle will perk back up soon enough. Perhaps it could even win the man over again, with time.

Era puts those thoughts aside, focus shifting instead to Estinien when he nods his agreement. She nods in return, crossing the distance between them until she's close enough to show him her device. ]

This is how you power it on...

[ Era runs through the basics, keeping her explanations simple, though elaborating on the concepts where she thinks it will prove helpful for his understanding. She falters only once in her quick lesson, right at the beginning, when faced with the background image of her device—a selfie taken of herself and Ardbert at their wedding reception, near identical smiles stretched across their faces.

She is quick to compose herself, opening an application and hiding the image from view.

Eventually the rudimentary briefing comes to a close— ]

...and you can press here to check back through archived posts. This is how you can find the introductory overview I made.

[He listens attentively to Era's explanation, watching her work with the device. The picture disappears too quickly for him to see, more than 'brown hair' and 'smiles'.

The explanation is thorough enough, and not condescending--which he definitely appreciates. It will take some practice, but he ought to be able to work it well enough with time.]

My thanks, Era.

[He does have to remove his gauntlets for this, it seems--he does so and tucks them under one arm before actually trying to emulate her motions to use the blasted thing.]

[ Even after so long, Era still finds it strange to be thanked. It's something she appreciates all the same, even if she's felt undeserving of any thanks these past months.

She answers with a small shake of her head. ]

It is the least I can do for one who has helped me and mine in the ways that you have.

[ The inconvenience of his gauntlets don't escape her notice, and she ponders the problem for a moment as he fiddles with his device. ]

I can have a pair of armoured half-gloves crafted for you. It would allow your hands to remain protected and maintain a firm grip of your lance while allowing for use of your communicator.

[His armor in general is like to be useless, or so he understands. He is glad he has it, but...]

...as the Scions have helped me and mine. Twould seem we are even.

[He's honestly...surprised he hasn't met her before, or heard her name from another. Fair, he did his utmost to avoid getting dragged into the Scions, but her manner suggests that she was fairly used to taking charge and directing. Or solving their problems at the very least.]

Practical. Though do not put yourself out on my account.

Alphinaud would not have grown into the person he has without your influence in his life. You are the person he looks up to the most.

[ She often compares herself to a weapon, and her allies as the hand that wields it. She seeks to help others wherever she can, and protect the goodness in the world. Her duty is what carves her path. All she does is follow it.

Unfortunately that path has somehow lead her here... ]

I am always in desperate need of new projects to keep myself occupied. A pair of half-gloves suited for a dragoon would be a satisfying challenge.

[And yet another comment that adds to the picture--and yet he can't see its whole. Perhaps he doesn't have enough distance from it yet.

There is a reminder that Alphinaud is yet sleeping. That there's naught he can do to help wake the boy. (Or the other Scions that are in the same arrested state, though his concern is mainly for Alphinaud.)

He'd not looked in on him on his few brief visits to the Rising Stones, despite the offers of the Baldesion woman. Perhaps it was cowardly, but he could not countenance seeing him still as death and being unable to do a godsdamned thing about it. But, instead of voicing those thoughts to this helpful and oddly familiar stranger:]

Gods only know why.

[Her mention of needing things to occupy her hands bodes ill. Despite his time spent shepherding a small dragon in Kugane, Estinien loathes being truly idle. So, he can certainly understand the impulse.]

...then I would welcome the offer.

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