hugme_mes | January Test Drive Meme

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January Test Drive Meme

a crash test dummy sits in a smoking car, smiling and slapping the door

January (Lasra) Test Drive Meme
Premise ♥ Locations and Setting ♥ Rules ♥ FAQ ♥ Mod Contact

It's the start of the new year, and the peak month of Rawna's reign. This month is best spent on weighing the year that has just passed, remembering the bad times you survived and celebrating your capacity to endure. The world looks ever forward, and with the new year comes new people to meet and befriend.

If you are curious about the situation of the city at large, have a look at our current World Status Page, as there are many details and additional prompts that change monthly!

❥ PROMPT I: A Delicious Delight

a set of teacups with hot chocolate and marshmallows in different arrangements on a table, with a sprig of pine in the background

In the continued hopes of earning back some of the offworlder's good graces, or at least endearing themselves to newcomers, a division of the research towers are bringing back the limited edition drink selection to all of the replicators and have some delightfully festive booths spread about the city staffed by a few robots wearing Rawna's colors in their sashes and hats. There are five drinks in total to choose from and you should certainly try them! They're only here until the end of the month and then the scientists say they'll be gone! The best things in life are fleeting, aren't they? The best things in life are also surprises, so when you take a sip of these exquisitely delicious beverages, prepare yourself for a little trick with your treat.

Ginger and Honey Tea: A hot, thoroughly warming drink with the bite of ginger and the sweetness of honey. Drink this and you'll be shored up against the cold, but also feel compelled to tell or blurt out the truth. Whether you're asked a question or trying to tell a little white lie, you find you can't say anything but the truth. This effect lasts for up to an hour after drinking the tea.
Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie: A cold sweet treat of vanilla smoothie topped with strawberry pieces and whipped cream. At the bottom, you'll find a layer of sweet sponge cake cut up into pieces. Drink this with its own special thick straw and enjoy the taste of cake; and the effect of a personal miniature snow cloud that appears over your head. The cloud dusts you and your immediate area within a foot of you with beautiful multicolored snow - and that snow leaves splotches of color behind that last for up to an hour after drinking the smoothie.
Hot Cinnamon Apple Cider: A deliciously steamy beverage that tastes of apple and cinnamon and comes with a cinnamon stick stirrer for effect. This beverage smells as delicious as it tastes and the aroma wafts around the area more strongly than the others. Drink this penultimate holiday drink and you'll find yourself heating up so much that you'll want to stay cold by giving your heat away via holding someone else. You'll want to be everyone's personal heater for up to an hour after drinking the cider.
Gingerbread Latte: A nice piping hot latte with the hint of gingerbread threaded through the coffee, topped with whipped cream and dusted with gingerbread spice. Served in a tall red cup that seems to transfer the heat uncannily well through its thin walls, sip this and you'll find yourself painlessly sprouting an animal's appendage at random. You can have one functioning or non-functioning, cosmetic animal appendage like a cat's ears, a dog's tail, a duck's beak or whatever else you can think of for up to an hour after drinking the latte. They can replace your original body part (e.g. your ears become cat ears) or grow superfluously (e.g. you have regular ears AND cat ears). You can move the appendages or talk with them as if they are your own, but they don't confer any special magical powers with them. So you can fly with those griffin wings, sure, but you're going to need to put the effort into it.
Hot Mulled Wine (alcoholic): This one isn't for children - and in fact, under 18 people might find it hard (but not impossible, be industrious, little ones!) to get their hands on this drink. Red wine is heated with spices and citrus fruit over low heat for several hours - or it would if it wasn't all synthetically created. The effect is the same though, a delicious adult beverage that's a nice way to spend an evening with someone special. And you'll want them to be someone special because drinking the hot wine makes you inclined to get a little steamy with people. Kisses, both chaste and passionate, seem to alleviate the urge which you'll be under for up to an hour after drinking the wine.

❥ PROMPT II: The Weather Outside (and Inside) is Frightful

dog with white face and black fur buried in snow

To some, the best part of winter is the beautiful snowy landscape and Aellyn is delivering on that this year. All across Havenwell, the snow is drifting down in lazy, cozy piles that turn the city even more picturesque than usual. It's a lovely sight and even the natives are enjoying it by doing things like building snowrobots, snow forts, snow sculptures, and snow fights! Some of the less jolly ones are grumbling about the need to shovel the snow to keep roads and walkways clear, but overall the city seems to be enjoying the weather.

The grumbling might be justified, however, because at random times and in random places all over the city, the gentle drifts of snow suddenly become small localized Snowpocalypse pockets. Small storm clouds will whip up in pocketed areas, dumping feet upon feet of snow all at once before dissipating. These massive snow drops have the potential to trap people inside homes, businesses, in doorways, or even bury them outside. If you're unlucky enough to be caught outside, you'll need to cuddle up to keep warm until you or the locals can dig you out. If you're stuck inside, you better start digging out from your doors or you might be stuck for awhile. The cold of these snow drops seem to seep in through the walls, making even those inside want to cuddle up for warmth before either digging themselves out or awaiting rescue.

The gods must not know the saying, "All things in moderation" when it comes to snow!

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

This TDM is primarily for the next few months' of applications, and can be used freely until the next TDM is posted. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread below. Applications and reserves are currently open at all times!

♥ Taken Characters ♥ Reservations ♥ Applications ♥

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She deflates a little, understanding because of course he would have been happy before, knowing such fantastical people. But then his rasp continues and she perks, chewing on her lip to stop the little, anxious smile. He was excited! That's -- that's really great. She hopes he's even happier here someday, and gets to settle in a satisfying epilogue. Not one of the ones oozing with pretentious sap, but still getting across that true contentment, you know?]

Um... [Ah. Is she a writer... Again she can feel the words coming out before she really has a chance to think on them.] Um, I've written fanfic. A little. Some of -- it was even pretty good. But mostly things are -- in here.

[Ryder gestures bashfully at her head, then takes hold of one of the ears again to bring it over and cover her lips. Holy shit, that bunny is burning up. Trying to stifle herself from continuing doesn't work exactly as planned, but at least it muffles her a little.]

S-so I don't...know? But I'd like to -- be. Sorry, I'm gonna -- water.

[She doesn't drink the glass after she fills it and returns to her seat, though. Just...pressing it against her forehead like maybe, maybe it will help. And taking that damn hoodie off her head! What was she thinking, trying to dry it? That was just keeping all the heat in!]

If I die, please -- guide my spirit to wherever spirits go.

[Jokes on her, it's the normal parts of people that he likes best. At least for the most part.

If he has any judgement to spare over fanfic, it'd be impossible to see it anyway. But of course, it's the tap to her head that he relates to. Stories held inside...

He bobs his head, water grabbed, girl returned. He laughs very faintly.]

I'll do... my best... [As if he knows what he's doing when he does it.]

I brought... a book with me here... [He reaches into his front pocket and pulls out said book. It looks it might've been a cheesy romance. Once. The book is burned, shared in chunks and darkened with soot, bits of the story lost forever. But, he still speaks with a fond tone.] My friend... found it... said I could have it... I like to... fill in the blanks...

[He taps his own head.]

[He pulls out the book and Ryder's eyes, already dulled again from the awe she felt because of how fucking hot it is, go wide.]

Holy shit, that looks so cool.

[Breathed out as it is and directed at herself, her usual halting is gone. Wow, an apocalypse book! A real book that's been through a real apocalypse! God, this guy's so fucking cool. Maybe she's glad he doesn't hate her after all.

She sets the glass and her backpack onto the table, off to the side a little so she has plenty of room to reach over and do the typical "gimme, gimme" gesture with both hands. Aaaa. Apocalypse book!!]

[It's nice. He's glad someone else appreciates things like this. What are the odds that he'd find the one other person who does?

She reaches for the book and he hesitates for just one moment.]

Just... wash your hands... after touching... okay...?

[Can't be too careful.

With that, he slides the book across the table, watching it spin a little before it reaches her.]

[His warning makes her pause -- not because she's worried about apocalypse germs or anything, but because she wonders if she should wash her hands before handling it, too. It was pretty fragile, after all. Would more or less oil on someone's skin be better for burnt edges?

Then she's gasping and kicking her chair back away from the table, scrambling to put distance between the book and herself.]

Wait! [Oh man! That was a close one!] Keep it -- away from me! Until this stupid -- snow w-wears off...

[She would have treated it with the reverence it deserved, but a stray technicolor snowflake landing in the wrong place and she'd regret her very existence.

Shit. Speaking of which,] Um. M-my bag... [Hnnngh... She does not want anyone looking inside, but the sooner she knows, the less she has to agonized over it.] Th-there's, um. I think -- I think it should be okay, but -- [Her poor lip, getting chewed to heck.] I don't want...what's inside to have -- gotten-n, um, wet.

[He makes a strangled sort of noise which might be an "uh?!" but might also be a demon getting choked out by a furious cat monster ending in a crack of his voice.

In truth, he wouldn't have minded a few stray colors on his book. It might've been nice. But, here suddenly movement's startled him, and at that, now is the problem of her backpack.

He sits there perfectly still for way too long. Then, hoping it's chalked up as some eccentricity, he goes to grab a hand towel, opening it up.]

Open your bag... tilt it this way... I'll... put it aside...

[This guy should record sound effects for horror games. That's enough to pull her attention for a second, but unfortunately, Teo can't escape the puzzled incredulity for long. Huh?

...]

It's -- I think it's not, um, a real fever... I'm not sick.

[That must be the problem...]

I know that...

[It came on right when she had that drink. In also, fevers do a lot more and a lot worse than just heat a person up.]

Just... [What's a good excuse? What's a good--] humor me...

[Nailed it.]

[He knows that? But? Then?? Huh???]

...Never mind. I'll -- look later. [Saves her the embarrassment of having him know what's inside.

Kinda awkward though. Ryder casts her eyes around briefly, but she gives up pretty quick. Back to looking at the top of the table. ...And reaching over to press one of the few remaining raised bubbles on her bag.]

[Fantastic. It's now awkward for both of them. He looks down at the hand towel, unsure what to do. He can ask Faust to "clean" it later, but, what about right now.

If... you're sure...

He guesses he'll... stuff the towel in that front pocket. And sit back down. And idly look around while she snows colors all over the floor.]

So... been here long...?

[Mmn... She should probably leave while things are still on that improbable high note. Feels like she's riiight on the cusp of fucking -- hm?]

Oh... No. I kind of arrived -- yesterday, registered a place, and passed the fuck out -- until, um. Like an hour ago. But you -- have a friend? And know how stuff works.

[She knows he's new, but that's impressive enough that maybe he's got, like, a week on her!]

Edited 2022-01-21 06:21 (UTC)

[Passing out. Reminds him he should use that bed of his. It'll probably be nice. Who knows how long it's been since he's had one of those.]

Must have just... missed you... Brand new too... Friend is from... the last world... Same wizard... Showed up when I did...

[He wonders if it's normal for people to show up in bulk like this. He hadn't shown up with any of the others in Finland.]

Think you'll... be okay...? First time in... a new world... for you...

[Ohhh. That's nice. She looks down again, twirling her ears around her fingers, frowning a little to herself as she thinks about it. Maybe...that's normal?]

It would make sense... Bring in someone they -- are comfortable with at the same time, and -- then they can start right away...

[Even bros would hold hands in that kind of situation, right? ...No, she's really asking. What's normal friend behavior, bro or not?

The other part doesn't make her perk up or anything, and she sounds a little distracted as she answers. What other little tricks would they be likely to implement to increase the odds of success?]

New worlds...all the time. Just -- not the same way. [Hm, she can be less of a pain in the ass, even if it means less vivid daydreams about the possibilities.] It's a lot. I just, um. I'll be okay. Didn't do much in -- my last one. Here, I can maybe... I don't know. [Be someone? Someone that mattered, but didn't stand out. That'd be nice.]

[Bros held hands. Surely they hold hands. Why wouldn't two bros hold each other's hands? This is surely normal friend behavior. He is certainly the right person to ask.

He lets out a breath which might be a laugh but could just as likely be something more rueful. Once again, he's sure his being here must be a mistake.]

In theory... probably...

[It's spoken more to himself. For her words, he nods his head. She needed time. That was understandable.]

I don't, uh... know what I'm going to... do either... or what I'm... doing now... but... if you ever... want text me... I think the tablets... do that...

[Why wouldn't two bros hold each other's hands, yeah? It's way stupider of them to not hold hands than to hold hands, if they're really bros.]

Ah! [Her gasp is soft, but with genuine surprise. Texting! She forgot all about it!] Shit, fuck.

[The chair scrapes again as she's suddenly on the move, ducking down to retrieve her abandoned hoodie. Literally how did this happen?]

Stupid fucking -- hot. Making me stupid. Okay!

[From the hoodie pocket -- her pants pockets were too small -- Ryder pulls the little tablet and holds it out. Her smile, already awkward 90% of the time, is even more so with how sheepish and flushed she looks.]

I'm -- better. In text.

[She's cursing again. His head tilts in curiosity but he doesn't ask. He expects she'll explain in a moment, and sure enough, she does. The sheepish smile makes him smile too-- not that it matters given that his face is hidden completely.]

Can't remember... last time I... texted...

[Literally. But he also imagines that it has been a very, very, very long time. He pulls his own tablet out.]

Probably... faster... that my speech...

[Ohhh, right. Apocalypse. Thank goodness the one here is very difficult from typical scenarios. She reaches across to get their phones close after dinking at the screen a little bit.]

Should -- just add. [No typing it in necessary, not that that would have been a problem.] I think I would have -- died. F-for obvious reasons, but also, um. In the dramatic -- way. No internet? I die.

[He laughs and coughs a little.]

I've missed... the radio... so... bad...

[The radio. The lights. The sounds of people.

Running water didn't hurt either.

He starts to type out on his phone.]

I'll throw a metaphorical funeral for metaphorical you.

[He switches to texting, and immediately Ryder slouches more comfortably in her chair, one leg propped on the seat's edge and a little grin settling over her as she looks onto words instead of a face, covered or not. Still hot as hell, but -- ]

very sweet of you ;)

I didn't really listen to the radio much
just playlists of my weird bullshit
music or talk shows?

I try.

[No. Really. He does try.]

Can I answer yes?
Music comes to mind
but now that you mention
I think I'd like talk shows again too.
Especially weirder ones.

[This really is a lot easier.]

I feel like somehow I should be insulted that you're not too picky, but that whole sweet thing gets in the way
I can only think of political and sports talk shows rn
nooo thanks
are the patches on your jeans all bands?

Not those.

[He doesn't remember the political blow up when the apocalypse first began and he doesn't want to. He lifts his legs a little to better look at the patches.]

I think so.
I don't remember.
But they look it.

[Squint...]

you don't remember? [...At the same time as she mumbles to herself,] How the fuck does he not remember?

[He snorts and snickers to himself. He can't help. It's just funny to hear her speak aloud like he's not there. He types back.]

My memory's bad.
I've lost a lot of my life.
I've been working on getting things back.
It's slow-going though.

[She jerks a little in surprise as he laughs, both because it sounds like something out of a horror movie that you'd then have to scream "WHY ARE YOU GOING OVER THERE TO LOOK AT IT, JUST RUN" about and because she...sort of did forget he was there in person. Just gonna...shrink down some...]

oh
that really sucks
I mean it more than sucks but you know what I mean
sorry :(

do you mind if I ask some probably rude questions?
not that that would be the worst thing I've done to you today...

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