avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 2

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 2

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A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival

KERPLUNK, SPLASH!

Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's chilly waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you.

If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. When not helping people, the turtles are going around and hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals or pushing personal items to the beach near the new arrivals they smell like (belong to). If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly.

B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot

Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** to everyone before getting them settled in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and give them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go.

These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service,

avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk.

C ⦿ The Red Spring

The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies.

If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out!

The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there.

A ⦿ Trial and Icy Errors

Winter has arrived in Avalon, and with it has come to a change in the weather. Puffs of breath precede sentences when outside, small fires fill braziers to allow people to stop and get warm for a moment between where they come from and where they are going. Snow has begun to fall; at first, it is the same, fluffy, white flakes many adventurers will have seen. However, as the day progresses, the snow begins to shimmer; it’s like a prismatic effect, a magical light catching against every little crystal and illuminating sparkling flakes, so vibrant it’s clear someone has enchanted the snow.

Shortly after the change, there will be a text alert to all devices:

Tired of the same old routine with your magic? Ready for a little something new? Come on out and have an old fashioned snowball fight with a magical twist. Be sure to practice your new powers and have fun! 😉 -Merlin

Those who come outside to find the rainbow snow already being packed into neat balls by Camelot's citizens; go ahead and grab a basket full but remember, don’t just toss them. Let’s get magic with it!

Different types of magic will have different effects on the enchanted snow:

Use kinetic magic to toss three at once. Nevermind if they suddenly balloon inside and burst into a snow shower over your opponent, throw a couple more; some are bound to hit, right?

Throw a little animal magic in there and morph a few into a bear or some other animal of your intent; sorry about his random dance attack, at least your opponent will be laughing too hard to throw a snowball at you.

Try hiding them in a shield or cast an illusion with some light magic; better apologize when that goes sideways and the snow hardens, bursting into rainbow crystals at your opponent's feet.

Team up with someone who has cognitive magic; they can telegraph you the plan without your opponents being any the wiser... except the snow seems to be picking up on it and sending those thoughts right to your opponent! Perhaps use this as an opportunity to learn control!

Maybe you want to try using a little wind magic if you’re of the elemental class; watch out for the rainbow snow squall your perfectly lobbed snowballs will become.

Healing magic is one you might not see coming-- enchanting a snowball with healing magic can result in positive mood enhancements. Give your enemies a blast of zen to lower their guard and make them an easy target!

A dark magic user might think to add a little hex to their snowball; give themselves an edge... too bad, without practice, that hex might be a little too heavy and burst over the maker before it even leaves their hand! Hope you know how to fix it.

Alchemists are welcome to change the shape of those snowballs. Maybe try and craft them into something a little more stealthy or projectile. Too bad that snow seems to want to turn into a batch of butterflies and be free... magic sure is tricky! But hey, they sure are pretty.

In the end, it seems while adventurers will be able to get plenty of practice in, some of that practice is going to come from trying to stop the side effects of mixing their powers with the magic snow; welcome to your first lesson in control. If one is going to use magic in conjunction with already magically imbued things, they ought to know the right amount, seems Merlin wants you all to learn in a trial by snowball error.

Those who practice their magic and participate in the snowball fight will be given hot chocolate, warm soup, fresh baked goods, or other treats to warm them up after their training is done. But don’t slack off! You’re like to find your hot chocolate spiced with pickle flavor, that warm treat suddenly turns to ice cream in your mouth. Avalonians want that practice to happen, and are willing to add some incentive... whether that means the carrot or the icicle.

All throughout the City of Camelot is a buzz of excitement about the oncoming winter solstice on the 21st. Citizens will tell you of the winter solstice's importance in cleansing the flow of Avalon's magic each year and absorbing sunlight to increase its potency. In other words, the winter solstice generates a significant amount of magic if the proper ritual is followed, so the visitors from other worlds really should head on over to Albion's White Cliffs.

A ⦿ The Darkness in the White Cliffs

The first task that you'll experience during the ritual is asking the Cliff Beast's permission to enter the cliffs. Though they look wholly solid on the outside, these cliffs contain a veritable labyrinth of magical caves that weave in and out of the chalky cliffs. As there is danger within these walls, it is recommended no one go alone. The Cliff Beast will only open a door to the caves for parties of two or more who present him with a gift. The gift doesn't need to be something significant, just a show of courtesy-- a lovely rock or a seashell will do, placed at the base of the cliff. The only gifts he will outright reject are precious gems and metals. Honestly, they make him a little nauseous-- and you don't want to see a cliff beast nauseous. In fact, if you try it, the Cliff Beast will suddenly burst into a rockslide right near where the gem was left. Watch out!

Once you gain entrance, you will find there is no light within the caves and the door seems to close behind you. Non-magical lights won't illuminate anything within these caves, so you will need to either navigate through the darkness or find a magical means to light your path. Be wary-- traveling in the dark will be a much safer journey if you can find your way through the caves and keep track of your companions. The reason there is no light are the bat-like creatures that eat energy like fire and electricity. With the magical light attracting them and nothing to consume, they'll be very aggressive and swarm anything emitting heat.. like an unsuspecting traveler. Make too much noise, and the Cliff Beast will spit you out back onto the sand and you'll have to start over.

B ⦿ "For a greedy man, even his tomb is too small."

Those who persist within the caves will eventually come upon a room whose ceiling glistens with bioluminiscent microbes that are too small for the bats to eat. These little glowing creatures create reflections in the room that show just what it contains-- glimmerings of precious gems, gold, and other treasure cover the walls and floor, save for a large flat stone altar in the center. There are many hand-crafted clay cups filled with what appears to be water. The side of the alter has a very simple message: "TAKE ONE CUP TO THE SPRING, LEAVE THE REST. SPILL NO DROP." Sure enough, this matches with the instructions you were given about the ritual: Take a cup of waters harvested by the Asrai, a fairy that lives within the walls of the cliffs that cultivates it every year to bring to the Red Springs for the Winter Solstice.

There is no clear warning about what will happen if you take anything besides your one cup. However, characters who disobey this instruction and take any of the riches within the cave will initially experience severe symptoms such as magical blockage, an endless common cold, and food turning to ash in their mouth. They will experience dreams in which they are urged to return the treasure and a day later, advanced symptoms if it goes on for too long have been known to result in vomiting frogs and snakes, insomnia, speaking in tongues despite the translation spell, bleeding from the ears, and eventually death.

C ⦿ Drink Up

Those who listen and take the Asrai's cups to the Red Springs will notice while carrying the cups, all creatures and threats will leave you in peace. Neither rain nor snow will touch you, parting from your path in both the sky and on the ground. The effects will only last as long as you don't spill a single drop. The ritual can still be completed, but the protections only work if you don't spill-- otherwise you'll be fighting off weather, creatures, other people, and whatever else you encounter as the effects of a spilled cup will cause those around you to try to steal your cup without thought for your safety, even if they might not even think to do normally.

Upon arriving at the Red Springs, a party of people there to guide those who have made the ritual's journey to a particular pool within the vicinity of the springs. Characters will be directed to take a sip, then pour the rest into the Spring alongside your peers, finally throwing the clay cup itself into the spring. Throughout the day, you will begin to feel strangely giddy, but it will pass. Nothing much will seem like it happens otherwise, but the guides assure you that you will understand on the night of the winter solstice when the ritual is complete and your body becomes a conduit to purify and rejuvenate Avalon's magic.

For now, as thanks, the guides offer you one of the celebratory gifts they have to offer-- free drinks (this time of the age-appropriate alcoholic or sugary variety), a free night's stay at the Red Springs, a yule log, an escort, a Recipe: Snow Dance. (Effect: Snow Dance will cause small flurries to pick up where the spell is cast, resulting in decreased visibility. Only works if snow is already present, as it cannot generate elements.) The choice is yours. Pick one.

MOD NOTES:
• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post.
• If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities.
• If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but may contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly.
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

*This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count.
**Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ She may not seem as bothered on the surface to most. But... Cloud's not "most" anymore. Not after everything he's seen and shared in kind. The signs were there. And besides- he's no stranger to anxiety, and suppressing it to look ahead. While she removes her hairtie, he pulls at the familiar scarf wrapped about his neck, deciding to, for now, unceremoniously throw it onto the edge of the bed. He takes a step towards the window beside the bed, his gaze settling out on a new night sky.

Another world. Far removed from their own. Let alone where they both came from. His hand briefly touches the glass as he takes in what she's saying behind him. ]

Yeah...

[ Then she talks about magic, and he looks back over his shoulder to her at first. The mood in the room shifts a little. Lighter again as he starts turning around. ]

This'll be a first for me too. Wonder if this is what it was like for the Cetra...

[ Staring down at his hands, he flexes them as he thinks of the prospect of casting spells without the need for Materia. It comes at a price- his strength bolstered by Mako. But it's a setback he'll learn from. Just like Weiss will learn to deal without her Semblance for now. ]

Y'know... I've actually heard of this place.

[ The room is warm enough that Weiss can remove her cardigan and just let her dress loose. She sits on the bed and folds it neatly on her lap before setting it aside on the table next to it. With that, she slowly lays down on the bed, rolling on her side so she can look at Cloud. ]

What do you mean?

[ She actually feels a little hungry, but she also just wants to rest. It's been an emotional day, and she feels like she can sleep easy tonight now that Cloud is here. The worry she feels for him shows in her eyes, though, but she's doing her best not to be so bothered by all of this. And hopefully? When she wakes up in the morning, Cloud will be right next to her. ]

How is that possible?

[ Saying he's heard of a strange world on the edge of the multiverse? Yeah, thinking about it now, that's a very outlandish thing to say. For all intents and purposes, it could all be a coincidence. Maybe... Looking down to Weiss, he decides he's going to join her! Taking a spot on the other side of the bed, he decides to stay sitting up, back resting against the wall. He tucks his legs up, his arms resting on his knees as he gets comfy. ]

Guess I've got a story for you after all...

[ Cloud didn't just toil away with books on human anatomy and medical records back home. There's tales dating back to ancient times too, some even correlating to the very summons they've once called upon in battle. This one in particular however... ]

Legends say there was a distant kingdom where real magic existed. Not like the spells we cast through Materia now, but...

[ He shrugs lightly as he looks down to Weiss. Cloud's trying to figure out the best way to summarize this whole tale up! Last time he mentioned creatures, there were more questions than answers. Thanks Weiss. ]

A magic sword embedded in stone was resting there. Whoever pulled it would be crowned the new king and lead Camelot into a new age. That was King Arthur. After he became King, other legendary knights would assemble in court when called.

The 'Knights of the Round Table'. ... People weren't even sure if the stories were real, since there ain't no record of a Camelot in history books. No castle ruins...just more stories.

[ He hasn't gotten to the part where there exists a powerful Materia that seemingly calls on magical warriors harkening back to this legend. But it seems like certain tales transcend worlds after all! ]

How did the legends come to be?

[ Uh-oh, here comes the questions now. She she's already looking at him, but she shifts a little if only to get comfortable as she's on her side. ]

Were historians trying to figure out where magic came from or something?

[ It's an interesting story, for sure, but she'd always thought materia was the source of magic in Cloud's world. It certainly doesn't function the same way as Dust does, ~~even if Monty conceptualised Dust after Materia~~ since Cloud doesn't need to use his Aura to harness its powers. So... ]

Hey. [ A thought's occurred to her now, and she's a little curious. She moves to sit up because of this, resting her back on the pillow that she was laying on earlier. ] Do you still have the materia you had in Lunatia?

No one can really pinpoint where and how. It's an old tale.

[ Such is the ~~actual truth behind Arthurian Lore~~ way of ancient tales from Gaia. But if it's any consolation to Weiss, who shifts to get on her side and pay more attention, Cloud does try and elaborate. ]

Maybe it ties in somewhere with the Ancients over 2000 years ago...

[ Well, either way. A fragment of that legend still lives on through the might of the ultimate summon Materia. What a spectacle it would have been... ]

Mm? [ Her question earns a more innocent blink from Cloud as he fishes into his pocket. Sure enough... ] Just the healing.

[ In his hand is the familiar crystal orb, beautiful in its emerald shade. However something seems...off about it from before. Whereas it once appeared to be shining and swirling with a mystical energy, it looks like plain glass now. Even transparent. ]

It doesn't work anymore.

[ She reaches for it, but pulls back a little before deciding to just go for it. It doesn't seem to look strange anymore, so she takes it from Cloud's hand. Although she's very, very careful in bringing it up to eye level, she actually manages to do it. Look at her! She's not afraid anymore!

... well, she's not that afraid of it anymore, at least. ]

No one really knows where Dust comes from, but... [ Still holding the orb, she pushes herself up to get Myrtenaster from the desk nearby. The sword remains in its case, as she only clicks on something to remove a Dust vial. There's nothing she's really going for by doing this, but she brings it to the bed so Cloud can see, too.

Cloud will be able to tell the difference right off the bat. The Dust is colourful, and if thrown haphazardly onto the floor, could cause an explosion. (Don't do it.) There's so little left, though... like it's just good for once use, which is odd, because Weiss had always kept herself well-stocked by consistently using copycat charms to double her inventory. ]

I think it still works, but... I can't use it without my Semblance. So right now, this is all pretty much useless. I wonder why it's not the same with your Materia?

Edited 2020-12-25 10:30 (UTC)

[ If it weren't for how adamant Weiss was about her apprehension for the Materia, Cloud would have been far more puzzled by her reluctance. He doesn't make a big deal of it at the same time either. They both know why she really can't look at it the same way ever again. ...even if it's been used to save her life. Even so, that's not what's on his mind right now when she observes the crystal green orb. ]

Can't be the nulling of Mako in my body. Or Jenova's cells for that matter. Anybody can use Materia...

[ Hand to his chin, he watches Weiss as she brings out the colourful vial of Dust to draw parallels to his own equipment. Like her, he's pretty intuitive and perceptive. That and his penchant for overthinking doesn't just go towards brooding!! Frustrating as it is to be effectively weakened on their arrival here (especially after what they'd grown to be capable of on Prismatica), there's also some solace in getting to the bottom of things.

... having "smart" conversations? Kinda fun. ]

Either this reality instantly voids powers that don't come from here...or it voids what it doesn't understand.

Then if everything's hanging in the balance, why would they call us here weaker than before?

Maybe our own abilities wouldn't work, either?

[ She's not really sure, but it's an explanation that she thinks makes sense as a response to what Cloud said. Something like... you can only do something with the magic given to you, and powers outside this realm won't do anything. ]

I guess that just means we have to get the hang of all this quickly.

[ They're already powerless as is. ]

Um... here.

[ Hold out your hand, Cloud, because she's offering the materia back. She doesn't want to touch it for long. ]

Believe me, I've tried.

[ As if lifting the Fusion Sword itself wasn't a challenge in of itself. At first, he blinks innocently when she holds out her hand to offer the Materia back. It takes a couple seconds for it to really click with him however. Because as he takes the Materia back? He cracks a very faint but knowing smile. Cloud ain't gonna say anything. He just knows. Not much he can do about that now...

So, for now it's gonna go right on the nightstand on his side of the bed, placing it in front of the remote so that it doesn't go rolling off somewhere. ]

We'll get stronger, Weiss. [ That little ~~smug~~ smile from before lightens once more, flecks of that confidence from the first time they met managing to shine through. ] Whatever it takes.

I... I don't like the sound of that.

[ The whole "whatever it takes" kinda thing. . . in some cases, it makes a lot of sense, but in this context? She knows that Cloud wouldn't do anything similar to what happened down in the Lightless again, but she can't help but worry again now, anyway. It almost sounds like he'd sell his soul if he can get his old powers back.

He wouldn't, but still!! The thought of it gets Weiss' nose to wrinkle when she frowns. ]

Can we stay out of trouble while getting stronger?

[ It doesn't take much to have that surface confidence of his cracking a little bit when she immediately challenges his words. If it hadn't been for everything they've been through? The reason why probably would have been lost on him. He was just trying to lift their spirits after getting practically reset. But she also raises a good point too... He's not the only one who worries, after all.

The only difference is that whether it was Sanguis or not, he doesn't have that edge of aggression or frustration when the moon's out anymore. Had she said any of this to him while Sanguis was up? The beast inside of him would have been far more stubborn. Say that she's overthinking things. That she doesn't have anything to worry about (despite the fact thoughts would continue to run rampant through his battle-laden brain). But instead? His mind just feels...clear.

And he can't help feeling a little bad after how she reacts. A half frown tugs at his mouth when she asks whether they can stay out of trouble whilst getting their strength back. ]

If you mean I don't do anything stupid, then...yeah. We'll find a way.

It's not—

[ A quick retort, a defensive tactic of sorts, but Weiss sighs when she realises what would have come out of her mouth if she had continued. Sorry for killing the mood, Cloud, but now that you're here? Weiss has to become more knowledgeable of her own brand of magic and develop it further at a quicker rate. Not because she doesn't trust him, but because she wants to support him. She's already powerless now. If she doesn't learn how to properly send people flying or properly harness this ability she has, then she just can't imagine herself being by his side.

She lays back down, face half-buried in her pillow. ]

I mean, I'll try not to send annoying people flying or anything... I might get in trouble too, you know.

[ It comes second nature to Cloud by this point. The second she lays back down, half-buried in her pillow, he's already sitting close enough that he can run his hand through her hair a couple times. ]

I dunno. If it were me, I'd especially send the annoying ones flying.

[ They're the ones that'd have it coming, after all. ]

[ That actually gets a laugh to bubble out of her. The "teehee" kind that she hides by rolling closer to his side to muffle the sound. It's embarrassing how she actually agrees that annoying people should go away. Not something she's proud of, but you know what? She's actually done something like that before. No regrets. ]

You could do that with your wind magic.

[ That's what he likes to hear... Even if Cloud's probably going to get up so he can change for sleep proper later, that's not stopping him from sliding down so he can lay by her side. Though he's still on his back for the time being. ~~It just leaves him a prime target for cuddles.~~ ]

I could, couldn't I...

[ Tilting his head so he can look more her way, he arches his back, tensing a little to get comfy before sighing and sinking into the mattress some more. If there's one thing he learned how to do in his time spent on Prismatica? It's...well. Finally relaxing. It's done him good. ]

Knowing me, I'll start calling magic how it's done back home. Usually there's three levels of power for spells.

[ Yup. He's gonna get cuddles. She's gonna cling to him as soon as he's lowered himself some. ]

Don't tell me you're gonna say some sort of spell or a chant whenever you're gonna use it! That's so lame.

[ ... there's some incoherent grumbling on her part after that. ]

Then again, you are a dummy.

Nah. Not my style.

[ "Then again, you are a dummy." ]

Hm. Yours.

Good.

[ Her dummy! :T Weiss is by no means someone who's possessive of her significant other, but she does show jealousy rather easily. She doesn't want Cloud's attention on anyone else... not the same kind of attention he gives and shows her, anyway. After telling him that she's "his Weiss" earlier, she actually feels a bit giddy inside hearing him say he's her Dummy. ]

No moving. You make a really good pillow.

[ Cloud's method of jealousy and protectiveness has a tendency to come out in him being standoffish. Things were strange at first in Prismatica for moon-explicit reasons, but with or without? He doubts how he would feel different in any given way. When she 'commands' that he doesn't move? Too bad. ]

Gonna move a little.

[ But not away. Just sliding his arm over her head until he's got a loose half-hold of her as she cradles herself in at his side. The air in the room stills, leaving Cloud to close his eyes and take the moment in. There was time to worry tomorrow. It's a day that they'll tackle together... But more importantly, ]

I found you.

[ They've figured out what it is they need to do now. It shouldn't hurt to spare some time to discuss them.

In fact, when she manages to hear what Cloud says? She responds softly, voice hushed to preserve the moment. ]

We're really lucky, aren't we?

[ That they don't have to wait long to together again. But they're only as lucky for as long as Avalon will let them be. This world could tear them apart, too, and then they have to do their own thing. For Weiss, it's to save Remnant. Atlas, most immediately. For Cloud? Well... she's not sure if his story's finished just yet. What she wants after their obligations are over and done with though is to be together.

A simple yet complicated wish. ]

[ Cloud's story? Well...whose to say that it'll ever be over? He's had to save the planet twice now, and knowing Sephiroth in his own timeline... As much as he'd like to think he would remain a memory, their bond runs the deepest in the most disturbing of truths. For the time being, Gaia was safe. The Planet was healing, everyone was moving on with their lives, and Cloud...

He finally found his place in the world. Finally learned to forgive himself, and use his sins to make him stronger for the future. That strength lead him to protecting the world he loved so much. To guarding those he cherished most. And by some stroke of luck (or was it truly fate?), it's lead him to holding a girl named Weiss Schnee the closest to his heart. Thinking about all of this, what they went through in Prismatica, and what waits for them ahead, only bolsters his resolve. And his smile grows.

Maybe not might not be the best time to start laughing, but the shaky huff that leaves his lips was steeped in sheer contentment as he tucks his head to the top of hers, drawing in her scent and giving a kiss again. He's not one to show much 'weakness' in public, but after nearly two years of knowing one another? Any and all guards he's put up are nowhere to be found. She has him. All of him. At his deepest and most exposed, he lays it all out for her.

Lucky them... ]

No letting you go here either.

[ Come hell or high water, he's going to protect her. In the same way she intends to support him. Just like before, they'll build each other up. ]

[ Weiss pulls away a little just so she can get a good look at his face. Whenever he says something like that, it's always after experiencing something difficult, or if he's thinking about something a little too deeply. During those times, she'd always say something to bring him back up, to make sure he doesn't worry too much. And there's so much he's already thinking about. The least she can do is lessen his worries. ]

I'm not going anywhere, Cloud.

[ She could be in more comfortable clothing now, but since she doesn't have a spare change of clothes, she'll just have to take off her shrug and the wrap-around off. For now, though, she's fine in her clothing, and she'd want to protect a moment like this for as long as possible. Her gloves are off, at least, so she's able to take his hand properly, hold it close to her heart and give the back of it a soft kiss. ]

So you have to promise me that you'll let me support you. This is where I want to be.

[ "This is where I want to be." ]

Weiss...

[ If she's looking for an answer, he'll give it in more ways than one. Before, it was his word and actions. After all the time he spent in Prismatica, opening his heart and falling so hard for her, he can show it to her in another way too. She may have pulled away to get a good look at him, but Cloud'll shimmy in enough to close that gap. This time, she's getting something that feels long overdue.

Even if it hasn't been that long since they last saw one another (lucky them), he's held her so many times now... ]

Mm. Promise.

[ This time he'll kiss her. Closing his eyes, he doesn't draw away, feeling the sensation of Chroma— ] ... [ No... It's not that. His face stings even more than before. The back of his hand tingles where she places that soft kiss. Heat spreads through his body in a way that almost feels foreign to him.

This wasn't Chroma. This was something different. And as true as their feelings were for one another? This physical one?

It's real. It's right. ]

[ It does feel like something overdue, but Weiss wasn't even thinking about kissing him the past hour or so. All she wanted since she saw him again was to look at him. Observe him. Check every detail and compare it to the Cloud she remembers. And there's no change... she thinks. And even though it's only been some time since they were separated, it still felt so long. So much so that Weiss wants to memorise everything about him again.

The plan was to start with his face. His eyes so bright, so sincere, but you could tell he's thinking of something more beneath them. His cute nose... his cheeks that turn red so easily whenever she tells him something that's sure to fluster him. But if he starts with a kiss? That would be fine, too. But for now, she lifts her hand so she can gently stroke her thumb against his cheek. So she can push some of his bangs away and just... look at him, as if she's seeing him for the first time.

If he hasn't opened his eyes yet, he might hear her laugh. Nothing boisterous—Weiss could never be such—but a soft, relieved note escapes her lips because whatever happens in this place? She doesn't have to be alone. And he doesn't, either. The guilt that she felt when she heard his voice message before her birthday, when she disappeared for a bit, has gone, but she remembers it now. The tone of his voice, how he didn't want to say she was gone, and how tightly he held her when they saw each other again. That's not something she ever wants to experience again, and she doesn't ever want to make Cloud that sad ever again. ]

When we're settled and have some money to spare, I want to take you out on a date. [ Their first date!! Here!! ] Say yes?

[ His eyes gently open, the weight of his lids making it feel harder to keep them open. But if that meant having a proper night's rest for the first time in a while alongside Weiss? He'll take it. ...after they've gotten a little more comfortable anyways. Her little laughter doesn't escape him; as if it were a chain reaction, his own shoulders softly jump as he stifles a laugh of his own. There's still so much to be uncertain of, but knowing that whatever lies ahead, he has Weiss to face it together with... ]

Yes. [ It makes every future trial and tribulation all the more worthwhile. ] So long as I get to ask you out sometime.

The right way.

[ The way Weiss dreamed about. ]

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schmisse - 2021-01-05 01:53 (UTC) - Expand

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