avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 11

Entry tags:

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 11

{ QUICK NAV }
Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary

⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️

SUMMARY: New arrivals drop into the lake and have to climb up a cliff to the Rent a Ride, where they are given their device and some headphones and can retrieve their personal materials. They travel to Camelot, which is a multiple day journey, so they stop at the Red Springs along the way and stay at an inn there.

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 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 still chilly, but not enough that you can't manage on your own. The Lady of the Lake is swimming around under the water, helping to rescue any wayward travelers who look like they're struggling in the water. This month's helpers are Atlantian Saury. Similar to Pacific Saury, these small fish don't have much lift power on their own... but contrary to their saltwater counterparts, Atlantian Saury are known for forming schools of thousands thick enough to lift a person right out of the water... as long as they aren't scared of a few fish flip-flopping out of the water and slapping them in the face with their tails. Animal mages will find they're very chatty, and very fast talkers, and very sensitive to each others' feelings. Insult one of them, and the whole school will start screaming and crying together.

If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. 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. (Though.. given how hot and muggy the weather is this first week, maybe you might want to ask him to toss you right back into the lake where the waters are still cool.)

*Reminder: Your character's familiar may or may not be with your character in their initial plunge. If the familiar isn't partial to water, it may meet your character on the beach or sit atop their head while they swim. Or if they are, they might splash about and swim alongside your character. Familiars have different personalities and body specs and we leave those up to the players.

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 and a pair of ear buds and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was recently enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of 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. In a deal with Camelot's farms, the drinks are honey-based-- mead, tea and honey, even healthy ginger shots with a dash of honey to take the edge off. (Naturally, virgin editions are available of any cocktails like the Bee's Knees for the underaged.) 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.

SUMMARY: We return to Lestari to collect small creatures called fairy coins that look like stars, using a special bubble bar that allows flight but may have side effects such as truth-blurting or burping bubbles. Side quest: save some kids from some ancient giant bats.

With the dangerous battle apparently waging on in the waters just off the coast of the island's west peninsula, the attempt to travel through Dinas Emrys is temporarily delayed. With Arthur back on his feet after a month of recovery, Merlin is working in the background on finding a way to get the travel party back on track. It's fine, since the autumn equinox is on the horizon anyway and there are a lot of preparations to be made.

A ⦿ Fizzy Lifting Bar

bubble bar

blurt out truths

B ⦿ Stars in Your Eyes

gathering stars

will

compete to catch more than your neighbor

telling a lie to someone you like

C ⦿ Minor Side Quest

that

giant bats

SUMMARY:Those in Camelot help prep for the autumn equinox by gathering the ashes of the dead for a ritual to bind spirit guardians to characters via tattoo brands. Other volunteers act as personal genies for those willing to host guardians.

Those close to Camelot will not be without preparations to make, whether they took the trip to Lestari and came back later or stayed the whole time. There are a couple of tasks that will take.. well, quite a few types of badasses.

The first preparation involves the binding of ash to mages to create spirit guardians for the dead. While the fairy coins act like batteries for the magic that lets the dead pass through the veil, spirit guardians are needed to direct them to the correct worlds.. or in this case, to welcome them to Avalon and direct them back to the underworld safely. The universe outside of this is frozen in time and space, there's nowhere for them to go, and that means things could get dangerous when the solstice rolls by if things don't go as planned. Which means they need as many mages as possible to volunteer for this.. somewhat painful process.

A ⦿ The Fighting Badass

Capture an undead creature

B ⦿ The Pain-Tolerant Badass

C ⦿ The Caring Badass

(CW: Consensual submission)
The other two badasses have been through a lot, and no one can deny that the kind of person who can see someone go through things like that and be willing to be a shoulder to lean on is their own special level of badass. Anyone who isn't bearing a tattoo can volunteer to be a caretaker-- a special spellbound servant who is required to fulfill any need, like a personal genie, for a person with a tattoo for the duration of their shift (one day per person)! Those who take on this role are given special privileges for the rest of the month and can essentially get free meals from any restaurant in town for their sacrifice. It is voluntary to be spellbound for this position and none of the special priests around town are unclear about the terms-- anything needed means anything. Absolute refusal will result in the spell being broken to prevent non-consensual practices, but will unfortunately result in the person you are caretaking for losing their bond with the spirit guardian, resulting in return of pain reception and yield no reward in the equinox. This makes it important that guardian hosts don't push it to anything too abhorrent to their caretaker. Though you may not know each other to start, you'll undoubtedly come to trust each other by the end of the day and assure the spirit guardian it is in a place it belongs.

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 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

N-Nay, not at all. You've met me- some version of me, haven't you? I can understand that much, worry not...

[ She can see the way his expression sinks, the way he seems to look shocked and... sad. She's gone through those stages of emotion herself, every time someone arrives from their world and they're not someone she knows, but did befriend in another place she was taken to.

Certainly not the kind of grief someone who actually knows these people goes through, though. How painful would it be to have someone you knew not recognize you, despite you going through the same journey as them? To no longer have the memories and closeness you once did?

She knows that hurt, though to see that this hurt is for her... she lifts her hand cautiously, then curls her fingers inwards, touching her chest as though to calm herself. ]

... I've been here for well nearly a full turn of the year, now. In a few moons, anyroad. I'd been to two other worlds before this one, as well. Did we meet in a place like that, or in our own world?

[ He must be so upset she can't recall- what was she to him, then? Why did he embrace her so easily? Were they friends, or more? All these questions come to mind, as her ears lower a bit. ]

You... you can take your time. Why don't you sit down, first?

Nearly a year...

[And if he had needed any more confirmation of the situation than he already had...]

[Something constricts in his chest, painfully tight. No, then. That means there's no chance at all she would remember, would she? Not if she's been trapped here longer than even the time they'd known each other. They'd always known it could happen. That they'd managed to remember each other after the first time they'd both been sent home and then back again was simply them getting lucky; they knew that. They'd discussed that.]

[He just. Hadn't thought at the time it would actually happen, and now...]

[He breathes out. Sharp, quiet, before taking another steadying breath, and he nods silently at Megumi's suggestion as he looks away, turns to carefully retrieve Heirsbane and his coat from where he dropped them. It gives him something to do with his hands, as he sets them beside the bed that doesn't look lived in. Gives him something else to focus on, since the pup seems to have taken its leave after seeing him safely to another person, and as he takes a seat on the bed...it feels as though all the earlier exhaustion comes rushing right back, twice as heavily, and if he can't find a way to remove that awful weight from his chest-]

Gaius. [There's a pause, as if waiting for another, different sort of recognition. And then he sighs, and shakes his head.] My name is Gaius. We met on a world called Sumarlok, some moons back, though it...does not sound as if you yourself would have been there.

[And gods if that doesn't hurt even more to say so.]

Edited 2021-09-13 06:32 (UTC)

[ She genuinely feels badly, seeing this man looking so devastated, even if it wasn't her intention— but she doubts anyone could have prepared for something like this.

She never is, and she hardly knows anyone the Warrior of Light does.

As he moves to collect his coat and gunblade, she tries to focus on what she could possibly ask— there are questions she knows she ought to, but what if they bring up more pain to him?

Really... how close was her other existence to this man?

She takes her time to pace in front of him, not wanting to sit down right away due to her injuries. It's easier to stand, and while the sudden hug wasn't terrible on her- the soreness being worked on thanks to her beloved's excellent skill in healing, she still doesn't want to aggravate anything else right away.

For his sake, she tries not to show any physical discomfort- he's already so upset, it might upset him further. Compared to how she usually dresses, her outfit right now has longer (loose) sleeves and more cover across her shoulders- nothing out of the ordinary, but definitely not something one would wear for a lot of action. She's been keeping her workouts to a minimum as well, even if it makes her antsy to not be working or training.

She moves her arms behind her back and peeks at him, ears drooping a bit. As she listens, though, they lift as she speaks— ]

Never heard of this Sumarlok place, though. Was in a place called Duplicity, then Lunatia, then... here.

[ She misses her friends- those sweet Warriors who made her feel warm and welcome, in Lunatia.

But she blinks, as she takes note- ]

Your name is Gaius? Like the Black Wolf— saw him in the memories of the Warrior of Light I knew. Well, not from mine own home, but the other world I'd been taken to, Lunatia— that's a nice gunblade, though. Think I've seen some like it, though this one was bright and gold, and—

[ Rambling comes easy, rambling is funny, and maybe he'll laugh instead of gloomily playing with his gunblade that looks suspiciously like the one she saw in Kaelas' memories and—

Hold on.

She blinks a few times as she squints down at it, then back at Gaius' face, then back at the gunblade and the coat-

( The hells... )

Her eyes go wide for a bit, before she seems like she might have just internally screamed, before she finally gives him a pained grin. ]

... it's you, isn't it? You're Gaius van Baelsar.

[ Give her a moment. ]

Bloody hells, no one told me you were this gorgeous?!

[ Because. Priorities. She just needs to process the surge of oh Twelve, why!! ]

Edited (You know the prae joke was coming. ) 2021-09-17 22:52 (UTC)

[He can wait there silently, while he watches her muddle through through this. While they both attempt to get through this, to wrap their heads around what's undoubtedly as odd a situation for her as it is a distressing one for him, though he has no doubt that she'll get there regardless of what input he himself may have to give.]

[And she does get there, eventually, putting together pieces and fragments of things Gaius has difficulty following and keeping track of. It's difficult enough to focus as it is right now, with the way something sharp and painful still lies uncomfortably in his chest, but he tries, watching Megumi as she paces and rambles in the way he's come to be so endeared with.]

[At her outburst, he laughs. A short, soft thing, hard to hear and void of any real humor.]

I suppose I should feel flattered that you remain consistently shocked by this.

[No really, but why does this always seem to be the biggest surprise to people-??]

[It takes a long moment before he can look up again, pale eyes again meeting startled blue. And it's a little longer after before he can trust his voice enough to continue, as he takes a breath.]

[...only to stop short, brow furrowing as something said early seems to finally sink in.]

[He starts to say something. Pauses, briefly, before trying again.]

When you say you saw me in memories. What was happening in your world before you arrived here?

Have we truly had yet to meet before you were ripped from your duties?

I can't think of anyone that wouldn't be.

[ "Have you heard the stories they say about the Black Wolf? People scare their children with them!" She stops herself before she can continue that— especially with how she keeps noticing the way he looks. It's a bad habit of hers, to watch and be far too attentive to those around her— where she has to be. It's helped her in her work as an informant before, and also when watching her children—

But he seems to be— in grief? Not for the first time since meeting him, she wonders about her other self's presence in Gaius van Baelsar's life, and with a determined expression on her face, she moves closer and!

Crouches behind the side of the bed, with only her head and hands peeking out over the edge to watch him, still trying to consolidate her own dread and thoughts and the thoughts of how bloody beautiful the man in front of her is.

A man who she's heard far too many fearful tales of through her life. ]

Before I answer that— I'll just have you know I'm no Warrior of Light, and I've no powers to speak of in this place other than what this place has given me, so if you're planning on getting upset, keep it verbal. I don't want to fight right now. When I'm better, perhaps-

[ She's already regretting crouching, and she grimaces as she tries to adjust herself behind her hiding place better. It does expose the bandages and dressing on her arms and shoulders but she did pick a more concealing outfit for a reason.

She sighs and moves her arms over the side of the bed and looks up at him with a puff of her cheeks. ]

Being the Matriarch of my tribe isn't easy work, and neither is being a healer! But if my duties led me to helping you on our star, then I probably thought you deserved it, aye? Anyroad, I saw you in the Warrior of Light's memories. Not the one -I- know, another. You've met yours, I assume, mine is a tall handsome hyur with a confused but determined expression! Bloody hells—

[ This hurts. She's rambling to avoid thinking of it until she can't take it and extends her arm to him. ]

Help me up, please. I'll just hide behind you.

[ He's tall enough, he won't even see her! As for why she's hiding. Well. Sometimes, her plans are silly. They work out! Maybe.

At least she seems to be well aware of how different existences work and can speak about them but please, please Gaius, don't destroy her, she's just a Matriarch! ]

I am not here to fight you.

[The words come out perhaps a bit more forceful than intended, but he needs her to know this. He won't fight her. Not now. He's already caused her too much hard as it is in her own reality, to her and her people, without him needing to add to it here. And more than that, the thought of bringing harm to her now, after everything...]

[It's with a pang of guilt that he watches her crouch at the side of the bed, as if to hide herself from view. Because while the sight would be otherwise silly and vaguely endearing, it's more than a little hard to look past the fact that she seems...frightened, at least a little. Of him. And who could blame her for being so, with the infamous Black Wolf suddenly seated right there in front of her?]

[She can hardly be blamed for being wary.]

[And he wishes he cared a little less about how much that thought stings now.]

[But he listens quietly as Megumi speaks. Tries to not let his alarm and confusion show as she talks of other Warriors of Light, which is hardly a shock to him now, and of her own Warrior of Light, which is. And it takes a long, heavy moment before he can recognize what that means. When she asks for help, he doesn't question or protest. He simply rises from the bed and moves to her, gently grabbing her arms to help her back to her feet.]

[And it's there that he holds her, still gently, but very clearly unwilling to release her just yet.]

If I may make a request, however... Perhaps don't hide. Please. I apologize for frightening you, truly. Such was not my intent, nor would I ever wish to. 'Tis clear we have much to talk about, but...

[That's really hard to do if she's trying to hide away behind him ~~and getting distracted by his ass instead~~.]

[ His strong response makes her ears lower, feeling like she might have just let her emotions get the better of her- But honestly, if anyone expected her to take this sitting down (she should be sitting down), especially when she fainted in terror at the sight of Emet-Selch in his shadowy form of sorcerer of eld-

This isn't nearly as bad, but it's still... unsettling.

It's not Gaius' fault, entirely- it's her own experiences as well, with his people. As much as she has befriended conscripts and defectors, even looked after them- and had conflicted feelings for a certain one, his being the Black Wolf makes it a little difficult to easily reconcile his presence with all she's ever heard of him.

(She's still curious, though, and that works in his favour- she never could look away from those in pain.

Or with such nice backsides- )

Oh, he's helping her up, and she breathes out a "thank you" as he does, though when he doesn't let her go, she does feel the slightest tinge of worry. She really cannot protect herself in this state, even if that won't matter if it does come down to her fighting, but-

What he says next makes her ears lift in alarm, then lower in slight guilt before she sighs, and- nods to him. ]

... let's, then. Start from the beginning.

[ But she does lift her own gaze to meet his squarely, before her expression melts into concern, before she lifts her own hands while he's holding her arms to place against the backs of his. ]

But don't look so heartbroken. If I know anything about myself, and I do-

[ Her ears flick. ]

Any version of me wouldn't ever want someone she cared for to hurt because of her. I know I wouldn't, at all. And if in some world, I've befriended and cared for you- then maybe I have nothing to fear, aye? I'd hope. You'll have to forgive me, too. Been a rough few suns, and I'm having a few trust issues. With one of your own people, in this place.

[ She says that with a gesture to the bandaged arms her lifted sleeves are revealing. She knows it might be a bit jarring to hear that the body of Solus zos Galvus is in this world and has always been possessed by an Ascian, so she'll take it easy on him. For now.

Freeing one arm, she lifts a hand to his face, a bold gesture, but one to punctuate her words with. ]

Now before I end up gawking at you for the next few ticks because of your handsome face, how about you tell me what you do know, aye? About- us.

[ Seems like that's the biggest hurdle they'll have to cross, anyway. And as much as she'd like to keep staring at him, it's better if he unloads a bit, too.

Maybe she'll learn something as well, she thinks, as she lowers her hand to watch him. ]

What was I- the other me, to you?

Edited 2021-09-28 08:42 (UTC)

[He'd caught sight of the bandages before, yes. Felt the white hot jolt of concern, only for it to be quickly overshadowed with the distress of everything else, but even now, and even knowing that it shouldn't be a surprise for a warrior of her prowess to come out of a fight with injuries, the concern is still there. And his touch is gentle as he finally releases her arms, calloused hands sliding feather light down her arms as he takes in the bandages too similar to his own...]

[This time, when he sits back down on the bed, he leaves enough room for Megumi to join him. Not that he expects her to; now that she's upright again, and appears well enough to stay that way, he's...not happy, necessarily, to give her that little bit of distance back. But it's needed, he knows.]

[And at her question...]

["So what is this, then? Between us?"]

We were friends, I like to think. [Friends, he says, as if that hadn't evolved into something a great deal more than friendly in their time together. But how is he supposed to explain that to her, when he's currently a perfect stranger?] Certainly we grew quite close, at least. In my time there, you were the only one of the Warriors of Light that seemed willing to allow me a second chance. You needn't have helped me, nor shown me any of the kindness you did, and yet...

[And yet now he wonders how he could have ever expected she'd be anything less.]

I helped you at your shop, to the point that I'm almost certain I should have been paid as an employee. Though perhaps allowing me to move in was your way of repaying the labor.

[Look, he can try to make the conversation less gloomy, at least, even if the memories still hurt even now.]

[ "Friends", he says, and yet something about that- the way he's reacting, seems far more loaded than anything. That's not to say one can't feel the same way with people that aren't more, but she knows she hasn't seen anyone respond like this to friends they didn't have some more closeness with.

She does take note of him sitting, and leaving enough room to settle in next to him. The thought is tempting, but she needs to pace a little- and so, she focuses on listening to what he says. Listening, paying attention...

Ah, she was right. Allowing him to move in, that meant the other her trusted him. Which is interesting, considering he's the Black Wolf and all, but also an incredibly ... muted and grieving version of him than the stories painted. Not to mention handsome- Menphina's tits, why can't she stop thinking about how good looking he is? Villains are supposed to be hideous! Or just charmingly beautiful, but-

Right, she's not focusing on the fact that he could be deceptive, but really, these reactions would have had to be meticulously planned for him to respond the way he did to her if he was.

Which means, he's absolutely sincere. And that also means...

Whatever he's saying is likely true.

She's quiet as she listens, even adds that rather humorous anecdote, though her mind suddenly record scratch freezes as she realizes something he just said. She turns fully to face him, eyes wide for a moment. ]

I was the only one of the Warriors of Light?

[ She repeats, eyes wide, and briefly reminded of that version of herself she fought with Emet-Selch back in the cursed city, then gestures to herself. ]

The me that you met- was the Warrior of Light? The hells? Being the Matriarch of my tribe is busy enough, but being a Warrior of Light on top of it?

[ It's not said with any malice- she's always thought the Warrior of Light is just given far too many burdens than he deserves. Hells, she did it to hers!! ]

... was- she alright? [ There's actual concern there. ] Hells, even I've asked for silly things of mine own Warrior, back on my star, and he's done them without complaint- though I compensated him well, I did!

[ Just so she isn't lumped in with those that didn't! She pays her dues! ]

Can't even imagine that she'd take the burden of the star, and the people on top of it. Wasn't estranged from the tribe or family, or anything either? Heard far too many of the Warriors of Light coming and going having no family, barely any friends, and miserable lives, save one or two!

[ She absolutely can't bear the thought that any version of herself was without the people she loved! But she does pause and look Gaius over, suddenly feeling somewhat self-conscious, but also apologetic- that who he expected to meet, is likely not who she is. ]

... Sorry. Talking about someone that was obviously dear to you like that without thinking of how you must feel- it's just surprising, is all. On top of, you know. Knowing that the Warrior of Light and the Black Wolf are... close. After that whole-

[ A wry grin appears on her face as she begins to recite, with a bit of a deeper and dramatic voice, complete with a flourish of her hand- ]

"And do you believe in Eorzea? Eorzea's unity is forged of falsehoods. Its city-states are built on deceit. And its faith is an instrument of deception.-"

[ And she adds in a wink. ]

I'm certain you don't want to know how many times that same speech appeared in how many different Warriors' memories, enough for me to be able to memorize most of it!

[ And she had to hear it every single time!!! ]

Edited (screams) 2021-10-13 06:54 (UTC)

[Oh.]

[Oh no.]

[She barely starts into her dramatic reenactment before Gaius realizes exactly what she means, and just like that, it's as if the grief melts away under the sheer weight of the exasperation that follows, brow furrowing in a grimace as he lets his head fall and pinches the bridge of his nose.]

And if you wish for this conversation to continue, that will be quite enough of that, if you please. [As threats go that's an incredibly hollow one, but Megumi please. How is he supposed to forget what an arrogant and overdramatic heel he was if people throw it back in his face-]

[Besides, that hammy tone she affects is so not how he used to sound. Ever.]

[Not at all.]

[Breathe, Gaius. Focus on the other questions, and try to not let on just how painful it is to have his own speech turned against him.]

[Yeah, he can do that.]

But you were...she, was as well as could be expected of one to carry such a burden. Courageous, strong...compassionate, and relentlessly so. Everything that I would expect from the vaunted Warrior of Light, doing everything in her power to help those that could not help themselves.

[And if his voice keeps softening as he speaks, well...]

You needed to be, for your family and your tribe. So that someday you could return to them and not need to leave again.

But even with all of that weighing on you, you always remained...Megumi. Despite the duties that you carried.

Edited 2021-10-16 03:58 (UTC)

[ See that little wicked smirk creeping up her lips, Gaius? That's her reaction to his own, amusement in her expression as she sees his exasperation. He ought to take what he dishes out ~~every run of praetorium~~, now! It's only right.

(Of course, the thought that that was a rather humiliating defeat for Gaius van Baelsar only strikes her after a bit, and while she won't say said defeat wasn't warranted, she still has enough sense to drop it-

Even if it is tempting to tell him she's just making sure they're not falling into a cobweb of lies by denying it...)

Thankfully, he keeps talking, and the more he does, the more her own expression becomes one of interest, and then-

Surprise.

As he continues on about this Warrior of Light- her, in some other existence, she feels surprised and unsure. That somewhere, she had worn the mantle and executed it to the same degree of success as the one she knew of in her own world?

Enough for the famous, and fearsome Black Wolf, an enemy to the lands she lived in, to be speaking of her in what was clear respect?

It does humble her a bit, and her ears lower as she slowly moves closer to him, until- slowly, enough to not cause herself discomfort, she sits herself next to him and watches his profile, tilting her head curiously at him. ]

... I'm relieved to hear it. Then- she was still in touch, from what you're saying...

[ Even in some hypothetical world that she isn't actually living, she worries about being apart from the people she loves.

But she watches him for a bit longer, before moving a hand to his arm, head tilting as she looks at him carefully. ]

I'm sorry it's not her, but me, here. All I've ever accomplished beyond mine own work and the battles I've fought and healed in is being able to carry four children on both arms and riding a chocobo. Don't ask why I had to do it that way. You try thinking of anything better when a goobbue is chasing you down after eating your wagon.

[ The mental image is quite funny to her now, especially knowing she wasn't in any danger but it was her children who were small enough to be at risk. That was the not-funny part.

Either way. ]

... how are you feeling? I may not be a Warrior of Light, but- if you'd be open to it, I'd like to know you as well. If it's not too painful for you.

[ She pointedly doesn't offer to leave him alone if it is. She's still her, and even if he is the former Black Wolf, he has neither power or support here yet, and she does.

She'd be a terrible matriarch if she didn't at least extend a helping hand. ]

I've a home here. Spare rooms and all. You can stay with us if you'd like. My partners live with me, too. And a friend. Don't worry, we've enough privacy. [ A wry smile. ] ... though I think you've had enough of a shock for a sun, aye? I just know I wouldn't want to be alone in a strange new world. Call it experience from the last ones I was in.

[ And with a squeeze to his shoulder- ]

What do you say, handsome? If I'm going to learn about the no-longer Black Wolf, then it's only fair you learn about the Radiant Matriarch who isn't a Warrior of Light, aye?

[ Because, that's logical! They have to adapt! ]

[How is he feeling? She asks that like he can even give her an answer, while he still sits there struggling to sort out the whirl of conflicting emotions that still hangs over him even as he listens to her talk. Though it helps to listen to her, in the end; whatever version of her this may be, her voice is still just as grounding as it always has been. Though it still stings to hear her speak of another her, at least he still gets to hear her speak at all, the brief tale of her misfortunes with a goobbue even bringing a soft, if fleeting smile to his lips, there and gone again too quickly.]

[And when she mentions living with-]

Your partners?

[To Gaius' credit, at least any surprise in his voice is subdued, barely there as his pale gaze turns side-long to Megumi as he watches her settle down beside him. Because of course she would have partners, if she's already lived in this world for as long as she says. A woman as giving and compassionate as she is, he'd be far more shocked if she had been alone, and it's not as if he isn't aware of the nature of Miqo'te to take multiple partners at a time.]

[So why does it still feel like it's too tight to breathe?]

I... [And he should refuse the offer. If this world is anything like Sumarlok had been, he isn't going to be wanting for shelter, however pitiful a home those in charge may place him in. It wouldn't feel right to intrude, especially in the lives of whoever else lives with Megumi, when she doesn't even know him, but...]

[But perhaps he's still a little selfish after all, when it comes to her. Because after a couple of false starts, he lets his shoulders slump, appearing to think better of whatever protest was on his tongue as he nods.]

I'm not sure that I deserve such an offer yet. But I would be quite grateful nonetheless, if you are truly alright with the company.

It would only be for a short time. Once I have my footing here and am able to afford my own place to stay, I will pay you.

Hoy, none of that, do I look like I run an inn? Though I suppose I'd make a pretty innkeeper, but that's besides the point!!

[ Whatever his protest, she refuses to hear it. They already know and have understood that things are this way, and they just have to deal in the best way they can.

Which means— ]

No more sulking, Gaius Baelsar. You're here now, and you— we'll all get through this. Just help around the house where you can if you want to pay it back. Though— one of mine companions is a Scion. Thancred. I don't know if you know him, but he lives there too. Hope you both can get along, aye?

[ She doesn't know what their status is with Gaius, as it stands. ]

He's usually with my other, Jakurai. I met him in a world before arriving here... He's not from our star, and Jakurai's teammate Hifumi lives with us too. He lost his own partner here so I didn't want to let him be on his own.

[ That's a lot of information, but she gives it anyway. Anything to make him feel settled.

And to accept that his new normal may involve this. She gives his shoulder another squeeze. ]

I owe it to myself that got to know you to do this, too. So don't withdraw, aye? We're all doing our best, here.

[ Her gaze softens with a small, wry smile. ]

Now wipe that gloomy look off and go freshen up. Should have spare robes in this place. And we can go find something to eat!

[ Whatever the case is... she wants to bring some normalcy to those torn from their accepted realities.

This is a start. She isn't going to back away from it. Even with her fears and hesitations.

If it makes him look less pained when looking at her, it'll be worth it. She just hopes she's doing the right thing... for both their sakes. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 11

no subject

no subject

no subject

drowns in prae jokes

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject