TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 19

[avalonmods]

	QUICK NAV: ⚔️️ Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary
⚔️️ View Top-Levels Only ⚔️ IMPORTANT NOTE: The calamity is visible in the north area of the sky from all locations as of February's event.

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. The water is cold, but not enough that you can't handle it on your own. The Lady of the Lake is nearby, and normally the mossatees would still be helping this time of year... but it seems like they haven't shown up. Instead, a very helpful band of octopi have joined the cause. They range in size, from large enough to scoop three characters out of the water with their plethora of wriggling tentacles... to a band of tiny,
palm-sized baby octopi working together to try to heave a single person out of the water. No matter which you get, they all seem to have unique personalities, but animal mages may note that as a species, they all seem to think of the otherworlders as fun little playthings. These little otherworlders are so funny. If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. Those with animal magic may get their info from the mossatees, though may notice that they're really overly friendly and have zero concept of personal boundaries. Everyone may notice they have no concept of personal space, as they will happily run right into someone's belly for a snoot squishing. 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 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. 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 and rain. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console. 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. Newcomers get free inn rooms for their one night stay on the way to Camelot, containing two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and movies. Don't want to relax in the room? Take a dip in the communal hot spring. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly. 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.

---

The people have spoken! This means that brave Otherworlders will be heading into the Bermuda Station-- an underwater train station that passes to other worlds. Currently frozen in time, a train half in Avalon and half in another world, it's an extremely unstable location so certain preparations will need to be made... including how to get past the Falak, a humongous sleeping snake whose side is blocking the entrance. That's definitely something the newbies can be enlisted to help with though!

A ⦿ Get Lost
	The first thing to do is to budge the sleeping snake, and for that we need strength. The kind of strength not even ten siphoners could manage because this snake is buried deep underground, sleeping, and titanic. And so, the Elphame Traders have brought with them to Camelot their greatest alchemist to hold workshops on how to brew the most excellent strength potion... the only thing is, you have to fetch the secret ingredients first, so everyone should be out gathering those to make these potions! It requires a super rare ingredient that's coincidentally only available during the month of May.  Enter the Edge of the Dusklight Wood and seek out the Shadlins. Though their eyes are haunting and you won't forget about them soon, those brave enough to chase after them will find themselves utterly lost in an endless forest so dense that you cant see the ground or the sky for
the treetops and foliage. Don't try to find your way out, just keep walking, listening, watching and following whatever direction you see the eyes of the Shadlins next. Travel with another as the silence of the forest can be deafening and has been known to drive people to talk to themselves, hear voices that will attempt to coax them into doing harmful things to anyone else they run into, or even attract ear wyrms-- a tiny draconic creature that curls around a person's ear and gruffly (they are wyrms) sings the last song they hear endlessly on repeat until they hear a new one-- and doesn't let go unless someone else whispers a song into their ear... at which point, it will switch to theirs. Good luck tricking someone else into trading ear wyrms!

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B ⦿ Fountain of Yewth
Eventually, you will come upon what appears to be some kind of toxic, tar pit, at which point, you have reached the sacred bathing pit of the Tree People, a type of plant fae that are known for trading fertile land potion to Camelot to keep their crops lively no matter. It turns out, they are extremely territorial and not at all peaceful when they are not on diplomatic trade missions. They will attempt to sneak up on you and whoever you're with, capture, and roast you over an open fire for dinner. Elemental mages will have the best chance against them, but be careful- the gases from the tar are flammable, so you will have to defeat them without using fire magic. (Green mages will be great boons as well, but secondary magic is definitely a lot harder for new arrivals than it is for practiced magicians!) You'll need to escape once captured and scoop up some of that toxic tar carefully, in a container so you don't get it on your skin. It's very potent and in its base form, will temporarily grant super-strength
but will deplete your character's body and cause rapid aging (as in, a good 30 years in a day's time). May is the time when the tree people sprout flowers and thus their pollen is contained within the tar, which is the secret ingredient we need! Just don't get killed in the process.

C ⦿ Unseen Path
	Following the eyes is the way that got you there, but following your heart is the way that will get you out. As you may have noticed, the forest is dense and dizzying and somehow, everything looks the same. There's quite literally no way to find your way out with your eyes-- and quite intentionally. Magic prevents anyone who can see from finding their way out of the forest. To this end, characters will need to blindfold themselves and a partner, then tie an enchanted cloth (be sure to pick one up from the alchemist before leaving on your journey!) around both of your waists. It's best if you do it side-to-side if you don't want any awkward contact (though it may be easier to walk spooned together if you're comfortable) especially since to activate the enchantment, you both have to compliment the other person every 10 minutes after putting it on. This will cause the binding to tighten and then behind your closed eyes, you will be able to see the binding glow, and both of your footsteps from the day will illuminate in your
mind. Follow the footsteps you can only see with your eyes closed and you will find yourself back where you started outside of the forest. Hopefully you get along with your partner-- it's a long walk home when you can't see.

---

The strength to budge the strength obtained, an even more valuable item is needed to counteract the magical energy crackling in and out of frozen time: a rare collection of hourglass coins. Rumor has it that they are actually in Camelot, held by an Arcane Mage embedded deep within an organized crime family. The rumor, of course, is true- and was put out by the family themselves. The end of the world is nigh, which is why they have released the information. Call it civic duty! But they aren't going to lose such a valuable asset for free. Which is why the rumor contains the following information: An underground casino is holding a gambling tournament. High-rollers will be given a special card that will give them access to an illegal auction, at which the coins are being auctioned off. Queen Elphame, pleased that the otherworlders have decided to entrust her with the Fisher King, sends this information in an encrypted text to all otherworlders, along with a warning that the auction will not be dependent on money, but that Elphame is happy to pay participants for bidding. As long as you don't piss anyone off, it should be safe for anyone to help.

A ⦿ Safe Bets
Once you find the delicious Sichuan-style restaurant that acts as a front for the casino and say you're "here for more heat than the peppers," you'll be led down to a literally underground casino. Blackjack, poker, roulette, craps-- there aren't any slot machines, all the games are monitored and in groups, so you won't be left wanting for opponents. Pick a game and play your way to the top! If you play for long enough and do well enough, you'll be escorted to yet another secret room in the back and asked to change into something more appropriate for high rollers from their selection of suits and dresses (per your preference). Just be wary not to get caught if you try to use your magic to cheat- there are bouncers around, and they're more than happy to drag
you out crying and screaming. The only way you're getting back in if you're caught cheating is with a very good disguise-- and only once.  Then you go to magic casino jail, where they have a cognitive master magician trap you in the world of Mr. Dollaman, a fictional golden coin with a fedora who runs a slot machine from inside the game like a hardened blood-thirsty businessman, Wreck-It Ralph style. Good luck getting out- The only way is to get past Mr. Dollaman by admitting what you're most greedy for, then rushing to pull Mr. Dollaman's slot machine plug while he revels in your admission of guilt and gives a villainous monologue.

---

B ⦿ Bidding Wars
	Now you're dressed to the nines, you're invited into a large lounge-type room. There are little tables, cocktails being served-- and 100% alcoholic ones, this is an illegal establishment, they don't care to enchant for proper drinking ages (but from an OOC standpoint: please content warn for underaged drinking and use common sense/be responsible- little kids drinking is inappropriate af, but high schoolers without supervision isn't something we're going to pretend doesn't happen. Just don't be skeezy about it.) It's a good place to network and mingle ahead of the auction, and once the auction starts, it's good to have someone you trust to sit with. After all, it's not your mother's auction. The auction begins and despite expectations, money isn't the only thing you're allowed to bid. There are fae involved, and the black market. You can bid organs, services, hot dates, control of your name, all kinds of things! Outside of the the grand prize of the hourglass coins, a glimmering set of coins forged from frosted glass that are able to filter and stabilize time magic on a small-
scale, but extremely breakable that is necessary for the success of the Bermuda Station mission later this month, there are other prizes you can win, such as:  Legendary Phoenix Feather - These feathers are extremely rare, from the original phoenix herself. They can be used to defy death and bring back loved ones with healed ailments, no rot or injuries, in perfect condition. (However, it is not legitimate. It is just incredibly shiny. You have been scammed if you bid on this item.) Ancient Glacier Piece - A chunk of an ancient glacier, enchanted to never melt to preserve its integrity. It does mean it can be put into a drink and not melt though, so that's kind of cool... but I'm not so sure ancient bacteria is safe. You might want a friend around to call a doctor if you try it. The Prism Flower - A rare, live plant that blooms into a flower. The flower can be reduced down into a dye that changes colors and patterns at random, creating gorgeous effects. Be careful, however ,as the dye is extremely permanent-- anything that spends more than a couple of seconds in contact with it besides water will find itself dyed-- including living creatures. There are two flowers currently on the plant, but it can be grown into a large bush. Take care of it well- if it dies, you will not be refunded. The Prestigezza - A special pizza that will grant any pizza-related wish you might have, from crispier pepperoni to your deepest, weirdest pizza fantasy. It's very filling, so share with a friend! Tears of a Banshee - Drop these tears into a drink and that night you will dream of your destined death. The only true chance you will ever have to change your fate. You may want to make sure someone else is around to make sure you wake up though- these dreams can feel very realistic.

---

C ⦿ Knot a Problem
It's important to relax before you get involved in something stressful. A healthy way to clear your head involves taking up a hobby, and as such, a small section of Camelot has put together the Avalon Craft Fair. With such a daunting task ahead of everyone, now seems like the perfect time to lower peoples' stress anxiety with a healthy outlet. There are plenty of booths selling crafting materials, art, paintings, and more... but there seems to be a theme this time, and there are a lot of knot-centered booths: Tie Knots: Take lessons from a master artiste who can teach you how to tie knots around your acquaintances, friends, significant others.. whoever you'd like. They'll teach you an enchanting song that will bring the rope to life so that you can use hand gestures to tighten and loosen without physically touching your subject. Grab a partner.. or lasso one in for some good old fashioned shibari.
Release Knots: There are decidedly forms of magic that exist beyond the basics that everyone is able to access, and one of those magic forms involves the art of massage. First you have to find someone to practice basic massage techniques on, so grab a partner and start rubbing! Once you've managed the basics, you'll be able to learn how to channel your magic into the massage and cause physical sensations like tingling, warming, cooling, and tiny static shocks. Tie the Knot: Okay, not quite a marriage booth-- but they consider themselves starters! Be careful, the fairies running this booth are tying peoples' wrists together with magic knots that only release once you reveal a secret about yourself to the person you're tied to. What a fun way to get close!

 

• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, as the events within are considered game canon. • This post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads and may start their own logs off-post, 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 usually 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.

Comments

Okita Souji | Fate/Grand Order | Kinetic + Blood

[ultradaishouri]

[1] KERPLUNK, SPLASH!!

BWAAH!?

[ Waking up due to suddenly falling straight into a ton of water, is, in Okita's opinion... not great! It sucks, actually, and yet this is her life. Getting plunged into cold water without any warning... did the next Gudaguda event come without her knowing!?

In any case, after sputtering about a bit... plus a bit of help by a massive army of adorable palm-sized octopi forming a platform above her and lifting her up out of the water, she manages to make it to shore! ]

Hah... where the heck am I now?

[ She's wringing out the short skirt of her kimono, shivering just a little now that she's out of the water. It's not freezing, but it's always cold when you get out of the water. ]

Gah... thank goodness I'm a Servant, catching a cold is the last thing I—huh? EHH!?

[ It takes a moment for her to realize, but she is definitely not a Servant right now... she's alive. What kind of Gudaguda event is this!? ]

[2] Red Hot Springs

[ So, the reception aside, she's got a pretty good grasp of what's going on. Still, Avalon? It definitely can't be Gudaguda, then... that's way too European.

Still, while she could be either lazing about in her room here or practicing her magic, what caught her eye was instead... the hot spring.

Can you really blame her for dropping everything for the sake of that!? ]

Ahhhhhhhh... this is nice...

[ She's met her familiar at this point, turning out to be a long-tailed tit from Hokkaido. Honestly, she's kind of disappointed that her familiar is so tiny... but at the same time, they're adorable and currently resting comfortably on Okita's head right now as she relaxes into the warm waters of the hot spring, her towel neatly folded nearby. ]

Hot springs are the best... I bet Nobbu would be super jealous, ehehe...

[3] Release a Knot

[ Okita decided to stay away from what was clearly classes on Shibari knots. Gah! Her face turns red just thinking about it! Fortunately, there is one thing here that sounds interesting and less embarrassing... the massage course.

That being said, to be perfectly honest, she just wants to be the one getting a back massage rather than the one giving one. ]

Hey! Hey! You looking for a partner? My backs been killing me, so I could use something like this!

Wildcard!!

[ You know how wildcards are. Plot with me at my plurk, OddEyes! ]

Splash

[orderandpancakes]

[Some take their sudden dip into the lake far better though, as Elma makes her way through it like...well...a fish takes to water, but now isn't the time to frolic, she needs answers. She can feel her own magic has weakened greatly since entering this world, and while she can make due, it's hardly ideal.

Observing the area Elma notices someone else on the water now entering the beach, a human by the looks of it. She swims towards her, as one on that beach would notice something swimming towards them, a serpentine creature far larger than any ordinary snake, as its shadow underneath the surface comes closer and waves get higher.

Once Elma reaches the beach a large splash obscures any vision of the creature, once the water disapears, a human woman stands in front of Okita, except with a horn protruding from her forhead and a long blue serpentine tail behind her]

You there! I need answers, where are we?

[ultradaishouri]

Hn...!

[ Sure, Okita is upset, soaked, and has no idea where she is... but she catches the approach of something in the water, immediately drawing her sword in self-defense. Sure, she isn't a Servant anymore, but she's still a well-trained swordswoman...! ]

E-Eh?

[ Oh, a woman?

She keeps her sword out, pointed at Elma. ]

Huh? How the heck would I know!? What the heck was that crazy entrance!?

[orderandpancakes]

I'll be asking the questions! It seems a little too coincidental we'd both be stranded on a new world without any knowledge of getting there, you better start explaining or...or...

[A low growl can be heard, not from any nearby beast, but her own ravenous stomach. Elma blushes, using one hand to rub her belly and other to frantically wave in front of the stranger]

P-pretend you didn't hear that.

[ultradaishouri]

Coincidental!? I dunno about you, lady, but this kind of stuff actually happens a lot! Eh?

[ She heard that... she heard it all... ]

After suddenly accusing me, I dunno if you're in any position to ask a favor like that.

[orderandpancakes]

You'd do your best to show due respect human!

[Elma normally wouldn't be so harsh when dealing with her, but she's slightly on edge being on a new world severely weakened. Also being interrogated is no excuse for rudeness]

And I find it hard to believe we'd both be summoned to this world without purpose. One doesn't summon a dragon on accident

[Usually anyway, Lucoa just to happened to be at the right place and time for that mage kid and she let it happen]

(ooc: believe me I know that feeling very well)

[ultradaishouri]

You would be surprised, actually...

[ She mutters that under her breath, and quite frankly! Considering that they were in the same situation here, she considers it a very god excuse for rudeness! ]

And what, are all dragons constantly hungry?

[ She lets out a sigh. ]

Listen, supposed dragon lady. I don't know where we are! And where I'm from, getting summoned randomly for some kind of weird event happens way too often! It's kind of a problem, actually! Now could you stop accosting me!! It's freezing and I gotta find out if Master ended up here, too.

[ Please, let Ritsuka NOT be hundreds of feet up in the air in a free fall? She can feel her capabilities being weakened right now, and she does not have any confidence in saving you if you got summoned into a free fall again. ]

1/2

[orderandpancakes]

Why you impudent...!
You should count your blessings it's me and not another dragon that got summoned, I can guarantee they wouldn't be as patient, and my intake of food is none of your business!

2/2

[orderandpancakes]

[Calm down Elma, calm down. She takes a deep breath and sighs
Suddenly her demeanor changes and she straightens herself in a regal manner, more befitting of what she claims to be]

And more importantly, there's a difference between a human being summoned and a dragon...

[Suddenly her human eyes, shift slightly into something more repitilian as she approaches Okita. A faint blue aura can be see around her as she examines her, her tail cornering and pushing her forward giving Elma an even better look]

I can't be certain, but it seems like you're telling the truth.

Still, that doesn't make this any less concerning.

[ultradaishouri]

Well we've got a nonzero number of dragons back in Chaldea, so...

[ Not that big of a difference, in Okita's mind. Still, that's not a conversation she wants to get into, so she just mutters that under her breath so that she doesn't have to deal with it. ]

Of course I'm not lying! I mean, I guess it's kinda concerning if you think about it, but you learn to get used to this kinda thing.

[ Which probably isn't a good thing, but don't worry about it. In any case, her earlier outburst doesn't seem to have phased Okita in the slightest. ]

Well then, if you'll excuse me! I gotta find out if anybody from home is here too. Master aside, Nobbu is usually nearby whenever this stuff happens... plus it's goddamn cold!

[ She doesn't need a cold to add to her risk of coughing up blood, dang it! She'll promptly turn around and start to walk away...

...she makes it about 3 steps until suddenly— ]

BWUGH!!? Damn it!!

[ She suddenly keels over and coughs blood. Oops. ]

[orderandpancakes]

[And a sigh]

Typical human. Bravado can only get you so far, and I'm tempted to use this as a penance for you and teach you some humility, but someone I consider a good friend back home wouldn't approve of that.

[Home? Is that what it is now? I guess it is all things considered, she muses to herself

Calmly she walks over and literally and effortlessly picks Okita up and slumps her over her shoulder]

You shouldn't exert yourself. The water was colder than probably what you're used to, and once you entered this world whatever mana you stored dwindled greatly, so any magical resistences have been reduced as well.

We should go find somewhere to rest for the time being, right now standing here is getting us nowhere, in the most literal sense possible.

[ultradaishouri]

H-Hey! Hands off!

[ She puts up a fuss about being picked up like this, but ultimately she's fairly limp... at least for the following few moments while she recovers. Yeesh, she's not a Servant anymore, but she still has to deal with Weak Constitution? This place sucks. ]

Just my luck... dumb skill, kicking in now of all times...

[orderandpancakes]

[Okita's protests are barely even noticed by Elma as she scans surveys the area and treks to a nerby grove, laying her by the nearest suitable tree.]

Frankly with your attitude I'm suprised you're still alive at all, even before coming to this world.

3

[owarifool]

[ Honestly, she should have known the wild bunch of black hair belonged to Kipposhi before he turned around, unless she assumed he wasn't in that world any longer, but still. She walked, helplessly, into a situation she was now going to be trapped within. Like walking face first into a spiderweb you hadn't seen because of the way the light passed through it. ]

Oh ho? Is that so? I suppose the hands of the Demon King could conquer those knots, ha ha ha~!

[ God help her. ]

[ultradaishouri]

[ She hadn't been paying attention to who she had gone up to, and by the time she realized who exactly she just asked to be her partner, it's too late.

What has she done. ]

G-Geh! You're...!!

[ She's going to attempt to back away, now... ]

[owarifool]

Well? Cat got your tongue, manslayer?

[ Kipposhi laughed, brightly, crossing his arms before him. ]

Let's get it on, then! Lay yourself out and I'll conquer your backside!

[ Yes, he knew how that sounded. Yes, he did it on purpose. ]

[ultradaishouri]

HAH!? You’re not allowed anywhere near my backside!!

[ Ohhh she truly did just go for too long without a Nobbu-induced headache when she ended up here… and it’s the this Nobbu giving it to her as well! ]

A-And quit saying it like that, too!!

[owarifool]

Aw, but don't you think I have skilled hands? You know it takes a lot of dexterity to work an arquebus, right? Or a gatling gun?

Imagine what they could do for you!

[ She just kept giving him ammo, how could he not unleash a volley like this? ]

[ultradaishouri]

I don't wanna imagine that, you jerk!

[ She can't believe she's saying this, but she almost wishes the usual Nobbu were here... this one is just too much for her to handle. Well, it could be worse, at least... she could've ended up with Maou.

Geh, that being said, she's starting to draw attention to herself... yelling "you're not allowed anywhere near my backside" definitely didn't help, either. ]

...Gimme one good reason I shouldn't shove my sword up your backside instead.

[owarifool]

Because I put the idea in your head and now you're curious about it.

[ Kipposhi crossed his arms, smugness written in his features. ]

Tell me I'm wrong, manslayer!

[ultradaishouri]

H-Hah!? Of course I'm not!

[ She is. She absolutely is. Fuck, why is this her life? Why must she be constantly plagued by Nobbu in some way shape or form? Especially this particular way, shape, and form. This isn't fair! This sucks! It's not as bad as when Nobbu got a swimsuit before she did, but it's right up there! ]

Fine, though! But if it's not the best damn massage I've ever had, I'll be turning you into swiss Nobbu!

[ Just say you'll stab him to death, geez. ]

[owarifool]

Just get ready and I'll let my hands prove to you my glory!

[ Okay so he only barely knew how to give a shoulder rub, but he absolutely knew how to touch a woman and make her feel amazing. Plus he'd learned to use his fire magic in very precise ways in his time in Avalon. Surely he could at least make this memorable, right?

He'd have her melting like butter!

... Hopefully not literally. ]