TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

[avalonmods]

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ 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. It's a fast process, as they no longer have to collect possessions and pets from drowning in the waters, so they're only needing to go around hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals. 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** 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 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. For the month of February: there are complimentary chocolates placed on the pillows that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you eat them, all the rooms have been temporarily redecorated after hearing about Valentine's Day after an announcement about an upcoming Valentine's concert to be held by the off-worlders. They wanted to celebrate love too, and help the newcomers feel welcome! Unfortunately, this means that the two-person bedrooms only have one bed this month... maybe you can get a roll-away? 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. As the snows give way to rain and the cold persists across Avalon, it may seem as if some of the local businesses are suddenly short-staffed. A favorite spot might have shorter hours, longer wait times. Whatever it is, it seems that there are fewer Avalonians as the days go on. It is not long before there are signs posted outside local businesses and every clinic, there is an illness striking the populace and adventurers seem to be immune. While the healers can cure this malady, they are short on supplies and some of them are not easy to obtain. All are urged to take up a task and gather these ingredients. Anyone who does obtain one or more of the required ingredients will be given a Fairy-blessed Tincture of Wellbeing from one of the faeries who stayed behind after the tournament. It is said to bring healing no matter where you are when you sprinkle it on the ground in front of you. (Note: The tincture will teleport the nearest healing mage to your location. This information is not included with the tincture... surprise!) A ⦿ Ingredient One: A Can of Sprite Sprites can be found in and around Avalon, and thankfully so. The first task is to obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings. Now an adventurer may think to capture and take this by force, but be wary: sprites always travel in packs and will be so inclined to curse any would-be attackers dance till they drop, literally. Sprites are mischievous sorts with a wry sense of humor and can be quite fond a flower which grows near the Red Springs called the Cinnabar Paper Bush. Bring them a bouquet and beg for their cooperation, but be cautious of breathing in the flower's pollen-- the sprites will not warn your character that it's a potent ingredient in probability spells, so breathing it in may cause sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make in a particular situation. Getting out of the pollen's effects takes a full day of going through visions of parallel possibilities if there's no one to help you, and the sprites will be long gone by then. You'll need another adventurer to use their magic to get you out of this or prevent the pollen from spreading... good luck. B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts Within the Brocéliande there grows a certain tree. Even in winter, this tree produces tiny star shaped nuts that when ground into a powder are a key ingredient in many healing tinctures. However, the nuts are coveted by the wildlife for they taste quite sweet when eaten straight from the tree. Adventurers are tasked with entering the woods and retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts. A warning was given to not go unarmed, those animals can be very protective of their food supply and they are rumored to be coveted by the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you. A warning to the wise: do not eat them yourself. They can be quite tempting. A tiny call will induce the desire to devour all of them, burrowing deep within your conscious. Not only would an adventurer fail their task but they would fall gravely ill for a period of two days. With these obstacles in mind, it may be best to team up and go at this task together to make sure everyone comes out alive and well. C ⦿ Ingredient Three: Wait, isn't that a Pokémon? The hills to the south-east of the Red Spring are home to the elusive Hill Trolls, who never leave their hills, but like to engage with any traveler who does come through. Most try to avoid them as they are extremely rude in every way. However, for this particular remedy, there is special bluegrass known as poliwag grass, so named because the seer who discovered this unique grass had seen the creatures it is named for in an alternate world and found them endearing. The catch? Only the Hill Trolls know now wherein the hills the small patches of this grass can be found. Adventurers are tasked with entering the hills, engaging the Trolls, and requesting a guide to the grass. Avalonians will advise doing anything the troll asks of you, it’s the only way to appease them and get the prize. Characters will be set about various household and yard chores by the Hill Trolls, who will lead them to believe that this grass will take several days journey to reach and they simply can not leave their home and yard in such a state when on a long trip like that. Make sure to complete all your tasks, though, try not to be too angry when once their yard and home are spotless the Hill Troll produces a satchel of poliwag grass straight from their cupboard. They didn’t say you had to go on the trip with them and they will need to replenish their supply after, so they're not apologizing for anything. A video is sent to everyone's devices, a strong magic spell making certain that it opens. Morganna's face appears. Morganna, after all, is to be listened to when she speaks. She seems to be looking at her nails as the recording starts, not looking at her captive audience.

”"As infamous as Arthur and Merlin are, there are many magics they are unfamiliar with. They live in the realm of basic magics, the ones you all have touched and trifled with. But there are skills you will need in the future that require something a little stronger. Now if you came to me seeking spells, I would ask a fair price, dears... but it is my universe you are all saving too, so I will offer you a taste." She finally looks directly into the screen. Despite that it's just a recording, it looks as if she's looking directly into your soul. She sees you even without you responding. Her lips curl up in a little smile, friendly and yet mischievious. "Magic is stronger when more than one person performs it. Where you would be able to toss fire, you could create a fire tornado or rip the earth until it spits the fires of hell up as lava. To perform this kind of magic, you must be entirely in sync with your partners. Of one mind, of one movement. Open the attachment and it will place a memory of how to perform Synchronic Magic with a partner into your mind. It will still take practice, of course. Baby steps."

Magic-infused technology is a hell of a thing-- those who listen after the video ends and open up the attachment will find themselves rapidly flooded with what amounts to an instructional video and a visual sample of witches moving exactly in sync. After a little finger painting on each other's face and collar bones and some deep meditation while performing the spell, the caster of the spell will have complete control over the movements of the person the spell is cast upon. For the duration of the spell, the person who the spell was cast upon will mentally reside in the caster's head outside of their body. Their body will do anything the caster's does. For this particular version of the spell to work, it requires the consent of the person it's being cast upon, though there are other forms of the spell that do not that are not. With that knowledge, get practicing. A ⦿ We Succeed Together When a goddess gives instructions to learn something, you learn it, and so some of the locals have set up meditation tents at one of Camelot City's parks. The tents are filled with incense, steam, and have a spell cast on them to provide relaxing sounds-- babbling brook, yoga music, rain on the ocean, a crackling fireplace, the cries of your enemies, the relaxing sound of change falling from your favorite plinko machine... It will respond to your emotions and find the sound that's most relaxing to you to help you clear your mind. If you trust the person you're with, the spell will go smoothly and you'll be able to perform the much simpler practice spell provided in the tent: a shadow dance. Follow the dance steps around the circle on the floor of the tent; shadows will begin dancing along the walls of the tent outside of their light source. Your shadows will be able to separate from your feet and travel without you once the dance is completed. It will return after completing whatever task you need from it. If you need some help developing your trust in the other person, try playing a game of twenty questions or partaking in some of the sparkling ginger shots in front of you-- they've got a heated kick to them that's sure to warm you up and make you fire out a secret to the person you're sharing the tent with. B ⦿ We Fail Apart If you aren't perfectly in sync with your partner to cast Synchronic Magic, all kinds of things can go wrong. People who do not trust each other may end up accidentally sealing the tents shut and trapping themselves inside until they tell each other a secret they've told no one else, thus forcing them to trust each other. People believe the exact opposite at their core could end up temporarily body swapping with their partner until they wipe off the body paint and break the spell. And of course, even if you're completely on the same page and the person controlling both bodies has two left feet, a mistake in the shadow dance could cause the shadows to enter your eyes, turning both of your vision to complete darkness until you've been in sunlight for about 15 minutes straight. I hope you weren't practicing at night. C ⦿ Loss and Gain After performing the Synchronic Magic, magicians of all kinds are going to feel a little strange. It's a magic outside of their field of expertise used to perform further magics, after all, and they've shared their essence with another person to perform it. There's a chance that characters are going to feel very alone after being separated from the synchronic magic. Alone, tired, and wanting to feel connected again even if you're normally the lone wolf type. Synchronic magic makes you feel connected to others in a way that's hard to do otherwise, and without it it leaves a sense of loss and disconnect. It's not a side-effect that was discussed ahead of time, but the citizens of Camelot have prepared for it for anyone who wishes to stick around after their spellcasting. After the magic is done, at the center of the tented area, everyone is invited to gather around a huge, prismatic bonfire taking place in the center of the park that the tents had been set up in. The bonfire is filled with flames of all colors, like a prism reflecting light and warmth, and acts as a beacon for casters' shadows to find their owners and reconnect with them. It also is enchanted to encourage affectionate feelings. This may inspire people to be more... touch-friendly than normal, wanting to hug and hold onto or simple be shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around them. These feelings can easily be fought even if they're present, but fulfilling them will help to eliminate the sense of loss from the synchronic spell ending. At the end of the night, little rainbow fireflies will begin to fly away from the flames, having been hatched within them, and fly off into the night as the flames turn to embers, and then to charcoal. It is said that if you catch a rainbow firefly, you can make a wish on it, and when let go they will take those wishes to the heavens with them. Some wishes may actually be granted, so if your character has a wish, submit it here. 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. (This month, please check updated method of inventory collection at the Rent-a-Ride and the "February Special" rooms at the Red Spring.) • The Shadow Dance Ritual is a form of advanced dark magic; this means that yes, after significant practice, a dark magic user may be able to do this on their own with only their own shadow. Even if your character isn't a dark mage, they can do a ritual to perform out-of-discipline magic. More information on rituals and how to unlock them will come in the future! • Please comment with wishes regardless of new/current member status if you want to participate! :) • 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.

Comments

Aang l Avatar: The Last Airbender (voice testing stage idek)

[airbendings]

Arrival:

a:

[Aang....well. This sort of thing isn't necessarily as new to him? In the sense of adventure and traveling and ending up in new places or such. What is new is the falling. The falling and not just being able to rely on Aapa. Or you know. His air bending. Or that.

Which is exactly why he screeches as he falls, in having tried (and.....obviously failed) in figuring getting himself up the cliff the easy way with his usual air bending once he makes it to the shore itself. As if testing his usual abilities. Or probably just more out of habit. Either way. It. Doesn't go well. The cliff beast catches him at least, but Aang looks rather put out and confused, scowling and pouting as he apparently has to make his way on foot.]

What's going on? Even if I still have the other elements to master, air is the one I definitely already know! And where's the others, anyway?! Aapa isn't exactly hard to miss!

b:

[But naturally he's much more occupied and excited over reuniting with his precious sky bison. The two are rather loud in their relief, between Aang pretty much just leaping at his bff and Aapa responding in his usual tolerant way in sort of cooing as if in reassurance to the boy.]

Appa! There you are! I didn't know what happened. You had me so worried! Hey, you haven't seen the others have you? Katara and Sokka gotta be around somewhere, right? We were just with them!

[Of course Aang is inspecting the phone after finding Appa, occupying himself during the ride, having next to no clue on what it is or how to use it at first. This is going to take some learning and figuring out on his end. Including the earbuds unless he sees others using them and imitates them in putting those in his ears. Not that this stops him from cackling rather loudly at the videos he somehow finds.]

c:

[Aang, for his part, simply will end up offering to sleep with Aapa if that works out for him and whoever he rooms with. But generally otherwise he will probably be found training. Frustrated at his progress (or rather, lack thereof) with his bending and all. Practicing his usual balls of air for example to ride around on. Only to have it not quite work and he slides and falls right off either on his butt or on his face.]

Ugh! Come on!

Medical Emergency:

b:

Gather some nuts? That sounds easy enough!

[In theory. Aang figures gathering supplies is likely simple enough after some of the stuff he dealt with back home. So he easily figures he's ready and eager to head off. Probably just with Aapa unless someone else offers to tag along. Which to be fair wouldn't be surprising given he is like. Twelve. And very new to this place. Because why could this possibly be a rather Bad Idea to go off exploring on his own with a smaller and also still adjusting Aapa?]

Sync or Swim:

a:

[Aang is no stranger to secrets. He has his share. Anyone does. He just. Doesn't expect when trying to figure this whole thing of being in tune with each other to result in this. In him just blurting out to whoever he's with:]

I ran away when they told me I was to be the Avatar and got frozen for a hundred years. All the others, the rest of the air benders, they were killed with the war when the Fire Nation came after them. After me.

[Wait, did he really just say that?! Aang blinks, his eyes widening as he clamps his hand over his mouth and glances to the side, as if debating for that split second unless stopped that he would try and flee.]

--

[ooc: Feel free to throw one of the other prompts at me. I didn't quite figure doing a starter for every single one, but I don't mind if you want to go with one I haven't put something up for yet. And if you want to plot or something feel free to pm or I'm over on Plurk @ caprican.]

arrival b

[wolfhunted]

[Not too long ago, Robyn had reunited with her own animal companion, though Merlyn has started flying around to stretch his wings after being shut up in that box. The falcon screeches as he circles around Aang and Appa before Robyn runs into view and he returns to her, perching on her outstretched arm.]

Merlyn, there you are! You didn't have to take off like that.

[When she notices who Merlyn found, her eyes widen in surprise. She's certainly never seen a sky bison before.] Um, what...?

[airbendings]

[Aang isn't unfamiliar with meeting new people. It was kind of a thing that came with their traveling in avoiding the Fire Nation and figuring their next steps in getting him trained with the other elements with his bending. Aang gives a smile and a wave, having given the falcon a curious look, Aapa not having seemed too annoyed with the flying creature as it circles them in investigating them like that.]

Hey! So the bird is called Merlyn? I'm Aang, and this is Aapa!

[.....as if that even begins to explain even what Aapa is. But clearly his name is the most important part.]

[wolfhunted]

Er...yes. And I'm Robyn.

[Normally Robyn would be a bit more eager to make friends around her own age, but she's still not quite over the sight of a strange animal she's never seen before.]

Um, what is your friend, exactly? I've never seen anything like him.

[airbendings]

Robyn. Hi, Robyn! Ah, he's a sky bison! I ride on him all the time back home, flying around.

[Not that they're sure on directions here yet to have an idea on where they're going but. When he has a better idea on the landmarks and directions here he'd probably take Aapa flying again together. Aang does try to answer at least, giving Aapa a pet on the nose as he talks.]

[wolfhunted]

You fly on him? How does he do that?

[She doesn't see any wings on this animal, and she can't think of any other way an animal could fly. And she thought being carried to shore by turtles was weird enough...]

Arrival B

[bendless]

[In addition to Appa, Aang may find a familiar creature called Momo flying to his shoulder with a happy prrp sound. It's not long until a voice follows.]

Oi, Momo! Stop running off!

[airbendings]

[Aang blinks, but does notice Momo at his shoulder. He gives a smile and reaches to sort of pet the new arrival alongside Aapa. Because clearly both of them deserve pets after being separated like this. The airbender is obviously rather distracted though when he hears that familiar voice.]

Hey, Momo! Sokka? Sokka, you are here!

[Just don't freak out that Aapa is apparently a little smaller here? It's fine. He's fine. The important thing is he has his bff.

And Sokka. And Momo.]

[bendless]

[Sokka finally reaches all three of them... even if Appa definitely doesn't look as big as he used to.]

Aang! You're finally here. The gang's back together... this is great! ... so what happened to Appa?

[airbendings]

Katara's around somewhere too, right?

[If Sokka is, she has to be? Surely. Or at least so Aang assumes. He turns to glance back to Aapa at Sokka's question. He looked the same as ever. Just....well. Obviously kinda smaller. Which is a little confusing but Aapa seems fine? So Aang isn't too worried about it. Just a little confused, in giving a shrug.]

He seems smaller. I dunno. At least, he doesn't seem bothered by it.

[Just maybe a little confused? Maybe take a bit in adjusting in that he can fit into smaller spaces to sleep or such now?]

[bendless]

I said the gang's back together. So yeah, her, Toph and Zuko are also here. Azula's around too, but she's a lot tamer now.

[Not saying she's safe to be around, but at least she's not immediately out to kill them.]

Well, as long as he's fine.

Sync or Swim

[whirlwindthrust]

[ To be fair, he doesn't really understand what secrets have to do with "being in tune" with each other either. Honestly, Xiao hadn't thought to participate at all considering it would mean allowing someone to be close and inside his head.

So when this boy blurts out all that information, it kind of goes over Xiao's head. Avatar? Air benders? Fire Nation? Yeah, none of that means anything to him. However he can detect the regret and guilt that still linger there. ]

If you had not run, do you really think they would have faired any better?

[airbendings]

I don't.....I don't know. Probably if I had stuck around too, I'd have just been killed with the rest.

[Not that it dulls the guilt any. The knowledge that they were likely targeted in the Fire Nation trying to kill him before he had the chance to stop them. While he was still young and in training and all. Aang hadn't anticipated this little sharing session either in learning to work together with their magic, but apparently he doesn't exactly have control over that. At the least, though, he could try answer the other's questions. He does fidget though, with his hands at his lap as he sighs.]

The Avatar -- I knew I'd be the one to train, with all that responsibility with learning all four bending styles, all four elements to work with and master. It scared me. It felt like too much. Too much pressure.

[whirlwindthrust]

The particulars of your situation... I can't say that I understand.

[ And it might take them even longer should the boy explain. Xiao has fought demons for his entire existence. However it doesn't really extend to inner demons now does it?

Still. Just like with Ganyu, Xiao can't see a reason to refuse to ease some of what this boy is feeling. ]

Take a moment to clear your mind. Before you ran... What were your three biggest fears or worries?

[airbendings]

Nobody would. It's -- kind of just a thing back home. But. I guess I was scared of the responsibility. That I'd fail at mastering the other three elements? All that expectation with everyone counting on me. And that was before I ran off and got frozen, ending up needing to figure it all way quicker.

[To eventually need to deal with the Fire Nation. To stop them. To put an end to the war that was going on as long as he was frozen. Aang isn't sure how much sense he is making in trying to explain, when the other isn't from his home and all. But he's trying to explain, at least a little.]

Ib

[melonlord]

[Toph hadn't come down the cliffs, because as cool as she finds them, they're a pretty uncomfortable reminder that she doesn't have her seismic sense. But she wanted to find out what was going on, so did tag along with the caravan. And she never forgets a voice... or the sounds of a skybison. ]

Yo, Twinkletoes.

[Toph isn't good at reassuring, but she can at least manage distracting and commiserating.]

[airbendings]

[Aang pauses, glancing around at the familiar voice. Toph at least is enough to distract him from his reunion with Aapa in having another familiar face around. Of course he probably figured she and the others had to be around somewhere in that they were just together back home, at least. But it was good to have that confirmation! He grins, giving a wave and setting a hand at her shoulder in letting her know he was there.]

Toph! I figured you and the others couldn't be too far off. This place is kinda weird, huh?

medical emergency

[birdflipping]

[Nero had been intending to enter the forest alone, but it's not the first time he's been there, and he most certainly isn't, you know, twelve. So when he notices some bald kid planning to run off into the forest, he might find there's a gentle tug of kinetic magic pulling him back, subtle like a tug on the arm.]

Hey, short stuff. You really sure you wanna go in there?

[airbendings]

[Aang isn't expecting some sort of pull like that. Being tugged backwards. He starts, initially sort of glancing around in confusion. Wondering what was going on, who it was. That's when he hears and sees Nero, raising an eyebrow. Aapa growls, glaring to the other, but seems to be willing to see what is going on before just jumping on the defensive in protecting Aang.]

This is where we're supposed to go, right? To get those supplies? I figured I'd help out.

[Except that even with Aapa tagging along, well. Aang is more vulnerable in still figuring his magic here. Not that he is that keen on actually admitting that. But it is still probably obvious he's just a kid and should be more careful. Even with a sky bison at his side.]

[birdflipping]

[Nero doesn't seem fazed by the growling from Appa, a slight grin on his face as he looks from the sky bison and back to Aang.]

Tell your cow to chill. And yeah, that's where they are, but did anyone warn you what else is in there?

[airbendings]

He's a sky bison. Aapa, it's okay.

[Aapa grunts, still watching but not seeming as on guard at least. Aang gives a shrug in response. It wasn't like he stuck around too much or did that much in preparing. Gathering supplies seemed like a pretty simple task at least in theory after all.]

Warn me about what?

[He's aware on some basic level that there might be some poisonous plants or such. Some predators. He just assumes as long as he is careful on what he touches or avoiding any animals he should be fine? Mostly?]

arrival a;

[rediscovering]

[ Zuko has taken a page out of his friends' books; Sokka and Katara came to the shores on the days of new arrivals, which is how they'd found Zuko, and it's been now one month since his own arrival, and so he's come to the lake himself today — particularly in hopes of finding his uncle again... They'd been spirited away together once before, after all, and his sister is still by his side here. He knows their destinies are always intertwined no matter where he is.

But the young fire prince's destiny is woven closely with one other — the Avatar. And despite already being surrounded by their friends, Sokka, Katara, and Toph, the Gaang nearly all here, Zuko's current troubles leave him single-mindedly (perhaps selfishly) focusing on missing his uncle, waiting for Iroh, as if he could will him here. Aang is a surprise and a fucking bonus if there ever was one. He's a way's away from the boy when he sees the Cliff Beast catch him and the monk takes off on foot up the hill. It's like Zuko's heart stops at the sight of him, even if he's not scared to see him fall, as he's already certain the boy is okay, because... he always is... somehow.

He takes off bounding toward the other down the shoreline, quick as a dart, and stands dramatically at the base of the staircase with legs splayed, feet firmly planted in disbelief and excitement, and an incredulous look eagerly pointed up at the young Avatar several steps above him. He's not smiling, because that's not Zuko's instinct even with all his keen social practice since joining the Avatar's team, and even more since he last saw said Avatar over half a year ago, when he was last home... His soaring heart doesn't show on his face, brow furrowed and eyes frantic, but he's more glad than he's ever been since being here to find his friend. Of all the people he'd want by his side here, to be near right now too, apart from Uncle, Aang's top of the list. ]

Aang?! Aang!

[airbendings]

[Aang doesn't even realize Zuko is also here yet. Hasn't realized Zuko is watching as he figures the cliffs and all. Though it is obvious even among a crowd how much he does rather stand out. Aside from being so young, the Avatar markings and lack of hair, his clothes, are kind of a giveaway. Still, he makes his way with the cliffs, and. Well, promptly attempts to hide behind someone else at the sound of that voice.

Of course he knows it's Zuko. Has heard him. Heard Zuko calling him. He is just. Not so sure, considering on his end the guy was trying to capture him and all, at least last Aang recalls. So he isn't so sure what to make of Zuko calling out to him like this? Seeming......what? Excited? To see him?

Probably in wanting to capture him here while Aang is without Aapa or any of the others. While he's still confused regarding his bending here?

Though it's probably too much to hope if he just hides among the crowd that he'd make it past Zuko. That Zuko would let him get away with that. Not that it stops this being his immediate instinct in keeping quiet and trying to remain hidden. As if this would really work.]

[rediscovering]

[ I-Is he... hiding...? What? Zuko's face falls, confused, trying not to jump the gun to feeling hurt... Maybe Aang is playing a prank or something. Did he really think he's being so smooth? Hiding behind some random strangers on the climb? Zuko skips a beat, but then starts up after him, ducking around others on their way up with grumbled "excuse me's," which gradually turn into a more pointed "Move!" with each pass as he nears his target, still avoiding him mysteriously. He's a little too loud to keep things low-key, still calling after the boy as he pushes past people on the cliffside shooting him puzzled looks, the prince now increasingly grouchy; his growing bad temper at least surely seems familiar to the young monk. It's a long climb, after all. There are many new arrivals and companions, the throngs thickening out toward the top of the staircase, providing a good escape for the monk if he so chooses while Zuko is still several paces behind, now physically shoving people aside one by one in his desperation to catch up with the Avatar once they reach the top. Not that anyone else knows that, because he's really just acting like a jerk just to get what he wants — how unusual for Zuko... People in his way are irritating, but won't deter him. Did Aang really think Zuko'd give up that easily, he wonders to himself, almost amused behind his confusion? The Avatar knows Zuko better than that, no matter what timeline they're on. Zuko's never given up following Aang. He's not starting today. ]

Aang, wait— What're you—? Lady, would you just move, ugh– Get out of my way!

[airbendings]

What am I doing? Getting away! You're still chasing me?

[Here? This wasn't home? What would Zuko chasing after him here prove? He couldn't just take Aang to his father and prove himself or whatever here, after all. Naturally it hasn't clicked for him that Zuko was simply wanting to say hi, to help him out. That, on Zuko's end, they had moved past all this. It just hasn't gotten to that point for Aang. Thus he keeps simply trying to flee, finding it easier to weave between everyone with his shorter size and all at least.

He makes it through the crowds to the top, glancing around in figuring what to do. Where to go from here. Where to hide or escape to at least.]