Test Drive #3

[felldenmods]

Welcome to the November test drive! We're so excited to have you with us.

A few things of note:

✦ Test drive threads can be considered game-canon if you choose. They're essentially in a shared dreamscape and take place between your character leaving their world and arriving in the audience hall with their faction leader.
✦ Reserves will open at 12:01 AM UTC on December 1st, and continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on December 7th. This is to reserve a character, not an application slot.
✦ Applications will open at 12:01 AM UTC on the 8th, and remain open until 11:59 PM UTC on the 15th, or until all application slots have been filled. Once Activity Check ends, we will have an application slot number available on the application page. The IC & OOC intro logs will be posted two days later.
✦ Questions? We have a FAQ that's chock full of good information! If they are test drive specific, we have a top level thread below that allows for OOC questions to be posted.
✦ The network is available to use! No matter where your character is, their compass arrived on their person. Please feel free to include a network post in your top-levels! Once opened, the compass will display instructions on use, such as using voice-commands to activate it. Usernames are your characters first name or their most common nickname.
✦ Below will be a header for OOC questions as well as a request for Fortuna if you risk having your fortune read in Kyst.
✦ Current players who participate in the test drive by tagging new players will be eligible for a secondary blessing in December.

All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.

AS THE MOON RISES.♪ You’ll find yourself just outside the Temple doors, which will be locked if you try to open them. A little rude, keeping you out after bringing you all this way. The thing is, you can hear a lot of commotion in the distance, and smoke rising from the center of a district; you may want to check that out. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! Except the smoke is not at all something to be concerned over. Instead, people are gathered near a large bonfire in the decorated city square, drinking and carousing, singing songs of celebration; Moon saviors have arrived! War winners! The residents of the city laugh and sing and dance in pairs throughout the square that's dusted with snow, grateful for those who have come to aid them. Their merriment doesn’t dwindle as the sun begins to set on the horizon, twin moons rising in its place. When you (and other new arrivals) are finally noticed by the revelers, do not expect to be left alone! Crowns and laurels of fir and juniper will be deposited upon your heads, seasonal fare of food and drink placed into your hands, while live musicians play loud enough for the dead to hear. You’ll be invited to dance, to drinking games, and offered food and flowers and other items of value. Some may cry when they look into your face, thanking you for becoming their champions during this long and exhaustive war. Hopefully you’re here to enjoy the festivities. Sneaking off is just fine, too, but don’t expect to be let go of quietly; the people of the Moon Temple are so happy to see you! Enjoy the celebration while it lasts long into the night. If you do manage to leave, a helpful citizen of the Temple will inform you of the nearby transport mirrors that will take you anywhere on the map, one of which they will provide to you.

THE SETTING STARS.♪ You'll find upon your arrival that the castle is not accepting visitors as they decorate the interior in preparation of the festive season that quickly approaches. Guards at the door will instead direct you to the center of the city where further preparations are being made. Venturing there, you'll be greeted either by those who are decorating for the evening's party that will enlist you to help, or perhaps you're a late arrival and the celebration has already begun! Festivities are in full swing in the Court of Stars. Starfolk have begun their celebrations of the new arrivals and the ushering in the season of the Winter Festival. Once hesitant, guarded, the Stars citizens now welcome new arrivals with open arms, celebrating their appearance with a deep gratitude. Large circles of dancers will pull you into the fray or pull you to dance one-on-one. Others will place bundles of cedar and juniper in your arms for decorating or perhaps learning to weave your own wreath to wear: some will even take pity, create it for you, and set the laurel upon the top of your head. You'll be invited to dance, drink, eat, and participate in the festivities through a snow dusted square. Even the soldiers will join, knocking shoulders and welcoming you to the Court of Stars. Whether you choose to remain for the festivities or wander off, one thing is certain: you are more than welcome in your new home. If you do manage to leave, a helpful citizen of the Court will inform you of the nearby transport mirrors that will take you anywhere on the map, one of which they will provide to you.

MARKETS OF THE COAST.♪ The coastal city of Kyst is abuzz for the holidays, some calm finally beginning to settle in after the rocky past few months. Newcomers will be welcomed with smiling faces from merchants as they look to try to sell their pricy but beautiful wares. Tavern owners and barkeeps will beckon with the promise of warm food and delightful drinks, a place by the fire, and stories of holidays of old. The air is rife with music and the smell of delicious baked goods. Perhaps you'll hear or smell something you recognize from your home; as Fellden is the beginning of all worlds, it wouldn't be an impossible likelihood! Those looking to help out might be coaxed to assist in decorating homes with laurels, garlands, berries, and other bright green, red, silver, and gold colors. Those who seem very eager to help might be recruited by shopkeepers to stand outside and try to get customers in to see their wares, to have a drink, or to rent a room. Anyone willing to do so even for a day will receive free food and drink for the duration of their assistance. And for the auspicious, some may notice a person who has set up a mild little stall in the back of town, sipping eggnog as she offers fortunes. "Fortunes for the new year, my friend," she tells any who approach her. She offers only a small smile. "A laurel for a card. Only one."

BEYOND THE CITIES.♪ In the distance from Kyst, a large forest looms, the Gods Wood imposing even from this distance. Should you travel there, everyone you encounter will urge you to be respectful while within the forest. There, people can be found visiting intricately decorated shrines, prepared for the upcoming holiday, while people leave seasonal offerings in the bowls and plates within the shrines. You're free to leave the crown you were given at your faction celebration, or perhaps something else that you've been granted since your arrival is better suited for your offering. Be mindful of your actions though; those that show disrespect will be forcibly removed from the Gods Wood by the trees. Best foot forward! If the forest is too intimidating, there appears to be a gathering at the nearby Lake Theta where the Festival of Aeons is taking place. You'll be drawn into the fold readily where people will inform you that it is a celebration of souls, both living and passed beyond the veil. You'll be taught how to make paper lanterns to be set into the sky when twilight falls, with further revelry coming after. Be prepared for a long night of celebration ahead of you as the dancing, music, and festivities last long into the night.

Comments

Ichigo Hitofuri | Touken Ranbu

[oncealifetime]

A. As the moon rises

[Ichigo is still quite disorientated from his sudden arrival here. This has certainly got to be one of the strangest dreams he's had in a while. At least it isn't one of his fiery nightmares.

He's still trying to process everything he's just been told by the Priestess when he's rudely shoved out the door and locked outside! His hand immediately falls to his flashy red and gold scabbard for a moment as he quickly scans his unfamiliar surroundings for danger.

Once he decides that he's safe, he heads towards all the noise and smoke of the city square.]

Excuse-

[But before he say anything, Ichigo is swept into the sea of joyous revellers. Food, drinks and various gifts are shoved into his hands. A crown of flowers is placed on his head as the people all around hail this princely sword spirit their saviour.]

Wh-Wait! I'm not- Ah! Please stop- That's very kind of you, but-

[And he's soon covered with gifts and unable to see his way! He accidentally bumps into you.]

Ah! I'm so sorry! Are you alright?

B. Markets of the coast

[Ichigo isn't quite sure how it happened. Perhaps it is because everyone has been so friendly to him so far and he just can't say no to someone who needs help. Anyway, here he is helping to hand out samples of festive cookies for a bakery. He's particularly popular with the children, just like back home really. There's a crowd of little kids around him right now clamouring for more treats.

Ichigo smiles warmly at them, very much falling into the big brother role he's so used to.]

There. There. There's no need to fight. I have enough for everyone!

[Then he smiles brightly at you and hands you a sample as you walk by.]

Hello! Would you like to try some?

C. Beyond the cities

[Ichigo can't help being drawn towards the Festival of Aeons. It's rather reminiscent of the festivals back home. He listens attentively as he's taught how to make the lanterns and manages to make a pretty decent one on his first try.

If you look like you're struggling with yours, he'll come over with a friendly smile.]

Do you need help making yours?

[Later, as he lets his lantern go, he watches it in silent contemplation for a long while as it disappears into the sky, silently mourning the past that he can't remember thanks to his amnesia...]

B-ish

[cranelike]

( There's a familiar face in the crowd that Tsurumaru didn't expect to see. He would have called out to get his attention but he seems busy with passing out sweets to children.

How very like him, Tsurumaru thinks and he makes his way around, sneaking through the crowds very quietly and reaching out from behind to cover Ichigo's eyes with his hands.

Guess who! )

[oncealifetime]

[Ichigo stiffens when his view is suddenly obscured. How could he have been so careless as to let someone sneak up on him like that! Just as he’s about to grab hold of his attacker and throw him over his shoulder, he realises that the person behind him... feels familiar...!

He reaches up to take hold of Tsurumaru’s hands and lowers them for a better look. Yes, he definitely recognises these odd black gloves, this pale skin and these long flowing white sleeves. He turns around, glad to see a familiar face!]

Tsurumaru-dono! You-

[But then his joy is clouded by worry over the fact that his friend has been pulled into this strange place as well...]

... they got you as well? How long have you been here? Are you alright?

[cranelike]

( I mean, Ichigo could have thrown him over his shoulder. It's a risk Tsurumaru knew he was taking when he tried to surprise him in a strange new world! Being flipped might be fun if only because he could just imagine the look on Ichigo's face when he noticed who he threw! But luckily, it doesn't come to that... this it the preferred outcome and he laughs, pulling his hands away and holding him up in the air as if to say, "You caught me." )

Yo, Ichi! ( He'll even salute, ) Are you surprised?

( To also see him here? Of course. )

Hahaha, I've been here for a while, you could say... ( Since October. ) I should be asking you if you're alright though, Ichigo Hitofuri.

[oncealifetime]

[It’s for the best that Ichigo didn’t throw this sword grandpa over his shoulder because he would have been extremely guilt-ridden about it afterwards...! Even if Tsurumaru doesn’t act it, he is still Ichigo’s elder after all, and he has to be respectful towards him.]

Yes... I am surprised.

[What Tsuru says next does puzzle him though.]

A while...? But I just saw you yesterday...?

[This place really is so strange... Then he nods.]

Yes, I’m alright, Tsurumaru-dono. The people here have been very nice to me. Thank you for asking and I’m glad that you’re well too. Ah! [He hands him a cookie sample from his basket.] You should try one. It’s really good!

[cranelike]

( He sure is the senior sword here and as if to prove it now and establish dominance......he reaches to ruffle Ichigo's perfect hair. )

Ah, think of this as a mission. Time passes differently between here and home. ( So he's been here since October! But little to no time has passed at all back home. The only thing that pulls his hand away is... the sample of cookies and he takes it from Ichigo. ) Is it?

( And he holds it up to Ichigo, offering it to him instead except not really because if Ichigo tried to bite it... Tsurumaru would just pull it away. What a punk. )

Then that must mean you've personally tried it for yourself~?

[oncealifetime]

[Oh...! Ichigo is not too used to being on the receiving end of headpats or hair rufflings, since he's usually the one giving them to his younger brothers, but this does feel really nice. A light blush rises to his cheeks.

And what Tsuru's says does help him make much more sense of this place.] I see. I suppose, in a way, we are here for a mission, aren't we?

[Ichigo is a little surprised that Tsurumaru is offering him the cookie that he's just offered him. But sorry, Tsuru, you're not going to trick him this time.]

Yes, the bakery owner let me taste some before asking me to help. The one you're holding is my favaourite so far. [Because it's strawberry-flavoured!]

[cranelike]

Mhm! It's certainly easier to think of it that way.

( When Ichigo doesn't take the cookie, though, he'll take it back and hold it to his lips. )

Is it? Then it must be the best one! ( He certainly trusts Ichigo's judgement, at least. And he'll take a bite. Is he surprised that it's strawberry? Not at all. Is he amused by it still? Absolutely. ) As expected from Ichigo Hitofuri.

[oncealifetime]

[He nods but then something rather important suddenly occurs to him! He frowns, feeling quite conflicted and worried.]

Ah! Tsurumaru-dono... which side are you flighting on here...?

[He’d rather not have to fight Tsuru, but if he were ordered to, surely he’d have to obey...

He smiles as he watches Tsuru try the cookie.]

Do you like it then?

[cranelike]

( He hums as he finishes the cookie so he must like it but the first question is much more important than the second, )

Me? ( That's right. What if Ichigo was on the other side? To meet someone from home and suddenly end up on the opposite side... well, that would be his luck. ) What would you do if we were on separate sides? Would you be my enemy?

( He's teasing but... this is a serious topic and he knows it. It's just how he handles things. )

[oncealifetime]

I...

[Ichigo is silent for a moment, before answering him seriously with a tone of sadness.]

Yes, if you were on the opposing side, that would make you my enemy.

[Surely they would have no choice in the matter, for they are swords and swords had to obey their masters. The Moon Priestess is now his master and he must obey her.]

[cranelike]

( Well, he can't say he wouldn't say the same. It's actually nice to know that they might be on the same page. He won't be sad about it, though. Instead, he'll find joy in the surprise it would be to be if that were the case.

Holding out his hand, he turns it, showing his wrist to Ichigo and revealing... a circle on his wrist. A full moon. )

Here is my answer.

[oncealifetime]

[... where is the joy in finding out that you have to fight against a friend and comrade from back home...?

Anyway, Ichigo stares at Tsurumaru’s tattoo with wide eyes for a moment before smiling brightly, feeling very relieved!]

We’re on the same side!

[If Tsuru were any one of his brothers, he would most certainly hug him tightly now! But he isn’t and that would be a little awkward... he is so happy though!]

I... I would show you mine but... it’s not really in a place I can show you in public.

[It’s on the small of his back under the scars of his burns and he is rather self-conscious about those scars... Anyway, even without the scars, it would be most inappropriate to expose his back in public! ]

b

[comburst]

[ STOP TRYING TO BIG BROTHER HIM -

Katsuki scowls a little, but. ]

Maybe. What kind is it?

[oncealifetime]

[Sorry, he can’t really turn off his big brother mode.... He has 15 younger brothers and has been a big brother for over 900 years...

He just smiles warmly, not at all fazed by Katsuki’s scowl as he looks in his basket.]

Well, this one I’m holding is chocolate chip but we have plenty of other flavours. Is there a particular flavour you’d like?

mouths notification did not come into the void

[comburst]

[ That's very fair and at least he can handle a gremlin. ]

Something spicy.

[ Do they make spicy treats... ]