fellmemes | Test Drive #4

Entry tags:

! test drive

Test Drive #4

Welcome to the January 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 February 1st, and continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on February 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.
✦ We have added a Suitability section to the application. Check it out! We will be requiring this going forward as it not only helps players see if their character is a good fit for the game but it lets the mod team gather some ideas about direction for your character!
✦ 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 Death or its Attendants if you risk placing a coin in their offering bowl.
✦ As in December, a secondary blessing will be available in February to those that tag others on the TDM!

All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.

AS THE MOON RISES.
You’ll find yourself just outside the Temple gates, which will be locked if you try to open them. A little rude, keeping you out after bringing you all this way, and the more you try to look up at the Temple structure the more insistent guards become in pushing you down the pathway to somewhere else. 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, 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! Chrysanthemums will be offered as brooches or corsages, food and drink placed into your hands, while live musicians play loud enough for the dead to hear — for this is a celebration dedicated to them. Several were lost in the battle held the previous weeks, and the Priestess has decreed a time of mourning through revelry. Spirits must be kept up, even in these dark times. 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 despite the pall that may hang over the town. 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 prepare the interior for a solemn remembrance of those lost. Guards at the door will instead direct you to the center of the city where most of Starfolk have gathered to say their goodbyes and reminisce of memories past.

Venturing there, you'll be greeted either by those who are serving food and drink from nearby taverns, or those with drawn faces tired from battle. Or perhaps you're a late arrival and the worst of the exhaustion has left the city, now imbued with laughter and happier memories! Those loyal to the Court of Stars greet the newcomers with guarded gratitude in their eyes and wary hesitance. How many more of these Otherworlders will betray them, they wonder out loud. If you try and take a seat with a party or three, chances are the conversation will halt as soon as you grow near, and the longer you stay the more uncomfortable the gathered people become.

Trust is not easily gained in the Court of Stars; broken now as it is, the natives of this world fear the worst for their Emperor. Will you help us, or will you hurt us, they ask, wanting to believe they still have a chance at surviving this exhaustive war.

Whether you choose to remain for the remembrance or wander off, one thing is certain: things must turn around for the Stars soon. If you do manage to sneak off, a hopeful 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 with an extra amount of people who sought refuge here during the attack on the Moon Temple. Some calm had finally started to settle but now the foundation has once more been shaken. Newcomers will be welcomed with smiling faces from merchants as they look to try to sell their wares. Tavern owners and barkeeps will beckon with the promise of warm food and delightful drinks, a place by the fire, and information to help you find your bearings. The air is rife with the scent of the coastline, fishermen bringing in their haul from the day. Perhaps if you pay enough attention, 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 for something more exciting will find closer to the northern border of Kyst a rather curious bi-pedal cat bouncing on its back legs. It flags you down with a wave of its paw, asking excitedly if you'd like to flex your claws into a juicy quest. You're just the hunter for the job! Purr-fect in every way! Out in the wild lands there's a great beast in a deep river, and it's bothering all the people who live in the nearby town! They can't get fresh water or fish for their meals; it's furr-ightening! If you agree to help, the cat will explain that the creature is a Nokken that has been luring many a brave fisher to their untimely death. It must be removed either by force or by convincing it to leave! Help them, Hero-wan Kenobi, you're their meownly hope!

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, and leaving offerings for their passed. If you catch their eye, they will beg of you to pay respects as well, and press a gold coin into your palm. Offer a wish or a happy memory to who you miss and place the coin into Death's offering bowl and there's a chance someone will be there to speak with you. Be mindful of your actions though; those that show disrespect will be forcibly removed from the Gods Wood by the trees.

If the forest is too intimidating, Terebellum is open for semester registration, and the grounds are even more regal with a light dusting of snow all around. Students of all branches of magic can be found exploring the campus and practicing their craft. If you're lucky, perhaps you can find a teacher who will explain what is offered here at the University. But ah, there's a catch! Tuition is extremely expensive, so you must impress your faction leaders if you wish to widen your breadth of knowledge within these walls!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Stars:

Excuse me, I just.....?

[But before Elsa can say any more, whoever she was talking to flees. Apparently not keen on talking to her. Or....any of those from elsewhere. She takes a deep breath, frowning and closing her eyes, lips pursed for a moment as she tries to maintain some cool. Which may or may not entirely stop the chill in the air, the thin layer of ice forming at her feet in her anxiousness about being....here. She wrings her hands and fidgets, reaching up to near her shoulders as if to try to cling to something that isn't actually there before she lowers them again to just below her chest to wring her hands a little.

Still, she actually does stick around, wanting to know what was going on and how she could possibly help with the situation.]

Markets:

Oh -- thank you?

[Elsa says as she is offered to stay in the tavern. Shelter, a bed and food. Company. The people here seem friendlier at least? More open to possibly giving her more answers. So of course she can't say no? Can she? Of course she accepts, taking a seat and sipping at her drink as she initially more observes and listens to the conversations of others around her for a while. Not meaning to eavesdrop, but simply to try gauge more information on what was going on.]

Mm. This is good hot chocolate!

[Or, regarding the Nokken, Elsa might take her time considering the idea. She doesn't want to just dismiss this, when she might be able to help somehow. Elsa bites her lip, crossing her arms as she thinks. Trying to figure some way to possibly help given her abilities.]

It's in a river? I could freeze it, to let someone else help deal with it perhaps then? But I wouldn't want to harm the rest of the fish or anything.....

Beyond:

[Elsa wanders, exploring the area and coming across the forest. She gives a nod in agreement to be respectful, simply wanting to get her bearings in figuring her way around a bit. She pauses, blinking when given a coin and told what to do with it. It takes her but seconds to consider who. Anna. Of course. So she turns to one of the shrines and offers it.]

Anna....I'll be back to have more game nights. Make more snowmen together.

[ seems like akechi isn't the only one getting snubbed. or taking it personally. it's been a pretty unwelcome reminder for him of how things used to be--- even now his popularity is more superficial than anything. but it does make him feel better to know that someone else is experiencing the same rejection. because he's a lil bitch. ]

[ he gives elsa an encouraging smile, approaching her. ]

They don't seem to be very trusting of newcomers. I myself received the same treatment.

No, it doesn't seem so. I'm not sure if that's more reassuring or concerning to know I'm not the only one.

[Like, she just got here? They just got here? So whatever is going on they had nothing to do with it? And they aren't even being given a chance? It is frustrating. Elsa sighs, shaking her head briefly to try pull herself back together a bit more. She manages a small smile, brushing some hair back before she offers her hand.]

I'm Elsa. And -- is it that obvious I'm a new arrival?

Maybe not to most, but... You seem a little out of sorts, and I myself am new and experiencing the same thing.... perhaps you can say I felt a certain kinship to you.

[ the rejects. he takes her hand and shakes it with a light bow for extra politeness. ]

Goro Akechi. It's a pleasure to meet you, Elsa-san..... though I wish the circumstances were a little less bleak.

Kinship? Well I suppose that makes sense.

[In some way. Them being able to bond over being newer arrivals here. To this strange place that is decidedly Not Arendelle, for sure. She's unsure yet on their circumstances being anything much just yet but even so. She does give a nod. Because, well. From what she has gathered, things were rather serious and tense?]

Not much we can do about the circumstances. But yes, hopefully it'll improve.

[ it's a feeling he's really familiar with, not that he'll admit it. ]

I just wonder what can be done to prove ourselves to them. Not that I intend to fight a war for them just because I've been summoned here, of course.

I'm not sure. About fighting.....I'm...I guess more a diplomat. I do have responsibility back home. And of course I would fight, to keep Arendelle safe. To keep them, all of them, to keep Anna safe.

[But, well. If there were options besides outright fighting. That would probably be more to Elsa's stead. More in her comfort zone. If possible. She's only just arrived and figuring all this out after all, yet. To be sure what exactly the options were.]

You, too, I see.

[Jae-Ha approaches her from behind.

He looks a bit offended on her behalf when the person runs away. Though the chill does make his eye flicker to her briefly before looking back at where that person was.]

Don't worry. It seems to be common among those of us who aren't from around here.

I'm not sure why. I gather that.....something must have happened for them to be wary like this. But it isn't like I -- like we did anything yet?

[So yes it is rather. Frustrating to say the least. Elsa is admittedly used to being alone and would once have much preferred this sort of option in having everyone leave her alone. But she's grown since then, from her fears. So of course she is concerned about this, as she watches the person leave, before glancing back to Jae-Ha.]

You're new too then? I'm Elsa.

I suppose you can say it's only natural for people to be wary, especially if we're not of this world.

[He's used to people not trusting him. Usually once people sees what kind of leg he has, they'd go running, but that's neither here nor there right now.]

Jae-ha. [He smiles.] Lovely to meet you, Elsa.

Just because someone isn't from your Kingdom, doesn't mean you have to be this wary.

[Sure, there was.....Hans....back home. But still. Elsa would hope if anyone else from there, his family were to come to Arendelle she would at least try to give them the benefit of the doubt. It's not their fault they are related to Hans after all.

At the least, she's more comfortable now with touching others. So she nods and smiles, giving an outstretched hand in introduction.]

I suppose we can be new and confused together.

[The cat thing isn't picky with who it flags down, and it doesn't just settle for one Otherworlder. Bigby's in the middle of listening to its plight when it waves Elsa over, jumping up and down like she's a walking, talking ice cream cone. Oddly enough, none of this fazes him. Bipedal animals are about as extraordinary to him as peanut butter and jelly sandwichs or finding a penny on the street, and as far as cats go, this one is a fair bit nicer than the ones he's met. A little chatty and just a little too hung up on puns, but hey, he knows a mirror that speaks entirely in rhyme. Who's he to judge?

So he's content to remain silent and let the little animal do most of the talking, and apparently, the woman shares his sentiment. Glancing over at her with his arms folded across his chest, Bigby raises an eyebrow when she finally does speak, not out surprise but out of genuine consideration for what she's implying.]

Depending on how deep it is, there'd still be enough air for them to survive. Your body doesn't use as much oxygen when it's freezing anyway.

[He knows this from experience. Ancient history. Making the journey up to the North Wind's kingdom seven whole, infuriating times, hunting in the dead of winter, watching the air bubbles float up in deep, dark water as he lay at the bottom of a deep, dark lake—

He shakes his head.]

Freezing it is probably for the best. That way, it won't have a chance to attack first or try to run upstream.

[This was....hardly stranger than a walking, talking snowman. So Elsa's well learned to just kind of roll with things at this point, really. Let alone the snowgies or Marshmallow of her creations specifically. She considers still, though she raises an eyebrow in silent question at Bigby's comment about the oxygen. As if she's considering if she should ask how he knows that or not. Probably not.....]

I can freeze it. Easily. I just don't want to possibly affect the fish or anything, was my concern. If my freezing it could help us deal with it, find someone else who then might know more about what to do? I'm not sure freezing it would necessarily be a permanent fix. As easily as I could still keep it frozen in warmer months.

( What's this? Really, Tsurumaru was more interested in the cat than the actual story but now he's interested in the young woman going on about freezing an entire river? My, the city sure is filled with interested souls today, )

What's a few fish when there are others at risk? ( He waves a hand in the air, ) I'm sure the fish will be fine. They'll probably last longer!

I know. I know. It's just, if things are already tough for the fishermen, I wouldn't want to make things worse for them.

[It's part of her whole Queen thing. Feeling responsible? Like she has to do something and in that try to consider as many and how they might be affected depending on her decisions. She can't help but to fret a little for those already suffering because of this.]

( Well, he can't argue with that. He can appreciate the concern at least, )

Hmm... can't you control how much you freeze? If it's just a small area, you won't have to worry about large damages.

I can. Yes. I'm just not sure simply freezing it is the entire answer. Someone else might have to take over to finish dealing with it after. But I can at least help freeze it to catch this thing to stop it?

[She wants to help somehow at least. To try do her part. She can't just ignore that she might be able to do something at least towards sorting this out. Even if this isn't home. Even if this isn't her kingdom and people needing help.]

[ More arrivals. Neria grows antsy, uncertain, concerned as more and more come. She's standing in the entryway as people file through, some of them uncertain, many of them curious. One of the people there seems concerned, wringing her hands. The attendants have wandered away, too busy to concern themselves, their expressions knit into furrowed brows and worried glances.

She walks past them and approaches the woman with a small smile. ]

Welcome to the Court of Stars. My name is Neria.

[ The elven woman holds out her hand to shake Elsa's. ]

Are you all right?

Oh. Hello, Neira. I'm Elsa.

[Elsa doesn't bother with titles. She's not sure if they really matter here? Exactly? So just Elsa is fine. She extends a hand in return, reaching for the other's to shake it in introduction. In greeting. It's a start at least, and Elsa seems to somewhat soften in her fretting with meeting someone friendlier that would say a single word to her at least amid all this.]

I'm....well. I'm not exactly sure. I'm still trying to figure things yet.

[ Her hand is warm and firm when she grips Elsa's for a moment in greeting, dipping her head into a brief nod. She gestures, offering for Elsa to walk with her. ]

I can show you around, if you'd like. I can answer any questions you have about...well, as much as I know. I don't mind.

You would? That would help. A lot. Not many here seen to be as....welcoming.

[To put it lightly. In her trying to be nice about this. It's kind of hard to do though, considering. So she gives a nod, a small smile of thanks and gratitude at her lips as their hands withdraw, gesturing for the other to lead the way if she chooses.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive #4

Elsa l Frozen

stars

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

stars

no subject

no subject

no subject

markets

no subject

Markets

no subject

no subject

no subject

stars

no subject

no subject

no subject