childrenofbajablast | Test Drive Meme #1

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Test Drive Meme #1

Arrival

Broken Palace by Jonathan Eng

0:07 / 1:13

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Click here to listen.

During 2014 Jonathan Eng composed the soundtrack for interactive narrative experience The Sailor’s Dream, consisting of a mix of instrumental tracks and a seven-part musical story told in folk song-form.

code

Like all who come through summoning circle, your arrival is heralded by a dream. Waking up is a dizzying, disorienting thing... and possibly made worse by the fact that you aren't alone.

Right after you appear, so does someone else. If you're lucky*, they'll simply blink into existence by your side. If you're not, there's a chance they spawned below or above you. That's one way to make a memorable first impression. Best untangle yourselves and get things figured out.

If you're extremely unlucky*, instead of another person being brought through the summoning circle, it's a monster. The creature bobs, laughs maniacally, and immediately begins to spit flames your way.

Some welcome this is. If you aren't the fighting type, hopefully someone nearby is. Eventually, one of the local Town guards will slay the monster before it - and you - cause too much trouble or fire damage.

Town Tricks

After your unexpected introduction to either your fellow offworlder or monster, you'll be given a proper one from Charlie in Town. He sends you on your way shortly after to get settled in properly and deal with then next offworlder that walks in. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a revolving door right now so he doesn't have time for a more in-depth explanation or to answer too many questions.

Nor does he remember to warn you about The Fae.

Although native to Talahee Forest, which is currently off-limits to offworlders, the surge of magic from the summoning circle has piqued their interest. While the faefolk vary wildly in appearance, the ones scouting are pixies.

These tiny tricksters may be too shy to reveal themselves outright... but that won't stop them from playing pranks on all these fun, new victims. Some examples of what can happen are:

At night

Thankfully, these Fae mean you no harm. In fact, if you react with hostility they will give you a wide berth and simply find someone more fun to play with.

Rocky Talky

One of the things that was given to you in your welcome pack from Charlie was a summoning-stone. Although it looks like, well, an ordinary stone- It's actually magic! You can look through it and see someone else's face too if you're both viewing your stones at the same time. It can also record your speech and deliver that to someone else in a snap.

One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts a small questionnaire:

Name:
Age:
Race:
Favorite soup? Why?:
Is soup something you eat or drink?

The last couple of questions might seem... strange but, surely, it must have a reason for asking. Once you answer the questions and unlock your device, you might pocket it and forget. Unfortunately, your scrawled answers were sent to the entire summoning-stone network throughout Town. Everyone can see what you put and they might even have some thoughts about it.

Registration Questionnaire

Notes

⁂ Hello and welcome to Children of Bahamut! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback feel free to comment here!

⁂ For the Arrival prompt, feel free to roll a d20 to see how lucky or unlucky you are.

⁂ The Town Tricks example list for pranks isn't exhaustive. If you have other silly prank ideas in mind, feel free to roll with that and have fun with it! The Fae certainly are.

⁂ There is a correct choice of favorite soup and the moderators will remember your choice/opinions. (We're joking. Mostly.)

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, it's as though you can read my mind. I would enjoy both of those things.

I'm perfectly open to friendship, as it were. In my experience, one can never have too many friends.

Once the both of us have established a place to rest our heads we should follow through with these things.

Not the friendship, that's already established.

[Really as simple as that. He says they're friends? They are, to him.]

I do have a place to rest my head at present, but it is a rather plain affair. Despite lacking much of anything within what is to be my abode I offer you an open invitation. Should you ever wish to come by, you are free to do so.

You move fast, don't you?

[ It feels as though the man knew him and his proclivities already. Very curious. ]

Nothing need be provided, I'm perfectly happy with good conversation.

[He had been rather casual in his interactions. Elidibus takes a moment to reflect on it, before sighing to himself and resolving to be better about it. This is not the Byleth he knew.

But that does not mean they cannot grow close.]

If you do not want for much entertainment then you are free to come to my new home immediately, if that is what you wish.

As for speed, if a rapid pace offends then you have my apologies, I do not intend to make you uncomfortable. I have been told that I am a rather intense person in all areas, and growing friendships is not exempt to that.

A confession - this is not my first time being pulled to a world different than my own. In that first world I met a version of yourself and we grew to be quite close. I am able to differentiate between individuals, however, and I know that you are not him, do not worry about comparisons or living up to memories or deeds he may have done.

But I would grow to know you, and hope to forge a bond of our own.

Well. That's a lot to take in.

[ There's a few minutes that pass of him parsing that information before he replies again. ]

Though given the trajectory of my life, I'm inclined to believe you. Not to worry, I'm unbothered by your pace, simply observing. You certainly have my attention, and now I understand more thoroughly, why you would be so eager...

I'm open to coming to know you, and I am quite interested to speak more on it. I wish to know what that version of myself was like, more over, what my relationship to you was like. Perhaps over tea?

Edited 2024-10-31 16:03 (UTC)

[ That was a far larger amount of relief that Elidibus felt course through his body. Oh. Clearly this means far more to him than he had realized. ]

If you would like to come now, the directions to my home are as follows:

[ They are easy enough to follow, coming from the center of town. ]

I am quite fond of tea. Unfortunately my selection at the moment is far more limited than I would like. Please choose between chamomile and a light, fruity tea made with apples.

Please come right inside as you arrive - the door shall be open to you.

[ He means that in many different ways, but says none of the rest for now. ]

Chamomile. [ The response is immediate. An easy choice, as it was Dimitri's favorite tea and of course, holds fond memories for Byleth now. ]

I will be there anon.

[ Eventually, he does arrive and does indeed enter on his own volition as instructed. Beyond that, he just stands in the doorway like a little freak. ]

Hello.

Chamomile it shall be.

[Upon entering Byleth can see Elidibus putting the finishing touches on preparing the tea, in the middle of pouring the two cups. The cups and teapot are of simple make, the table and chairs similarly so, but the Emissary knows that neither of them will care about such things.

Being a little freak himself, Elidibus also doesn't comment on Byleth just standing there staring. He does a bit of watching of his own after all.

Instead, he gestures for Byleth to come in with a bright smile.]

Welcome and well met. It occurs to me that I have nor properly introduced myself, only relied on these postings for information between us - I am known as Elidibus, and it is wonderful to meed you in person.

Your timing is perfect, come, choose a seat for yourself. Is there aught else you require?

[He has limited fare, but he will be a good host.]

The same to you. It's a pleasure to meet in person, Elidibus.

[ He does come in at last and sit, taking in the familiar, nostalgic scent of chamomile. He can feel the tension in his body slowly wane as he looks at his new companion. He's right. Byleth doesn't mind simplicity. In fact, he often seems to crave it, so the furnishing suit him just fine. ]

Nothing, thank you. This is lovely.

[ A pause, and he adds. ]

Your robes. They look similar to another I met when I arrived. Emet-Selch. You must hail from the same world, yes?

[Passing one of the cups to Byleth, Elidibus can't help but smile at the mention of Emet-Selch. Always one to claim he did not enjoy interacting with others, yet who always seemed to meet others before the Emissary. It was endlessly amusing.]

I do indeed. Not only are we of the same world, the both of us are members of the Convocation, the governing body for our people. He is a dear friend, and I have known him for quite some time.

Our roles are quite different, however. It is why my robes differ in color from the others you may meet.

[He touches his mask idly.]

I know you must be full of questions. Please, ask what you will. I will be happy to answer all that I may.

[ Byleth takes the cup, holding it near his lips but not drinking immediately. He just enjoys the heat on his hands and the scent of the tea under his nose. ]

Ahh, so that's how it is. Our conversation was cut short due to the fact that we had only just arrived, but I admit I have been curious. I have never met a people like yourselves.

So please, tell me of yourself. What is your role and what does the color of your robe signify?

Many have not met a people like ourselves. We seem rather singular from what I have been able to glean, other worlds not producing a people anything like my own.

[It's a noted observation. Of all the worlds he had become aware of, only Etheirys bore something like the Ancients. Sure, some had other immortals. But none were them, with their utopian world, creation magic, and altruistic and gentle natures.

He takes a small sip of tea to wet his mouth and throat for the explanation to come.]

For my people, both mask and robe color is significant. Only the fourteen members of the Convocation wear masks other than the simple white design - with silver detailing - instead bearing masks of crimson. A single member of the Convocation instead bears a mask of black to signify their role, that of the seat of Azem, the Traveler. One is able to identify us immediately by our masks as well, seeing as each Seat bears its own design. Emet-Selch's mask is different than mine own, if you recall how his appeared.

As for our robes, it is customary for the robes of our people to be black. That includes both Azem and other members of the Convocation. Only my own and those who have stepped down from an authority position to serve in an advisory role may be white. Those who do so are rare, but do occasionally appear. Mine are white to symbolize my status and seat of Emissary, signifying my impartial judgement to all.

[He smiles and takes another sip.]

Does that answer your question sufficiently?

[ Byeth listens with pointed attention, at last finding some of his curiosity sated in the most thorough way. He doesn't keep the muted smile from his lips, teacup hanging in his hands, momentarily forgotten. Despite having a pleasingly deep voice, Elidibus is easy on the eye, even Byleth has to admit. ]

Yes, perfectly in fact. Thank you.

An emissary then? That's quite the auspicious duty.

Please, could I trouble you to tell me more of your world? I feel as though this is an indispensable learning opportunity. In return I will tell you all you wish to know of my own.

[ At last he remembers his tea and takes another sip, feeling more and more at ease around the man. He has a quite calming aura about him. ]

Does that seem an acceptable arrangement?

You are quite welcome. [He smiles.]

One could deem my station auspicious, yes, though Emissary for my people is, perhaps, different from what one may otherwise know the title to be.

[If Byleth wishes to know more on his Seat, he'll tell him. For now, though...]

That arrangement is more than acceptable. I am willing to tell you as much as you wish. Know, however, that there is an immense amount of information I could share of my world. Is there something in particular you wish me to focus upon at first?

Oh? In what way?

[ Byleth's curiosity knows no bounds, and he has someone willing to fully indulge him in Elidibus (and has no idea just how far that indulgence could go) so he's content to pick up every little thread. ]

Hmm. [ He has a billion things he could ask, about the world, the culture, the people, food... but he also wants to know more of the man seated before him. ]

Tell me of your favorite things from home.

[That indulgence will go incredibly far indeed.]

For my people the seat of Emissary refers to my own, the seat of Elidibus. I am the Adjudicator for my people, chosen for my impartial and fair judgement, able to enact such things outside of any personal biases I might possess. When decisions are needed, I am there to serve as mediation, to come to a decision when none may be reached by either party alone.

When my judgements were asked for, they were accepted - thus was my duty, and theirs.

It is my understanding that a typical emissary serves as a diplomatic representative, and while I may fulfill this role as well, it was not my primary purpose.

[And now he cannot hide his smile. Byleth remains as ever, curious but kind. He touches a hand to his breast.]

In truth my most favorite aspect of home - my true home - would be the people within it. Everything I do, everything I have ever done, was out of my love for them. For my people, for those I have grown to care for over my long years. But there is more that I love as well. Music, for one. I play the piano, and find my soul singing each time my fingers find the keys.

[He closes his eyes, smile growing.]

The warm sun upon my face, the head of one I care for resting upon my shoulder, and my hands dancing upon the piano. It is perhaps one of my favorite moments.

[ Byleth closes his eyes as Elidibus talks. He allows his mind to try to envision such a scene. The man before him is elegant, it only makes sense he would play an elegant instrument. He can almost feel that warm sun. ]

I should very much like to hear you play some time.

[ But something else catches his attention and once more, his curiosity leads him on. ]

You have a partner then? Are they also here?

[Taking a long drink of tea, Elidibus cannot help but slime helplessly. Byleth continues to charm him anew.]

You shall. I plan to build myself a piano as soon as I am able - when it is completed, I invite you to come listen.

[Unconsciously, his right hand seeks the ring upon his finger and smiles.]

More than one, in fact. The place I came from previous to this place encouraged such things, and I care for each of them dearly. Several of them have come to arrive here as well, and I am happy for their presence. No doubt you will meet a few of them as we spend time together.

[He tells Byleth of Erichthonios, of Obsidian. Briefly describing how they three met so long ago, and how they were reunited in Amani. It must be a miracle for Elidibus to have them still in this new place, but he does not speak of that for the moment.

And he takes a leap.]

The you I met before, too, I counted amongst those I love dearest.

Build a piano? That's quite the undertaking...

[ He has no idea yet, of the vast applications of creation magic.

He listens rather contentedly as Themis describes his loved ones. The timbre his voice takes on is just a touch, almost imperceptibly lighter, but it's there. It puts Byleth at ease.

And then comes himself. He looks into the amber tea in his cup, trying to imagine a reality in which a man quite so beautiful and graceful could take an interest in himself. ]

How... did that come to be?

It is, but it will be worth the effort to play once more.

[His fingers itch for it even now. Few things drew his soul into the light than his playing of the piano, his feelings ringing true with each note, every keystroke.

But now, when it comes to Byleth... he smiles into his cup, warm and wistful. When he speaks, he turns his eyes to face the familiar man before him.]

It happened slowly, and then all at once. You captivated me with your curiosity, your immutable ability to be yourself - the way you care so deeply for others. For my people, whom you never met, you felt such compassion. Though you do not wear your heart upon your sleeve as I do, what you feel is strong, clear.

[It was a slow but immovable force. Unstoppable. Of course Elidibus would fall for Byleth, of course Themis would grow to love him so, so very much. But he does not give voice to these thoughts. Not yet.]

I saw this. Saw you for who you were, and when I knew you felt similarly how could I do anything but fall?

That's...

[ It's a lot. Enough to even bring a bashful look to Byleth's stoic face. He ducks his head and falters a bit. ]

I don't know what to say. I have no reason to disbelieve you. I've never been described as someone who expressed a great deal of emotion.

Nobody has ever approached me romantically for that matter.

I speak naught but truth.

[Extending his hands out in an almost helpless gesture, Elidibus shrugs slightly. Byleth's flat affect has never bothered him. Not even from the very first time they met.]

Perhaps your face does not betray your emotions as often as someone like myself, but that does not mean you do not feel. Perhaps I overstep, but from the very first I knew your emotions ran deep in numerous ways, you merely express them differently.

That none have approached you for the subject of romance is more their loss than any other - they do not know what it is they miss.

[Elidibus does. Perhaps that will change with time.]

No, you're fine. I think it's just... I don't exactly know how to appropriately respond. I don't want you to feel as though I am not-

[ He looks for the words. ]

Not interested. I am. I apologize in advance if I fumble things, though. Perhaps I could glean your advice? This is a new kind of experience for me. Amongst everything else.

[ Everything here is new. Though he seems oddly unbothered. ]

[Blue eyes dart to the side as he speaks. The faintest tinge of pink colors his cheeks, there and gone after a few slight seconds.]

I must admit my relief to find you interested.

[Elidibus slides a hand across the table towards Byleth. He rests it there, slightly turned and relaxed, an offer. He will accept if Byleth does not take his hand, but should he do so, those pianist's fingers will curl and hold gently.]

My advice will be this: do not worry overmuch about the 'fumbling' of things. All will make mistakes, all will err, and in this topic it is no different. Should the one you court - and your partner, later on - be right for you, they will take such mistakes in stride. Together you will find the joy in the imperfections. Together you will grow.

[Byleth's eyes are still so gorgeous to him, that color held fast in his memories, down into the very abyssal depths of his soul.]

I suppose it may be simplified to a single lesson - to be yourself. Be yourself and nothing less than all of you, and those that are deserving of your affections will embrace every aspect.

[ Byleth watches his hand for a moment before tentatively sliding his hand out and taking it. What an odd feeling. ]

I like the way you think.

[ It's all he can say for a moment. Elidibus is far more eloquent than he is, but he finds some relief in that. For now he still stares at where their hands are now joined. ]

I am curious to see where this goes. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders to say the least of it.

[ He draws in a slow breath before asking; ]

Tell me Elidibus. Do you enjoy fishing?

Test Drive Meme #1

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