TEST DRIVE MEME #2

[zhautasmods]

Awakening

Artificial lights assault your eyes. It takes a few blinks for them to adjust properly. Quiet mechanical whirs and clicks sound in the small, sparse space that you had likely been corralled into before being put to sleep for the long journey. As grogginess fades away and lucidity starts to take hold, you begin to remember where you are and why you’re here on this spaceship thousands of light years away from home and perhaps everything and everyone you’ve ever known.

The multiverse is sick. It’s dying. And it’s up to you to save it. Or, at least, that’s what the Zenith Corporation had told you when they announced their search for a cure across the multiverse. They hand-picked individuals to be "volunteers" for the next stage of experimentation. Maybe they made it sound dire, maybe you already had your mind set to help, or maybe the specifics of how you could help was vague. Considering the alternative was wasting away on your home planet with no promise of when this cure might actually come to fruition, it ultimately wasn’t much of a choice either way.

Everything comes to life the more awake that you start to feel. "Good morning, volunteer," sounds a synthetic, feminine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. A projected HUD above your torso displays and scrolls through several readings about the state of your being. "A scan of your vital signs show that everything is functioning as normal." There’s a small pause. "Wait-" The spike of alarm that should follow that single, distressed-sounding word is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Thank you for your cooperation!" Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, she continues on. "I hope you enjoyed your nap! We’ll be descending to planet #05031941 - common name designated as Zhautas - in approximately three hours. There will be a brief orientation for all volunteers exactly one hour before landing. Due to potential unnatural stress levels upon awakening from stasis, I suggest a relaxing trip to the garden beforehand."

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
My name is R.O.S.I.E. and, on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re happy to have you aboard.

Code Credit

Say Aloe (Prospective Players Only)

Red lights lead the way to the gym, green will be your path to the gardens, ostignuh is- Wait, what do you mean the color ostignuh is burning your eyes? Huh. They must have over-corrected for your species. Oh, well. They’ll fix that for the next trip. For now, don’t worry about it. It probably didn’t lead to anything important anyway!

1. The staff is much more attentive this time than they were with the first wave of volunteers. Poor feedback and the threat of losing their jobs if they don't improve their standing will do that! Unfortunately, it isn't just the colors that have been over-corrected. Despite how many times you tell the very helpful staff member that you're fine, they won't leave you alone. Are you sure? They can walk with you if you'd like. They can even hold your hand if you're overwhelmed! If there's anything you need, they're here for you.
   
   Maybe if you find a buddy to walk you to your destination they might divert their attention to a different volunteer. The buddy system is pretty fool-proof, after all.


2. As you draw closer to the gardens, the lights in the hallway begin to dim. In fact, the only available source of illumination for a small distance is the thin green line across the floor guiding your way. Careful not to trip! There's handy railing to hold onto or maybe you accidentally grab the arm of that (hopefully) cute person nearby. It's kind of hard to tell and green isn't really a flattering color anyway.
   
   Suddenly, you're stepping into a wide open space of twilight. Iridescent flowers dot the landscape for as far as the eye can see. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and glow softly in this simulated night-scape. Trees of shining magenta leaves and blue bark wind up to the stars. Or, at least, the viewing panels that allow the stars to be seen from inside the ship. Not to worry, it's entirely safe and beautiful!
   
   The featured flower of this month is the Nykt Blossom. Be warned, however, that inhaling its pollen causes increased levels of oxytocin. This will cause you to feel compelled to bond socially with others. That is, you might find yourself a lot more friendly than usual! Maybe a little too friendly, even, if you're especially susceptible to its effects.


3. It's very easy to miss the warning signs in this dark as you step into the section of the garden that houses the more alien plant-life.
   
   They'll fix that for the future, of course, but for now many volunteers are likely finding themselves subject to the same unfortunate circumstances. Coitendrils are in abundance here; they're a pretty touchy feely species. It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.
   
   Before you know it, long green tendrils are suddenly growing around your arms or legs in speedy spirals. They get everywhere in a matter of mere seconds. Their growth is aggressive, finding ways beneath the fabric of whatever clothes you happen to be wearing and to the skin below. The only way to reverse their growing hold is to cool yourself off and fast. Maybe someone can grab you some ice?

Orientation (Prospective Players Only)

Around an hour before landing, an announcement is made to everyone aboard the ship. It’s time to find your way to the amphitheater for orientation. If anyone gripes, they are reminded that it has mandatory safety information that the Zenith Corporation is legally required to cover. In fact, there's even a quiz at the end to make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs! The Zenith Corporation only has your best interests at heart. They also can’t afford another lawsuit or PR nightmare but who can, really? It’s only a half an hour long and R.O.S.I.E. reassures everyone that it will go by faster than they think.

1. Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hookey, the crew members of the spaceship are already on guard. You're not the first one to try this and they doubt you'll be the last. Try as you might to super sleuth your way around, there’ll be someone at apparently every single turn and twist you try.
   
   It’s also very likely that in scrambling to find a place to hide you’ll run into someone else breaking the rules! Perhaps great minds think alike and you decide to try to defy the system together. Or maybe they’re totally just getting in your way and you decide instead to throw them to the wolves to give yourself a better chance at escaping certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer!


2. Whether you come to the orientation willingly or are dragged in by one of the staff, you’ll quickly realize just how bad R.O.S.I.E. lied. A half an hour feels almost like ten hours instead. The last time you checked your watch, it was somehow later than when you check it now. Is time going backward? It sure seems like it the longer you listen to the monotone voice read over colored flavor text clearly meant to engage but missing its mark stupendously. Even the motivation of a quiz at the end that needs to be passed in order to disembark seems to do little to nothing for your dwindling attention span.
   
   Finally, there’s a break in the bureaucratic monotony. The faceless, droning voice introduces one of the staff currently on Zhautas, Jeneviere. He's assistant to the head scientist, Professor Quintalian, and freshly assigned overseer of new volunteers. He also looks like he absolutely doesn't want to be the one doing this seminar.
   
   "Come now, Jenny," says a masculine voice off screen. "You promised."
   "I know what I said," he snaps, glaring off camera and not seeming to care much for the fact this is a live feed nor that these new volunteers are expecting something a bit more professional.
   "Then what's the problem?" the voice asks again. As it does, a tentacle wiggles into view and gives a reassuring pat on the deerman's shoulder. "I know for a fact that you like being filmed, Jenny, so really this shouldn't be so daunting-"
   
   As he speaks, Jeneviere's cheeks suddenly burn red hot. He stands forcefully out of his chair and uses one of those hoofs to kick harshly at the source of the tentacles. There's a very undignified squawk at the attack before the video feed cuts out and a technical difficulties sign is displayed.
   
   "... Right," the narrator from before says to break the undeniably awkward silence. "Just give us a moment, volunteers, and we'll get a pre-recorded seminar ready for you instead. In the meantime, let's open up communications with the facility and allow you to discuss with those already on the planet about what they've enjoyed most about their time on Zhautas so far?*
   
   
3. Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.
   
   It isn't too hard. Or maybe it is. Perhaps it's just the pressure that you only have fifteen minutes to complete it. What was the professor's first name again? How many research facilities are there on the planet? Staff are scrutinizing your every move now, it feels like. Do you take the risk and try to whisper for help to the person next to you? Pass notes? Do what you must to succeed! ...Or you can just shamefully take the quiz again and again and again until they're legally obligated to let you off board.

Welcome to Zhautas! (All Players)

Finally, it's time to disembark at the research facility. This time they have the right coordinates so it's as easy as stepping off the ship and to your new home away from home. Or, at least, it should have been that easy...

There's an awful lot of construction going on around here. Several beings with hard hats, power tools, and ridiculous amounts of glue are rushing about. They're shouting orders and saying "excuse me" where they remember to. Still, it can be hard to get a word in edgewise about the fact that you're new volunteers here to check-in. In addition to the construction, there's also an awful lot of important-seeming people walking throughout the facility as well that staff are far more attentive to than you.

In short, it's borderline chaos as you try to get your bearings.

1. "Bad news, new volunteers," says R.O.S.I.E. in the midst of all the commotion. "We have your housing assignments but there have been some... technical difficulties in preparing the new rooms." There's actually been a lot of technical difficulties, period. Maybe you've already noticed with the lights randomly changing color or dimness, the vending machine that launched your drink at you, or R.O.S.I.E. herself glitching out periodically when responding. The problem with the rooms is that the doors won't open. Or they won't stay closed. Or that they open and close constantly and forcefully so it's a safety hazard. As if everything else going on with all the construction isn't.
   
   "We're working on it as fast as we can, but for now, we've set up a temporary sleeping situation until its resolved." Everyone will be directed to one of the larger common rooms in the east wing of the facility while the rest of the volunteers are still awaiting their new housing as promised. Mattresses are laid out in rows on the floor. There's plenty of blankets, pillows, and even some LED lights strung around the room to provide some nice ambience.
   
   Additionally, there's a screen covering one of the walls for a movie to be projected on before bed. R.O.S.I.E. has chosen a thematically appropriate film that was approved by Professor Quintalian himself. Snacks are provided too! It's an old-fashioned sleepover, volunteers. Make a blanket fort, enjoy what's on for your viewing pleasure, and have - most of all - have fun.


2. What's a sleepover without scary stories? Flashlights have been provided and it's time to get spooky. Here's your chance to share that real thriller that you know from back home. Maybe another world has a similar tale! Either way, there's nothing like bonding over a little healthy fear. Right?
   
   Or maybe terrifying strangers isn't your idea of a good time and you'd rather make shadow puppets instead. That's also an option! In fact, some people are trying to start a contest out of it to see who can cast the most creative shadows around.


3. The night staff comes around for one last security sweep. Get some sleep, they say. It's been a long day. Tomorrow might be even longer if they still can't figure out the rooms or where to put all these new volunteers for the time being.
   
   As nice as that sounds, it's a little easier said than done. Whether it's the construction noise, the person next to you snoring, or late night existential thoughts it's difficult for sleep to find you. Maybe talking to someone might help? Or maybe you just need to go to the bathroom. Good luck crossing the swath of bodies, in the case of the latter, and who knows! You might find someone else having as much trouble sleeping as you that you can commiserate with.
   
   Or maybe you're the one snoring. Do you happen to kick in your sleep? How unfortunate for the person assigned to the mat next to you. They might be courteous or they might tell you just how obnoxious it is. Whatever the case might actually be, you're likely in for a long first night here at the research facility.

Network/Bangr (All Players)

During all the goings-on, R.O.S.I.E. will prompt you to set up your presence on the network. Pick a username, a profile picture, and commence to shitposting immediately if you so desire! Additionally, if you want to get a headstart on your contribution to the volunteer program, why not set up your Bangr? R.O.S.I.E. even has an icebreaker question ready for you! They change every month. This month's question is:

Do you like wake-up sex or staying up all night?*
(*Despite what you might actually put, know that R.O.S.I.E. is a little glitchy. What you wrote might not actually be what's displayed! I.E., you can totally use this as a misfire type deal in case your character wouldn't answer this question.)

bangr

Professor Quintalian | 35

Do you like wake-up sex or staying up all night?
Wake-up sex is the best, in my opinion. Hormones are more haywire first thing in the morning; it's just scientific sense to get your bang in during wake-up time.

✓	✕
YES <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#33cc33;">✓</span>	NO <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#CC0000;">✕</span>

BANGR CODE Please copy this pastebin for now!

Extra Notes

• The BANGR code only works in comments, there is a separate code for entries!
  If you're testing this code before posting it here please do so in a comment to an entry for accuracy!


• TDM top levels are allowed for current characters and/or new characters!
  However, current characters can ONLY interact with the following prompts:
  WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS where new characters are on the planet AND/OR the network options available if they want the thread to be considered game canon.



NAVIGATION ✦ TAKEN ✦ RESERVES

Comments

Era Ra (Warrior of Light) ☘ Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood

[astralera]

☘ SAY ALOE i

[ Era finds the attention to be unspeakably uncomfortable. She is a bundle of nerves already, worrying about Eorzea, her loved ones, and what will become of her here - she doesn't need a nagging, talkative presence glued to her side. The only indication of her irritation and discomfort aside from her quietly informing the attendants that no, she's fine, please go assist someone else is the way the lower half of her tail thrashes back and forth. The carefully neutral expression likely doesn't help, either.

She's dressed in a comfortably large hooded sweatshirt of a dark blue, embroidered with the Temple Knights' symbol - or at least what looks like the Temple Knights' symbol. It's hard to tell with the way it's been twisted out of shape by the contents of its front pocket. Her aetherial inventory pocket was inexplicably not allowed, and so she made due with choosing an outfit with many, many pockets.

Most notable is the circular shape that is the main culprit for deforming the pattern of her hoodie. ]

I am capable of finding the location myself, thank you.

☘ SAY ALOE ii

[ For the first time since her arrival Era feels a spark of joy. The plant life is like nothing she's ever seen before on any of the worlds she's been to - not Hydaelyn, not Xistentia or any of the prison worlds, or even Genessia. It is objectively beautiful, even if Era wasn't a botany enthusiast.

She is careful to keep her distance from any blooms, fully aware of how unknown pollens can impact a person breathing them in. It brings an embarrassed flush to her face that Era quickly ignores in favour of focusing on the strange trees. ]

☘ ORIENTATION ii & iii

[ Despite the boring monotony of the lecture Era is taking detailed notes on what she can. Any piece of information that might become useful at some point. Of course it's written in Eorzean script and not any recognizable Earth language, so good luck to anyone who wishes to cheat off of her.

But if you ask Era would be more than willing to just tell you the answers. ]

☘ WELCOME i

[ Movies are familiar to Era by now. Over a year's worth of memories in 'modern' worlds has given her a fondness for the fascinating form of entertainment. This movie is one she isn't familiar with, but it's interesting. It's a good distraction from all that's going on around her. Her tail is curled around her, and by this point she has her Emerald Carbuncle, Emmy, summoned once more and cuddled in her lap. ]

☘ NETWORK

bangr

Era Ra | 27

Do you like wake-up sex or staying up all night?

No thank you.

✓	✕
YES <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#33cc33;">✓</span>	NO <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#CC0000;">✕</span>

☘ WILDCARD

(( hit me. ))

say aloe ii

[remarkablymodest]

[ He tries to remember how it happened. One moment, he was leaving Xistentia with his new wife for home and the next-

He was here, awakening from a statis that he apparently volunteered for. The voice that greeted him was familiar but quickly said that she wasn't the same woman he had known. Curious, but he had other things to worry about. She told him that brief memory loss might be a side effect of sleeping so long. It would come back to him, all of it. It just might take a little time.

He's looking for her but there's a myriad of both familiar and unfamiliar faces in this ship. The dark doesn't help any. But even in a simulated nightscape he'd know her shape; he'd recognize that figure and those horns anywhere. ]

Era!

[ Just gonna

bend down and hug you, gurl. ]

[astralera]

[ Without realizing it, Era had given up hope on seeing Aymeric again anytime soon. She had waited and waited and waited for him in Genessia to no avail, though the friends she made there kept encouraging her - humouring her admittedly naïve belief that he would arrive soon. That he wouldn't leave her like this...

So his voice startles her, and she spins around so fast it makes her dizzy, only to be engulfed by a very familiar pair of arms. Strong, sturdy, armored. Era doesn't reciprocate at first, too busy wrapping her head around the fact that finally Aymeric is here. And he's hers.

It's... overwhelming. In a good way, but overwhelming nonetheless. Tears well up in her eyes (she is not a crier, but-) and Era lets out a tiny, cracked 'Aymeric?' before promptly burying herself in his arms; pressing herself as close as she can get. Inhales the comforting scent that she can't believe she forgot and focuses instead on forgetting the situation they've found themselves in. ]

[remarkablymodest]

[ He's here, he's whole, he's real. And so is she. He's just as quick to forget exactly where they are, why they're here in the first place. It's actually coming back to him now. He remembers being approached by... someone. He had agreed to help - much like he had with F.A.T.E.S. - in order to save Eorzea and Ishgard from certain demise.

Just another day for him, really. ]

Aye, [ he answers. The man draws back just a little to look into her misty eyes. How long had it been for her? He remembers briefly Rosie talking about how Vanyel had returned home alone for a time when they'd first arrived in Xistentia. Had Era been separated from him, however unwittingly of him? ]

I'm sorry for not finding you sooner. I thought you were right there with me, in the portal back- F.A.T.E.S. needs to work on her aim, it seems.

casually breaks in this icon

[astralera]

[ There's a lot Era has to tell him about the time they were apart, but she has no desire to talk about such things right now. She allows herself to melt further into Aymeric's arms for a moment, tail wagging back and forth - the only visible sign of exactly how happy she is to see him.

Eventually she pulls away, but only to stretch out her arms to reach around Aymeric's neck, pulling him down for a kiss that is uncharacteristically passionate for her.

she's missed you very much bae ]

its so perf

[remarkablymodest]

[ It's all the sign he needs. Not that he doubted, of course, that she wouldn't be happy to see him. He had worried - for only the briefest of moments - that it might not have been the Era he'd known. That happened sometimes, in realms like these. He's just glad he'd been spared knowing that pain for another day.

He accepts the kiss readily, smile broad. It takes a lot of restraint not to keep stealing the kisses from her mouth for as long as he can. Though he does definitely enjoy the passion behind this kiss and returns it twofold himself. For once, he doesn't seem to mind who might be watching or who might see them.

He knows there's a lot else they aught to talk about, however, and so he doesn't let himself get too carried away. Even though he really, really wants to. ]

At least we're reunited now, [ he parts from her just slightly say, at the very least. ]

[astralera]

[ Aymeric can try to twofold her passion on this one but she hasn't seen him in months and thought she was never going to see him again. And after realizing what she needed to do here she was more than a little bit terrified because intimacy scares her.

Except when it's with Aymeric.

So forgive her if she would rather not talk for just a little while longer, following as he pulls away so that she can kiss him again with a satisfied (relieved) sigh against his lips. Her hands are fisted in the fabric covering his chest, partially for purchase but mostly as an attempt to mask how badly they shake. It does nothing to hide how Era's body quivers - she feels overwhelmed by her emotions at the moment.

All she wants is to be with her husband and just... forget about her obligations and fears for just a little while. ]

[remarkablymodest]

[ Oh, well, that's perfectly alright with him. He doesn't mind her lack of speech. He never has. Her body language says more than enough; despite the way she tries to hide it, he can feel the tremble in her palms. He can tell that something amiss.

He starts to wonder on his own if maybe they had been separated longer than he realized. He remembers Rose talking about it. Four years at home, away from Vanyel and Farraige both... And even before then, when it was her partner who had actually been the one to be separated from her before arriving in Xistentia.

Had he done that to Era, however unwittingly? If that's the case, he'll just have to make up for all the lost time that he can. He kisses her again, this time a little sweeter. He's sorry. For whatever it is, he is sorry. He had never meant to hurt her. He never had, never would. ]

bangr!

[hjack69]

✓

They did tell you what you're here for, right?

[astralera]

[ she... sort of stopped listening after the whole 'your world is in danger and you can help' because that was all she needed to hear at the time. she doesn't claim to be the smartest of people ok ]

They glossed over it. That doesn't mean I need to discuss my private life on a public forum, however.

[hjack69]

Oh my god.

[ He literally types that out and sends it first, because that's really unfortunate. Because Jack enjoys the misfortune of others way too much to be healthy, and because she's a qt, he pings her back a few seconds later. ]

Hate to break it to you, honeybun, but they brought you here to screw. You're on Porno Planet.

[astralera]

Yes, I became aware of that recently. Orientation was informative.

The Zenith Corporation was also kind enough to reunite me with my husband.

[ which is good. because he was the one who introduced her to physical intimacy just like ... a few months ago at most. so at least she won't die from this disease that is like the opposite of an STI.

this world is probably going to give her an aneurysm tbh ]

[hjack69]

Now that has to be pretty weird. You two planning on sticking to each other, or sleeping around?

Because, y'know, fair warning: they "accidentally" drug the food a whole hell of a lot around here.

[astralera]

Weird? It is a relief. We have no intention of being unfaithful.

[ she hesitates, but after a moment she sends another message: ]

But if extenuating circumstances force us to be otherwise then I shall accept it, however undesirable it is to me. Our home is more important than my comfort.

[hjack69]

I mean the whole "reunited here" part. Not seeing each other for who knows how the hell long before just happening to meet up on Sex Planet? Awkward.

[ Honestly if that same thing happened with him and Nisha he'd be delighted too, but mostly for the chance to compete on who can get the most tail while they're here. Speaking of Nisha: ]

Don't freak out too hard if you do end up doing the monster mash with somebody new, which, let's be real, you probably will. I've got a girlfriend back home too, but she knows none of this actually means anything. It's just sex.

welcome i

[bespokeknight]

[Danette doesn't know what a movie is, and the whole thing mildly disturbs her. She's had her memories tampered with before, had them played out in front of her, and that's what this whole thing most reminds her of. She wonders whose memories these are - even if it's some kind of play, or performance, it's like gazing into the mind of someone who was there to see it. She doesn't like that idea one bit.

What she does understand and like, however, are sparkly little animals. She scoots her way through the piles of blankets on the floor, bundles herself up in one, and, essentially, pops up over Era's shoulder.]

What a cutie! [She reaches down for the animal, hesitates, then looks to Era for approval.] My name's Danette. Does he take okay to strangers?

[astralera]

[ Era recoils away from the stranger, reflexively pulling Emmy closer to her chest. It can defend itself and so it is not out of fear for its safety (especially when she can just resummon it good as new with little effort), but because it is her companion. Her familiar. Her summon. Crafted of a mixture of both her own and latent aether using a geometry she so painstakingly personalized herself.

She doesn't like it when people treat it as though it is an animal, and her Carbuncle doesn't either. Era cannot begrudge people who make the assumption though, since it isn't like they know better... But it still doesn't sit right with her. ]

I am Era. This is my Emerald Carbuncle. It is a construct made of my magic and does not like being touched by strangers.

[bespokeknight]

Ahhh... oopsie. [To Danette's credit, she pulls her hand away quickly, winces a little.]

Sorry, sorry. I know a lot about magic, believe it or not. That kinda stuff's touchy in a lot of ways, so sorry if I was a jerk! He - it? - is cute, though. [She nods, searches for something else to say.]

You did a good job making a cute one, if you made him! It must have been a lot of work. [She pulls back somewhat - close enough that they can still talk, far enough away to make it clear she isn't going to push it. She even lifts her hands, holds them up with her palms facing Era, like she's surrendering.]

I really like animals, but they're really rare where I'm from. We only had like, a few little farms, and we had to be really careful with the animals since we had so few. So I was just excited. Then again - yeah, I guess he isn't an animal... uhm, nice to meetcha, Era?

[astralera]

[ Era appreciates the understanding. She knows some people are put off by how she and her 'cute pet' are not fond of physical affection from strangers. Carbuncles are used to sniff out things so Emmy doesn't mind being offered a hand to sniff, but otherwise...

She uncurls just a bit, loosening her arms around her Carbuncle. It takes the opportunity to make itself a comfortable next out of the hoodie she wears (pockets 'empty' now that she has made herself a new aetherial pocket instead). ]

Thank you. You were not a jerk. [ She... hesitates. ] ...Perhaps a bit rude, but you are not the first to assume Emmy is naught but a fancy pet. And you had the sense to stop and ask before assuming it would enjoy being touched.

Summoning Carbuncles is a beginner arcanist's spell. They all look the same, though can come in a variety of colours. More advanced arcanists can make their own custom method of summoning to create a more unique Carbuncle.

[ She likes arcanima a great deal. It is her favourite of the magical disciplines for how versatile it is. And for all that she isn't the best at speaking in multiple longer sentences at a time in most circumstances, Era is much better at it when it comes to explaining or inquiring about things. ]

I cannot imagine a home without animals. Everywhere in my world there are animals, though a majority of them are aggressive monsters. Was it just your town or region with few animals?

oh hi (SAY ALOE ii.)

[inthemiddle]

[Nobody has warned Silas that the flowers might give off a suspicious pollen.

Even if they had, maybe he would assume it wouldn't work on him, Druid constitution and all. He's been going about cupping his hands around blooms and holding each close under his nose, smelling the fragrance fully. Each is so unique and uncanny! The flowers on his head are relaxed open, matching the at ease look on his face]

Aah, can we just stay here? How peaceful... [he speaks wistfully and to the air, sounding rather lightheaded and wobbly. Maybe shoving his face into flower after flower isn't a wise idea.]

hello!

[astralera]

[ A mix of past (supremely embarrassing) experience and the knowledge she holds as a botanist has given Era a bit of an advantage in that regard - her suspicion is well founded, and she has been careful to minimize how much air she's been inhaling while simultaneously staying as far away from any blooms as she can. Her various antidotes hadn't worked on in Xistentia. She didn't have the wherewithal to attempt an Esuna cast, but regardless...

She is intrigued by the odd man's equally odd ears though doesn't bring it up. It would be exceptionally rude without having any previous conversation to lead into such a query. ]

I would advise against getting too close to the blooms. The pollen is acting as a drug of some kind.

[inthemiddle]

Oh, no, noo, I wouldn't worry about me. I have a Druid's constitution! Finest there iss, [he slurs a little, not even noticing, so obviously overconfident it'll be embarrassing to remember later. He'll purge any intoxication right out of his body with just a little effort, or so he thinks, not even considering the drug will take his ability to exert such effort away.]

You should smell at least this one! It smells just like the caves leaving toward the ocean. Never known a flower to smell like that, have you? [he's not going to pluck the flower and force it towards her, but he'll push it still on it's stem a little closer]

[astralera]

It seems your constitution is unaccustomed to alien flora.

[ For all that she was initially somewhat concerned, now she is simply irritated. Though she does her best not to let it show, reminding herself that it isn't the man's fault for being reckless.

Regardless, Era isn't fond of men (or anyone, but particularly men) pushing things on women when they clearly have no interest. ]

No, thank you. I prefer a clear mind.

[ She's self-aware enough to know that she hasn't avoided the effects of the pollen entirely - she has the urge to speak more, which is out of character for her, and likely meant to have her inhale larger amounts.

Era finds herself grateful for her previous experience with such things, since she had at least been with one of her best friends; a man she trusted with her life. ]

[inthemiddle]

[that's as forceful as Silas gets, fortunately. He takes the rejection with a hint of embarrassment, letting the flower leave his grasp and spring back to it's upright stem. Ah, he's offended her, his mistake... If he's really so intoxicated, he should clear himself up, just like he said he could. Prove he knew what he could handle.]

I can get a clear head, just wait, [he'll say, taking a deep breath in. He assumes he'll breathe out and the floaty feeling in his head will go, just like it did when he drank.

It doesn't happen, the feeling lingers. In fact, it might get a bit worse, from how deep a breath he took. Oh... oh dear, indeed. He has certainly committed an error of judgement,]

Heavens, I believe you're right... [he looks hazily ashamed] N, normally I can get sobered up real quick like. Snap of the fingers, really. Much apology...

[astralera]

[ Both her posture and expression soften somewhat, glad that he at least sees some sense. It's a relief given how fuzzy her mind is slowly becoming. She makes an even greater effort to breathe less frequently, though the best idea would be to continue on her way out of the gardens. ]

It isn't something most people would think to be wary of.

[ She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, tail swaying uncomfortably behind her. ]

I am going to leave the gardens and get some fresh air. You are welcome to join me.