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sexyspace2018-11-25 10:05 am
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-11-25 10:05 am
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #7
Awakening
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 on helping, or maybe the exact specifications of how you could help were 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 shortly after landing. Due to potential muscular atrophy upon awakening from stasis, I suggest hitting the osbtacle course for a bit of nonconventional exercise!"
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.
Obstacles Ahead
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be on high alert. There's an unmistakable tension in the air. If anyone tries to ask, they reassure volunteers that everything is fine. Still, the moment that anything goes wrong or they can't exactly answer a question it's clear that they grow even more troubled. Just what's going on around here?
They won't say. Maybe one or two might eventually let it slip that the Zenith Corporation isn't especially happy lately with a wanted criminal still at large on Zhautas that seems to be terrorizing the volunteer program. Her name is Hoshiko and she's a pirate that seems to be somehow escaping every attempt Zenith has made to apprehend her. The only picture they have of her is one where she appears to have posed for the camera, flashing as much cleavage as possible and winking. She doesn't look very threatening, really, but they assure volunteers that they need to be on the lookout for this woman once they get to Zhautas. Still, try not to worry about it too much. Oh, and, don't tell their boss that they let you know this. They technically weren't supposed to. - As you draw closer to the obstacle course, some intense music begins to play through the halls. It's supposed to get volunteers pumped for the challenge they're about to face! They can thank the Nevrione Guard for installing the course. They wanted to give people visiting a taste of just a little of what they do to train to join The Guard's ranks.
"Are you ready, volunteers?" asks R.O.S.I.E. as a group gathers at a pair of closed doors. An LED countdown displays above the doors, numbers in blue that read 5...4...3...2...1... Go! A loud chime ding, ding, dings as the screen is replaced with !!! only that's flashing rapidly. The doors swish open quickly, revealing a large park-sized obstacle course to explore. It has artificial sunlight, plenty of trees and nature, and even mossy ponds beneath some of the obstacles that you could very well fall into if you're not careful.
Don't worry, they'll have a change of clothes for you in the case of this happening. It just might take a little bit to deliver them so hope you don't mind hanging out in your underthings for a little bit. You likely won't be the only one, if it helps the shame of failure any.
If the main obstacles prove to be a little too difficult, not to worry! There are easy sections. Originally, they were designed for the children of Nevrione who wanted to feel like they had a chance at joining The Guard from a young age. But they work just as well for volunteers fresh out of stasis with potentially noodly feeling legs! Step across wooden cogs placed closer together or walk up a flight of stairs instead of trying to get tangled up in a net on the way up. There's something to do for just about anyone!
There's even a bench you can sit on, right over there, in case you simply want to watch fellow volunteers eat dirt or get drenched for your amusement. See! Something for everyone.
- After all that exertion, it's important to remember that you were asleep for a while and likely need to help your muscles recuperate proprerly. A cooldown workout is the best option in case you went just a little too hard without meaning to. Stretch those muscles still, just- Gently. For that reason, they have a yoga class that's available anytime. One of the locals from Nevrione has offered to host these sessions, a lovely ison lady who is, uh. Wow. She's impressively bendy.
While you don't have to follow the same moves she's doing exactly (you didn't even know someone could twist their body into that shape!), she does encourage volunteers to try their best. It's likely you're more pliable than even you think! If not, it is something you can work up to. If that lady can fold both of her pairs of legs, then your one pair shouldn't be that difficult to work with!
She is very motivating and does her best to accommodate volunteers at every turn. Just don't get too twisted up now. At some point, she segways into movements where you will need a partner to help you with some of them. It's friend yoga and can be a lot of fun. While some of the poses are more difficult, it's meant to foster trust with the other person you're working with! Since everyone is so new, it seems like a good idea to try and get started with the right foot... by having it be held up by someone else, apparently!
Orientation
Shortly after 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.
- Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hooky, 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 twist and turn.
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 the certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer! - 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 announces an additional seminar from R.O.S.I.E.! Do you all remember that voice speaking to you when you first awoke? If so, this digitally projected blond's soothing tone should sound familiar. She smiles wide for the "camera," clearly excited to be interacting with potential volunteers in a new way. The topic of today will be safe, sane, and consensual. Considering the location that volunteers will be arriving at has a heavy emphasis on BDSM, it seems very apt!
When the video starts, she's all professionalism. Okay, so- Mostly professionalism. Compared to most of the other lecturers of the past, this woman manages to touch on the core concepts of the topic while still adding appropriate humor to keep things interesting. Of course, her topic is a very serious one and she doesn't take it lightly despite trying to lighten things up for the code. "Make sure," she emphasizes, "that you always have an enthusiastic 'yes' from your partner and that both your boundaries are clearly set! Communication is key in these types of situations. So long as you talk and are honest, well- Everything should be a kinky good time!"
"Thank you, R.O.S.I.E.," the voice says, charmed themselves even by the entertaining seminar. "Wasn't that fun! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of safe, sane, and consensual? Discuss amongst yourselves!" - 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
- Volunteers will be dropped off at the outskirts of the city of Heawood. The market is bustling, the streets are full, and most homes have their doors and windows open to peer out at passerbys. For the most part, everything seems fairly busy throughout. Volunteers will be directed by staff to the Nevrione Inn. It has a dining hall and bar, fireplaces to cozy up to, and plenty of places to tuck away if you want to gossip about what's going on with Zenith staff. Though perhaps you just want a moment or two to yourself instead.
Once you're done getting settled in, why not stop and explore a little bit? The locals certainly don't seem to mind the company.
- Suddenly, R.O.S.I.E. turns on one of her newest features to help volunteers blend in a little better. Someone next to you might sprout cat or dog ears. Don’t mind if you get knocked in the face suddenly by someone’s new butterfly wings. It happens! It’s also possible they take on the long whiskers of a Coeurl or plumage of a Chocobo or other animals entirely unfamiliar to some. Either way, everyone just got a lot more animal-like. While it doesn’t look exactly like the natives, it does bring a smile to the faces of the locals and they seem a bit more generally receptive to the people waltzing into their homeland.
This feature is extremely customizable. Volunteers can toggle it off if they don’t want it at all. Additionally, they can have as many or as few animal features as they’d like. They can also change what creature they’d like to take after with just a thought! The only limitation seems to be that they can only appear as one animal at a time.
While all the add-ons seem to be mostly for aesthetic, it is a lot of fun to play around with! 
In Nevrione the current seasons is clearly Autumn. There’s orange, red, and yellows everywhere in varying shades and varieties. There are a lot more leaves missing from the trees than before as the season starts coming to a close. Everything starts to look a little more sparse as Winter creeps ever closer and the temperature grows increasingly colder.
If you head out and about, there's a marketplace to peruse and locals to mingle with. Volunteers shouldn't want for things to occupy their time here. They've landed just after the Harvest Festival and it seems to have been a fun time indeed. Some might ask for assistance in taking down decorations or cleaning up a bit from all the festivities. They've got to start gearing up for Winter now and figuring out their stores for the coming cold. You'll be compensated with a couple of bronze seedlings for your time, of course, and might even get some fun festival stories like-
Oh, uh. This story is really explicit. Did they say there was an orgy? And you missed it? Well, you might be glad that you did... Of course, just because there was an orgy doesn't mean that all the fun has been had. The natural growth enhanced by the Selva are still growing and especially at night, milky wafts of pollen might tickle your nose and cause a stirring in your nethers you don't quite expect. Maybe you're lucky and immune to these plant's effects but if not, don't worry! You'll likely find someone else feeling just as friendly as you are before long. Or maybe a kind soul will help alleviate this (sexually) tense situation you've found yourself in.
Network/Bangr
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:
(*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
I have already. Several times, in fact. Exhibitionism is such a fun kink, I think, and really allows for such a unique feeling of freedom.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| YES |
NO |
PLEASE NOTE: This BANGR code is the COMMENT-FRIENDLY version, 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!
Extra Notes
- Remember that all prompts are OTA! It can now be assumed that after the ship lands, current volunteers in-game were able to board and hang-out for a little bit before it leaves again! That means established volunteers can welcome new members, show them around parts of the ship they're familiar with, and explore new areas that weren't open during their own arrival! Only new volunteers will be taking the orientation quiz, but established volunteers are free to peek inside the room or try to help with the quiz!
- A reminder that the TDM can be considered game canon and timeline-wise the TDM takes place on the 8th when the arrival ship arrives, as shown on the calendar.
- Going into DECEMBER, we are continuing with an APPLICATION CAP of (40).
Estinien Wyrmblood | Final Fantasy XIV
[This is about the only thing that's made any sense since Estinien has arrived. He's a man of physical means, a man who understands training, fighting, and everything related to that. Sure, he's deeper than that, but when it comes to situations that are so stark in contrast to what he's used to, he's going to find comfort in something so mindless as running an obstacle course. Even if this one is more like a child's playground than anything he'd consider a challenge.
Years in as a Dragoon aside, Estinien's general physical fitness and his ability to react and navigate treacherous terrain makes this whole thing a joke. As others slip and fall, Estinien finds purchase where others find none. The ease in which he scales each part is honestly a little ridiculous to the ordinary man or woman. Probably even more so when he's doing it in a full set of armor. Honestly, he looks like he's showing off, when in reality he's just trying to find something familiar in a sea of strange.
At the end of it, he barely heeds the others who might have made their way there after him. Instead, he seems focused on stretching and ignoring any who might approach him. Of course, if someone does, he'll acknowledge them, but he does not seem like one for long conversation. Not that you can't try anyways! Besides, maybe he's perceived to be at fault for a slip of yours, or maybe you were impressed by his obnoxious display of physical prowess. Regardless of the reason, godspeed!]
B) Nevrione;
[Estinien's hardly interested in being shepherded like the karakul from his childhood, but he realizes the necessity of it all. While he's not one to follow rules should they not serve his means or duty, in this case they do both. Which just means he's left looking like an armored sully giant of a man, and probably not the person someone would want to find themselves around. Certainly not the type one would try to shoot the shit with, especially if they didn't know him.
However, soon enough they are dropped off outside of Heawood where he can feel some measure of freedom, faux though it may be. The bustling city is barely a comfort, but more of one than the thought of what afflicts not only his world, but the greater expanse of all the others as well. He is used to the heavy weight of duty on his shoulders, and so the familiar pressure does little to upset him.
Soon enough he finds himself at the Inn, getting away from the busyness of the city. A drink would help his mind and food would help his stomach. However, the comfort of ale wins out in this endeavor, and he's planted himself at the bar. He's quite the sight to take in, though. A man at 6'6, (short) pointed ears with white long hair resting upon the sapphire colored armor like silk sheet. He's a large man by typical standards, and he looks out of place with his attire—not to mention that red lance upon his back.
He seems far more interested in his drink than those around him, but do not be mistaken: he's entirely aware of his surroundings, and should you find yourself approaching him, he'll speak up with a simple "greeting":]
What ever it may be you wish to speak of, be quick. I have little and less patience for those who seek to bother me with pointless nonsense.
[A charmer!]
C) BANGR;
Far am I from a maiden shy over such matters of intimacy, but even I find little reason for such ostentatious folly.
A
[Drenched and leaving the obstacle course to find some dry clothes, he finds a familiar person stretching. And he's more than thrilled to see that he isn't alone. And more than that, that Estinien didn't actually see him eat shit back there. Hopefully.]
Estinien! [It wouldn't have looked any better if he had found him with an already dry set of clothes, so he deals with it.]
'Tis good to see you hale and whole, my friend. Even if this is among our stranger meetings.
no subject
Aymeric.
[Estinien says before finishing his stretch. It's not that his muscles are any less sore than others, but he also has a god dragon's bloods flowing through his veins and that makes him a little more durable than most.]
Aye, yours is a sight for sore eyes.
[A momentary pause as he looks him over. Curtly:]
Went for a swim, did you?
[He offers him a smirk. Aymeric being about the only one who could get that out of Estinien at the moment, honestly.]
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And it wasn't that Aymeric hadn't been spending most of his days at a desk. But he had seen some action in recent... months... Yeah. He was a little weaker than usual. That was for sure. He shrugged off his outer coat, completely waterlogged as it was. If he was any weaker, he would struggle to hold himself upright with all the water weight in all the fabric he wore. ]
If only it could be so elegantly described as a swim. I'll need to change clothes. Hopefully they've a drying rack or two here...
You seem no worse for wear, but you must have spent the same time in stasis. [He gives him a look up and down.] Quite the handsome set of armor you've found yourself.You had me worried that you decided to brave the wilderness in your pajamas.
no subject
With all the luxurious nonsense here, one would wager a drying rack would not be lacking.
[But who knows, this place boggles Estinien's mind. He hates machines as it is, and this place is nothing BUT a giant machine with a bunch of things that probably shouldn't be in a machine. Like this obstacle course, or the garden, or... well, most of it. It unsettles Estinien to think about, and so he tries to distract himself with conversation and his companion's current state of dampness.]
Aye. 'Twould seem my vigor has not left me, but one could assume I have an advantage most lack.
[You know. Nidhogg.]
Had I braved the wilderness in my pajamas, I would be just as hale and whole.
[A humble brag, or a joke. Maybe both. But he does seem proud of the armor all the same.]
'Twas a gift from Hraesvelgr.
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[He strips off another layer, coming down to his tabard.]I hope so. They seem to care for our comfort, at least.
'Tis good someone has some strength. I am nearly exhausted by the short jaunt from my cell. [He's not going to ask Estinien to help him carry his things... But he does sort of hope he offers. He privately imagines Estinien fighting in his pajamas.]
That much is true. The armor is simply for aesthetics, then? [He grins with his teasing.]
no subject
[A momentary pause, before Estinien answers:]
'Twas at Ratatoskr's resting place.
[What he was doing there is anyone's guess, but he does not seem to want to indulge further information. Instead, he switches gears and seems to take Aymeric's soaked belongings whether the other man protests it or not.]
Is armor for much else than aesthetics? I am sure some adventurers might agree with such a notion.
[It feels nice to be bantering with Aymeric again. While he's hardly one who seeks company, Aymeric's has always been his preferred.]
Come, let us get you out of the public's eye ere you become a spectator's sport.
no subject
Protection, for one. [He gave a dry laugh] Thank you, my friend.
[He was very, very grateful that Estinien was now carrying his clothing turned leaden weight.] Spectator sport? How much more clothing do you think I should take off, then? [His hands hover at his collar, jokingly.] There was some sort of sign for a spa. I would be very happy to wash the pond slime from my skin.
no subject
Ah, what folly. [Armor? For protection? Nah!]
Cannot have you making more of a fool of yourself should you wish to garner any sense of respect among those suffering our joint fate, now can we?
[Estinien begins to head towards the exit as he talks. of course Aymeric would make note of a spa, while Estinien has little interest in such. Aymeric has always been the more luxury bound out of the two.]
Is it your aim to become one? Certainly any more and you might draw a crowd. Mayhap we should save that for your pampering in the spa.
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B
Second is that the Zenith Corporation is more evil than even the Ascians.
And third is that when given a great deal of autonomy, her Carbuncle will decide that is best for her without her say so - even if Era herself would disagree with it.
This afternoon is an afternoon where Era is reminded quite forcefully of all three of these things. She is still recovering from her prolongued fight with the disease, too thin, pale, and physically weakened for her tastes. Her aether is recovering well enough with the amount of food she has been shoveling down - something she plans on doing at the moment, as soon as Emmy locates her a place to sit.
It is only the memory of struggling to find food, eating rotten produce from the dirt for the first few weeks of her life that allows her to keep a proper hold of her plate when she sees too-familiar white hair and a set of armour to match. Emmy seems to have no difficulty wandering over and chirping a greeting at the man, friendly as ever toward those Era loves, regardless of circumstances. Era is left to swallow uncomfortably and follow, struggling the slightest bit in placing her plate atop the bar before climbing up on the stool next to him.
He won't know me, she thinks. As if Zenith would be so kind. They were already cruel enough to bring Estinien here in the first place.
...And Era is selfish enough that she wants to be near him whether or not he remembers her. He is an honourable man and would not let anything untoward happen to her even if she is a stranger.
He makes her feel safe, which is a rare thing in this world. ]
Estinien.
[ Her greeting is quiet but she knows he'll hear her. Her voice is soft in general but made softer still by current circumstances. There is no hiding the familiarity with which his name slips from her tongue and Era makes no attempt to hide it. it would feel too much like lying. ]
no subject
Zenith though? Yeah, there's no explaining their breed of immorality.
The chirping does indeed draw Estinien's attention, but he attempts to ignore it. An animal is hardly worth his time, even if the familiarity of a carbuncle is not what he's expecting to see or hear in this place. It makes sense to him, however. This is indeed a melting pot of worlds, surely Eorzeans besides himself and Aymeric would find themselves here.
The thought gains further credit when he hears his name spoken in the soft tones of an Auri woman who decides to perch besides him on the adjacent stool. Dark eyes glance to her, but he makes no effort to face her fully, instead choosing to drink his beer and allowing a solid, heavy moment of silence rest between them.
When that isn't enough to deter the woman, he finally looks to her. Eyes filled with a mix of annoyance and unfamiliarity, and her thought on whether he recognizes her or not is answered before he even begins to utter it.]
You are aware of me, but I am not of you. Who are you?
[It's not rare for there to be others who know him and his name, not with the life he's lived, but an Auri woman knowing him is a bit more rare than—say—an Ishgardian.]
no subject
I am Era Ra de- [ It's habit by now, to use her married name. A way to hold on to one of the few remaining pieces of her husband. She nearly bites her tongue bloody when she cuts herself off. ] I'm Era. You may call me that, if you like.
[ But she knows this isn't the answer Estinien is seeking. Era is her name, but not who she is. Era is irrelevant here. ]
...I'm Warrior of Light of my world. A world likely identical to yours, save for my existence.
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If anything, merely curious of such a reaction. His curiosity is graciously sated in no time as she continues to explain who she is, and why she's chosen to speak with him. The Warrior of Light, supposedly. Estinien's face twists slightly into something among the realms of incredulous, because he would remember the Warrior of Light should they approach him, and she is not—
The twist of Estinien's expression falls, and there's something closer to puzzlement as he tries to recall the features of the Warrior of Light only to be met with a gap in his memory. Naught more than a blinding and burning silhouette of light fills what he should be recalling as his friend. His gut twists with unease at this, and he's left wondering what's true, and what might be part of the machinations of Zenith.]
You mean to tell me that beyond my star, that there are varying versions of it? That you are the Warrior of Light of one, and thus you know me, but not I you simply because another Warrior of Light has filled such a role?
[He doesn't sound as skeptical as the words might otherwise imply. He seems to be trying to process, more than anything. This entire thing has been a bit Too Much, even for him. However, he's...trying, it's not easy, especially when he's come to just accept that there are so many multiple worlds out there, but that there might be multiples of him, or others—his whole world...
He is far from a simple man, but he's also not been one to contemplate such possible realities either.]
no subject
[ Her fingers reach for the ring that dangles from her throat, mostly hidden under a scarf, but still always, always there. Era runs her index finger over the gemstones and engravings, letting the familiar, comforting texture relax her. Her tail dangles behind her and she moves it to curl over her thigh instead. ]
We were all of us separated and I awoke in yet another world on my own. There was another Warrior of Light there - a Lalafell woman who favoured crafting and healing. When Thancred arrived he knew me, not her.
Here I was reunited with my own dear Aymeric. Then... And then Haurchefant arrived. Whole and hale. [ And if this Estinien did indeed live through the events of the Vault he would likely understand the impact that would have had. ] He pretended he recognized me. Eventually I learned his Warrior of Light was a Raen woman who favoured arcanima and was unable to speak.
Then Zenith took them both. I sent my Carbuncle after Aymeric's scent and it returned... [ There is a small sound of distress that bubbles up as she recalls that day, but she is quick to smother it out and continue on. ] When Emmy returned it was horrified. Terrified. Whatever it saw and learned traumatized it. My magic was traumatized.
[ With her other hand she reaches into a pocket and pulls out her Soul of the Dragoon. Era hesitates when she places it on the counter between them, but there are few people she trusts more than Estinien. ]
The Aymeric that spent a year with me in Xistentia is dead, Estinien. [ Or worse, but she has already spoken so much. Era isn't sure how much she should share. She doesn't want him to be left in the dark, but also she has no confirmation. Just suspicions. ] Whatever Zenith told you to ensure you volunteered... The disease exists - that much is true - but I do not believe that we are truly here to help find a cure. I do not believe anything they've told me.
[ Her fingers turn white with how tightly she has them curled around her husband's ring. ]
I will search for a cure, find a way home, and avenge those they have taken from me. It is my duty.
no subject
Haurchefant back from the dead? Aymeric going to some different world, and becoming what he can only assume to be is intimate with this self-proclaimed Warrior of Light, and then Aymeric dies? There being multiple Warrior's of light? It all seems like such... asinine nonsense, that towards the end Estinien's annoyance is plain as day.]
I am no fool—
[He begins, a certain edge to his voice as his eyes give that stone a cursory glance, before settling on Era's face. His grip on his own drink leaving him white-knuckled, but his gauntlets do well to cover the evidence.]
—I trust not Zenith, nor what farce they intend to keep alive. My agreement is not to be taken as complacency. However, I know not whether to believe your tales.
[Her theatrics are definitely good, but this is a world of deception, and she may very well be part of it. He must keep his wits about him.]
You speak of Aymeric's demise, yet I spoke to him a few bells ago. You speak of me—a copy of myself... 'tis too absurd to entertain. Were you Aymeric babbling such incoherent nonsense, I would likewise wonder the state of his sanity.
[It's just worse coming from someone he doesn't know nor recognize, and it's honestly just so much at once he's defaulting to just rejecting it outright.]
no subject
[ It... hurts. To call herself that in relation to him. But she has dealt with worse and will deal with worse, she's sure. She just needs to separate him in her mind from the Estinien she knew. She can do that, certainly. It's easier when she isn't looking at him. His presence is familiar, as is the voice that thrums through her horns. But...
He is an Estinien.
An Estinien who speaks of speaking to Aymeric naught but a few bells ago.
All thoughts of avoiding his face vanish like so much smoke in the wind. Her heart throbs a painful beat and her breath catches in her throat. She stares at him, eyes wide and filled with so many emotions (hope, fear, disbelief, anger, pain--).
Era can't find any words to say and so is silent for a long, uncomfortable moment. When she finally stumbles across the question she needs to ask her throat is uncooperative. Her tail taps rapidly against her thigh as her anxiety rises and her breath quickens. She will not tolerate her voice failing her now. There is a small note that escapes her, unbidden. It speaks more of her pain than her words ever could. Era ignores it and promptly rips the words from her throat - tight, and strained; a slightly higher pitch than before: ]
How long have you been here, Estinien?
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Instead she seems set to keep his company, even looking as distressed and pained as she does. Ever not one for social interaction, this is topping the list of interactions he never asked for nor wanted, yet he's not going to be the one to get up and leave.
Her question gives him pause as he tries to figure out what she might get out of knowing this information. If she's truly of Zenith, should she not already known this?]
Long enough to question my decision.
[Which is honestly not very long, but considering this interaction...]
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B! This is another WoL OC, so let me know if you want anything changed!
[The first thing she notices in the bar is a familiar face. Not the face she wanted to see, not the face she expected to see, but a comforting surprise.]
[Grinning, she steals the seat next to him at the bar. He's not getting away from her this time. Not when there's gossip to be shared, and shit to be given.
The Miqo'te orders a rather large beer, before turning towards him with a smirk.]
As friendly as ever, I see.
This is great no worries!
You speak from experience.
[It's not a question, definitely a statement. The befuddlement of his voice should be a red flag in and of itself—if the unfamiliarity of his expression wasn't a big enough one already.]
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Yes, as I’m sure that anyone else who’s ever met you would. That helmet you always wear doesn’t do much to hide your scowl.
[She takes a sip from her drink, smirking. It’s nice to be able to enjoy the simpler things in life. The things that don’t involve fighting gods.]
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[A simple reply as he ponders her words. It's true, at least. It isn't like he's ever tried to hide the prickly part of himself, especially when it takes up the majority of his being. Truer still is that he has probably met far more people than he could commit to memory, but they belong to Ishgard, and a Miqo'te certainly does not.
Who indeed is this woman, and why does she speak as though they are friends? The swig of his beer does little to wash the question down. Ever a blunt man, one not meant to beat around bushes, he plainly asks:]
And you are who, exactly?
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[Rose takes another (rather large) drink as she ponders over his words. Estinien hadn’t ever been the type for humor, and if anything, in a foreign land he’d likely have his guard up even further. Which means the most plausible answer is...]
You really don’t remember me at all, do you?
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[Which is probably a worse reality than Estinien trying to do stand up, in this moment. His expression does not shift at the question, though his mind is certainly racing to pull at anything that might seem familiar about this woman. Unfortunately, nothing stands out.]
Nay. 'Tis not oft I commit my concurrence with fellow adventurers to memory.
[He's just going to assume she's just another person he might have met on his journey. Not that he ever went out of his way to meet people, but it's not like he was in total solitude the entire time. Maybe he met her and just forgot? It's not like his mind isn't clouded with constant thoughts, after all.]
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[The Miqo'te shrugs her shoulders before taking another drink. Some things just can't be helped.]
Figures. I've spent the last two years praying that people wouldn't recognize me, and the one time I want someone to, they don't. Damned Warrior of Light title isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
[Another drink, this time to drown out a few unsavory memories. It's not that she's expecting life on Zenith to be easy, but compared to what she usually deals with back home, it seems much simpler. Nobody's going to force her into leading revolutions here.]
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The Warrior of Light, is it? That is quite the lofty title to claim for yourself. Particularly when you seem to revile it so.
[He offers, almost dismissively. He's leaning far more towards believing her to be a faker than not, it's almost easier in a way. That some random adventurer would try to take the glory of being the Warrior of Light for themselves, than the idea that he has somehow forgotten his friend so absolutely.]
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