spacedragons | AUGUST TDM.

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AUGUST TDM.

➛ Welcome to Last Eden's TDM for August! Threads here can be counted as game canon.
➛ Feel free to use the prompts to test out a new character or to try out the game's premise!
➛ The TDM can be used for your application sample, though it is not a requirement.

A DREAM, OF A SOUL AWAKE.

You are asleep. The dreamscape ripples, resolves into a vision of a foreign land, and then a world of pure white. There is the sensation of rising through deep water, and then you find yourself in a room of white marble. Your items may be set on the floor around you, or you could have arrived bare-handed - whichever it is, you'll soon be addressed by a couple of tired-looking people in white coats. It seems they're as confused as you are.

A ➛ After getting a brief introduction to the White Moon and choosing a faction, you will be allowed to leave. It's a whole new world, after all - so why not look around? The architecture of the Administrative Zone is very formal, in high contrast to the Free Market which is practically a riot of colour and wares. Merchants from all four nations peddle their wares here - have a look around, but also keep a watch on your purse. Some things can be quite expensive.

B ➛ As you head out of the Administrative Zone's gates, a flash of light catches your eye. The sun-crystal is reflected quite brightly in the window of a nearby building, almost dazzling you - and in that instant you see someone behind you in the street. A youth with white hair and grey clothing, oddly familiar. You blink, and he's gone. Maybe he was never there at all.

TO THE STARS, WE ENTRUST OUR DIRECTION.

The money given to every new foreigner is limited. It seems you will be expected to earn your keep from now on, either through tradecraft or through offering your services to the populace. If taking on small contracts isn't your thing, each faction also has bounties up for the taking. After all, you carry a surprising resistance to the miasma that lurks outside the city walls. Why not put it to use?

C ➛ Fancy taking a ride on a dragon? The roostkeepers of the Ice faction are friendly and will allow you to interact with their charges as long as you're respectful of their boundaries. The older dragons will merely gaze at you pensively, but the youngsters are always up for a game of catch or two. There's also the option of dragon taxi if you wish to travel between regions. If you can fork out the coin, they'll send you across the Moon in the fastest time possible.

D ➛ The inland Sea is abuzz with activity at this time of the year. While the seasonal variations are dampened inside the Moon ship, that hasn't stopped the natives from hanging out at the beach. The Blood faction's side has plenty of revelry, with fireworks set off at night and grilled fish stalls set up along the waterfront. Some of the food on offer may carry potent effects, however - the shamans are used to ingesting enhanced wines, but are you?

E ➛ If you've let slip the fact that you're from another world, you may soon gain some fans. Some natives will be curious and wish to interview you, but others may have more shady intentions. It can be hard to distinguish well-wishers from kidnappers - if you're being cornered by a few very earnest folk, it might be time to run.

F ➛ The roostkeepers will let you ride one of their older dragons if you are going to the Badlands on an exploration mission. It's a desolate landscape barren and devoid of all plant life, but such rocks might hide valuable treasures. Strange ores and crystals jut out of rock formations about a mile or two outside the city walls. Even map information will fetch you some reward from your faction. But don't venture out too far, or your resistance may wear off and leave you at the mercy of the elements.

G ➛ Wildcard! Feel free to utilize minor NPCs if needed. If you have any questions about the setting, direct them towards the FAQ.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[That Kino appears very nondescript to an average person is something done knowingly; they are used to being a stranger in a strange land, and often the easiest way to travel is to make oneself as unobtrusive as they could. It had certainly offered them slightly more ease getting around this city than other newcomers, whose slightly-more-obvious "otherness" attracted great deals of attention.

There was less of that here, set away from the common crowds as it was. There was just the attention of the dragons. As Kino turns to address the question, the dragon that they had been patting on the nose looks none too happy to be momentarily ignored.]

Oh. [It wasn't the first time someone had expressed surprise at Hermes; though it was alternatively rote or simply unsurprising for motorrads to speak in Kino's own world, the fact that the vehicle had his own sentience was something of a shock for most they'd spoken to here so far.]

It's mine. What, can't you tell? You have ears, don't you?

[The voice, a tonally lower and gruffer than Kino's (albeit still sounding quite young), was certainly coming from the motorcycle leaning on its kickstand. Kino begins to approach it, looking chagrined.]

Don't be rude.

[A brief pause, then, in grumbled undertone:] I think it's kinda rude they're all so surprised...

He certainly seemed reptilian before Kino noticed the tongue, what with the scales and all. Very curious, though at this point, the traveler had become far more conservative with how often and early in conversations they asked prying questions. It was usually more constructive to be genial to a stranger, then ask for permission later, when the situation had eased into something more commonplace.

That might take a bit longer here, given extraneous circumstances.

The traveler's expression grows a little more stony at the comment—not that it really offended them, per se, but because it would offend—

"You can hear me, can't you? Gosh, Kino, why is everyone around here like this!"

Kino gives a short sigh. And they had just asked the motorrad to be polite.

"Yes," said after a brief pause, "he does. His name is Hermes, and you can call me Kino."

♕ A. THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM.

[ It's strange how grounding a heartbeat could be, almost as much as a complete lack of one was once before. A rhythmic pulse, beating heavy in her chest, now somewhat accelerated as she propels herself through the Administrative Zone as she puts one foot in front of the other. Walking with purpose, even if she had no idea where she was going.

Just keep moving forward. Keep walking. Don't think about the past. Don't dwell on it, unless you want to go mad.

This isn't a place she knew, or one that she was hopeful she had somehow returned to. Died in, only to be summoned back once before; it wouldn't surprise her to be spirited back to the world with two moons once more, somehow brought back from the dead. Back to where she felt like she belonged, even if her memories of that place were still foggy. Death did that—it addled the mind, and made it difficult (dangerous) to remember even the most base things about oneself.

But it's important not to think about that kind of thing, to not let her thoughts linger there. Even if it doesn't seem to pose the same dangers here (...it didn't, right?), looking back and losing sight of her path was unacceptable. This is where it led.

All she could do was smile. Shine bright as the sun. Be that light in the darkness that was both so easy yet so difficult to be. When everything she knew was taken away from her, when she truly felt lost, that was the one thing she could turn to.

That painted, porcelain smile.

The one that she happens to flash at the first passerby she sees, coming to a stop and putting her black-gloved hands behind her back. Grinning almost radiantly, she tilts her head slightly, long hair spilling over her shoulders; flaxen gold, and in complete contrast to the crimson and white uniform coat she wears. ]

Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find the Observatory? I'm a bit lost.

♕ D. D IS FOR INEBRIATED. WAIT.

[ It's hard not to get caught up in the mood, even if she isn't entirely sure what the occasion is. The weather here is artificial, right? That's how this works, isn't it? She honestly isn't quite sure, but regardless, it's warm, she's more than dressed for the occasion, so she is going to enjoy herself.

After all, when in not!Rome, do as the not!Romans do! Well, for the most part at least. Bar brawls? Not exactly her thing.

Oohing and aahing at fireworks, however? That's definitely more her speed, and as night finally falls, the slight blond can be found beach side, practically glowing.

Or wait, no, is she actually glowing? Yes, that would appear to be the case, as she cradles a likewise glowing, very strong-smelling drink. Oh, well, there's your reason right there. Whoops. ]

This is the best!

[ Loud and speech slightly slurred? Oh. Oh yeah.

Ain't no party like a Blood nation party? She's going to be feeling this in the morning. Live fast, die young? ]

♕ F. PAPA-PAPARAZZI.

[ Once upon a time, Lux was a hero, with everything that that entailed. Winning against impossible odds? Check. Fighting for what was deemed to be right? Check and check.

Getting mobbed by random starry-eyed citizens with a thirst for the celebrity life and no respect for personal space or privacy? Unfortunately, yes.

And even here on the White Moon, it's just as awkward. Even if she's managed to get away from the acknowledgement bordering on fanatic idle worship, she doesn't actually expect to get surrounded at the first opportunity.

And she had been doing her best of being discrete too!

(It's the uniform, isn't it? It's always the uniform, she should know better by now!)

For the time being, it seems rather benign—just a gaggle of locals making an absolute scene on her behalf, as she very awkwardly tries to answer questions, but also tries to edge away slowly. It isn't that she's bad at this sort of thing (she's not, really), but after one too many run-ins with over-excited, touchy-feely fans, Lux has learned it's best to exercise caution.

...But at the same time, she has a hard time saying no. Even as she stands there, back almost up against an actual wall, her palms held out toward her new fans, she musters a very pained smile.

Please no, she didn't ask for this life. ]

I'm really not all that interesting—ah, could you... could you please—

[ s t o p .

Oh. Oh wait, is she actually getting lifted up? LOOK SHE KNOWS SHE IS SHORT, BUT THIS IS A BIT MUCH WOULDN'T YOU SAY. There is about to be a kidnapping here and she 200% does not want to be a part of it! Help? Please?? ]

"Your machine is male," Stone surmises from that. "And named Hermes." He looks from the motorrad to Kino and back again, then decides to just go with it. This isn't the Three Worlds. Maybe machines are different in other worlds.

He shakes his head, and adds, "I'm Stone." Yes, like a rock. Given how gray all over he is, these days, it at least fits.

Stone.

[Yes, like the rock. And given how gray all over he is, it even rather fits.]

You live here? Grow up here?

[He's had some conversations with natives, but not all that many. He hasn't been here long yet.]

[There's a threatening rumble from the edge of the crowd, and people part as a tall, rangy old man with gray skin and gray hair stalks through them, sometimes yanking viciously at an arm when someone doesn't get out of his way fast enough. One of those poor "fans" goes sprawling. When he reaches the ones who have hands on Lux, it's obvious that the rumbling is a growl, and it's-- somehow-- coming from him. It stops long enough for him to say, voice deep and rough:]

Put. Her. Down.

[At the very least, he's got a commanding presence. It might be enough. If it isn't, he has other tricks he can try.]

Denying an eager audience...

[ This isn't the person who stepped in front of you.

No, this is a person reclining against a wall a ways away, arms crossed, smirking to beat the band. ] Behavior unsuitable of a celebrity.

[ She has a small cluster of people staring at her, too, except they're not clamoring around and more "whispering to each other behind their hands" and "giggling like crazy" and "daring each other to get too close" and, in one case who's being treated by their friends, "fainted dead away".

A Shikyoin Hibiki freed from the Near Shore's blind spots is a Shikyoin Hibiki to be feared, indeed. ]

Well. Maybe not by the strictest medical definition, but it's not that Kino would have any particular knowledge on that. Medicine in their home country was kind of fucked up, to put it very simply. It was one of the greatest reasons they were a traveler now.

"Yes." That was the simple answer. Thankfully, Hermes decided not to interject with any more rude comments. Kino understood his frustration—he'd never really had his existence doubted so much before—but they did wish he could be a little more selective.

As Kino is still balancing Hermes personally, they take a moment to set down his kickstand so he could stand on his own.

"It's nice to meet you, Stone." The kid had a very even, measured tone, standing still with good posture. They had, at some point, for some reason, either been taught or learned alone how to err on the side of politeness.

"Yeah, same for me." On the other hand, Hermes' tone was a little more spontaneous, as one would expect more from a child.

Kino pauses before continuing, "I assume that you have also recently arrived to this place?"

"Is it really?" Stone wonders, sliding another glance at the motorrad, but there's something in his expression that is more amused than wary, this time. He doesn't sound polite, exactly, but he does sound friendly enough.

Then he shifts his gaze back to Kino. "It's been a week or so, but that's still recent. How long for you?" He pauses, then adds, "For you two?" He can only assume they arrived together, since Kino didn't protest the machine being "his" and he's sure the locals don't have anything quite like it, not even the ones over in Light when he flew over.

It's not as if I'm--

[Lavi stops when he fully recognizes the voice, almost stumbling over his own feet in his haste to stop.

Startled, he looks over at where Hibiki is sitting, staring at her almost as if he just saw a ghost. He takes a step closer before hesitating, unsure as to how to properly approach her given the fact that yes, there are people who can easily look like the ones he's met before so--]

...Hibiki?

[So that's how they were acquainted with in the past.

It's a chapter in the book of memories Lavi has forgotten or has closed permanently. However, the way the man described how their first initial meeting went where Lavi didn't like Sion and--

(He's not sure if he even likes him now.)

But then: "You saved my life, on that day, and you were injured because of it."

It makes Lavi bite his tongue, uncertain because even now, there are - were - people he would have been willing to lay down his life for if it meant saving them. However, this man, this person who claims to knew him once upon a time and owed him a great enough debt to always consider him a comrade while at the same time, understanding of the wariness of giving out his trust.

(A Bookman is a Bookman, after all.)]

Why do you think that even by knowing that, we'd be able to become comrades here?

[Is it a harsh question? It could be, but Lavi needs to know how far Sion would be willing to go in order gain his trust. There was a chapter in their relationship that should have been closed, but then again: isn't it like when he and Allen met again?

When Sion reaches out to him, palm upturned and open, the redhead stares at it with some hesitation. He can't be sure to accept that sign of possibly acceptance, of camaraderie that threatens to break past the initial barriers that covers Lavi's heart.]

....Somewhere, but not with stories of a past I can't remember.

[Okay, the vehicle really did talk.

Lavi was sure he's seen a lot of things already, especially given the fact that in the Far Shore, there were already a whole lot of weird things going on.

At the same time, the redhead crosses his arms, looking a bit unimpressed at the motorcycle.]

To be fair, no one really expects a motorcycle to be talking.

It's fitting.

[But in a way, he supposes that it seems rather...suitable for his new acquaintance.

At the same time, he's still trying to adjust to the place as well, so he shakes his head.]

No, found myself here.

[ Unusual. Recognition of her face doesn't usually yield a reaction quite like that. Hibiki's gaze sharpens. ]

...Correct.

[ Hibiki would have no trouble believing she were famous here already, were it true. She is, however, not quite so divorced from reality as to think it likely.

She never forgets a fan, so she makes a dismissive gesture and takes her best guess at an alternative. ] If our paths crossed at the gala thrown by the queen of the Paltic states, I won't remember you. More pressing matters met with my attention.

[Still the same Hibiki, but not his Hibiki.

He honestly feels a little more conflicted about this than he should be.

However, his expression immediately changes at her words.]

Don't tell me you were putting on a show or something during that time.

...It's of no import.

[ Someone gave Falulu wine back in PriParis, because Prance. Fuwari handled it, it wasn't the sort of thing that required Hibiki's presence, but for some reason she'd been antsy the whole stupid party.

This friendship business is terribly distracting sometimes. ]

[Stone makes a mildly annoyed noise.]

Same here. Not that I expect you're surprised by that.

[There aren't any other shapeshifters here that he's found, and he's certainly been looking.]

Someone has to know more than they're telling about it.

I thought it would be.

[Given who Hibiki is.

But Lavi spares a glance at her "fans".]

Are you a celebrity here, too.

Not really.

[It does seem like there's been a plethora of people coming in lately, really.

He frowns a bit.]

Managed to have any luck in that area?

Anyone from another land is, it seems.

[ She grins and, glancing over at said fans, gives them a wave. The girl who'd just gotten up topples over onto the person behind her again. ] Though I'll earn a place in their hearts on my own merit soon enough.

[ "Stranger-sama!" "Oh, stranger-sama, smile for us again!" "Is everyone beautiful in the other world?" "Take me back with you!"

She rests her case. ] And you?

[ Who the heck are you, and why were you summoned? Hibiki is used to having one up on people, knowledge-wise. The reverse is somewhat unsettling. ]

Which makes you just one of the others in the meantime.

[...He really doesn't doubt that Hibiki would be able to find a way to make herself a celebrity here.

Lavi's expression closes off a bit.]

Just a weary traveler. [Unless you want his name.]

Hmm. [ Really, there's no need to press him further. She can determine his relative worth at her leisure, should he even prove to be of any importance.

But he's being cagey, and that makes Hibiki want to be ~~a jerk~~ persistent. ] Weary travelers and the like still typically merit their own names.

[ She's so clever. ]

...It's Lavi.

[A bit of a look just to see if that name warrants any sort of reaction.]

Lavi?

[ The only reaction is confusion. She has a feeling she would remember a tall red-haired person with an eyepatch named Lavi, should their paths have crossed directly.

And he's....expecting something of her? What?

She's gonna decide this is unimportant in like two seconds but right now, have a perplexed Prince. ]

You—

[ How had he missed it? The mystified expression which the younger man had worn, that far-off look which clouded grey eyes (...as though rising from some dream, some reverie...), it hadn't at all been attributed to the wonder (and the disquiet) borne of being displaced, but rather--... Because of the Director himself. Because of Sion Astal and his own inability to see that which manifest before him in a sound (choked with emotion), an exclamation ("you haven't changed at all!"), and a countenance so afflicted with heartache and joy that--...

It is difficult to gaze upon the new arrival without so too being moved.

But that does not mean the Director will shy away (no, he has never been one to do such a thing, not when war between the moons loomed upon the Company's doorstep, and certainly not when he had been a King, surrendering himself to the light of the void and emerging unburnt and unblinded), but rather the opposite: he moves to embrace the newcomer, a hand rising to cup the side of the younger man's face, willowed fingers delicately fitting to a jaw which is rounded, yet, with youthfulness and not set hard with age.

And as always, Sion emanates only an aura of calm, somehow serene when he asks: ]

You knew me, when I wore a crown?

[ That life, which seemed more prevalent, more real and profound, than the existence which he had lead in the Quad--... Someone else knew of it? Knew of him? ]

When I feared the monster I would become, and abandoned my closest, dearest friends in the hope of shielding them from path I was destined to walk alone--...

[ Ferris had had tears in her eyes, when he had walked away from her. Never, had he thought he would see the day when she shed tears because of him.

Ryner, how betrayed he'd been. Declaring that he would save him, save the Sion who he'd known since boyhood, when they'd been enlisted in the military, naive, yet, to the ways of the world and of war. ]

Did you know me, then? [ Golden eyes glowing all the more brightly, Sion searches the other man's face, hoping to find something. Anything. The barest trace of a memory which might unlock more of the life which he'd yet to recall fully.

(And all of the lives intwined with it.) ] And if you did...

[ Shaking his head, Sion's smile becomes something pained; something which flickers beneath the weight of guilt and of loss so profound that—

—instead of shedding tears himself, he can only think to tease. To laugh: ]

How is it possible that you can call me 'Hero King' while wearing such an unfair expression?

Edited 2017-08-19 02:28 (UTC)

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AUGUST TDM.

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Lux Crownguard | League of Legends | CRAU

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F.

E, also she's not crau, have fun with that

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