spacedragons | AUGUST TDM.

Entry tags:

!tdm

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 | Flat

B.

The tall, raw-boned old man-- well, grayed out man; his face is weathered but not lined, and his skin is as gray as his hair-- pauses at the sight out of the corner of his one good eye, and glowers, shoulders tensing in a way that isn't particularly human. The way his tongue flicks out to taste the scents on the air, not quite the right shape and color for a human tongue, isn't very human, either. There's even a strange rumbling coming from him, that doesn't sound like it should be able to come from someone his size and shape-- he's growling. Stone hasn't had great experiences with visions or people who might or might not be there.

"If there's someone there, they had best come out," he says after a moment.

D.

Though he isn't trying the wine-- it smells funny, and he doesn't quite trust this place yet-- Stone is sampling just about everything else. He's always loved groundling food, and he doesn't suspect everyone of trying to poison him. So he's wandering the various vendors, coming away from each one with a handful of their wares to try.

And eventually he'll even head out into the water, though once he's out deep enough, people will stop running into a mostly-clothed old man and into a creature about the size of your largest draft horse with black scales, spines along its neck, and bright blue eyes-- one of which is clouded as if it's blind. It's oddly hard to make out the details, and it might frighten a few people-- but as soon as someone screams, there's something like black mist for a moment where the creature just was, and there's the old man again.

"Sorry," he says.

F.

Stone takes a dragon on his trek out of the city, mostly at the insistence of his faction, but he doesn't ride it. What he wants here is to fly, and he'll do that with or without a companion. Still, flying with said companion is nice enough, and anyone else outside the city's walls will find the big, black winged beast circling alongside the local dragon, perhaps playing a bit of chase, stoop, and dive with it.

[B]

[So this is what the sun-crystal looks like.

Lavi still isn’t sure how he’s managed to arrive in this place, especially when he’s still trying to get used the very idea that shinki doesn’t exactly seem like a common thing around this area. It makes him feel on edge, unsure of how to properly proceed.

Looking at the sun-crystal is dazzling, almost enough to blind him when he catches sight of a reflection.

Startled, he turns to look at the person, only to be left even more confused when he sees no one. He runs a hand over his face.]

Fuck.

[C]

[It’s dragons.

Dragons.

Lavi can immediately be found with one of the younger dragons. The dragon has taken kindly to Lavi, nipping at his hair to get him to play. The redhead seems amused, reaching up to gently rub its snout in an almost affectionate way.

He doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to really ride one, so he’s just enjoying giving the dragons a lot of attention.]

[E]

[Why are there people around him?

Lavi feels the strongest temptation to run, possibly to avoid being questioned by other people. He never should have let it slip that he’s dead and serves a god.

Though, the idea of gods seem to be something completely different here than the Far Shore. He frowns a bit as he manages to slip away, only to feel himself jerk a bit in surprise when one steps in front of him.]

Sorry, but I gotta run. Can’t stay.

[Help.]

-B-

[ It's hard to say if it's awe or slight numbness to the situation to blame for why Allen slows when finally he steps out and is briefly blinded by the reflected light. So bright and so white—it's almost familiar... but has Allen pressing his lips together a little at that. Standing a bit straighter as he shields his eyes for a moment and lets them adjust.

This is a moon..? ]

... [ It's a little much. And anyone taking notice of the strange white-haired boy (longer now; tied back in a ponytail) with an even stranger scar on his face, dressed so trimly in a white and black uniform reinforced with what appear to be luminous dragon scales.

Not the strangeness of any one thing in this place. To which he will only take a breath and tip his head back. To will the tightness in his throat to relax and the heartbeat in his ears—the heartbeat he hadn't heard in several months—to quiet. Not here. First, keep going. Just, even in not wanting to linger or cause anyone to worry over a stranger acting weirdly...

...where?

But he's gently headbutted by the rotund golden golem that has been flying as if on a gentle tether over his shoulder the entire time. It smushes itself against his cheek in a fussy manner, making snapping sounds with its teeth. (Teeth??) ]

Aaa. [ With a weak, quiet sort of laugh he scratches his cheek for a moment before lightly patting the creature. ]

It's a little weird, Tim... [ Here we are again, somewhere strange. Somewhere really strange. But it's okay. We'll be okay. Even if it doesn't feel okay.

(Even if it doesn't feel okay at all.)

We're alive again. ]

—! [ And not alone, as being one ever used to feeling creepy gazes on him and recently unused to being noticed by normal humans whatsoever in his stint as an archangel, Allen turns quickly and blinks for a moment. Except that the person he thought he saw for a moment...

...they're not there? ]

...? [ blinking, his shoulders drop a bit; dumbfounded ]

A spirit? [ ??? Why isn't he still one then... ]

-E-

[ THIS IS TERRIBLE, IT'S ALMOST AS BAD AS THE HERO-WORSHIPPING FANS IN ENPRISE WERE.

Which is to say Allen is handling it with charm and diplomacy.

Which is also to say that he just kind of looks like he might bolt, too. Waving his gloved hands a bit to urge the growingly enthusiastic crowd to please desist. ]

Eeh? Pen-ta-gram? [ some excited man in robes begins to explain with gusto. to think he would be so bold as to carve it on his face!! ] No it's not quite like that..

[ A woman who's made her way up front—actually there seem to be several younger women who have gathered—fawns for a moment and he looks quite taken aback. ]

It's not that pale, is it...? Dashing? [ oh.

...

this is horrible, he needs a hood again ]

-F-

[ Let's preface this with Allen was never even terribly comfortable around horses. In Enprise? Traveling? He could get along with Lux's griffin just fine. Some of the weirder animals he'd be quite cheerful and at-home around like there was absolutely nothing strange about it. Yes, even the giant spiders.

But he was more than fine with never riding any of them. He was more at home on trains, thank you.

Maybe it's also that he had to reluctantly kill a dragon to put its spirit to rest and is sort of wearing a coat reinforced with dragon armor and scales. I mean... he wouldn't blame them if they somehow knew, right? They'd have every right to be mad with him!! Which is probably why he probably tried to awkwardly laugh it off that maybe they shouldn't fly. That'd be fine right? He's okay with walking!!

No? ~~Crap.~~

So hail, friend. Or—whoever you are that got stuck with him for this excursion. As Allen is sporting the most lopsided sort of nervous smile as he seems to debate patting the scaled muzzle of the elder dragon like one might a horse, but... decides against it. ]

The place we're going then—is it far?

[ He isn't going to try to squirm out of it again, but.. So about this time he got thrown into a lion's cage as a kid.... he's kind of getting flashbacks.... ]

Edited 2017-08-17 04:02 (UTC)

♕ 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?? ]

[ A ]

You there.

[ Yes, you. You are the lucky individual selected, out of this whole bustling market, to be approached by Shikyoin Hibiki! She'd been hoping for an official or someone who looked a little more like they knew what they were doing, but such conveniences appear in short supply.

Which bodes ill, but she's trying not to focus on that. ]

Direct me to the nearest employment agency, please. My household is insufficiently staffed.

[ D ]

[ By the time you encounter Hibiki at this refreshments booth, it's too late. She's in a corner, holding her head and wincing. A half-finished cup of...something...is held between shaking fingers in her free hand. ]

Noisy...

[ That it is. Somebody lets off a bunch of handheld fireworks. Hibiki winces, growing blue around the temples. She looks like she's going to be sick. ]

[ E ]

[ The crowd that Hibiki's attracting seems to skew towards a certain giggly, giddy demographic. And why shouldn't it? She's passing out purple flowers, tucking them behind people's ears, smiling at them and waving to others. ]

Commemoration. [ She smooths out the latest recipient's hair to make room for the stem behind her ear. ] Emblazon on your memory the day you witnessed the dawning sunbeams of revolution.

[ "Who is he...?" someone whispers. "They say he was a Prince in another world!" somebody else replies. "We'd be doing so much better with a Prince like that in charge!" a third party agrees.

Hibiki just soaks this all in. Here. You get a flower, too. ] Just for you.

[ The air is now raining purple flower petals everywhere she walks. Prince or not, somebody's got quite the special effects repertoire. ]

[ G - Light Faction ]

Regular hours?!

[ Hibiki is gaping in disbelief on the steps of a technology research facility. Frowning down at her is a supervisor - the same supervisor who'd appealed to her skill with computers, claiming they'd needed one of her genius to help them improve their world. ]

Absurd! I'm doing you all a favor! You'll permit me entrance and egress as I wish.

[ She does not appear to be making much headway. In fact, there are some police heading down the street, wondering what all this fuss is about... ]

C. SPACE DRAGONS.

Well, chalk this up to an experience that she will surely remember for the rest of her life. Home does not bring many opportunities to meet dragons, though she understands that dragons from space must surely be different. Upon approach - she normally would feel confident in any Ice dealings considering the sort of person she is - Elsa feels her stomach suddenly... drop.

Perhaps they can sense how skittish she feels right now, suddenly a bundle of nerves with frost forming on her fingertips. Elsa clenches her navy blue skirts and presses forward, surprised to find one of the younger dragons nudging a leather ball towards her.

She purses her lips to the side and picks it up. "A game?" The dragon lifts her beautiful head and takes flight just a few feet off the ground. A game it is.

D. BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL.

She remembers the last time she made a fool of herself after drinking a mysterious concoction and is determined not to do the same here, so careful with her drink intake. Especially in a new place that puts her on edge.

It would be wise not to be so trusting but. Well, quenching thirst and feeding hunger are both important things.

There is a goblet of wine now in her hand but Elsa does not take a sip just yet, breathing in the scent first. It smells strong already.

D. PICKY EATING.

It's difficult being a picky eater and not being entirely sure of the food placed in front of you. Space is instantly a new experience and as much as he would like to complain, he also doesn't want to offend the people on the ship... moon thing. Yet. They had at least given him a choice in faction. Spring seemed cool, better fitting than Ice or Blood.

He knows better not to take it easy, to try to find a way home because there are people waiting for him there. There's a whole goddamn kingdom waiting for him there.

But he's also hungry, damn it. And staring at a bowl handed to him with a frown forming on his lips, a wrinkle in his brow.

"Are those beans?"

C. I WANT TO RIDE MY SPACE DRAGON ALL DAY.

Chocobos, he knows. He likes them, not as much as Prompto likes them but anyway.

Dragons aren't so out of the blue for him, not when he's had to go head to head with a menagerie of beasts and daemons, but there's something so mystical about these creatures that has him in awe, big eyes even wider as he takes a seat on the ground, holding a gloved hand out.

The dragon approaches and nudges his hand. Softly, he laughs.

A

[Fennel and worn jeans, dark hair and stubble-this does not seem to be the typical fare of the factions, of the many nations.

And yet, that is who he is. A man-a wolf of a man rather-who wanders through the Free Market. At first glance, he seems to be a tourist, someone who has never been at the markets. But it's full of noise, smells, sounds. Some of which he's familiar with, and others not so much. But it all leads to one simple conclusion:

That of a man, an animal, overstimulated and trapped. Every new sound has his head turning this way and that; his eyes are too wide, his shoulders tense.

Care to help out a mountain of a man get away from the noise?]

C

[He's knows there are dragons in his world, and there are other shape shifters to boot. But...it's one thing knowing, and another thing seeing a dragon in real life.

Especially dragons that can go into space. It's an amazing thing, and Chika is fascinated by the sight. The adults he gives the respect to, and the youngsters he's got energy abound to play with.

But there's at one point that for some reason that Chika has his hands on a dragons muzzle, while it's got its head pressed against him. It's hard to say who started it, but...

It's either some sort of head pushing contest, or they're dozing while standing up. Take your pick.]

E

[It's true that Chika cuts quite the figure. He's six foot six, not pure human, and he could lift a person one handed without relying on supernatural strength. But right now he's obviously uncomfortable and trying to move around so he won't be cornered by his...fans, is it?]

Yeah, er, that's nice, ain't interested.

[Would he be so willing to give up his blood, one excited person asks, and Chika snorts, shaking his head.]

Hell no! What kind of fool do you take me for? You know the kind of nonsense can happen with blood lettin?

[His eyes are on the person asking the question and not...the person who's drawing out the knife. Seems they want a little blood or hair themselves! Uh oh.]

B

What the...

[She had been mostly wandering for the sake of wandering. There was so much to see around here-so much to take in, that she didn't know what to make of it. But seeing that figure briefly, in that sun dazzle...

Sokie shook her head, and made to hail down a passerby.]

Excuse me. Sorry for bothering you but-I think I saw someone. Gray clothing? Looked like a teenager?

D

Fly me to the moon, to see the sun and all the stars...

[Her voice wasn't unpleasant to listen to, it seemed. She might have had a bit of the wine, might have sampled other fares as a matter of course. It might explain the singing, or the shine in her eyes.

Or the dancing. Clumsy as it is, she manages to bump against someone with a grunt, and blinks a little when she realizes she hasn't fallen down. Rather, against someone.]

Oh, hey. You're here.

[She smiles and pats them gently.]

My bad.

F

[She doesn't go out far. Not at first. She knew that this was the way that she had to go-that there was things to explore, more to see, even if she wasn't much of a relic hunter herself.

But riding a dragon-there's a thrill to it, even if she knows time is limited, and she has a job to do. It feels almost natural to be on the dragons back, and she's most reluctant to slide off. It shows on her face, and she sighs, looking up at her companion.]

I won't go far. Don't worry.

[She smiles, and makes a slight hand signal, the one she learned from the roostkeepers. Necromancer she may be, but she didn't have a death wish. Instead, tools in hand, she moved forward to look for items of interest.

Who knew. It could be simply be a couple of interesting ores or crystals.]

Threaded | Flat

Stone | Books of the Raksura

Lavi | D.Gray-Man | CRAU from The Far Shore