memesinthenight | TEST DRIVE MEME #4

Entry tags:

!tdm

TEST DRIVE MEME #4

Hello and welcome to the In the Night test drive meme for September! Thanks for your interest in our game! Reserves open on September 20, and applications open on September 22.

While you're here...
Take a look at our rules and faq pages to familiarize yourself with the game.
Note that we have a reserve cap of 20, and a (current) application cap of 13 apps this month for new players, as the game has a player cap of 60. An accurate count of current players will always be available on the taken page.
TDM threads can become game canon if both players wish. If the situation isn't something that could happen in-game, you're free to chalk it up to some strange hallucination, a shared dream, or other mysterious circumstance.
Note that this is not limited to new characters threading with characters already in-game. If current players wish to thread out the TDM prompts as canon events, they are welcome to do so. They are welcome to make posts in the main comms for TDM events as well. Please note, however, that actual plot clues or happenings will not occur in TDM prompts.
If you plan to apply, please keep in mind that we do require at least one sample thread on the application to be from our TDM (though it doesn't need to be the current TDM).
You're welcome to use the provided prompts or come up with something on your own, but we do ask that all threads take place in our game's setting.

Thank you again, and we hope you'll choose to join us!

log prompts

GATHER YE ROSEBUDS WHILE YE MAY

With a cloud of mourning having weighed heavy on Beacon over the last month, the Lighthouse Keeper has decided to try and rally the community with a game: a selfie scavenger hunt! With the promise of (secret) prizes for those who play along, she's provided a list of 25 different items to track down and take a picture with. And, of course, all submissions will be public for others to view and comment upon. A town forum, Instagram-style. How fun! Feel like teaming up? Finding a companion to go searching with could make the task go by faster, as there's nothing saying that you can't both submit the same pictures so long as you take them together. And what's a proper game without company?

This prompt is a mini version of this month's Gather Up event.

IT'S RAININ' SIDEWAYS

Overall, the weather has been mild lately. Since Autumn hit, the standard has been overcast darkness blotting the stars and little wind. The rumble of thunder sounds just before the downpour begins, as if a switch has been flipped up in the clouds. If you're in the Invincible, the houses in the village, or any of the other solid establishments, it isn't anything to worry about, really. Mostly, it just means hunkering down until the storm passes. However...it seems that someone opted to build themselves a structure in the square that's proven not to be able to withstand these harsher elements. Whether you're the unfortunate sap in the tent or you're merely a bystander, one way or another, you notice its roof cave in, the beams placed to support it buckling inward and trapping the inhabitant inside. It's not enough to crush someone, but it'll surely be difficult to gather oneself as the wind and the rain bears down without mercy. Call for help and maybe someone will hear you, or be the good Samaritan that runs to their aid.

network prompts

I CAN'T *PBBT* UNDERSTAND *PBBT* YOUR ACCENT

Something's wrong. The things that you type and the things that you speak are transforming themselves upon being posted to the network. Or maybe that's not quite accurate, because everything in your posts are certainly your own words...it's just that indiscernible static has descended upon the page and crept into your audio, blocking out pieces of your statements--just enough to change the overall meaning of what you were originally saying. Efforts to clarify don't seem to be improving the situation, and it's hard to say if there's any way of fixing this. Maybe it's a comfort that the problem isn't isolated on your end; after all, that effectively takes the issue out of your hands to solve. Or maybe it's just the opposite. Maybe knowing that the network is experiencing widespread failures, however mild, fills you with a sense of dread and unease. One thing's clear, at least: you'll need a bit of luck to get your point across for the time being.

THE TITLE EQUIVALENT FOR WHEN YOUR GRANDMA COMMENTS ON YOUR UNRELATED FB STATUS AS IF SHE'S WRITING YOU A PERSONAL LETTER

Sometime in the recent past you had a problem. Maybe it was a dire emergency advertised to the community at large, maybe you became overwhelmed with stress and needed the ear of a close friend, or maybe it was just something embarrassing you were sharing in confidence. Unfortunately, regardless of what the message was, it looks like it disappeared the moment you hit send, as if it had been eaten by the network itself. It's been long enough now that you've brushed it off; you've been able to solve your problem one way or another and moved on. That's when it appears, unprompted, on the network for all to see, regardless of how private it was meant to be. Well, now you might have a bit of explaining to do.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ She knows from whence he came; she can't imagine that feels very good either. It's what makes her step forward, reaching out to place her hands on his cheeks. She stands on her tip toes and presses her forehead against his. ]

Blessed stars of life and light... [ Her magic isn't quite the same here, but it's still healing magic none the less. There's a soft, white glow and a soothing sensation to follow. She doesn't know how much good that will do, but it won't hurt, and may be able to take care of at least some of his injuries.

When the light fades, she allows the poor man his freedom, clasping her hands in front of herself. ]

I've been here for a few months. I'm sorry that you have to be here now, too. They call this place 'Beacon'... the sun never rises here, and there are a lot of things that I still do not understand. It is good to see you again... though I am so very sorry that we had to meet again here of all places, dear Nyx.

[ There's a step he takes back when she comes in close to him. Not out of fear or even apprehension. Simply more a kneejerk reaction to one coming in so close to his personal space... and perhaps a touch of confusion as well. ]

What are you-

[ But then he feels that soothing glow caress his skin and his eyes widen just enough to clue in to what she's doing, hand gently touching at her elbow. It's not enough to completely heal him of his injuries nor does it fix his tattered clothes to as they once were. But it's enough to fade the scars some, to bring a form of colour back to his skin and arm and gently wipe away the ash.

When she pulls away, his fingers slip from her and he looks himself over some before he softly smiles just enough for it to almost be invisible. ]

Thought you weren't one for magic.

[ He'd been about to give his thanks when she continues to explain this place and he comes to look to her more solemnly than he did before. ]

I get why I'm here. [ He willingly traded in his life for the future's. ] But... you...

[ Sorry, Nyx. She can't help herself; she's felt useless these last few months and being able to help a friend and comrade from home? Yeah, she's can't be stopped.

She doesn't bother to explain because she won't need to; and sure enough he seems to understand what she's going for here. She wishes her magic were at full power, but alas... this will have to do for now. ]

Only for a certain kind, really.

[ His smile is returned in turn, but the conversation becomes far more solemn and for good reason. It's time to come clean about her fate. ]

I am here because that was my destiny. To forge covenants for the king, it requires a sacrifice. Specifically, the life of the Oracle. By the time I got to Altissia, my time on our star was very limited... Ardyn Izunia took it upon himself to finish me off before the covenants could.

[ And this is where the world seems to slow around him. ]

Wanna run that by me again?

[ But she doesn't need to because he heard her loud and clear.

A sacrifice. These Kings of old sure have a hardon for getting that out of people, don't they? First him with giving up his life for their power and the future's life and now Luna, her life in exchange for Noctis' survival.

He looks away, jaw growing tight and he gives a slight shake of his head while a hand curls tightly into a fist and he looks back to her. ]

Did King Regis know this? [ A beat. ] Did his son? That why I was supposed to take you to Altissia?

[ Was he supposed to lead her to her death? ]

[ She's not surprised that he's upset. She would be, too, if the roles were reversed. She reaches to place a hand on his arm, to offer some little bit of comfort as his distress only seems to grow. ]

I don't know what King Regis knew. [ She knows that he knew. That he didn't want that for her, or for Noctis. Had said so himself. But she's not going to add fuel to this particular fire. ]

Noctis did not know. The only people who knew were myself and my brother... and Ardyn Izunia.

[ That much is truth. And Ardyn knowing didn't surprise Luna, considering he is, after all, the Adagium. ]

That was the reason... with each covenant, my body began growing weaker and weaker. When I summoned the Hydraen from the sea, I did not have the strength to fight the Chancellor when he approached and stabbed me.

[ Is there anyone who's not screwed by this ring and these Kings? He's beginning to wonder. But the touch to his arm softens his thoughts of irritation some as he looks to her while she explains. Would this have been something good to know beforehand? He can't really say since it's not as though he and Luna had known each other for very long before his demise and really, all he was to her was a Glaive of the King sent to be a sort of bodyguard for her. Don't think or ask questions, right? Not that there had been much time to. ]

You still on that brave princess crap, aren't you?

[ It's meant to gently tease but amusement lacks in his tone. Instead, he sighs, looking away with another shake of his head while teeth drag over his lower lip. ]

What happened to Libertus? Did he...

[ Was he killed by the Chancellor as well? ]

[ Not really. The ring and the Gods have touched everyone on some level. His words have her sighing; of course he'd say that. Brave princess crap... it's so very Nyx. But she opts to ignore that for right now, instead opting to gently squeeze his arm and focus on that next part. ]

Libertus did not accompany me. I left him on the outskirts of Insomnia and went on my own. The last I saw of him, he was fine.

[ Somehow. Somehow he can't even say he's surprised with what she says. This is the very same woman he's jumped out of a ship after when she decided to try and see if she could fly. Who also tried to drive said ship and gave him shit about not wanting to take her back into the chaos. Which, for the record, she totally made him do anyway.

So she shouldn't be surprised by the look he gives her then. ]

You do know the point of him going with you was to get you to Altissia on my behalf, right?

[ Why is she so stubborn about things? ]

[ The look that he gives her serves only to amuse her, and it shows on her face and in the way she can't stop the corners of her lips from tugging upwards. They may not have known each other very well, but they did have a bond. Because they are so similar despite their very different circumstances that it's not even funny. And she would have given anything to have Nyx accompany her to Altissia, because despite the short time they'd had together, he is someone special to her. He is a friend and an ally. ]

I am very much aware, yes. But I did not see any point in allowing the poor man to get further injured... besides. It was my problem to deal with. Enough people died and lost loved ones... I did not want to add to that.

[ She's going to give him an aneurysm one day and she wasn't even supposed to. He's supposed to be dead, played the Big Damn Hero role and she marry the prince, become queen alongside Noctis as king and live happily ever after. Or something. That's usually how those stories go at least. But she's here and she's smiling at him when she knows he's a little annoyed with her decisions made but, rather than berate her for what she felt was best to do, he just... sighs. ]

Has anyone ever told you how damn stubborn you can be at times?

[ Yet even as he asks, it's not from a place of malice or with any intent to scold her. Rather, it's an I give up sort of tone. ]

[ That smile? Is getting bigger at every second because for some reason right now his irritation is just too much. Perhaps it's two months spent in darkness, perhaps it's other things that have recently come to light. But the words he speaks and the tone he uses?

It makes her laugh. ]

Yes, and that person happens to be you. Come along then, dear Nyx.

[ That's it, that's all he gets as she very carefully loops her arm through one of his, and very gently begins to tug him from the dock. ]

You and I are not the only ones from home here, I am sad to say. King Noctis is here as well, as is his dear advisor, Ignis Scientia.

[ Yeah yeah, just going to let her drag him along even if he's still sighing because brave princess crap. But what she says next nearly has him stop in his tracks because... it's bad enough that she's here, but Noctis is as well? That... is not what was supposed to happen. Shit. So many things were not supposed to happen and it has Nyx look to her with something in his eyes, something that might be akin to disbelief before he looks down ahead of them.

Just... shit. ]

The Prince- the King is here?

[ Poor Nyx, he'd better get used to this sort of thing. Especially so since Noctis is here as well, he's going to have his hands full with the two of them together. But at least he'll have Ignis to help keep them in check... mostly. Probably. ]

Yes, unfortunately... he, too fell in Altissia, as did Ignis. I did manage to get the Ring to him, but it was too late. I died, and he died moments later.

[ That's a pretty big PROBABLY there. Though, to be fair, it's not exactly like he knows how difficult Noctis himself can be. Boy is he in for a real treat. ]

You say that so nonchalantly.

[ Kind of disturbing a little? But, she's been here for a bit now, hasn't she? Of course she would have adjusted to and accepted what had happened. ]

Guess you never really did fear death, huh?

I don't mean it to be that way... I never wanted Noctis to end up here, or Ignis. Or you. None of you deserve this.

[ It's true, she's been here a while and the only way forward is to accept what cannot be changed, after all. ]

One cannot fear death when they know it is inevitable. I knew what my fate was to be from the time I was a little girl... the only thing I have a problem with is leaving my brother alone. And the fact that I failed in protecting Noctis.

What and you do?

[ He comes to stop then and turns to look to her. ]

We've both failed people we love. Doesn't mean we deserve getting the short end of the stick here. Especially you.

It was written in the stars before my birth.

[ She looks down for a few moments, before looking back up at him, shaking her head. ]

While that is true, I am one hundred percent deserving of this. But you are not, you are innocent. Noctis and Igis are innocent. It isn't fair.

You are not pulling this brave princess crap on me again, are you?

[ Seriously, Luna? Seriously? ]

Look, I get it. You've got a duty to fulfill and you're damn proud of it. I get it, your Highness. But that doesn't mean you deserve the hand you were dealt. None of us deserve it. So quit acting like you didn't deserve better, cause that's a damn lie.

It isn't brave princess anything, it is merely the truth.

[ Duh. She doesn't even really consider herself a brave person, especially after her little mental breakdown in Altissia before the rite. After the conversation she'd had with Noctis here, she ran away and worried her housemates instead of accepting it and moving on. ]

You need not be so formal with me, Nyx. Just Luna is fine. But you are right... no one deserved it. Forgive me.

[ Well you'll just have to excuse him, you Highness, but old habits are a little hard to break sometimes. Not to mention he's still a Glaive... supposedly. He'll have to determine that at a later point in time. Right now, he looks to her with a sigh. ]

We're here now anyway, right? So what do we do? Live out our lives here in this afterlife?

[ No excuses, Mr. Big-Damn-Hero. She gently begins to tug him along again, past the bonfire and over the bridge that leads into the little village. ]

Yes... that's exactly it. We live, we survive. Ah... the one over there. That is where the three of us stay. Well, four of us now.

[ Because you're not going anywhere, Nyx. Also, the one she's pointing at... has a ridiculous looking large bounce house in front of it. Take it all in, hero. ]

Survive?

[ Yeah, you can bet your ass he picked up on that little choice word there, Luna. Don't think he's gonna let you just gloss on over that. ]

Yes. Even though we are technically dead, we can still die. Somehow.

[ She leads him past the stupid bounce house and up the path, into the cabin. It's small and cozy, for the most part. And it shows that it's very much lived in by the three of them. ]

I've no idea how that is possible... but it is, apparently.

[ The bouncy castle might get a look out of the corner of his eye but just... he'll ask later. So much later. The fact that they're dead yet can die again somehow is what has his attention for the moment. ]

Are you serious?

[ He knows she is. ]

So then what? We end up some place else?

[ Closing the door behind them, she leads him to the small sofa in their living space and gently urges him to sit, taking a seat next to him. ]

I am very serious. But to answer your next question... I don't know. None of us know.

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