thetube | Test Drive Meme: April/May 2016

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Welcome to the Underground test drive meme! This is where you can try out the AU version of your character, start some potential CR and get a feel for the world of the game. Choose your character's species, read up on the available factions and you're ready to go. Put your character's name and canon in your subject line when you post, tag out, and have fun!

Note to current players: Activity in this meme counts as game canon! So you can use it for activity check. If you end up playing anything that you can't or don't want to use as game canon, it's fine to ignore it. (In that case you shouldn't submit it for activity check.)

Here are some prompts to inspire you:

1) GOING UNDERGROUND. For some people, London is an escape. A place to be anonymous. A place to be themselves. Or a place to hide. Steeped in ancient magic, it attracts supernatural types from all over the world. Of course, that doesn't mean its inhabitants are always friendly to newcomers.

2) CHOOSE YOUR LEADERS. The Night Council election campaign is in full swing and on 5th May the supernatural community votes for its leaders. Visit any supernatural haunt and you'll find people arguing about who to vote for – not to mention the volunteers handing out badges and flyers in an effort to win your support. Try to keep it civil, folks.

3) THE PUBLIC WANTS WHAT THE PUBLIC GETS. (29th April) The Night Council candidates gather in a town hall in Westminster to explain why the supernatural community should vote for them. Traditionally a noisy and raucous event, it's your last opportunity to ~~heckle~~ question the candidates before the election. There are four separate Q&As: first up are the candidates for Shapeshifter/Meta Human representative; then candidates for Witch Representative; then Vice President; then finally the candidates for President will take to the stage. They each make a short speech and then take questions from the audience. Or if you want, you could just turn up for a free meal: in the room next door there's a sandwich buffet plus tea, coffee and fruit juice, so it's a good opportunity to mingle.

4) FIRE FESTIVAL. (1st May) The fire festival of Beltane is a time of celebration for witches, marking the beginning of summer. Come along to the bonfire for music, food and drink, flower crowns and fertility rituals.

5) SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. (1st May) Beltane is also a time when the barrier between the human world and the Other Realm is at its thinnest, making it easy to pass from one realm to the other by chance. You might even have an encounter with the mysterious and mischievous fae.

6) WHAT'S DONE CANNOT BE UNDONE. You've gone too far, done something you know you'll regret. Maybe you ran away, broke a promise, even committed a crime. Maybe you've been supernaturally transformed. Either way, there's no going back.

7) WHAT ANGEL WAKES ME FROM MY FLOWERY BED? Oh, sweet mortal. There's an enchantment on you that makes you suddenly, devastatingly attractive. Especially to more magical types.

8) CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE. Anything goes.

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Reines doesn't jump when Guenièvre approaches her, goes through all the falsification of waiting for this fellow fae, pretending that this is absolutely routine. It is, who else could think otherwise?

Her smile is perfectly natural as uses the embrace to try and spot the troublemaker. It's easy enough - the magic surrounding him could be a beacon in the dark. And as she pulls away, Reines whispers back, "Yes, I see him."

The question of how to proceed is one to think through as quickly as possible, and Reines' mind begins to calculate potential escape routes. The best way is to get to the Other Realm as quickly as possible, but that requires a door. A door right here and now would draw too much attention.

"Let's get going then," she says in her normal voice, going so far as to offer the other fae her arm.

“Yes, please!”

A relieved Guenièvre doesn’t have to fake her smile and happily takes hold of the offered arm. She’s infinitely grateful to have encountered another fae, stranger though she may be. Her steps don’t falter, though she does cling a little too tightly to Reines. She can’t explain why this witch scares her so. Something nags at the back of her mind, but she’s not able to focus on it right now.

“I know of a place. He won’t dare follow us inside…I hope.”

Redbright territory is, supposedly, fae-friendly. (Or, at least, not openly hostile.) Of course, some businesses are more friendly than others. There is a small tchotchke shop she has visited in the past. It will provide a safe haven, assuming they can make it there.

For his part, Guenièvre’s pursuer stops short when Reines enters the picture. He’s reconsidering his options, though in no way ready to abandon this chase. Not yet. Not when he is this close. He has waited so long, travelled too far to give up this easily. He could try again another time. Surly, this is not his only chance. The desire to be finally be done with this part of the plan wars with his sense of caution.

Ultimately, he resumes the pursuit, this time remaining further back but no less determined than before.

Reines had hoped to start hauling them both east, where fae can open doors to the Other Realm without any mucking around or worrying about any councils with rules that seem to be more for their peace of mind than accounting for say, situations like this. But the northwest is just as well, and probably much closer.

"I'd consider it likely," she murmurs, low enough so that only Guenièvre can hear. "The minute he figures out the direction we're headed is the minute he has the advantage over us."

How much of London is made of iron to impeed swift travel? Too much, and right now it's nothing short of a problem. What they need right now is the right bit of trickery - something to buy maybe five, ten minutes of travel.

"An illusion would be useful here and now, but I'd bet he could see through it."

On the inside, Guenièvre is kicking herself, repeatedly. A fae cannot lie: She truly was lost on the underground for a good bit of time. Had she been better prepared, she likely would not be here under such duress. But she did not. She got lost, ended up late, and now is being hounded by a strange witch with questionable intentions.

Reines’ words also have her hesitating and wondering if this is the first time she’s been followed or only the first time she’s noticed. Never has he been this close, of that she is certain! But still, it’s possible he may easily deduce their destination by knowing of her previous excursions. And if so…

“Perhaps we should change tactics. You could lead us instead. That might throw him off.” Guenièvre leans in closer to add, “And one of us can try our hand at a distraction as soon as we get somewhere a little more populated.”

Their pursuer might see through an illusion, but it’s doubtful a human bystander would. Perhaps they can gently manipulate someone else into unwittingly aiding in their escape.

"His eyes will more likely be on you, so I'll handle the illusion," is the response, all matter-of-fact. It's a defense mechanism really - make it appear that the situation is under control, even if it isn't. It throws people. "I'll lead too."

With that, Reines' eyes scan the streets again. Good, there's a crowd of tourists dead ahead, and ambling slowly like the recently revived dead. Bumping her shoulder against Guenièvre's, she uses her other to gesture to the crowd.

True, their pursuer’s attention is focused on Guenièvre, first and foremost. However, he is partly keeping an eye on her companion as well. Should she prove to be a major inconvenience, he will want to track her down later to “discuss” her actions. He also recognizes that she may be a prize herself, different from Guenièvre but no less worthy of collection. Whatever the case, he is mentally noting all that he can for later reflection.

Guenièvre is grateful when Reines’ appears to take control of the situation. A lifetime of having to submit to her father’s strict guidance and the mandates of the fae court has primed her to follow more than lead. Moving as directed, she tenses while trying to anticipate Reines’ intended plan of action.

Reines doesn't bother to look back at the problem witch in question. It's a bad thing to say he's been noticed, and it gives him further incentive to hide himself. No, better to push right up ahead into the tourist crowd, her hand gripping Guenièvre's tightly.

A few murmured words. A little bit of magic. And--

--And the tourist crowd multiplies, or at least seems to. And in that multiplied crowd, there are more duos that could be mistaken for Guenièvre and Reines, dispersed at random to make life just that little bit more difficult.

"That should help," Reines murmurs. "But once we break through, we should run, just to make sure we've lost him."

As she quickly disappears into the crowd of real and illusory people, Guenièvre marvels at Reines skill. Thankfully, diving into their midst the instant the illusion went up, allows her to easily maneuver most of the way through before they have a chance to react.

As soon as she’s free of them, Guenièvre gives her companion a quick glance, nodding once before breaking into a run. This area is close to a fae-friendly territory thanks to Reines’ detour. They will not need to make it far before opening a door to Faery becomes a welcome possibility.

Reines’ illusion doesn’t fool the midnight witch for long. He has prepared for this possibility by bringing along a small bottle of fairy ointment, a quick application of which allows him to see the crowd as it truly is.

Unfortunately, while he sees through the ruse, the unsuspecting tourists do not. Some of them react with shock; others begin to panic. No matter the response, the end result is the same: Their pursuer is effectively stymied for the moment by the agitated crowd, which now severely hinders his ability to track his prey.

Reines' head snaps back when she hears the yelling of tourists. That, well, that wasn't as planned, but get a big enough gaggle of tourists to start fussing and the interference of some sort of police officer is bound to happen. At least it better, because that delay is even better than the illusion that Reines managed.

With an understanding on what's going on behind them, Reines turns her attention forward, trying to speed herself along through sheer will. The correct area must be ahead within a couple hundred meters.

"How fast can you make a door?" Reines asks, praying the wind won't carry her words back towards the witch. "Because the minute we're in the right territory--"

She trusts she doesn't have to finish the sentence.

One word is her answer. “Immediately.” The moment she is able, Guenièvre will open a door to the Other Realm like her life depends on it. Which it very well may.

Behind them a member of law enforcement—a police community support officer—has indeed noticed the agitated crowd. As she approaches the large public disturbance, the PCSO’s attention is drawn to the two girls (or women?) who are running away from it and the clearly displeased man who is forcefully pushing people aside as he heads after them.

It would probably be best if the illusion fades before the officer gets close enough to take a long, hard look at the crowd.

With eyes ahead, Reines doesn't have the ability to note that the illusion is being stared at just a little too hard. Her energy is split on sustaining the magic and running like hell. It isn't until the actual crowd thins out that it occurs to her to start to ease off of it slowly - a natural fade rather than a sudden change - and she hopes that it will be enough.

The inappropriate question of are we there yet crosses her mind, and she voices it in a slightly less whiny manner.

"How much further?"

Whether or not the illusion fades in time, there is little chance it would ever be traced back to either fae woman, given that only the midnight witch could reliably identify them, and he won’t be discussing the matter with anyone in authority. Besides, in a few short moments the women will be far removed from here.

The instant Guenièvre senses it is possible to make a door to Faery, she takes the briefest of looks around, picks a spot, and opens one up. As with the illusion, it’s a rather public use of magic, but she’s beyond caring. Hopefully, there are no prying eyes or spying cameras covering the little space between two buildings where the door has appeared.

"Here!" is the only answer and warning given before she grabs Reines hand and practically throws herself through the door. On the first step in, she starts to trip but blessedly regains her footing before taking the both of them down. It’s not an elegant arrival by any stretch of the imagination.

As soon as they are safely in the Other Realm, the door slams shut.

Releasing her companion’s hand, Guenièvre bends over, hands resting on her thighs, breathing hard while trying recover from that last bit of panicked running. She’ll say something once her lungs stop burning.

It isn't the most graceful of reentries into the Other Realm that Reines has experienced, but given the circumstances, she finds it hard not to be impressed by how quickly Guenièvre got that door open. Or how out of breath they both are, now they're back and safe in Faerie.

Reines regains her breath while examining the boots on her feet. The leather has scuff marks now, but it is all cosmetic and easily taken care of with a little attention and a little time. She makes a mental note to have it done later, before she realizes that frankly, the boots can come off entirely.

She sits herself down on the grass underneath them both, and begins to pull the boots off. One lands to the side with a soft fwump, followed by the other. When that's done, Reines realizes that her breath has returned to normal, and she lets out a very, very tired laugh.

"Well," she says. "That's the fastest I've ever seen a door open."

[ OOC: Um, are faery doors not that easy to open? For some reason, I thought they were portals one could simply wink open. Mayhap I should have confirmed that. Whoops. Okay, well, since the TDM isn’t necessarily “canon,” I’m just going to roll with it. ]

Even though she is still winded, Guenièvre manages to laugh in return, albeit weakly.

“Desperation is a powerful motivator,” she offers by way of an explanation. “That, and I have always had a bit of a knack for it.”

They had arrived near a road of cobblestone, which is currently free of traffic, but it’s only a matter of time before a carriage appears. With that in mind, she decides to sit down next to Reines in the grass, taking the opportunity to rest her legs while keeping out of harm’s way.

“I do believe that we did not get the chance to introduce ourselves. I am Guenièvre.” She offers her hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

[OOC: No worries - I missed that detail too! We know for next time.]

"Reines," is the response, coupled with a firm handshake and an extremely tired laugh. "Please tell me you won't be heading back to that city any time soon so I'm not worrying about your well being."

“Your concern is much appreciated.” She smiles.“Rest assured, I will not be going back there anytime soon,” she says without hesitation.

“There are some important…duties I have been avoiding here. Now, I think, is the time to take care of them.” Guenièvre grows quiet and serious, trying to sort her thoughts. “And try to find out the identity of that witch. His behaviour makes no sense—especially at this time of year.”

With Midsummer almost upon them, this is not the logical time to make such a brazen attempt at ensnaring a Seelie fae. He must have been either desperate or crazy. Perhaps both. Worse yet, he may be powerful enough—compared to her, at least—that the risk seemed far less than the possible reward.

"I can see a logic to it," Reines offers, crossing her legs and then proceeding to rest her hands on her kneecaps.

"Consider it as such: if you need to work something of a particular magnitude during the summer, you would be very stupid to rely on an Unseelie fae. Their power wanes, and there's less night to take advantage of. But on the other hand--"

Well, the rest is pretty self-explanatory. There's an elegant simplicity in it, really. "And he believed the risk was worth any potential harm."

Guenièvre reflects on Reines’ words.

“You may be right about that. Although, the reason I would make for an easier target is the same one that would prevent me from providing much in the way of power.” She’s a young fae and not ashamed to admit her weakness. “I must have been enough all the same.”

She shakes her head. “But you would think such a powerful witch would find a better way than physically stalking a fae like a mere human.” She rolls her eyes.

“I suppose there may have been a nasty surprise waiting for me around the corner had I not met you. I am grateful it played out this way.” She shoots Reines a warm look.

"Humans are weird," Reines says with a light shrug. "I mean, sometimes they just want to make things hard on themselves just to prove they can. That or this one was doing a power test and we played right into his grubby hands."

That second part isn't something that Reines wants to dwell on, so she moves right along to the gratitude. She smiles back at Guenièvre, and doesn't dare to downplay the fact that it was some pretty good quick thinking.

"I'm just pleased you gave me your trust in the matter. Wouldn't have worked without that key element."

Like Reines, for the moment Guenièvre chooses not to ruminate on whatever sinister motives may have been driving their pursuer. Instead, she nods in agreement.

“You saved me today. From what exactly, I do not know, but you saved me. Of that, I am certain. This means I am in your debt.”

And a Seelie always repays her debts.

“When you need me, call and I will answer.”

A Seelie also hates to be in someone’s debt. Hopefully, it won’t be long before she is called upon and can put this behind her.

Reines smiles, all calm and poise. Her favourite place for people to be is in her debt because it is something that can be dangled over one's head for months or years or decades if she feels like it.

"I will not make it a very large one," she says cheerfully. And she does mean it, she can imagine that Guenièvre isn't the kind of person who'd appreciate something beyond being called in for something simple and straight forward.

Guenièvre appreciates that and inclines her head to show it.

“Well... Time to return home, I think.”

She springs lightly to her feet, the fae ability to recover having finally worked its magic, all aches and pains gone. Mentally and emotionally she’s still weary, but it’s not enough to get her down for the moment.

“May I?” She politely holds out a hand, offering to help Reines up should she allow it.

"Please," Reines says, allowing herself to be pulled up. The question of where home is for Guenièvre flicks across her mind, but she figures that if the other fae is willing to share where she's from, she would have done it by now.

Best to just focus on well wishing.

"Hopefully that trip home will be uneventful."

“Thank you. Luckily, my home is not too far from here.”

She knew better than to live in the Mortal Realm. It can be nice to visit, but it’s not safe enough for her to ever consider as a permanent place to stay. Something to which today’s events can attest.

“And I wish a peaceful journey to you as well.” A shadow crosses Guenièvre’s face as it occurs to her that she may have seriously inconvenienced Reines. “Will you have far to travel?” If so, Gwen will help facilitate that trip in any way she can.

"Not at all," Reines says cheerfully, her eyes moving just beyond Guenièvre’s shoulder. "It is perhaps a twenty minute walk back to my estate."

And a walk will help decompress the day's action.

Sounds good to me.

fatallyflawed - 2016-06-18 22:27 (UTC) - Expand

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archisorte - 2016-06-18 23:28 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive Meme: April/May 2016

1, fellow seelie fae

Re: 1, fellow seelie fae

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Ooof, thought I had replied to this already! :/

Not a problem. This is wrapping up, maybe one or two comments more?

Sounds good to me.

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