aftr_ooc | TEST DRIVE MEME ( 013 )

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*test drive meme

TEST DRIVE MEME ( 013 )

Test Drive Meme #13

Hello, and welcome to LifeAftr! We’re pleased that you’re expressing an interest in the game. Here, you can test the waters, gauge how your character may fare in the world of LifeAftr, and even gain some in-game incentives, if you so choose.

Remember that Reserves will open on July 17th, and Applications on July 24th!

Two important notes:

1. LifeAftr's test drives take place on the island of Mu, which exists apart from the real world and possesses a dream-like quality that characters are innately aware of from the moment they appear on its shores. No need to panic or fret. Dreams are odd things, after all - and anything can happen in them. Why would anyone question where their mind chooses to wander in its sleep?

2. Due to the nature of Mu, threads in our test drive can not only be accepted as thread samples in your application, but can be accepted as game canon as well. In fact, certain choices your character makes in Mu have the potential to bear in-game consequences, largely in the form of test drive reward items.

Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat
When you wake, it's to the bucking of tumultuous ocean waves and the heavy sluice of rain. The boat you've found yourself on was probably seaworthy at some point, but it's been wind-battered and weatherbeaten to the point where it's begun, quite steadily, to sink into the choppy waves. Looks like you're all in the same, sinking vessel.

To make matters worse, it seems that the storm itself has a nasty sense of humor. It seems almost intuitive in its attempts to toss you from your footing on the deck and into the frothing waters below. Gusts of powerful wind try to tear you from the mast if you climb it, and the boat rocks perilously to try and tip you into the churning waves. Oh, and did we mention the lightning? Because there's lightning, and it seems to have a personal interest in incinerating your pitifully wooden little boat on the spot.

That doesn't mean you're completely helpless. There is an island in sight, one that resembles the waking land of Ensō, albeit somewhat far off, its silhouette fuzzy and indistinct from the curtains of rain. But if you can make it...

Well, anywhere's got to be better than here, right?

Gibbon No Quarter
It's been a year since the first adventurers were initially drawn to Mu's shores, and then, later, to Ensō's. And so, in celebration, the dream-island has cribbed only the best bits of the previous year for prospective explorers to sample on their way in.

Take now, for instance. You'll find yourself in a cage of all things, with the pound of drums and excited hoots of hungry simians to greet you upon waking. This particular breed of monkeys was once unique to Ensō, before travelers were forced to more or less thoroughly exterminate them. Devilishly smart and naturally inventive, gun monkeys are so named for their trademark weaponry - coconut guns, naturally - and their generally cunning capacity to craft tools out of very rudimentary resources.

And oh, right - they're also very carnivorous. They've set up a smoking bonfire in the center of the jungle clearing that makes up their temporary home, and if you don't figure out a way to come out of your cage (have you been doing just fine, perhaps?), then you're going to be next on the menu.

Think fast, or work with whoever's nearby, and you might have a chance. Or you could always call for help. That always works out, right?

To Be Continued
Stories, stories, stories. Anyone who's hung around the block for any length of time can tell you, dear newcomers, that those little things are of the utmost importance in this neck of the woods. There's no mistaking the purpose behind this inviting scene - log seats set up around a roaring campfire, and even a packet or two of marshmallows if you're feeling hungry.

It almost might be enough to distract you from the fact that there's no fuel for said fire. And what's more, the darkness surrounding the woodland backdrop is so impenetrable that you may as well be an isolated blot of warmth in an otherwise unforgiving void. And within that void, if you listen close, you might hear something - a snarling, an indistinct rumble of massive jaws parting, hungrily, in search of something alive.

If that flame burns out...well, something out there isn't fond of fire, and that's the only thing keeping it from claiming everyone seated here for its own enjoyment. But the good news is that there's a very easy way to keep this fire blazing well through the danger. Can you tell where this is going?

It's stories, of course. Regale us with tales of your past exploits, or with fairytales or nursery rhymes you remember from your childhood. Relay your tales of triumph and of grief, of laughter and of agony, of anything you can possibly imagine. As long as a story of some sort is being told, the fire will burn merrily onward, and the blanket of all-consuming darkness will be kept at bay.

Just try not to embellish too much. If your story is too vague, if it is more lies than it is something genuine, the fire might start to gutter dangerously low as a consequence. And that beast, whatever it is - oh, it's hungry.

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

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i. rocking the boat

[ a storm at sea is unusual, but...acceptable. To wake away from Rutah has been disorienting enough, at least wherever she is now had the decency to try her close to water. Stormy seas are difficult to maneuver through, however, and while a proficient swimmer, Princess Mipha cannot dodge the debris of the ships carnage indefinitely. Scaled fingers close around the royal blue sash adorning her shoulder while she swims, careful not to lose it.

After some work, she steps from the ocean to the beach, turning back toward a storm that was dodged. She hadn't seen others on the boats as she made her escape, but...the temptation to go back is certainly real, and Goddess, what she wouldn't give to know what's happening.

But then...what else could she give? Her life, forfeit to an eternity inside a dark machine, would mean nothing sworn to another now. Her heart, s-sworn elsewhere. Off the table.

She just needs a moment to collect herself before she turns around and goes back to help those off the boats. Perhaps her trident is there as well? Feel free to catch her on the beach, or even back at the boats. Mipha would surely, surely want to ensure your safety. ]

iii. to be continued

[ Mipha is just listening to all of these stories being shared, leaning against her trident as she sits. ] This reminds me of when we would share stories with the children, back where I am from. Do you know the tales of the Lynel of Ploymus Mountain?

[ A knowing smile to whoever happens to be listening. Her head rests against her trident while she awaits an answer. ]

Edited 2018-07-14 12:12 (UTC)

[ The Knight is scrawling in the sand; they are not certain how much written stories will do, or conveyed through their new, clumsy language, but they're trying their best.

At Mipha's voice, they look up and shake their head, indicating a clear 'no'. They scoot a little closer, an attentive audience, attempting to convey as much as possible that they'd certainly like to hear it. ]

[ the little knight scoots closer to her, and she watches him approach her with a level of fondness. Sidon used to be this small-- so small. ]

Legends tell tales of a Lynel, atop a mountain that overlooks our domain. [ with the tip of her spear, she draws soft lines in the sand. A lion's face...a centaurs body. Nothing extremely professional, but the eyebrows seem sunken into his face, giving the creature in question a frightening glare. ]

He guards the top of that mountain, they say, searching for a foe strong enough to face him. Many Zora have traveled far to his peak, but very few return... [ she presses the logs of the dying fire with her spear until a rewarding 'crackle' reignites the flames. ]

But they also say that a hero-- the Princess' Knight... [ she lowers her eyes for a moment, a knowing smile on her face. ] Was able to defeat him, and bring peace to the entire domain, if even for a short time. Peace is...so fleeting. Truly, those moments of relief, and normalcy are rare, and precious. Wouldn't you agree?

[ she looks at her captive audience!! Despite no facial expression, the knight has grown on her, even in the few minutes they've been together. ]

[ A tale of a monster - or a warrior? - looking for a worthy foe. Tales of this kind are not unfamiliar to them, but they listen to this one with avid curiosity, looking down at the drawing Mipha etches into the sand.

Relief and normalcy...and peace. They nod at the question, taking out their equally small sword to scratch words in the sand.

peace for others is good

They have always been a fighter, a warrior, an adventurer. They are not sure what they would do, with peace; they already have little idea of what they would do with it now, here on this island where they are not obliged to keep pushing onwards towards a singular goal.

But peace for others, fighting so that others do not have to, that is something they understand.

...After a moment, they scratch some more words down.

liked your story

is domain = kingdom ?

had kingdom ? ]

[ the little knight scribbles their thanks, and she can't help but nod with a soft smile on her face. ]

Yes. A domain is more like...a small kingdom, within a kingdom. Our kingdom is called Hyrule, and inside of it is the Zora's Domain. It is a beautiful place, passed to our generation by our ancestors, and theirs before them.

Do you have a place such as that? Your own domain?

[ They contemplate the question, clearly thinking hard about it by the way their head tilts back and forth in an almost comical manner.

After a moment, they shake their head. No, they don't think they do, the odd power the brand grants them notwithstanding. Hallownest is not theirs.

not made to rule

domain = your home ?

sounds nice

Ancestors...that means familial ties. They hesitate for a moment, and then scribble again.

have family ? siblings ?

Most people here...don't mention a family. They are curious. ]

[ Not everyone is so graceful a swimmer... or a Zora. Another princess struggles endlessly beneath the storm's wrath, gasping and crying out as it tosses her from rail to rail. The winds pry her from any sort of secure grasp, and the rain pelts her face, plastering her long hair and clothes to her sodden form. Zelda knows this is only a nightmare, but it's terrifying nonetheless, and she finally releases a despairing yelp when a bolt of lighting smashes the mast to bits, sending half of it into the sea and the other half, splintered, all around her.

What more can I do to prove myself? This is some punishment, surely, for her continued inability to wield her ancestors' power. Zelda clutches the side of the ship, trembling as she looks out over the ship and across the water. It seems there's an island in the distance (unless it's a cruel illusion), but she very much doubts her ability to reach it without the tumultuous waves pulling her down into the depths. Whether on deck or in the sea, danger seems inescapable... ]

Is anyone out there? [ She calls out, voice tight with fear and desperation. ]

[ After a moment of contemplation on the shore, Mipha begins her agile swim back toward the wreckage, her fin protruding from the hectic curves of an angry ocean. Hanging to the side of the ship, she glances about, water sprayed to her slippery skin unnoticed. Aware eyes scan, and listen, and--

The moment that Zelda's voice-- the princess' voice-- animates above the noise of the storm, Mipha is off, diving a little deeper to avoid surface-level debris on her way toward that familiar voice. Each ship is checked from the water, until that awashed voice makes Mipha's destination clear.

She hurls herself from the waters with as much elegance as one would expect from a Zoran princess, taking in the sight of Zelda with some confusion, her hand going toward a broken handrail along the outside of the boat. ]

Princess! [ was it the Goddess herself that pulled Mipha back to this ship? Her hand extends toward Zelda. An unnatural storm such as this...it's no place for anyone. Certainly not the Princess of Hyrule. ] Come! Quickly!

[ Mipha's voice - and then, form - is a sight for panicked eyes. Relief spreads across Zelda's features immediately and she doesn't hesitate in obeying, moving as quickly as she can toward the Zora. ]

Thank the Goddess you're here! [ She exclaims, grasping the other's hand and squeezing gratefully. ] This storm is so violent, and I-...

[ Well, she hadn't known what to do. With no safe way to shore and no safe way to remain on board, the only thing that Zelda had known with certainty was the intensity of her plight.

As always, Mipha is a light in the darkness. The princess offers her friend a little smile despite their situation. ]

Please: lead the way.

[ Zelda has an air of rattled calm about her-- and Mipha cannot help but return that small smile with one of her own. Despite the need to be off of this boat and out of the storm, seeing her, and holding her physical hand is...incredible. Being ghostly for so long robbed Mipha of her sense of touch, and smell, and taste...to be here and feeling the world-- even as it worked against her...

...is it's own form of magic.

She leads the princess to the edge of the boat and down a long stretch of wood that stands out as more of a ramp than it had as a mast, where Mipha jumps into the water and bids Zelda to follow. ]

I'll be able to carry you back to shore. Shall we?

[ her hands lift above the water-- Zelda need only take the plunge and hold onto Mipha's shoulders to be carried to shore. All aboard the Mipha Express! Choo choo! ]

[ It would be reckless to leap without looking, and so she doesn't, hesitating for just a moment to summon courage before jumping in after Mipha. Zelda lands in the water with a splash, gasping for breath and then scrambling to make contact. She's finally able to grab the other's shoulders and feels, again, the sweet relief that comes with knowing she isn't alone.

Meanwhile, the ocean plots against them. They've left the boat, but the waves have a dark intention, the swell of water threatening to drag her, at least, into its depths. Zelda isn't dressed for swimming, of course, and her clothes make it feel as if weights are tied to her ankles as she fights with all she has to stay above water.

Vaguely, she's aware that this is a dream. Just the torment of her anxious mind, some kind of internal conflict while she rests. Still, though, it... feels terrifyingly real... ]

[ swimming with company has always been a pleasant experience for Mipha. Her grace beneath the waves, up waterfalls and across rivers earned her the respect of both her people and travelers alike...but swimming while carrying someone is somewhat tricky. Especially in these waters...especially when that 'someone' is the princess.

She swims from the boat, a hand reaching up and pressing into Zelda's hand in her shoulder. Why shouldn't the princess be scared? Storms are violent and unpredictable-- even if what falls from the sky is mere water, and what brushes against them is just wind. Swimming with her means dedication toward all sides, and wooden planks, idle in the water, are dodged with some ease. Occasionally, she swims backwards when her path is clear, to make sure that there are no other stragglers. Focused eyes dart between the ocean and Zelda herself, and she urges the other woman's arms around her neck, so she can hang on tighter.

They slow as the waters calm, and Mipha holds Zelda's hand as the shore comes up from beneath them. ]

We've made it. Are you alright, Princess?

[ she'd hold Zelda's hand as long as the princess needed, a calm smile hiding her concern toward that random, isolated storm. What matters...is that she is safe. Yellow eyes scan the Princess for signs of any injury, her healing magic prickling her fingertips. ]

[ Mipha has always been blessed with the kind of nature that soothes everyone around her: the connection between this and her healing abilities is obvious. Not for the first time, the princess is greatly comforted by the other's presence.

She extends her arms when urged, careful not to impede Mipha's progress in any way as she hangs on. Naturally, the skillful Zora gets them to shore before too long, and Zelda says a silent prayer to the Goddess when her feet again land on solid ground. ]

I'm all right now, thanks to you. [ She has no real injuries aside from minor scratches and bumps, and offers another earnest smile for the other princess. ] If you hadn't been here to aid me, then I...

[ Well. It wouldn't have ended well. Zelda swallows, moving sodden hair from her face, taking a moment to re-compose herself. ]

Are you unharmed? [ She asks in return, brows coming together in concern. ]

[It took her all of about five seconds to realize that she didn't know the aforementioned stories. But that didn't mean she wasn't curious.

Maybe it was because of everything she'd seen and done since leaving Earth, but Pidge didn't appear to be bothered in the slightest by the fact that Mipha was... some sort of sharky-lady? ]

I can't say that I do. Are you going to tell them now?

[Have an expectant look, Mipha. You've got her undivided attention. For now, at least.]

[ it is...a strange type of garb that clothes this person. Her eyes dart toward the ground, where the tip of her spear begins to draw what looks to be half lion, and half horse. A Lynel. ]

There lives a Lynel, near our domain. Atop a mountain far above, but with the ability to strike fear through us. A hunger to release lightning upon our beautiful home, that struggles to be sated.

Zoran children are fearless...as most children are. But the Lynel was unforgiving. [ she sketches angry brows against the Lynel's simple-drawn eyes. ] Many who went to subdue him were never seen again. Many returned in fear. Being of a water domain...he was a danger to us all.

A knight, chosen by the Goddess and appointed to protect the kingdom's princess, heard of my people's plea. [ the tip of her spear settles into the dirt beneath them, as if she means to draw the knight, but she seems to struggle finding a place to start. Her cheeks illuminate under the soft glow of the fire. ] Using his surroundings...he gathered up the loosened thunder arrows that the Lynel favored firing. And while the Lynel had more, ready to fire, Link-- um, the knight used them against him.

[ she never saw it-- only had she heard of it through Sidon as he prayed for their people before her monument. His voice more clear than it had ever been after she was freed from the blight that struck Vah Rutah with her still inside. ]

He saved my people. [ He saved me. ] In doing so, he was made into a hero by the local children...the elders. Our leader. Even my brother. Beloved by all who meet him. That is the story of-- um...

[ her staff draws a line in the dirt and she pulls herself up a little straighter. Wasn't it supposed to be about the Lynel? How did it become about Link? How? Why this? ]

[Pidge is quite fond of her clothing, thanks. But she is looking forward to this story, and she'll just casually lean forward a little to try and see what Mipha's doodling.] So... it's a lion-horse...thing?

[Not even the oddest thing she'd ever seen. Cool.

Either way, she's mostly silent while Mipha speaks, nodding or humming at appropriate times. If nothing else, she's good at listening to someone when they're speaking.

And she's still keeping half an eye on the fire during all of this, for science, of course. As she'd suspected, it seems to be reacting to the story. Even if it had shifted a little in focus about half-way through.

When it was over, she gave the drawing another considerate glance before finally turning to Mipha again.]

The Lynel?

[If she were more like Lance, she might try to point out that it hadn't been about the Lynel at all. Fortunately for everyone involved, she was not going to do that.]

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TEST DRIVE MEME ( 013 )

mipha ; legend of zelda, BOTW

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i !!!

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