test drive meme #2

[fernwehmods]

SCENARIOS

01. Settling In

It's been a couple of days since you have arrived and once the fatigue from that multiversal travel has been fixed there is a town that you should probably get acquainted with. At least well enough that you don't get lost every time you venture away from the inn where you are likely staying for the time being.

Down the narrow streets to the south where most newcomers first enter Gazin, the tradespeople have set up their shops. Armourers, blacksmiths, bowyers and carpenters can all be found there, as well a few shady types who cannot pass up the advantage of ripping off an unsuspecting person.

Heading east, one can find the two apothecary shops, a bakery, a herbarium, seamstress and shoemaker. There is also a medical clinic set up and is equipped to care for anything up to moderate injuries.

The northern part of town is the district that most people tend to avoid. It's smelly and dark and trouble lurks in every corner. It's hard not to get an uneasiness that feels like someone is watching you. If asked, most civilians will explain why it is called The Devil's Mouth.

In the west district, it is bright and cheerful and generally happy. Music and celebration seem to happen twice daily, every day of the week with Saturday being the loudest. During that day, the marketplace comes to life with vendors selling their fresh food or wares. In the evening, there's typically a firework show and maybe a drunken fistfight or two that ends with more drinking and some laughter. Sometimes, but not often, trouble from the northern district trickles into the west. Those slow festivities but not for long.

02. Exploring

You have heard people talk about the places beyond Gazin and now you find yourself itching to get out and see them. Be it Vasari Forest or Roselake, you and your trusty legs (or horse) plan to be gone for a week or more. One must always be cautious of the dangers while travelling, however. Bandits and rogue soldiers often cannot pass up the chance to take what isn't theirs. There are also creatures and monsters hiding in wait to curiously check you out or worse, hunt you for their next human-shaped meal.

But, that's all part of the adventure! Take someone along with you and maybe some weapons, too. Make sure one is made of silver.

03. Quest

The Druid known as Bhalris has contracted you to head into the Oren Mountains to find and pass a message along to the dwarf known as Brazmas Steelbelly. What Bhalris doesn't exactly explain is where Brazmas can be found, only giving approximate directions to a certain landmark where a series of clues will be revealed that start an interesting, though perhaps frustrating adventure.

Pay attention to the white raven and other animals along the way. They may be there to help with your journey. How do you tell them apart from the other wildlife that may or may not be dangerous? You can't.

Good luck!

04. Celebration

Impromptu parties are quite the norm in Gazin and it doesn't matter what the occasion is or who it is for. There's music, plenty of drink, dancing and good times to be had.

Let loose and have some fun!

05. Wild Card!

Want something else? Feel free to choose your own adventure or mix and match to create something completely different!

NAVIGATION

Comments

Xiao Xingchen | Untamed | OTA

[sawnoevil]

a. settling in

[ With the loss of his eyesight, Xingchen has more difficulty than most learning a new world or understanding what has happened. Thankfully, he has practiced learning a new place, even without the use of his sight. While the 'where' is difficult, Xingchen's able to avoid hitting others and walks through the crowd with the same skill as those around him. If not for the large white blindfold covering his eyes, it might not even be immediately obvious that he's blind.

As he walks to what he hopes is the stall to purchase fish with the few coins he's managed, the crowd thickens. Without intending to be in the way, he stands in the street, trying to distinguish between the gold and silver coins, fingers tracing the edges to try and remember the differences. He's in the way and obviously thinking far too hard about the money. Xingchen is still so new that he can't picture the layout in his mind with the same ease as he managed at home. ]

b. settling in - the devil's mouth

[ The evil energy might deter others, but it's a beacon for Xingchen. If evil truly lurks inside, it's his duty to defeat it and keep the people here safe. With a serious expression, he walks toward the energy.

And realizes someone else is nearby.]

You shouldn't be here. There's a darkness coming from this place.

c.settling in - celebration

[ They're celebrating. Xingchen enjoys the atmosphere, enjoys listening to the laughter and the general mutter of conversation. While he did visit town for supplies, much of his time at home was spent in a town of coffins with only two, if very dear, friends. The celebration is nice to hear.

For most of the festivities, he's simply drifting around until the fireworks begin to explode in the sky. He startles, his covered eyes jerking to the sky. ]

What's happening?

d. exploration

[ Aside from the town, Xingchen also explores the nearby locations. He wants to learn the geography of his new home. His white-clad figure dance through the trees, feeling the branches break beneath his feet.

His quiet trip is broken by the sound of a scream. Removing his sword from the sheath, Xingchen runs toward the call for help, uncaring if it's bandits or a creature he'll be facing; he'll help. ]

(ooc | I'm also open to any wildcard option. If you want to plan, you can pm me or reach out to wrinklesintimes I'm good with switching to prose if you prefer)

B!

[jiangzaid]

[ Xue Yang spends most waking moments working on building a house with Zichen, but that doesn't mean he spends no time in Gazin. Especially when there are all those delightful rumors and stories of monsters - sometimes he still gets restless, despite Zichen's calming presence and hard work, and hunting a beast or three down is a bit of fun!

And he takes pains not to go home wounded, though he doesn't always succeed. Zichen always patches him up. There are days - and nights! - still when he thinks he hears Xingchen's voice. It always makes his heart stop and breath catch and a strange tightness in his chest before he can set it aside and return to business as usual.

But...this time...This time he can see Xingchen, when he slowly turns at the sweet, worried words. Jiangzai's tip lowers and it takes him a moment to swallow past the sudden lump in his throat before joy sets in. ]

Daozhang! You came back!

[sawnoevil]

[ The voice sounds familiar, but in a confusing way. It's been years since he's heard Xue Yang's real voice, but the voice he used when they were together was never so different that it would have been impossible to connect if he tried. The taunting tone was gone, which was the largest difference, and the excitement Xingchen hears now is far from mocking. In his mind, it connects more to the friend he made in the city than of the enemy he fought so hard to capture. More recent memory overrides the distance mockery.

So, Xingchen smiles, even if he doesn't understand what it could mean that 'he's back'. It's a familiarity among a very unfamiliar world. ]

You're here.

[ He didn't think it was possible to run into a person from his world, but it's a relief that he did. However, the exclaimation has to be addressed. ]

I don't understand what you mean when you say that I'm back. I've only been here for a few days, and it's our first time reuniting.

[ There's a sliver of worry in his voice. Has something been impersonating him? Xingchen knows that there are creatures other than humans living in this world. ]

[jiangzaid]

[ He really only mocks monsters these days. But Xiao Xingchen? Song Lan? No. They deserve only good things, and he's learning to be better.

The surprise in Xingchen's voice has him frown, going still as he listens in confusion. Does this mean - what does it mean? Xue Yang doesn't like the flash of uncertainty or unease at the possibilities presented. One where one or both were impersonators is dismissed - that's his trick and Xingchen had been in Gazin for months, such a trick over so long would be very difficult!

The other has his stomach churn, because it hints he has to start over. That his identity is unknown. And that...hurts. More than he'd have expected. But he tries - oh he tries! To keep the depth of pain from his voice, to keep his tone somewhat pouting to go along with his words. ]

What do you mean, Daozhang? You were here for months, only left about two months ago! Daozhang Song will be happy to see you again!

[ He won't run away, though part of his is tempted to. He'll stay...even with the sudden wave of fatigue. He's tired of pretending. ]

[sawnoevil]

[ Another wave of confusion hits before stopping cold. Before Xingchen has the time to fully process the fact that someone with his face was here for so long, the last sentence shocks all other thoughts to a standstill. Did he say Daozhang Song? How is that possible?

It's been a very long time. Years. His friend hates him for what he caused, and Xingchen accepts that hatred. Because of his decisions, Song lost everything, and all Xingchen was able to return were his eyes. His clan, those he loved and held dear, remained dead. No amount of time or distance will heal that.

No. This is a trick. His sword isn't reacting, but this is some kind of trick. A cruel trick, giving him the familiar voice to comfort him and saying words that he's longed to hear for so long.

Daozhang Song will be happy to see you again.

How cruel. How heartless. To mess not only with his mind but with his heart. However, the energy he feels from this place isn't the kind of energy he feels from the voice.

Head spinning, Xingchen tries to center his thoughts. ]

What you're saying can't be true.

[ Normally, Xingchen can even be called overly trusting, but he can't believe Song could have forgiven him. ]

If he truly is here, he won't wish to see me.

[ But his friend shouldn't have known of Song's existence without meeting him, and he sees no reason why a man he trusts would lie to him. Two conflicting things seem to be happening. ]

[jiangzaid]

[ Xue Yang watches the familiar face intently, noting the expressions as they change, however subtle - this is a face he knows better than his own. His heart aches to see the confusion and pain and guilt flash over Xingchen's precious face. Hates himself a little more again, for being the cause. For always being the cause.

He sheaths Jiangzai and dares to approach, settling his blade against his back before reaching for a wrist to give it a gentle tug. ]

Why would I lie? How would I know who he is or what happened if I didn't know him?

[ Just breathing hurts, now, words feel entirely inadequate. ]

He's - Daozhang, he's sorry. Won't you let him tell you that himself?

[ There's so much missing, that should be said, but here, so close to this dark energy, is not the place. ]

We live at the edge of town. There's plenty of room for you.

[sawnoevil]

[ Those are fair questions, questions that Xingchen is asking himself. To this knowledge, the two have never met. It makes no sense, but neither does Song's need to apologize. Xingchen is the one who should apologize, but his level of betrayal isn't something that can be washed away with words. How can words repay a debt the size of one's home?

Xingchen doesn't flinch when his wrist is grabbed. Xue Yang often had to touch him to guide him, to help him around, so it isn't a foreign touch. However, beneath Xue Yang's fingers, Xingchen's pulse is racing. He wants to trust Xue Yang — though he doesn't know it's Xue Yang — but he doesn't want to upset Song.

Trust is important. A friendship cannot be called a friendship without trust. So, finally, he nods. ]

If he will, I'll see him.

[ The words bely the hope that Song really might have forgiven him enough to accept the visit ]

[jiangzaid]

[ A small mercy, to have his touch be accepted. But how much longer until the world crashes down on his head again? It's only a matter of time before Xingchen learns who he is. Who he really is.

But not having his hand go through the other's wrist is a blessing, too. This is real. Or a trick - but he's not seen many of those here. Monsters are more straight-forward here. At the reluctant agreement, he lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, and lightly squeezes the captured wrist before tugging again to encourage the taller man to follow. ]

He will! We - the three of us - lived together when you were here before. A- ...He won't be angry I'm bringing you home with me.

[ 'A-Lan' almost slipped out, how he's grown used to calling Song Lan. A familiarity that would give...a lot away. ]

[sawnoevil]

[ Xingchen faces monsters, demons, spirits and the like without a tremble in his hand. The thought of seeing Song again, however, terrifies him. It isn't because he doesn't long to hear his voice, it's not that he doesn't think he deserves to be confronted, but it still hurts. No matter how much blame Xingchen accepts, the pain doesn't fade.

So, it makes little sense. As he's lead through an alien world, his confusion intensifies. Xue Yang has spent enough time around Xingchen to know how easily he's fooled so it's a harsh contrast to his doubt now. ]

I don't understand how that's possible. I... I've done very wrong by him.

[jiangzaid]

[ The same thought is shared with Xue Yang when he thinks of when he'll tell Xingchen who he is. Last time...everyone else had done it for him. For now though, he has the delight and joy of gently guiding the blind man through the city, around any obstacle. Of getting to help him, even if it's not really necessary. He doesn't answer for a while, warring with himself how to break the horrible news.

When he's seated? They haven't left the old apartment yet, since the new house doesn't have a roof yet and he wants Zichen to rest peacefully and comfortably. So it's to his soon-to-be-ex employer's warehouse that he takes Xingchen. ]

Up a few steps, Daozhang...we're home! Well, until the house is finished. I'll describe it to you later!

[sawnoevil]

[ The help is appreciated, even if Xingchen has a lot of practice moving around the world without the help of his eyes. Steps, particularly, can be tricky.

They make it inside without incident, and Xingchen claims the seat Xue Yang offers him. ]

You've been here long enough to build a house?

[ The smile comes as easily as ever. He's doing well for himself. It's good to know that he's building a better life than he had in Yi city. Xingchen found happiness there because of his companions, and he was fine with the little they had. Still, to hear how well his friend is doing in this new world warms his heart. ]

You've settled in well.

[jiangzaid]

[ Xiao Xingchen has always impressed him - the grace, the skill, just how well he's adapted to life without sight...Kindness. Generosity.

Xue Yang loves his smile and laughter. He's missed it. He'd almost gone mad when Xingchen vanished, only Song Lan had managed to calm him down. And again, when Wen Qing had vanished - they'd wasted no more time to get married, then to start building a house. Marks of permanence to cling to.

The question has him smile giddily, giving the write a gentle squeeze. ]

I have a job here - so does Daozhang Song, but I'm probably going to find a new one soon. [ Only because it upsets his poor Zichen so much when he comes home wounded.

He fusses a little, making sure Xingchen is comfortable before plopping down near him, smile fading as he braces himself. ]

...I have. Daozhang...I...what I'm about to tell you will upset you, and I'm sorry. I'm...sorry for a lot of things.

[ It's going to come out anyway. Best do it himself, right? For once, he can tell Xingchen who he is, himself. ]

My name...is Xue Yang. I've done a lot of horrible things. I don't do that anymore. Daozhang Song...helps me in doing better.

[sawnoevil]

[ Xingchen prepares himself, unsure of what he's about to hear. If his friend injured? Is Zichen hurt? What has happened while Xingchen has been out of contact with the two of them?

My name is Xue Yang.

It doesn't make sense. It's a name Xingchen is well acquainted with. They were enemies. Once, he'd wanted to help the man turn a new leaf, but the hatred had been so strong that the only answer was to turn him over to the other sects so that he couldn't keep causing havoc.

Why is that name coming from the mouth of his friend? A man he spent years building a life with? A man that has become near and dear to his heart? Xingchen isn't stupid, he knows this isn't meant to be another Xue Yang.

The confusion is too strong for him to process it for a moment. His mouth opens, but it's another few seconds before he speaks. ]

I don't understand.

[ He understands, but he wants to hear he misunderstands. ]

B

[zichen]

[The soft voice pierces his heart and he turns immediately, wonder and awe mixing on his features. Of course poor Xingchen can't see him, so he has to find his voice. Song Lan finds that extraordinarily difficult and he has to swallow several times before attempting.]

Xingchen... [He approaches the other man and bows deeply. It doesn't matter if the other can see him. Song Lan is fully prepared to kowtow at his feet.] I am here to divert others from entering. When -

When did you arrive? I - [His face is burning and he glances up.] I'm sorry I missed it.

[sawnoevil]

[ Through the darkness, the familiar voice cuts like a knife. Xingchen freezes. His wasn't a voice he was supposed to hear again in this lifetime. Beyond that, it isn't dripping with pain or anger. Is this a trick? An illusion? Song is apologizing for missing his arrival? After all that Xingchen has done.

His voice nearly disappears as surely as his eyes. When his tongue finally moves, it can utter only a single word. ]

Zichen.

[ He should probably respond to something Song has said but instead, he can turn the word around in his mind. Is he...is he bowing? The words come from a lower position.

This is impossible. ]

Is it really Zichen?

[zichen]

[He remains bowed, his hands clasped before him, not daring to move or breathe. Xiao Xingchen is before him. At last! He must find a way to bring him home. That means he mustn't upset him. Xue Yang is better at words than him and he shivers when the other says his name.]

Yes. Song Lan bows before you. [His voice breaks - he can't help it nor stop it.] I wish to make amends. I committed a grave wrong against you, Xingchen. I await your judgement on my behalf.

[sawnoevil]

[ Xingchen has accepted that he's not in their world anymore, but he can't understand how he stepped into a world where this is possible. No one has mentioned the possibility that he'd find something he'd longed for while here.

Then, Song's 'mistake' finally helps Xinghcen realize this isn't based on his wish. He never wanted Song to bow before him or ask for forgiveness. He's accepted his fault in the pain Song must feel. ]

Please, don't bow.

[ No more so than what they do in greeting.

Cautiously, Xingchen moves forward. He can't see Song, but it's not hard to conjure his image. He hasn't forgotten a single feature. ]

I'm the one who lead to your pain. Please, Zichen... It's not you who should apologize. I should have thought about how my own actions would have lead to others being hurt. Because of me, many suffered.

[zichen]

[Carefully, he rises, straightening his back and letting his hands fall back to his sides. The urge to touch and be touched is something Xue Yang has awoken in him and now he understands that he wants the same from...and with...Xiao Xingchen. How would his soulmate react to an embrace? To a kiss? Zichen levels out his breathing, focusing instead on the pain he senses in the other's voice.]

The one who caused me pain was Xue Yang. He and I have...learned...from one another. It was wrong to blame you. [He licks his dry lips and glances down, his brow furrowing.] It was wrong and cruel. I should have never treated you so callously, Xingchen. Ever since we parted, I have been looking for you.

[sawnoevil]

[ His head refuses to settle. Each new statement brings more confusion and even more questions. Xue Yang is here? He's been in contact with Zichen? They've learned from one another? That should be his focus. He should ask about a man that could be dangerous to the population. Instead, he's selfish. ]

You have?

[ It had been years. Zichen has been looking for him for so long? Is it really true? It seems far too much to dare believe, but this is someone he could trust. Even when he was hurt, he didn't pretend everything was fine. Song says it was callousness, but Xingchen believes it to have been honesty. It wasn't possible for him to hide behind any kind of mask.

If all of this is real, there's a very important question. ]

Zichen... After all of this time, are you well?

[ Not angry; Xingchen isn't asking if he's forgiven. He sincerely wants to know how Song is feeling. ]

[zichen]

Yes. [His voice, usually so soft, is stronger, adding emphasis in case Xingchen has any doubts. The moment his anger and pain had diminished enough for him to think clearly, he had begun his search for his precious Xingchen. Zichen hadn't paused in said search, carrying on from village to village for years.

Marshaling his fear, he steps closer and observes Xingchen's face...his body... His memory had failed him. His soulmate is lovelier than he recalled.

And just as selfless too. The question makes his heart ache and he finally lays a hand on Xingchen's arm.]

I'm well. Will you...follow me back? [He continues, voice shyer:] I wish to ensure you are well too.

[And the other man needs to meet Xue Yang; to see the man he has become. Zichen is proud of the delinquent.]

[sawnoevil]

[ At any moment, he'll wake. This is a dream, and Xingchen will be properly ashamed of himself that Zichen went so far as to bow, even if he has no control of this dreamscape.

If this is a sweet, passing moment, Xingchen decides to embrace it. He doesn't realize that Xue Yang waits for him, or that he's spent the last few years with Xue Yang, growing closer and birthing an affection for him as well. After leaving Song, he thought he would never feel that closeness with anyone again, and Xue Yang had provided him with comfort when he needed it most. ]

Thank you.

[ He smiles, a bit worried but sincerely warm. ]

I'd like to experience the life you've made for yourself.

[zichen]

[The truth will be unveiled and Xingchen will need to make certain decisions. But Zichen isn't keen on rushing anything, so he soaks in the warmth of his soulmate's smile. Then, very carefully as if he fears harming the precious man before him, he gently rests their foreheads together. Very lightly. Hardly daring to breathe.]

I will show you everything. [He takes hold of Xingchen's hand, showing him that his fear of contact has lessened. It will never go away - it can't - but he can show his affection.]

This way. [Zichen leads the way, smiling to himself. This is a blessing he feared would never come to pass. Like Xue Yang, he is determined to not waste a single second.]

I've missed you. There hasn't been a day that I haven't thought of you.

[sawnoevil]

[ Without a sense of vision, Xingchen almost questions what he feels despite knowing exactly what it is. Zichen is so close? They had traveled together for so long and yet they'd never been so casual. Xingchen can feel the way his heart quickens even further. He'd been forgiven this much?

What has happened to Zichen while he'd been gone?

Xingchen doesn't know he's destined to die. He doesn't know that one day, he'll find out that he's murdered by the dozens. All of that is blissfully still in a future he's yet to experience.

For now, he's in a 'now' he almost dare not believe. ]

Zichen... I've missed you too. Very much.

[ Is it wrong to say it? Does it imply that he doesn't understand why Song made the decision? ]

It's been a long time. I didn't think we'd have the chance to reunite.

[ In a very real way, they don't, not outside of this world, not in a way that would make either of them happy. ]

[zichen]

[Some details will inevitably be revealed, but others might be kept secret. Xue Yang and Song Lan have no desire to see Xingchen grieving or broken. If they can protect him from the future - for a little while - isn't that preferable?

His chest is warm and he feels his heart beating stronger when his sentiment is returned. He gives Xingchen's hand a warm squeeze, lacing their fingers together.]

You needn't miss me any longer. [Zichen slows his steps to speak from his heart.] I never lost hope that we would be reunited. I carried on for all this time, trusting that I would see you again. I don't want to be parted from you.

[Everything hurts when there is an empty space at his side. Xingchen is part of him and they are akin in their mistakes and their naivete. By blaming Xingchen so harshly, Zichen was passing judgement on himself too.

And that path leads to nowhere Zichen wishes to be.]

c.

[alittlespicy]

Not danger.

[ The voice that answers is calm and steady. It is not from too close, but not shouting, either. ]

Colorful explosions of scattered lights in the sky cause this noise.