Test Drive Meme #18

[hadrielmods]

Welcome to Hadriel's test drive, and thank you again for your interest in the game! As always, our reserves page is here, and our applications page is here! Reserves open March 25th, and apps are open April 1st. Please remember that there is an app cap of 20 apps.

Two quick points here as well:

1. Any thread made in Hadriel's test drive will be accepted as the sole Action Log sample in the application.
2. All threads made in the test drive can be considered game canon, either through handwaving or through a shared mental experience while coming through the Door!

Test drives will be broken up into specific god mini-events, during which your characters can see how well they fare under the watchful eye of one of the gods. Choose wisely or just simply pick 'em all, and have fun!

F E A R

SCENARIO ONE: THE 'P' IS SILENT
[The Door brings in all that is chaotic and evil in the world. This may include you, may include the person next to you... and may include the monster behind you.

The only warning you get is the flapping of wings above you- leathery and noisy, not unlike a herd of bats, before you are descended upon by a creature with a long, sharp beak, beady eyes, and an appetite for blood. Unfortunately, you've come across a pterobuzzard from Stephen King's The Mist.

Despite the difficult to pronounce name, a pterobuzzards' job here is actually quite simple: to eat. With their large bodies, sharp claws, and savage beak, they can rip chunks of flesh from your body and feast on various entrails after you bleed to death. So that's... fun. Maybe you should run inside, where you could totally be safe, until you realize that one of them has the strength to shatter through a window.

Underground bunker, maybe?]

L O V E

SCENARIO TWO: VERY VERY EXTRAORDINARY
[Something is different about today. From the time you wake up, to the moment you look in the mirror, to the minute you greet your usually-annoying neighbor who you sort of hate. That difference is... love? Surely not- your cold, dead heart has been... well, cold and dead for an eternity!

And yet, you find yourself forgiving your own past mistakes, overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way between you and your acceptance of yourself and just... letting it be. You're a pretty cool person, you know, and you should appreciate yourself a little more! During this event, you're damn well going to, with some self love and acceptance.

Everyone else is on your Nice list as well, though- maybe you have a friend that you've been crushing on? That's dialed up to eleven, now. Or hey, that stranger has some cute shoes and you love them so much it hurts. All's fair in love and... love.

This is a mini-version of the beginning of our upcoming All you need is love event!]

T R A N Q U I L I T Y

SCENARIO THREE: CLASS IS IN SESSION
[Breathe in, breathe out.

It's a pretty simple concept, but now that you're supposed to be focusing on your breathing, it seems like the most complicated thing in the world. How does breathing help with concentration? Are you breathing the right way? What are you supposed to be thinking about? Do these yoga pants make your butt look cute?

There's too many things to think about and clearing your mind is hard, but the good news is that you're not the only one in Tranquility's yoga class who's having troubles. There's familiar squirming and fidgeting from the people around you who are probably lack just as much chill as you and are having difficulty finding their center.

Whatever that means.

Maybe the person next to you looks just as lost as you are, or maybe their side crane pose is really on point and you want to ask for tips. Either way, whispering is allowed as you contort yourself into human pretzels, so chatter away!]

Comments

Miriam Day - OC

[canisminor]

O N E

[Nope. Nope.

Hadriel comes back to Miriam in flashes, in between dodging monsters and tying off her stump of a wrist. It's weird. She was there and she wasn't, she remembers and she doesn't - idly, she thinks it's like trying to bridge the space between a memory and a nightmare without knowing which is which - but in the end, she remembers.

This is happening. There's a monster after her. Move.

She ducks into one of the stores and promptly crams herself behind the register. Barnaby the dog paces, pressing his nose against her knee with a whine. He smells blood. It's all over Miriam's jacket, her front, her arm, and everything hurts, it really fucking hurts and she wants to cry but can't.

Gotta stay quiet. Can't let the monsters get you. She's not going to be fast enough to run for it.

Miriam presses her cheek against the wall.]

Hey, buddy.

[Barnaby noses her gently.]

Guess we're back.

T H R E E

[Yoga is weird, okay? Still, Miriam is giving it a try. It's...not going so well. Mostly because she refuses to wear stretchy clothes - bomber jacket and combat boots for this girl, hey - and also keeps her right arm tucked close to her chest at all times. She's stiff and uneasy and thinking way too hard.

But, hey. Barnaby the dog is curled up by her feet and unlike the rest of the class, seems utterly content to be lazy, stretch, and think of absolutely nothing.]

Shush, buddy. I'm supposed to be focusing.

[Barnaby grunts.]

W I L D C A R D

[Miriam will be wandering around the city with Barnaby. Feel free to run into them.]

newt scamander ( fantastic beasties )

[bowtruckles]

( fear )

[ newt scamander isn't afraid of very many things, particularly massive creatures with giant teeth. if anything, that's where he feels most comfortable. and yes, he supposes it is alarming to suddenly wind up in a new world, but adventure is one of the perks of life.

or something.

worrying means you suffer twice.

at any rate, newt has found himself in quite the predicament, and an odd feeling of fear is bubbling in his chest, which isn't something he feels very frequently. he has his wand, and he can feel pickett buried in his coat. he has his case (which feels ... light, for some reason, though newt hasn't had a chance to open it). and for all the world, newt looks as if he had just stepped onto a ship to enjoy a nice vacation.

he's managed to isolate himself in a building, quiet and careful as he considers what he's up against. it's a large creature, carnivorous, and something he hasn't seen before. there's a good deal of curiosity and a need to see what it is, and to help it, maybe (after all, a creature stuck in this place is likely scared and frustrated, and wants to leave as quickly as possible, so newt has zero interest in harming it), but newt also has a very keen interest in not dying.

decisions. ]

-- may as well.

[ it's murmured under his breath as he straightens and ducks out of his alcove -- quickly, scanning the area to try and spot some place underground. the claws of the creature don't look too adept at digging, and underground is definitely the safest bet. but in stepping out into the open, newt has made himself vulnerable, and he very quickly darts to the nearest shelter --

or he was, before he slams directly into you.

there's a startled noise, and newt quickly grips his case steadily before he (without really properly paying attention to who he slammed into) grabs your wrist and drags you along with. ]

Quickly --

[ at least you're in good company?? ]

THREE

[surgent]

[ The Outsider floats next to Miriam lazily, watching her with only mild interest. She's a little stiff to be doing this kind of workout or perhaps that's all the more reason for her to do it. Hmm. ]

Perhaps that is your problem? [ Isn't this yoga thing about letting the mind and body align or something like that? He never saw much use in any of the fad diets or exercises the more fashionable and elite of Dunwall would go through, but this? This seems more about body and mind. ] You are focusing but not on the proper things.

I believe you are to let go of your thoughts and loosen yourself. [ Which she is clearly not doing. But who is to trust the man with black eyes, lazily floating in the air without much care for the lessons at hand? ]

[canisminor]

[Jesus fuck. Miriam jerks her bad arm closer to her chest, tucking it into her jacket. A weakness doesn't exist if no one sees it. Barnaby lifts his massive head with a grumble, ears pricked.] What the hell. You're floating.

elena gilbert .. the vampire diaries

[rehashing]

<VERY VERY EXTRAORDINARY

[ Elena Gilbert is a girl with a weight to her shoulders. She lives in the shadow of lives she's lost, mostly family members, but others on the periphery that she thinks, in some way shape or form had to do with her. She's the girl people risk their lives for, the girl who'd Bonnie Bennett would die for.

Fake dying. One time.

But, today that weight seems to have lifted off of her shoulders. Today won't be different. It just is.

One one of the benches in the park, Elena pulls out what passes for her journal here. As she puts pen to paper, she pauses, ink barely registering. It's not as if she has nothing to write about. There are trials and tribulations day to day here, as well as something unspoken between her and her best friend, something they can't bridge quite yet. But, today, that doesn't matter. It's water under the bridge. She closes her journal, sticks it back in her back and gets up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Life moves on. People have died. She almost died. But, she didn't. She's alive. They're all alive.

It's not as if Elena doesn't smile, or that she doesn't know how to have fun. But, this Elena Gilbert is light.

It starts off with small compliments and grows into hugging those she's met here and one or two she hasn't.

Finally, she decides to give back. And so she acquires a few empty journals and pens, and she offers them to people. There's so much beauty in the world. Why not write it all down?

It's a simple request, coming from your friend or a near stranger, but here she is, standing here holding her journal for you. ]

CLASS IS IN SESSION

[ She blames Caroline's tea.

Elena isn't a yoga person. She could probably benefit from doing yoga, considering her life. The extent of her yoga involves her best friend Caroline, and Bonnie, and Caroline insisting they all cleanse and breathe.

But, Elena's not good at just standing and doing nothing. Or, breathing.

She knows she's trapped, she knows this isn't right, that they should be doing other things besides yoga. Klaus' body needs to be dealt with.

She wobbles on one leg, managing to at least stay up.

Something just isn't right.

Everyone else is entirely too good at hand stands for her liking., Turning, she addresses one of her neighbors. ] Um, aren't there usually easier techniques if we can't make it all the way up?

[ It's the sitting that's difficult, the sitting and closing her eyes and just breathing. It's not what she does. So, she pops an eye open here or there. Elena Gilbert is not a cheater, but this is not for Elena Gilbert. Not right now.

Ignis Scientia | FFXV

[cookingmama]

ONE - FAR MORE TROUBLE THAN ANTICIPATED

[There are pros and cons to being in the dark. Pros: When you arrive through an abrupt portal, you don't have to see the ugliness that is the monster that arrived with you. Cons: A monster arrived with you and you have no idea where you're going.

For better or for worse, that doesn't stop Ignis from whirling around with a flask in hand. He takes a moment, turning his head to follow the beast as it begins its swoop down to tear into some unfortunate soul, before he throws the flask into one of the pterobuzzard's wings. It explodes into ice, veering the creature off its course and headfirst into the ground.]

Let's go! [He flashes the briefest of grins in your direction, summoning a dagger to his hand and taking a step forward. Then the ice cracks. Then the thing screeches as it crawls back to it's feet. "Let's go" suddenly turned into,] Let's go-- some other way!

[Flight or fight, he needs direction, or you both are going to be lunch.]

TWO - L IS FOR THE WAY YOU LOOK AT A NEW RECIPE

[Today is a beautiful day. The brilliant, vibrant, fake sun is shining. Complete strangers, or perhaps long-lost friends, were meeting one another after they've barely escaped being eaten alive.

Ignis has decided whomever he's ran into with his walking stick is a wonderful, wonderful person. Nevermind the fact he nearly ran into them-- he smiles, pulling it back and patting their shoulder.]

I don't think any harm can be done today. Are you hungry? You deserve a nice hot meal. Let me make you something worth your while.

[This can be really, really ironic, depending on how terrible this person is.]

THREE - WITTY TITLE HERE

[Ignis is not meant for relaxation. He's meant for hot coffee, a briefing, and creating the next plan for his party members.

Sitting back with his feet in his hands wasn't apart of the plan. There were a variety of less embarrassing poses to be done, but he just doesn't trust himself on his feet. It was his own fault. He could be leaving.]

Perhaps I'm just missing the point of this. Are you?

[Or he can get to the bottom of this exercise through you.]

FOUR - NETWORK

[There were a few attempts before Ignis had finally figured out how to start up the voice. He'd mashed the end call button all but three or four times, leaving 3 to 10 seconds worth of incoherent noises and him swearing. But hey, he's got it now. He's just standing out on the street with furrows brows.]

I'm sorry, but it seems I've accidentally come across someone else's cellphone. This isn't mine. [His text to speech was a nicely accents lady, thanks.] I'm willing to return it if anyone is able to find me.

WILDCARD

[He's wandering or cooking for himself, unless you want to be horrible to him. Don't do it.]

[surgent]

Oh? I hadn't noticed. [ And in the blink of an eye he's on her other side, feet on the ground, but barely. ]

Would you be more comfortable with my feet on the ground?

[canisminor]

How can you not notice floating?

[It seems like the first thing a body would notice.

Probably. Miriam assumes. She doesn't know for sure. She's been thrown into the air before - willingly and otherwise -and she's been high a few times from painkillers, but nothing quite so literal as this. The difference between flying and floating is larger than it ought to be.

Hadriel does that to people. It makes things weird.

She pauses. Gives him a suspicious look. There's something wrong with his eyes.]

I dunno. I guess I'd float all the time if I could. I wouldn't have to wear shoes then.

L IS FOR let's pretend this is later so we can have the holy shit happen in game

[manspreading]

[ Bumping into blind guy, that's a whole new level of rude. Bumping into your blind, kinda sorta best/mom friend is even worse. Way to be, Gladio! ]

Shit, sorry.

[ When he agreed to meet Ignis outside he wasn't expecting to get run into, nor was he expecting this level of... vibrance. I mean Gladio had only heard about Ignis losing his sight, seeing it in person is still gonna take some getting used to. At least he seems to be doing okay otherwise? ]

Uh, Iggy? You feeling alright?

very very extraordinary

[arenacanary]

[Love isn't a luxury a victor can afford. Love means there's a way for Snow to hurt you. Wiress is lucky that she can hide her heart behind madness brought on by brilliance, but even so, it's a risk she'd rather not have to take. At least Beetee is safe by virtue of being a victor, but otherwise? Well, maybe she'd be the one killed. It'd certainly hurt more to lose someone with a look of childlike innocence about her, right?

Suddenly there's a girl in front of her, holding out a journal. The girl seems nice -- just old enough that she can't be reaped, maybe? Lucky her. The Games are terrible, and no victor ever really leaves their arena.

Wiress looks around, covers the girl's hands with her own, and leans in to whisper--] They're always watching. [She shakes her head as she straightens. You can't leave any evidence behind. No records in writing, no words spoken unless drowned out. Keep your secrets close. It's safer that way.]

....two

[daemonized]

[Did someone say ironic? How about if the irony levels were literally cranked up to eleven.

Because the first thing Ardyn feels after being lightly bumped into is, surprisingly enough, a hand on his shoulder. He doesn’t recoil — such a gesture is not nearly enough to elicit this kind of response from him — but it is enough to make the man arch a brow. After all, that’s an awfully familiar voice-

He turns to look at the man, and is met with an equally familiar face.

Ardyn grins, and it’s awfully sharp.]

Very kind of you! How could I possibly turn down such generosity?

[How’s that feeling of love fairing now, Iggy.]

class is in session

[overarching]

[ The prospect of finding even a dash of peace in this hellhole (not literally Hell, even if the verdict on that might still up for debate in one nagging part of Caroline's mind)? They can't pass that up! Plus, she knows their butts look super cute in the yoga pants she found for them, because Caroline Forbes doesn't do anything half-assed. As for her own sense of tranquility? Well...

She's a vampire. She can do any of this with one hand bound. Her breathing is steady, and she has it together more than most in the class. Caroline, however, is forcing that breathing, more stiffness to her movements than yoga should ever possess, but she still meets the mark because, hello, vampire. She's too good at it, and while there's no dramatic air of superiority, it still floats out here and there.

Itching to slide or blend into a pose that surpasses beginner and goes straight into the tougher areas that might actually get her feeling the cleansing effects of an exercise she knows works, it's with one eye peeking open that her body leans fractions of an inch over toward her best friend. ] Just, go back to one that's less straining. You don't need to push too hard. Your body -- knows its limits. Just. Listen. [ There's a air of chastising in her tone at the start of that: yoga is no place for whispered words, and she would've said so. Under different circumstances.

In any other circumstance, if either of them had been pulled there under different pretenses, Caroline knows she'd be more critical. But this is Elena. Really, completely, human Elena. With a world of trouble already on her shoulders, where so much more could cave in on her if they let it. They, because they can get through anything together. Including a murdercave.

So, for now, she's holding fast to the idea of this being beneficial. Tone soft, too soft (but maybe she uses the gentle side of her mom voice without meaning to, since she's got one of those now) as she... focuses. On the impact she knows (she's very knowing today, but when is she not?) this could have for Elena. If Elena let it. Suggesting (or gently demanding) going to yoga together isn't smothering either, right? ]

It's about the journey, not the destination, Elena. [ Says the woman barreling toward each pose, at least in attitude. She takes times for a quick smile, shifting again. They sure are philosophical words too, aren't they? She's in the yoga zone, though! She doesn't really need to give verbal support: she's not the one teaching the class, and while she hasn't wanted to be in that sort of position in actual years, it's actually a little strange not to be doing it. Especially with Elena there with her again.

Has she mentioned how wonderful that is enough times since they got there? Because it is, and she just wants some peace for her friend. ]

Caroline Forbes | The Vampire Diaries

[overarching]

F E A R.

[ Much of Caroline has always been chaotic. Her moods and personality, the darkness that follows her. Is it laughable that after the growth she's had as a vampire, life comes back to bite her with that trailing darkness that plagues every vampire? Not just to separate her from her kids (a choice she won't take back; she wants Ric to be sure they're safe as often as possible.) Not just to have Stefan's humanity, life, and personal life choices slammed down on her heart, several times over threatening to turn it to mush (she'll persevere, but screw you, Cade and life.) No, now there's this.

It's not funny, not at all, because Caroline has two massive pint-sized responsibilities back in the land of the living. She doesn't know how or why Cade's decided to suddenly use her as a pawn, but she's having none of it. That's the first thought, until she smells something vile, hears it and looks up to see this ridiculous dinosaur, horror looking creature. ] What the hell?! [ Speaking to anyone else hasn't transpired, but she quickly realizes that there are others there too. Humans, maybe other types of people too. She doesn't think about it quite so thoroughly, however.

What kind of twisted game is this?!

The winged beast doesn't come for her (yet), and if it heads at someone else? Caroline isn't unfeeling but she pays it no mind, because she doesn't think they're real. She lingers where she stands, breathing out a huff. Arms cross over her chest, and she calls extremely important words up into the air. ]

This isn't funny or necessary, Cade. Whatever you want, just tell me. You like deals so much, so name your price. [ In offering this, Caroline is utterly sincere. Her next words fall out, softer and bearing less hostility because they're the ones that she means the most. ] Just -- don't hurt my girls.

[ She believes she's in some version of Hell. Not the Hell, because there would be more catatonic states of pain, or lashings and brandings, or devilish imps running about. Maybe. What does she know about the reality of Hell?

Nothing happens. Her arms go down in impatience at her sides, fingers spreading, palms out. ] Seriously?!

[ Okay. That's not going to help. She needs out of there, though. Help her out, Satan, come on. She's willing to broker a deal and everything. ]

[rehashing]

[ Elena hasn't been through anything like the Arena or The Hunger Games, but she can relate to Wiress' sentiment. She doesn't know what she's referring to currently, she's new to the place as well, both familiar and abstract as it is. For a year, both Katherine and then Klaus looked on from afar, moving things around like they were all chess pieces they could play with, triggering werewolf curses or turning her best friend. Even when Klaus moved into town in plain sight, she felt watched, thanks to his hybrids, thanks to Tyler.

The Elena that might reply isn't the Elena Wiress has grasped hands with. This Elena accepts what has happened, accepts the danger she's been in since Stefan Salvatore first made contact with her, and, really, the danger she'd been in all her life because of her being the doppelgänger.

She leans in, listening to this woman, and leans back.

She just nods to her, her smile ceaseless. For whatever reason, this woman hasn't caught on to how rewarding this day and every day is. ] The Gods? [ If they are always watching, then Elena's sure writing something down would only let them in on your inner thoughts, and Gods can usually know those, right? She doesn't know. Some thoughts are meant to be kept to yourself. But, not when they're beautiful. Another Elena might hate the prospect of being watched, again, this time not by someone faceless, but gods in this cave. This Elena doesn't hate the idea. ] We can find other ways. We should give back to the community somehow, don't you think? [ It's a simple idea, but one that connects in her mind lifted of worry. If people are watching them, then there's no reason for them not to live their best life. ]

It's easy to feel overwhelmed down here, like all hope could be lost at a moments' notice but don't you feel -- [ She can't put it into words. ] All hope isn't lost. If the gods are watching, then why not show off a little. [ She leans in when she says that. Elena can be cute, but today she's downright playful. ] Show them we appreciate what they've done for us. We're alive.

[rehashing]

[ Elena's vividly failing at doing yoga. It's surreal, because she's athletic on her best day. But, she was just in the hospital. Wasn't she? Technically. Her memories stay at the forefront, every horrible thing that happened after the decades dance. She's decided, though. If she makes it back, she's going to seriously rethink going to a decades dance. One time is one thing, twice is a pattern she doesn't like.

But, lately, there's a lot she doesn't like.

She's Elena Gilbert, however, so she pushes through it. She smiles, and she lets Caroline smother her with attention. She survived her first day, she escaped her fate as a vampire. That word nags at her. Fate. Because she became a vampire. She's going to. If they make it out of this cave, and she doesn't remember any of this, then life continues as it should.

Caroline pushed. Hard. And maybe Elena wasn't feeling yoga because the chasm of time and events between them. She still can't bring herself to read her journal. She doesn't feel she should, that it's her right. There are things she can't unknow, and don't think she hasn't thought about asking Caroline to change that. But, Caroline Forbes is one of her best friends. She's also a persuasive and pushy friend.

When Caroline says "your body," she means Elena's human body. Elena can hear it. Caroline knows it. It's yet another elephant in this dark, but sometimes light-filled (how does that work?) cave. ]

Says the vampire.

[ She too speaks under her breathe. She's not annoyed, but she does remember when athletics came easier to her. She tries once more at the pose Caroline tells her to abandon and almost falls. Her feet catch her as she takes a step off her mat. Replacing her feet, she huffs. She sighs. She's not going back to her other pose. She waits patiently for the next one. And this one brings her to the ground.

It's when they're in child's pose that Caroline continues, Elena peeking under her arm. ]

Parenthood has made you very zen.

[ She's not sure she likes it.

And not because it's not good for Caroline. It's great for her. But, it's not what she remembers. Caroline was strong, yes, but she has never been this self-assured. Show-offy, yes. That lines up completely when it comes to her best friend.

And downward facing dog follows. ]

Do you - [ She's antsy again. She's also shushed by the teacher. She lowers her voice. Turns, one hand holds herself up as the other arm reaches to the sky, as the teacher puts it. ] Or the top of the big cave. [ Sorry, Caroline. Her optimism hasn't gone away, it's just dimmed. ]

time for the Deep City Not-Date Date

[cookingmama]

[ Thankfully, Ignis is used to the giant brick wall that is Gladiolus. The shoulder he's clasped his hand on is high and muscly, and though he normally paid it no mind... He can show some appreciation for it. He squeezes the arm, and if one looked closely, his smile was even wider with familiarity. ]

I'm marvelous, Gladio! Especially now that you're here. Let's get started, shall we?

[Yes, Ignis has a walking stick. Yes, Ignis is even getting used to walking around without it. But he's still holding onto Gladio's arm for guidance. Get him to ingredients, big guy.]

you're a terrible person

[cookingmama]

[Love is fairing... fairly well, considering he has wanted nothing more than to return the Empire's favor to the Chancellor. His fingers tighten against the fabric of Ardyn's coat, his teeth grinding as he considered the opportunity.

He holds the strained smile, but the overwhelming feeling of forgiveness was unwanted and winning. It wasn't long before geniality seeped through-- however genuine one can get, with forced feelings.]

As if I would let you, Izunia. [He drops the hand from his shoulder, turning his head to what must have been old restaurants and dining halls. He'll have to guess if he wanted to find one stocked enough.] Tell me your ideal meal, and I'll see what I can do. [Or rather, Ardyn will see.]

[overarching]

[ But, what about dances set in their creepy new underground lives? Would they want dances there? Caroline couldn't say no to going, even with dances being less prevalent in her life ever since rattles, soon followed by ponies, tea parties, and kiddie tiaras, came into her life.

There is so much in Caroline's life for her to love. To be happy for. Part of her wants to crash over not being with her babies. Yet, fate brought her and Elena there from worlds apart, almost, and that strangeness, the impossibility of it, is what causes to her to consider hope instead of aching. The knowledge of Alaric being there for them, when she can't be (literally, in this case, she feels), is still enough to strengthen her. And for now, it's her and Elena.

Elena's important. All of her friends are. She'd (understandably!!) divvy out so much of her attention to others, too. Stefan, human him. Matt. Bonnie, she could take care of herself. Damon, well, she just hopes if he ever showed up, it wouldn't be from so far back that he still can't find reason and solidity within himself to live his life for he who he wants to be instead of out of spite and rage. Caroline's there for her friends, she's really paid attention to all of them over these many years, and she finally gets to see one of them she's missed the most.

She only wishes that, at home, Elena could be out and walking again with all of them, just like she deserves.

There are a good deal of emotions she feels, many of which she maintains her cool through, working to not be overbearing toward Elena about. She knows that change must be noticeable, that Elena, in fact, probably knows there's so much more that hasn't been shared, not only because that's logical, but because of what Caroline hasn't said. The journal will help, and she's given that to Elena, but she won't rush her into reading it.

Oh, oops, implying how weak that human body is isn't helpful. Her lips purse to the side, eyes widening and softening when she looks back over to Elena. A tiny, very inward and largely unnoticeable grimace when she spots the effort, the fail; but how very like Elena to not give up. She won't push about that.

Glancing over, then back to their teacher, she takes a deep breath that might look soothing. It's really not. ] You think? Well, let me assure you, my instabilities have only evolved. If the girls were here -- [ that cuts off, her heart aching while moving, mirroring the instructor flawlessly, chest falling in a moment of poorly timed breathing; she doesn't want her kids there, but maybe the meaning gets across. If Josie and Lizzie were there, Elena would see how not zen she is all the time.

Posture perfect (how annoying is that -- at least Caroline isn't critiquing Elena, as she would have years ago in cheerleading), she glances back over. Skin bright as always, no real effort in the exercise, ponytail having swung as she got into the pose, shifting with the turn of her face. She gives a look of disdain up toward the teacher's scoff (ironic, but still.) A soft sigh. How much can she expect, right now, when it comes to optimism? ] At the bottom of that's more important. Where all the people are. Speaking of people -- [ limbs shifting again, she cuts her eyes over to be sure Elena's not tumbling down. A considerate glance, not a judgy one! Maybe yoga wasn't the best idea...but Caroline's not giving up!

She waits to speak again until they're both as settled as they'll be. ] People watching. We could? After this. Get more of an idea about who's who? [ She tries to sound upbeat, voice quiet, just loud enough for Elena to hear. ]

Manon Blackbeak - Throne of Glass Series

[windcleaver]

SCENARIO ONE: THE 'P' IS SILENT

The beating of wings had initially drawn her to that place deep in the tunnels. The sound was wonderful, wild, and reminded her of the home she'd left behind. It reminded her of the Wyverns that she and the Thirteen had ridden.

When the winged creature appeared behind her, Manon whirled around. And smiled. The creature had bared its fangs and talons at her in a threatening pose that illustrated its intent to attack and leave behind no trace of its prey.

She showed no sign of retreating but intending to meet the creature head on in a battle.

SCENARIO THREE: CLASS IS IN SESSION

She had conquered soldiers, slain humans, dispatched incredible beasts; it seemed silly for a thing like clearing her mind to be difficult. However, as Manon focused on the steady inhale and exhale of her breath, her mind still wandered.

How she had arrived, events of the past few days and all of what had happened since she'd gotten to this place all seemed to swirl in her mind like a storm that would never clear up.

Manon let her arms go slack. "These exercises are foolish. They're accomplishing nothing." She suddenly decided out loud. Surely, there would be other ways that could clear her mind outside of this.

love upon request

[manaiakalani]

fear

[This cave is a little like Oz. It doesn't have the same heat or the same kind of irradiated, ruined land, but it's harsh and hostile just the same. And, apparently, filled with all manner of nasty critters that want to take a bite out of an unsuspecting person.]

[The thing about Roadhog, though, is that he's too used to living in dangerous places to ever be caught off-guard. And he's not an easy man to take a bite out of.]

[He hears the flap of leathery wings swooping down at him. The strange little bat-beast dives at his back, then squawks raucously as it's caught in one massive fist. It thrashes in his grip, cutting his fingers a little with its struggles until he squeezes. The bones are fragile and hollow like a bird's, and they crush just as easily; the struggling stops.]

[Hog chuckles, dark and low, and drops the still corpse to the ground.]

tranquility

[Hog sits, legs folded and eyes closed behind the glass of his mask, and breathes.]

[The air rasps in his broken lungs like it always does, and he's not following the poses; this is calming in and of itself. Quiet. Hog likes it when things are quiet, it's been hard to get a little peace ever since he started working with Junkrat. And while he relishes the mayhem too, sometimes he needs to be free from his boss' endless chatter and perpetual motion. Hog's not a man of many words, and Rat seems to have so many that he can't stop them from pouring out of his mouth.]

[So he breathes.]

[Wheeze-in rasp-out, great big lungs expanding and contracting in his great big chest, long and slow.]

[rehashing]

[ Elena is capable of fun, Caroline. This just isn't her idea of fun. Especially not with this instructor. This isn't a library!!

Elena spends a few minutes a night staring at that journal. Once, she almost opens it. She manages to lift the cover before shutting it again. Elena is a stubborn girl, and knowing what happens in the future has no bearing on what's happening here and now with Caroline. Caroline's journal now props up a broken leg to her oddly shaped dresser. Maybe one day she'll find the courage to read it, or she'll finally give in. But, Elena is a girl of resolve. She even has a resolve face.

Like the face she's making now, refusing to switch positions as she attempts an exercise she missed the name of. (It's the frog.) Once upon a time she had upper body strength and she once punched Stefan with her wrist-stake launcher. That happened one time. So much happened between than and - well, the than when she'd come home from the hospital. And the now, then, on this yoga mat that sort of smells. Please don't tell her what it's made from. The gods really don't understand how to grant favors properly, do they here?

Elena may be at odds with Caroline, and that may not even be the way to put it. Caroline has cast herself as a wayfaring stranger, has set herself apart because of years of something. Of Cade whoever he is. But, Elena doesn't give up, not on friendships, and not on yoga.

If she could bring Caroline her children she would. Not that they belong in a place like this. No, this place is NSFW. If she could bring Caroline back, reunite her with her children, with this other older vampire her, she would. Sometimes, she feels pressure to be the Elena Caroline knows. The Elena than, or the Elena to Caroline's now. Much like she's felt pressure to not be Katherine. But, she's who she is. She can't be anyone else. And she won't be.

It's just like Caroline to pour the glass half full. Elena used to. She had been painting Alaric's room. She had been moving on. Here, she has no choice. No choice of Salvatore, an excruciating choice she was working toward, and no choice for what to do about Alaric. No, her choice apparently involves people watching with Caroline or pretending that everything is fine and doing something else. But, she'd rather be with her best friend. ] What?

[ She doesn't realize Caroline's waiting for Elena and her to be in better positions before she finishes her sentence, finally moving into upward facing dog. ] Okay. We'll people watch. Like old times. [ They used to people watch on the patio of the Grill, especially when newcomers and tourists came through as kids. It was easy to spot them because they were never as friendly, never as carefree. Nothing used to happen in Mystic Falls.

But, this isn't their hometown. And she can make the most of this. Caroline is. Elena used to be the one to pick Caroline up, to push her to live. This is no longer the Caroline living in her filler year. ] I kind of wish I were the one watching us right now.

[ And not doing the yoga. Performing? Don't ask her, she is not a yogi. Finally, a salutation to the sun, an inhale, an exhale. She echoes everyone else, sweating now. ] Namasté.

[ It's decided. She's going running every morning. She'll find a safe part of the cave and run.

When it's finished, her hands come out of prayer position and she rolls her shoulders, facing Caroline, moving from one foot to the other. That was a lot of time spent in one place. ] So, where do you think we should go?

Fear

[canisminor]

[First rule of staying alive is knowing how to win. And knowing how to win means picking your allies just right. There's always somebody stronger. The Commander says if you can't kill them, join them. Then stab them in their sleep and take all their stuff. Simple. But it's a game, yes it is, a game Miriam knows and one she has to play right here, right now. Once again.

She's hurting, her stump of a wrist tucked into her jacket. If she stands up straight and doesn't tremble, then maybe no one will notice. There's blood, sure, but there's always blood in a place like this.

The big guy is tough looking. Strong. Killed one of the things with one hand like it was nothing. Wasn't even showing off. (Or was he? Was he waiting, does he know she's been watching for a while now, hiding in the shadows?)

Gotta be careful now, Miriam thinks. She presses her knees against Barnaby and steps out from her hiding place.

Barnaby walks in front of her, tail raised like a banner. His ears are pricked, eyes watchful. He might not be fast enough to kill the big man on his own, but Miriam still has the Commander's pistol hidden in her jacket.

Smile. It's fine. Everything is just fine.

Miriam gives the big man her very best smile. Look how small she is. Look how bruised and dirty. How utterly harmless, clinging to her dog like a lifeline.]

Uh. Hey, mister. Can--can you help me?

[canisminor]

[She's being quick and quiet even though it hurts to move, everything fucking hurts so much she can feel her veins shifting, and so Miriam doesn't scream when the man stumbles into her. How did he see her? She's been so careful, so quiet and careful not to bleed on the ground or leave a trail. Hide, hide and regroup, that's the plan. Step back. Get perspective, get some pain meds, whatever, but don't let anyone find her. But maybe he didn't, maybe he wasn't looking at all and somehow that's worse. Miriam shudders all over and tries to twist free. He grabbed her good hand, the one that's still there.

Don't get caught, little girl.

Miriam does her best impression of a dumbbell and hits the ground. No one is taking her, no sir, she won't let them, she'll hurt anyone who tries.]

Barnaby! Barnaby, help!

[A large black and tan dog comes snarling out of the shadows, teeth bared, and lunges at the man.

It never occurs to Miriam that he was trying to help.]

how utterly romantic

[manspreading]

[ My goodness, Ignis, one might think you're feeling him up. Gladio might even appreciate it if the words weren't so... off. But hey, Gladio may not have any experience guiding Ignis, but he can do this. He can try. ]

O...kay. Sure. Whatddya need, big guy?

[ Gladio will walk him to the ingredients but it's not like he knows what he's gonna cook. ]

thank u

[daemonized]

[When Ignis' fingers curl into Ardyn's coat, the man cannot help but wonder exactly how this was going to go down. An attempted retreat, or giving into the temptation for a (decidedly one-sided) fight?

But Ignis drops his hand, and if Ardyn could manage to look any more patronizingly skeptical, lined with amusement, he would. As it stands, it's nearly impossible.]

Only if it's no imposition on you. [A statement that might as well be laughable. Not because of Ignis' blindness, but because this is Ardyn Izunia -- the very man who's made life on Eos exceedingly more difficult than necessary.] After all, I can only imagine how difficult it must be, to prepare a meal in an environment you're quite unfamiliar with.