prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .009

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You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. Even the few shy moon creatures you find in the wild have strange crystal growths on their hides. This is far from home— perhaps a dream? You pinch your skin and slap your cheeks, yet nothing seems to do the trick. Searching for answers yields nothing but an endless expanse of purple dust as far as the eye can see. You have four options: one, panic; two, soil yourself; three, admire it all then soil yourself; or four, go into survival mode. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’re not alone.

After a day or two of living off the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. After the strange phenomenon during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? Why did I inhale all those permanent markers in the third grade? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay.

While waiting for transport to be prepared, you may freely roam around the government center. Eventually you’re called back from exploring, escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the moons and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as the local Prismals. The next destination: Prismatica.

▶ Whip It Good
Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | top

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A Settle in your new home at Level 2 to find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

B At the Crystarium Moonports is a new family restaurant called Grapplebears, here to serve your favorite dishes from all around the galaxy at affordable prices! The menu ranges from the atomically hot and spicy Chamakshalan curry rice, delectable dragonsaur steak served with mashed space-tatoes, to the sweet and creamy Lunatian milkshakes that bring all the boys to the yard, all prepared by their handsome and huggable bear crew.

As you might have noticed, the restaurant staff is a ragtag group with members from planets unknown to both Prismals and Moonblessed. The waiters and waitresses in particular are tall, muscular, leather-clad bears who take your order by whipping you with a special riding crop that compels you to bark out your order — but only if you ask to be, of course! They might induce you to reveal other unrelated interests so make sure you’re not thinking about anything embarrassing!

If you chat up the staff or customers, you learn more about the restaurant’s origins. The bears say their planets* were also wiped by the Calamity hundreds of years ago, and life for them has been difficult for them since then…

*Further information about these planets is unavailable at this time.

▶ Night of the Living Dummy
City of Lunatia | top

The last vestiges of Geistnacht have officially passed and the first chilly autumn breeze ushers in the new season. The city is awash in giant piles of browning leaves that decorate every walkway.

A To deal with the mass collection of fallen leaves, many buildings across the city have been retrofitted with a new disposal system to help clean up. A sprawling network of automated vacuum tubes around the city will efficiently suck all those pesky leaves right up. While children love playing inside and using them to “teleport” around Lunatia, they have also been known to spontaneously suck up anyone who’s not too careful. You may find yourself falling on some hapless bystander on their afternoon walk, or crammed in a tube with your new neighbors. Lunar Scientia officials warn everyone to be careful of where you walk, else you might need to crawl your way to sweet freedom.

B A pop-up shop in Level 1 is attracting much of the locals' attention, run by a peddler who speaks in a low, elongated hiss and wears a hood over his face. He assures you that his face is of no consequence. What is more important is his selection of wares! In contrast to his cloaked, enigmatic appearance, his travel cart is a Barbie pink explosion of frills, hearts, glitter. He will tell all visitors he comes from the Valley of the Crimson Serpents, which Prismals and older Moonblessed arrivals find odd. Wasn’t the Sanguis moon uninhabitable?

Among the peddler’s wares are adorable, wide-eyed and heavily perfumed dolls in all sorts of clothes a child dreaming of rainbows and tea parties could ever ask for. Hug and squeeze a doll, and you will be greeted by a pre-recorded voice telling you how they’re your bestest friend ever. It’s like they were made for lovin’ you! But if you look away for one moment, you can almost swear you hear a snake’s hiss, its long tongue licking the shell of your ear… The next time you see the doll, its body will be in a slightly different position or location. Is it… following you? Fortunately, a minimal amount of moonlacing will make it leave you alone. You can wait it out too, but why would you?

Destroy a doll and it will later reappear wherever you are when you least expect it, good as new, but leaking from their porcelain heads is a strange pink, glitter-covered liquid. The peddler calls it the “love juice” giving the doll an extra dose of affection for you.

▶ Bird is the Word
Level 2, Greatmoon Groves | top

As autumn paints Lunatia with its golden hues, pumpkin decorations and desserts are now in vogue. This is thanks to Chroma-infused pumpkin seeds, which allow them to rapidly grow in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors. The Moonblessed are invited to visit one of the largest pumpkin patches in the city housed within the Greatmoon Groves, where they can enjoy the sight of oversized, colorful neon and sparkling semi-phallic pumpkins, expertly carved to greet you with their buck-toothed smiles.

A The pumpkin patch is full of toddler-sized creatures called hugbugs. When they are not tending to the pumpkins, they follow the Moonblessed around, requesting hugs and treats in exchange for their obedience.

Reward them and they will do simple errands for you and give you compliments. They will also be your personal hype men, talking up your strengths, talents, and physical assets to all those special someones you’re trying to impress. Once you earn their trust, they will be your friends for life!

Ignore them, hurt them, or bully them, and they will cry and place a curse upon you, reducing your self-esteem to nothing and magically forcing you to cry along with them. The effects of the curse may last for up to a week if you’re not careful! But how could you do such a thing? The hugbugs are sensitive and want somebody to love.

B If you manage to survive your encounter with the hugbugs, you are welcome to join in on the Prismal knitting group and enjoy creating your own fanciful scarf made of Galadrian thread, which is known for its bright, golden sheen and aromatic properties. Give it to a friend or wear it yourself, and you will notice a strange ability to attract animals and insects of all kinds. Live out your Disney Princess fantasy! Or a Hitchcockian nightmare. It’s all a matter of perspective as a whole flock of honking birds comes bounding towards you.

▶ Questions
If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

▶ As a reminder, test drive memes are for new characters only. However, current players are more than welcome to use these prompts for their own posts in the IC communities, personal inboxes, catch-all posts, etc.!
▶ As our test drive memes are game canon, feel free to keep any threads that happen here as canon for your character should they be accepted.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Well.

The only problem is, of course, Gwenhwyfar's inhuman strength, to which, she doesn't know the bottom of it. Having been told to only ever rely on magic by her teacher, this does remind her of the time that Dante, another half-demon, had scolded her about it.

Maybe Dante will take relief knowing that Gwenhwyfar hadn't hurt an innocent human this time, possibly another half-blood, like them. Maybe. But Gwenhwyfar is not only reckless but young and full of energy, in a matter of speaking. She doesn't advance on him, thankfully, only goes off in a flurry of insults in her native tongue. ]

Oh, mochyn budr!!

[ She's almost sputtering, white skin turning pink, waving a finger. Granted, her spear isn't at her disposal but Gwenhwyfar has her hands and her own knowledge of magic. She could take him! Barriers be damned, yet she's too flustered to even mull over a spell of her own. ]

Cachgi!

You... you dare propose an indecent act to me and hide behind magic?! And he is not!

[ Yes, yes, he is but Arthur is not here to defend himself, so Gwenhwyfar will defend his honor as best as she can. ]

I'm a lady, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of... that or betray my husband.

[ OR SO SHE SAYS. ]

Ohoh? Is this how you talk to anyone you meet for the first time? ( there's a sting in her words that he knows is directed towards him, meant for him but they're words familiar nonetheless. it's not the first time he's heard them used, he knew they probably wouldn't be the last but had he expected that along with her inhuman strength from a slap? not really. he's still trying to register everything correctly after handling such a blow.

if it wasn't for his own mixed blood, it probably would have hurt worse than what he got instead and he's thankful for once. there's a difference between casters who want to fight and the others that know better to just get the hell out of there — merlin is leaning towards the latter. )

You said you weren't my wife, you never said I couldn't use magic..? ( so she's aware of what he used, she's not blind to the ability he sees. that's a promising skill she has because so far, everyone always asked how merlin was able to do this or that. ) If you're admitting your husband is better than you, I hardly can believe it. Look at you, ready to attack me the moment I don't have my eyes on you! ( he pauses, sighing right after as he takes a step back just in case he really needs to make a quick run for it but she seems so caught up in her own anger and irritation that she may not know her left from her right. )

I'd rather not fight you, this won't end well. ( he understands, he DESERVES this but did she have to do it to him? she could have just hoped for the end of the world and that in itself is second best to be a destruction that could ruin his life. he's finally removing the hand from his cheek, the faint glow disappearing as his cheek is a little better than it was at the connection of the slap. the red color that bloomed upon his skin now gone, as pale as before as he tries his best not to frown at the female for her actions. she's not wrong at all, he knows but god it left a mark? )

My beautiful face... Horrible! Why can't you be like the kinder women, you're like a brute within fair skin! How did you get married? ( how can you be so cute.. but evil at the same time? baby girl, baby, evil. )

Only when a man dares proclaims absurd things!

[ It's a pity; she could approach him to confirm her suspicions -- he may not be far off from what she is. But even Gwenhwyfar knows in her tirade not to test her luck. Her teacher taught her better than that. The no violence rule has long since tossed out the window, unfortunately. There is, of course, more to it than that. The level of someone proclaiming to be her husband or as his prize sets off Gwenhwyfar more than even she realizes. ]

So what if I am admitting my husband is better than me?! [ He's a freaking king, she would say if it didn't expose her. Plus, he didn't have to deal with the horrors of being a half-demon, like her. ] I'd rather be prepared than defenseless; why is that an issue? So what if I am! You haven't even see me at my worst, you idiot.

Tch. You healed, I'm sure you would survive a beatdown from a woman but I'll just let nature take its course, how about that, instead? I highly doubt anyone can do anything to you, anyway. [ That being said, Gwenhwyfar isn't stupid. ]

Betrothed. But that doesn't matter and it doesn't matter if I'm a brute to you. So, are you going to hide by your magic, still? I know my own, you know.

I don't mind humoring a woman but if her personality is distasteful then..

( there's no reason to continue playing around with them, it's an actual shame however, considering she could have been someone he could talk to in order to pass the time. there's a pause in his actions, holding his breath as he bites down on his tongue to remind himself that incantations will only lead to a mouth filled with metal. even though her nose raises high above caster, he can't help but feel a slither of pity at her words. does she not respect herself? his brow raises in curiosity while looking off to the side to stare at the walls, contemplating if he should just leave. )

First you speak so bold and now you cower down beneath your husband, I feel bad for whoever took you into their embrace. ( will he come to regret these words, possibly, it's more than likely but how else was he to reply to her statements. it doesn't seem like it was out of self-loathing and more to the point of respect, either way, caster doesn't care too much. yes, if he didn't care, he wouldn't have made his comment on how she might have been belittling herself, there's no need to think one doesn't matter as highly as the other in the relationship. of course, the way she speaks on the matter of him hiding doesn't make him want to remove it, only keeping it in place just in case something may happen. he's been called a coward, he's showed his feared when it calls for it — casters have to be smart or he'll wind up dead. )

You say you know your own but what do you know of me other than I'm the one who caught you from plummeting to the earth. ( he grumbles, rubbing at his cheek still despite the pain having already washed away. he's trying to calm himself down to get another look at the female, trying to understand what it is that she's speaking of. there is something different about her, slightly familiar and yet part of him doesn't want to accept it. )

I'm glad you understand that this body can withstand quite a bit but why should I remove my magic for the beastly woman that wanted to break my neck not too long ago! ( he's sensitive and she's already picked at his pride, he sees no reason to be compliant because what if that just means he'll have another handprint kissed along his cheem but he guesses there's a better way that this can be handled. he taps the end of his his cane against the ground and rocks begin to scrape together, exposing that the wall is settling back into place and the mere illusion drops just like that. he's pouting but he's definitely not angry, it's hard to get that out of him. )

[ Sore spot, sore spot.

For a split second, Gwenhwyfar actually looks a little hurt by that. Ever determined to not give anyone an inch or an idea what kind of person she is, Gwenhwyfar leans down, taking a small pebble in her possession. ]

I think you and I know that I would survive a fall and more. [ Which is, to say, Gwenhwyfar is fairly confident that he is not much of a human either. But between her fuming and watching the obviously older man picking a fight with her. She's still so young, she has an excuse!

And, oh, if he's exposed himself, Gwenhwyfar is able to whisper an incantation in the hand that holds her pebble. She could be the mature one and walk this off but, no. She doesn't approach, only jabs a finger at him. ]

I can handle myself! I never asked for your help, anyway!

[ The pebble is now larger, a smooth rock large enough to bounce off his head but not enough to hurt him. At least where she comes from, half-demons don't hurt each other.

And with that, Gwenhwyfar tosses it at him, square in the head. SHE'S AN ADULT, SHE CAN FEND FOR HERSELF. ]

Uh oh.. ( now he fucked up, he sure did. caster knows that he should be more careful with his words but he's as stupid as the rest, saying whatever that comes to mind hoping it's offensive but perhaps.. there's words he shouldn't say. honestly, this must be where he dies? he can feel it? his young, magus life, just coming to an end.. he didn't even get to see the last human's dream ..

what a horrible way to die! her finger presses against the fabric of his clothes, she may be prideful but she doesn't handle things any better than he does. ) You didn't have to ask for my help! Even if this wasn't the case, I would have caught you regardless!

( ears twitch, earrings moving in tandem and don't act like he didn't hear that incantation! there's a complete 180 turn as he's quickly falling down to his knees, placing his hands together in prayer that she'll leave him alone. it's a cowardice move but it's helped him in the past — for being a wise magus, he doesn't think to tap into his clairvoyance to take a peek of what may happen so instead — )

Forgive meeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Don't kill meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm a beautiful and handsome nobodyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!! ( there's a smack of something rough against his head, the sound of heavy item smacking against the ground and he's already feeling a red mark blossoming on the area of his forehead. he's looking towards the ground, picking up the rock that's been thrown at him to analyze the weapon and should he feel embarrassed for begging for his life because of this? he should be, but he's not. )

You could have made this bigger... ( he holds the rock tightly in one hand, pressing a kiss against the back and there's a small faint glow of purple that emanates from inside his palm and once he opens it, there's nothing but flower petals left over. as if the pink and purple pieces have a mind of their own, they float from his hand and makes a circle around gwenhwyfar before carrying off with the wind. he slowly raises back to his feet, flowers blooming around his shoes as he takes a step towards the female and in return he knocks his knuckles against her forehead where he had been hit with the rock, as if instilling knowledge while giving her a word of advice. ) Incantations in battles are too slow and will never get the job down, just summon a sword and wack things — ( as soon as he says that however, a light forms in his hand taking on the form of a sword covered in a bright aura around the blade but the hilt remains blue and gold. it's only for show but that is excalibur that he's holding, showing how simple it is to summon a weapon before it disappears right after. )

So you can smack me silly before I run my mouth, okay? ( at least it's better than hoping that she's not going to summon a boulder to crush him with. )

[ There is so much going on here that Gwenhwyfar has to take a moment to analyze the situation. Whoever this man was, she is positive he isn't as young as he proclaims to be. No more than a decade or more than her. She's flabbergasted at the begging, even going far as to scooting back a few feet. ]

Why would I kill you?! Stop that! You're going to make a scene.

[ And it may be too late for that with how many eyes turn to look at them as soon as Gwenhwyfar scolds him after his begging. She so hates it when someone throws themselves at her knees. She is in no position to take the high road, to be the more mature one as soon as she feels his fist on her forehead. Immediately, Gwenhwyfar bats a hand away, looking flustered.

Looking fairly offended at the word of advice. ]

Who said this is a battle? I'm well aware of that -- besides, my teacher has always taught me not to engage in any sort of battle. Only support.

[ With all her huffing and puffing, Gwenhwyfar wishes that, for once, she had her spear. Sure, she could summon a weapon, if the need called for it. But to her, this man was showing off and Gwenhwyfar already felt plenty of insecure from his previous remarks of anyone wanting to embrace her. ]

I'll pass. I don't think I want to sully such a lovely sword smacking you with it. The only thing I want is an apology. I am not a beast or so loathed that no one wouldn't embrace me.

( he's making a scene, he makes a mental note of how she moved away from his wails and maybe that'll come in handy later on. he knew, he just knew that whining fixes everything, causing people to not want to deal with him for the now or later so he finds that it's working out in his favor. a smile pulls wider on his features, watching the look in her eye that's probably scolding him in hopes that he won't do anything else stupid around her. )

Support? I mean, that's smart! Whoever that person is deserves some praise.. ( he does wish that whoever that was fixed her attitude but it can't be helped now. she's older and there's all that time in the world they can't get back, which he could say that's a shame as well but hasn't he said enough. ) You think so kindly of that sword, I'll deliver it to the King. ( but her priorities are not in order, merlin blinking in slight confusion as he tries his best not to laugh. )

You curse me out in that tongue, request me to remove my magic, throw a rock at me and then proceed to tell me I should apologize? ( hellOOOOO? he doesn't know if he should bite his tongue to keep himself quiet or just shake his head. the thought does cross his mind, there are a few words that crossed the line to say against a young lady who seems to think so highly of her husband but she has such a strong personality. there's nothing wrong with that other than it makes the truth a harder pill to swallow, not too many find interest in other's with such an attitude. but she'll come to learn that listening to merlin doesn't matter, it's not like he actually means what he says. )

Why an apology? Why not just disregard what I said, it's not like my words mean anything. You'll forget about them one day, I promise.

( because they all do, so he believes there's no worry for concern on the matter. ) Because what's the truth? You're happily married, aren't you?

Of course, it's smart, he is the most powerful archdruid in all of Briton.

[ Myrddin deserved more than praise, he deserved full respect. But Myrddin's reasoning to have Gwenhwyfar as support is more complicated than that. He is right, Gwenhwyfar is prone to recklessness and her temper. She takes every word he speaks to her to heart, too personally. And once the fluster and embarrassment pass, Gwenhwyfar's expression turns into a more critical stare.

She had lied to this stranger about her marriage but as far as she is concerned, she may as well be. Lovers aside, no man can have her as a wife other than her betrothed. And no matter how much Gwenhwyfar wants to berate him for all the pain she had endured by her captors and a handful of abductions, she doesn't budge.

Unless he can pick up the anger and pain radiating from Gwenhwyfar that she tries so hard to bury. ]

Would any king tolerate your foolery? [ Just... moving past the fact that, yes, she threw a rock at him, and yes, she swore at him and nearly threw her own tantrum. Truly, the pinnacle of maturity, that's for certain. The only hint of discontent Gwenhwyfar displays is a flare of her nostrils. ]

No. [ Poor Merlin, really, he was about to see just how much she took every word to heart. ]

I will not forget. I've been taken far away from my home already, long before I arrived to all of this. All I want is to be home with my mother and be by his side.

[ That much is the truth but Gwenhwyfar... curiously doesn't answer his question. ]

( he deserves respect huh.. anyway, there's a little whimsical hum that leaves from caster considering the name is not unknown to him but he does feel a bit proud be it as it may. he holds up one hand, his pointer finger directed up as he shifts it in a circular motion in thought. ) So you came around those of the red dragon as well. ( he's not going to point any fingers but the one he already has and at least that has no stopping point as he listens to her retorts. she claims it smart so it has to be, caster sees no reason with what's wrong being support on the battlefield but that bold nature of hers.. how does she easily accept it?

don't get him wrong, being a mixed blood has its perks, being part incubus means that he feeds off the feelings and personalities of others to well.. create his own. her feelings are mixed, he's not too keen on digging his nails into any further than he already has but he's curious. did he really hit a sore spot, is what he said really that bad or is it the simple fact of that he won't give her the apology that she demands? it's not the first time merlin has upset someone because he doesn't know how to close his mouth and it won't be the last. ) Not just any king, my dear. My King....s. ( there's two he's raised and then another point in time he was summoned but he still respects his kings nonetheless, they were all shaped well in the way their mind worked towards what they believed would help their people. credit is deserved where credit is due. )

Hm? When you say it like that, I really don't want to apologize. ( imagine living forever in a world that's different from heaven, cannot be called hell but confined only to drop three sugar cubes into his cup as the relieved world continues to spin. his own story is one that's forgettable unlike the memories from others, it's something that he's accepting after living so "well", the people who knew him will forget, they always do. there's no need placing his hopes on an adamant woman's feelings , no matter how serious she may be. ) There's nothing I can do about that, changing the past is not my strong point. What you should do is look towards the future and hope for the best, things won't come so easily.

( like apologies, things of that matter but caster certainly will humor her, however. he stops moving his hand, thinking on his next reply and then it comes to him. ) When was the last time that you've slept and I mean, one where you didn't wake up with such a sour look on your face? ( maybe that can be his apology, a sweet dream that'll feel as real as anything else — she might be disappointed when she wakes up but it sounds good enough to him. but she has a feeling she won't accept his offer so easily.. especially since she seems serious about wanting a vocal apology. )

[ The red dragon is, of course, the symbol that the Pendraig family had adopted. It's why Arthur has earned the moniker of "the Dragon King" in her world. Gwenhwyfar is reluctant to divulge more information on where she comes from after that. Saying so is always asking for trouble, like the last time she had lied to an Irish king that held her prisoner for nearly a year, hoping to draw the infamous Dragon King into war.

None of that worked and declaring herself queen when she wasn't had cost her. It wore her down, broken her spirit, which is why Gwenhwyfar seems so stuck with the sour expression, and the guard she clings to. ]

So what if I have been around those under the red dragon?

[ It's an attempt to fish, Gwenhwyfar trying to get more of a gauge of an enemy or not. Even here, she kept her guard up, always prepared, always ready to defend herself. ]

Well, isn't that fantastic. I don't care about kings, I'm still not going to hit you with it. [ She's not that mad. Yet. But his words... they sound similar to what Myrddin would tell her, accompanied by the mantra of bury it. Indeed, her feelings are always mixed and all over, hard to contain if only because she didn't quite fully understand them, at times. ]

Tch, you really don't like to be forgiven, do you? If you even had the slightest idea-! [ For a second, it looks as if Gwenhwyfar is about to chew him out until she steels herself. That's not a rant that she wants to get into, not to a complete stranger. ]

Why does that matter? I doubt you would care, anyway. Probably when I was home.

[ She really cannot remember she didn't have such a worn, disapproving face. Likely when she was small, at her mother's side when she was still too young to understand the nature of her mixed blood. ]

They're legendary, sort of. The lot and them! Aren't you lucky to be aware of who they are — ( he pauses, turning around so that he has her back towards the female as he takes a step forward as if he's ready to walk off mid conversation. luckily for her, that's not what he's thinking of doing and instead walking around to kill time, watching as flowers follow his every step as he tries to figure out how to go about this. she could be from that time, not of his world but she's aware of who they are and as he knows history plays differently and even the flow of time can be skewed. )

Which dragon won? ( he stops, acting like an idiot just to throw her off so it seems like he knows nothing. ) They're terrible creatures, breathing fire and stuff like that. Making the tower crumble.. wish they would settle.

( once he finds that the distance between both her and him is enough, he turns back to face gwenhwyfar with a smile, placing his hands behind his back as he feigns innocence. he thinks on her question and there's a bit of laughter, what reason should he be forgiven after his troubles of leaving his king behind. he doesn't deserve it. so he continues carrying out his carefree attitude — it's just another mistake added to his list. ) I don't want to be so please, save your breath. There are others who may need your kindness in the future.

( the future this, the future that. truly, why does he care? what does it matter. but he nods at her answer.. whatever home could be but that's long before here. while he's unable to give her that back, he's back to playing around with his magic to fix something especially for her. caster looks at the female's crimson expression, staring at the irritation upon her features and if it's just one night to change that — what harm could that bring. he smacks his hands together, a faint purple glow from between them as he seems to be up to something. )

What flower reminds you of home?

[ She's a little dumbfounded at the question, "which dragon won?". Gwenhwyfar could be wrong about it, the feeling of familiarity or what may be the case, her pain and desire for her home that she was willing to find familiarity with anything or anyone. She stares at him for half a moment. ]

It was my teacher that told King Vortigern that the red dragon would destroy the white dragon. The white dragon being that of the Saxons and the red dragon being the Briton people. Everyone knows that story.

[ As if to say "well, duh". Breathing fire, destroying towers... yes, that does sound about right for the Pendraig family, doesn't it? Her lips purse together in a thin line. He says he doesn't want forgiveness and won't apologize, then Gwenhwyfar wouldn't forgive him for the comment and allow it to fester in her, like so many things. An approach to her earns a cautious step back. It's painted on her face, the weariness and caution of strangers and the untold trauma that caused her to be so callous.

Callous, not kind. Gwenhwyfar could scoff at the notion; she wasn't kind, at all, she thought. She hates that she is being pressed to answer that question, frowning deeper. Gwenhwyfar so desperately wants to be stubborn and spiteful in return for the previous comment. Folding across her arms across her chest, she gives a dismissive gesture. It was stupid, to her, magic or not. ]

... Don't know, snowdrops?

[ Her mother's favorite flowers, of all things that comes to mind. ]

And he died after, yes? Well, before the victory.

( everyone knows that story. caster thinks on her words that she presents to him, it's all so familiar that even he could reminiscence on them. that's a name he hasn't heard in a long while, that's enough to bring a smile on his face as he thinks back. he remembers telling king vortigern that the end was coming, but it was the siege laid out on the castle near monmouth that led to his demise. sadly, the end is but a reminder that great things come from out the mouth of flames. that was one of the sensitive turning points, but who succeeded after only played smoothly into what the future was meant to give them.

he hums softly in thought, nodding leisurely at what he manages to create that the female had spoke about. he makes sure that it's in a good condition to be handed over, and considering this is merlin's magic, he knows that it's more than good. the white petals lay against his own pale hand as he notes the way she keeps her distance from him now, and when he thought he was the one trying to make a run for it! he holds it out for her to take herself when she feels comfortable enough to do so. )

What a peculiar choice, the flower that symbolizes hope. ( he's looking it over one last time as if he's searching for answers that'll maybe expose why there's something interesting about their conversation. ) You must find me horrible, but do not forgive me, and instead, do take this in forgiveness of my sharp tongue. ( merlin has his moments, but he knows where he's done wrong. it must be odd for him to leave their previous conversation to focus on something else, but how he sees it now — there's no need to bring up any sour memories. ) Big Brother has to repent somehow so I'm sure you are aware how this goes? Tuck it under your pillow, and drift off into dreamland! I'm sure you can handle that, right?

( it's a quick just in case, clearing his throat: )

Hm? Are you gunna say something like, "Why should I trust you!" To be honest, I don't know why either!

Well, yes.

[ She still remembers Myrddin speaking of the dragons that laid dormant under Dinas Emrys, and how she begged for him to take her there to see it for herself. Out of concern for her safety, he couldn't, he said. ]

If that weren't the case, it would not be Arthur ap Uthyr sitting on that throne.

[ And... who knows what would have happened to the Pendraig house if that were the case. It's not something she cares to think about, only recalling tidbits of stories about how the "white dragon" tried to compromise with their enemies.

Still, his shift in his demeanor keeps her guarded, if not tenser before she slapped him. No doubt in her mind, if he is not a Briton, he lives fairly close by to them. All Gwenhwyfar can do is furrow her brow in distrust and confusion at his remark. And nearly grimacing as he refers to himself as "Big Brother". Gwenhwyfar is already iffy as it is whenever her half-sister refers to her as "big sister". ]

It's my mother's favorite flower. [ She huffs as if Merlin had insulted her mother to her face. ] It has nothing to do with any of that.

[ It's actually a very sweet gesture and even if Gwenhwyfar wants to be petty and slap his hand out of way to cause them to dramatically blow off in the wind, She mutters a "whatever" to herself, something that is so often muttered by a teenager, keeping it placed in one of her satchels tied around her waist.

There is a lot of weird things she carries and petals are hardly not one of them. She shoots a look back up to him, her grimace nearly forming into a pout. ]

No!

[ Yes. Yes, she was. ]

Why are you even bothering with someone like me?

Someone like you..? Aren't we all special in our own ways, besides, you said it yourself. You called me kin, did you not? ( or could it have been he was hearing things? to caster, specific words that relate to such abstract matters are meant to be noticed. he knows there's something different about her, no matter how familiar because there's a reason to be curious. what he gets from her type of personality is that everything she says — aside from how brutish — has a reason, and why should he ignore her words? she may be prickly around the edges, a sharp point to her words as she speaks but caster guesses she could be harmless.

she's already shown her abilities in being able to speak incantations so he has every reason to be wary. he just hopes she feels like being harmless from now on. truthfully, he can't ask for much considering he's said some rather cruel things, but who wouldn't to protect themselves. aside from that, he's said his apology (sort of), as he keeps his focus on her eye, and wonders how much she's seen through her life. )

If we meet again, do tell me if that sour expression leaves your face afterwards! ( he sounds proud of himself, which he has every right to be since his magic has never steered him wrong — aside from those sloppy incantations. but, he's slowly learning what seems to be very important to her which he knows not to dig into. he's already said his piece about her husband, and part of him hopes word doesn't get back to him. what he's deduced is that it all ties to going back home. it's actually endearing, though he does hope they have another chance to cross each other's path at a later date. for a moment, he knows that he should let it pass but there's an interest in learning more of what she knows: )

I have one last question revolving around the King of the Knights. I'm wondering if you could answer and I'll stop prying. ( yes, his darling, little girl who grew up to shoulder so many responsibilities. it's always interesting to hear of the alternate words where history acts out differently. though there is a question that crosses his mind, a little miffed by his own thoughts as his brows knit together over it. what he wants to ask is a sensitive subject, his attention latched onto the idea of maybe something better has came of the king if the female is aware of who that is. perhaps, there is a timeline where things didn't go as sour because of merlin's own faults. it's still apparent in his mind, knowing that he was wrong for disappearing on her in the end, and leaving her to die. call him a troublesome father who ruined the life of an innocent girl, ripped away her happiness, and led her down a path of sadness. he does hope for the best, despite the small tone of worry located in his voice. ) Had the King took their first step into the Battle of Camlann?

( and this time, he does hope for the female to say no. )

I am fairly confident that we are kin.

[ Gwenhwyfar still recalls Vergil, an older half-demon, being so critical of her inability to control herself. It doesn't change the fact that she's younger than any of them, likely the youngest of the handful that she knows. Being half-demon doesn't exempt her from the scolding of her elders, much to her dismay.

She knows that she is cantankerous, rude, and snooty -- it's the front that she puts up in front of some when the need calls for it. Or, well, when Gwenhwyfar is significantly annoyed or hurt. She is hurting, she is unable to process it beyond her teacher's insistence for her to bury it inside of her.

That being said, Gwenhwyfar's lips and expression grow even flatter, purely out of spite and to be contrary. ] Don't be ridiculous, I can find you again, very easy.

[ At least she thinks so.

As for Camlann... ] King of knights? Arthur ap Uthyr?

[ She goes through the vast information in her mind, what she knows so little of Arthur's realm compared to Cameliard. ]

I have heard of no such battle. The last I heard, one of his knights told me he was traveling with his cousin, Cullwch and other members of his family.

[ Camlann, King of Knights... he has some sort of association with Arthur, doesn't he? Gwenhwyfar isn't about to let him go so easily, not when a surge of protectiveness overcomes her and Gwenhwyfar approaches, her arms so firmly crossed in front of her. ]

And what association do you have with Arthur?

[ If he is a foe of Arthur, well, Gwenhwyfar has to really reconsider where she stays. The panicked feeling in the back of her head nearly manifests into a dizzy spell. She's already done so much running. ]

Is it for the charming, good looks that we have? ( he chuckles, trying to diffuse the tension that's apparent between them. caster may be an idiot, but there's a little good left within him which he probably caught from his mother's side. she was the human, after all. while his words may irritate her, it's better in this case so that she has something else to be distraught over which she does a good job at.

she may be able to find him and then she may not, he doesn't know how this place works but she doesn't feel like a servant so she couldn't find him by that method. his head tilts to the side, trying to make heads or tails of her response, but her first step towards him makes him shift back. it's not like he doesn't trust her, it really isn't that, but he's better safe than sorry if his jokes had been far too much. )

Ah, yes, Arthur as you call him. Your King, the dutiful Lord of the Round Table! ( although caster speaks with familiarity, he knows that's not the same person, but even that arthur deserves the same respect. but there's reassurance from her words as a smile pulls wider on his features, and caster's content. he lets out a sigh of relief, a hand raising to his chest as he nods to accept her words. ) That is.. good. Do understand, I was only curious. I'm just a crazy, ol' man! ( a little more than that, but he's unable to give away his identity since it's important to him, and he still plays with the rules of being a hobby servant on the side. there's too much at stake when it comes to a servant's real name, but caster is one of the lucky one's who doesn't have much of a weakness. he's immortal — to an extent — all because avalon has taken care of that.

but he can't leave her question fully unanswered, so with pride: )

I didn't vote for him?

( that doesn't answer anything, nor does it betray his origins. it doesn't place him as someone the other should be wary of or does it? either way, he finds her reactions almost as interesting as everything else about her. while they're answering questions about one another, violet focuses on her way of dress and then back to the color of her cheeks. )

You must be one of his citizens, you truly are protective!

[ Charms and all of that aside, Gwenhwyfar notices the step back and says nothing on the matter. Without a doubt, Arthur is her king, in a sense, arranged marriages and old houses aside, the soon-to-be high king of Briton with the rebellion of twelve kings squashed, as far as she knew. Maybe there was a reason why Gwenhwyfar was left in the dark about the matters of what was going on in Briton, the tension between old and new customs, humans' constant desire for power, and the mess of what are royal families.

It left her unprepared, even a little resentful to the adults in her life. At least her mother had tried to make the effort before Melwas had invited himself to Arthur's dining hall. Curious, he says, but it's part of the reason why Gwenhwyfar is the way she is, all the scars she bears and the nightmares she cannot escape. ]

I am not one of his citizens.

[ Only Gawain knows that and both Fish and Mollymauk keep her origins guarded. But for her own benefit of being freed from the anxiety that can be seen by a tremor running through her hands, to which she balls up in fists.

She is absolutely petrified. ]

He is my betrothed. I am Gwenhwyfar of Cameliard.

[ Princess of Cameliard? It's not a title she likes. ]

You're...

( caster redirects his gaze, swiping his eyes over the female's form one last time as he listens to her words. it's jarring. he would have expected something else, but this isn't an option he thought would play before him. his lips part, but there's not a gasp that leaves — oh no, it's more so he's speechless, and follows up with a smile. a hand raises to his chin, cupping it in thought as he begins to nod. isn't this funny, but to hear her admit such a claim has him pause. his betrothed? there's just no way for him to deny her but why would anyone who's aware of a timeline have to lie.

still, he must be patient, but also keep in mind to figure if she's telling the truth or not. ) ... King Arthur's significant other?

( if she who she calls herself, to call him her betrothed is pushing it .. unless, that has yet to happen. the term says it all so they must be early in. he relaxes, careful with his words for the reaction she gives with balled up fists. he may speak as if he's in disbelief, but he's curious so there's something he believes that he can question — ) Ahaha! Yes, if you say so!

( he plays coy, blinking as a hand leaves from his chin, and down to his side. ) Is that why my words offended you so much? ( but then, it dawns on him what he's said about the king if true, and that's a problem. it only makes since since the female from his world loved king arthur so much, she did everything for her. so who is to say this one isn't the same? well, if she's lying about her origins.. )

[ It can't be helped, the glowering on her face, Gwenhwyfar crossing her arms tightly, almost in an effort to soothe herself. ]

Yes.

[ While it's always been something she's kept to herself, any slither of doubt actually makes her angry. What Gwenhwyfar really wants to say how much she had suffered for it. What it was like to hear these words whispered in her ears by a rival king, almost every night to break her spirit.

But she doesn't, only pulling a face that expresses how hurt she is by it, a look that she is sure her teacher would condemn, it would be an open display of weakness. ]

Think whatever you like. [ As her voice begins to quiver, she steals herself right back up. ]

I only want to know your association with him. Whoever he has ties with, I will have ties with, for better or worse.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

▶ TDM .009

sorry not sorry merlin. ALL THE WELSH CURSING

googles it i mean shes NOT WRONGGGG

i'm screaming MERLIN

HES JUST GETTING HIMSELF IN TROUBLE

pretty much

he may not hear the end of this but anyone would have done the same in this position

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▶ TDM .009

sorry not sorry merlin. ALL THE WELSH CURSING

*googles it* i mean shes NOT WRONGGGG

i'm screaming MERLIN

HES JUST GETTING HIMSELF IN TROUBLE

pretty much

he may not hear the end of this but anyone would have done the same in this position

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googles it i mean shes NOT WRONGGGG