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prismaticrap2019-05-08 05:12 am
prismods) wrote in prismaticrap2019-05-08 05:12 am
▶ TDM .003
▶ Tales from the Crypt
Moon Iris | top
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 eat those fifty cent street truck tacos last night? — 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. Alternatively, you can ask the staff about the moon base. They suggest that you visit one of their excavation sites nearby: an enormous hole known as the Glory. The scientists have been excavating this site carefully for years, searching for a legendary ancient tomb sleeping within. They’re accepting volunteers if anyone is inclined to aid in their efforts. Perhaps the Moonblessed have the knowledge they need to make it a success!
This little adventure might leaving you wondering what or who exactly lies deeper inside, but the Prismals are just as clueless as you are. Cave-ins happen from time to time, but this might have been the strongest one recorded on this site.
Eventually you’re called to the docks and led onto a large transport vessel. Destination: Prismatica.
▶ Those Kicks were Fast as Lightning
Higher Lunatia, Level 1 | 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.
With the end of Harvest Boon, the city is calm once more. The streets of Level 1 and 2 are now sparkling clean as always, but Level 3 is still in the process of cleaning up. There are confetti and deflated balloons strewn all over the streets, but Swiffy bots are on the scene, sweeping up whatever waste they can get their hands on. Sometimes, they might even play tug-of-war with you for it. At one of the train stations, a Prismal doomsayer screams about the apocalypse returning. Passersby shrug at the conspiracy theory and move on.
▶ Meas Trees are the Bee’s Knees
Middle Lunatia, Level 2 | top
The rows of Meas trees planted this Harvest Boon are blossoming beautifully into view, painting the fields in Level 2 with colors of spring. Meas tree saplings each have a small sign next to them, displaying their owners’ written wish if they chose to disclose it. Interestingly, the color and aroma of each flower depends on the owners; fiery personalities might have red or orange flowers, those born in a coastal town might have flowers that smell like the sea near their hometown, and so on. Maybe you’ll encounter a familiar aroma if you’re lucky enough.
The Moonblessed who were most active with moonlacing the past few weeks have the largest trees, nearly rivaling the oldest Meas trees around. The older trees planted by Prismals over time can be seen in the next field, standing majestically with their swaying branches and flying petals.
▶ Questions
If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.
Moon Iris | top
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 eat those fifty cent street truck tacos last night? — 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. Alternatively, you can ask the staff about the moon base. They suggest that you visit one of their excavation sites nearby: an enormous hole known as the Glory. The scientists have been excavating this site carefully for years, searching for a legendary ancient tomb sleeping within. They’re accepting volunteers if anyone is inclined to aid in their efforts. Perhaps the Moonblessed have the knowledge they need to make it a success!
A ⬤ A chroma-powered lift made of magically fortified crystal is used to access the lower grounds. Be careful not to fall off! On the way down, some translucent caterpillars and crystals light your way. Be quiet and keep an eye out for Queen Bowie beetles: these glowing neon bugs are attracted to music, and a single note will send them flying into your clothes and hair. Putting the beetles under pressure is not advised, as they will explode and send their sticky insides flying throughout the airspace, potentially stinging your eyes. This will make moving around in dark, cramped spaces all the more difficult! Thankfully, they get bored if no one tries to sing for one whole minute.
B ⬤ Scientists, engineers, miners, and archeologists are at the unearthed antechambers, hard at work. They will assign you to different tasks: recording observations and taking down notes, digging with advanced excavation tools, or collecting fragile relics with metal and crystal detectors. The Moonblessed may also assist with solving riddles the ancients left in the tomb’s doors, chests and walls. Solving them may lead to either treasure rooms or trap walls that close in on unsuspecting grave robbers. Others, well...
Golden jellyfish statues line the walls, encrusted with glistening jewels all over, some worse for wear. Tall pillars have numerous ancient runes which the Prismals are struggling to decipher. Soon, an eerie whisper reaches your mind: “Wander no further. A curse awaits all who enter our kingdom. Disturb not those who slumber in the deep.” True enough, the floor from this point onward appears to be blue sand combed in the pattern of ocean waves... Are you brave enough to continue drilling through?
C ⬤ If that is not enough to send you scrambling out with moist underwear, perhaps the seismic jolt to the ground will. A slimy substance begins to ooze out the tomb’s cracks, glowing lilac like the Iris moon... The Prismals are quick to usher everyone out before the shaking gets worse. As the lift may be too dangerous, climbing equipment will be provided. Watch out for falling debris or collapsing rocks while assisting each other out of cramped passages and up the walls to safety. Try not to get stuck in the slime!
This little adventure might leaving you wondering what or who exactly lies deeper inside, but the Prismals are just as clueless as you are. Cave-ins happen from time to time, but this might have been the strongest one recorded on this site.
Eventually you’re called to the docks and led onto a large transport vessel. Destination: Prismatica.
▶ Those Kicks were Fast as Lightning
Higher Lunatia, Level 1 | 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.
With the end of Harvest Boon, the city is calm once more. The streets of Level 1 and 2 are now sparkling clean as always, but Level 3 is still in the process of cleaning up. There are confetti and deflated balloons strewn all over the streets, but Swiffy bots are on the scene, sweeping up whatever waste they can get their hands on. Sometimes, they might even play tug-of-war with you for it. At one of the train stations, a Prismal doomsayer screams about the apocalypse returning. Passersby shrug at the conspiracy theory and move on.
A ⬤ In response to the unexpected rough events during Harvest Boon, the Moon Knights decided to hold free-for-all self-defense seminars at a large park near Lunatia Square. The live demonstrations include proper monster-wrangling procedures and how to efficiently keep a rogue moonheld (read: transformed under the moon) Prismal away. Participants are encouraged to learn and interact with each other to learn various safety practices and techniques. The training visors provided enhance the seminar experience, changing whoever your eyes focus on into a cerberus or other rogue moonheld Prismal on the visor’s display. Don’t use the visors for too long, or you’ll be seeing everyone as a cerberus well after you take the visors off! Fortunately, the effects only last for an hour. Energy drinks and free snacks are available to any worn-out Prismal or Moonblessed.
B ⬤ Virtual lunar conditions are also available via multiplayer VR pods in Lunar Scientia headquarters, simulating the Moonblessed/moonheld experience under full moons. Mental exercises and magic practice sessions are accessible in the virtual spaces, allowing people to test out their magical abilities and transformations. Simulation participants can either train by themselves, with a partner, or through a tutorial of instruction-based movements. However, the program is still in beta. You may experience errors or bugs like lagging, NPCs phasing into things they shouldn’t, weird physics, or body glitches.
▶ Meas Trees are the Bee’s Knees
Middle Lunatia, Level 2 | top
The rows of Meas trees planted this Harvest Boon are blossoming beautifully into view, painting the fields in Level 2 with colors of spring. Meas tree saplings each have a small sign next to them, displaying their owners’ written wish if they chose to disclose it. Interestingly, the color and aroma of each flower depends on the owners; fiery personalities might have red or orange flowers, those born in a coastal town might have flowers that smell like the sea near their hometown, and so on. Maybe you’ll encounter a familiar aroma if you’re lucky enough.
The Moonblessed who were most active with moonlacing the past few weeks have the largest trees, nearly rivaling the oldest Meas trees around. The older trees planted by Prismals over time can be seen in the next field, standing majestically with their swaying branches and flying petals.
A ⬤ Picnic grounds for flower viewings can be found near the fields. There are plenty of stalls selling homemade bruschettas, crostinis, sandwiches, wines, cheeses, and other enjoyable finger food. Notably, some wines may give you an insatiable desire to whisper things in someone’s ear. Sweet nothings, death threats, your secret kinks—no matter the words, you’ll want to kill someone softly with them.
B ⬤ The Swiffy bots that are assigned to the parks and gardens in Level 2 help keep things spick and span, but they’re due for maintenance and may attempt to sweep off any unfortunate picnics with their high-powered vacuums or leaf blowers. As they zoom across the paths, they chirrup about not treading on the grass and take off with picnic blankets, table cloths, and people’s clothes. Any nearby maintenance staff (who are all desperately trying to chase the bots) yell that a conk on the head will immobilize them. Once the malfunctioning bots are stopped, the staff approach to wheel them away while apologising profusely for the mayhem.
▶ Questions
If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.
Winter Schnee | RWBY
[She's been found by the Moon Knights in fairly good health. The wilderness of Remnant is savage and dangerous, so while this land is of a different flavor of hostile, the special operative soldier Winter Schnee is adaptable when it comes to surviving. Nonetheless, she's grateful for the assistance, and the knights weathered her intense interrogation with grace. She considers herself fairly good at detecting lies and half-truths, and she was unable to detect any falsehoods in the answers they gave. There wasn't even any uneasy or guilty hesitation. So while she remains wary, Winter sees no reason to treat the Prismals as hostiles or enemies. Perhaps this is due to having an attunement to the Iris moon, perhaps she's just doing a good job concealing her emotions. It's hard to say at a glance, except for those who know her somewhat well.]
[Once she's had time to process the information and drink something hot, she's declared that she's ready to depart for Lunatia. She paces the shuttlebay restlessly as she waits for the transport to be prepared, her steps agitated. Certainly she's not pleased to be here, but it's not something for which anyone else can claim responsibility. With nowhere to direct her frustration at being separated from her world and duties, Winter has no choice but to digest her emotions and plan a new course of action.]
[One of the first things she needs to do is test her status as a 'Moonblessed.' This business about Chroma seems like ridiculous nonsense, but she's willing to experiment before writing it off completely.]
[And so, it's with this in mind that Winter aggressively marches up to people who happen to be in the area, regarding them with a cool and scrutinizing gaze, before settling a hand on that person's shoulder. She seems to have forgotten the part about the contact needing to be intimate in order to produce Chroma. But this is Winter Schnee. For her, a touch to the shoulder is very intimate, even if it doesn't really reflect as such on her face.]
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Meas Tress - Both A and B Prompts Available!
[Winter has always held a secret fondness for plants of all kinds. From stubby succulents to elegant orchids, she always has a soft spot for greenery. There isn't much to be found in her homeland of Atlas, and a garden is a rare commodity only the wealthy can typically afford. As such, she takes her time strolling along the boulevard close to the Meas trees, head tilted back, gloved hands loosely clasped behind her back. The names attached, for the most part, mean almost nothing to her, but she does keep an eye out for the few souls she counts among the familiar. How one species of plant can carry so much variety is rather intriguing. She's oddly serene (to those familiar with her normally rigid and militaristic stance), her steps unhurried.]
[Naturally she sees fit to sample the free edibles that have been offered to the public. She surveys those who partake for at least half an hour to see if there are any noticeable and ill effects, but detecting none, she deems the food safe to eat. This place still makes her suspicious on several fronts, but it seems she was not brought here to starve and die.]
[So long as no one else is in her near vicinity, the urge to whisper lies dormant. But that may change.]
[The third place Winter might be found is savagely slapping a Swiffy bot on the head as she stands there, enraged, in her bra. Her teeth are grit and her eyes are wild.]
Dispense my belongings this instant!
[Honestly, had it only stolen her clothing while 'cleaning up' her retaliation would not be quite so severe. However, as her mother's brooch was pinned to the collar of her blouse, she's intent on getting it back.]
[OOC: Apologies if I get any setting details incorrect, feel free to let me know if I do! If there's something you want to play out that doesn't match the prompts above, go ahead and write up a wildcard starter.]
Meas B (cups) 😎
Casual as can be, Qrow's greeting comes in the form of a forceful kick to the malfunctioning Swiffy bot's head, which immediately renders it inactive in a spray of sparks from its now dented-in head. ]
Gotta smack 'em harder than that, Ice Queen. These hunks of junk have been at this all day.
[ A pause. Is he going to say something about her current state of undress? He obviously doesn't appear to harbor any qualms about looking right at her. They both graduated from a combat school, so if they had any body shyness to begin with (and he didn't), it was done away with early in their training.
But surely he wouldn't just say something - ]
Really though, lace? Didn't peg you as the type.
die
[She turns her head to regard Qrow, not fully able to disguise her contempt no matter how practiced she is at maintaining her icy countenance. She's already made up her mind that she won't get flustered, or blush, or attempt to cover herself. Modesty is not a qualification for a warrior, so getting bothered would be senseless.]
[And yet, with a comment like that, she simply can't keep up the veneer a second longer.]
[Her palm rockets straight for his cheek, and if it lands, that loud crack will have people turning their heads in alarm.]
...You were correct. I should have exercised more force.
nailed it
But of course, Qrow hadn't been looking at her eyes. ]
What the hell, woman!
[ He rubs at his face after he recovers from his backwards stumble. From the way he has to catch himself not once, but twice, it's obvious he's been drinking - but they're selling wine here, so that was a given. ]
Still a psycho, huh? Tryin' to help you and this is what I get?
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[His name escapes as a hiss between her clenched teeth from where she crouches beside the robot, sifting through the contents of its vacuum chamber. It seems Winter's blouse was not the only victim of the errant robotic crusader's cleaning rampage, as evidenced by the torn pair of heart-print boxers she delicately lifts out between the very edges of her fingertips. How unsightly! She flicks those away (where another Spiffy Bot quickly appears to suck it up and zoom away with a cheery chirp).]
How long have you been stationed upon this planet?
[Honestly, of all the people from her world to wind up here with her! She'd almost prefer Cinder and her little gaggle of deviants.]
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Ugh, don't say it like we're supposed to be here.
[ He sighs. All things considered, Prismatica isn't too bad a place... but it just got a lot worse, now that she's here. He does sound shockingly unsurprised to see her here, but he is getting a little used to people he knows popping up on Iris moon, lately. ]
I don't know, going on three months, I guess?
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[So much for her expectations that the research will be finished any time soon. What if months should become years? She can't afford to languish here for so long.]
[There's a tightness in the curve of her back and the set of her bare shoulders, but she doesn't speak of the matter.]
...I see.
[She continues searching in silence, her head bent to the task. A glint of light catches her eye, and she follows that small glimmer to note that the brooch landed close to Qrow's foot. She makes a swift grab for it.]
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He actually feels a little bad he couldn't give her a better answer than that.
Qrow sees her make a grab for something and steps aside, watching her scoop up not her blouse, but that shining red brooch from the ground. How unexpectedly sentimental of her.
When she looks up, she'll see him reaching out a hand to help her up. ]
You wanna borrow my shirt or something?
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arrival
It's even more unnerving when he sees the woman's face, entirely devoid of any emotion save for fierce-eyed determination. ]
What?
[ The single word is short and clipped - he's clearly not happy about people getting all up in his personal space. ]
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A moment. Be still.
[She waits for an exact five second count before she withdraws her hand, turning her wrist to study her palm before closing her fingers.]
Hmmmm. I see. Either you are not Moonblessed, or the touch is not enough to gather Chroma.
[Winter's gaze flicks down to his shoes, then up again, studying his appearance thoroughly.]
...I judge the latter to be correct. You are not from this world, are you?
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Once she's finally done with her whatever-it-was, he shakes his shoulders a smidge (as though he's shaking off cooties) and takes a step back. Just in case she tries some other weird thing. ]
Never seen this place before. Though I'm gettin' real sick of being dragged from place to place.
[ The last bit he mutters more to himself. Anyway. ]
What the hell is this Chroma you're talking about?
[ Guess who slept through all the intro lectures. ]
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[His cooperation receives a nod of acknowledgment as she withdraws her hand, holding it behind her back once more. He met her expectations in a satisfactory manner.]
Oh? This has occurred to you before?
[It may have been a mutter, but she heard it, and that's information she deems important. However, as he's asking, she sees no reason not to relay what she picked up from the inhabitants of the lunar base.]
A substance generated by intimate contact between two or more individuals who are not native to this realm.
[She refuses to use the term 'Moonblessed' because the thought of any of this being a blessing is laughable.]
They use it as a source of energy and currency, and require mass quantities to sustain the research efforts to return us to our worlds of origin. I had hoped that our previous contact would be sufficient to generate Chroma, but it appears not.
[Winter regards him expectantly for a moment, her silence a subtle invitation to ask any further questions. She's so much worse than Mitsuru.]
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Sort of. The other place was a lot worse though. Got real tired of being forced to f— [ he remembers who he’s talking to, chokes a little, and reroutes his tongue into saying something a little softer ] find three people to, uh, spend some quality time with.
[ He’ll take this chroma business over having to bang three times a month. More importantly—he straightens a little, a dubious look crossing his face. ]
Pretty sure a touch on some stranger’s shoulder ain’t gonna count as intimate though. [ He’s pretty sure he oughta know, by this point. ] Go find someone you know and hold their hand, if you really wanna test this out.
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That won't be necessary. My goal was to ascertain the minimal level of acceptable physical contact. I'm certain a handshake isn't necessary to verify what was already related.
[He's young, physically. Perhaps about the same age as her sister. Mentally, though, he bears the maturity of one who has survived more than a person should be reasonably expected to suffer. She assumes this has something to do with his previous 'expedition.' He's correct, that isn't polite conversation. There might be academic interest in how he was stolen from his world initially, but she's more interested in how he left. She can induce that he had no control over either circumstances based on his earlier statements.]
[She raises her chin a little, silent as she makes these studies and observations, before she speaks once more.]
Winter Schnee.
[Her head inclines in polite introduction. Her name isn't classified, not here.]
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arrival
Are you trying to make Chroma...? Touching someone's hand works better for that.
[His tone is a bit absent-minded and airy, meaning it doesn't sound entirely reliable, but the words are at least consistent with what's generally said about Chroma - intimate contact being necessary and all. Ren's just kind of guessing she's one of those people who thinks talking to someone for more than two minutes is too intimate.]
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[She replies bluntly, maintaining the contact for a moment more before she withdraws her hand and examines it.]
I wished to see if it could be produced through more mundane methods of contact.
[So much for her plans of standing stiffly next to a person, each of them pressing a single digit into the other's shoulder, to generate Chroma. Ah, well.]
[Then his hand comes up. Winter regards his face stoically for a moment before her gaze drops to the offered hand. Well. So long as he's offering, she supposes she needn't feel awkward about this. It will also test her theory about whether or not gloves make a difference.]
[Winter turns to face him, their slim hands clasped together in a firm and confident grip that's much like a handshake, save for the length of lingering. It's only when the first bloom of warmth from the moonlacing hits her that her expression finally changes. Surprise widens her eyes fractionally, and her attention moves quickly back to their joined hands.]
...I see. Interesting.
[She doesn't seem to be aware of the quiet flush of color on her countenance.]
You seem experienced in the matter. Would I be correct to assume you have dwelt here for some significant length of time?
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That said, Ren's grip is a bit more down-to-earth than the impression he gives off, though that might just be because he's used to that for some reason. He figures he might as well let her have her first moonlacing experience in (relative) peace, so he lets her go through her reactions without any teasing...until she blushes slightly, at which point he can't stop himself from offering a light smile and pointing to her face with his other hand.]
Oh, you turned red pretty quickly... [Not very much, but still, it's noticeable enough for him to draw attention to it.] I've been here for about two months now. That's the longest any of the moonblessed have been here.
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[Her crisp tones are militaristic, possibly even condescending. Or maybe that's just her Schnee heritage. When he points out the redness on her face, her eyes narrow in disapproval. His observation does not amuse her in the slightest.]
[Thankfully, his latter comment staves off the incoming biting remark she almost made.]
There are only two months of data to consider, then.
[Her brow furrows. This society seems far too prepared for the event of Chroma-producing strangers. Are they that technologically advanced and adaptable? It seems unlikely, but possible. She'll retain her suspicions.]
How prepared was this society to receive you when you first arrived?
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Her question has him frowning slightly in thought, as if he's trying to think of how to word something politely.] Not at all, actually...we got left on the purple moon for a few days without any food or anything because they didn't know we were there. But they studied us a lot on the way over, so maybe things have been easier for you guys because of that?
[He hasn't heard a lot about the second group's trip over here other than it took them a few days to get collected as well, and that they still had people ready to sedate the uncooperative, so he's not sure if they got studied too.]
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[She's not quite so proud to make broad assumptions in this manner, knowing she's going to encounter a great deal of challenges to her own upbringing. Hands still clasped behind her back, she walks slowly, military stature inscribed over every inch of her.]
What about the devices that monitor the Chroma levels in your person? How long did it take them to produce this technology?
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arrival! I'M HERE FINALLY
Seeing Winter? Seeing Winter finally feels like a dream come true. ]
Winter!
[ That's pretty much all she's able to say. She's so happy she's about to explode. She's so relieved to see her sister that... well, nothing else really matters. She doesn't even realise that Winter is going to be subject to the same conditions she's been thrust into being here.
They can take care of that later. ]
SISTURRRRR
[She stiffens where she stands, immediately swiveling about as her eyes flick back and forth before finally landing on Weiss. For a few moments, the surprise she truly feels is clear as crystal on her face before she comes to a decision -- she will need to be much stronger now. If Weiss is in any kind of distress, then Winter needs to show her that it can be faced with calm and dignity. And if Weiss has settled comfortably into this situation, then the last thing she needs is to worry about her far more awkward militaristic sister.]
[Her expression calms. She smiles.]
This is a pleasant surprise.
[It's half true, anyway.]
You appear to be in good health. Are you well?
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Her eyes show how lost she feels for a moment, but then she realises, nobody else is around. None of the Atlas soldiers are here to witness this. They can be as unprofessional as they like. Since they're both Schnees, though, they still have their long list of limits. ]
I missed you so much.
[ Weiss finally takes another step forward and wraps her arms around Winter. Her shoulders tremble in happiness and excitement, but she doesn't cry. ]
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[The wave of warmth overtakes her a split second later. Her expression softens. Gently, she folds her arms around her little sister, a gloved hand cradling the back of her head.]
It's all right.
[The hug feels much nicer than it should, and in a sense, she dislikes the sensation. There was no need to amplify true sisterly affection as some sort of cheap incentive to generate Chroma. But if it provides comfort to Weiss, then she'll maintain the embrace as long as she needs it to continue.]
We have much to discuss. But it can wait until we can comfortably speak in private. Preferably with a hot cup of lemon tea.
[She smiles.]
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Once she's pulled away, she finally performs a curtsy out of... well, courtesy. She doesn't want to, but she's always done so when it came to Winter. Then, with a smile, she responds: ]
I know a quaint cafe that offers great tea. I'll take you there. [ A quick beat. ] If you don't mind, anyway.
[ Weiss will always put Winter's needs and preferences before her own! Perhaps Winter might have a place in mind... she's not quite sure how long Winter has been here, after all. ]