Test Drive Meme: The Overflow, Part Deux!

[arielmods]

CITY OF ARIEL: THE TEST DRIVE THE OVERFLOW, PART DEUX! Since the last post is again fast approaching 3k comments and getting laggy for some of our players, we have decided to go ahead and stick up the overflow post, even though there's just a little over a week to game start. Please continue your threads or start new ones here if you'd like. To make this easier on those continuing threads from the last meme, here's a handy form: <small>(<a href="THREAD URL HERE">Continued from here.</a>) between <user name="CHARACTER 1"> & <user name="CHARACTER 2"></small> Response here! Please remember to let your thread partners know you've bumped your threads over here as well! We started the meme early to give you plenty of room to do just that. ◆◆◆◆ With the City of Ariel grand opening only a month away, we are holding our first ever test drive meme. Tag in and see how your character would settle in the game. You're a fresh face in the city, newly processed, and arriving at a bustling time. The city is expanding and you are greeted first in the re-education center by your helpful counselors and then directed out of the building to a large festival. Be puzzled, make friends, have sex, or whatever you want! There are no restrictions on thread types played out here. Your first awareness that something has gone wrong comes during a groggy moment of semi-lucidity when you look around yourself and find that -- instead of wherever you remember being last -- you're in a chair, in a room with a man you don't recognize. He's sitting behind a desk whistling to himself and sorting paperwork. The whole atmosphere might remind you of a high school guidance counselor's office, only with far more comfortable chairs. When your head clears enough to speak and you ask him where you are, he smiles brightly and says, "Welcome to the City of Ariel." You were brought to Ariel during a very special time! There's a large festival going on celebrating the new expansions to the city and everything is decked out for it. Everything is bustling and vibrant in the city today because of the celebrations. There are decorations up, food vendors set up all along the streets, kissing booths, games, and just about anything else you can imagine an event like this would have! The people of Ariel are out and about as well, some are in vibrant costumes and others are just checking out the sights. Some of the more exhibitionist types are even having a little more fun out in public than you may be used to seeing back home. As soon as the grogginess from your arrival passes, you are allowed to leave the re-education center and see it all for yourself. Upon exiting, you are even handed beads of various colors, several of each so you don't worry about running out. Each color has a special meaning listed below: pink - toys blue - oral yellow - watersports green - age play lavender - crossdressing orange - multiples grey - bondage white - hands (mutual masturbation, fingering, handjob) red - blood black - wildcard These are to aid you in making a connection with others. Show your interest in others and tell them exactly what you would like to do with them by sharing the beads. If you would rather take a different approach, feel free to walk around the festival and see what (or who) catches your eye. The point is to relax and get settled in your new home.
TAG IN - Post your character's name, canon, and preferences. - Set up an opener in your comment or leave it blank. - Tag around and have fun!	USEFUL LINKS: [Premise] [Rules] [F.A.Q.] [Locations] [Local Citizens (NPC)] [Taken] [Wanted] [Reserves] [Application] [Main] [Logs] [OOC]

Please note that all CR in this meme can be carried over when the game starts between characters that are accepted into the game.

Threads can also count towards third and first person samples on the application, just provide links.

Take a look at our OOC Meet and Greet post! Meet. Greet. Make friends. Have fun!

Comments

Joscelin Verreuil | Kushiel's Legacy | OTA

[protectandserve]

[flowersteps]

Elua had spent his time here exploring and wondering where his Companions were, where he was and if he would be able to get back to his people and his country. It made him sad to think that the answer to that may be no, that he would never see Terre d'Ange or his Companions again. Cassiel would be worrying himself to distraction, he was sure of it.

It was in this spirit of contemplation that he spotted Joscelin. He looked... very familiar. For a sharp moment Elua thought he had seen Shemhazai in the crowd but no, this boy was different. Obviously stronger, more martial, and he saw the empty dagger sheaths, so similar to the twin daggers that Cassiel had carried in his own service.

Curious and very intrigued he walked up to the young man. He wondered how someone could look so similar to someone he knew so well. The boy wasn't angelic, that much he could tell at a glance. But he looked... he looked like some of the children Elua had seen that had been born of the union between his people and his Companions. But none of them were this old yet, the oldest was perhaps seven or eight at the most, while this young man was nearly an adult.

"Excuse me, young man. I feel as though I know you. Or that I should. Or... perhaps that I will know you." Yes, that sounded right. Like he was going to know this young man. He just hadn't met him yet. "I am Elua. May I ask your name?"

[protectandserve]

Joscelin turned, confused at being addressed that way. He didn't recognize the man at all, but there was something familiar about him... as though he'd seen him somewhere, but not quite him.

More like him carved in twenty feet of stone. When he heard the name he blinked in obvious shock, his Cassiline calm falling away. "El...Elua? No, it isn't possible." He gripped the other man's arm tightly- almost tight enough to hurt. "You do not know what you mock by taking that name."

[flowersteps]

Elua looked confused at Joscelin's reaction, but not angry. His brows furrowed and he laid a hand gently on Joscelin's, the one that currently had a death grip on his arm.

"Peace, my child." Yes, that felt correct as well, even if Elua had never met this man. "I mean no mockery by using my own name. Perhaps you could explain to me how it is impossible that I exist, and that I use the same name I have always, and the only one I have ever known. And why you look so much like dear Shemhazai. Are you one of his children?"

All in all, Elua seemed very unthreatened by Joscelin. But he was sure this was all a misunderstanding.

[protectandserve]

There was something about his gentle sincerity that persuaded Joscelin that this man, unassuming though he might be, really was the god of his people. He sank to his knees, his grip loosening. "My lord... forgive me. This place has unsettled me and I did not think it possible. It should not be possible for me to meet you." Elua had not walked the land for more than a thousand years now.

He shook his head. "My family traces our line back to Shemhazai, but it has been much longer than that."

[flowersteps]

Elua simply smiled down at Joscelin, taking his hands and lifting him back to his feet. "There is nothing to forgive. A simple misunderstanding, and easily remedied." There must be some sort of dissonance between where he was from and where this young man was from. But what sort? It was quite interesting.

"I see. How long has it been?" Elua knew that his time on Earth woul be shorter than he might want it to be (considering he would have been happy spending all of Eternity there,) but now he wondered about more. This young man obviously knew him, but in name only, and considered it outside of the realm of possibility that he could possibly meet Elua. Was this young man somehow from the future? That would be fascinating if it were so.

[protectandserve]

"Thank you. You are as kind as..." Well, as Joscelin would have expected. He looked uncomfortable standing, like he would rather be on his knees. How could he stay on his feet before his god? It seemed wildly disrespectful- but he couldn't protest his desires.

"It has been more than a thousand years since you and your Companions departed for the Terre d'Ange that lies beyond. We know you only in memory." His tongue felt like it was moving of its own accord. He was mostly still numb with shock, amazed that he would meet Elua, especially in a place such as this. He would ask how he got here, but it wasn't his place.

[flowersteps]

"A thousand years..." That took some time for him to think about. "I have been gone for some time." He had no idea what the Terre d'Ange That Lies Beyond was, but he had to admit that he liked the sound of it. It sounded like Heaven, where his grandfather was but... better.

"You will have to tell me how Terre d'Ange has been doing in the last thousand years." He would never abandon Terre d'Ange, not if there was anything he could do about it. He loved the land too fiercely to do that.

Suddenly he chuckled. "Where are my manners. Come, child of Shemhazai, we should at least sit somewhere before I make you recount one thousand years and more of my country's history." He took hold of Joscelin's hand with a gentle but insistent grip, heading to one of the many cafes that had outdoor seating.

[protectandserve]

Joscelin was still too flabbergasted to do anything but let himself be pulled along to the cafe, staring at Elua's back. This... had been a desperately confusing day. Finding the bodies of Delaunay and his household, then being drugged by Melisande Shahrizai and now being brought to a strange city and thrust into the company of Blessed Elua... it was nearly enough to break him and leave him simply staring and blinking off into space.

But still. He would try to pay attention. It was Elua. He took a seat. "There has been much that has happened, as I am sure you can imagine. You dwelt in Terre d'Ange for three-score years before the One God and Mother Earth joined to make the Terre d'Ange That Lies Beyond, where we all go when our time has passed."

[flowersteps]

Elua made sure to get both of them wine and water as he listened to Joscelin speak. Story telling could be very thirsty work after all, and he didn't want his only follower to get thirsty and lost his voice.

Three-score years. So that meant he had barely fifty more left before he was to leave his Terre d'Ange behind. He listened quietly as Joscelin spoke, finally smiling quietly, sadly even. "I see he finally remembered me." He wasn't sure how to feel about that. He had spent so many years of his wandering wishing that his grandfather would remember him. He knew that losing his only Son had been a blow, but even he had to admit that it hurt to know that the One God would rather mourn a dead Son than love a living Grandson.

"But I am glad that I was able to provide that for you. Terre d'Ange is the loveliest place I have ever been. I could not imagine anyone wanting to leave, even in death."

[protectandserve]

"Yes. He sent messengers to bring you to His Heaven, but you refused him." It felt strange to be telling this story to the one it was about- it would feel strange to tell anyone their own story, but doubly so for Elua. He took a drink of water. "You sent the first back empty-handed and the second... you scored your hand on one of Cassiel's daggers to show that while God's Heaven is bloodless you are not."

He took another swallow, his throat dry from nerves and talking. "At least, that is how the story goes. You left through the shining gates and left the land to the descendants of you and your Companions."

[flowersteps]

It was rather odd, being told about things that would happen in his future, and that had already happened in Joscelin's past. Things that had happened so long ago that they were only stories.

But he listened to the story and nodded at the end. "And how has Terre d'Ange been since I last walked the land? I know we had such great plans for the land and its people. And I am curious, why do you carry sheaths for daggers that look like the ones my dearest Cassiel used for his?" It seemed odd, both for him to have the sheaths in the first place if he was one of Shemhazai's, and for them to be empty.

[protectandserve]

"Terre d'Ange is a great country." Joscelin said it firmly, though late events might have shaken his faith a little- but no, Melisande Shahrizai was not the whole country. It was still great. "I believe it has lived up to the vision that you and your Companions had."

He looked down at his sheathes, frowning. "I am of the Cassiline Brotherhood. We follow in Cassiel's steps, to be Perfect Companion to the royal family or the nobility, or some others who ask our protection. My daggers were taken from me when I was brought here."

[flowersteps]

"I am glad to hear that." He took a sip of his wine and gave Joscelin a smile that was downright mischievous. "I do hope you realize you're going to end up telling me everything you can think of about Terre d'Ange and how it has grown since I had to leave. There's no escaping now." Of course, all he really had to do was say that he was tired and Elua would be more than happy to give him a break. But he liked to tease sometimes.

"That sounds... very much like Cassiel. You hold yourself like he does, you know." Stoic and reserved and like he hadn't gotten laid in centuries. Elua wondered if this Brotherhood took celibacy as seriously as Cassiel had. "That is a pity about your daggers. A Companion should have his weapons, or so Cassiel always told me." Really only he and Camael had ever really carried weapons. Elua had never said anything against it, because even if he was not violent and never wished violence on anyone, the world was still a violent place, and not being able to defend against it was very unwise.

[protectandserve]

"I will do my best, but I am sure you understand what a broad subject it is." His smile was rather tired, and rather wry- he had been pushed almost to the limits of endurance before coming here. However, it is very rare to have the chance to spend time with his god. "It will be my pleasure to tell you everything that I can think of."

He hesitated, something almost shy in his face. "What is he like? We only know his stories and legends- but we know those can chance, too. We don't even have an image of him."

[abelladonna]

Having finally located a nice shady grove of trees, Ivy was starting to feel a lot calmer - more like exploring the city, and finding out who else had a handful of beads. She'd kept them all. Well, if everyone could see what you wanted at a glance, where would the fun be? They'd have to earn a bead, not that she had any intention of following through with a single one of them. But having people think she might...that would be entertaining.

And now here was a pretty boy in her way. A very pretty boy, blond and blue-eyed and young. Well, well, well.

Leaning against a wall, she waited until he finally glanced her way - and then smiled her most inviting smile.

[protectandserve]

Joscelin looked over with some confusion at the woman leaning against the wall, but she obviously wanted him. He wasn't sure why since he had no intention of exchanging beads or anything along a similar line. Still, it would be impolite to ignore her entirely, and he crossed the busy street to her, crossing his arms over his chest and bowing. "Good afternoon."

[loathesthemist]

That he was unhappy with his current situation is clear in the sharp steel gaze from his eyes. There is an air of do not bother me around him and he moved through the people without so much as glancing at any of them.

Less they should make the mistake of bumping into him. He would dig that chip out if he could, except he was not willing to die in the process and so instead the Guardian took his anger and directed elsewhere, till he could bite to death the one who had done this to him.

When his shoulder bumped a man he pivoted in a half turn and glared at the other.

[protectandserve]

His glare was met by a stubborn pair of blue eyes in a remarkably beautiful face. Joscelin's face was expressionless, but set in a way that made it easy to tell that he was no happier in this situation than the man who had just bumped into him.

For which he did not intend to apologize.

[loathesthemist]

"Watch where you are going." His tone is as cold as the glare from his eyes. His body is rigid. Discipline held tight, yet a reckless hint in eyes.

He was a cloud that this place attempted to cage and Hibari Kyouya was in the mood to bite his way through that cage until they set him free.

[aggresses]

Usually, Basher wouldn't be so contented with being abducted against his will, thrown in an entirely new situation, and told basically fuck-all nothing about where he was and how he got here. Wouldn't have appreciated his mobile being a useless brick (even though it was already a useless brick) that wouldn't do so much as turn on. But this, this was an interesting little thing these kidnappers had going on. Free booze, rampant sex, pretties out the door, fucking against tables, chairs, and even the floor, and no sign of his boss in sight. Despite being alarmed at the ramifications, Sebastian had decided, well, fuck it, this would be his little present to himself. A holiday, just for a little while, until he found out more about how he got here and how he was going to leave.

And the cunts who threw him in here weren't all that bad. They gave him these little beads to trade around for sex, a helluva lot better than throwing down a wad of tenners on some cheap floozy in Camden. As far as Sebastian was concerned, the sex was free, and that had Basher Moran written all over it. Didn't take him long to go through all the beads save the orange and yellow ones, and he'd be damned it anyone was going to wee on him. He'd punch their faces in before that happened. Might consider doing it to someone else after he had a bit more to drink, (didn't see any toilets around anyway, why not?), but until then, he was determined to use up his remaining orange beads.

So. A glance about, and the sniper picked out a few interesting souls he could proposition. Definitely would have at it with that pretty thing in the corner, but the other girls in the area were just... subpar. Which was really saying something if Sebastian was as sloshed as he was. Thinking to try something new, the Colonel eyed a lonely looking man standing around, then slunk over to him. Without asking, Sebastian threw an arm around the man's shoulders and grinned at him, raising a suggestive brow at him.

"'ey mate. I know, not too many lookers here, should walk around a bit if that's what you're in the mood for. But look, got an idea," started Sebastian, rolling an orange bead about in his palm before dropping it into the other man's hand. "you and me and her."

A hand gestured out to a long-haired blonde leaning against the counter to one of the nearby booths, playing some carnival game. Long legs, thin with a hint of curve, nice arse, what more could a man ask for? "I'll even let you pick which hole you want. 'fraid I don't have a johnny on me, you'll have to do it bare. But don't worry! There's nothing you can catch you can't live with." What... ever that meant. Sebastian nudged the man slightly, still grinning.

[protectandserve]

Joscelin was still on edge after his unfortunate encounter with the man who had helped him look for Phedre when, out of nowhere, a man threw an arm over his shoulder. He was obviously intoxicated and blathering nonsense and Joscelin had had enough. He reached up deliberately, taking hold of the man's wrist and turning out of his grasp, twisting the arm at the same time. "Elua, people here are mad."

For once the irritation was obvious in his voice. He was ruffled, he was tired, and he wasn't in the mood for drunk men to be propositioning him for licentious acts that he had absolutely no interest in.

[aggresses]

That did not feel good. Not that he totally blamed the man for not wanting to participate, after all, it wasn't the first time he'd been rejected for his abject sleaziness. It was just the manner in which the man chose to go about it that had Sebastian snarling, fingers curling into a fist. The motion wasn't enough to warrant a punch in the face, even in Sebastian's questionable state, but it was enough to have the Colonel wrenching his arm away and shoving hard at the other man.

"A simple nah, not into that would have fucking sufficed, dickhead." growled Sebastian, upper lip curling. Bringing himself to a (somewhat) stable stand, Sebastian brushed himself down, glaring daggers at the man he'd propositioned, before a thought occurred to him. Here really hadn't been specified, and it might be nice to know where here was. Also if here had anything to do with Jim. The glare was replaced with something between a sulk and a scowl, and Sebastian sobered up a bit to clench his remaining beads tight in his fist.

"Where's here anyway? What is this, some sort of test? You met anyone named Jim yet?" slurred Sebastian. So much for sobering up, he supposed. "Because this isn't like any whorehouse I've been too. Too... too big, that's for bloody sure."

[protectandserve]

Joscelin took a step back at the shove, regaining his balance quickly. Sebastian was drunk and too off-balance to push him down. He crossed his arms, eyeing the drunkard with what would be withering disdain to most people. "I suppose you weren't listening to our welcome. If you were, I know nothing more about it than you."

And while Joscelin had in fact met Jim, the man hadn't been polite enough to introduce himself. "I am certain this is not a whorehouse, if only because nobody is taking any money for their services." He wondered if punching this man would sober him up or if it would only get him involved in a truly humiliating spectacle. He had to restrain himself- fighting would do no good except relieving his temper and that was against his oaths.

[aggresses]

Damn his love of liquor and scantily-clad women. They'd be the death of him. Or at least be the reason he'd be coming away with a few missing teeth by the end of this. Ah well, nothing the exorbitant salary his boss paid him couldn't handle. The glance cast in his direction was met with amusement: not the first time someone had given him a look like that. Cute. Basher pulled away from the other man for a second to wander over to a booth, half-listening to whatever the blond twat had to say, half preoccupied with finding himself another glass of whatever the fuck this place was going to offer him.

Returning with a cup of something vaguely sweet and somewhat drinkable, the sniper knocked back half of his drink and swallowed with a grin. "Oh, I was listening all right. Don't mean that you couldn't of picked up something while you were being a fucking bore in the corner." said Sebastian, raising his glass to the man before downing it.

Punching Sebastian probably wouldn't sober him up, but it certainly would get his blood going. Drinking, fucking, and now fighting? Now that was Sebastian's idea of a good time. Shame the rotters who brought him here had been so kind as to take away his gun. Then again, it's not very gentlemanly to bring a gun to a fist fight, now is it? "Huh." said the sniper, looking around, then back to the other man. "But they, uhm, they got the beads. 'slike money. Just... free money. You got those, didn't you? If you're not going to use them, give them to me."

Despite the fact he was well aware the man didn't like him, the Colonel put out his hand, palms open and fingers outstretched. Seemed like a perfectly logical conclusion to ask for something someone wasn't going to use anyway. "And if you change your mind, you can just come and find ole' Basher Moran and we'll have ourselves a great time... uh," a pause. "Sorry, don't think I caught your name?"

And this is precisely why his boss hates it when he drinks.