TEST DRIVE: October

[empevents]

— TEST DRIVE: OCTOBER —

Welcome to empatheias' test drive meme. This test drive is to help interested players test their characters in the game's environment. We've included a few prompts that incorporate specific elements of the game, though you'll find all of them have a lot of leeway for players to get as creative as necessary. Before diving in, here are a few things we'd like to remind everyone about the game in general:

• Date reminders. Reserves open Sunday, September 24 and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on October 1st. Apps will only be open for four days!
  
  
• OC Reminder! Just a quick reminder that original characters are allowed. Those interested can also use the test drive. OCs do not need to be reserved.
  
  
• Emotions are key! Empatheias' premise focuses on how anyone's emotions can affect their environment, be it big or small. While not every emotion will cause a reaction, significant ones definitely will. How much effect a character will have will ultimately be up to you, the player. Also, while we're giving a lot of leeway for the test drive, keep in mind that there will be some limits in the actual game.
  
  
• Everyone has an amulet. All characters have a unique amulet that is specialized for them. It will contain all of their emotion drops and it serves as the network device. Remember, communication is telepathic. Otherwise, it works basically the same.
  
  
• Assume the character is already in the game. Because "OMG WHERE AM I IS THIS REAL LIFE" threads aren't going to be very helpful in this test drive! Plus, those are going to happen in-game, anyway. So to make things easier, just assume that they've been around at least a week or so. Still learning the ropes, but not a complete "first day" experience.
  
  
• First or third person allowed. Your threads can be in either first or third, but we'd advise being flexible about it. Remember, these threads can also be used in your application for samples! Reminder: We only require one sample and it can be done in either format. We have also made a change to our sample requirements, so look over the Applications page!
  
  
• Transfer to in-game. If accepted, you can assume threads made on the Test Drive happen in-game if the scenario can reasonably fit. These threads do not count toward AC.

Now with that out of the way, here are some prompts you guys can work from!


PROMPTS

• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try?

• Prompt B: Refer to the Task Board and choose a task your character may be interested in taking up. For this prompt, you could have your character ask for help, already be in the middle of the job, or react to it in some way. Perhaps they were an unfortunate victim or want to create a job countering an existing one. You could even have a prompt making a job request. Creating jobs for the purpose of the test drive is absolutely doable.

• Prompt C: How about giving the amulets a go? Start a telepathic conversation and see how it works. Remember, the amulets are sending out the owner's thoughts so might want to be careful about how the stream of consciousness goes...

• Prompt D: With the crystal having been mysteriously stolen, the weather has been nothing but uncooperative, lately. Actually, uncooperative is an understatement. Just yesterday, it was raining frogs! Now, well…

1. In the Sky with Diamonds. You might be walking in the streets or in the safe confines of a building when it begins to hail. It's not just any ordinary hail. Instead of ice falling from the sky, it's little beads and pieces of… you guessed it: diamonds! Some are actually fake, but there are some that are genuine. Only the experienced eye will be able to tell. The catch is, it only rains diamonds for ten seconds. And in this short span of time, people have gone berserk over the stone. Looks like some are eager to sell what they've collected, while some are fighting over what "should be theirs". Are you one of those people opportunistic enough to make money out of this, or are you doing something else of your own?
   
2. One in a Melon. The crazy weather has not only been affecting the people living in Empatheias, but also the flora and fauna. The fruit stands everywhere have been selling all kinds of hybrid fruit, ranging from melons the size of a building to blue grapes that taste like chocolate! The latter sounds oddly delicious, truth be told. The vendors are all for giving free samples to anybody who passes by, too. In fact, there's one fruit stand that seems to be selling really well. Investigate, and you'll be given a slice of pineapple! Take a bite, and it tastes like Hawaiian pizza. Is this heaven or hell?

• Prompt E: It's safer to stay indoors given the strange weather, but you can't help but go out in the streets and explore! You're in a new world, after all. There is so much to see! Of course, when it begins to rain cats and dogs (either literally or figuratively), you look for a place to hide. Somehow, you've managed to enter a building that's dark, only lit by a flame in the middle of the room. There are a lot of hooded men and women surrounding the flame.

1. Welcome! When they notice someone else enter, they all look at the door's direction. "Ah! It seems we have a new arrival. Welcome to the Ortheias. You are now in a world where your magic can change the emotions of people. What is your name?"
   
   It looks like you've entered the headquarters of some roleplaying cult. Try and leave, and they will explain to you that nobody can leave. Nobody even knows why they're here. And then someone will casually whisper to you these exact words: "As an OOC Note, we will all leave in an hour and half from now." Do you create a character, or do you play as yourself?
   
2. Getting Acclimated. With everyone in the room doing their own thing and "gathering relationships", as they so put it, you've been left to your own devices. Do you talk to other people who might be stuck here for an hour and half, or do you practice your "Emanis"? It seems that this fictional world they've created lets each person manipulate the other person's emotions by casting spells. A short display of fire can make someone angry, or making flowers appear out of nowhere might make the other person happy. Of course, these are all fake and the cult just narrates their usage of magic without actually displaying it.
   
3. An Event! Towards the end of the roleplaying session, the "roleplay moderator" announces an event! One of the guardians of Ortheias, the Durathei of fire and ice, Seesonne, has attacked the city of Snerev! A part of the city is now burning, while the other half is encased in ice! What would you do in this situation? People are panicking, so you must stop them from worrying too much!

• Prompt F: While Halloween does not exist in this world, Otherworlders have been present long enough for the natives to slightly change their calendar. For the month of Empta (October), they wish to make sure the Otherworlders are feeling at home by celebrating Halloween! They know nothing about it, but they are going to try and replicate the feeling!

1. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. For the rest of Exi (September), farmers are asking Otherworlders to help them harvest pumpkins. Thanks to the strange weather recently, these pumpkins have grown to be the size of a car. They're rather big! What's more, they've also grown legs and can run! It appears they don't want to be caught, but anyone who gives chase will be able to get them to stop easily. Just chop off its legs! And to make it inanimate, one has to carve a face on it.
   
2. What's Your Favourite Scary Story? To prepare for what's to come next month, the natives are asking Otherworlders to go to the Welcome Centre every weekend for a meeting of sorts. One will be able to find refreshments and snacks there, and there are a lot of people listening to speakers who rotate every so often. It seems these speakers are talking about their favourite scary stories. Perhaps you're one of the listeners, or you're speaking and sharing yours! Things are beginning to be spooky, though, that's for sure.
   
3. It Leaves a Good Taste in Your Mouth. Children are selling cookies door-to-door, and the only type of cookies they're selling are maple leaf cookies. It's only 10 sylvs a box, and taking just one bite will send one to heaven! It's so delicious that it might make anyone who eats it react in a strange way (the video is just an example, not the exact reaction). Spectate at how people react to these maple leaf cookies, or be the one that gathers a lot of attention!

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include cat ears and/or nail polish.

For your threads, put the Character Name and the Canon in the subject line to help readily identify them. You're also welcome to use more than one prompt for respondents to choose from. If you have any questions or want to brush up on the game information, refer to the Game Information entry. Otherwise, tag around and have fun!

Comments

quistis trepe | final fantasy viii

[tutorials]

E-1. WELCOME!

[ Quistis makes the move she considers the only one she's allowed -- look for an alternate exit. There doesn't seem to be any, but the reality of the location may be very different than what you see at first glance. Much like a game of cards on the first move, even if your opponent is powerful and has better cards, you can often still manage to pull a Draw if you're careful. You simply need to be precise and plan your moves just right.

So she smiles and walks the perimeter of the room looking for a window and a way out. Or, she gets the feeling she will be slowly shuffling to the nearest corner and taking a seat and waiting it out. An hour and a half isn't so bad, is it? She could use the time to think. Still, perhaps a little directness wouldn't hurt? ]

...I am afraid you're mistaken, though. [ Hand to her hip, as if she's in control here. ] I've come here by accident, not to join in. It shouldn't be too difficult to allow me to leave, should it?

F-1. BIBBIDI-BOBBIDI-BOO.

[ Naturally, Quistis is quite good at this considering she's something of a long-range fighter. She has amassed a pile of pumpkins all on her own with a swirl or two of her whip to trip them while they run or, if she's lucky, manage to tear right through them with the force of the blow; when she doesn't succeed in the latter, it's somewhat a morbid moment of having to dismember them, but hardly something she is unprepared for. It's no different than gathering parts of a monster back home to put to use for something else, really.

What Quistis has trouble with is the carving part. Though she intends to catch more when she's done creating a face on the one she's currently holding, but even with the weight she has to throw into a whip she can't seem to manage to make the lines right. When it comes to art, she definitely thinks it's better left to someone else.

The face is crooked, almost a smile but not quite. She seems proud of her efforts, though, pulling away to reveal a crude face akin to the quality of a child's crayon stick figure drawing. Frankly, she thinks it's better than the last one she made and it's no longer moving, so that's the important part, right? Turning to her side, she spots someone else surely meaning to aid in this interesting venture and, wiping at her bro, lifts a hand to wave them over. ]

Would you care to team up? I'm sure we can work much more efficiently in that case.

WILDCARD OPTION.

[ Hit me with something (network style/private contact is fine) or give me a prompt and I'll slam it down! o7 ]

e1

[wingspread]

[ What a demanding girl, Rinoa thinks. It's only a few seconds later that the voice registers in her head. And-- hey! It's Quistis! She's at the other end of the room, but she pushes and shoves some people aside to be by the other woman's side as soon as she can. ]

I'm so glad to see someone else I know here. These guys are creepy!

[ Do you want to hear about her creepy roleplaying stories, Quistis? Rinoa is more than willing to share them all! ]

[tutorials]

[ It shouldn't be surprising that Quistis' nerves get stretched taut over something like this. She is easily embarrassed when it all comes down to it and she's much too technical a thinker to indulge in something like this without feeling on the spot.

She shuffles forward at the sight of a familiar face, gently nudging a stray bit of hair behind her ear to quell those very same nerves in something of a nervous tic. ]

I've noticed. [ Quistis has enough sense about her to agree quietly, though. However, it really doesn't seem like these guys care if they're creepy or weird or not. ] I suppose if you're still here that means I'm most definitely stuck... unless you enjoy this?

[ Hey, just because they're creepy doesn't mean they can't be fun. ]

[wingspread]

[ Rinoa glances to the side, laughing wryly at Quistis question. Does... she really think Rinoa enjoys this? Her kind of fun isn't spending time in a dimly lit room with a bunch of weirdos, that's for sure. ]

I'm stuck here, too. You don't have to question my tastes, you know.

[ But she doesn't want to get into an argument over this. Because she would. She'll try to be the better person and change the topic, at least! ]

Do you want to play, though?

[tutorials]

[ Rinoa does a lot of things you wouldn't expect her to, including popping a squat on the floor to discuss kidnapping dictators. She's full of surprises, isn't she? ]

I assume by the offended tone you've taken that you aren't. [ Then again, Quistis might feel the same way were Rinoa being ushered in and making that accusation toward her. ] I take it you've been here for some time, haven't you? We could indulge them. Time would pass by more quickly like that, I think.

[ She's a little curious about it, too. ]

[wingspread]

[ She cants her head and taps her chin. Hmmm, how long has she been here? There's no clock on the wall, nor does she have a watch to be able to tell a time. Guess she'll just have to estimate! ]

I think I've been here for about two hours now. [ She's been here for twenty minutes. ] I have a character in mind, though, but you have to promise not to laugh.

[tutorials]

[ She nearly makes a suggestion that the two of them could probably take the lot of these guys, but decides it might be better if they play it nice. They're already guests here and the last thing she wants to do is make them unwelcome.

Especially since she doesn't have her whip with her. ]

Two hours? [ She lowers her voice, leaning in, as if their quiet gossip isn't obvious enough as-is, with or without the particulars. ] So you have done this before, then? I can promise to try not to, but without knowing the variables I may very well laugh.

[ Quistis has never made a character before, she's more mechanical and technical than creative. Hopefully a little of Rinoa and Selphie will brush off on her if they're stuck doing this, though. ]

F-1

[innermonologues]

[ Squall was wandering by when his eyes fell on a person who looked very familiar. In fact it was so familiar that he had to double take. He stood there watching her struggle with the pumpkin for a long while, and probably still would be inf she hadn't turned around to call him over. ]

I dunno. You seem like you're doing a good job alone.

hello again c:

[tutorials]

[ Quistis rubs at her wrist through the fabric of her gloves, thumb rolling at the joint for extra care of it. Somehow, it doesn't surprise her that Squall is here and somehow it doesn't surprise her that he's borderline joking about this, her obvious discomfort.

Her (perhaps best) friend, ladies and gents. ]

Very funny, Squall. [ But she looks much happier now that he's here, the frustration melting as she crosses the distance with a smile. ] I'll even let you be in charge of the operation.

[ She thinks that's a funny joke, but it's better than her launching into a hug. Instead she just looks relieved that he's here. ]

♥

[innermonologues]

[ Squall rolled his eyes at her, but he actually seemed to smile, at least a little. It may not have been long for Quistis, but for Squall it has been literally months since he has seen anyone. And after being here for so long and bonding with ridiculous keyblade using friends, he;s sort of realized the value of friendship and how he missed his team back home. ]

Me lead? That's such a foreign concept to me, how will I manage?

[ He crossed the rest of the way, not really sure if she'd appreciate a hug, so instead he reached out to give her shoulder a squeeze. ]

[tutorials]

[ She'd like to think his expression mirrors hers, at least as much as it can within his comfort zone. It's reassuring even now and though his leadership was something launched onto him in a way that was difficult for everyone, she thinks there's no one else she'd rather serve under. Time passes, experience is gained, and he's often able to remove himself emotionally in a way that she (very obviously) can't.

She'd follow him to Hell and back. Or, at least the island of it -- which honestly may be a much more impressive feat to return from. ]

I'm not sure. It seems a good thing that your right-hand happens to have shown up, in that case.

[ She's begun to think of herself as that, at least when it comes to Garden. The entire time had been spent advising as well as she could and challenged her to set her nerves and discomfort aside and act the way she's always known she was capable of. She's proud of all of them, really.

The gesture is more than appreciated, though unexpected. It reaches her eyes, gaze warm and affectionate as she mimics it onto his opposite shoulder with a puff of a laugh. ]

Have you been here long, then? [ She doesn't draw attention to it beyond returning it, hand slipping back to her side. ] I've been here just short of a few days, myself.

[innermonologues]

I've been here for a few months now. Ah... more like many months, but it doesn't really matter. [ There was a small pause in his words. It was still weird just to even see someone from home. Rinoa last month, and now Quistis... ]

You look well.

[tutorials]

There's quite a difference between "few" and "many," and I wouldn't have asked if it didn't matter. [ Though she can be anxious, she typically didn't say things she didn't mean. Not even when they're blurted out awkwardly. And this wasn't business, there was no obligation to ask about things she didn't care to hear about. ] I'd only just saw you before I arrived. I'm not... sure I understand how it can be months.

[ It's a thought that makes her more than anxious. Lost time is a very real thing and something she's still touchy about. Having your best friends and family right beside you for most of your life without knowing or recalling it is something that still sticks with her. It's easier to move on now that she has those things, but the pain of remembering it all and her loneliness and being adopted then... being returned. It can be overwhelming.

She tries not to let the way her mind is running be visible on her expression, but it twists, slightly, behind her glasses. Her smile is a little more pointed. ]

So do you.

F-1

[transient_gunner]

[Poor Laguna hadn't even caught one. Man, why couldn't his gun have come with him when he got here?! Granted, he should really need his gun for chasing pumpkins but since when are they supposed to chase pumpkins? He was trying very hard with his latest chase and just as he thought he could reach it, his sandals slipped on some pumpkin guts and he fell with a big SPLAT.

He groaned, ow, his back. He pushed himself up and immediately threw his sandal at the runaway pumpkin. It didn't make it and now he was one sandal short.]

Aw, man, now my shirt's a mess too! Ahh...since when do pumpkins have legs anyway?

[He heard the voice next to him and grinned as he recognized the blonde, not at all embarrassed for having fallen like that.]

Hey! Yeah, teaming up would be great! Not exactly havin' any luck. You seem to be on a roll though!

Lopsided pumpkin face notwithstanding.]

Want any help with the carving?

[tutorials]

[ She caught it. Of course Quistis caught it. Somehow, it's not very surprising for something like this to happen to him, though, it sort of seems the story of his life -- at least from the knowledge that was imparted to her about his. At least he's a good attitude about it. Were it her in that situation, she certainly wouldn't be able to recover gracefully.

She nudges her glasses up the bridge of her nose with the knuckles of her index and middle fingers. It's more to hide the smile she's trying to wear down than her glasses slipping. ]

Good afternoon, sir. [ He's the president of Esthar, after all. Though not as giddy as Selphie might be over his presence, she still feels a deep respect toward him for that. She doesn't expect him to remember her name, so she holds out a hand. ] Quistis Trepe; I wouldn't quite say I'm on a roll... [ It takes her a moment, briefly glancing toward the over-sized monstrosity while her nose and cheeks start to redden, slipping over to dust her ears. ] ...it's a little obvious that my artistic skills aren't quite up to standard isn't it? I'm a little bit better at the catching part, it would seem.

[transient_gunner]

[He grinned wider and took her hand to shake.]

None of this "sir" nonsense! Just call me Laguna, I'm not really a president around these parts.

[He let go to briefly hop over to his sandal, the guts were already on the back of his shirt and the seat of his pants, he didn't need to be squishing his toes into the stuff. Once back and with both sandals, he sat down next to her to take a better look at the face.]

Well, you're on a roll with catching the darn things! And what matters is that you have fun with the pumpkin carving, y'know? But hey, I got an idea. I used to this all the time as a kid, want me to carve out the ones you catch? Bet we'd get a whole lot done! Whaddya say?

[tutorials]

[ She retracts her hand quickly, though not rudely. There's a careful balance to a good (and diplomatic) handshake. ]

I'll try my best, but I'm afraid casualty isn't my strong suit.

[ There's humor in her voice at least, although it's definitely something there's truth in. Quistis either gets to a point of being unprofessional with an attempt to grow closer or she is too stiff; there's not really an in between. Somehow, it's a little easier to fall into the former when you're dealing with a guy missing his shoe. Perhaps she should have fetched it for him? That probably would've been the polite thing to do.

Her hand falls to her neck while her arm drapes her waist in an attempt to feel slightly less awkward about all of this. ]

Thank you, s-- [ She simply drops it with a sheepish laugh and faint roll of her shoulder. ] I don't think this is really meant to be a fun activity, but you do have a point. This way I believe you'll manage to not fall into a state of undress -- hopefully, anyway. They aren't malicious so I shouldn't need proper back-up, but the size of some can be a little intimidating. Beats a Ruby Dragon alone, though, wouldn't you say?

[transient_gunner]

[He didn't mind even the minor slip. If she liked being formal, then so be it. At least she tried! He had the grace to look sheepish himself about the Ruby Dragon.]

So much easier! And hey, my friends did show up after a time! So I wasn't totally alone.

[No, it probably wasn't meant to be a fun activity, but where was the fun in that? You gotta run around chasing these munchkins, the least they could try to do was make a game out of it. He shoved a lock of hair behind his ear as he continued to grin.]

Well, my clothes are already ruined. I'll get changed later though, pumpkin guts aren't the worst thing, y'know.

[tutorials]

[ She hadn't meant to imply a very particular memory she witnessed, but his reaction is worth the accident. She chuckles softly, warmly. ]

Perhaps you're still a little touchy about that since your thoughts went straight to a particular incident. All the same, having a team feels wonderful, doesn't it?

[ The fondness in her voice seeps in, permeates, digging deep and rooting itself. Without them, she'd be utterly alone and she's much happier being here, with them -- although she'd prefer everyone to be here. ...then again, she gets the feeling that Irvine and Zell might make a mess of things here, the former shooting them and the latter's excitement pounding them to pieces... She feels a little warmer thinking about it.

She begins to carry on, though at a comfortable pace. ]

I appreciate that you're not taking the excursion to change. [ Her nerves feel less prickly as they carry on. It's a little odd how easy he is to talk to. Maybe the "sir" will slip off on its own? ] No, they're most certainly not.

E-1!

[astralera]

[ From where she's stationed herself in a corner (back to the wall, eyes on the exit, and the best defensible point in the room she could find) Era perks up noticeably at the sight of someone seemingly sane entering the room, though her shoulders quickly droop once more when she realizes the woman hasn't brought salvation with her.

She'll take small mercies where she can find them however - the young woman's entrance has distracted the strange robed figured from admiring her Auri traits, giving Era a much needed reprieve. She isn't one for talking endlessly, and continually clarifying that she is an Au Ra and no, she is not related to dragons, has been wearing her patience thin. Even her clipped answers haven't yet clued them in to the fact she has no interest in conversing...

Era hasn't experimented much with the telepathic properties of her newest crystal but knows enough that she can message someone else directly, privately. Perhaps this new arrival could provide a different sort of salvation? ]

Pardon me, miss... [ It isn't all that different from using a Linkpearl if Era cares to think about it. Just attune to who you wish to communicate with, and instead of using one's voice just use one's mind instead. ] Might I ask you to save what remains of my sanity?

[ Era gives a small wave and moves her tail to free the seat next to her should Quistis accept. The movement causes another flurry of excitement from those crowding near her, leaving Era to send a look that is borderline pleading to the other woman. Please save her from this hell. ]


((ooc: hopefully this works! i couldn't help but think of ladies looking out for each other at a bar or something and then this came to mind lol))

[tutorials]

[ OOC: Any time someone puts effort into something for me, I will find a way to make it work! I unfortunately don't know much about 14's canon, but I am always down for Lady Time! c: ]


[ The stress of this situation is a little much to carry on her shoulders and she's always been the sort to quietly hold onto her burdens and figure out a way to fix them on her lonesome. A bar like this seemed as well as any, the dim light soothing over the bright lights and the conversations of cafes. Company isn't undesirable, but she's not interested in hearing a menu perkily read to her.

Plus, there's the drinks. A cocktail or two might just be what she needs to unwind. She first makes her way to order just that -- some local specialty (it's pink and promised to be fruity). She doesn't pay any mind to the other patrons until she's jarred into a conversation. Needless to say she's only used it a handful of times, herself. ]

Hello. [ Simple enough, her mind's voice a little tentative but comfortable in volume. It gets her to turn her head and try to spot where the conversation's starting point might be, only pinning it with a wave. ] I think I've found you. One moment, please.

[ Naturally, she'd hope for the same were she surrounded by others and quickly orders a second drink, steady pace once they're both in hand to ensure that she doesn't spill them over the edge. With false consideration she nudges around the crowd offering quiet pardons. ]

Ah, there you are. I'm sorry that I've run a little late for our business meeting. [ Business seems a good bet to get people to scatter, right? If she played friend that might be considered an invitation to join in. People seemed to do it all the time. Setting a glass before the other woman she slips into the seat and smiles at the crowd. ] I apologize, but I need to speak to my colleague without a group crowding her. Despite the drinks, it's all work and no play.

[ She smiles at the crowd, without wavering, as she stares at them expectantly while putting them on the spot. It's a little difficult to ensure she thinks rather than speaks but she manages a quick: Just play along, I do this all the time. It's the best way to escape the fans, she's come to figure. ]

[astralera]

((ooc: haha it's no problem! i think i have all pertinent info in era's journal, and can answer any questions as needed. :) i didn't mean an actual bar but this definitely works - dark bar filled with D&D nerds y/n? hehe))

[ Era appreciates the rescue more than she can express. When faced with such a no-nonsense demand her unwanted company reluctantly departs to discuss... dice rolls? Character spreads? She isn't quite sure, but is just happy that they are no longer asking personal questions about her biology. My thanks, she offers, along with a polite smile. ]

I am just pleased you arrived safely. [ Given the weather lately it seems to be a legitimate concern. It was the only reason she sought refuge in this place herself, after all - the last time she had a drink she ended up unconscious on the tavern floor, disoriented and confused. She has avoided beverages made by strangers ever since, leaving her to glance uncomfortably at the drink the woman brought her.

For appearance's sake Era will pretend to take a small sip, though her tail twitches slightly as she does so. There are far too many bad memories she has associated with alcohol, even with the scant few years of memories she actually has. ]

[tutorials]

[ OOC: Trust me to misread on first tag (I promise you I've misread things in a much more embarrassing sort of way); if you want to hold onto your tag, I have zero issues rewriting my first one so it'll fit with your reply! We're here to co-op, after all! ]


[ Quistis has been there, the only thing is the kind of heroic people she runs into typically are people who want her to stick around, buy her a drink, chat her up... you know the kind. Guys that fit in perfectly well with her little fan club. She's doing her best to try to not be anything like that, but she's pretty sure she'll have to stick around at least for a little while to keep the crowd at bay but she doesn't mind the talk to be just light and casual enough to throw them off.

Her game is cards, so all of this nonsense she's noticed doesn't really compute to her. It's definitely not up her alley but with the way she's hearing them talk about appearances and monsters and such, she's not terribly surprised the other woman is focused on more than herself. Quistis, comparatively, looks "normal," not like she fights dragons (which sucks for them, she could tell them some rousing stories). ]

I deal with this a lot where I'm from. Typically the best way to handle it is to ignore them, I find, but it's a little difficult to when you're... well, backed into a corner and surrounded by questions. [ It's overwhelming. Pushing up her glasses, she shoots the only slightly dispersed crowd a look -- the kind you do when you're standing in line at the ATM and someone is just a little too close behind you. ] ...if it's not to your liking, I'll wave someone over. After that kind of experience you should try to enjoy yourself and unwind, I think.

[ She knows how these drinks work, disguising how strong they are with a sweet flavor. It wouldn't surprise her if it's not really her thing, but it seemed more elegant than a beer and she's not had wine in these parts so far. ]

We can sit in companionable silence, if you'd like. Just occasionally humor a little conversation to keep it up? [ Still, she pauses long enough to reach a hand over the table. ] I'm Quistis, by the way.

[astralera]

((ooc: nah, we gotta commit! it's always fun to roll with little goofs like this ;D))

[ For all that Era is well-known back in her own world as a God Slayer and a hero she has never truly had to deal with attention like this before. Prior to her fame she still stood out as one of very few Au Ra living on Eorzean soil, but even then the attention she received was of a much different sort than this. She can't imagine having to deal with this on a regular basis... For this woman to manage with it so well is very impressive. ]

I will keep your advice in mind. This isn't something I'm accustomed to...

[ On the topic of drinks, Era can't help the slight flush of embarrassment across her cheeks, the colour standing out starkly next to the pale scales framing her face. ]

Ah, it's not that... I just am not one to partake in beverages I haven't watched be made.

[ It's become somewhat of a nuisance, but given the luck she's had with drinks it's worth the inconvenience of carrying her own if it means no one she cares for gets hurt. ]

It's nice to meet you, miss Quistis. I am Era.

[tutorials]

[ OOC: plurk-bara-cat.gif!!! ]


[ Sometimes it doesn't matter whether it's positive or negative attention if it's unwelcome. One may, perhaps, be a little easier to deal with and to charm your way out of, but that doesn't make it any more desirable. Especially if it's a new sort, it's harder to quickly equip yourself for an unknown battle. ]

I don't believe you should be accustomed to it. No one should be. [ Though there were certainly some that would bask in the attention flow and enjoyed the overwhelming personal questions and attempts to get into personal space, she wasn't one of them and it seemed that this woman wasn't either. ] I won't be offended, especially in that case. It's something I'm rather cautious about, as well.

[ Being a mercenary had perks, but people wanting you dead wasn't one of them. Although this place didn't seem to have those same issues considering Garden didn't exist here. ]

It's lovely to make your acquaintance, Era. If you don't mind me prying, what is it they were bothering you about?