❪ test drive #6 ❫

[natha]

YOUR STORY BEGINS     The Storm came. You remember darkness, but you don't remember much after that. You don't know how long you slept, but the dreams were short. You remember the expanse of stars and galaxies in your direct view. Every world and solar system ever known to man was present in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You also witnessed the Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. Your Earth and similar planets were assimilated by the Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of your world. That was when she told you what happened. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new. The details weren't clear, but you knew it was a part of a deal with the entity known as Darma. Not long after, you'll wake at Thesa Station. Your body is still cold; it all felt like a dream, but somehow, you knew it wasn't — We were mistaken to think we should not intervene. Dangers far beyond what should exist on this planet lurk beyond even our sight. Poor Ysverai's resurrection is only a portent of what threatens this world. El Nysa must remain frozen in time until we have found a way to repair the damage the High Dragon has wrought. But repair it we will. We give you this promise. We are sorry for leaving you in your time of need. There was greater danger, or so we thought. The Storm, for the first time, had somehow encroached beyond our shields. Blinded to what was occurring on the planet, we believed it safe to turn our sight from the planet… Safe to leave our physical forms entirely, for we needed the energy to ward off the Storm. We withdrew ourselves from our aspect that we call Thesa, and in doing so left you vulnerable. We can only hope you will forgive us. Still, we must ask your aid, for both your sake, and for all life on this fragile planet. Please, leave the matter of Ysverai's curse in our hands. Ready yourselves to journey to Nadril and find how the High Dragon's resurrection was hidden from our sight. We will do all in our power to repair El Nysa, but you should prepare yourselves well. We fear there is yet greater danger ahead, both from the Storm and from what lies obscured on the planet. CLEAN-UP CREW     While everything has wound down significantly from the strife and destruction of battle, the frozen image of Ysverai, the massive, rotten dragon, and the hole he tore in El Nysa's sky, on several screens of the station is a constant reminder of what took place. New and old refugees alike will notice that prolonged exposure to these images will leave them with a disquiet that gradually builds to actual pain. The discomfort starts from a crawling sensation, insects over skin, and gradually becomes unbearable. They will begin to hear the cries of Ysverai’s pain and suffering, first whispers, then echoes, then wails. Even after Refugees tear their eyes away from this footage, a strange itching sensation remains beneath their skin for several minutes. The dragon isn’t a matter for them to deal with, however. Darma made it clear that the Natha will find a solution. For now, everyone is encouraged to assist in the clean-up of the cities currently frozen in time. However, in interest of the current events and the fact that the refugees still have much to prepare for, they will be offering this help remotely. Several stations are set up where refugees can remote control drones to map out areas and pick up some of the lighter weight debris. Those more well versed technology are encouraged to assist those who may be having trouble getting started with the unfamiliar Natha tech. It seems like it’ll definitely take some getting used to, though. On the bright side, they’re pretty durable drones so if at first you don’t succeed, press the next button? To keep morale high during the clean-up efforts, one of the Natha have set up large hoops around dumpsites and a scoreboard program in the control room, though there's no sign of any directions or rules to be found. That's right, you can play a mechanized version of… some sort of game while you're helping clean up El Nysa. Just make sure you don't get too carried away with competitive spirit! For those looking to pilot something more heavy-duty, there are also cockpits set up for remote control piloting of basic mecha. These are very similar to the VR simulations offered on the station. However, they will not work without a partner. To be able to successfully move one of these, two refugees will be required to connect their minds and pilot in tandem. This may be a daunting task, but with the extensive structural damage to the cities, it's a necessary one. Piloting will require trust and cooperation to make it through. The more connected the pilots are, the more agile and powerful their mecha will be. For those who can’t seem to get on the same page, coordination will be a pipe dream. PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIP     By now it’s likely clear to all refugees, new and old, that for all that they may appear to be infinitely powerful, the Natha Orbiters have been shaken by the recent events on El Nysa. The details of Ysverai’s revival were somehow obscured from their view, and while they’re focusing their efforts on the planet, certain… abnormalities again begin to arise on Thesa Station. The most prevalent of the problems plaguing the Station are the malfunctioning doors. Walking through a door that should lead to a bedroom or kitchen (or, for the truly unfortunate, a toilet) will suddenly take refugees somewhere entirely different and possibly even new. And while this may lead to some accusations of breaking and entering, at least these mishaps can be quickly rectified by an apology and a hasty exit. That is, unless the door refuses to open again — the locks also seem to be malfunctioning. Still, those that find themselves transported somewhere familiar, though off-limits, should consider themselves lucky. Thesa Station is far more vast than most refugees are aware, and some of them might find themselves wandering into a uniquely sticky laboratory. This area appears to serve no purpose other than to house dozens of slimes. These slimes appear not only in a variety of fun colours, but with a variety of not-so-fun abilities ranging from harmless (spitting bubbles) to deadly (spitting fire). Regardless of what abilities a slime possesses however, they are all relentlessly friendly, and characters will need to be careful not to accidentally bringing one out with them once they manage to escape. Unfortunately, that’s not the only situation to escape from. Whether it’s in the mess hall or the bathroom, many will find themselves suddenly rising off the ground. … with everything else in the room, too! It seems like gravity control is also on the fritz. Fortunately, most open spaces aboard the station have a small control panel that can correct these effects. The only problem is getting there. Hopefully at least one of you refugees took that anti-gravity safety course. SUMMER TURNS TO WINTER     The news that the refugees should begin preparations for a return to El Nysa may come as a surprise given that the planet still remains frozen, but it appears there is one community that has somehow withstood Darma’s intervention: an area known as Nadril where time continues to flow freely. Not much information is available regarding this destination, other than the fact that it is isolated, and, more importantly, that it is cold. (Maybe characters should consider the malfunctioning thermostat plunging the temperature to below zero in certain areas on the station as preparation for their upcoming journey!) There are other resources available for those itching to take action, of course. There will be a new supply pack delivered to each room containing gear meant to withstand freezing temperatures — both clothing and storage gear to keep water rations from freezing. Characters will also be alerted to new training programs available in the VR room that are designed to assist with survival in the snowy regions of Nadril. The training programs will consist of a variety of tutorials that will assist in winter survival. Naturally, there will be courses on how to start fires, find food, and build igloos to withstand the frigid temperatures, but that’s not all. Due to the Natha testing their systems, there will occasionally be strange occurrences. For example, refugees may experience a snowball or two pelting them from out of nowhere, or they may suddenly find themselves being cloaked by a snow yeti costume, amongst many other inconveniences. Hopefully that doesn’t detract from the lessons to be learned here, as some of the training programs can include extreme weather survival, including the perils of snow storms or avalanches. SOCIAL-LINKED(in)    By some miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smartphone. Aside from the expected "Omage" app, there seems to be a new one called Social-Linked. There, you may find a profile waiting to be posted. The app allows for the user to fill it in, but there is also an auto-function! upon pressing it, it will generate a shockingly-honest answer based on the Natha's observation of your history. Roman will be your only friend in this app, with his very own profile: ●●●●○ THESA ROMAN @romannoodles (∞), Thesa CONTACT IGNORE I WAS A: Butler! I still am, and I'm happy to serve all of the new arrivals! I'M SKILLED IN: Cooking, cleaning, anything that involves making your life better! I'M LOOKING FOR: Consistency! ALSO, I'M: Not entirely certain if the "auto" profile function is to your liking. Feel free to edit if it is not to taste! So, have you decided on making your own profile? Perhaps you used the "auto" function on accident? Regardless, once your profile is out there, it's out there. And like the Omage app, it will match you with someone. NOTE: Please use the form below to fill out a profile! Whether it's auto-generated or filled by the character is up to you! <raw-code><center><div style="width: 400px; height: 320px; background: #f4f4f4; border: 1px #464646 solid; box-shadow: 2px 2px 3px #b7b7b7;"><div style="width: 400px; height: 20px; background-color:#464646; color: #ffffff;"><table style="width: 400px; height: 15px;" border="0"> <tr><td style="height: 15px; width: 120px; vertical-align: top;">●●●●○ <span style="font-size: 10px;">THESA</span> </td> <td style="height: 15px; width: 116px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; padding-top: 3px;"> <img src=http://i.imgur.com/I4ONDJU.png> <img src="http://i.imgur.com/Kp8NvdY.png"></td></tr> </table></div> <center><div style="width: 100px; padding: 25px; float: left;"> <img src="ICONURLHERE" style="border-radius: 100px;"></div> <div style="width: 200px; padding: 25px; float: right; text-align: justify;"><div style="font-size: 11px; font-family: arial;"> <span style="color: #979797; font-size: 20px; font-family: arial narrow; letter-spacing: 1px;">NAME HERE</span><br/> <font face=courier>@USERNAME HERE (AGE HERE), ORIGINALWORLD</font><br/><br/> <center><div style="border: solid 1px #464646; float: left; color: #464646; width: 70px; height: 15px; border-radius: 5px; text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href=?mode=reply style="text-decoration:none; color:#464646;">CONTACT</a></div> <div style="border: solid 1px #464646; color: #464646; width: 70px; height: 15px; border-radius: 5px; text-align: center; padding: 5px; float: right;"><a href=a href=?mode=reply style="text-decoration:none; color:#464646;">IGNORE</a></div> </div></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div></center> <div style="width: 350px; height: 100px; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-family: arial;"> <span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;"><font face=courier><b>I WAS A:</b></font> ANSWERHERE <br/><br/> <font face=courier><b>I'M SKILLED IN:</b></font> ANSWERHERE <br/> <br/> <font face=courier><b>I'M LOOKING FOR:</b></font> ANSWERHERE <br/><br/> <font face=courier><b>ALSO, I'M:</b></font> ANSWERHERE </div></div></raw-code></center> STASIS UNITS     During this time of crisis, the Natha have done their utmost to ensure the safety of those in cryosleep. However, due to the nature of recent events, they will be asking some refugees to do a quick check on some of the pods in the stasis unit. While they are definitely looking for any damage that may have occurred over these past few weeks, they also seem interested in getting a deeper insight into some of the occupants. On each control panel for the pods, there's a new application, asking observers to add notes and commentary — the Natha are looking for a more personal understanding of their sleeping occupants. Refugees are tasked with providing evaluations of the sleepers, based on both their knowledge of those from their homes and on what they can observe just by examining them in their repose. The application asks for how useful you think the pod's occupant would be in a crisis, what their skills are, what their best feature is, if you'd take them with you for a long walk on the beach, and so on… And, of course, all answers must be recorded out loud. Anyone passing by could overhear these evaluations, flattering or less than. FINAL OOC NOTES     As always, feel free to wildcard prompts within Thesa Station! These threads may be carried over as game canon if players choose. Players are encouraged to submit TDM threads as application samples, but they are not required. Please direct any OOC questions to the questions thread below. New players may submit an AC-length thread HERE from this TDM for 2 Natha REP. In addition, old players who have not submitted rep for the Hour of Ruin log may also submit a TDM thread for 2 Natha REP. The due date for submission is July 15 11:59 PM EST. For this application cycle, there will be a cap of 60 and no reserves. Applications will be open on July 9 12:01 AM EST and end on July 13 11:59 PM EST. Thank you! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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Henry | Fire Emblem: Awakening

[morbide]

summer turns to winter

(A) . . . Hmmn. Maybe I'll skip out on THAT kind of training.

[Henry peers around the corner as though a prisoner looking for an escape route from captivity. After ending up in the VR room through repeated mechanical door failures, the thought of roaming a freezing wasteland is less than appealing to Henry. He clutches the edges of his cape close around his body like a cloak and dashes forward on light steps, hoping to abscond from the perils of subzero temperatures.]

Although I'd suuure like to see what frostbite looks like in person, I'll pass on experiencing it for myself. Good thing I don't have to do it! [Especially if nobody makes him do it! Ha ha ha HA]

(B) [YOU CAN'T AVOID THE SIMULATION FOREVER, HENRY... Grossly under-dressed for this venture, Henry stumbles through a system test in the form of a quaint snow storm. Quaint, as in unrelenting. This time, he uses his cape like a blanket wrapped close to his body as his teeth chatter. With how much struggles to see more than a short distance away from him, Henry opts instead to wander aimlessly with his head down to his feet.

In a backwards stroke of luck, the sorcerer and his garb more suited for warmer desert climates eventually chance upon cover in the shape of a small recess in the rocky landscape. Henry, tipped in blue and frost, exhales deeply before sinking down to his haunches and wraps himself more tightly in his cape.]

So... cold... Dying like this wouldn't be so b-bad since I can hardly feel a thing, huh? But it's really lacking, s-so I'll have to put a freeze on a death THIS unremarkable. My blood would come out in icicles...!

[shut your mouth and save your energy, Henry. He shudders and holds himself tighter yet, too preoccupied with his numb extremities to take notice of his company.]

stasis units

(C) [Henry hears somebody's voice as they make an entry requested by the Natha. Instead of doing the polite thing in announcing his presence, Henry stops around the end of the row and listens to what they have to say about the individual locked away in deep sleep.

Somewhere around the end of their spoken entry, Henry rounds the row.

During his approach, he calls out,] Sounds like you really care about that person in there, comatose or not. ...Wanna try busting 'em out of that wacky casket? I'll help.

(D) Skills? Oh man, he knows EVERYTHING about sweets and the like. Marzipan, jellies, even sweet beans! That's a weird one. One time, I even gave him one of those Plegian ceremonial offerings baked to a crisp. He knew right away that it must've come from a Risen, so you know he's a professional. I bet that was a killer sample, to his palate! Hmm... Now that I think about it, he never did give me the scoop on how that tasted...

[This is what it means to talk about somebody's skills and their usefulness in crisis. Sounds like somebody needs an intervention? Gaius Do Not Interact]

(E) [Maybe you don't wanna talk about candy thieves (or maybe you ARE a candy thief), so here's another spoken entry from Henry. The dark mage taps his foot and tilts his head at the woman capsuled in slumber, an easygoing smile on his face but the air of puzzlement all the same.]

Hate to ask, but why me first? You say it's all about health, but if you pit me against her in a death match, she'd snap me in two if she didn't trip and fall getting to me first! I should know. You see, this one time I cursed up a little switch-a-roo, and ran around in her shoes for a little while... literally! Talk about some tough skin. She could survive a bruising fifty times a day, and she's strong enough to handle that and more. So, why...?

[A pause. It's hard to tell what's going on in Henry's head as he stares up with that same smile, but he doesn't seem too upset about it all.]

social linked(in)

●●●●○ THESA

HENRY
@xXx~TwIsTeD_mInD~xXx, PLEGIA

CONTACT

IGNORE

I WAS A: Simple dark mage, nothing fancy. Still am! Just point out the enemy and BLAM, they're a crispy pile of limbs by the time I'm through with them. By the way: medium rare, or well done?

I'M SKILLED IN: Killing. Magic killing, explosion killing, killing curses, bloody killing, painless killing, you name it. I'm partial to the bloody killings, myself...

I'M LOOKING FOR: Something fun to do. I wouldn't mind company, either. The more the merrier, and all that.

ALSO, I'M: Fond of animals. I love all beasts, or even half-beast people! Fluffy or scaly, I don't mind it either way.

wildcard

[Go ahead and send me a PM if you'd like a more customized prompt, or just start off with something of your choosing. I don't mind!]

social linked

[violentbeauty]

[ Well to put this on his profile he must be very proud of the killings he does. Though it's probably not a good idea to advertise that. People might shun him, but Yukari wishes to do the opposite. He never really has a conversation about this with like minded people.]

Well I find myself partial to beheading, but I don't really get to do it much. It also can be quite messy.

[Maybe that's why he rather wear black, because no one can the blood stains.]

[morbide]

Aww. Why not? I'd say there's an opportunity for beheading around every corner, as long as the corners you're going around are on the battlefield. Heck, I'd wager there's at least ONE person around every corner whose head could go, even off the battlefield! Ooh, and the mess...

Well, before I lose my own head about beheading, what kind of life do you lead that has you doing that kind of stuff at all? Are you a soldier?

[violentbeauty]

There's a time and a place for everything. Though, I wasn't in the position to do whatever I wanted before. I'm not a soldier, but I was an assassin for a king. So if he wants someone's life spared, I have to respect that.

But don't worry there are times he allows me to do so. So I haven't missed out too badly. And you said, you're a dark mage, I'm sure you have a lot of useful spells for that in y our arsenal.]

statis units - c

[autoban]

[ Usagi breathes out a pained sound as he presses his hands against the statis pod, looking at the sleeping face of one of the Zodiac Warriors. With how heavy he is breathing, it seems like he is attempting to fog up the glass. His eyes shift to the side as he looks towards the person talking to him. ]

Do you think so? [ His voice is lilting, filled with cheer. ] I want very much for this person to be my friend. That is why, that's why ... I want them to wake up as soon as possible.

[morbide]

[Henry smiles more broadly than before at the notion, closing in on his approach.]

Yup, I can tell! You're only all over that container, after all. [He stops short of Usagi and the stasis pod, tucking his hands behind his back and rocking onto his heels.] I guess it's something-something about not waking up until they're healthy enough, but... Pfft.

[Henry waves a hand, dismissive of that excuse as though he has some objection to thee line of reasoning.]

Anyway, why only "want"? Have you two only just met?

[autoban]

We have. [ His tone drops to something sorrowful before he laughs to himself. ] But I knew about her.

I wanted very much for her to be my friend. [ The man is dressed rather strangely to say the least. Bunny ears on his head, and like some Chip-n-Dale stripper reject. He laughs to himself before turning to look back. ] They said that it'd grant any wish, but that fight is over now.

So, now we're at war, right?

social linked, un: beatrix

[fiendennor]

[Oh dear. Just reading this makes Diana's skin crawl. She's never known someone to abuse magic in this way personally, but she's certainly read about them.] Those are very unfortunate uses of magic. Do you plan on doing that to anyone here?

[morbide]

How so? I only do what I'm told. And when I'm told to get out there and fight until one of us drops dead, you'd better bet I'm not gonna be the one to go out at the end of an axe! I like gruesome death as much as the next guy, but I don't like injuries. So tossing a few hexes out here and there really does me and the other guy both a favor.

[fiendennor]

That's horrible.
Surely if you're a wizard worth his spells, you'd be able to end a battle without killing anyone?

summer b

[pebblestone]

[ Frederick, always one to prepare well in advance, lumbers into the simulation in full winter gear: thick coat, scarf and gloves (knitted by none other than himself), and a neat pair of snow boots. He's mastered the tutorial on how to build an igloo and has since moved on to learning tips and tricks on how to forage for food in the barren winter wasteland.

Except in his exploration, he seems to have foraged something else instead.

His foot hits something solid and said solid thing gives a forceful exhale that most certainly does not come from anything green and vegetative. In consternation, he bends down to inspect this mysterious lump he's run into and discovers it to be none other than— ]

Henry?

[ The heck are you doin' out here, buddy. And dressed like that, no less! ]

[morbide]

[sasuga frederick... pro gamer here in this simulation

Henry cranes his neck to look over his shoulder, reluctant to un-ball himself even for a familiar voice. He gives a pronounced sniff and smiles blithely at Frederick like a new warmth has been instilled in him that wasn't previously there.]

...Oh, hey there, Frederick! [It's hard not to immediately take notice to the preparedness of Frederick's attire, from tip to top, and Henry finally gets a visual idea of what's expected for winter excursions. Hint: it's not dark mage body tights and sandals, that's for sure.] Am I glad to see you! And your warm-looking coat, and scarf, and boots...

[The boots, which are close enough to his body that Henry pries apart his cold, dying hands to touch them. Their exterior, as expected, is likely as cold as the snow around them. But he can't feel a thing with his numb fingers, so that's just as well.]

That's just like you to b-be on top of it all. I don't know how you do it!

[pebblestone]

[ Can't he just...hex some warmth into himself or something, that's how magic works, right? Maybe set himself on fire. Or better idea, Frederick could find some wood, set that on fire, and then both of them can be toasty warm without needing to resort to third-degree burns.

But first!

He shucks off his coat and kneels down to try and wrap it around Henry's shoulders, lest the mage literally freeze to death in the next five minutes. The sudden chill is enough to make him grimace, but better he suffer temporarily than watch Henry die permanently. ]

Preparation, of course. One must always research the destination before departing on the journey.

[ Except he didn't think to pack extras for a second person just in case, so clearly he's losing his touch.

The coat's a good first start but Henry's fingers are looking awful pale against the snow, even moreso than usual, and so Frederick decides it's time to implement Step 2 of his (probably) 10 part recovery process. Digging his heels into the snow, he shoves both arms under Henry's firmly balled-up body and, with a muttered I do beg your pardon, lifts him up until he's being princess carried in Frederick's arms.

Now, time to find someplace to take shelter. ]

b.

[illuminating]

[Excuse her, Henry. She's a wolf, not tamed or domesticated dog, only made gentle by being even more of a Mother than a wolf, and with this fact established, she's made no show of waiting for him to permit her verbally to approach him. No. Instead, she's followed him after a bit to this notch in the cliff, and has planted herself right beside him to groom his hair.

Nipping or licking the frost free of it, diligent worker. She isn't bothered a bit herself, of course, not with those guard hairs, or the thick, naturally, insulated wool-like coat beneath them. Her aim is to cover him, to warm him up, but it won't do if the frost clinging to him melts, and so she remains focused on this task for now. Anything on his clothes, somewhere other than hair, she wipes free of him by nudging against him like some large cat. Cheek or temple or jaw rubbing gingerly and briefly over him. Then she's licking the back of his head to rid it of more ice.]

[morbide]

[NO APOLOGIES... WOLVES ARE PERFECT... Henry yelps in surprise at Amaterasu's sudden arrival to his side, his state rendering him vulnerable and unable to appreciate whoever decided to lap at his snow-tipped hair.]

Huh–!?

[But once he turns, he gasps. Everything slots into place, and her behavior makes sense. Henry smiles genuinely, unrestrained. In spite of his condition, he can't help but feel revitalized even by beholding her.]

Oh...! Ahaha, thanks! I'm a lot of t-trouble, I know. Sorry.

[He situates himself more receptively, welcoming her ministrations. Though his fingers are numb enough to feel nothing and the cold's permeated him down to the bone, Henry raises an arm from the draping fabric of his cape. He puts forth the effort into bumping some of the frost off and reaches to pet Amaterasu's fur affectionately and appreciatively.]

[illuminating]

[No more trouble than anyone else. She waves her tail faintly, responding to the attempt he puts into stroking her, and it's true that she's softness and warmth. Only for a moment, though, because his hands are like ice and surely his fingers will cramp, so she bows her head to his exposed hand, and unabashedly licks it. Not just a lick, but she laps, as animals will, caring nothing for manmade societal rules. Her goal is singular and simple: to keep him from freezing to death, although would he just return to reality? Hopefully she's at least showing him that he ought to bring along more cover, maybe some gloves, in the real-world.

She's very doting. Wolves will do such things to pups to warm them up again, to bathe them, to stimulate blood back to the surface and into moving. When she's satisfied that his hand isn't in any danger, she yawns, ears pinning back, before rounding him, and finally, she paws at his hands to get them into his lap, then she follows, laying over them to keep them toasty, the mass of her sprawling over his lap to shelter him.

Not a small thing, it leaves her legs curled off him, her head resting on the little cavern floor, but she weights herself with careful precision. Not so heavy that she's crushing him, mindful in this way, but enough that she's like some breathing rug protecting him from the painful chill.]

stasis -c.

[lancings]

[ That voice as well as the rest of the person its attached to manages to creep up on Cordelia so badly that her bones nearly jump out of her flesh. She only barely manages to stop from shrieking in surprise, her body settling for a sharp jerk before she recovers her footing.

Shave a few years off her life, why doesn't he? Not that this isn't on par for the course as far as Henry is concerned. Though it's her own fault for letting her guard down. She'd just been so surprised by all the bodies in these ...caskets? It's a bit obvious who she'd been looking for in particular, but no sign of him yet.

She offers Henry an awkward smile, at least relieved to see his familiar face among the others. She had thought she was the only who'd woken up here. ]

I-I think maybe we should keep looking around for someone we actually know. Even then, we don't know what will happen if we do open the caskets. Are you certain they will actually wake?

[ Or would she be cutting them off from some kind of magic keeping them alive. All this is so foreign to her. They're a long way from Kansas Ylisse. ]

Have you seen any of the other shepherds, yet?

[morbide]

[Henry closes in on Cordelia, much more interested in talking to her than messing around with the pod belonging to some stranger.]

Yep! In fact, it was Frederick who I chanced upon. Not in one of these, mind you. [He raps on the door with his knuckle.] Don't think these folks could get that guy to rest in one of these for any length of time, not even by force. Sounds impossible, if you ask me.

[Idly, Henry moves to the next window and peers inside.] But as for these... nothing yet. Still, I think breaking in is worth a try once we do. The Shepherds are strong! And even if they didn't wake up in time to make a break for it after our grand casket-busting scheme, we could just carry them to bed until they wake up the next morning. ...Or two.

[lancings]

[ Well, he's not wrong about Frederick, and she finds herself bemused in spite of herself. It's hard not to crack at least the slightest smile, which might be the first she's shown since she arrived here. ]

Doubly so if he thought Chrom was in any danger. He'd be the first racing to his side.

[ As though she wouldn't do the same, but thankfully, she hasn't found him in any of these pods yet either. But if they're not here, then where are they all? ]

And I am still not certain if we should move or touch any of these bodies.

[ Both hands press to one the glass so she can peer inside and looks more closely, immediately feeling creeped out that there is a body laying dormant. If only Henry weren't so delighted next to her, but she's trying hard not to judge is odd pass-times. ]

Aren't we supposed to be providing information on them? They left us these oddly shaped scrolls to write on, but I am not sure what to say. Cold and still is probably not the description they're looking for.

[ But far be it for her to neglect any of her duties, whether voluntary or not. ]

Human Popsicle

[colorature]

Oh...those might taste good.

<sub>[Bloody icicles, that is.

Yeah. Hey Henry. Meet Diva. This might not be the place you want to meet the weird, gluttonous vampire queen, but doesn't look like you've a choice in the matter. Unlike Henry, Diva's actually prepared for once, dressed to the nines in a fluffy, winter ensemble. Her coat is thick wool, dyed navy, with a fur lined hood and cuffs. She's also sporting white mittens and a matching scarf and looks pretty darn comfy. After having lived in Russia for quite a few years, the cold is nothing to her, even if she doesn't particularly enjoy it. She's got her hood up, but her long, black hair falls over her shoulders, flecks of snow leaving it speckled white.

This human seems pretty, well...screwed is putting it lightly. Any longer out here and he'd probably turn into a Popsicle. As good as that might sound in theory this simulation is still taking place on the station, meaning as much as she'd like to see just how chilly his blood might be right now, she can't. In fact, if she wants out of the simulation, she'll probably have to assist him.]</sub>

Do you think you're done for?

[morbide]

[The taste of blood is never something he thinks on much... But its appearance paints an intriguing picture in his mind's eye as he chuckles weakly at her comment, unfazed by its off color. He shudders and tugs his knees tighter to his chest, putting forth the effort to look up at Diva with a persisting upturn to the corners of his lips. She looks... so warm... She's the picture of preparing for the simulation, and Henry wonders where he went wrong in that regard. Reluctance to do it at all, probably.]

D-done for? Pssh, no way. I won't go down that easily. Just... [He claps together his hands and slides them between his bony knees, aiming to steal whatever warmth's coming from his thighs to regain some of the sensation in his digits.] Just have to thaw out. As awesome as blood-cicles would be, I'm n-not about to let it be made out of MY blood.

[Yet he hardly feels as though he's able to produce enough warmth to do much good for himself. Henry succumbs to the tautness in his muscles and falls backwards onto his butt, readjusting his cape more snugly around his person in an attempt to insulate himself. The rocky ground, however, is just another source of cold. Another shudder courses through his body, and Henry exhales weakly.]

Social Link GO | un: mephychan

[meinwaifu]

[Well, look at that. A weirdo after his own heart.]

[For his part, Mephisto's profile is completely filled out with various emojis instead of answers. Even his name and age are emojis. How did he do this?? We just don't know.]

[Oh, and his profile picture? It's a dog. This dog, actually.]

You know, I don't think most people would be interested in offering company to a man who speaks so enthusiastically of his love for killing.

Honestly, you're never going to get a girlfriend that way.

[morbide]

[DOG PICS... DOG PICS]

Haha, girlfriend? I don't follow. I'm just being honest. Besides, there's a lot to talk about when it comes to death and demise! More importantly, is that your dog?? What's her name?

stasis, c

[flask]

He's the smartest person I've ever met. He can remember anything you tell him, and he can learn any spell, and he's been through so much. He's stronger than he thinks he is. He doesn't think much of himself, but he's talented, and so smart. He's going to be a great wizard. No, he... already is a great wizard.

[At least, that's what she was saying before someone came and barged in on the tail end of her emotional moment. Nott lets out a muffled shriek when some guy in dark robes suddenly rounds the corner, hurriedly pulling her mask made from broken porcelain over her sharp teeth and trying to duck her head beneath her hood.]

No! I wasn't saying anything about anyone! I don't want any!

[morbide]

Hey, relax. I'm not selling anything, anyway. No pushy antics from me, no ma'am.

[Henry takes stock of the person he's forced his presence upon: a small, green-skinned creature whose face he didn't get a terribly good look at before she retreated behind the hood. Her mask stands out, and it's an interesting look; one that makes him laugh. What an interesting-looking person!]

It sounds like you were talking about a pretty fascinating guy. [He's not buying that "nobody" business...] And to laud him with such praise while he can't even hear it... He must really deserve it! Who's the lucky fellow?

[Henry stops at her side and turns to face the same set of pods Nott's facing, bringing his hand up to hos brow to shield his gaze and swiveling on his heels, miming a surveying gesture.]