ASGARD GENESIS - TEST DRIVE #1

[asgardmods]

the test drive meme. ❧ let's do this. Anyone can post to the test drive meme, including duplicates! Please put your character name and canon in the title of your comment. All threads are considered open to everyone! Tag around and make some friends (or enemies)! If you decide to apply to the game, you can use your TDM threads for your app samples! You only need to provide seven comments if you use TDM samples. You can't be "late" to a TDM! This will be considered open until the next one goes live next month. You can make up your own scenario, interact with one of the locations in the game, use the welcome process of your character selecting a god house, or use our optional prompt below! You do not need to pick a god house to play on the TDM! You can have your character still in the process of discussing/deciding/despairing instead. If you are accepted to the game, you can keep TDM threads as game canon as long as you fudge some of the details depending on your original thread. If you aren't sure exactly how to do this, you can always ask a mod. Reserves open on May 25 at 12:01AM PST and close on May 31 at 11:59PM PST. Applications open on June 1 at 12:01AM PST and close on June 7 at 11:59PM PST. Please always feel free to contact the mods if you have any questions! Have fun, dear (future?) Wanderers. ♥ ❧ optional scenario. As you enter Asgard proper, many of the natives have gathered into curious crowds to greet these mysterious children of the World Tree. Some of them carry baskets of flowers and nervously offer one to any Wanderers that come near. They are vibrant and colorful, picked from the wilds surrounding Asgard, and they might have an odd effect on your character if they sniff the flowers directly. Purple flowers will make your character very giggly and easily amused by everything they see and hear. Orange flowers will make your character feel very warm all over, like the sun is beating down on them directly. Blue flowers will make your character somewhat short and impatient with anything that seems like even a minor inconvenience to them. Effects of the flowers can wear off anywhere between a few minutes to an hour. And for those new to Asgard, this scenario aligns with some of the general curses we might have in the game! navigation.

Comments

[seventeenfortythree]

[ Jamie's eyes go wide as well, then soft because yes, that brings the emotions right back. That, and knowing young Ian has taken such a shining to him. Enough to leave Lallybroch, Christ. ]

I lost track of him after the prison closed...

[ He trails off, swallowing heavily. ]

He was ill, before. I tried to treat him as I thought ye would, Sassenach. It was Murtagh who--

[ Jamie pauses, for a moment ashamed to say this and in front of his daughter especially. But he continues. ]

When it grieved me so badly to think of ye that I couldna breathe, those days, Murtagh said my prayer for the safety of ye both instead.

[mograidh]

[ Her mother was in more pain than Bree had ever realized, through the years. She'd hidden it well; or rather, she'd pulled away enough to protect herself that it had seemed to Bree for so long that she was just...lost to her. Somewhere she might never reach. It's only now, of course, that she understands where she'd existed for so long, where she had to, to even stay sane.

Hearing Jamie speak of his pain now brings it all back to the surface. The two of them endured all of this for her. For her mother's sake, too, but...she wonders if her mother hadn't been pregnant then, would they have ever parted? But then what would have become of daddy, never having his wife back, never even having a child. Her mind is going a mile a minute, and she stops her thoughts quickly, taking a deep breath. ]

How did you...both of you - keep going?

[ She looks between them, notably subdued. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

[For Claire, it's easy. Her thumbs move over the back of Bree's hand as she smiles warmly at her.]

I had you.

[Jamie wasn't nearly as lucky. Claire had been lonely, so often, but never truly alone with Bree. Jamie often was, from what Claire can tell.]

Whenever I felt like... the grief was too much, or that I just wanted to give up, I thought of you. Thought of the love Jamie had for you, and what strength he had to possesses to send us away to safety. I had to make the most of it.

[She wants to believe she did. Bree grew up loved, wanting for nothing. She went to good schools. Had all the opportunities a young girl could have. And Claire put herself through medical school and became a surgeon despite the uphill battle. There's no way Jamie could truly understand it all, but she at least knows he understands he made the right choice that day.]

[seventeenfortythree]

[ The problem is, Jamie once begged a man to kill him, because he didn't want to keep going. Not without Claire.

He can't exactly say that, though. So, he tries to think of a better answer than I couldn't find a way to die, his face set neutrally. ]

Was no' easy. But once the prison was shut down and life became a seven-year debt to work off, I could finally see an end to it all. Before that...I dinna ken that I was doing much more than waking up each day and making a choice.

[ It's not pretty. But it is the truth. ]

[mograidh]

[ Maybe some part of him - without ever really admitting it to himself - knew he had to hold on for a purpose. It's the only reason she can think to explain how he could have possibly kept going all those years. Both of them. Their minds told them one thing, that a reunion was impossible, but maybe their hearts knew better.

No matter what, she's grateful he held on, and that she could be the anchor her mother needed as well. They're here now, where they belong.

For the first time since arriving here in Asgard, she spares a thought for Roger. The man she thought she loved. Does love. It's all so complicated now, because he'd left. Just left her alone, and then-

She can't think on it too long, or she'll lose her composure. But it makes her question what she knows about love as it applies to her own life, and how often a love so strong - like what her parents have - ever really happens. ]

That took so much strength. I'd like to think I got that from you.

[ Both of them. And daddy. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

[A mother's instinct, or perhaps something stronger, has Claire tugging Bree close enough for her to wrap her arms around her.]

Frasers are very stubborn. Maybe that's how Ian knew you were one.

[Teasing--mostly. Claire kisses her temple and sends a small smile Jamie's way.

Thank Christ they're all so stubborn.]

[seventeenfortythree]

[ Jamie makes a grunting sound in the back of his throat. ]

Dinna let yer mother place all of your stubbornness rest on my shoulders.

[ She smirks, eying Claire, but then he looks around a bit. ]

I'm no' sure what these streets are like after dark. Or when dark is.

[ If his family gets the hint. ]

[mograidh]

She can't fool me, I already know she's plenty stubborn.

[ A light tease back at her mother; for a moment, she leans in a little closer, appreciating the arm around her shoulders, the comfort she offers.

But Jamie makes a valid point, and she's personally eaten her fill. ]

We should settle in, probably. Explore more tomorrow.

[nineteenfortyfive]

Oh, so is this how it's to be? Ganging up on your poor mother.

[Woe is her. The smile is audible in her voice--if it means Jamie and Bree bonding, she'll gladly take their teasing. She rubs Bree's arm as she nods, listening to them both.]

You're right. It's been quite the day.

[seventeenfortythree]

[ Jamie stands, then ushers them out, back onto the road as he walks on one side of Claire with Bree on the other side of her. ]

I'm no' sure yet what to make of all this. Everything wi' no cost? Loyalty to a God? Doesna settle right wi' me.

[mograidh]

[ As they walk, Bree crosses her arms loosely over her chest, rubbing a hand up and down her arm for a moment as she looks around. ]

I don't know either. I don't think any of us is at risk of getting comfortable here, though.

[ Even when and if they settle into a routine here, a life, it's only smart to stay cautious. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

I'm still not entirely convinced I'm awake.

[Sorry, gingers. Give her a day to adjust to having the two of you and maybe she'll share her opinions on these gods.]

[seventeenfortythree]

I suppose we'll find out eventually.

[ Either it is someone's dream and it will all end, or life will continue on. If it is a dream, though, he won't be caught taking it for granted. Reaching out, he pulls Claire close to kiss her temple as they walk. ]

'Tis been a long day though. We could all three benefit from rest.

[ It's a bit of a walk through, from where they are, back to Frigg. ]

I wonder if there are horses here?

[mograidh]

I thought I saw a few strange-looking ones. [ Earlier, when she'd been exploring. ] But we're probably better off just walking. Like you said, it might get dark soon.

[nineteenfortyfive]

Strange how?

[She hasn't seen any, but perhaps it's a blessing. Claire hasn't ridden a horse in years.]

And have either of you heard about or seen the rooms? We might have to get creative with the sleeping arrangements.

[Sorry, Jamie. Did you expect privacy with your wife tonight? Claire has no intention of leaving Bree on her own.]

[seventeenfortythree]

Eight legs.

[ Jamie looks at Brianna to confirm. ]

I saw them as well.

[ And then, as soon as Claire says 'get creative' he realizes she means no privacy for the two of them. ]

...Creative, Sassenach?

[ Jamie actually looks at Brianna again, trying to telepathically will her to insist on her own space. ]

[mograidh]

I'm not sure how much space we'll have, but I do think if it's possible, you two should have your own space. I'll be fine, mama.

[ She'd been thinking it all through dinner, so DON'T WORRY, Jamie. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Eight legged horses? Maybe they're twice as fast. Claire's about to make the joke when Bree pipes up.

Oh no, Bree. You're supposed to be her out.]

Are you certain you want to sleep alone in this strange place?

[She looks to Jamie.]

I don't know about that.

[seventeenfortythree]

[ Jamie's conflicted; he wants two things that he's very positive should not go together. ]

The rooms are next door to one another, I went to check and be sure of it earlier. If that makes any difference to either of ye.

[mograidh]

[ Truth be told, she does want to stay close to them. This will be the first night she's slept alone since what happened at the tavern. She's a little uneasy; not afraid, but apprehensive, more than anything. But she has the combined courage of both her parents, and she truly believes that once they all settle in, she'll be fine enough just knowing they're right next door.

Plastering a quick smile on her face, Bree squeezes her mother's wrist. Of course, she has no idea her mother might have other reasons for wanting her in the same room. But it'll be good for them, after so many years apart. They deserve it. ]

If anything happens, I'll come get you both. But I'm sure everything will be fine.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[It's not that she doesn't want to be alone with Jamie, but then that's also the truth of it: being alone with Jamie means more time to talk, time to explore one another, and there are a number of things she's not sure she's ready to share. A body that's changed. A self that's changed. Claire doesn't have anything like a bastard son to reveal, but today's been a lot, and she's not sure she wants Bree out of her sight.

That little squeeze from Bree has her giving her A Look. One she's no doubt grown up with, a subtle please, no, Bree, the one a mother gives to her child when she's saying something she shouldn't in public.

But if she puts up too much of a fuss, she knows Jamie's feelings will be hurt. The redheads win today and Claire relents.]

If you're both sure.

[seventeenfortythree]

[ Something seems to shift, he feels it. Jamie's not sure what it is, but it makes something knot in his belly. ]

I think, perhaps, it isna up to me.

[ Said quietly but meant to be respectful. He doesn't have much say in what Brianna should or shouldn't want or do. He's very aware of it in the way Claire and Bree interact. ]

If ye'd like to stay with her, Sassenach--

[ What's another night of not holding her after eighteen years? ]

I would understand.

[mograidh]

[ Pushing aside her own feelings, Bree stops walking for a moment, looking at them. P.S. mama, she did see that look, but she's ignoring it. ]

You're both being ridiculous right now.

[ Said with no shame and full confidence. ]

It's been eighteen years. Don't waste any more time, okay? I promise, I'll be fine.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ. Welp, that's their daughter, dragging her under the eight-legged horse. Claire can actually feel the heat rushing to her cheeks and tries to look over at Jamie, but can't.

Pardon her awkward little giggle as she crosses her arms over her middle.]

... well. When you put it that way.

[Fine. She wins.]

[seventeenfortythree]

[ Jamie ducks his head clearing his throat a bit.

Good lass. ]

Then we should keep going before we lose the daylight.

[ He notices now, that dusk does seem to be settling in. ]