September 2022 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

SEPTEMBER 2022 TDM

INTRODUCTION

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Welcome to Folkmore's monthly Test Drive Meme! Please feel free to test drive any and all characters regardless of your intent to apply or whether you have an invite or not.

All TDMs are game canon. You can choose to have your TDM thread be your introduction thread upon acceptance or start fresh. Each TDM will provide a scenario for how characters arrive in-game that particular month.

Playing TDMs will allow characters to immediately obtain canon items from homes especially weapons or other things they may have had on their person when they were pulled from their worlds! There will always be a prompt that provides some sort of "reward" to characters who complete certain tasks.

Current players are allowed to have in-game characters react to TDMs via the Network or make a log with the prompts. Current players are always encouraged to tag new people on the TDM!

TDM threads can be used for spoon spending at any time by characters accepted into the game.

[ Prompt One ★ Prompt Two]

GOLD WAS THE COLOUR

Content Warnings: mood-altering substances.

What a Wonderful Harvest

It's harvest season in Folkmore. Apples, squash, potatoes, onions, peaches, sweet corn... all manner of crops are ready to be gathered, and golden fields fall willingly before the scythe. The air has a chill to it that you can mostly ignore in the sun but runs deep when you stand in the shadows.

After arrival you will find yourself out in said fields, maybe a little disoriented but not in any danger. It's peaceful.

In the farmlands you might be able to hear music floating on the wind. Follow it, or just wander by accident, and you'll find yourself coming upon what looks like some kind of costume party: people dressed up in cloth and vegetables - mostly gourds as masks - are singing and dancing around an enormous pole surmounted by the biggest Jack-O-Lantern you've ever seen.

The pumpkin people seem shy, but they won't turn you away if you wish to join their celebration - there are other Star Children like yourself here, and you might feel a little more comfortable with them. At least you can see their real faces. You can drink some apple cider and carve some pumpkins yourself if you like, or help out by husking some corn.

At some point, you will become aware of the fact that the dancers have stopped, and the object they've been dancing around has moved. The Jack-O-Lantern is looking at you.

The pumpkin king leans down, eternally smiling.

"Trick or treat?" he asks you in a deep voice. You'll have to pick one!

"TRICK."

The partygoers all watch you carefully. The lord of the harvest appears to think for a moment, then nods his massive head. One of the veggie dancers approaches you with a tray upon which are five cups of cider.

"Pick your poison," you're told, and you can only hope it's not literal!

Four of the cups of cider will have no effect whatsoever. But the fifth?

That fifth cup of cider makes you feel more social. Less reserved. Downright friendly, even. You want to talk and joke with people even if that isn't normally something you'd do. You might even join the vegetable dancers for a spin, and drag someone else along with you! Your judgment isn't quite impaired, but your inhibitions are definitely lowered. Might be a quick way to make some new friends, though!

"TREAT."

You are offered a large basket, held so that you cannot see inside. After some fumbling, you pull something out. What is it? It's an envelope. Or a cassette tape. Or a photograph. It might be the mixed tape you created for your high school crush, the poem you wrote about your broken heart, the letter you never mailed to your estranged father. It's something personal that is connected to someone from home somehow. As you hold it in your hands, you will feel an irresistible urge to explain it to the person next to you no matter how embarrassing or painful it might be. You can only hope that they aren't a colossal dick about it.

HELL WAS THE JOURNEY

Content Warnings: aggressive dogs, decapitated spectres, potential violence.

GET AHEAD

The sun sets earlier and earlier every day, but that doesn't mean there's suddenly nothing to do! The warm lights of homes all over Folkmore welcome people inside for parties. Of course, the Spirit People of Folkmore are rarely humanoid, so you may find yourself at a dance for frogs or a cocktail party for round fuzzy critters with giant eyes. Regardless of what kind of creatures you wind up partying with, they are excellent hosts!

When food has been had and drinks are flowing, someone suggests a time honoured tradition: the telling of ghost stories.

The guests take turns, spinning tales both familiar and not. One such tale is that of the Horseman and his Hounds.

This, the storyteller insists, is a true tale, and is as follows:

Folkmore is home to many Spirit People, and many other creatures besides. While most of these wish only to live their lives, there are certain powers that Thirteen leaves to their own devices, no doubt for reasons all her own. When the autumn harvests come and the leaves burn with colour and fall to the ground, the dominant spirit of lonely places is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head. Some versions of the story claim the horseman's head is carried before him on the pommel of his saddle, while others say instead the spirit carries a lit Jack-O-Lantern in place of it... and wishes to find a more suitable replacement. No matter the variation, the rest of the legend is the same: in autumn, on lonely roads, unlucky travelers will hear the baying of hounds. Moments later they will see the Horseman upon his stallion, and then the unholy troop will pursue the hapless travelers across hill and valley.

Some tales are told of Star Children fighting off the spectral hounds and challenging the Horseman to a fight, with varying levels of success. All are in agreement, however, that the sure method of survival is to escape over running water. Easy enough in some parts of Folkmore... less so if you happen to be caught out in the desert of Cruel Summer.

All parties must end, and this one does too, which means you now have to make your way home. Not that you're scared or anything, but maybe it's wise to walk with someone else tonight...

Not that it matters. Ultimately you and your companion will find yourself on a lonely stretch of road somewhere, and just as you've managed to convince yourselves that nothing out of the ordinary is going to happen you hear it.

The Hounds.

Turn and you'll see them, dark and sleek, and beyond them their infernal master. Atop a gleaming black stallion, the Horseman is gigantic in height and muffled in a cloak.

Whether you run or stand and fight is entirely up to you. As if to make it more of a fair fight, there are weapons hidden off the road - stumble into a ditch and you might find a rifle or a sword. The Hounds have very sharp teeth but they themselves cannot be injured - if struck they simply turn to black smoke and vanish. The Horseman cannot be killed - he has no head! - but if you fight him to a standstill he will reward you with the gift of something from your homeworld. This can be a weapon or magical item.

If you manage to cross a stream or a river, the spectres will vanish with howling and laughter.

ODDS BODKINS

You're likely to be shaken up after your encounter, so it's relief when you see that there's a bonfire lit not far past the water you've crossed. Perched all around it are a bunch of different owls, many wearing hats. They all swivel their heads to look at you before they hoot and gesture for you to come near. There, set up to one side of the bonfire, is a long low table laden with drinks in many different colours and little cakes and cookies. You always thought owls ate mice, but whooo's to say? Hoo? Get it? On another low table are supplies for patching people up in case your fight with the Horseman got a little intense! The owls don't have hands, but maybe there's a kind stranger nearby who'd be willing to help you? Or maybe you just want to talk to someone who has their head on right!

Comments

aether | genshin impact | legend

[descender]

🌟 WHAT A WONDERFUL HARVEST

[Follow a fox has led him to another world. Was it chance? Or somehow he got his powers back? It seems unlikely he did such a thing because he would know. It's not strange another could summon him to another world. He's also learned foxes are creatures to be alert about - so says a certain high priestess.

It's been a while since he's been on his own in a new world. He still remembers what to do even without his sister's reminder. Watch, learn, adapt, and do not tell others he's from another world. This time he doesn't need to learn the language as he's able to understand everything. It'll make understanding others easier if he needs to talk to someone. For now, best to keep a low profile and try to blend in until he gets a better understanding of the locals and what is going on. Luckily for him, festivals and celebrations are a good way of understanding a culture and its people.

For the time being he's been able to just go with the flow, but then he feels eyes on him. It's the one that's created the most attention, staring and asking him for a trick or treat. From what he's seen, he might not want either.

He looks around like he'll somehow get the answer. This is where Paimon would scream "TREAT!!" without him even thinking it over. Yet she is not here, so he's left thinking it over.]

🌟 GET AHEAD

[Aether's fought some strange beings, from monsters to gods. Even without a head, this creature is able to track his movements. It's very possible these dog like spectre are communicating all together. The mount doesn't help - there's no way he can fully outrun it. It's not an equal fight, but he isn't going to give up. Maybe if he finds a way to get the headless person(?) off the horse, he might stand a chance. He'll need to create some confusion, too.

He's not going to give up here, though. It can least buy him time to get a better hold of his surroundings.]

🌟 ODDS BODKINS

[In his days of traveling worlds, it's a little too convenient that such supplies and a set up would just be found like this. Is someone or something watching him? It would not be the first time. He goes to rest, catching his breath. He has some minor injuries he'll need to get a look at but nothing major. They can cause a problem if left untreated so he keeps that in mind.

He grabs some cookies and supplies. He can hear imagine Paimon's reaction to the cookies. It's not been long but he misses her already. He eats one of the cookies and goes to sit by the fire.

He looks at the owls and realizes they aren't like any other owls he has seen before. He starts singing a melody as he watches the fire burn. It's so beautiful like this - he wish he could share this moment with a good number of his friends.]

get ahead

[forestwatcher]

Enshroud!

[A round, grenade-like object thrown from somewhere behind Aether rolls across the ground before exploding into a dizzying cloud of confusing, dendro-infused smoke and mild mushroom-based hallucinogens. Tighnari darts forwards and grabs the Traveller's wrist, a serious expression on his delicate features as he tugs to pull him back and away from the creatures he was about to face down.]

Come on, while they're distracted--

[The forest watcher knows to be aware of when he's outgunned, and this does not seem like a battle that is worth the risk to try and win.]

Let's go, Aether!

[descender]

[That voice and that ever so familiar line. What follows is an attack and element he's been much more familiar as of late. He tries to remember combat styles from people he fights alongside with, and this one is one of his more recent ones. He's about to say Tighnari's name, but he knows a proper greeting can wait. He nods his head and follows what Tighnari tells him. He clearly knows more about what's going on than he does. Or well, hopes he does.]

Right! [He runs with him, keeping pace with him. Questions can come later and he doesn't want to create an opening and waste this distraction.] I'll follow you and cover the back. [He'll switch to an electro attack if he's pressed. That'll slow them down even more if they need it.]

[forestwatcher]

[Tighnari, ever quick on his feet even on unfamiliar terrain, shifts his grip to Aether's hand instead as they race along. Behind them he can hear the steps of the hounds, the hoofbeats, and in spite of himself his ears are pinned back against his head. It's more than the sounds and the appearance of these creatures - they do not smell right, either. Nor will he allow Aether to hang back and face them should they close the distance between them.]

I didn't know you were here! [He calls out while they run.] You must have just arrived.

[The forest watcher hops over a branch in their path, then grunts out a sharp sound of irritation. Why are they still following?]

These things are beginning to get on my nerves.

[descender]

[Aether keeps up, focusing on their surroundings and on Tighnari as he follows him. His own experience with different creatures tells his gut this is not merely defensive behavior but aggressive. It's like they are being hunted - it's troubling. he's not going to let his thoughts become occupied by that line of thinking. He has Tighnari here and they'll figure something out.]

I didn't know you were here either. [It hasn't been that long since they've met, but during that time he's come to respect and trust him.] I wish we could've met over some of Collei's homemade pita pockets, [He also jumps over that branch, making a smooth landing as he continues to run.] but I guess that's not what's in store for us in this world.

[Aether looks briefly back, hoping enough distance is between them. It's hard to tell, so he doesn't spend much time looking back. He goes back looking forward and side to side, making sure he doesn't trip or get caught up in anything. At least some time in Sumeru has helped him deal with jungle and forest terrain better.] You're more patient than me. As soon as they started charging, that was it.

[forestwatcher]

I try to figure out an animal's motivation for attacking before I decide if it's simply trying to defend itself from a threat. [Tighnari explains, a little breathlessly, while they keep moving. He can still hear the sounds of pursuit and isn't ready to give himself over to any illusions of safety just yet.]

But these brutes just want to frighten us.

[Them and the mounted figure he assumes is their master. How annoying.

There's some more running to do before the forest watcher finally pulls his companion to a halt, his long ears twisting this way and that while he breathes deeply to slow his heart rate down again.] I think... [Listening... listening...]

I think we're in the clear. At least for the moment.

[descender]

[Spoken like someone who researches and studies. Aether can judge things by body language, but he's more cautious, especially in this world. It is hard to know what true intellect these beings have. Simply assuming a dog in one world is the same as dog in another world is a foolish thing to do as someone with world traveling experience. He can also sense something about them, but he can't quite describe it. It might just be a gut feeling.] They weren't attacking for food or for territory from what I could tell. [There's at least a warning for territory and for food, it's more about quickness and efficiency than a thrill.

He listens to the sounds around them after Tighnari gives the clear. He trusts him, especially since he doubts those ears are just for show. He takes a deep breathe in, exhaling out to catch his breathe a little. He got a few scratches and scrapes, mostly from running quickly than being attacked.]

I think you're right, but we should stick together for now. [Not like he's going to just go his separate ways from a familiar face so quickly in a new world anyway. ] Do you know where the closest town or city is? I was in one earlier, but I started to explore outside of it.

[forestwatcher]

Mm, no.

[They were attacking at the behest of their master, it looked like, but what the horseman's motivations are Tighnari couldn't say. What matters right now is that they've both found somewhere safe for the moment, and the forest watcher will not have to strain his ears too hard to be able to hear if they're about to be beset upon again.

The question, though, has him realising that for all their running he now isn't entirely sure where they are, and the only route he can be certain of is back the way they came. He shakes his head.]

I haven't fully familiarised myself with the area yet, and even less so in the dark. [He admits, not feeling the need to confirm that they ought to stay together because it seems to entirely make sense.] But if we keep following the road we should come across civilisation at some point. I'll keep an ear out for anything.

[Not a pun, but... augh. He does have to wince slightly after he says it.]

[descender]

[It would've been too easy for them to find their way back, but Aether did hold out a small bit of hope. At least he's lost with someone who has experience with adventuring. Getting lost here should be a cake walk compared to Sumeru's jungles. They shouldn't be too far from where Aether was earlier. At the most he walked a few miles, but depending on the direction they ran, it might be more or less.]

The road has to lead to somewhere important enough. [Roads are built in worlds for specific reasons, usually for trade from his experience. He looks at Tighnari's ears when it's brought up. He doubts they are just for show, so that should be helpful.] You'll probably hear something before we both see it, especially if it gets darker. [The later it gets, the darker it will get until the sun starts to rise.] Do you need a moment? I'm ready to go whenever you are.

odds bodkins

[twilight_sword]

Our habit of running into one another in unexpected locations continues...

[A familiar voice and familiar face, no doubt, even if the mode of dress is slightly different. Dainsleif isn't wearing his high-collared cape, having opted for a coat instead, and though his clothes are still dark they don't bear the same intricate designs that his usual ones do. His hands are covered. He smiles faintly as he looks down at Aether, and gestures to the spot beside him.]

It's been an eventful evening. Would you object if I sat down?

[Ah, Dainsleif has a feeling the answer will not be 'no', but given the terse nature of their last few encounters... one can never be sure of the reception one might get.

He's trying not to show how surprised he is to see Aether here, and only partially succeeding.]

[descender]

[As soon as he hears another voice, he stops his singing. His eyes widen and he's going to get up when he realizes it's Dainsleif. A thousand thoughts come to his head, but Aether is asked a question. It would be rude to just dump all those questions before he events sits down. He pats a spot next to him that seems like it'll be comfortable enough.]

Of course not, Dainsleif. I'm surprised to see you here. I thought it was just me. [Of course if Dainsleif is here, does that mean the Abyss Order is here? Or maybe his sister? He wants to ask, there is a restlessness growing within him.] Are you here because of the Abyss Order? [What else would he be here for? Unless he's been brought here, too, which is quite the coincidence.] It's just... usually why you're here or seeking me out.

[twilight_sword]

Mm... no, I'm here for the same reason that you are.

[The same dream, the same Fox... It was easy to dismiss it as nothing at the time, and then he was here with everyone else and no way to return the way he came. Dainsleif steps forwards with a softly exhaled sigh and sits down, facing mostly towards the fire and stretching his gloved hands out to warm them.]

One positive I can give this place is that the Abyss Order doesn't exist here. [Oh, there are many negatives that he could give it too, but at least that particular stressor isn't present.] But I wasn't seeking you out. Much like last time we met our paths have simply crossed once more. Are you injured?

[descender]

[The same reason but not the with the Abyssal Order. That statement gives Aether a pause as he remembers he really doesn't know much about Dainsleif as a person. Sure, he knows parts of his past and some of his goals, but that's different. They were brought together for a common goal rather than friendship. Aether can't deny he's curious about him after the time they spent together and what he's slowly learning about Khaenri'ah. There is also the big elephant in the room of Dainsleif knowing his sister.]

Then she... [He doesn't finish his words, but it's rather obvious what he's going to say.] Yeah, they don't need to be involved in other worlds. [While he knows their main purpose involves Khaenri'ah, he still does not understand their methods. Not that he needs to to disagree with them from what he's seen.] That's quite the coincidence, just saying. They are so many worlds. [Maybe someone or something is pushing or directing their paths or it truly is that one in a trillion chance.]

Nothing big.[When he brings up Aether being injured, he shakes his head.] Just a few scratches and scrapes. What about you? [He wonders if Dainsleif also encountered any strange and aggressive creatures. He won't mention his experience just yet, waiting to see what the other has to say for now.]

[twilight_sword]

[If Aether needs to hear the words - that his sister isn't here - then Dainsleif will say it... but he thinks that the other man has got the point. If he made the point of saying Abyss Order is not active here then he would have noted Lumine's presence had she been an exception.

Truth be told he isn't sure what he would do if she did arrive. Without the Abyss Order behind her, dripping poison into her ear, would he be able to turn her back to a better path..?]

No, I'm not hurt. [Being able to pick up and toss enemies without them even getting near you does have its advantages. Nothing had been able to get close enough to him to make a mark.] The horseman's hounds were irritating to deal with, but not so different to riftwolves that I couldn't adapt tactics I already possessed.

[descender]

[He's rather impressed Dainsleif was able to take on such foes. Aether knows he's plenty good in a fight, but his other abilities and full extent of strength is still a mystery. He also must be more familiar with the surroundings since he's mentioned the Abyss Order not being here.

He likes to think he could've taken them on if he had his sword. He can still use the elements, but that can only go so far when fighting multiple enemies. Next time he'll be ready for any sort of monsters or foes.]

So you encountered them, too. You're right, they do have a similar fighting style. [Also known as very annoying fighting style, but he's gotten used to fighting them since encountering them in Inazuma.] Is this world full of creatures like that? If so, I'll need to get a sword and be more on guard.

[twilight_sword]

Full of? No, certainly not. This is the first time I've seen something like those.

[Is Folkmore without its dangers? No, but that wasn't the question that was asked. Dainsleif shakes his head slightly and looks into the fire rather than at the Traveller.]

But you should get yourself a sword regardless, and keep that guard of yours sharp.

[No doubt he would say similar things even if Folkmore seemed to be safe, but Dainsleif has already seen enough to know that the place may appear to be many things... but 'safe' is hardly one of them, most of the time.]

I was able to keep them at a distance without needing to touch them, but I do hope they are the only creature of its type that crops up here. I much prefer something that stays solid and dies when I snap its neck.

[descender]

[The fact Dainsleif hasn't seen these creatures before can mean several things. Just some quick guess work means either something awoken them or aggravated them. It could be a way of this world of "protecting" itself from the newcomers. Yet Kaeya has said most of them are from other worlds. The other could simply be those things come from another world or someone from another world created such a thing.

There will be more time to think about origins. Dainsleif is right, so he nods about the sword. He'd like to think with a sword he could've stood his ground or at least done enough damage to fend them off.]

Yeah, that's on my to do list. Know any place where I could get one?

[He expects nothing less than Dainsleif being able to take them on well enough to defend himself. His combat prowess is excellent and clearly something he has refined. Still, on a personal level, it's good to know that he isn't hurt or anything like that] Someone's not slacking either. If only we ran into each earlier.

What a wonderful harvest

[shadowsincryo]

Think carefully before you answer. [Says a voice to his right. Kaeya stands at his side, arms crossed over his chest. The differences in him are wolf ears and a tail with white patterns of stars in the dark blue fur. He taps a clawed finger on his arm as he turns slightly towards him.]

Our Benefactor and their allies do everything to draw us closer to each other. It's ridiculous but, that's the way it is. [He drops his hands to his hips and smiles a little bit, his wolf tail wagging slightly.]

As always you can rely on me to keep anything I hear to myself.

[descender]

[Is he hearing the voices of his friends now? He's sure that's Kaeya's voice he just heard. Would Amber's voice be next maybe-

As he turns his head to the right, he sees it's not just a voice. His eyes widen, seeing a very real Kaeya right there. He's a little stunned as he's been telling himself he's alone in this new world. He gives him a top-down looks, noting the differences but he's seen others dressed up. It also sounds like he knows better than he does.

He's tempted to say something along the lines of "you're here too?" but that's extremely obvious.]

Is that really you, Kaeya? [Not as obvious, but since the Chasm, he's been more aware of illusions and things that could be misleading. Yet after he says those words, he realizes asking a possible illusion if that's really him is not a way to determine reality versus an illusion.] When did you get here?

[shadowsincryo]

Me? Oh, I've been here for a while. [He glances around them once. The party is in full swing. People are dancing. The drink is flowing. The scent of good food is in the air. He sighs,] It was right before the Fox insisted we go to 'summer camp.'

[He spreads his hands and shrugs. Summer camp was odd and not his favorite time. His tail settles, and his ears swivel to catch the sounds while he's focused on his companion.]

I'm assuming you've just got here, so you haven't heard the small details that are more important than they seem. Hm?

[descender]

[He reflects on what Kaeya just told him, wondering how much time has passed. At least it isn't another five hundred years again (at least he hopes not) as Kaeya does not look like he's aged all that much if at all. He also saw a fox just like he did, too. Are they seeking out specific people? So many questions keep coming to his mind in such a brief period of time.] Yeah, I just got here. I'm still trying to figure this place out, but it sounds like you know way more than me.

[He asks one first that's the most important at this moment to him. He nods at the assumption made that he's just arrived.] Are you all right? Is anyone else we know-[He's going to finish, but he is interrupted by the person who asked him earlier about a trick or a treat. He's asked again the same question, much more pushier this time. He just gives a response, hoping he can continue his conversation with Kaeya without anymore interruptions.]

Treat. [In honor of Paimon of course. When the bag is offered, he grabs something from it. He's going to ask Kaeya another question, but he pulls out something that makes his mind go blank. How did this get here? It's not possible. He pulls out a flower of all things, but not a normal flower. It's the inteyvat flower, the one he's seen his sister wear that Dainsleif explained is from Khaenri'ah.] My sister wears these flowers in her hair. [He feels the texture of the petals, hard rather than soft.] She wore them the last time I saw her.

[shadowsincryo]

[He doesn’t know what he expected to be handed to the traveler. But it wasn’t something straight out of his faded memories. He can practically hear his father’s deep voice echoing back through the years.

He takes a breath and looks around carefully. His lips move,] Treat for me too.

[This is a risk. But he needs to compose himself as much as his friend needs a moment to absorb the item in his hands. He isn’t all that surprised when he is handed a slender blade. It is an exquisite piece that is simple but clearly could handle years of wear.]

Ah. Allow me to tell you something about this world the Fox brought you to. We can get things from home whenever something happens but they sometimes hold a price.

You feel the need to talk, don’t you? That’s the magic of this place pushing on you. No one I know has been able to resist it. Not even old Dainsleif.

This sword was gifted to me by Master Crepus when I became a knight. I left it behind when I left the Estate. [It occurs to him while this hurts he doesn’t feel that stabbing pain he would have at home. He runs his fingers along the flat of the blade. Then he grins at Aether, a real one full of brightness. Even his laugh is lighter than it would be at home.]

And I bet if I bring it up to Diluc he will tell me where he put it. You know him. So to answer your question. I’m here, so is Diluc and Dainsleif.

[descender]

[He listens to Kaeya's words carefully, trying to understand them in the context of his own experiences traveling to different worlds. It's that fox once again, but clearly not a normal fox. What is the most interesting is the comment about things from home. So world travel or pulling things from worlds is possible. That's not a common ability or power. To use it in a such a way, he can't connect the dots just yet. He just gives Kaeya a nod and a small acknowledgement even with all these thoughts in his mind.] I see. There's much to learn about this world.

[Looking down at the flower than back at Kaeya, upon reflection, the other is right. He rarely voices such personal thoughts about his sister. It's not about lack of trust, but talking about her is such a personal thing to him. There being a magic or force at play would explain such a thing.

Now hearing how Kaeya has most likely been pushed to reveal something personal about his past, it feels wrong of him to hear it without Kaeya willingly giving that information. Aether's face clearly shows he feels for Kaeya; a hearing a memory with attached with those sort of emotions isn't easy to talk about. Even if Kaeya smiles and laughs like this is casual small talk, it's not.] Maybe, but I won't tell him at least. This will be just be between us. [A small reassurance and a little joke to break some of that tension. That's what's needed than some reassurance or some apology. He puts the hand that is clutching the flower of his chest. It's almost symbolic in a way.]

Master Diluc and-[He is not expecting that name.] Dainsleif? [Something that he'll definitely follow up on.]

[shadowsincryo]

[Kaeya nods. He buckles the sword’s scabbard to his belt and sheathes the blade. It feels right resting against his hip.]

Yes. Now, before I tell you more we should talk about one of things that happens in this world. Everyone is given a role by the fox. Mine is familiar. That’s why I have the new wolfish look.

[He sets his hands on his hips and grins at him. His canines are too sharp. He lets his grin fade as he closes his eye.] Familiars can turn it into animals from their worlds. Legends have wings of some sort. Myths…I’m not sure of.

They don’t have to keep their changes visible. I’m just unlucky and can’t hide mine. [He reaches up and tugs on one ear.]

It’s not so bad. I’ve been told I’m cute.

[descender]

[Aether lowers the hand with the flower, still holding at it as he listens to the details about role. Fox is brought again, probably the one that brought both him and Kaeya here most likely. He doesn't remember going to a world and having physical changes occur - reactions, yes, but not major changes like new limbs. The magic here is unique and different than what he's seen before. That's why he loves to travel, to experience new things. Yet this time it's not the most planned and not at the best time.]

This Fox, is it like a god or archon? [Or this Fox could be something completely different. Three different roles with different appearances - he nods as he thinks about this.]

Fluffy ears and a tail are tempting to touch.[He jokes back. He's curious but he's got enough sense and manners to hold himself back.] Now Razor has some competition as to who gets the title of wolfboy out of the knights.