Test Drive Meme #1

[seasonsmods]

Test Drive Meme #1
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Arrival

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Part 1

You arrive in an unknown space, dressed in white clothes (player choice what kind of clothes, as long as they cover everything). Whatever was happening to you before no longer happens. It's like everything was put on a pause and you were transferred away from the situation without you realizing it happened.

The space that you find yourself in is one of these four options:

An empty landscape filled with snow and ice, almost like a blank canvas.
A field with cherry blossom trees and spring flowers.
A sunny beach near an ocean that seems never ending.
A quiet forest with falling autumn leaves.

All of the spaces seem to continue endlessly. No matter where or how far you walk it almost seems like you're not moving at all. There are no animals here - just those who happened to wake up there at the same time, in the same place. Everyone is wearing the same kind of plain, white clothes.

Despite the possible rollercoaster of emotions you might be feeling, the place somehow feels familiar. Like somehow you belong there.

And it looks like you're not alone.


Part 2

After half an hour has passed the surroundings change as everyone is teleported into a room with all the other new arrivals, no matter what space they woke up in. It's a large place with plenty of seats to sit in and beverages to enjoy. Medical attention is offered to those who need it and the doctors here are very prepared for any challenging situations.

Here, in this room, everyone gets an answer to where they are and why. A hologram of a man appears at the center of the room, waiting to be heard. He brings a message on behalf of the leaders of Ellipsa.

The Message [ Click to Expand ]

Hello, my name is Olwen. I'm one of the leaders of Ellipsa as it currently is. I'm also one of the four who summoned you here.

Our world is in trouble and we need your help. I apologize for tearing you away from your world and forcing you to come here but I hope you understand. The magic we used doesn't let us ask in advance, nor does it let us choose who we bring here.

This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons. They were the places we used to get our resources from, but now they're dangerous places no one should go into unless they have the power to fight back. All of them have their own sets of powerful monsters and natural catastrophes.

We used to have plenty of people here who could control the powers of the four Seasons. We called them Seasonal Power Holders. Unfortunately, due to a tragedy you can read about later, we lost almost all of them. Now only four of us remain and the world is in chaos. We have done our best to protect the world, but we need more power holders to do that.

That's where you come in.

All of you have been assigned to one of the seasons. Whatever space you were in just now is what season you represent. You will learn different skills based on the season and those skills are going to help you save this world.

These powers don't interfere with your own natural powers. They use a new energy that has formed inside of you. It's harmless to your health, but it's vital to your seasonal powers. Your own powers should still work, even if the dark energy outside the city might interfere with them.

Unfortunately bringing you here wasn't as simple as it sounds. We couldn't do anything about how to keep you anchored to this world other than making a simple spell that helps with it. That is, you need to touch someone else who is not from this world ideally at least once a day. It will help you stay in control of your powers and boost your magical energy. If you don't, the consequences aren't very good. But as long as you hold someone's hand or give someone a handshake, you should be fine.

That's all I have to say about the situation. The staff of the Research Center will give you more information about housing and other necessary things. I will, however, promise that you will be sent home once the situation becomes better. That's the least we can do.

The hologram can be viewed in private in a separate room later, should someone wish to look at it again. For now, the staff of the Research Center hands everyone their new smartphones with their small flower lucky charms (the flower is anything the player decides). They're also told that the building next door is where everyone can find a room assigned to them with some of their belongings there and possibly even any animal companions. Those concerned about their mount-sizes companions are welcomed to the stables downstairs to see if their friends are there. The mounts are allowed to stay there until you find a place more suitable for them.

Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.

Part 3

The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.

All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you your own room if you ask them. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?

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Exploring the City

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Part 1

The city outside the Research Center and the apartment building is a very futuristic and bright place. There's a lot of fancy technology and the weather seems almost too perfect all of the time. Even the weather here is artificial and doesn't feel natural at all. This is the center of the whole Nightwake City and it's called the district that never sleeps for a good reason. It feels like any time of the day you choose to go out there's something going on.

Everyone was given some money on their money app BankCrow to spend. Why not go for the Gacha Restaurant on the main street if you're hungry? You can either choose what style/type of food you want (different cuisines, pizza, junk food, etc) OR pick any ingredients and list your allergens before rolling the gacha machine and what comes out is a meal that fits your choices. Most commonly they're mediocre quality (2-3 stars), slightly rarer are the very bad and very good dishes (1 stars and 4 stars) and the rarest of them all is the golden 5 star dish that is the most delicious and sophisticated meal you'll ever taste. But hey, at least the drinks are all the same no matter what meal you end up getting.

If the futuristic city style isn't for you, there are other district with various different atmospheres waiting for you just outside the city center.

In the District Spotlight [ Click to Expand ]

Blossomcrown is a modern city, but not as futuristic as the central district. Cherry blossom trees have been planted on the side of the streets to give some color for the otherwise gray scenery. It's a busy place with a central park full of spring flowers in the middle, that gives some much needed peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city. There's even the famous Botanical Garden open to all visitors. It's a home to many exotic plants that can't be grown anywhere else (that's safe, at least). There are also plenty of butterflies and bees living in the gardens. Attached to the building it also a flower shop where anyone can purchase a plant for themselves - they're even divided by suitability for each district. But if plants aren't your thing, why not check out the concert venue, which is an arena made for holding concerts. It can be transformed into both an outdoor and indoor venue by opening or closing the roof. Anyone can book the venue to hold a concert as long as they have the funds to do it. They will even advertise your concert for you everywhere!

Those who really just want to see something that's not a city, why not try Frostreign? Sure, it's very cold but there aren't very many buildings. It's more like a small village in the middle of Eternal Winter. The easiest ways to move around here are sledding, skiing and sleigh rides, where either excited huskies or chill reindeers will take people on a ride around the district. There are some snowmobiles too for those, who want to try them. One of the most popular locations is the giant, nevermelting ice castle in the center of the town, where kids love to play hide and seek. It's also a popular locations for dates, as the natural magical crystal lights inside the castle make the place look romantic. Another popular spot is the ice hole, where some brave souls go either swimming and some others at least try staying in the icecold water for a little moment before running to the Sauna Spa! It's an area full of different kind of saunas but it also doubles up as an inn, and due to knowing Otherworlders were going to come today, it's even available for booking!

Those who want to test out their powers right away, Dayrise is the place to go! The Grand Colosseum is designated for power holder practice for at least the following week. After that the natives would like to watch sports again rather than continuous fighting, but even then you're welcome to use the colosseum when there's a chance. After testing your powers, the luxurious baths of Dayrise are a good treat. They're all public baths and none of the natives are ashamed of being naked for hours with strangers. They will also encourage anyone coming with a towel to throw it away.

Part 2

Around the city of Nightwake, Valentine's Day is being celebrated. There are plenty of decorations, all in pastel colors (mainly pink). The Spring Segment districts have also contributed by giving all other districts flowers for decorations for some pleasing aromas. Most of the restaurants also have discount for those who dine together instead of alone.

There are plenty of treats that lift up your mood. Eating too much of the treats results in becoming very clingy to the next person they see. The effect usually wears off in half an hour, but it could take longer depending on how many treats you've eaten.

Another popular Valentine's are the game stalls that are intended to be taken on as couples. Anything you win will only be given to your partner. If you play alone, all you get is a round of applause even if you'd do a new high score. These game stalls include a lot of classic from carnivals and festival, racing with horses or vehicles and even video games.

Each district has a small stall that acts as a starting point for the main Valentine's Day challenge. The goal is to travel from one check point to another within the district while holding hands with someone. There is a small task to be done at each checkpoint (like eating a full course meal or popping balloons while still holding hands). The point is to never let go of your partners' hand. Once the pair gets to the end of the course they get a reward.

The reward for getting past the course is a free item from Riki's Rewards (any prize) and a pair of friendship bracelets that sends messages to its pair bracelet (like "I miss you", "Let's meet up").

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The Segments

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Part 1

Exploring the city isn't something that interests you? Well, the four bridges that lead to the Seasonal Segments are always open and you're definitely allowed to go outside. However, due to the summoning magic, the dark energy outside the city has temporary gone haywire and all of the Segments are suffering from their natural disasters at the same time.

Winter Segment is suffering from a raging blizzard and the usual beautiful landscapes are just a white blur for the time being.

Spring Segment is in the middle of a hurricane, with all of the lightest beings being picked up and tossed all over the place with the wind.

Summer Segment is literally on fire. Only the rain forests and jungles, as well as the Great Ocean Lake are safe from it.

Autumn Segment is suffering from a thunderstorm. Chances of getting struck by lightning are quite high should someone step in.

If you're prepared for the weather, no one is going to stop you from going out to explore. It might be a good idea to bring a friend with you. Luckily, the natural catastrophes calm down after two days and the Segments are more normal after that. So it might actually be worth a while to wait before going out.


Part 2

After the storm the sun shines and sheep appear [ Click to Expand ]

When you venture out to the Spring Segment after the storm, there's a herd of Fabric Sheep wandering near the Flower Yard. These sheep are tame and while they usually run and hide, sometimes they look for people to help them get their wool sheared. Luckily natives on the Dayrise bridge are handing out shearing scissors for those who would like to help.

The sheep get scared very easily, but if you don't make too many sudden movements, you will be able to do your job easily. The sheep might even boop you gently as a thanks before heading off again. If you're mean to sheep, however, you might get an angry Gravity Goat chasing you.

Anyone who visits the Flower Yard of any of the Segments will hear a story from a native there. A story of the magic that has been put in place that lets all the otherworlders "respawn" to their respective Flower Yard if they die in Ellipsa. The flower will be the same as it is in everyone's charms. The natives say that more details can be asked from the main four seasonal power holders, but that they've heard it's painless for otherworlders to emerge from the flower.

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All Aboard

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Part 1

After the Segments have settled down, a message appears on everyone's smartphones. Everyone is invited to join some observational cruises at the Airship Station in Nightwake District. There are four different ships leaving at the same time, but if you come back again later you will be able to go to them all eventually. The trip targets are the Seasonal Segments. Of course, there are long instructions as to how one should dress to handle the different weather they would be experiencing while in the air. You have time to shop as the invitation is open for a good while.

The Airship Station is a very modern, almost futuristic, place with a lot of docks with various airships lined up. Most of the ships there are used for in-city transportation and there are various holographic displays that tell how many ships are available and where. Various restaurants are also found here and view from the ones on top of the building is amazing. There's time to look around, but your final destination is the biggest docks at the end of the station.

The point of these cruises is to give otherworlders a chance to see what the Segments are like without interacting with the monsters down below. The ships will fly to the airship station of each Segment and then come back a different route to cover as much of the segment as possible. In total the trip is said to take four days.

Because of the length of the trip, everyone has been provided with a simple two to four person cabin (with their own bathroom/shower) and three meals are served per day throughout the trip. Snacks can also be found from the cafeteria and they're free of charge.

Enjoy the view, bond with your fellow passengers and relax. Staying on the deck is safe, especially if you don't start leaning over the rails to look down.

Part 2

The old lady and her cats [ Click to Expand ]

Each airship station in the segments is unique in their own right. They're not very well-kept like the one in the city and various weather changes have definitely modified them to look old and worn down.

Strangely enough, each of the airship stations has someone living there; an old lady with a herd of different cats depending on the season: winter cats are spirits that can be seen by anyone due to them taking control of stuffed animals, spring cats are part flowers, summer cats look like small lions or tigers and autumn cats are essentially the same as will-o'-the-wisps but in cat shape.

The old ladies explains that they are quite comfortable living there and don't have any plans to "evacuate". They will kindly decline anyone who tries to help them. The airship staff explains there are some special arrangements in place to help them live in the stations as those are safe places to stay in.

Each of the ladies will tell you a story. Winter lady will talk about the Watchtower and who used to live there, spring lady will tell all about the abandoned farm and its owners, summer lady talks about the abandoned castle and its royalty and autumn lady tells about the abandoned mansion and who used to be the lord.

If you talk to the same lady again later the story is different. She tells a different version of the story every time she is talked to. No one is really sure which of the stories is true because of how many versions are circulating around.

The ships only stay docked at the station for as long as the staff of the airship delivers some food and other necessities to the old ladies and then it's back towards the city again. Of course, nothing stops anyone from leaving the ship and experiencing the segments themselves.

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OOC TIPS

- Ask your questions related to the TDM here.

- The TDM is available only to friends of the mods and their friends. If you want to play in the TDM, please leave a note here to inform us who invited you over. We will get to you as soon as possible.

- The TDM is game canon so anything in the TDM can happen for your character(s) in the game as well.

- Smut is not allowed on the TDM. You can play situations leading to it, but if the thread is turning into smut, please move it to a private space such a post in your character's journal, or a locked post in the game's log community if you decide to app!

- Check Locations: City to find more areas to explore inside the city. Every place in the districts are open, except for the Guilds for now.

- Similarly, Locations: Segments is useful for outdoors adventures.

- You can find monsters to encounter on Beastiary, including information on the two mentioned on the TDM.

- FAQ has information on characters' smartphones as well as general things about the world that might be handy.

- Feel free to also hit our EMP/ATP meme while you're here!

code bases by tricklet

Comments

[nimblespirit]

You've never heard of the Yaksha?

[That had to be a first. Usually humans would nearly trip over themselves to pay respects to them. Though given that he was the last, perhaps that was for the better.]

Nevermind, it's not important.

[He decides to try and focus on the food only to... once more grow perplexed at how needlessly complicated humans made things.]

Does it really make that much of a different how it's grown? [Wait, no that's rude. He'll just clear his throat and try to act natural.] I mean, the market makes more sense then. We should go there. I think.

[warmwelcomes]

[Well, he says that it's not important, so Kalim is going to take that comment at face value. Besides, it seems that they have indeed settled upon the market, so they should start heading in that direction.]

When you try it out, I'm sure you'll be able to tell! [As if Kalim's ever eaten anything but the finest available food.] Hmm, but we're still not sure if there is a market somewhere. I'm sure there is, but is there a way to tell? Someone we can ask, maybe?

[nimblespirit]

I don't care for most human foods. I will leave eating it to you.

[Luckily for Kalim, this turn of events has at least spared him being fed snow, or flour, or literal flowers. Adepti were known for peculiar tastes, and Xiao was no different.

And it would also seem that Xiao's rooftop brooding earlier came in handy. This was going far smoother than he thought it would.]

I saw one earlier, from a distance. Take my hand, I'll get us there.

[warmwelcomes]

Huh? You're not going to try them?

[That does put a damper on the excursion, since he was looking forward to seeing this guy light up when he eats one...

But the fact that he knows where to find one takes Kalim's mind off of such thoughts for now. He's not sure why they need to hold hands, but he absentmindedly obliges, nonetheless.]

[nimblespirit]

As I said, I am an Adeptus, there are not many humans foods I can stomach.

[And that was all Kalim was going to get in answer before, with no form of warning whatsoever, Xiao would teleport them both to a rooftop overlooking a market. His brooding spot of choice from earlier that day.

Now the only matter would be getting Kalim down without him hurting himself, but that was a hurdle Xiao was going to learn the hard way later.]

Here, the market. You'll know how to navigate it better than I.

[warmwelcomes]

[What?

... What!?

Kalim's about to say... something, anything. It doesn't matter anymore because he experiences that same sensation from when he was brought to this place from Twisted Wonderland. One moment he's in one place, and the next, somewhere else entirely. And furthermore, it's a rooftop. He doesn't exactly have experience with climbing them, and so the change in view is more than enough to shock him into almost losing his balance immediately. Instinctively, he tries to latch onto Xiao's arm to steady himself.]

Wait, wait— What just happened!?

[nimblespirit]

I brought us to the market.

[He states like it’s the most normal thing in the world. And proceeds to watch Kalim very curiously as he wobbles. He hasn’t thought it so strange, but maybe the human was sensitive to his power? hasn’t been selling long enough for his power to make humans ill he thought.]

Uh… are you feeling alright?

[warmwelcomes]

[Once Kalim finally recovers from the initial surprise, he finds that it's not that difficult to keep his balance, after all. It's his first time on a roof like this, but he has experience with heights from flying around on his magic carpet. So, he releases Xiao's arm and takes a moment to confirm that he does indeed feel steady, at which point a slight breeze blows by, enough of a warning to be mindful of gusts but not enough to shake his confidence.]

I'm better than all right; this is amazing! Is this your magic? You can instantly transport us someplace just by thinking of it!? That's amazing!

[But there is yet the matter of how to get down.]

[nimblespirit]

It's one of the tools at my disposal.

[And without a thought he just leaps down to the ground. Then turns to look up at his human companion, expecting him to follow. Surely a human could make such a simple jump, right?

Otherwise this was about to become an impromptu trust fall exercise.]

[warmwelcomes]

[Kalim is taken aback yet again as Xiao leaps before Kalim can say anything about it. He seems to land just fine, which is a relief, but he looks as though he's expecting the same result from Kalim. It doesn't... look that far down, right? In fact, Xiao made it look very simple.

All right, that settles it. Kalim's decently athletic enough, and so he figures that he should be able to manage just fine. Once he decides to do something, he charges right into it, so he immediately makes the jump, but—

His foot slips at the last second. Thankfully, he has enough momentum to propel himself forward, but he's at a bit of an awkward angle that seems like it might be difficult to mount a proper landing.]

[nimblespirit]

[...]

[That human wasn't going to land upside right, was he?]

[... trust fall exercise it is.]

[Fortunately for all parties involved, Xiao had an affinity for wind even before his arrival here. Slowing the human's descent with a quick gust was simple enough, and bought him enough time to sprint up the wall, and push off to catch his target, and land together. Safely. No scrambled humans today.

And he was just going to set Kalim down and act like none of that even happened. Don't perceive him.]

So you know your way around a market I'll presume?

[warmwelcomes]

[Once he realizes that there might not be any correcting his fall before the landing, Kalim shuts his eyes and prepares for a rough impact. Maybe he could get lucky and land on something moderately soft...

But there's a sudden gust beneath him that causes him to open his eyes once more. Expecting that to be the only support, he lets out a startled exclamation as he's caught mid-air and physically carried down to the ground. Even after being placed back on his feet, Kalim can only stare back, blinking a few times while he comes to terms with his safety and the process that made it possible.

Xiao asks him a question, but there's more important ones than that right now?? Kalim is perceiving very hard.]

Did— you just catch my fall? That was so fast! And that sudden wind, too! Was that your magic, as well?

[It reminds him of Jamil's, honestly. There was a time that Jamil had broken Kalim's fall much in the same way, so the similarity causes him to think of his friend... and how he's not here. But that worry is for another day.]

I was pretty worried when I slipped about how it was going to end up, aha ha... But thanks to you, it wasn't a problem at all! You're a pretty amazing guy, aren't you?

[nimblespirit]

[OH GOD COMPLIMENTS AND GRATITUDE, STOP, PLEASE! HAVE MERCY, HE'S GOING TO BREAK OUT IN HIVES.]

[The sudden influx of praise and admiration was enough to throw Xiao for a bit of a loop. While he was used to humans showing him respect in one way or another, it was never anything so... simple.

And never with so much enthusiasm. He was unaware so much enthusiasm even existed.]

When a beast ascends to the ranks of Adepti they gain an affinity for an element, mine was wind. It's... really not anything special.

[Over two thousand years of war, combat, and suffering, all done without a hint of hesitation or fear- and what throws him off his game is a human that thinks he's really really cool.]

[warmwelcomes]

You say that it's nothing special, but what matters is how you use it, right? And I can tell that you're really skilled at it. You didn't hesitate at all just now, and I hardly even noticed what was happening!

[He lives to give the praise... It's just giving credit where it's due, he feels. But the fact that Xiao is reminding him of Jamil and his prowess means he's going to be even more impressed... sorry bro.]

[nimblespirit]

[And his face turned a nice shade of red from all of this.]

I told you already, it’s my duty to protect your kind.

[He shifts awkwardly in his spot very looking out over the market.]

Aren’t we here so you can eat?

[warmwelcomes]

Aha ha! Oh yeah. I guess we should see what we can find.

[Fortunately, Kalim is very easily distracted. And now that he's down here, he thinks that it might have been a good idea to take in the birds' eye view from the roof a moment longer... But this just as fine. He starts walking, trying to look closely at every stall to make sure there's nothing he might miss. There's a lot of prepared foods, though... Maybe simple ingredients are a little further down.]

Hey—

[Kalim starts to call out to him, but it is now that he realizes he never got his name.]

Now that I think about it, I never did get your name, did I? Or give you mine. Well, I'm Kalim Al-Asim! It's a bit late, but it's nice to meet you!

[nimblespirit]

[And ever-so-thankful was he for that goldfish-like attentionspan. He would follow quietly, observing the wares curiously while sticking close to Kalim. There were many humans crowding the area, and it was easier to tolerate when he put his focus into just the one.]

Xiao. Should you find yourself in trouble, call my name. I will protect you.

[Because really, he got the impression this human was going to need a lot of protecting. But, peculiar demeanor aside, he seemed like a good sort. One that should be protected.]

[warmwelcomes]

That goes the same for you! If you ever need anything, I'm always on board to help!

[Yeah, he thinks they're just displaying regular signs of friendship here. Because they're definitely friends now!!

Oh right, but he was calling out to Xiao because he had something to ask of him. He nearly forgets it.]

Oh, but. You said that you don't like most "human" foods, but what is it that you do eat? Is it something we could find here, too?

[nimblespirit]

[He... did not initially think there would be anything this human could ever aide him with- but... perhaps it would not be so bad to have one human to know. One to come to for questions regarding his kind. He seemed like a decent representation of his species. It'll be fine.]

I do not require food as humans do, but if I am in the mood, I will have some almond tofu. It's one of the few things I can stomach. Sometimes when snow is thick enough, I will eat that as well.

[He says as though both things are equally viable food options.]

[warmwelcomes]

You eat... snow!?

[Kalim's not sure what answer to expect, but that certainly tops his assumptions. Now, a normal human might leave it at that, but Kalim has to consider the fact that he has never considered eating it himself? It's really just frozen water, isn't it...? And if he were to use his signature spell, one that allows him to rain down fresh water (and not only that, but Kalim guarantees it's the freshest water one will ever taste!), in a cold environment... Could he offer Xiao the best-tasting snow he could ever imagine? He will have to keep this in mind.]

Is that really enough to fill you up? Or do you have to eat a ton of it?

[nimblespirit]

I do not eat it to be full, it’s just… familiar.

[Of course there’s a whole tragic tale there, but he’ll just skip right to the point. He isn’t used to one being so curious, but for the sake of… attempting to understand humans more, he’ll try.]

Next to almond tofu, snow is the closest thing to eating dreams that I’ve found.

[warmwelcomes]

So what you really eat is... dreams?

[This is getting more and more abstract and therefore, less and less comprehensible for poor, simple Kalim. Nevertheless, he finds himself trying to imagine it.]

You say that it's familiar, but is that the taste? The texture? I can't really picture it at all.

[nimblespirit]

I can eat them, but I do not need to. It is... not good for the one the dreams belong to. It was something I was forced to do against my will.

[And yet, the taste was pleasant enough to become something of a comfort during such difficult years. But how to describe all that to a human? He supposed he should start with the taste?]

But dreams are... [He puzzles over how to put the flavor into words, but he is notoriously bad with words.] They are light... and slightly sweet. They taste... soft? Like air but thicker. It is as difficult to explain as it is for you to imagine.

[Ah, but an idea.]

Should you find this "Jamil", have him make you almond tofu. That is what dreams are like.

[warmwelcomes]

[As expected, it's difficult for Kalim to grasp even the basic principles behind eating a dream, but he listens intently as Xiao speaks. He doesn't understand the circumstances behind it all, either, but it sounds like Xiao's been through a lot.]

I see... Sorry if I made you remember something unpleasant. But I'll do that next time I'm able to meet up with Jamil again! And if that happens to be in this place, I'll make sure to invite you to try it as well!

[nimblespirit]

It's unavoidable when speaking of my past. It's fine, I'm used to it.

[Though he once more remembers that they were here for a reason. A reason this supposedly hungry human keeps forgetting and veering them off track.

Granted, he has fallen for it every single time, but that is completely besides the point.]

You still need to get food for yourself don't you?