[Let's Test Driving]

[dontcallmedarling]

[Well, you've certainly lost you way, haven't you? By one way or another, you lost your path, and only now do you find yourself back to civilization. Well, kind of.

Whereever you were, you now find yourself at a tavern. There's shelllfish decorations everywhere, hearty patrons that look like they're straight from a renassiance faire, and lobster.

Hooo boy, is there lobster, and plenty of it. In fact, there's a bunch piled up, almost buffet style, at the front counter, next to a boisterous young man in armor that almost dwarfs him, taking a bite of the steamed seafood.]

Great meal as always, Lobby, though the ale's still watered down! I thought you guys were working on gettin' something with a bit more kick to it?


[Well, there's food and drink, and maybe the guy in travelling garb and armor can tell you where the hell you ended up.]

Comments

[foxpas]

[well. her face remains very politely cheerful but her ears flatten and her tail bristles a bit.]

I'm not a 'thing'. My name's Citrine. "Southshore" doesn't sound like a team I know about...

[dontcallmedarling]

Ah- apologies. No offense meant, it's just I've only ever seen some..one like you one other time.

And Southshore's not a team, it's a city, and this here's the Drunken Lobster.

[foxpas]

I don't remember much, but I'm pretty sure we're called 'mixed-bloods', and we're human, sir.

... A city?

[dontcallmedarling]

[You feel him stiffen a bit, like you might have poked him in the spine.]

Well, yes. Though I'm more used to the variant that's more... akin to a troublemaking spirit than anything else.

...Yes, a city. With people and businesses and sometimes, even boats and ships. ...Why?

[foxpas]

... I don't remember any 'variants' besides my little sister, sir. We're not spirits.

How did I get here? I didn't think that was possible now.

[dontcallmedarling]

It's...

[his expression softens, shaking his head]

Don't worry about it. I get the feeling were having two different conversations, anyway.

ANd.. didn't think what was possible? Travel?

[foxpas]

[Nods.]

To leave the castle! Last time, once we got past the forest, there was nothing out there...

[dontcallmedarling]

...Nothing? Castle?

[He furrows his brow at you, leaning over.]

From where do you travel? This is the first I've heard of such things.

[foxpas]

... That's a very, very complicated question, sir, and I don't even know your name yet.

[dontcallmedarling]

Ah, I should of known better. ...Both of asking without introducing myself and thinking it that simple.

[He extends a hand in a gauntlet, trying to offer a smile.]

Netsu Takeichi. I'm a Paladin, sorry we got off on the wrong foot.

[foxpas]

[she takes the hand with a smile, tail wagging slightly.]

Citrine, and I'm a knight! ... Or, probably still in training, but... It's okay, sir Netsu!

[dontcallmedarling]

[Oh no she called him sir THAT'S ADORABLE, he grins widely at you- oh hey those teeth are kinda sharp for a human, huh.]

Ah! A kindred spirit! I may have left my training a while back, but I still feel like a novice in many ways.

It's a pleasure, Citrine.

[foxpas]

[i'm fucking adorable]

Is that so? What does a paladin do?

[dontcallmedarling]

[YOU KIND OF ARE it's a problem.]

A paladin is - well, it's hard to explain. We are knights, of a sort, but bound to a holy cause, devoted to a god from which our powers derive - we can sense and seek out evil spirits, in order to bring them to justice while upholding the law of the land. Should we face a demon or a frightening undead, we may channel our faith to bring it low. But we must take care to not stray from our cause - too many Paladins have become tyrants in their intent to do their duties.

[foxpas]

[... clap clap clap]

That sounds really tough! You must be amazing, sir Netsu.

[dontcallmedarling]

[oh my god no stahp don't applaud him DON'T DO IT]

I don't know if I'd say that. I'm hardly perfect, I just do the best I can with the lot I've been given.

[foxpas]

Mm... I don't remember much, but I don't think many people are that way. If everyone did their best like that, we wouldn't really need knights.

[dontcallmedarling]

[You are quickly becoming my favorite fox-person.]

...I suppose that's true enough. Sometimes good is harder to find than you'd think.

But... you don't remember much?

[foxpas]

[nods]

Oh, yes. I lost all my memories a little bit ago and only have a few back. But, we're winning them back quickly, so I'm sure I'll remember more soon!

[dontcallmedarling]

...Winning them back?

I'm afraid you've lost me again. Is this to do with that castle amidst nothing you spoke of?

[foxpas]

[nods again]

Sorry... It's complicated, and I'm really not sure what's normal and what's not like this.

[dontcallmedarling]

Perhaps you might start from the beginning? I can tell you that 'winning back memories' is something I personally haven't experienced.

[foxpas]

[shuffles awkwardly, tail and ears droop]

I don't mind... But, it's kind of a sad story.

[dontcallmedarling]

[oh no. oh no.]

...Well, I'm not a stranger to those. But only tell it if you feel comfortable.

We can share sad tales together even, if you want.

[foxpas]

I don't mind.

Well... Um, things happened, and it seems like the world I'm from got destroyed.