RC Test Drive!

[rubycitymods]

I don't really have a fitting picture for this.

G'day, Ruby City! It's time for a meme for both testdrivers and denizens.

Been itching to test out some CR but haven't had the posts to do it? Thinking of apping a character but not sure they'll fit in the city walls?

Have no fear, a meme for you is here.

Directions:

• Post with your character with their name and canon on top!


• Choose a location and prompt or wait for someone else to tag.


• If you'd like, leave contact info for people to get in contact for plotting and other such shenans.


• Tag around! Make friends. Don't be afraid to chat OOC while tagging.

Locations:

1. Train Station: New arrival, or waiting to welcome people? Either way, the train comes in, but you still can't ride it out.


2. Cathedral: Looking for redemption? Just doing a little sight-seeing? Or just getting a little shelter?


3. The Clocktower: You can see the whole city from here!


4. The Black Stallion Saloon: You were told the burgers were great here-- but maybe you just came for the beer.


5. The Library: You came to do a little research, but it looks like all of the information's just out of your reach. Though, you can always find a way to pass the time here.


6. The Coffee Joint: Run by Lukas, a lovely place to have a chat and a bite to eat.


7. Le Cafe Anglais: A Parisian-British fusion that's as charming as it sounds and serves the best tea around.

Scenarios

1. Just walked in: You intended to get here, and you made your way in; but now someone's caught your eye and you'd like to have a chat.


2. Been here all day: You've been sitting around minding the time. Maybe you didn't notice them at first or maybe you were just working up the courage to talk-- either way, they know you're here and you know it too.


3. Inclement weather: You're here because you've gotten rained in. This wasn't your choice, but at least it's dry-- right?


4. Wild card: Got something better in mind? Well screw these prompts, try it out yourself!

Have fun, guys!

Comments

marius pontmercy | les miserables

[bonapartiste]

7. le cafe anglais

[The first thing that gave Marius completely troubling thoughts was that instead of waking up in his bed in the morning after finally meeting his beloved Cosette, he'd woken up on a bizarre horseless-carriage, the likes of which he'd never seen.

He'd thought he was dreaming, but in his confusion he'd managed to trip down the stairs and stub his toe. Great going.

He's not sure what end of Paris he's been whisked away to, or by who, because he's walked all around and hasn't been able to make heads or tails of it. His apartment isn't here, nor is the Musain, or any of the other landmarks in his day to day life. But he's found a tea-shop, and he's been sitting in it for the better part of an hour, sipping from the cup and trying to figure out a way to get back home.]

[jondrette]

[Eponine had not been looking for Marius. She'd simply been doing what she did best: wandering aimlessly through Ruby City. Passing by the cafe she now knew was owned by France, she caught sight of a very familiar figure.

No.

It couldn't be! First Cosette, now--! Without any ado, she threw open the door to the shop and marched over to Marius, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug, something she'd never dared to do before.] M'sieur Marius! It is you! I can touch you and feel you and you are here! I was so afraid I'd made you up, put you here when you are not, but I haven't seen anything like that since I came here. I've been eating and all hallucinations of mine were caused by hunger and drink, and though I've had much to drink, there has been food to eat. Oh, but you're here! You're truly here in my arms again! [Her eyes were wet as she hugged him, the thought that Cosette was here completely gone from her mind. But Marius Pontmercy was here! Did that mean-- had he died, too? But it didn't matter, because he was here and she could hear his heart and all pretenses of trying to be a lady right now, to make him want her, were gone, her emotions taking complete control of her tiny body, and not for the time.]

I was so afraid I would never see you again! You were the last thing I saw, and now that I am here I want only to see you!

[bonapartiste]

[The tea's getting cold as he drinks it, and he'd order another one - not even thinking about the fact that he doesn't have a way to repay the owners, he's not got even a coin about him - when he's enveloped in a hug.

Eponine? He's happy to see her, considering she knows the streets of Paris better than anyone, but this is a bit...well, forward of her. They've never embraced before, and Marius is a little shocked. Hesitantly, he puts his arms around her as well - though much looser - and pats her back comfortingly.]

Eponine! There's no reason to fret, I haven't gone anywhere...of my own accord, anyway! Tell me, where are we in Paris? I woke up on the strangest of carriages today, not in my bed.

[jondrette]

[She knows it's forward, but she'd died in his arms and he'd kissed her forehead, so who cares about what's forward anymore, right?

But he's holding her, and patting her back, and it takes all of her strength to let go and stand back, blinking furiously. He cannot see her cry again. Though, to be fair, last time, the rain had covered her tears.]

Of course there's reason to fret, m'sieur! How can you be so calm? When the last time you saw me I was bleeding in your arms! But you're here!-- oh, m'sieur Marius, we aren't in any part of Paris at all. They call it Ruby City and an angel told me it's not purgatory as I'd believe, but we've all been taken here in that steam engine. I woke up there, too, last remembering your eyes, and you're here now, with me!

[As always, around Marius she could talk for hours and hours, a smile across her face that seemed out of place with her wet eyes.]

[bonapartiste]

That's- that's not true.

[Eponine's shocked him, and he's taken aback. She may be experiencing one of the episodic visions she's had from time to time, and though he's never been one to encourage those sorts of thoughts, he'll always at least try to pull her back to the reality of situations.]

From the last time I'd seen you before waking up here, you'd guided me to the gate, to the garden of the house where my dearest Cosette lives. Angels may speak to you, that may be true, but I've never seen you shed a drop of blood in your life.

[He does know religion, so if the angels were indeed to speak to poor Eponine, he doesn't doubt her. Perhaps she had been given some heavenly sign once she'd arrived here that he hadn't.]

Ruby City. Tell me, how did we board steam engines? I don't ever remember being accused of sleepwalking.

[He'd have to look into that. Knowing Joly, the medical student would be happy to watch him while he slept to observe and report on the condition - perhaps he could even prescribe him some sort of treatment.]

[jondrette]

No! No, it is the truth, m'sieur! You must believe me! I remember it so clearly. You held me in your arms and it was raining. The gate had been days before, I will never get that night out of my mind. You held me, and tried to soothe my passing. [Her eyes were wide and watery as she looked at him, trying to convince him of the truth as she knew it.] You kissed me on my forehead. With my last thoughts, I remembered it! M'sieur, you have to believe me!

[She couldn't have him thinking her crazy. But he seems to do nothing but.] Not Angels, just Gabriel. He looks like a man just as you do. You'll meet him here, too. I don't fully believe him an Angel, but he's said things that say otherwise.

[She shakes her head, her wild hair falling in front of her eyes without her hat to keep it back.] I don't know, m'sieur. I woke up on one, just moments after I closed my eyes. The others, too. We all came from the barricade. [Except Cosette. But she wasn't going to mention her. No way, no how.]

[bonapartiste]

'Ponine, it's like you're speaking another language that I don't understand. I'd never forget the night at the gate as well, it's etched into my memory like carvings on a wall. Surely, there must be a mistake...you've not passed, sweet Eponine. Why, the last I'd known, you were to return to your room across the hall from mine, just as always.

An earth-bound angel? My word...

[As she weaves tales of celestials, all he can do is to take her hands in his own, squeezing them a bit. Perhaps the angel had seen sights in Heaven of those who had gone before him, like that of his father...]

But...I don't understand. Enjolras had said the barricades were to be built on the morning of Lamarque's funeral, to ignite a flame of revolution in Paris...mademoiselle, this is all so much to take in. I'm not sure if you're teasing me.

[jondrette]

[She shakes her head softly, his words echoing in her mind over and over again. Her hands are in his and she can hardly fathom it, though it plays second fiddle to the fact that Marius Pontmercy does not believe her.] No, m'sieur! I would not tease you about this! Anything else, yes, but never this. What could I gain from teasing you about my death?

Do you really not remember the barricade? Any of it? Not me, not Gavroche, none of it? [She takes her hands from his and places them on his forearms, trying to get him to listen to her.] I can prove it happened! I have my blood-stained clothing here still! I was healed, but they weren't, it was still drying when I woke up! [She's searching his eyes, desperate for some indication of understanding. But there was nothing. How to make him believe her?

She takes a moment, swallowing as she thought back to his words. Marius had left at the gate. The barricade was only a distant idea to him.] Can it be? Have-- have you come from a point in my past? That makes no sense! Gabriel said this was not purgatory, that not all of us were dead. And... [She looks down, dropping her hands from his shoulders.]

[bonapartiste]

I...don't wish to see that.

[Regardless of how she sees him, Eponine is still one of Marius' dear friends. After all she's explained - and Gavroche, no, it cannot be, not with the way she's talking - he's not sure what to believe, but seeing the bloodied clothing of any of his friends would move him to weep. It's something he can't bear.]

I know nothing of traveling through time, or if it is possible, but if the angel has said it, it must be so. If it is unavoidable that all who went to the barricades that day will die...perhaps this is some heavenly ploy to bring us all together, even after some have suffered such a fate, to unite us and keep us strong!

[It's all he can manage, but there's still a smile on his face and a glimmer of hope in his eye, the kind that only shines for a man who truly believes there is a meaning to life, one who has found a cause to live for. He's got no intentions of laying down his life for France at the barricades like the rest of his friends, no, not while beautiful, darling Cosette lives and breathes just in his reach.]

[morethanpasta]

[Feliciano isn't there to find a way home, no, he has no interest in that. The shop happens to belong to his big brother, though, so it is a good way to pester one of his favorite people in the world and if he can't do that, use the extra free time to meet his new best friends. They don't know it yet but that has never stopped the nation of North Italy before.

So when he learns that Francis isn't around, he doesn't hesitate at all to make a beeline for an occupied table. He sits down across from the stranger with a sunny smile as if this were a completely normal and everyday occurrence. Which it is, for him.]

Hello! Are you new? I've never seen you here before. Big brother makes excellent cakes.

[bonapartiste]

[It takes Marius a second to reply to the cheery man across from him - after the experience he's just had with Eponine, he's a bit perplexed. She'd said she'd died in his arms, that they weren't in Paris...how could such things be? And now there's another sitting across from him, one he's never seen before, who manages to be shining brightly despite the situation.]

I suppose I am new, yes. Your brother is the owner of this shop?

[morethanpasta]

[Don't you worry, Marius, being perplexed is quite normal in North Italy's company.

The nation folds his hand behind his head and hums cheerfully.]

Uhuh! Francis is my big brother - he is the handsome blond one who makes the yummy cakes! He owns the shop with Arthur, he's blond, too, but he has bushy eyebrows and yells a lot.

[He falls silent for a moment as he regards New Bestest Friend with a head tilt.] I'm Feliciano Vargas. I'm North Italy, the northern half of Italy, but you can call me Feliciano, that's easier!

[bonapartiste]

[He's not had a cake or pastry here, but they look absolutely lovely. They remind him of growing up in the bourgeois sector with his grandfather - if there was anything nice to say about the upper class, it was that their food was always divine. He hadn't had a cake like those in ages - he lived simply now, refusing money his family tried to give him. Even if he had the money, he wouldn't spend it on such things.]

My name is Marius Pontmercy, I come from Paris.

...what do you mean when you say that you are the northern half of Italy? Many people are patriotic, this is true, but to say that you embody the country, even in thoughts and ideals... I beg your pardon for speaking so frankly, but it's a bit presumptuous, wouldn't you say?

[It's not even something he could see Enjolras doing - Enjolras, who claimed to have no love for a woman but for his patria.]

[morethanpasta]

[Foregoing good food is something Feliciano certainly wouldn't have understood if Marius had cared to explain. He knew hardships, he certainly did, but he had been forced to eat from dumpsters once upon a time and wouldn't go back to it if he could help it, certainly not for principles. Principles were so much easier to honor when your stomach was filled with gourmet food.

The name, though, the name sounds distinctly familiar and it has Feliciano rendered speechless long enough for Marius to wonder aloud about his claim of nationhood. Then, when the shock wears off, the man leaps up from his chair and points a finger at Marius.]

I know you! You are Eponine's Marius from that funny little revolution! Did you die yet? Do you like the city? Did you meet your friends yet? Did you bring the pretty girl you like better than Eponine?

[Never mind explaining how nations work, Feli, just freak out the stranger by acting like you have known him all your life. It certainly feels like it to Feliciano, since Marius is Eponine's favorite topic to talk about. Unfortunately, for all his current excitement, the conclusions Feliciano has drawn aren't the most flattering.]

[bonapartiste]

[He's then bombarded with questions, and none of his are answered in the slightest. It's as if the jovial man's ignoring him, or trying to avoid answering. He frowns a bit, his eyebrows furrowing slightly, but tries to remain calm. Perhaps this man from Italy did not know much in the way of manners.]

I am Eponine's good friend, yes, but I am no revolutionary. The group are my friends, but I've no reason to revolt against a world that has brought me to Cosette, I'm so very much alive. I come alone - though there is no friend in the world I like better than dear Eponine.

Marius you are a saint for not pouring your drink over him, he would have deserved it.

[morethanpasta]

Ve...

[He tilts his head first to the left, then to the right and finally pushes his bottom lip forward in a pout. These answers are all nice and good, yet he doesn't fully know what to make of them or the man himself. He is so very different from Eponine, though just as patient and good-natured with Feliciano. Maybe that is why she likes him.]

Friends are very important. It's very important that you take good care of your friends and do everything you can to make them happy. You shouldn't ever make them sad if you can help it. [He frowns ever so slightly. Judging you, Marius Pontmercy.]

[bonapartiste]

[Unfortunately, Marius knows naught of the love Eponine harbors for him, and it would shock him right to the core. He doesn't understand why Feliciano would frown at him for this, but he agrees and grabs Feliciano's hands enthusiastically, shaking them a bit.]

Yes, I agree! My friends are so very dear to me, just as dear as my Cosette. If I've ever done a thing to them to bring them sadness...why, I don't know what I'd do with myself.

/shows up 50 billion years late with starbucks

[littlelark]

[Without much to do, and empowered by a new found sense of nearly unlimited freedom, Cosette has taken to wandering around the city, exploring the various buildings and public areas (though admittedly certain places, like the park, might require a little more bravery than she can currently muster.)

She passes by a few of the various shops, but is lured in by the smell of pastries and tea leaves, quickly making her way into the cafe. However, before she can make her way to the counter, she stops short, glancing at the figure sitting to the side of the room.]

Marius...?

[She could feel the slight welling of tears in her eyes as she began to smile.

He's alive.]

I AM ONE WITH THE GODS AND HEAVEN IS NEAR

[bonapartiste]

[Truly, this is the most welcome sight his eyes have seen since he's been here.

Marius would be able to pick out Cosette on a crowded street, point to her, and wax poetic about her beauty, and it's even easier in a quiet tearoom. Not a second passes since he's noticed her to him standing at his table, grinning from ear to ear. He can't help but look like a right fool in love, because he is. Practically falling all over himself, he ambles his way over to her.]

Sweet, sweet Cosette! Eponine has told me you've come to this new place as well, but it's only more lovely to witness it with my own eyes! You've not changed a bit since I've seen you last - oh, Cosette, I am so happy!

[He picks the girl up, twirling her around in his joy.]

kjsadhfkjhs GOD DAMNIT CAITLIN WHY THAT ICON

[littlelark]

[Cosette laughs brightly, gripping Marius' shoulders as she's twirled around, pressing slightly when she wants to to be let down again. Down, not go; she still holds onto his arm, for fear he might disappear as soon as he came.]

Marius, I've missed you so. You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you here, alive and safe. [Her eyes tear up once more, but she smiles none the less, reaching up to touch his cheek.] I feared I had lost you.

spoilers it's my favorite icon ever

[bonapartiste]

[Marius has no intention of going anywhere, not now that Cosette is so close to him again at last. Eponine had been right, she truly was here, and had come to the shop of her own will. He did not have to worry about her running away for her father - not now, at least.]

You've not lost me, Cosette. I am right here beside you, and I swear to you I will not leave.

[He presses a kiss to her forehead like a promise.]

[littlelark]

[She closes her eyes, wearing a serene smile.] I trust you, do not worry. I just cannot help questioning such a blessing; it seems almost too good to be true. What with the barricade...so much has happened in so little time.

[At that she pulls back slightly, gazing up at him.] How did you survive?

[bonapartiste]

The barricades...I know not of what would happen there, save for what Eponine has told me.

[Eponine has told him about them, about the horrible fate that was to befall each and every one of his friends. He bites his bottom lip, worrying at it, and then looks down at Cosette.]

Truly, I believe what I've told her as well. Perhaps this is a sign from Heaven, to keep us strong and united, even after many have fallen.

[littlelark]

[She reached up and stroked his cheek lightly with her thumb.] There was no way that you could have known, not really. You had hope; no one could ever blame you for that.

Yes, perhaps that is it. A second chance for us all. [Cosette smiled, glad that even now Marius could match her thoughts so well. The deaths of those at the barricades could not be changed, not now, but a new chance to meet with them, to be with them, could not be for nothing.]

[bonapartiste]

[Cosette's words do ring true with him, and he can't help but give her a glowing smile. It is wonderful to see her, to be with and around her without having to fear of her father happening upon them and sending him away.]

Have you come across my friends yet? Eponine has said Jean Prouvaire and Grantaire are here... I would very much like to see them, to introduce them to you properly.