rubycity_ooc | August Test Drive!

Entry tags:

August Test Drive!

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:

Use an RNG to choose a location and prompt, or wait for someone else to tag.

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

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 - The place where everyone gets dumped off at. Your first view of Ruby City, complete with informational posters telling you all about where you've ended up.
2. THE BEACH - Lovely year-round, though in the winter months, you're probably not likely to dip your toes in.
3. THE BLACK STALLION - A rather quaint bar. Supposedly, the burgers are great, but you don't see anyone immediately who's willing to serve you. Maybe you're meant to get it yourself.
4. THE OBELISK - The tall monolith in the center of the city marks the gathering place of many events, though right now it seems to be cold and dark.
5. THE CLOCKTOWER - Offering an impressive view of the city, several residents come here to clear their heads, if they don't mind braving the narrow staircase.
6. THE COFFEE JOINT - the front windows are warm and welcoming, and it seems there's always someone friendly enough to fix you a cup when you wander through.
7. THE CATACOMBS - Intrepid, aren't you? Those weird holes may beg exploring, but go too deep and you're going to be in a lot of trouble, considering the viciousness of the creatures held within.
8. THE CITY STREETS - All told, Ruby City is a lovely place, once you get past the fact that several of the buildings look derelict and on the verge of falling down. There's no harm in doing a little sightseeing.
9. THE PARK - You thought it'd be a lovely stroll, but the park is anything but friendly, if those approaching wolf-like creatures are any indication.
10. CHOOSE YOUR OWN - Don't like what we've come up with? Feel like picking your own place? There's a whole host of lovely locations to choose from in the City.

Scenarios

1. NEW ARRIVAL - Step off that train, walk down the street. People usually latch on to newcomers to try and help them out. Even if you look shy, the other residents probably won't be!
2. WATCH TALK - Feeling lost? Disoriented? Don't worry, everyone feels that way on their first day. Fortunately - if the signs at the station are to believed - the watch in your pocket can be used to talk to whoever else might be here.
3. BAD WEATHER - Aw, man. Whether it's snow, or rain, or just plain cold, today was definitely the wrong day to get dumped off in a City in the middle of nowhere.
4. A RUN-IN - Maybe you weren't watching. Maybe they weren't. Either way, you just bumped into someone. Perhaps apologies are in order?
5. HELP, IT HURTS - Clumsy, aren't you? Perhaps wherever the train brought you from wasn't so friendly, or you just tripped and twisted your ankle. Either way, you're in a bit of pain. Hopefully someone will notice your booboos and help patch you up.
6. HUNGRY - It isn't very obvious sometimes that restaurants are what they are, especially in a place like Ruby City. Where can a person go to get a bite to eat around here?
7. MISTAKEN IDENTITY - Hey, there's someone you know! --Or maybe not.
8. BEING FOLLOWED - Maybe you're just being paranoid, or maybe you've got a reason to be afraid. Whatever it is, it feels like there's eyes on you...
9. CURRENT EVENTS - None at the moment, but feel free to look through our event tag!
10. CHOOSE YOUR OWN - Don't like any of these ideas? Feel free to come up with your own!

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He wasn't expecting to see her. How many dreams had he had of her resting at his side? His bed seemed woefully empty without her and he never managed the deep sleep he experienced in Minas Tirith. Of course the days without her were harder. The oddities of the city weighed on his heart and he needed her.

She was his stability. At least at night he could imagine -

Though it seemed that he need not imagine anymore. His legs felt weak upon seeing her - who else could it be? - and he nearly lost his footing, eyes wide in wonder.

"Arwen!" he felt his heart soar and ache all at once. She was so pale. Had she been taken from before...?

It mattered little to him in the moment. He would care for her. Regaining the strength in his legs, he closed the space between them hurriedly, coming to a halt before her. A closer look was all he needed to realize his fears. Sauron still weighed heavily upon her.

Tears stung his eyes and he drew her, protectively, into an embrace, eyes closed tightly.

Nor had she thought to see him here. But where his path lay, so did hers. Hadn't she stubbornly stayed behind, going against her father's wishes? Arwen was very much her parents' daughter in many ways.

Aragorn was one that she didn't need announced for her to know he was near. Her heart leaped and she turned as she heard his warm voice, all exhaustion and heart-weary vanishing as a smile spread. He knew, of course, what ailed her. But having his arms around her, just as hers wrapped around him tight and clinging with a breath of a laugh. "Aragorn."

She nudged their foreheads together, noses gently touching. It hardly mattered why they were both here now, so long as they were together. Already she could feel the shadows fade, the edge of the weariness leaving her stronger than before.

She was warm and real. He tucked his face against the crook of her neck, inhaling the scent of her as he held her close. It was going to be quite a task to separate him from her anytime soon; hopefully she wouldn't mind.

"The Darkness is making you ill." his hand cradled one of her cheeks, delight and sorrow mixing in his eyes, "Sauron is not here. Nothing can keep me from you." and there was a crown he wanted to show her.

Their future was bright. He knew from personal experience that suffering became easier to bear if one knew it was going to end.

She didn't mind at all. Arwen leaned her cheek into his hand, reaching up to hold it in place. There was no reason to doubt his words, but there was clear wonder and surprise at the news.

"Nothing can touch me while you are with me. Even less without the Enemy here." No doubt touched her voice. "I will be well."

There was something slightly different about him, more of a confidence and experience than before. It was confusing, and yet this was her beloved. He had more than just her heart.

"Already I feel better."

"I will protect you." it was something he always wanted to do - before - but he had lacked the power and experience. She was so much wiser than him and then Sauron and his forces had blighted the land with their Darkness. It terrified him to think of her succumbing to it - even now, he remembered the sinking, cold fear that had stayed in his heart throughout the war.

"From your dress, I believe you are from...before the war ended?" yes, Arwen, it ended. Aragorn smiled at her encouragement, leaning in and kissing her warmly.

There was much about the city he needed to tell her; about the curses and monsters especially. But he knew she was strong and if a monster or curse crossed her path, he would support and defend her.

Edited 2015-08-14 03:00 (UTC)

Arwen smiled at his fierce words, hearing them ring with certainty warmed her heart. There had been many dark days lately, but she'd never given up on him and all that he represented. The banner she'd been weaving to send to him alone was one such proof - that and her refusal to abandon him.

She ran her thumb gently over his fingers, only to feel her breath catch at that longed for news. Her eyes closed at the kiss, leaning into it automatically before pulling back with a tremulous smile and joy in her eyes. "My brothers were about to depart to meet you." So he might have a better idea of precisely when.

"How is this possible?" Foresight didn't do this, didn't cast people in physical form into other times for all the visions could feel real.

His certainty was a point of pride. Aragorn didn't show that determination easily or without reason. He was certain because he had lived a future where they had everything they spoke about in the dark twilight of Imladris.

One kiss was all it took to remind him how hard it was to stop kissing her once he started. He nearly chased her lips when they parted, but he stopped himself, smiling self-consciously.

"We won." he chuckled, hugging her tighter for a moment, "Sauron is defeated. I was crowned the King of Gondor and you are my Queen." his voice shook with emotion, shaking his head, "I don't know. Ruby City is a mystery. It...has a strange power over everyone who comes here."

It was just another reason that led her to believe every word he spoke, as they were spoken. Aragorn would never lie to her. And Arwen would never lie to him in return. There was simply no point in being anything but truthful to the other half of her being.

That was how it always was, and laughter lit her eyes as she smiled at him. Another gentle nudge of her nose to his was all the subtle promise she gave that there was time. She wouldn't leave him now, and that included so tightly wound in his arms.

His laughter was infectious, drawing out one from her as she threw her arms back around him. Her father had doubted, and she could understand why. But she'd never lost hope when it came to Aragorn. "Well I am glad for it, though I look forward to living those days when the time comes." Warmth and pure, joyous love filled her voice as she answered after a moment to try and settle her racing heart.

He couldn't lie to her. Lying to her was like trying to lie to his heart. It never worked and he saw no reason to try, which was why as soon as he delivered the good news - the best, truly - he nuzzled their cheeks together and lowered his voice:

"The city has a way of cursing its residents from time to time. I have been attempting to cultivate a friendship with King Thranduil for Legolas's sake and for the sake of Gondor." he sighed, "When a curse fell upon us, he and I were affected to a severe degree." he had his theories on why and they included him missing her desperately, "As far as we could tell, we became characters from stories. I transformed into a King who had magic at his beck and call and a full knowledge of love and romance." now he shifted uncomfortably, pulling back ever so slightly, "King Thranduil was a Prince with a heart of ice. Apparently my King took it upon himself to..." his nose wrinkled as he thought how best to put it, "...melt his heart?"

Grimacing, he concluded: "We kissed." most of that night was a blur, yet Aragorn recalled fighting the King inch for inch, "I put a stop to it with all my might and..." he finally met her gaze, looking disgusted with himself, "He and I regret it deeply. Once the curse was lifted, I believe we both spent several weeks partaking of Elvish wine." and then being too sick to stand on his part, "I'm sorry. The city must have sensed my longing for you and thought to fix it somehow." yet, "I do not blame it; I blame myself. I have never kissed anyone but you."

Arwen leaned against him without fear or worry, listening intently to all he had to say. She was glad to hear about the friendship Aragorn fought to fan to life with the lonely elven king. But some of the details sent sparks of alarm through her - not jealous, nor anger at Aragorn or Thranduil. She nuzzled her nose against his neck, arms tightening reassuringly around him.

She met his gaze when he pulled back even that little that he did, unwavering. Somewhat stern, but she clearly took it seriously. "Do not blame yourself for what you could not control. There are powers at work here we cannot fully fight - for if we could, you would have succeeded."

She brushed fingertips gently over his lips, love for him refusing to let any resentment in. "I am here now." She would remind him of that as often as he needed, or wanted. Or just because she could.

Something tight and tense inside of him finally released. He had been carrying the weight of guilt for so many days. Glorfindel and Erestor had treated him with kindness, but he couldn't forgive himself. He was angry at the city for manipulating them, yet he was also grateful he had Thranduil's friendship. The Elven-King had been a great comfort to him when he missed Arwen the most.

Her kindness brought tears to his eyes and he bowed his head, letting them fall down his cheeks.

"If I could fight them, it would not have happened." he kissed her fingers, trying to gather himself, "I love you. I hated myself..." his voice broke, "But you deserve to know. I promised myself if you came, I would tell you."

She would be grateful to them later, when she learned of all they'd done for him in her place. Arwen knew that loneliness, had felt it stalk her steps when she wasn't with him.

The tears that fell were quickly brushed away with tender fingers before she threaded them through his hair in an effort to sooth him. "It is in the past," she murmured firmly before leaning in to kiss him, wanting - needing to reassure him of her love was no less with the knowing.

"You have my love and always will. My knowing does not change that and I will not have you despise yourself."

There were countless times that he felt unworthy of her love. The curse the city had placed on him had only deepened that feeling. She deserved the best. He wished, for her sake, that he could be immortal and take her to Valinor once they were ready for the journey. He wanted her to reunite with Elrond and her mother and brothers. How could he - a simple Man - be worthy of all the things she had given him?

A shudder passed through him and he nodded, pouring all of his love into the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled faintly as a thought occurred to him.

"Let me take care of you." with a quick dip, he picked her up, one arm under her knees and the other supporting her back, "Glorfindel and Erestor are here." he turned towards his home, intent on carrying her there, "As are the Lady Galadriel, Legolas, Maedhros, Maglor and..." he paused and kissed her forehead, "Your mother."

Arwen never doubted his worthiness, not from the moment she'd given her heart to him. She'd fought for the right to choose, and even her father had relented, though his conditions had been laid firm. Even then she hadn't believed hope was lost. The only way he could have been better were if he'd been immortal, but that wasn't his path and she'd long since accepted that.

The faint smile had her curious and the quick dip and pick up brought out a surprised little laugh and arms thrown around his neck. There was no fear to the gesture, more an embrace to welcome it and show of continued trust. She let her head lean against his shoulder. Dear friends, family, and names from her father's child- her breath caught with the last and she stared up at him.

"...Truly?" Any other question died beyond that one.

He would gladly spend his life ensuring she never regretted her decision. What was out of his hands - frustratingly - could not be helped. However he had learned how to fight the curse - in some small way. If he or Arwen found themselves cursed again, he felt some measure of hope that he could help instead of simply being a victim.

It wasn't a role he accepted easily - if at all. Aragorn had been a fighter and a healer all his life. He had never allowed himself more than a few moments of sadness - and usually in those moments, she found him and told him what he needed to hear.

Now he, in part, could return the favor.

"Alive and whole in mind and body." he gave her an understanding smile, walking carefully so as to not jostle her, "The city has been good to her thus far." and he was grateful for that.

Anything out of his hands alone would be faced with them united. They would hold out as best they could. There simply was no other option and she could not think of another she would rather spend her life with. Arwen wouldn't accept whatever was thrown at her, to make her somehow other than she was, lightly. She might not be the warrior her father had once been, or that her brothers were. But she knew her way around a blade and could protect herself to some decent degree.

And she had Aragorn with her.

Neither of them would be alone again.

There was an almost childish quality to the look on her face - childish, and vulnerable to the hope and joy and sheer amazement of what he had to say. A realization had her heart sink a little - Aragorn hadn't mentioned that her father was here. Meaning her parents still had not been reunited.

But there was still a chance, and she held onto that just as she held onto Aragorn. "I am glad of that."

Her blade had caught him off-guard more than once. Aragorn loved her fierce, head-strong nature and he wouldn't do a thing to change her. She was the other half of his heart and soul, which was why he would always tell her the truth and support her endeavors.

Gondor could not ask for a more beautiful and wise Queen. He thoroughly looked forward to repairing and reshaping the city with her - and, then, if they were blessed with children...

His heart ached at her expression and he paused, lowering himself so that he was sitting against a tree with her in his lap.

"Lord Elrond was here. He shared his home with me, but I'm afraid he went home before she arrived." but there was a chance, "He could return." he felt the possibility growing more likely with her arrival, "Keep your eyes open. With all the ill that comes from the city's deities, there is a lot of good too."

Ah yes, to test his limits and learn his reactions. Arwen had always enjoyed their play. Just being near him was now enough to brighten her day. She hadn't expected it of a Man, Dunedain or otherwise, but that it was Aragorn was all that mattered, in the end.

He was rather biased, though she would do her best to be the best Queen for him and his people. She'd been raised learning how to lead and to guide, to teach and to care. Often by the example of her parents and grandparents, but also through all the books and scrolls she had been taught from.

She nudged her nose against his neck when he sat down against the tree, let her eyes close in the peace of the moment. "I am glad he had the comfort of your presence here, if he did not stay long enough to meet her again." His warning had her nod.

"I will be careful, though I will not surrender to fear."

So what if he was biased? It stemmed from love and admiration. He had first fallen for her beauty - who could blame him? - but now he loved so much more about her. It wasn't hard for him to imagine the loss Elrond suffered when he learned of their relationship. He hated doing that to the one he had seen as his father for so many years, yet his love for her could not - and would not - be quelled.

Especially when she returned his feelings. By then it was simply a matter of being worthy of her. She saw him as such, but he had never been sure.

"I have hope that they will be reunited here." and if not here then in Valinor surely, "I travel around the city daily, searching for faces I know. If your family arrives, I am confident I will find them and bring you together." he brought her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

She hardly minded, of course. Arwen hadn't loved him at first sight, but it hadn't taken long before that changed. Aragorn was simply special, his heart and spirit were fierce and worthy of being cherished. She knew her choice hurt her father, and that was the main thing that had ever had the chance of keeping her with her people. But love had won out - love of Aragorn and of the children they would have.

His endless kindness drew her smile back out and she squeezed his fingers affectionately. "They will have their happiness, I just hope it is sooner rather than later." If she could not go to Valinor with her father, at least he would be reunited with his beloved.

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August Test Drive!

<3333333333333333333333333333333333333 /huffpantswheeze

XD! <33333333

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