TDM #2

[fabulists]

fable test drive meme #2

// away with the fairies

In your land, there may be stories of the Fae taking people away. Perhaps you haven't heard of the Fae at all, or perhaps you are more familiar with them than others. No matter how well acquainted you are with the Fae, everyone around you has experienced the same fate tonight: Being taken by them. Partially, at least. For they did not want to kidnap anyone from their home and take them away from the life they knew. In a small jar of fairy dust, part of your soul was taken in the night and brought to a magical village by the name of Fable.

On arrival, the Fae release you from the jar before waving their magic wands, and materialise this taken little part of you into a brand new you. From here onwards, your new life begins, shared among magical creatures from all walks of life. Here, you will be allowed to grow, thrive and enjoy the bounties provided to you by these mysterious and wonderful creatures. In exchange, they ask for a share of the magical fruit that you grow in your garden, in order for their dragon overseer to reclaim his own magic and find his missing siblings. After a briefing on your new life, you understand things as best as you possibly can. Now, it's time to settle into a brand new cottagecore life.

Welcome to Fable.

// arrival

Now that you are a resident of Fable, you have a brand new cottage, a garden, and a few tools to use! There's not an awful lot in your cottage, though: Just a cardboard box, a lamp, a cassette tape and a single bed. Most of the village shops are currently closed due to the bad weather, so it seems like socialising with your neighbours might be your best shot at finding something to do.

Something sparkly catches your attention before you realise it's a message board, advertising an array of tasks for bonus fruit. Did this thing appear out of nowhere just now? That must be the case, since you can swear it wasn't there a second ago. Perhaps the board will urge you to find some fellow people who are in a similar situation as you. It seems that the monthly tasks are geared towards togetherness due to this being the month of love!

love is in the air

// an arrow through the heart

When the 14th of February rolls around in Fable, every creature across the realm seems to be full of love! The villages all across the realm have many loved-themed attractions for the occasion. There are Fae folk giving away cookies in the streets, mysterious Cherubs flying around with bows and arrows that might make you suspicious, and a general sense of happiness and warmth can be felt all around.

Of course, Valentine's day is for more than the love shared between romantic couples, though! All kinds of love are celebrated on this day - platonic love, familial love, romantic love, and every other kind in between. To celebrate this romantic holiday, the Fae have poofed some attractions up into Fable including an outdoor café, a magical carousel and an evening firework show! When the fireworks explode, they explode into hearts! Isn't that sweet?

// merry-go-round

In Fable's town square, a magical carousel has appeared! As you take a closer look, you notice that the wooden horses seem to be alive...?! If you stare and linger for too long, the Fae may pester you to go and ride it! If you succumb to the wishes of the Fae (or decide to ride it out of your own accord), everything will seem to be pretty normal to start. The horses move up and down while music plays, giving a pretty novel carousel ride experience.

Then, suddenly, the horse you are riding will turn around to look at you...!? And then say: "Seems the two of you are getting along just great! Now, we'll take you on a date!" Uh, what!? Before you can ask questions, you realise that the horse you are riding has detached from the carousel, and it is now taking you to a new location with the person next to you to set you up on a date! Both you and the person riding the horse adjacent to you will be taken on a fun date spot by both of these horses. It seems to be far out of Fable, too! The horses will take the two of you for a fun time out in Kanshi! Known for its famous flower gardens and pink foliage, it makes for a wonderful date spot. Once the carousel horses deliver you, they tell you they'll come and pick you up...! On one condition. The condition is that you must either play 20 questions, truth or dare, go out for a meal or make flower crowns for each other. Simply whistle to call the horses back afterwards. Have fun!

// complimentary candy

Care for some candy? Although, you're pretty sure these are cookies ... In any case, there are several fairies flying around Fable with trays filled with complimentary candies! Upon first glance, they just look like a regular plain heart, but once they're picked up, they will tell you something you really need to hear right now. Something to warm you from the inside out!

Once you consume one of these candies, you won't be able to resist complimenting other people as well. The more you eat, the more compliments you'll give!

Uh oh, there's trouble in the air ... Mischievous Faerie Cherubs may shoot you in the heart with an arrow today! You won't feel it, but the momentum of being struck might make you wobble a little.

Red arrows will give you strong feelings of lust. Oh, my. When did everyone here get so attractive...? You feel like you're on fire. Better go somewhere private if things get heated between you and another.

Yellow arrows will make you feel like sunshine today! If you're usually a grumpy grump, you find yourself filled with inexplicable joy. It's probably contagious!

Pink arrows will fill you with so much love for the people you care about. It's like the holiday spirit of Valentine's has hit you full force! You really want to do something to show someone you care about them.

White arrows will give you a case of the hiccups that can only be cured with a kiss! You know the cure, but nobody else does (unless they've been affected too.) What will you do?

viva festivale!

// a feather hunting festival!

After a fun time on the 14th, you feel as though the Fae must be all partied out by now during February. Surely they can't still be partying this month? Wrong! They certainly are! You awaken one morning to discover that music is playing in the distance. If you feel intrigued enough to go and investigate, you will notice multicolour paper decorations lining the streets along with lots of bunting.

Any questions you may have will be answered very swiftly when a peacock bursts out of nowhere, wildly shaking his feathers! "WELCOME TO FESTIVALE!" He says, and before you can open your mouth to speak, he continues:

"One and TWO! Three and FOUR! Your hips! They do not move! They do not hear the music! They do not DANCE! Dancing is not done with your feet, but with your HEART!"

You still don't follow.

"Your heart cannot DANCE while you are lonely! Therefore, you must complete my scavenger hunt to make some friends! You must team up to find the magical feathers I have hidden! Bring the feathers to me, I will reward you with furniture! And you will reward yourself with friendship!"

Okay, you think you get it now. After reading the peacock's directions presented on a wooden sign, you are given the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt! What's there to lose, especially if there are prizes to be won?

Each feather will appear when participating in a different activity!
The activity involves gathering a material and doing something fun together in Fable's locations!
The material seems to be relevant to the type of furniture you want, too ...

Red feathers can be found when collecting stardust in Qijue! In order to assist with this task, a little bit of magic will temporarily give you feathered wings! Once you have gathered stardust from the sky and swapped a meaningful story, a red feather will appear! This feather can be swapped for a random piece of star furniture and its DIY recipe!

Green feathers can be found while gathering glowing moss in Limerick! In order to assist with this task, a little bit of magic will temporarily transform you into a tiny fairy with a moss pouch! Once you have gathered moss and danced together, a green feather will appear! This feather can be swapped for a random piece of moss furniture and its DIY recipe!

Blue feathers can be found when diving for seashells in Villanelle! In order to assist with this task, a little bit of magic will temporarily transform you into a mermaid! Once you have gathered some pretty seashells and played two truths and a lie, a blue feather will appear! This feather can be swapped for a random piece of mermaid furniture and its DIY recipe!

Purple feathers can be found while gathering blossom petals in Kanshi! In order to assist with this task, a little bit of magic will temporarily give you fairy wings! Once you have filled a basket with petals and shared an ice cream, a purple feather will appear! This feather can be swapped for a random piece of cherry blossom furniture! and its DIY recipe!

Once you have hit 5 comments each in your thread (10 comments total), you will be eligible to redeem your furniture and recipe! This is to guarantee the prize in case threads get dropped or fall incomplete. Reply here to do so!

Welcome to Fable's second TDM!
We're excited to have you here, and hope you enjoy the prompts!
To familiarise yourself with the setting, please take a look at the arrivals & premise page!
We would also appreciate it if you could have a look at the rules as well.
As a general note, the TDMs are considered game canon!
Which means all rewards for fruit & furniture can be used in the game if you apply!

New arrivals have a cottage, a network device, the clothes on their back and a single item from home.
To view the locations, NPCs and more information about the game, please visit our full navigation!

If you have any questions that you have not seen answered in the FAQ, please ask in the FAQ post. Thank you!

(CODE)

Comments

[fullgauntlet]

[This is extremely awkward and embarassing. He hardly knows the boy let alone knows how to date anyone. Being whisked away to Kanshi and dropped off by those chortling horses... Izuku stands there looking awkwardly lost for a second before he tries to attempt a friendly smile.]

I don't think they had much of a plan in the first place... They just took us.

[He lets out a small sheepish sigh.]

At least we're not hurt? Are you okay?

[rainswords]

[ While the enchanted carousel horses declared this a date, Xingqiu hasn't settled into the idea. Still appearing pensive, he finally directs his full attention toward his travel companion. The boy wears a friendly, albeit embarrassed, smile. He can fully comprehend the awkwardness of the situation despite appearing at ease.

Finally, his expression turns amiable if polite, especially when that question is made with concern for his condition. What a nice boy. ]

Worry not, I am well. But perhaps a little surprised. How are you feeling? That is regarding their proposed plan. By the way, there is no reason for you to trouble yourself with me. This does not have to be a date.

[ It's best he makes that clear, it could help the current atmosphere. Although, he is aware they must fulfill some conditions in order to be returned. Although he isn't sure if he fully trusts the words of two magical horses who make decisions for others without consulting them once. ]

Instead, why don't we get to know each other? Then we can decide what task to complete for our equine friends. Let's start with introductions first. My name is Xingqiu, I hail from Liyue, I suppose I could call myself something of a literature enthusiast although there isn't much else I can say...

[fullgauntlet]

[Friendly and awkward are very accurate words to describe Izuku. In the moment he looks a little frazzled but no worse for wear other than the embarrassed blush on his cheeks.]

N-no, you're right. We don't have to call this a date or anything like that. Getting to know each other is a much better idea...!

[He's actually very thankful that the other boy seems easy going enough to just let that “date” word go. Being friends first sounds like a much less stressful idea. He's never heard of a place called Liyue but being a literature enthusiast kind of translates to being scholarly or nerdy and at least Izuku can relate to that!]

It's nice to meet you, Xingqiu. I'm Izuku and I'm from Musutafu, Japan. I'm a hero in training and a ... hero enthusiast.

[That probably makes him sound even nerdier.]

[rainswords]

Not that I will assume you have any particular preference, but if you were hoping for a date — which I am sure you weren't — it wouldn't trouble me at all. The benefit being is that we could both learn something from the experience.

[ Or so he hopes.

Books and advice can only take a person so far. Of course, there is wisdom in the written word but through practice what is learned can be polished. Not that his coy smile and that slight tilt of his head is an indicator of anything beyond some light teasing after he still has to retain his manners in the presence of this boy he just met. He has been here for some time, it is difficult when most of his close friends are so far. Not to imply that he is alone — it just gets lonely. Unfortunately, it seems Izuku here hits just about the right notes for him to find him a worthy candidate of some light teasing.

Much like Izuku, Xingqiu has never heard of Japan, much less Musutafu. Although, all those names have an Inazuman ring to them. However, he won't leap into the assumption that they are related in any way. Perhaps this is a location he hasn't heard of? ]

It's a pleasure to meet you then. Although I've never heard of training to pursue a path toward becoming a hero. I'm much interested in hearing what that entails if you do not mind sharing.

[fullgauntlet]

[That's such a nice thing to say and Izuku looks down for a second to nod. No one has ever asked him on a date before but that doesn't really mean he wouldn't want one! So, he really appreciates the sentiment.]

Eh- Oh. I'm the same way, I wouldn't mind if it was a date. I'm just fine with it being a chance to make a new friend too.

[He nods quickly and smiles. Honestly, Izuku wasn't always the best at keeping friends when he was younger. Mostly because he was seen as weak in his society (through no fault of his own, just the luck of his genetics) but it's gotten a lot better for him now that Izuku's in high school. He wouldn't mind making friends and Xingqiu already seems to be nice. And goodness knows Izuku could use a little good hearted teasing.]

It's an important career where I'm from, a way to protect the cities and surrounding areas from crime and other attacks from villains and the like! It's hard work but I like studying and practicing in the field a lot.

[...!]

Would you like to walk around while we talk?

[rainswords]

[ The offer is acceptable, after a single nod Xingqiu will motion for Izuku to go on and he will begin walking slowly as well. His attention divided between his companion and the path ahead. Already he notes the difference in foliage, mostly he is drawn to the many colorful blossoms. They must have landed in a garden or perhaps a park, this could make one of the tasks assigned to them simple to complete. ]

Then one could say that you are a studious and diligent young man...? Those are fine traits.

There is no such career path to follow in Liyue as far as I'm aware, the closest equivalent that I can think of is the Millelith? Let's see... While the Millelith stands guard, evil shall never prevail. Or at least that is their motto. But rather than legendary heroes, I would equate them more to a standing army. Although, anyone who is willing to do good and be good must be a hero to someone out there.

But if you do not mind me asking, you do appear quite young, which has left me curious about your age.

Hm. I cannot help but think that the road to being a hero must be a long and arduous one yet looking into your earnest eyes I don't doubt once your genuine desire to follow this career path. You too, you seek to help those in need, you sound passionate. I am sure you will succeed.

[fullgauntlet]

[It is a nice park of some sort. The trees reminds him a lot of the gardens and cherry trees in Tokyo. It's been a long time since he visited a big city like that so it's kind of relaxing to be seeing cherry trees now. And it might make Izuku just a little bit homesick.]

I like that saying... While the Millelith stands guard, evil shall never prevail. [He almost wishes he could write it down!] I think if I were to visit Liyue I'd be interested in learning more about them.

[He nods sheepishly. Xingqiu talks so eloquently!!]

I'm sixteen. I'm a high school student and I have about two years left before graduation so I'm still learning a lot and I still have a long way to go. But I hope that someday I can be... a hero that can make everyone smile.

[What sincere conviction!!]

Ah, what about you? What do you like to do or study?

[rainswords]

[ There was something charming about Izuku's honest interest, anyone would find it endearing. He almost finds the need to dote on his newfound friend from a faraway land. Well, they may find themselves living here for a long time and with that, he could always recount all he knows about the Millelith for this young man. In fact, it's decided, when they have a chance.

For now, perhaps working their way to the goal set by the carousel horses does take precedence. ]

Oh, it would seem we're close in age. I suspected as much, however, I didn't want to assume. Sometimes appearances can be deceptive. I am seventeen years of age. As for my studies, most requirements have been completed but does anyone ever stop learning? As for my occupation, I am currently assisting my family in a small way...

As for my interest, well, when I said I am a literature enthusiast I do mean I enjoy reading as a hobby.

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku smiles in return. He feels like he might just be in the company of someone just like him. Someone who loves to study and learn. giant nerds But to be done with most of his requirements already at seventeen? Is Xingqiu a genius? Amazing...!]

You must be ahead in your schooling if you're already done?

[He looks like he's perked up so much. Much less stressed out about this entire date situation.]

Do you have a favourite book or type of genre you like to read? I've always liked action stories or... comic books too.

[rainswords]

Isn't that all dependent on the area of study? Putting what is taught into practice may be far more important? That of course, would be determined by the craft being taught. Although some professions certainly require more years of study.

[ Regardless, he doesn't consider himself advanced; especially when it comes to subjects that he has absolutely no interest in. His calligraphy work could hardly be recognized for what it is, unless he takes drastic measures. If it takes him a whole night to form stylistic and beautiful characters — it's not an effective method and only demonstrates his lack of skill.

Yet at the mention of a favorite genre, he almost seems to perk up when he was seconds away from wilting as he reminisced about his poor handwriting. Now this is something he can speak about, but he doesn't get a chance to do it freely often. Certainly, he gave an impression of being studious through Liyue Harbor rather than being a complete bibliophile. ]

For my tastes, I enjoy stories of adventures and heroes overcoming the odds. I suppose, in a way they can also be labelled tales of action. After all, a hero must act to perform valiant deeds. Although, comic books are rare for me to come by. For a quick read, I do have some light novels. Well, those are back home. Admittedly the last one I read doesn't fall under any of those categories...

Perhaps, we should take advantage of the time we have here. I am sure there are bookshops to be found.