JULY 2015

[thecanopycrew]

Uncertain if this is a game for you? Curious to see how your character would act in it? Testing the waters? Then take them on this Home Tree Test Drive! directions ❀ Don't forget to read the Introduction , our Rules and the F.A.Q ❀ Post with your character with their name and canon in the subject line. ❀ Use the prompt(s) given here or make up your own! ❀ Both prose and comment spam format are welcome. ❀ Tag around! Make friends. Don't be afraid to discuss OOCly while tagging. ❀ The Test Drive Meme can be used for your application's first person sample. ❀ This meme is is considered as OOC and not part of the game's canon. prompt Night of the Fireflies! It is late at night after you have gained your wings, and the tree is surprisingly dark. All the fireflies have gathered outside, flying around the tree in a display of glittering stars. It is almost as if they little critters are dancing with joy to see the new friends joining the Tree. On the first floor's branch, the glow worms have settled, illuminating the whole bark like a shining band of Christmas lights - and they, too, are reveling in the joy of new adventurers. Explore how your new gem works, try put your leaf clothes and join the critters in their dance - or simply watch them imitate the starts in the sky. It's a nice night to meet new friends. Just bring a squirrel fur or two, it's still cold outside.

Night Gem Wing Inspiration ❀ Day Gem Wing Inspiration

Comments

Shao Jun | Assassin's Creed

[tounderstand]

A

It's certainly different, Jun can give this place that, and different is something she rather enjoys learning more about. She's wingless as she wanders the floors of the tree, footsteps nearly silent and hood drawn up. There's a genuine smile at the antics of the glowing creatures, and while normally she'd be paying far more attention to the people around her it's enough distraction that she all but sneaks up and runs in to one of the more human citizens.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have. May I ask you a question?"

B

The cinnabar moth wings Jun's sporting are enough to throw off her balance, which is why she's moving through fighting forms with them on. At first it's basic martial arts, having adjusted the placement of her sword across her back to accommodate them. She even goes so far as to make attempts to incorporate them in to the fights against imagined enemies, novice flails that are more theory than practicality at the moment.

Later she's doing the same though with the sword in hand, and she hisses in frustration when the motions she's used to smack the sword against the flare of her wings or she trips over them when making a tumble. She could probably use a few pointers anyway.

C

Choose your own adventure?

B

[monster_san]

My, what striking wings this newcomer had! Although by the looks of it, she wasn't enjoying them very much. Fuu watched from a respectful distance--it was dark, and she didn't want to startle a swordswoman at night. Rude and potentially dangerous.

When it looked like she had paused for a moment, Fuu stepped forward, making sure to approach from the front. "You're very conscientious, starting to practice with your wings so early," she said with a smile. She recognized the sounds and sight of frustration--best to start with diplomacy.

Re: B

[tounderstand]

Starting her at all was a bad choice, sword in hand or not.

"The earlier I start the faster I learn to manage with them." Jun nodded, putting the sword away in to the sheath at her back. "It will take time, like anything worth learning."

YELLS A LOT OMG SO LATE - B

[sirpisspot]

Once again, a hooded figure and a specific hooded figure that one would know of upon really just looking at. Or so he could guess. Arno was here trying to do some surveying of his own, his hood up as he did his own sneaking.

Arno spotted this one from a nearby branch, and he watched her fight, having his senses keen in to focus even harder. Her movements were swift and merciless. He could be wrong, but he would be surprised if she wasn't an Assassin.

She had natural skill with a sword, and was really trying to use the wings too.

It's been a few months for him now, and it still felt like it was yesterday. But, he could maybe help? Perhaps?

So, step one: Meet this obvious Assassin. Step two: Help a brother, or "sister", out. Step three: Ask questions.

Arno carefully fluttered down, trying to be quiet until he reached a considerable ear distance. Don't sneak up on an Assassin, if she was an Assassin.

"Harder than it looks," he stated as he, still, remained airborne.

HELLO BRO

[tounderstand]

Jun twisted on one foot at the sound of him, eyes hidden beneath her hood but still focused on him.

"Everything worth doing is more difficult than those who are masters make it look." She replied, a wary curiosity in her voice as she watched him. "Though I had once thought there would only ever be one man to fly on wings."

B?

[isolophobia]

Well if she intends to go for stealth, those wings are certainly far too bright for anything of the sort. Pitch, on the other hand, is still keeping the black on back theme with dark wings that made him all but blend into the night behind him.
Occasionally a firefly would light up near him, but he was wearing all black, so that didn't help much. Definitely something a bit strange about the way those eyes seem to almost glow gold.

He didn't seem too concerned if he were being quiet enough to startle ( he was, because fear is awfully good at that ) or whether she attempted to put that sword right through him. Every part of him is dark and quiet, except those very bright hold eyes. In fact they give him away now.

'Perhaps you'd be better off with something other than a sword."

[tounderstand]

Assassin's didn't need to be dressed specially to blend in or go unseen when they wanted to. Jun had walked in and out of the Forbidden City unmolested dressed in the same clothing she wore now, a pair of wings was only a minor adjustment.

They are also notoriously difficult to truly sneak up on, they're usually the ones doing the sneaking.

"Do you always sneak up on young women in the dark?" She asks, turning on the bulk of her foot to continue her form while facing him.

Ping Pong | Xiaolin Chronicles

[littlewoodgecko]

Being tiny and winged was not commonplace for the newbie dragon-in-training, but the novelty of being such without compound eyes or the use of a Shen Gong Wu were second to the magnificent glowworms on display now. This was especially true as he was not small enough to be at risk from any other insects this time. He only wished that his fellow monks were here to witness it with him.

The light from the glowworms reflected on his green lenses as he sat quietly to watch them wriggle around. They seemed so happy, it made him smile at the idea, though some would probably say bugs couldn't be happy. It was tempting to touch one, but he didn't want to risk disturbing them by doing so. It was also even enough to distract from the cold a little, and having his hoodie also helped with the evening chill.

Re: Ping Pong | Xiaolin Chronicles

[monster_san]

The little fellow with glasses seemed to be quite entranced by the glow-worms. She almost didn't want to disturb his reverie, but she hadn't seen him before, and he looked quite young, possibly younger than herself.

She sat nearby, not right next to him in case it alarmed him. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" she said. "And so friendly, too! It's hard not to like the fireflies and glow-worms."

Irisviel von Einzbern | Fate/Zero

[thescabbard]

a; action

[It's been a long day of acclimation to the Tree and introduction to familiar (and not-so-familiar) faces, but no matter how overwhelming it was, you'd be hard-pressed to find Irisviel missing out on the welcome celebration. Dressed in her red maple tunic despite the chill in the air, the homunculus has planted herself against one of the glow worms, backpack at her side, to admire the fireflies' display. Having lived the entirety of her life in winter, the sight of the bioluminescent insects is something brand new to her, and she watches with amazement, nearly mesmerized by the dancing lights. She wouldn't be averse to company, however! Care to join her?]


b; amber

[With the downtime allowing her to digest what she learned during the day, Irisviel eventually reaches for the amber slice in her backpack. It takes her a moment to find an angle where her face isn't shadowed, the homunculus' expression unsure, but she soon begins,]

Ah-- Hello, everyone. [A kind smile.] My name is Irisviel, and... Well, I hope it isn't too late to ask a question! You see, I'm quite certain these flying insects that light up--

[She turns the amber briefly to show said flying, light-up insects.]

--are called 'fireflies', but I don't believe I know what these creatures are called.

[Again, she turns the amber, but this time toward the glow worm she'd taken up as a cushion to lean on.]

If anyone knows, I would very much appreciate learning their name.

action;

[2wei]

[ This was something new. She figured out earlier when she had first met her that this wasn't her actual mother - go figure - but another iteration of her mother. It saddened her, but she kept her cool nevertheless, seeing as she was still (somewhat?) the same as always. She would treat her like she normally did. Of course, she never told Irisviel the truth that she wasn't the same Illya. . . she couldn't do something like that, it would be too cruel if Irisviel knew the truth about what happened to the Illya from her world.

Regardless of the fact that she was different. ]

Mama! [ Was it really alright to call her that? Did she have to call her Irisviel-san instead? No, she had to keep a strong front as she arrived, still in her magical girl outfit as always (the weather was too warm for her to wear any of her other clothes) as she waved her down. ] Do you want to dance with me?

[thescabbard]

[That call immediately breaks Irisviel out of her reverie, and for the split-second it takes her to look toward Illya, the homunculus isn't sure that this is all more than her dying dream. Hearing her precious daughter's voice after believing she never would again -- it's more than Irisviel could ever ask for, even if it's in a strange place like this.

Even if this Illya isn't quite the girl she remembers.

But that isn't what matters. Whether the Second and Fifth Magics brought her to some real place or it's all in the 'elder' vessel's mind, this Illya is here, safe and happy, and Irisviel will do whatever it takes to keep her that way.

With a warm smile, Iri takes but a moment to rise to her feet and move to meet her daughter.]

I would love to, mein liebelein. [She reaches to affectionately brush Illya's bangs back.] But aren't you tired? It's quite late; perhaps you should sleep.

[knight_king]

Irisviel.

[Saber greets her, calling to the woman’s attention briefly while she seems mesmerized by the fireflies display. The light parade is beautiful but it is the presence of the woman in front of her why she could be breathless. She still has not quite shaken her disbelief. Irisviel. Her tragic winter princess. The one she has sworn to protect and failed in her oath… she’s alive and safe.

Her chest aches and her throat feels like its choking down multiple emotions. Words are left unspoken with the warmth gratitude that it means for Shirou to have finally met the woman who could have become his mother. She bows her head and folds a hand against her chest.]

May I join you, my lady?

[thescabbard]

[Irisviel perks at the sound of Arturia's voice, gaze immediately flicking toward her knight so she may cheerfully return the greeting.]

Ah, Saber!

[Likewise, there are more emotions in the homunculus's heart than she is able speak. Simply looking at Arturia brings back memories of the Fourth Grail War, and an acute sorrow accompanies them -- the sorrow of learning that Kiritsugu's wish could not be granted, the remorse of allowing the King of Knights to be dragged through the mud for naught, the anguish of learning there will be a Fifth War despite all Iri's efforts to protect Illyasviel.

And yet, despite the circumstances, this reunion has brought Irisviel much joy; and what nearly overtakes every other sentiment within her is the indebtedness she feels toward Arturia for watching over her family when she could not -- for watching over both Illya and the boy that could have been her son. It's nearly enough to bring her to tears on the spot.

However, the homunculus tempers her smile, inviting her knight over with a simple tilt of her head.]

I would love your company. Please, come sit.

Saber | Fate/EXTRA

[qualisartifex]

[ Action ]

[ Saber's gone wingless for her exploration. Her gem and amber sliver lie tucked away in the odd leaf bag, and she hasn't paid it much mind or even deigned to touch it more than the once. She's more preoccupied with how tiny she is now, and how huge everything else seems in comparison. She's used to seeing things from the vantage of a short person, but this? This is just ridiculous!

Of course, not so much as the tunic she's been given. Green laurel leaves are usually a wonderful sight to behold, but not when they're fashioned into clothes. ]

What ridiculousness is this? As if I would change into so plain, if lovely, a garment when there's no luster to it! [ She grunts a little harrumph, and quietly adds on, ] It's not even red.

[2wei]

Saber-...? [ No, this is definitely not the Saber she knows, even if she looks oddly similar to her, strangely enough. It was easy to tell because of the spiritual connection she had to the other Saber as her Master. ]

Um, are you new here?

[ Might as well ask the important question. ]

[qualisartifex]

[ Saber ceases her study of the leafy raiment to instead look down toward Illyasviel...though it's not far to look, all things considered. She adopts a smile and holds her hands on her hips, the faintest of an amused chuckle escaping. ]

An astute observation, lass! Since you know, I trust you'll be forthright in answering. This looks nothing at all like the Moon Cell, and I'll assume it's not? Unless now they're holding these competitions in the fairy realms of Gaul.

!!!!!!!!!!!

[knight_king]

[ Saber hears her complains as she flies down from the top (unsealed) floor. She is about to comfort the lady when midway from her journey she senses a fellow Servant. Her relaxed features change into cautious and ready to battle. She has no reason to fight the owner of the voice she doesn't recognize, but it is possible they didn’t know this is not a Holy Grail War with an unusual setting.

Just so— She has decided to parley as soon as she lands, translucent blue and silver wings spread and dressed with her unarmored battle dress. Such sensible plans completely evacuate her mind when she sees her appearance. Her eyes widen and her lips part in shock, barely hearing the mention of red that suddenly reminds her of her child.

Mordred. ]

You— [ Her voice and composure are cracked. But she struggles to think the reason behind this. Her mouth tightly shuts again and her teeth grind together.] Are you my sister's creation? Answer me!

[ She demands, feeling the surge of anger. A second homunculus? Has Morgan hated her so much she birthed a second child to destroy her and Britain? ]

[qualisartifex]

[ Saber's positively mystified to see herself doubled, and the other woman's boldness certainly brings her to feel she might've been cloned. They even share the same taste in dress, but she'd never be caught dead in such a drab blue. Topping it all, she's for sure a Servant. Her aura says as much. My, but she's an uppity thing, thinking her better to be the copy! She'd almost be offended, but the mystery of it all keeps her from trouncing a would-be doppleganger. Best to judge this mystery and solve it calmly, as she did in days long past. ]

Your manners are absolutely atrocious. [ She says so with a smile and holds one hand on her hip. ] But! I'll commend your audacity. No one ever gets far by seeking answers like the quivering politicians in the Capital.

[ The leafy garb in her hand returns to its bag, leaving her free to sweep her arm outward. ]

I'm sure I would recognize a cousin who bears my face. Though...such a cousin would've died by mistake early on, I'm sure...

[ Gotta love them assassins. ]

[gandere]

Right? [ It doesn't occur to Rin at first that Saber's speech and mannerisms are off a bit. Oh no, why would they? It isn't as if she's spent much time with the King of Knights while trying to save her sister and keep Shirou out of trouble.

But any time she wants to complain about a lack of red? Rin will be there for her. ] It doesn't even make any sense. There are red leaves in the world.

[qualisartifex]

[ The presence of a past Master's rival should startle her, but Saber keeps her face calm, with only a little smile on her lips. Of all the people to see in this realm, another Master is certainly a surprise. She's without her Servant though, it seems, or if he's present, Saber cannot sense him. What a strange world, this tree, though, that the dead walk so casually among the living. Or, among the long since dead, as the case may be now. ]

Hmm, they cling to the vibrancy of youth and spring. Newness over passion, it seems. I favor it not.

Kuro | Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA☆ILLYA

[3rei]

１．ａｍｂｅｒ

[ The first thing that comes into view is...a color swap Illya? No wait, that's Kuro, of course. Kuro looking pretty pissed off as she tries not to glare too much, although that only leaves her with a pretty sour expression. ]

If I'm understanding this correctly, more people should be watching this, right?

Could someone please let me know what the hell is going on!? Also these--

[ She moves the amber to show half of her four, black fuzzy moth wings. Really fitting, all in all. ]

--these are really weird. Is this some sort of Ainsworth trick?

２．　ｈｉｔ／ｒｕｎ

[ If you have wings, you have to use them. Those are the rules, apparently. So Kuro does exactly that and shoots up to the sky, testing her speed and maneuverability by flying as recklessly as possible. So you probably:

a) Just got hit by a brat that's flying too fast for her own good and you're both now a mess of wings on a tree brach.

or

b) Nearly got hit by the same brat, who is totally not stopping to apologize or something and someone should seriously tell her to slow down...if you can catch her. ]

３．　ｂｕｇｇａｚｉｎｇ

[ Kuro can be found flat on her back, looking up at the fireflies with a thoughtful, full-on shounen hero mode expression on her face as she stares at the fireflies going about their businesses. ]

Man, I could really use something to eat.

amber; oH MY GOODNESS YELLS LOUDLY

[2wei]

[ Now that's a face she hasn't seen in goodness knows how long, and it's evident that the white haired Einzbern finds herself with bright red eyes in surprise. ]

--Kuro?!

[ No, wait, calm down, Illyasviel von Einzbern! ] Ah, no, it's not an Ainsworth trick.

to think i found this game when I wrote your username while looking for one for Kuro...

[3rei]

Illya.

[ Her expression brightens immediately, because hey, sis is here. Suddenly it's not so bad. At least she won't need to worry about her prana running out.

That leaves her with a lot of other concerns anyway. ]

If not them, what is going on then? One moment we were on not-oniichan's house and now...

2a gosh what is this

[kingpika]

[ So Gil was doing what Gil did best, which was doing his lion cub impression and napping somewhere. In theory that would be followed by playing with the other lion cubs, but he didn't know Kit that well and Illya was quite frequently occupied with other things.

And the napping cub would soon find some girl slamming him into a branch, and ow. ]

Don't fly around so recklessly, pl- Oh it's you