TEST DRIVE - BELLMARE MOUNTAINS

[phantasmods]

Hello and welcome to Phantasmal Rift's Test Drive Meme!

Test drive threads are assumed to be game canon for accepted characters unless otherwise noted, so don't feel like you'll have to introduce yourself a second time to everyone you meet! As an added bonus, participation in the test drive comes with the chance to earn up to two items of loot for your trouble! Characters who are accepted can earn one item for having a top level, and one for tagging out to someone else's top level! Your SWEET LOOT will be included with your acceptance notice.

Additionally, characters currently in game can earn themselves a piece of bonus loot for the dungeon by tagging people's top-levels on the test drive! Existing characters get their bonus loot along with the rest of their loot at the conclusion of the dungeon.

This test drive takes place in the Bellmare Mountain range, a chilly environment even when it's not locked in the dead of winter. Considering that November is just starting to bite - or is it, with the Fissure's time-displacement effect in place? - that makes for an extremely chilly reception for all of the new arrivals. If you're a person at risk of frostbite, you'd better hunker down in one of the scattered mountain cabins or find someone with extra snow gear, and quick.

Once you're a bit more warmed up, exploration of the area will reveal that it's largely abandoned, but there's still some evidence of past human habitation. Old chair lifts stand guard over untouched ski slopes, the remains of what was once a resort, and a handful of hiking paths twist back and forth through the mountain forests, the snow melting off them due to the magical crystals in the gravel that lines the paths.

LET IT SNOW

Chances are that, upon arriving, you find yourself outside in the snowfall. Hopefully you weren't from somewhere too terribly warm, but chances are that unless you were specifically in a cold environment before, you're going to be feeling the chill now. (Unless, of course, you're not human and don't get bothered by the cold. That happens.)

Fortunately, there are plenty of paths scattered around that are warm enough to keep the snow melted off of them - it shouldn't be that hard to stumble across one. The question then becomes, which way to shelter and civilization? You'll have to take a bit of a gamble, but it's almost certainly better than staying where you are and freezing.

LOCKED IN

How fortunate, then, that you were able to find shelter against the cold - at least for the time being. The wooden cabin is the exact opposite of luxury, but there's a bed and wood to make a fire in the fireplace, so you can't ask for terribly much else. Especially once night falls - or when the snow outside begins to fall in more than flurries - it's far better to be outside than in. Even if you can't figure out how to start the fire, the dimly glowing crystals that serve as fire starter will at least keep your hands warm.

Of course, with only a limited amount of shelter to go around in these mountain trails, it's fairly inevitable that you would have to share with someone... Hope they're friendly, otherwise this place is going to get awkward fast.

FROSTY THE - OH, MAN!

And if you're still running around outside, sooner or later you're almost certain to run into a deep patch of snow that rises up to meet you. These giant snowmen, ten feet tall and aggressive, stand up in response to anything that isn't the local wildlife approaching - and their goal is quite simple. Better watch out, because these guys are your own personal avalanche, seeking to bury you under themselves until either the cold or the weight saps the life out of you.

One's dangerous, but it's not uncommon to find them in groups of 3-5, either, which is where things start getting to be a problem. Luckily, it's possible to melt them down to nothing, or just blast them apart with pure force - the scattered snow won't rise again, at least not any time soon.

Comments

[hardbargain]

[He barely has time to register the barrier before the voice has his head snapping up, eyes that still glow with the power gifted to him growing wide with shock. Regis, standing above him, holding his hand out to channel power and Nyx slams his eyes closed, shaking his head. His breath coming in a sharp, ragged gasp.

No, no no no-

It was one thing, constantly hearing Selena's screams in his head, more than once convinced that the next corner he rounded will have Pelna's mangled body at his feet once again, the thick crunch of his final moments loud in his ears.

But seeing things now too? The knot of fear in his throat, the breathlessness, the screams. He could compensate for those, he'd been doing so for years. But this he had no way of defending against and it was all he could do just to get his breathing back under control, never mind do anything to discourage the specter before him.

At least... the snow didn't seem to be moving any more?]

[kingkingcxiii]

[It's not the lack of movement from the snow that leads to Regis allowing the barrier to flicker and then fade, arm falling back to his side. It's the reaction to his presence, a reaction that draws concern to pale eyes. Before him is not the hero he entrusted Lunafreya too, but the broken boy he'd pulled out of Galahd--the boy he'd not seen for a great many years. It's startling to see him like this, and perhaps that's why Regis can't find it in himself to address him by his title right now.]

Nyx, breathe for me.

[He would have continued, soothing words like those he'd used too many times to calm Noctis after a nightmare, but it's then he notices the damage that has been done to Nyx's body. The ashen skin tone, the fissures of fire laid over his skin, so similar to the marring the Ring causes to all who borrow its power, but magnified almost infinitely.]

You...put on the Ring. Why?

[hardbargain]

[It's the tone, more than the words that finally get him to look back up at Regis, confusion twisting his brow. His name, soft and soothing, helps certainly but Regis had not used that tone with him in so very many years. It was not the tone of the King he'd lost, or the man whose last wishes he'd sacrificed everything to fulfill.

It was something softer, gentler, and Nyx finally sat back on his heels, cringing at the sharp ache in his right knee.]

You... you can't be here.

[But even as he says it, he's shaking his head, pushing the thought away as he drags himself to his feet.]

Hell, I can't be here either so why the fuck not. [A huff of laughter that's bordering on hysterical before he swallows it down, shakes his head again as if to dismiss the momentary weakness.]

Let's get you outta the snow first, yeah?

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis sighs softly when he hears those words, closing his eyes long enough to mask the pain and sadness that passes through them. If he tried, it wouldn't be too hard to put together an argument that Nyx is just surprised to see a familiar face in such a strange place.

It wouldn't be true, but he could.]

I had hoped you would be gone before I fell.

[The joke is so badly forced that Regis can't help but raise an eyebrow as he opens his eyes.]

I've played the game long enough I know a deflection when I hear it. Just keep that in mind.

[His tone isn't a scolding one, though. It's merely a tired one. Before responding, he calls flame back to his hand in hopes the warmth and light might help a little.]

We both could do with getting out of the snow. I don't suppose you saw any kind of shelter before you were attacked by that walking avalanche?

[hardbargain]

[Regis draws up the fire and Nyx scowls, shaking his head, reaching out his viciously scarred left hand to cover Regis' unafraid of the flames and knowing damn well his king will not hurt him.]

Don't.

[Once he's sure the flame has been extinguished he shifts to stand beside Regis, stepping in close so he can wrap his right arm around the king and take some of his weight, act as a counter balance instead of the cane at least. That it puts Regis' weight onto his Right knee is irrelevant. The Lucii's power is keeping on his feet for now at least so there's no sense in both of them straining themselves.]

There's a couple cabins not far from here. Was heading that way when that thing ate the path. Should be able to pick it up about 10 yards ahead, 2 o clock.

[And once he's got Regis situated so they can start moving he lets his left arm blaze to life again.]

[kingkingcxiii]

[While Regis doesn't fight the request, letting the flame die with hardly a thought, he does fix Nyx with a disapproving look. They have both been quite literally beaten within an inch of their lives. It's stubbornness and adrenaline that's keeping them moving right now, and he's not going to allow Nyx to do all the work. Unfortunately, this isn't the place or time to argue the point. Not when they are standing in the middle of unfriendly terrain that holds hostile creatures.

Regis settles into the Glaive's hold before looking off in the direction he's mentioned. The path is not too far then, and hopefully, the cabins will truly not be much beyond. Only a few steps toward the path and his knee is alternating between locking completely and not wanting to support any weight. It's causing him to lean harder on Nyx than he wishes to.

It's probably fortunate that he's having to focus so hard on keeping his feet because each time he catches a glimpse of the mess that is Nyx's left arm, his heart clenches painfully. It's this heartache that finally drives him to speak once they've found the path.]

I don't want you burning yourself out for me. Do you understand?

[hardbargain]

Wouldn't dream of it, Majesty.

[It's soft and low, gentler and more reassuring than he has any right to be with how much the ring has taken from him. He's already burnt out, already ruined himself beyond repair. If he can take a little of the burden and give Regis some relief then what's it matter if he pushes a little harder?

Thankfully the cabins are not far once they find the path again, though they are a bit uphill. On the incline is the first time that Nyx's bravado fails him, breath hitching as his shattered knee protests the extra weight as well as the extra strain.]

Here this'll be easier. [For Regis, of course. He adjusts them a little, takes a forward step with his left leg, gesturing for Regis to do the same with his right. Then they can draw up even. It's tiring and requires a twist of the hips that makes Nyx's battered ribs scream but using their good legs for distance and merely pulling the injured ones behind... is probably the only way they're going to make progress.]

[kingkingcxiii]

Hmm... Wouldn't you?

[In another time, that question would be a challenge, but now it is nothing more than a sign of Regis' disbelief, gentle as it may be. Nyx Ulric has never once put less than 100% toward aiding those he's given his loyalty to; he's not going to start doing so now.

Regis nearly groans aloud when he realizes the cabins are up an incline. Of course, they are. Nothing has been easy this day. Why should that change now?

He follows the suggestion Nyx has made for a few steps before he feels his knee twist and give out, nearly dragging them both down into the snow in the process. It's only once they are steadied again and he's bitten back the pain that he speaks.]

Perhaps it would be safer if you warped yourself to the top. There is just enough height at the top you'll be able to see if anything comes at me while I make my way up.

[It'll take a while on his own, but at least if his knee goes out, he'll only be dunking himself into the snow and not both of them.]

[hardbargain]

[They are on a mountain range so it's not surprising. Really, though, uphill sucks and requires more effort but downhill would be even harder to keep their feet.

Nyx is doing his damnedest to try not to actually make any outward indication of the pain that's steadily making itself more known. But that suggestion makes him stagger to a stop, head snapping to the side to give Regis a look. Not just horrified but a little hurt that he would think for a second that something like that would be even remotely acceptable. Of course Nyx isn't going to leave his King to flounder in the snow, in pain.]

I will carry you up this fucking hill before I do something like that.

[It's gruffer than he means it to be and he sighs as soon as the words are out, frowning thoughtfully.]

That... actually... might be easier. If you think you could hold on?

[kingkingcxiii]

You will do no such thing!

[Regis meets that look with one of his own. There is hurt in his expression as well, but it is matched with disbelief instead of horror.]

I'm injured, not blind. You're keeping your footing no better than I am.

[He's worn the Ring for nearly 30 years and knows full well what it does to those who wear it without the blood-right given to the Lucis Caelums. Need he really mention the result of Ravus' foolish actions?]

At least my suggestion sees one of us to the top without them becoming too closely acquainted with the snow.

[hardbargain]

[Some people make it really hard to look after them. At least Regis isn't as bad as the princess.

Barely.]

I'll acquaint you with the snow.

[Grumbled under his breath and for one hysterical moment he considers scooping up some snow and stuffing it down Regis' collar, just like he would have to Libertus in their youth. Fighting dirty, maybe but it brings a smirk to his lips. A smirk that turns into a chuckle and gradually he gives up on staying upright, slumping down onto the path in a fit of laughter that says more about blood loss and shock than his sense of humor but he does flick a loose snow ball up at Regis.]

We're so fucked.

[kingkingcxiii]

[Instinctively, Regis raises his arm to block the snowball and it breaks apart harmlessly, scattering bits of white against the darkness of his cape. The look he gives Nyx when his arm drops very clearly says 'did you really just throw a snowball at me?' for several seconds before Regis dissolves into helpless laughter, leaving him leaning hard on his cane in order to stay upright.]

A bit crudely put, but true nonetheless.

[He slowly makes his way to the side of the path Nyx has collapsed onto and then lowers himself to sit next to the Glaive. It's going to be hell getting back up, but for the moment it feels good to be off his feet. As he settles, he 'accidentally' flips some snow in Nyx's direction.]

It's seems we've come to an impasse. I wonder how we should resolve it.

[Despite how tired he is, there is mischief in the gaze he turns Nyx's direction.]

We are both far too stubborn just to give in.

[hardbargain]

[It's cold, sitting in the snow, but it's not as cold as it could be. Not as cold as it should be and maybe that's something else to worry about, how feverishly warm he is even when he's not using the magic.

Slowly he lets the fire blazing up his arm burn down to a softer light, his usual finesse and control ruined by the sheer force of the magic he has now. A playful flick of snow in Regis' direction, half of it melting before it even leaves his fingertips.]

How indeed. [A weak laugh as he looks out over the hillside, quiet for now.]

Stopping was probably the worst thing we could've done.

[kingkingcxiii]

Probably.

[A smile turns up the corner of Regis' mouth as he watches the snow hit his arm and then slide down to the ground.]

Throwing snow at each other is likely not making things any better.

[Even so, he considers a return volley for a few moments, before setting the idea aside and turning his body to better face Nyx instead. The Glaive is putting off so much heat that Regis can't help but wonder just how much he's actually feeling the cold.]

I don't suppose you will let me see if I can do anything to calm the power, will you? While I no longer have the Ring, it may still recognize my authority.

[Honestly, Regis has no idea what will happen if he tries. He's in between right now, consciously having released the Ring so it can be taken to Noctis, but not having passed into death so that he can join the rest of the Lucii within it. At the very least, there is little chance the power will lash out at him. The greater possibility is that it will ignore him completely, being he is only one and this deal was set in place by the Lucii as a whole.

Still, he would like to try, as small as the chance may be.]

[hardbargain]

Makes me feel better.

[It's the kind of thing that would be accompanied by a stuck out tongue once upon a time. Now it just gets another laugh and Nyx starts nudging some of the snow into a little pile. The kind of pile that could become a fistful at any moment.

But the request has him looking aside at Regis, expression going dark.]

The last thing you need to be doing right now is straining yourself.

[Let the magic kill him, it's what he signed up for. He won't endanger Regis even by letting him push himself to try to exert his control over it.] I asked for it, I'll deal with it. Don't you burn yourself out for me, isn't that what you said?

[Hi pot, I'm kettle. Nice to meet you.]

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis closes his eyes and then signs softly, unable to bring himself to be surprised by the answer. When he opens his eyes again, the gaze he levels at Nyx is one filled with both fondness and exasperation.]

I hardly see why I should abide by that when you are refusing to do that same. Perhaps if you were to listen to your king, he might consider doing the same.

[Astrals, they are certainly a pair, aren't they? Regis just isn't sure what they are a pair of yet. Besides fools, of course.]

Or you could always try what Clarus and Cor did when they wanted me to listen and I refused. It would require you besting me at something. Your choice.

[Lets just leave 'Best Dramatic Death' off the table for now, shall we?]

[hardbargain]

Not when my King is putting himself at risk.

[He sighs it more than snapping, no matter how frustrated he is he can't really hold it against the other man. They're certainly a pair of fools, alright. But the offer of a challenge? That has him nodding, slowly pondering what he could challenge Regis to that either of them stood a chance of accomplishing.

It took a long moment and, in the end, it was the gentled snow drifting down around them that has his lips twitch up in a faint smile.]

Okay... a challenge then?

[And slowly he starts to hum a tune that Regis may or may not recognize.]

The lamp is burnin' low upon my table top
Snow is softly fallin'
The air is still in the silence of my room
I hear your voice softly callin'

If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter's night with you

[kingkingcxiii]

[Of all the challenges Regis expected his bold and brash Glaive to come up with, a singing contest was nowhere on the list. He supposes the song is not meant to sound as haunted as it does coming from Nyx's lips, but it doesn't take him long to figure out why it sounds that way. The question 'For your sister?' is on his lips before he realizes it, but he is fortunately able to stop himself from giving it voice. Nyx is at both his physical and emotional limits. Bringing up his beloved, long-lost sibling will only shatter him farther.

Once the last of the song fades from the air, Regis bows his head in concession, uninjured hand gesturing in an unnecessarily dramatic motion toward Nyx.]

So quickly you're found my weakness. I've been told I have a talent for butchering even the simplest of lullabies, and I'm quite certain the person who said that was being overly kind. We're both in enough pain as it is. I'm not going to add bleeding ears to the list of our injuries.

[He gives Nyx a tired smile before shifting his gaze toward the cabins that sit on the incline.]

I suppose that means you're carrying me up that hill. Once we manage to find our feet again, that is.

[His gaze moves back to Nyx then, resigned, but firm.]

All I ask is that you push yourself no harder than necessary. Will you do that for me?

[hardbargain]

I can't imagine your voice being that bad, at all.

[He rather liked Regis' voice. Rich and deep and he can't even wrap his head around how he could really be that bad of a singer. He knows that the acquiescence costs Regis a great deal though so it's not something he's going to question or push. He smirks briefly, shrugs and then turns his gaze towards the cabins as well. It's not a far distance, not exactly, but in the condition they're both in it's a lot. Too much.

But then his gaze flicks down to the bloodied fabric bound around Regis' hand, the paleness of his skin with blood loss, the glassy haze he'd last seen in those green eyes coming to mind and he nods, gritting his teeth. His hands come up to unfasten one of the braids that drape over his chest, blade slicing it free. Then he's reaching for his King's hand, gently lifting it, pushing his sleeve up a little so he can wind the braided fabric around it.]

Sorry, sir.

[Soft and gentle where his hands are firm, cinching the cord tight around his wrist. Tying it off, hoping against hope that it will be enough to slow the bleeding. Maybe too little too late.

That done, he shifts, grunting as he pulls himself not to his feet but to his knees. The right one he can't put weight on and is forced to shift his stance to only one knee down.]

C'mon. [He reaches back, cupping his hands behind him and waggling his fingers, clearly meaning for Regis to settle against his back if he can.] I've got you.

[kingkingcxiii]

This is something I would ask you take my word on, for both of our sakes.

[Perhaps if his father had allowed him time for more creative pursuits, there might have been some hope for Regis' singing voice, but training for public speaking could in no way take the place of actual singing lessons, especially for someone who really had no natural talent of his own.

The amusing topic of his singing voice passes to the side though, when Regis realizes just how much attention Nyx is paying to his hand. It's no surprise to him when his Glaive finally acts on what he's thinking. The makeshift tourniquet will likely not do too much at this point, the bleeding already slowed by time and cold, but if it puts Nyx's mind at ease any, then there is no reason to argue the action. Besides, Regis doesn't miss that moment when Nyx seems like he's not there again, like he's remembering something from back home.

It doesn't take a genius to guess what he's remembering. Oh, how Regis wishes there was a way to erase the pain of that memory from his mind.]

If we keep apologizing to each other, we will be here all night. Lets focus on getting up to the cabin instead.

[That said, he takes a deep breath and begins the slow and painful process of settling himself into Nyx's hold. His knee--the whole leg honestly--doesn't want to respond at first after having time to stiffen up in the cold, but he knows that pain is only a fraction of what Nyx is feeling, so he pushes passed it, nodding his head against Nyx's shoulder once he's secured against the Glaive's back. After that, he falls still and silent, focusing all his will on giving Nyx the energy to make it up the hill carrying both of their weights with a body that can barely carry one.

Frustratingly, it's all he can do.]