royalooc | Test Drive Meme #4: Season of Ripening

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Test Drive Meme #4: Season of Ripening

TEST DRIVE MEME

Welcome to the Royal Decree Test Drive Meme!

If you're new here – hi, hello, welcome! This is your chance to give your potential character a little test run and see how they might fit into the world of Rosavelle. You can find all the relevant info over on our Navigation Page, so take a peek if you need to get caught up on the setting, rules, or just want to gnaw on the worldbuilding a bit.

This TDM is non-canon to the game overall, but feel free to treat individual threads or CR as canon between characters if everyone involved agrees. We've included some prompts and locations below to help spark ideas, but as always, feel free to go off-script and go ham!

The shift in weather Ripening brings to Rosavelle is impossible to ignore. The air grows heavy and thick with humidity that clings to basically everything and unlike the passing showers of earlier seasons, rain now arrives in frequent and stormy bursts - sudden downpours that sweep through the streets and canals with little warning, soaking everything in their path. It rarely rains without pause, but clear skies offer little relief. As the weeks pass, the rising heat turns each shower into lingering mugginess, leaving the whole island feeling stifling. Hope you enjoy being overhheated and damp all the time!!!

It's not all doom and gloom, thankfully. True to the season’s name, fruits begin to swell and sweeten on their branches, with the first harvests ready by midseason - a sure sign that Ripening is well underway.

By now you've likely found your footing in the ebb and flow of island life and you know how things go around here: when someone needs a little warmth, a little effort, or a little magic, the people of Rosavelle come together - and that includes you!

PROMPTS

Honey Downpour

The beekeepers of Primavain are in a panic: the relentless rain has driven their hives into overproduction and now thick, golden honey is starting to pour from the combs in a tremendous waste of hard work and delicious treats! The bees themselves are docile (if a bit reluctant to exit their homes), but the situation is rapidly getting out of hand. Volunteers are needed to help harvest excess honey, redirect curious crowds and maybe convince a few stubborn bees to relocate. Or, if you're less helpful, you could always sample a bit… purely for quality control purposes, of course.
The Drip-Drop Duel

Somewhere in the Castle Grounds, an extremely niche and equally petty disagreement has escalated. Two scholars, both convinced they have perfected the superior rain-deflection Bloomcraft, have taken to demonstrating their work in increasingly dramatic fashion. And now there’s a localized "dueling" ground where rain refuses to fall normally, instead redirecting itself in arcs, spirals, or suspiciously targeted torrents. Spectators are gathering, bets are being placed, and volunteers are being roped in to test the limits of each spell. Step in to assist, sabotage, or simply survive the increasingly creative ways water is being weaponized.
Puddle Predictions

Something odd is happening in the streets of Bellvine Hill: certain rain puddles have started reflecting things that aren't actually there. A clear sky where there should be clouds, a stranger standing just behind you when you’re quite certain you’re alone or fleeting glimpses of moments that haven’t happened yet but will do in just a few moments. Naturally, this has drawn a crowd. Some are treating it like a game, trying to find the strangest reflections, while others are attempting to interpret what they see. Pair up to compare visions, test which puddles are the most reliable (if any) or dare each other to act on what you glimpse. It’s probably harmless. Probably.
Runoff Relay

With the heavy rains feeding into the canals, the water flow through Marelys has picked up speed, carrying with it all sorts of debris from upriver-driftwood, stray fishing gear, and the occasional very confused fish. The dockhands have organized a cooperative effort to intercept anything useful before it's swept out to sea, forming a chain of volunteers along the canal's edge to catch, grab, and pass things along. It's efficient! It's practical! It's also turned into a slightly competitive relay, with different teams trying to outdo each other in speed and quantity. The victor doesn't seem to get anything more than bragging rights, but isn't that what competition is really about at the end of the day?
Canal Critter Convoy

The rising waters have displaced more than just goods - small canal creatures have started turning up in all the wrong places. Tiny fish in fountains, curious crustaceans in market stalls and at least one very indignant waterbird refusing to vacate a bakery doorway. A coordinated effort is underway to gently relocate these wayward critters back to their proper habitats. You can help catch and carry them, guide them along flooded pathways, or simply keep them calm (easier said than done) until more help arrives.
Leaky Greenhouse Blues

The Everbloom's Greenhouse is not supposed to leak. It is, in fact, famously not supposed to leak. And yet, with the relentless rains of Ripening bearing down on the glasswork overhead, a series of suspicious drips have begun appearing in the most inconvenient places possible. Now the gardeners alike scrambling to catch the leaks before delicate plants get overwatered (or worse, offended). Volunteers are welcome to help patch things up, hold buckets in increasingly awkward positions, or attempt to soothe particularly dramatic flora that have decided this is a personal slight. Just try not to track mud everywhere - some of these plants hold grudges.
The Overripe Affair

The Season of Ripening means abundance but someone may have gotten a little too enthusiastic. A Primavain orchard has produced fruit so perfectly ripe that it's started to… burst. Not rot, not spoil - just gently (and sometimes not so gently) popping open under the pressure, releasing sticky-sweet juice and an almost intoxicating fragrance into the air. It's drawing crowds, insects, and more than a few opportunistic snackers, and the orchard keeper is at their wit's end. Help harvest the fruit before it explodes, find creative ways to contain the mess, or just brave the chaos and see how many you can catch mid-pop. Fair warning: you will get sticky. There is no avoiding it.

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[Yuno, unfortunately, only giggles at Soundwave. If she wasn't trying to be polite, she would pet Soundwave over the head, not unlike a kindergarten teacher would a child.]

Oh, but you looked so cute back then! Wait, I feel a little bad for breaking you out of your trance...

But, yes, sir! [Doing a mock salute, Yuno springs into action herself, following after Soundwave with a cheerful smile.] You must be really strong! Or, er, stronger than I am, anyway...

[Soundwave ignores the giggle, even if it causes a light blush to pepper his cheeks, still pretending. But then, Yuno said that he's cute. He stops in his track, whips his head towards his cheery companion, and stares at her with his brows curved upwards, like there's something wrong with her.]

... I am not cute.

[Him? Cute? Perish the thought. Even in this new body, he doesn't feel cute. Anyway, he continues onward towards the panels she's seemingly having trouble with.]

Not as strong as I was before coming here, but I should be able to get the job done, regardless. [In fact, he does carry the panels with relative ease.] I am used to backbreaking labor.

Not at all! [Yuno grins, all pearly teeth.] You are very, very cute! In fact, I would say you are cuter than my younger brother, and he is veeeeery cute himself!

[Hands behind her back, she trails Soundwave like a lost duckling, humming gently as she looks around. Her demeanour is girlish: perhaps exaggeratedly so, and she seems delighted at everything and anything.]

Wha-? Really? [She tuts at Soundwave's physique, curious.] What did you used to do? All the uncles and aunties I knew who did a lot of labour don't always have time to take care of their appearance, soo...

[She looks at Soundwave in the eye, smiling oh-so sweetly.]

I guess I am just interested in you. And your skincare routine! Ah, not to mention how you do your hair, your fashion...

[She trails off, chattering Soundwave's ear off, near air-headed in her persistent cheer.]

[What... Why is he still being called cute? What is she even on about?]

The only things cute in the multiverse are cats and other animals. [There's a brief pause as he gives her a look.]... And I suppose you'd fit the cute criteria, as well.

[People would find the cheery, happy sorts cute, right? At least he thinks that's the case. Definitely not him, though, a bot so gloomy and grumpy could never be cute. He's never cute!

While Yuno's all delightful, sweet, and happy, Soundwave is the opposite. He's less expressive (ignore the blush), quieter, and composed. He brings with him a stoic demeanor, primarily focusing on his task at hand, but there also seems to be a hint of stiffness in his movements, almost like he's a newborn still trying to figure out his own body.]

Used to work in the mines. [But that's very, very early in his life. A part of his life he'd rather not revisit.] Now, I oversee and help build a space station.

[He answers with a straight face. Yuno would be forgiven if she doubts him. Given that youthful, lithe physique, it certainly doesn't suggest that he's ever worked in mining before in his life, let alone looking like he's worked in any intense, physically demanding jobs.

... ... ...!!!!

Wait... What did she just say?]

[She's...

She's interested in him? Already? But he just got here and they barely know each other. How is there someone already interested in a boring mech... er, human like him?]

[Oh, she meant she's interested in this body's appearance and skincare. Which he's guessing is similar to a routine care of one's paintjob and polish.]

[Okay, now that he's no longer frazzled and has regained his composure, he answers.]

I'm afraid I have no advice to give you. I am new to this body.

[He says, as if that explains everything.]

[Meanwhile, Yuno watches everything intently: each shift in Soundwave's expression, each minuscule move of his face, curious and fascinated in equal measure. There's something cold, near analytical in this observation; all sterile surfaces and lab coats, like she's a scientist and not but another person wrapped up in the whims of their crown princess.]

I am glad that you think I am cute. [Her eyes come to crescents, smiling gently, cat-like.] After all, Yuno tries very, very hard to be pleasant, not only to the eye, but also around others~!

[The way she switches up on a whim, out of the periphery of Soundwave's eyes, is rather impressive. Whilst she seems to soak up the compliments like a sponge, there's nothing truly content behind her eyes: merely amused, as if it's about what she's expected. Bored.]

In the mines? A space station? Uwa~ That's so cool. [She smiles, swaying back and forth, hands behind her back.] Y'see, Yuno is not very smart, so I'd love to learn more about those things~

[Not exactly true, but not a lie, either. She is a good student, after all: but she's far too short of being a prodigy. While she grasps the basic concepts, it's not like she's a rocket scientist.]

And... Hm? [Her head tilts, mouth in a small 'o'.] Did I... do or say something weird, mister...?

[It's clear that something or other she did was enough to push Soundwave over the edge, splashing against the calm of their metaphorical pond: and Yuno, above all else, likes to act as if she doesn't know what she's doing.]

Even if you're new... whoever helped pick it out for you had a good eye. [She grins, canines shining under the light.] You are very, very pretty. I'm so jealous!

And, if you don't know... it's all the reason for big sis Yuno to come over and teach you how to take good care of yourself, riiight~?

Edited 2026-04-08 08:20 (UTC)

Soundwave... My name. [Just to be clear on that.] And you didn't say anything weird, miss Yuno. I simply misunderstood you.

[Which he won't elaborate on if she didn't catch on. When someone comes up calling you cute and then says they're interested, some assumptions come to mind. Or maybe it's because of his own lack of social skills or experience that led him to make such an assumption. In any case, he's embarrassed himself enough in just one day.

He should get his head together. Which is kinda hard to do when she keeps getting these compliments, he thinks he doesn't deserve. From cute to pretty... He's not sure how to feel, aside from them making his cheeks heat up.]

Big sis? [Is he getting adopted now? That aside, he does consider her offer. ... It should be beneficial for him to know how to take care of this new body, amongst other human things, if he's going to live as one, here.] Hm, I wouldn't be opposed to you teaching me. I do not know much about the human body.

[Yuno looks at Soundwave, hands on her hips, before she smiles. It's so, so very easy to mess with him: but she'll play nice. It wouldn't do for people to start hating her off the bat, not when they are so fun compared to the monotony of her day to day life.

Here, the sky isn't washed grey, a coat of colour to everything around her. She could even get used to it.]

Then, mister Soundwave it is! [She easily bounces back, hands held behind her back.] And, I am glad! Yuno isn't always good at talking to people her age~

Yes? [She replies to the title, near instinctual-ly.] Oh, I'll be more than happy to! Is there a type of shampoo or conditioner you like? Ah, but since this is new for you, perhaps we need to start from scratch...

[Yuno chatters on and on, about brands and skincare products, with the enthusiasm of a scientist who discovered the cure for cancer.]

...Ah! Right.

[Stopping herself all of a sudden, Yuno brings her hands before her.]

Mister Soundwave, why did you come here? To Rosavelle?

[Lucky for Yuno that she could get away messing with him. Unlike the Soundwave in the past, this Soundwave is considerably chill.

While Soundwave is not particularly talkative, he gives Yuno his utmost attention and listens as she begins to explain, even slowing down on his task. ... Well, he tries to listen, as he's having a bit of a rough time trying to keep up with her chatter.

Without his mechanoid brain, it's... Difficult to keep up with the brands and products she's listing. Hell, he doesn't know what a conditioner is... His head is starting to spin from the information overload. At least she's enthusiastic about it, and he's honestly impressed by how long she can keep talking. What was it she said earlier...? That she's not good at talking to people her age? Well, never mind that he isn't anywhere close to her age bracket, but she sure seems to be a good talker.

When Yuno suddenly changes the subject, he tilts his head to the side.]

I realized I needed a vacation after years of nonstop work. When I received the invitation, I thought... This is my chance to get away from my duties and go on a vacation. For a little while. That's about it.

[And here he is, working as a volunteer to harvest some honey. You can take the Soundwave out of his workplace, but you can't take away the workaholic in him.]

What about you, miss Yuno?

Oh, little ol' me?

[Yuno's rambling halts to a stop, as she looks at Soundwave, a curious expression on her face. It's strange—lacking the cheer she'd usually have, expression dulled and near... bitter.]

Well... calling it a vacation wouldn't be that far off. [Yuno smiles, wryly.] I guess... My life just got real bothersome.

[It's as though the air around them had chilled a few degrees, as her voice becomes deeper, tone sharper. A blink-and-you'll-miss-it mirage—]

Oh, and, on the whole... I can be around people who are fun! [She bounces back immediately, tone saccharine anew.] Isn't it exciting to think about? I get to meet people my age, make sure to make friends... all that good stuff. Adults always complain about friends being hard to make once you're out of college, so this seemed like a good deal.

I get to meet good people, like you, mister Soundwave.

[She grins, fox-like, as if nothing had ever happened.]

[Before Yuno even speaks, he realizes something is off about the girl just by her expression alone. It's the lack of cheer on her face, as if she's just dropped a facade she's been keeping up. It's as if he's staring at an entirely different girl than the one who had been chatting to him.

Then, she answers...

....

Soundwave is attentive. Now that he's looking directly at her, paying attention to her, it's difficult to miss the chill and the sharp tone.

It's a bit odd to see her immediately switch up to her usual cheer and sweet voice after that. Even with a smile on her face, he can sense something cynical from her. He wonders.... Was that coldness he felt her true self? Or just another facade? He's curious about what had gotten her life so troublesome, but he's not sure if this is something he should be prying into someone he just met.

So, all he does is nod at the end.]

Ah... I'm not sure if I can call myself a good person. Nor am I fun to be around.

[Unless the fun is at his expense, which... Yeah, valid.]

But I would not be opposed to being friends with you, Miss Yuno. [For millions of years, making friends with someone especially anyone in his faction, was a death sentence. A weakness that could easily be exploited against him.

Nowadays, he's glad that he doesn't have to be too wary and completely close himself off from making new bonds with others. Even if Yuno had displayed something odd earlier.

Now, how to solidify a friendship. Ah... He remembers a certain human tradition. Fully turning to face Yuno, he holds his less sticky hand up for a handshake, all formal-like.]

Let us enjoy this vacation together as... Friends?

Edited 2026-04-08 11:00 (UTC)

[If anything, Yuno is likely thankful for the lack of prying, face returning to that ever persistent smile. She really is intent on acting as if nothing happened, yet again swaying back and forth, restless on her own feet.

Well... I think you are good. [Yuno tilts her head.] And, you are a person. And I've been having lots of fun!

[She giggles, hands coming to pat Soundwave gently on the head.]

So, for what it's worth... I don't care about what other people think. Soundwave is just Soundwave to Yuno!

[Yuno, speaks, matter-of-factly and bright, even as she starts to rearrange and place panels of honey back in place.

...

When she turns around yet again, she blinks at the offer.]

Oh! [She brings a hand to her cheek.] I thought we were friends already?

Jeez...

[She laughs, light-heartedly, taking Soundwave's hand on her own.] Boys, am I right...

[She's clearly joking, eyes softened as she looks at Soundwave.]

As friends, then. I'd drink to that, if I was old enough to do so~

[And yet, there's something warmer in her peppy persona, lurking under the waters like luminous jellyfish.]

Make sure to make lots of friends for Yuno, alright? [Smile smile.] That way, I won't have to worry about you being asocial!

[It's nice of her to say that. Really, it is. But Yuno doesn't know his history - it's easy to say that. Just as she doesn't disclose why her life was troublesome, he won't disclose his bloody history to her. In fact, it's probably best she doesn't know.

That said, while he reluctantly accepts being called good, he still isn't sure about being a fun person at all. Just as he's about to speak, Yuno's hand is suddenly atop his head... patting him? He stares at her, incredulous, and there's a small delay as his cheeks starts to burn a bright shade of pink again.]

... Mm.

[Soundwave was about to argue against him being fun, but what Yuno just did sapped away whatever argument he had. Why did that headpat feels so nice? ... He kinda wants her to do jt again but is too embarrassed to ask.

.... And they're already friends? When did that happen? Well, at least with the handshake, they're now formally friends.

Soundwave blinks listlessly at the boys joke. He recognizes what she said is meant to be in jest, but.... he's not exactly sure what's so funny about that. Alas, any gendered jokes will fly completely past his head.]

I'll drink for you, then. I'm old enough.

[He might get kick out of the bar due to his looks. But anyway, he doesn't smile much, but his expression does fall a little at her suggestion.]

Yuno, you've given me a difficult task...

[He doesn't know how to make friends... Okay, he's made friends with Yuno, but he's not exactly sure how it happened.]

Edited 2026-04-08 12:08 (UTC)

[Yuno, in her ignorance, will treat Soundwave like she would anyone else: and the same will be true vice versa. As strangers, they are yet stripped of the layers that complicates contact, unmarred by preconceptions of each other.

And yet, it feels as though Yuno means what she says—even if it's a dedicated lie, built piece by piece like a milky white puzzle.

Fake or real, it's constructed with care.]

Wait, really? [Yuno's eye go wide at Soundwave's words.] How old are you? You don't seem all that older than me...

[She seems genuinely surprised, at that.]

And, well... Hehe. [Smiling apologetically at Soundwave's words, she brings a hand to her hair.] It wouldn't be a favour if it wasn't challenging, wouldn't it?

Four million years old.

[Once again, he answers with a straight face, not a hint of lie or a joke that seeks to make the other laugh. Because... Why would he lie about that? Of course, the four million years do not translate to his current look at all. He can't exactly show proof of his age, either, so... All he has right now is his own words.

Oh, so she knows he's going to have trouble making friends on his own, doesn't she... That apologetic smile won't help her. For that, he gives her forehead a light poke.]

I make no promises that I'll be able to make "lots of friends" for Yuno.

[Ah! Awkward...]

Wait, really? [She blurts out, if only out of instinct.] Woa... And yet, your skin is flawless!

[This girl has odd priorities.]

Aw... [Yuno pouts.] Not even five friends? Three? Or even one? It'll be fun, I promise!

[That really isn't the problem here...]

I... I see. Thank you?

[Out of anything he could've anticipated for Yuno to say or react, he certainly didn't expect that! Why the focus on the skin... Although, given her rambling earlier, perhaps it isn't so surprising.]

Yuno.... [He places a hand on her shoulder.] I do not know how to make friends. Or how to approach people with the intention of making friends.

[Maybe if there's something he wants out of someone, then maybe that's a reason to establish contact. Otherwise, he has no clue.]

Hm? What's that?

[Yuno looks at Soundwave, curious and amused by equal measure.]

Making friends is quite easy, I think. You just have to come up with them, maybe have one or two things you share in common, and make sure to talk to them. When you do, keep an open mind and engage with what they like.

In no time, if you hit it off, you will be the best of friends! [She grins, confident, as if it's the easiest thing on the world.] You have to be a little selfless, a little kind, and a little self aware... Crack a joke or two, you know?

It's something that takes practice, of course. [Her smile dims somewhat, melancholic.] It's never easy at first... But you have to try.

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