songerein | { stroke of midnight }

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{ stroke of midnight }

STROKE OF MIDNIGHT

Although the Masquerade is being held on the night of the Fourteenth, some new problems arise in the days after. This log is split into two sections, the Masquerade and Around Town. Everyone is free to participate in either or both, whichever catches your interest.

More details on everything can be found here and here. As a reminder, events double as our TDMs and information can be found here with arrival details here. Any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in February and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of February 14 through 28. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count February as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Wednesday, February 22nd and Applications will open on March 1. Our next cycle after won't be until JULY.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view, updated 02/22)

Avatar: The Legend of Korra - Korra
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Iroh
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night - Miriam
Chainsaw Man - Power
Dr. STONE - Dr. Senku Ishigami
Elsworld - Noah Ebalon (Nyx Pieta)
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core - Zack Fair
Final Fantasy XIV - Erichthonios
Final Fantasy XV - Noctis Lucis Caelum
Final Fantasy XV - Prompto Argentum
Genshin Impact - Shikanoin Heizou
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist - Solanaceae
Katekyou Hitman Reborn - Hayato Gokudera
Kingdom Hearts - Ienzo
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Link
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Sheik
Marvel Cinematic Universe - Kate Bishop
NieR: Automata - 9S
Percy Jackson & the Olympians - Jason Grace
Percy Jackson & the Olympians - Nico di Angelo
Persona 3: FES - Shinjiro Aragaki
SinoAlice - Sleeping Beauty
Tales of Arise - Shionne Vymer Imeris Daymore
Tales of Symphonia - Kratos Aurion
Tales of Symphonia - Martel Yggdrasil
Tales of Zestiria - Mikleo
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Sena
Your Wings and Mine - Shealtiel

We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

I. MASQUERADE

It's time for the masquerade and the carriages will start arriving before sunset. Upon arrival, everyone who leaves the carriage (or mercilessly spat out if they try to resist) will be greeted by fairy godmothers with an eye for the most dramatic and extravagant fashion. It's a masquerade, after all! For those who already arrive with their outfits, the fairy godmothers may add a little embellishment here and or just change it completely if they think it could look better. For those who did not, they will create a whole new outfit that would fit the wearer perfectly—with magic of course. They will also create the masks and half of the glass slipper brooch that everyone will wear. The masks are enchanted so that regardless of obvious personality or physical traits, they are somehow unrecognizable at first. While it is possible to figure it out through interaction, or if it's someone they already know well, it's more likely they need to reveal their identity first. These outfits can be kept even after the masquerade is over.

A. Get in the Carriage. As the pegasus drawn carriages begin to arrive to transport those who have decided to attend the masquerade, there is some commotion from others. The pair of coach mice—who are only about four feet tall—can be found smiling and cheerily squeaking about the masquerade as they grab and literally throw protesting individuals into the carriage, whereupon the door will immediately shut behind them. Ho ho ho, it'll be such a grand time! Will anyone try to help the poor soul? Or perhaps help the mice? Maybe you're a struggling victim instead. Should anyone want to try and drive the carriage, they might have a chance…but good luck having the pegasi listen to them. Eventually the carriage will land and take them to the front of the castle where the masquerade is hosted.

B. Half of a Pair. Near the entrance, everyone is encouraged to pull out one or more of the shoe brooches contained in a large bowl. The rules are simple: 1) use the brooch to lead them to the person wearing the other half; 2) spend whatever time or activity with them, be it general socializing, a dance, a walk in the gardens; 3) keep the brooch or return it to a designated "Used" bowl. The brooches will absorb whatever kind of dreamotion energy is formed between the two, and the stronger it is, the brighter (if positive) or darker (if negative) it will glow. The interaction can be romantic, platonic, or hostile. For those who do happen to "click" and wish for some privacy, there are numerous terraces and balconies available. Some are public, but there are quite a few with curtains, so be sure to close them to signal the balcony is occupied!

C. Dancing in the Air. The main draw will be the dance floor, and the ballroom is wide and spacious to accommodate numerous pairs to dance to their hearts' content—the music is played by enchanted instruments so they'll keep going without much of a break! Of course, what makes this dance floor truly special is how it uses dreamotion energy to lift everyone up—literally. Pairs who are having a fun time may find themselves floating up and dancing in the air instead of on the ground. Somehow they can maintain some balance…but it's just as easy to lose it.

D. Royal Banquet. There are numerous tables one can use and be served an assortment of foods. In fact, one could make special requests and somehow the dragons serving will be able to make it, or at least as close as possible. One just has to imprint the idea of the dish onto a special card that the chefs will use to recreate it. There are also two bowls filled with special tear drop chocolates, one with only white, pink, and red, and the other filled with the other colors. The "game" is to randomly choose one from each bowl and share a kiss depending on what is picked.

E. Out in the Gardens. Every castle has extravagant gardens, and this one is no different. Filled with numerous pink, red, and white flowers, the gardens have their typical fare…with not so typical effects.

Extravagant mazes that one could easily get lost in are common, but what's special about these gardens is that the flowers will emit a soft, sweet scent that will feel as if they are walking through a dream. In fact, the section they are going through will begin to change to look like a place from their world and must now find their way out. When this change happens, only those who are in the area will be affected and no one else can enter the area until the main person affected gets out. Those inside can help, and there are no threats—it's all in simple fun…unless the place evokes certain memories and emotions for the person. Might not be as fun for them, then.
A crystal greenhouse where the temperature is perfectly warm (or cold!) and houses various different flowers. Here some may recognize flowers from their world, the scents also creating nostalgia. There are instructions left that indicate anyone can try to help grow the flowers. The key ingredient will be dreamotion energy, and should they succeed in creating a blossom, a small marble containing a symbol of their home. There are also special daisies that can be used to play the "they love me they love me not" game. If the last petal is "they love me," then become extra flirty and clingy. If it's "love me not," they become angry, jealous, and possessive. The effects only last for a short time…unless they keep plucking flowers.
The white fountain in the center of the gardens will have a bit of a musical playful side. It will splash colorful water at any who pass by, chime-like notes playing out as it does. But if one were to drop a flower that has absorbed positive dreamotion into its water, it will calm and let people sit to look and relax. There is also a strange frog wearing a crown that claims to be a prince. For those who believe its words that a kiss will free him from the curse, they will be sorely disappointed as nothing happens and the frog just laughs and hops away.

II. AROUND TOWN

A. Mask Up. Attracted by the masquerade, some enchanted masks have found their way to town and are now finding their way onto people, be it by tricking their victims to be put on or just forcibly latching themselves on. Depending on the type of mask, the wearer will behave based on a festive, dramatic emotion. While wearing the mask, the dreamotion that is projected is stronger. Examples are angry emotions will cause tremors and cracks on the ground, happiness could blind people or will cause confetti to fly everywhere, while sad ones will cause clouds and drizzling rain to appear overhead. The only way to remove it is to somehow make the other person feel the opposite of whatever emotion the mask is using. Once the mask’s emotion is countered and stabilized, it could be removed or even fall off if the countering emotion is strong enough. Masks can also be captured and collected before they attach to someone.

B. Special Messages. Throughout the month, valentine's are being delivered to people all over town. Some are even receiving some from the fae and dragons who live outside… Perhaps some caution should be had from those. Regardless, while the messages are brimming with both platonic and romantic (and questionable) love, the messengers are a bit… Well they need help.

Insightful Mockingbirds. Special mockingbirds are flying around and perch on random shoulders. They have the ability to "read" a person's thoughts and repeat them out loud. Without warning. Hope there aren't any secrets because that bird is going to make it public, especially if it's an observation or thought—good or bad—about another person. Good luck shooing it away, too—it'll stick around for a while because it might enjoy sowing this bit of chaos.
Arrow Delivery. The group from last year have decided to use their prank arrows for good and start a business in delivering special Valentine's messages via arrow. A "shot to the heart" in the less literal sense this time! While some of their archers are skilled, others are…less so. Some are hitting a bit too close to comfort or way off the mark. Some messages are going to the wrong person entirely. Help avoid, retrieve, or even deliver these messages around town.

C. Candy Kisses. A special assortment of flat bottomed, tear shaped chocolates are currently selling like hotcakes and can be found practically everywhere. Their main selling point is they come in different colors and each color has a special effect that will make the eater want to kiss the person near them in a certain way (see chart). Some people are deliberately swapping the wrappers around, so be careful!

D. Bleeding Hearts Return. It's Valentine's, yet Cupid is nowhere to be seen. That is because he's still corrupted from last year and now he's thirsting for love, any love. Using the Bleeding Hearts from last year, Cupid is using them to gather all that jealous, possessive love, but of course that's going to make it worse. We're not tackling Cupid here, but the main goal will be helping those who are afflicted by the Bleeding Hearts and purifying them via dreamotion instead of just destroying them. Purifying the Bleeding Hearts with pure love—romantic, platonic, familial, reminders of how they are loved and cared for by others—will help Cupid. Of course this could backfire and make the person feel worse, so be careful!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Not easy, sure... but I wouldn't call it an especially hard life, either. We can get by on a lot less than humans- we don't have to eat or sleep if we don't want to. We can go where we wish without being noticed. All we really need is in the world around us. And of course we can talk to each other. It's not a bad time.

[He lifts his shoulders in a slight shrug. It's undeniably lonely at times, sure, but seraphim are built even for isolation. Most get by living within their own domain, or enshrined with humans to worship and grant them power, like the Lords of the Land. And then there's those like him, who have learned how to get by just fine wandering the world. It could be better. But it could absolutely be worse.

The idea of being more easily seen is a weird one. It's the goal of purifying Maotelus, though... maybe he can think of this as a trial run of what life will (hopefully) be like when Sorey wakes up.]

It certainly doesn't sound it if you put it that way. Especially, if you can go wherever you please and sleep when you want to. The possibilities seem endless.

[ Imagine what she can do if those sort of things didn't affect her! She'd get so much done! Alas, that's how it is and she doesn't dislike her way of living either. There's a lot that she can still do and eventually, she'd like to be able to return and continue her own goals.

She is grateful that Mikleo is open about explaining all of this. She sort of just stared asking questions without thinking. ]

It's convenient for researching, that's for sure. I could read all night if I wanted to and not even notice until the sun came up.

[It's a shame he could never go to a proper school. He'd be the most annoyingly studious.]

[ If they were actually allies or friends, she certainly has teased him a little for saying something like that, given how endless his time is.

There are plenty of amazing things someone could do with all that time. He'd most definitely be annoyingly studious and probably as much as her brother if anything. They'd get along. ]

Quite simple aren't we? The research must be quite dense if you could read until the sun rises.

[ At least, he gets a laugh from her. She can't say she won't bury herself in research either when it comes to thin pertaining to Eorzea. ]

Depends on the type of research. Individual seraphim have different ideas about what's interesting, just as much as humans do.

[Or... whatever her species is. People don't have ears like hers back home unless they're hellions, and she doesn't feel like one. Though that doesn't always mean anything.]

Sleeping can be kind of nice too, though. I grew up with a mortal, and nights were boring if I stayed up while he was asleep, so I got used to sleeping, too.

[Been a very long time since he followed such a strict schedule, granted, but he still rested when he was tired, so in that sense, it isn't terribly different.]

What kind of research do Seraphim do?

[ She tilts her head to the side in question. There's all kinds of research in Eorzea too. Anything from studying theories to other topics if interest. Alisaie can't say she hasn't buried her face into books and fell asleep while reading them.

If he's ever so curious about what she is, he's free to ask and she'd answer him all the same. She might be insulted if he grouped her in with hellions, though. (Whenever she learns about that!) ]

A moment's respite is rewarding after long days of travel and labor. He can see and hear you then? I really you mentioned something about not being seen.

[ Something, something resonance. She remembers a little of what he said earlier. ]

Edited 2023-02-24 07:27 (UTC)

Whatever kind of research we like. It really depends on the seraph. For me personally, I enjoy studying history, ancient ruins and old civilizations. I like languages and seraphic- er, magic techniques, as well.

[As for her next question... he makes a thoughtful noise.]

For those with strong enough spirituality, natural resonance, or time spent existing alongside seraphim, seeing and hearing us is possible. In his case, it was all three. He was the only human in a village of seraphim. Because he was around us all the time, ever since he was a baby, he could interact with us like it was normal, when most of the human world couldn't.

[ Alisaie nodded thoughtfully to his words as he explained what he liked to study. It makes her somewhat intrigued by what kind of history and magick techniques a world like his has. He mentioned something about seraphic, but she didn't ask since he changed the wording. ]

Aye, it sounds quite intriguing. What kinds of magic techniques? I've learned that magic works differently in other worlds.

[ Most of her abilities are drawn from aether. She notices the sound he makes on the question, and tilts her head curiously. ]

Is that how it works? I suppose it makes sense. When one is exposed to all of that. He seems quite talented.

[ She crosses her arms as he explains the person to her. ]

Well... he does alright.

[He makes an amused noise, the jab towards his friend more playful than critical. He's quite fond of that one, turns out.]

As for magic, it varies. Any seraph has basic control over the element they were born from, and can infuse their power with elements adjacent to them. I'm a water seraph, so I can summon and control water and ice around me, and with enough development, some water artes can carry aspects of earth and fire. One's opposing element is harder to synchronize with, so I don't have much to do with wind. A seraph with more experience can go beyond all kinds of limits, though.

I pray you aren't pulling my leg. From what you stated, he doesn't seem to be just, alright.

[ She can hear the amused noise he makes and plays along with it. Her tone is light hearted as well. Something she certainly would say to her brother too. Alphinaud would be even more interested in this topic than she is on that note. ]

If he is alright, I can't imagine what your definition of exceptional is.

[ Primals had those kinds of abilities to shake up the elements. He might be quite a formidable opponent in battle if he can control the water and ice around him. Alisaie truly seems intrigued by that. Even more, so that he doesn't look any different from a Hyur. ]

I suppose that does make sense. Quite formidable to be able to carry aspects of other elements. [ She's pretty sure this person isn't a stranger to battle, given his detailed explanation. ]

I guess you could say, it didn't seem all that exceptional while we were growing up because it was something he could always do, and he was the only human around. It's only when we left home and found out how many people couldn't see me that he really stood out.

[In the spiritual sense, that is. Sorey's always stood apart for him, but to say so too much would surely give him an ego, so better to take him down a peg or two once in a while, between the compliments.]

And it's just how magic works in my world, that's all. Anyone who focuses on one thing too much is bound to be outmatched eventually. There are plenty of monsters out there who aren't weak to water.

[ Well, he earns a chuckle from her for that statement. Sounds like Mikleo really does think highly of this person and just has a strange way of expressing it. Alisaie can't say she hasn't said similar things. She can tell that this person must be very important to Mikleo.

She just shrugs and saves some of her own teasing comments for another time. They're not well acquainted for her to throw jabs at a stranger. Not that it will cost her anything, since they both have masks on. It's a tempting thought. ]

That goes with anything, no? There's no growth if you just focus on one thing. You seem quite exceptional yourself by the sounds of it.

[ He has a point and Alisaie knows well how that is. Focusing on one thing will not get her anywhere either. It's good to have other experiences, hence why she tries so hard to improve herself. ]

Edited 2023-03-14 05:06 (UTC)

[He smiles at that, resisting the urge to look smug about it - she has no real basis for that belief, so no need to get an ego of his own - but if his shoulders lift a little at the compliment, well. It's nobody's business.]

You're awfully trusting. I could just be filling your head with stories of my own accomplishments.

[Not that he would, but he's also given her no evidence of his strength, nevermind his element. Considering she can see him just fine, he doesn't even have his invisible-spirit trait to fall back on.]

[ He isn't the first person to say that to her and he won't be the last. He seems honest and genuine so far. He hasn't given her a reason to distrust him at the moment. ]

Well, you haven't given me a reason to not be and even if you did--

[ She pauses before adding, her tone is a little teasing. This much she can show. She's also making these assumptions by what she's hearing, thus she won't blame him anyway. ]

I don't see why you can't discuss about your accomplishments.

[Even from a stranger, it's nice to be trusted a bit. Especially considering this conversation started by him unintentionally creeping on her, a habit he'll have to try hard to break here. You never know who'll have resonance in this place. (Spoiler: he will not break it fast enough.)]

I'm not really one to brag. I would ask for your name, though. I'm Mikleo by the way.

[ After all the detailed explanations he offered, she could see why he had been up in her personal space. If he hadn't withdrawn when he did, she might have taken action.

It's not bad having a conversation with someone who is eager to share detailed information about their world. She didn't feel any hostility from him either. (She'll just have to gently remind him about personal space!) ]

Humble, aren't we?

[ Bragging once in a while isn't bad. When he asked for her name, she parted her lips to provide it, but pauses as he mentioned his. That name awfully sounded familiar. She's quite sure that they have never met before. After a moment of debate, she gives him a full once over in detail. Mayhap, she's now a little too close. The mask is troublesome so she can't makenoit his face. The name clicks in the next few seconds. ]

Mikleo, you said?

[ She repeats his name. That brown haired guy mentioned a lot of things about 'Mikleo,' but is this the same one? It certainly doesn't sound like a common name. She keeps giving him odd looks though, as if trying to decipher something. ]

[Wow and he introduced himself so politely and everything! So rude. His brows furrowed, confused as to what might be a puzzle with his name, but nods anyway.]

That's what I said, yes.

[What's her problem? It's not a weird name! Perfectly normal for a seraph.]

[ She will eventually tell him her name. She might even apologized for her rudeness, but at the moment, she's more curious about this situation.

She puts her hands on her hips and stared at him for a bit longer before speaking. It will be strange if she asks Mikleo to take off his mask so she can see his face. Instead, she opts for an alternative question. ]

You've no obligation to answer this, but does this mortal you mentioned have brown hair, green eyes, and mayhap have a foot in his mouth when he speaks?

[The scrutiny is a little disconcerting, though he has no room to judge since he did it first. He had a good reason for it, though, so he stands there uncomfortably and waits for her to give hers.

And when she does, his eyes immediately go wide, leaning in with an urgency that brushes up against desperation. It could be a coincidence, sure, but her description is too spot on, combined with the rest of their conversation. It could be-]

Sorey! You've seen Sorey!? Where is he?

[Wait, could he be here? Quite suddenly everything else they might have discussed falls to the wayside, including her name. Nothing matters except her answer to this.]

[ There is no ill intention behind her looking at him, truly.

Alisaie wasn't expecting such a strong response. However, it's more than enough proof that they knew each other and and he's the Mikleo that (the now named) Sorey had earnestly talked about.

She stepped back at his urgent response and looks thoughtful for a moment, before answering his question. She understands the feeling or urgency when it comes to people she cared about. It must be something like that. ]

I have encountered him once when traversing a train a while back. I haven't seen him since then. Given all the festivities, I'm certain he'd be drawn to it like many here, willingly or not.

[ She eyes the ballroom. Well, she can say that they still don't look that similar. She doesn't seem too worried since the brown haired youth seemed fine after their encounter. ]

Edited 2023-03-14 19:57 (UTC)

[Yeah, sorry, Alisaie. This is suddenly, literally all he cares about, and he's looking around as well. Sorey! Sorey could be here! After so long, after hundreds of years, he might-]

I-I'm sorry, I have to go. Nice talking to you-

[Yeah, he's already walking away. He's not normally this rude, but let's go ahead and call this an unforeseen circumstance... he has to find Sorey right now.]

W-Wait-- where are you--?

[ Well she doesn't get a chance to get a word out before he's already walking away. While she can understand the reasoning behind his curt response, it still rubbed her the long way and well, since she can relate, she strides on after him. She'll probably help him look for Sorey if anything. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ stroke of midnight }

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wish it was in her vocabulary to straight up call him a nerd. lol XD

she needs to meet edna :P

She'd be besties with Edna. Lol 😆.

a terrifying combination for this one, surely

lolol indeed! fun times. oops I noticed I made a writing booboo ff.

all good i probably didnt even notice lol

lollll you saw nothing~ lol. ty

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Here we goooooo~

mehehe

Lol that laugh 😆 I'm sorry Sorey haaaa

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