{ stroke of midnight }

[dreamposts]

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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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!

Comments

[flamekthunder]

[He's actually a little surprised to see Tifa react so strongly. He had a feeling if she noticed she would be displeased, but to be so aggressive...?

...

Not complaining.

If anything he now thinks the game is finally over and is about to once again cover her hand with his to keep her to him—]

—!? You—

[SHE'S OFF RUNNING AGAIN. Wow this takes him back.

With a new heat in his eyes, he stalks through the crowds, not caring if he has to shove or push aside people who get in his way. He is not letting her get too far this time. Seeing her enter the terrace, he follows swiftly after, glaring at anyone who even dares to think of doing similarly. And once he reaches the entrance, he drags down the ropes, closing the curtains as he also slams the doors shut behind him, ice forming around them to seal them shut.]

I think that's enough games.

[His voice may sound a little angry, but he isn't really...not at her, anyway.]

[starshower]

[She hears him coming long before he shows up—even over the music, Tifa would recognize those long, sturdy strides anywhere. But she simply stares out into the distance, looking to the gardens below and to the moons above them, pretending that she doesn't notice him as the drapes slide shut along with the doors, and she's forced to bite back her smile when she hears the crackling of ice forming.

But her shoulders shake slightly with a giggle when she hears how angry he sounds with her.

...

....

With a hand pressed dramatically to her chest, Tifa whirls around to face him, her good mood spreading golden stars around as her dress flairs outward.]

Oh, I'm sorry! I think you must have the wrong terrace.

[flamekthunder]

[...........

REALLY SHE'S STILL—

There's a slight twitch of his lips that's obscured by his mask, but because he loves his wife so very much, he just lets out a breath and runs a hand through his hair as he steps forward.]

...No, I have the right one.

[Step. Step. Step. Although not too heavy, his footfalls are slow and clear as he approaches her.]

Unless you were hoping for someone else.

[starshower]

[YES, SHE'S STILL.

With every step he takes towards her, Tifa takes a step away, her own light and careful, until she's backed up into the terrace's wall that she leans against. Already, her heart is racing, her cheeks flushed as she watches his imposing figure close in on her, and all she wants is to tear off his mask and kiss him in the privacy of their balcony, but she manages—by some miracle—to hold it together.

Hidden under her mask, he may spot the wicked gleam in her eye.]

I was told a prince would be meeting me here... I wasn't sure if he was going to come...!

[Tifa lets her eyes rove over him slowly.]

Would that be you?

[flamekthunder]

[So, he's supposed to be a prince, hm? He muses on that, thinking over his options as he continues until he's right in front of her, barely any distance between them as he leans an arm right alongside her head and leans over her.]

Would you be disappointed if I wasn't? Or... Not the kind of prince you were hoping for?

[starshower]

[She wonders if he can feel the heat radiating off of her as he leans over her, or if he can hear how fast her heart is beating with how close he's standing. Her fingers wrap around the rails of the balcony, and she meets his gaze, and even with the masks, her red eyes shimmer to match his bright blues.

Letting out an exhale, she feels her stomach flutter.]

... Why? What kind of prince are you?

[flamekthunder]

[Even if he couldn't, he already knows he's getting her excited, not backing off in the slightest as he smirks. His free hand reaches up to twirl a loose strand of long hair between his fingertips. ]

The kind who won't let go of what he's caught.

[starshower]

[There's a very heated pause as she watches her hair drape over his fingertips, and she can feel a shiver forming right at the center of the back of her neck, ready to spread across her back and arms the moment he speaks, and it erupts over her skin so violently that he'll feel her shudder lightly against him.

Inside, her emotions are in a turmoil—the want to throw the act away and the temptation to keep it going at war with one another, the latter seeming more impossible as the silence between them stretches on, but she knows that the end of it will make it worth the buildup.

...]

Are you going to be a gentleman and ask me to dance, then?

[flamekthunder]

[He can tell she's wrestling, and he just continues to push her a little.]

Depends on what kind of dance.

[He leans in close, their masks brushing against each other as his lips near her ears, his voice dark and low.]

The one I'm thinking of might be different from what you're asking...Princess.

[starshower]

[He'll hear her exhale when his low voice tickles her ear, and she allows herself to selfishly give in just a little, her body leaning towards his, head tipping in his direction to steal a brief moment of closeness. She knows he's testing her, seeing how far he can push her, and it's working...

... But they had better be careful, she has to remind herself. The night has only just begun and they are already toeing a dangerous line between staying and disappearing for the rest of the night, and she doesn't want to cut their time here so short.

Of course, that isn't to say that she will back away from the challenge he presents, and her curiosity and playfulness win out in the end.]

What kind of dance? And tread lightly, my lord... if that's even what you are.

[A scoundrel disguised as a prince, more like.]

Wouldn't wanna say anything unbecoming to a princess, would you?

[flamekthunder]

[Just a low, breathy chuckle as the hand that had been braced against the wall lowers to the other side of her face, gloved fingertips lightly brushing against her cheek down to the side of her neck.]

I don't really care...and I'm fairly certain you don't it, either.

[Maybe he's a scoundrel prince, who knows. But now his lips lightly brush against her ear, teeth lightly grazing the skin as he gives her a playful nip.]

[starshower]

[She knew he would be bold, but to be this audacious... This wolf!

Tifa gasps when she feels his teeth pull at her ear with a nip, and her head instinctively rolls aside for him, that thrill suddenly rising inside of her as she momentarily focuses on the sound of the music on the other side of the doors... And now they are only feet away from the rest of the party...

She braces herself between the wall and the railings, starflowers coiling around where her fingers grab for support before her knees can give way underneath her as he slowly turns her to putty right in the palm of his hands...

Tifa swallows thickly, trying to find her voice again as she forces herself to lean away from him... not that she'll manage to get far at all with how he's positioned in front of and over her.]

You should. What you say or do next will decide whether you get that dance or not...

[Oh, yes. She can be daring, too.]

[flamekthunder]

[Bold, audacious, shameless. She's the only one who will ever see this side of him, a side that no one would ever dare to even try and imagine.]

...So... What if I do this?

[And now he just stokes the flames further, his lips brushing against her skin, teeth lightly grazing against it. He is very tempted to bite her, but he at least has some awareness that he shouldn't...

....

Or should he, anyway? Seeing her with those other men already irritated him, even if it really shouldn't at this point. It was really more because he had wanted to spend time with her first, not let it be stolen away even if only for a few seconds. He's not that selfish................ Normally........

Whatever, he's going to tease and "punish" her a little for making him chase her like this, gently suckling and pressing the tip of his tongue against her skin as one hand firmly grips her waist as the other cups the other side of her cheek, tilting her head to expose more of her skin. He really won't leave a mark, but the threat is certainly there.]

[starshower]

[Maybe that's what she wants from him. Maybe that's why, despite her quiet protests that are barely more than a sigh, she lets him tip her head so that he can reach every inch of her throat that craves it, and leave a mark there, to let everyone know that she's spoken for. She really does want to dance with him and let him sweep her off her feet on the dance floor with all the other finely dressed people, but this... perhaps she can indulge just a little while they have some privacy...

If he really is a scoundrel, then maybe this is how her story goes. The innocent princess, wooed by a prince in disguise. Or so she thinks... The masks hide who they truly are, don't they? And that's part of the thrill of it all that has her leg shyly slipping out from under her dress to wrap around him, pulling him a little closer with just enough force while she grips the balcony for support with one hand, the other carding through his hair.

Finally, she finds her voice again, though it's airy, and her breath runs hot as she whispers near his ears.]

... What if someone finds us? I can't be seen doing something so...

[She can't even finish the thought.]

[flamekthunder]

[The more she gives, the more he readily takes—though it's clear he would have taken what he wanted regardless. A bit more force is applied on the next little bite as he pushes more against her, the feel of her racing pulse against his lips and her scent so sweet and strong to become overwhelming only spurring him on.]

Let them.

[Just a hoarse whisper as he can no longer hold back and kisses her roughly on the lips, tongue immediately pushing against them to pry them open as he hunts hers down, seeking the fullness of her taste. The hand closest to her raised leg grabs it, pulling her harder against him before sliding up her thigh to venture inside the slit fabric.

He knows he's being unreasonable and going further than intended—it's true, he just wanted to tease her a bit, rile her up and leave her wanting before leading her back inside for the promised dance...but of course he played himself. Of course his restraint would easily fray the more she keeps up with this little play of hers, of trying to resist. Perhaps he should be more ashamed of not being able to control himself, but she tempts him just as easily as he does her.

Only later will he realize that the twin full moons rising high in the night sky and illuminating their little corner, watching them like two desperate lovers succumbing to their desires, will have played a rather large part in all this...]

[starshower]

[Any louder and the sound she makes would have been heard by someone, no doubt, echoing off the walls that are now adorned with their flowers. A hand shoots up to cover her mouth to stifle it as his body presses to hers, trapping her against the wall with nowhere to go, but her struggle with herself is no use when he kisses her, and the sound is drowned into it instead. At this rate, someone must have heard her, but her mind is already spinning so fast that she doesn't even stop to think about it.

Not when she can taste him, or feel his powerful grip slide up her leg, closer to her burning center that's already screaming for him. Her own kisses and the way she grips him become a desperate plea, both with him to continue and with her to stop because someone will surely catch them eventually.

Yet, she can't. He's so intoxicating, and maybe this is her penance for making him chase her, or for asking him to play along. She's still trying to hold onto that character she's created, but slowly, it's beginning to dwindle along with her resolve as she presses back into him, her keens and purrs and nibbles on his lip meant to encourage him as her leg wraps around his waist to lock him in place...]

Eustace—

[Her breathless voice is cut off by the sudden sound of a click at the door, and muffled voices from the other side.

"It won't open!"

"Try again, honey."

RATTLE, RATTLE, RATTLE. As the ice slowly begins to crack...]

[flamekthunder]

[The heat around them is thick, those flowers spreading outward and overflowing over the railing. He's about to tear off both their masks, the desire to see the full extent of her expression high when he stiffens upon hearing the voices and the attempt to break the door.

...

Honestly he has half a mind of encasing it with an ice wall if only to allow them to continue, but he knows better. This...as much as it fits fairly well with her little play fantasy, it's not what they came for her.

Yet, anyway.

So there is real deliberation as he grinds his teeth, the fingertips now at her hip digging a little into her skin as his eyes lock onto hers through the masks. His desire and frustration is clear in that gaze, of how much he would rather take her away and continue. It's worsened and actually seems as if he really will keep going as his hand gropes higher, teasing the lace band hidden beneath.]

...We'll have to continue this later, Princess.

[A soft whisper, one last kiss. And then he pulls away, sliding his hand back down to her thigh to gently lower it down before he gives her space to straighten up, one hand still remaining at her waist as he still doesn't want to let her go completely.]

[starshower]

[Even Tifa, who is absolutely frozen in fear as the door continues to shake, doesn't want this to end. She prays to herself that the couple will move on and try a different door when this one doesn't open, but she knows that isn't the case. She whines when she feels him squeeze her hip, and how he teases her beneath the dress and with his words with a promise of what's to come, and she chases him with that one last kiss before—

"Ah, there we go!"

It's just as Eustace is lowering her leg and Tifa tries to hastily straighten her dress that the ice shatters and the door swings open at last, the curtains billowing outward as they find themselves standing across from another masked couple who are likely just as shocked to find that there are people out there.

And that Tifa's lipstick is smudged across her lips, her mask is crooked, and her dress in a bit of a disarray.

"Oh, um... s-sorry, we thought that the doors were just—"

Tifa loops her arm through Eustace's and with her other hand and gives him a gentle pull.]

No, it's fine! [Why is her voice so high!?] We were just leaving...!

[But Tifa remains paralyzed with embarrassment. Eustace might have to actually lead her out...]

[flamekthunder]

[There is a slight frosty glare at them because how dare they not get the hint and interrupt them, but it eventually fades as he helps guide Tifa out, keeping her on the inside towards the wall so he can hide her a little as they walk away. After some distance, he leans down a little towards her.]

Should we find a restroom?

[A light smirk. Really he could use it, too, as some of her lipstick was smudged around his lips.]

[starshower]

[She appreciates the way that he protects her from their gazes that she knows are following them, and as he leans over her, she pauses, finding a quieter place around the edge of the dancefloor near the wall. Fortunately, all the dancers are too busy to pay any attention to them, and with the masks, she feels a little more confident, so she takes hold of his collar to pull her down to him... almost like she's going to kiss him...

And instead, she swipes a gloved finger over his lips with a laugh.]

Mm. I think we should.

[Her dress is still a bit... twisted and crooked, her hair a tiny bit tangled, and her lips are still smudged in red lipstick, so yes... she'll need to fix a lot of things.

But behind her mask, there's still a shy gleam to her eyes as she tacks on at the end:]

... My prince.

[flamekthunder]

[A light quirk of his lips. It's a good thing her hands are gloved or he would have tried something else with them...]

Are you still so certain I am one?

[starshower]

[Tifa rolls her shoulders in a light, casual shrug, but she's biting down on her lip to stifle a smile.]

Don't know. You haven't told me, but that's part of the mystery, isn't it?

[Still on the fence about whether or not he's a pirate in disguise, or if he truly is a prince who's met his match, but she has all night to figure this one out.

With her finger lingering on his lips, wishing that she wasn't wearing the glove so that she could feel their soft warmth instead, she resists the urge to lean in and kiss them and breaks her gaze away to search the ballroom.]

Now where can a... refined lady get cleaned up around here?

[She clears her throat and runs a hand over her dress to straighten it out again.]

[flamekthunder]

[There might have been a soft snort at the "refined" part. Sorry, Tifa, but he can only play along so much—

Ahem.]

We can try down this way... Might run into someone who can help.

[And just continues to lead her down along the side of the ballroom towards the back where there are a few corridors and hallways, one of which a few of the staff can be seen walking out with trays in their hands. Surely one of them will have a washroom of some kind somewhere.]

[starshower]

[HEY! She's just going to pretend he didn't laugh at her, or that she didn't hear him, but as she wraps her arm through his, she does give it a bit of a nudge.

But as they wander further into the hallways, passing the staff along the way, she hides next to him, tucking herself close as if that will make her less noticeable. The mask certainly helps, but every time she meets their eyes, she feels the flush in her face grow hotter and deeper.]

Oh. [She motions up ahead where there's a small sign in front of a door.] Over there? Only one, but... that's fine, yeah?

[They're just straightening themselves out... That's it. Nothing else. And she'll start to pick up the pace, wanting to get herself cleaned up as soon and as quickly as possible.]

[flamekthunder]

Hmm...

[A sly, wolfish grin.]

Should we go in together?

[That is a terrible idea and he knows it, but he is finding a lot of joy in seeing how she reacts to all his provocation.]