songerein | { stroke of midnight }

Entry tags:

{ 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

[She respects that. They both likely know she would have turned him down. Not because she doesn't care for him or trust him. It would never have anything to do with that. It is simply that in some ways where she has grown a great deal, evidently her perception of self is still moving at a snail's pace.

It may be fortunate circumstance that's brought her to the present moment, but it does mean something that she's able to be so forward about it all.

At his inquiry, she shakes her head.]

No. Nothing like that. If anything, there have been a decent number of people here who have not recognised me and that has made it a little easier to break out of my mould. At least, so has gone the attempt. You are not the first I have approached for such a matter on this occasion.

Oh? So I wasn't your first choice...

[He's feigning disappointment, but really he doesn't sound like it at all.]

Who else have you approached?

[And now they're on the dance floor, so he'll turn to properly take position, his hand holding hers and the other behind her back like a true gentleman.]

[He manages to snag a gentle laugh out of her. Even a subtle shade of colour, which even she doesn't exactly expect. He's teasing and she knows it, but she can't imagine anyone else ever saying something like that to her and meaning it.

As he takes her into his hold, proper as it may be, she has a thought to sternly remind him that she leads. Instead of that ever coming up to escape her, however, she is caught up in his question.]

Hm... I could not recognise them all, I do not think. The nature of things made it quite convenient to approach others. As many have oft interrupted my train of thought as I wallflowered, I felt it was the time to reciprocate. That said, I believe I danced with Tifa. Possibly... Trahearne? Since I did not dance with him at your wedding, I danced with Dohalim as well. I am doing my very best to be on good behaviour.

So I'm fourth...

[Again teasing a little. But he's actually impressed by the number. It's three more than he would have expected.]

Although I didn't know it at the time, I did see you dancing with Tifa, so I can confirm that. I've also danced with Trahearne so I could point him out to you if you also want confirmation.

[And too bad Beatrix, the music started and he's leading. Though if she really wanted to he would allow her.]

Did you ask Dohalim or did he ask you?

I think it may be better for me to not necessarily know who I was dancing with. I may feel a little less embarrassment by embracing ignorance.

[And even if they recognised her, she'd like it if people would simply pretend tonight didn't happen. Will it actually end up that way? Not likely. Those who know her seem to enjoy prodding at her. Out of affection, it seems.]

I would not say there was asking involved. [She answers him with some relative ease.] I have been relatively commanding tonight. Easier to be that way when the others do not know who I am. Including Dohalim, though I suppose I have always been that way with him.

[Aaah... A knowing nod and amused grin.]

I see. That's not a bad way to go about it, really. And? Have you been enjoying your little experiment?

I... have.

[She's thoughtful in the midst of giving such an answer. Not because it isn't true, but because she's thinking about how to explain it. She doesn't have to, really. Eustace isn't the type to ask and she can't imagine the details mean terribly much to him. Sometimes it's less about the journey when it comes to Beatrix's complexities and simply more about the end result.]

Would that we could have more occasions like this one, honestly. Unlikely that we will, so I must needs take advantage of this one where I may.

[Just a slight arch of the brow that is obscured by the mask.]

I'm a little surprised to hear you say this. I wouldn't have imagined it the first day we met.

It is a little different when it is not tied to my obligations, or to my position.

[After some moments of consideration, Beatrix continues. She has spent a lot of time choosing very deliberately not to share her feelings on this, that, or the other thing. Most often acting as though she hardly has an opinion.]

Before I came here, I spent so long tied to that, that I do not think I knew who I was. Perhaps I did not remember. Not that I can recall now. Only that it is nice, at times, to have the freedom to make these choices for myself. I love my queen. I love my people. I love my kingdom. No one should ever think otherwise. A part of me, however, also loves my person.

[Although it seems to be conjecture only. Perhaps that is better than nothing.]

[It's an important step, and one he understands. His reasons where different, but he know what it feels like to be tied to a certain identity or motivation for so long that once you're free of it, trying to find oneself again is difficult. So he just hums in quiet recognition.]

You may not think so, but from what I've seen and understanding your position well... You've come a long way since that day, and I can see how you've found more of yourself. Perhaps more than you even realize or are willing to admit.

And really, that alone is enough. Those first steps are the hardest one can take.

It is possible. I would find it difficult to completely disregard your insight.

[After all, Eustace sees a part of her that she cannot. He's always been able to. He and the others, of course. They all can see things that she can't. To a point, she has to be willing to acknowledge that. It's taken her quite some time to reach that point, as well.]

It is an interesting thing, to be able to step back and take observation how one can change over time. It is possible that it may be more obvious to you than it is to me. In many ways, I do not feel different. Perhaps a touch more tolerant.

[A small laugh.]

Being a "touch more tolerant" is already a large step. But I understand the feeling. It's more obvious now, but there was a time when I didn't really think I changed all that much aside from being a "touch more tolerant." However I would keep hearing otherwise, and I had to acknowledge that even that small change was noticeable for others...and that small change led to further, greater ones.

Perhaps you won't go much further than now, but as I said—sometimes it's enough.

[The parallels betwixt them have always been interesting. Drawn together by being so similar in personality and approach. Eustace depicting what she could grow into being if she would only allow it to happen. But maybe it is enough. It is likely that no one else can determine that save herself.

She has no idea how to make that determination.]

You always have been filled with words of wisdom, Eustace. [She replies with some consideration.] I will have to take these and hold them with the other ones. I do not doubt that any of the changes I have experienced have likely been a result of being familiar with you.

[That's always the "fun" part of any path to development. Regardless of their similarities, Eustace is also aware that they will never follow the exact same path. Perhaps they will parallel and crossover, but he knows better than anyone that all he can give Beatrix is "potential"—a possibility that she could reach if she desired. At most he just wanted to help her get out of that icy shell, and given what he's seen...he believe she's done more than enough.

The rest is up to her to find out, the path that is best suited for herself.]

Rather than wisdom I'd say it's experience... But I suppose that's what wisdom is. I can only hope I wasn't too bothersome towards you about it.

Bothersome. [She might have thought that once upon a time. Maybe when they first met, when she was less than interested in his opinion. Or anyone else's at the time.] Perhaps once I thought that. I have come to rather appreciate your insight. Of course, it helps that you never offer it in excess. Unsurprisingly, my patience extends only so far.

[And Eustace has never tried that patience. Unlike some others she knows. He has pushed here and there, but never overmuch. Just enough to make her think and that's important.]

[A small, wry grin.]

I can understand. Perhaps that's why I knew I could only go so far. But sometimes...that push is necessary.

[Just like how he's going to push her outward to MAYBE do a spin if she follows through with it. Otherwise it'll just end up like a more basic step out and step back in.]

I would objectively agree, even when it comes to me.

[Although she would not like it much if anyone heard such a thing and reflected those words back at her later. It's possible that Eustace may do just such a thing. Beatrix has a thought to continue, when she finds the right words for it, of course, but she's willing to play along for the night, which means playing along with graceful manoeuvres even on the dance floor with him.

After all, she's sort of the reason that they're here now, anyway. There's no harm in humouring him. Besides, it's not as though she isn't remarkably light on her feet or good at this sort of thing. Beatrix, military general or not, is no stranger to dances or soirees of this nature.]

I imagine you have had your own pushes to become the person you are now. Well-adjusted. Adaptable. Reliable.

Unfortunately so.

[A light grin, as if to mimic her usual attitude.]

Some more overbearing than others. Some of it out of necessity. I suppose I've only continued the cycle.

[He's quite good at that Beatrix Impression. She wants to be annoyed about it, but all she really can be is amused. She deserves that, too.]

Some would refer to that as 'paying it forward,' I believe. If you found it of use to you, then why not share it with others who could potentially benefit from it? I think your approach is sound. Fitting. I hope that I too, will be able to one day pass on the same kindness to others who may find it of use.

[That is to say, she should one day like to be to someone what Eustace is to her.]

[It's not too difficult when they're rather similar.]

I think you will. Who knows, you may already have in some way or form. You might not have even realized it.

[And as the music begins to slow, so do their steps.]

I've never really said it...but you've also inspired and influenced me to become stronger with my own resolves. Your strength and fortitude, your convictions, resolutions—I find them all admirable.

Possible.

[Feasible? She's not sure about that, but certainly possible and in this case, that might be the only think that matters. She would be content to leave it there. Instead, what he follows up with causes her to pause for a long moment.

...Is he trying to embarrass her?]

Your resolve was already very strong, Eustace. If I did anything, it was only to encourage you to continue doing so. You would have done that regardless of whether we had met or not, however. You have always been impeccably self-sufficient.

Maybe. But it never hurts to see someone else as a reminder of what you have or what you lack.

[The music now ends, and as everyone else turns to bow or say their farewells, Eustace politely holds her hand, raising it up between them slightly.]

Thank you for the dance. I enjoyed it.

[”I enjoyed it.”

She wants to scoff over it. Every time she hears something like that, it sounds so unbelievable and ridiculous that it’s hard to take it as truth. In the past, she has often refused such niceties. That she doesn’t outright reject it seems to be an improvement. Or simply instinct that she must crush beneath heel.

She allows him to hold her hand like so for just some breaths of a moment, wondering if perhaps there is a touch more sincerity than she is oft accustomed to with him. But then she carefully retrieves it and bends at the waist in what is likely an expected and characteristic respectful bow.]

Thank you for humouring me, Eustace. Now then, I have some others with whom I intend to torment.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ stroke of midnight }

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

🎀💝