{ 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

[sermom]

[She wonders if she might have done something wrong, for him to grow so stiff, so politely she shifts her hand back to the position it had been during the start and continues with the dance, by his lead. It almost makes her sink a little herself, but she steels herself against her unease and focuses instead on the fact that they're still flying at all. It's a strange sensation, curious and baffling, more so than most of the magic here. Manifesting elements or items out of the air is something she'd gotten used to back home, but no one she knows can fly. Or... float. Close enough.

His comment revives her smile, a bit shyly.]

I guess that's true. I had to learn, using such a big shield. I couldn't count the number of times I knocked myself over just to get there, though.

[luciing]

[ Practice leads to mastery, in other words, or at the very least, less falls. Her experience shows in the way she moves, able to keep time with him in a dance that she's only learned this very same night.

All warriors must be able to adapt, and, of course, balance. But it's doubted many would be so prepared to turn and dance while floating. ]

No one is born a master of the blades and shields. [ A pause. ] Or dancing, as it were. Accomplishment lies in never abandoning another attempt.

[sermom]

[A thoughtful hum. As with everything else, it takes practice, experience, dedication. Dancing may not be as critical a skill in the long run, but she likes to perform well in anything she does.]

What about you? You must have practised plenty, to not only move so well but also teach a novice like me at the same time.

[luciing]

[ He appears to give the question a considerable amount of thought before he answers. ]

Dancing is not unlike certain styles of swordplay. [ Even his own style utilizes a considerable amount of turns.

But that's the not only reason he knows how, and so he adds: ] I have had... years of watching others dance.

[sermom]

Only watching?

[She's hoping the question isn't prying too much, or delving into a more sad topic. There is reasoning to her question. There's at least no judgement in her tone- she can hardly criticize when she's been wall-flowering a good deal tonight already.]

[luciing]

[ If he feels bothered by this topic, he doesn't show it in his expression. They continue to stay afloat, too. ]

Throughout the ages. [ As she knows, he's dead.

He guides her into another turn. ] Dance has only since evolved from how it was practiced in my era.

[sermom]

[That makes sense, from what she's heard of him before. Even if he'd done dancing in his time, it could have been centuries ago. When would he have had the chance to do anything but observe for so long?

Here, though. There have been opportunities to dance here, before today. As she spins in the air, she holds on to his hand a little more tightly, not wanting to float away from him, dangling strands of hair fluttering around her face and against the shine of her jewelry.]

You agreed to dance with me, though.

[She's all the more touched, though, with how long it might have been to go without.]

[luciing]

[ As she reinforces the hold of their hands, by instinct his fingers curl around her palm, supporting their tether, and it occurs to him, then, how different she looks this night. ...Or, no, that's not quite it. She is the same as she always is, and a dress or jewelry will never change that aspect, and even her movements are poised as she usually carries herself, that of both the strength and grace of a warrior. Of course, that finesse would carry over to dance.

Perhaps it's how her hair is done up that strikes him as different? Particularly elegant, different, indeed, emphasizing the slope of her neck, with only a few loose strands falling to frame her face as she turns back to him.

Or maybe it is that she appears to be enjoying herself enough with the likes of him. The diamonds upon her ears and neck do not shine as much as her smile.

His hand returns to the small of her back, although the song begins to slow. ] I could not ask for a more capable partner.

[sermom]

[She hums an appreciative noise at that, closing her eyes again for a moment as they settle back into those early steps. Something's changed in him. He seems... less reserved than before, at the very least with her. Perhaps because he's already made himself the most vulnerable in his compelled confession, so taking a step back from that is easier? Or maybe there's just something about the dance that draws it out of him. Maybe he really did mean what he said.]

How fortunate, that I have a capable teacher. You've helped to cultivate this moment.

[Whatever his intentions, or his meaning, whether it's instinctive or intentional, she can't help feeling drawn to the changes she sees in him now. She can appreciate the effort he's making- a small change, still himself, but a softer version than he used to be. She likes this moment, too.]

[luciing]

[ This moment would not be possible without her patience for him, which he is fully away he does not deserve. Surely there is someone else better suited to share this moment with her. But… if she is grateful for this initial instruction of it, he’ll quietly allow himself some satisfaction in that. What is the purpose of dance but meant to be shared with others. It is not a solitary activity, after all. ]

Then with this, you will be able to enjoy more of this dance with whomever you choose.

[ As the song slows to a lull of strings, their descent follows. ]

[sermom]

[And down they go. A part of her is mourning that it's come to a close so soon, but she also knows better than to overstay her welcome. They both still have plenty to think about before they let a dance drag them in too deeply into something that may or may not be real. Especially in a 'dreamworld' like this.]

If I choose. [She may, or she may not. Ultimately it'll be up to her.] Regardless... thank you for the lesson. I had fun, you know?

[luciing]

[ She had fun, she says. Perhaps it’s because of the more solid form that the fairy godmothers have granted him this night, but he feels a faint beat within his chest. ]
As one should.

[ The dance has come to an end, and he realizes, belatedly, his hand still remains upon her back. Gingerly, he slips his arm out from behind her. Around them, a polite applause for the musicians accompanies the end of the song, but instead of joining in, he keeps her hand delicately curved over his, lifting it between them. His eyes flit up to her face, holding her gaze for one, two moments too long. Conflict seems to churn within the pool of his gaze before he lowers his focus to her hand, where something akin to defeat, or more accurately resignation, lifts his brow. Once more he speaks, breath reserved upon his tongue, just loud enough for her to hear. ]

…You look stunning tonight, Kisara.

[ Dark lashes shield his eyes as they slip shut, and he dips his head forward, pressing his lips against the backs of her fingers. ]

[sermom]

[She looks stunning, he says, and she is stunned. She blinks at him, down at their hands as his lips leave hers, and her fingers curl a little in his grasp.]

...I... would say the same of you, Somnus.

[It isn't just congenial, a tit for tat in thanks for his compliment. He does look grand in his costume, and while he doesn't look unpleasant in his usual garb, there is something to be said about a trim suit. What's different is the noteworthy part of it. She can appreciate the way he navigated their dance more by seeing the way his legs and feet move in well-cut dress pants. She hasn't been blind to the fact that he's a handsome man, has in fact acknowledged this before. That was never in question.

Nonetheless, there is something decidedly more... attractive, is that word. Something attractive about the way he looked at her from behind the mask. And as he straightens up again, quite suddenly, and boldly, she wants it known. When they're level once more, able to look one another in the eye, she shifts closer and - should he allow it - she'll place a light kiss to his cheek in return. This one isn't merely an equivalent exchange, either. It is one that admittedly lingers a breath too long as she considers the possible implications. She's never done this before.

The gesture does make her shy again, though, so she's quick to retreat a step and loosen her grip on his hand. They should... probably go. They're taking up open space on the dance floor as the music picks up for the next set, and her mouth is suddenly parched and begging for another drink. (Maybe water this time. The wine's made her light-headed, surely.)]

Ah... until next time, then.

[With the promise of there being a next time, this feels a lot less like fleeing.]

[luciing]

[ When he had been under the enchantment of the arrow, he had done his best to speak his thoughts, to withhold the (compelled) truth. But truthfulness is what she deserves-- what anyone should deserve-- of companionship, with or without magic affecting one's mind.

She is stunning this night, in that dress, her hair done up, with the gimmer of her jewelry accenting the brightness of her eyes... and this is the truth as he perceives it to be. But to acknowledge that as truth is like toeing along a path that may or may not lead to the edge of a cliff, one of which he refuses to acknowledge or look over for many, many reasons.

But before he knows it, she's already parting from him. His cheek stings, peppery-warm, and to his surprise there is more warmth, too, crawling up the back of his neck. He blinks, and his hand leaves hers, lightly pressing his palm to where her lips had...

Ah. ]

Until then. [ His hand lowers to his side, and he takes a step back. ] May your night be fair.

[ With a nod of his head, he takes his leave. ]