{ 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

[nevercravetherose]

Of course he wants spicy food. And of course Shionne is still nodding along to that; ready to take one for the sake of the team, even if she's going to need an entire tub of ice cream to dull the spice levels. Besides, food is still food.

"I'll show you the way," she offers.

Though it only takes a second or two of walking through the crowd to realize this is a bad idea. The press of people feels almost suffocating, and Shionne finds herself back to weaving between people. It's a fight to not just shrink back and hide behind Alphen, and let him clear the way...

...But she's also seen just how off kilter he is. She's not going to leave him to take point.

"Fastest way looks like it's across the dance, floor, but..." But there's also all the dancing pairs to contend with, as well.

[refire]

Alphen takes notice of how nervous Shionne looks. She must be afraid because there's so many people around and everything must be overwhelming her. In his own way he wants to reassure her that it will be alright. So he holds onto her hand and this time he's careful not to grasp on so tightly. He does seem slightly more relaxed than before.

"Don't worry, I've got you Shionne. We can overcome anything together. "

No matter how big or small their troubles may seem he swears that Shionne doesn't have to face it alone.

"I was just thinking that maybe we could dance like them. We're not at home anymore so it doesn't matter if we're Dahnan or Renan. You could see it as an oppertunity to try something new."

He's embarrased about saying something like that out loud. Alphen can't bring himself to look at Shionne directly because his facial expression will show what he's thinking.

[nevercravetherose]

"W-wait. You... You want to-? D-

Da-

...Dance-?"

Congratulations, Alphen. You've figured out the one thing that CAN break Shionne's mind and throw her completely off balance. Being half transformed into a monster? She can adjust to that after a moment of surprise. Holding onto her despite her thorns? Also doable, after a few deep breaths; that's even clear with how she freezes for a moment from him taking her hand... But then squeezes back ever so slightly.

But dancing? That's enough to make her jaw drop and leaves her boggling at Alphen.

"I... I've never- I don't know how to- Never came up, though I've read about it-"

It also takes some work to relearn how to string sentences together, with how she's sputtering... But after a moment, Shionne remembers what she said. The shortest way to the tables is through the dance floor. And one is expected to dance out there.

"I... S-suppose. We could try." She manages at last.

[refire]

"Did I say something strange? Dancing with you would be wonderful."

Without a word Alphen holds Shionne's arms and attempts to dance like the rest of the pairs at the party. He's clumsy and clearly has no idea what he's doing. At the very least he wants to ensure that he doesn't step on her toes or do something embarassing like that. This is supposed to be a good evening for them after all. He knows how to wield a blade and he can manage footwork in a battle but when it comes to dance moves, Alphen's sorely lacking in experience. Shionne might be in the same position as him.

"Tell me if I'm holding onto you too tightly. I'm just nervous."

Now he's the one who's flushing with a tone of red and his cheeks flare up.

[nevercravetherose]

'Wonderful?'

Well. That's enough to stop Shionne in her tracks; enough that she offers no resistance when Alphen takes hold of her arms, and guides her towards the dance floor. At least they manage to avoid stepping on each other's feet, and weirdly enough it's easier for Shionne to breathe. And eventually speak.

"You're... Doing fine." She finds herself asking, "Are you sure you haven't done this before?"

Teasing him seems like the best way to keep her own blush under control, while Shionne works on mirroring his movements. When she said she's never done this, she's telling the truth; only watched social functions on Rena, or read about it in books. And watching, reading, and doing feel like entirely different things.

So she stumble a little here and there, trying desperately to match Alphen step for step; bad enough her thorns are still sparking, she really doesn't want to add stepped toes onto the list.

[refire]

"Who, me? The thing is I thought we were working so well together in battle and we shared so many experiences together. This one wouldn't be too different. "

That's not what he wanted to say at all. Alphen's stuttering and stammering so he's not able to regain composure of himself. He's fidgeting and maybe calling it nervousness would be an understatement.

"Do you remember the first time I held your hand? You were surprised that I couldn't feel pain. I thought back then that I had to protect you no matter what. My feelings remain unchanged. "

When Shionne stumbles over a little Alphen tries his best to steady them both so they won't awkwardly fall over. He's putting a lot of effort into this. That's just the way he is though, he'll stop at nothing to accomplish his goals. His unwavering determination is what ultimately set a lot of things in motion. For that, he's thankful that he's able to do these things with Shionne again. It's hard for them to try something new but he's looking at the positive side of things. They're more free now than they ever have been before.

[nevercravetherose]

"Treating this like a fight too, huh...?" She tries to laugh at that. Except that the idea makes a strange amount of sense. Maybe it's just that she's spent too much time around Alphen... But she finds herself matching her steps to the rhythm now. Getting a better read on what Alphen is doing, if she treats this like the ebb and flow of a fight.

"...I guess you have a point." Shionne finds herself admitting. "It does... Sot of work-" She doesn't mean to squeeze at his hands that much, when he talks about the past. It's just an odd reflex; one that lets her feel a quick bit of pressure from the changes coating his fingers, but she still hangs onto him.

"...Y-yeah. Well, you've seen that I can handle myself." She also doesn't mean to sound that defensive. "Though I can't complain about having you stay close. Turns out we can match up pretty well, sometimes." The dance seems to back that up, with how they shift into spinning around a common center.

[refire]

"You always have your ways, Shionne and I respect you for it. Oh, sorry I almost tripped.

Alphen looks at himself in embarassment and then takes another look at Shionne. She's doing her best out there so he wants to do the same. He's not exactly an expert at romance and he's fumbling around sometimes. It's amazing how quickly Shionne can adapt to new situations like this. There's a lot going on now and she picks up the rhythm like it's nothing.

"When you're close to me I feel safe. It's kind of hard to explain. I'm probably not making much sense right now."

There's some nervous laughter from him. His chest is getting tighter and he's noticeably shy. In this very moment he can tell that there's something special between them. He wasn't lying when he said that Shionne made him feel safe. The kindness in her actions is something he took note of as well.

[nevercravetherose]

"..." Nope. Still not used to getting compliments like that. Or knowing how to react to them; even that bit of teasing she'd been doing deserts Shionne. She ducks her head a little at the words, and finds herself looking down.

"Y-you make sense. I understand what you're saying. I just-"

And she's still looking down.

And further down.

She doesn't mean to stare at their feet so much, it's just... Despite going through so much, there's still a few things that can stun Shionne. Finding herself and Alphen floating a few feet above the ballroom floor is one of those things.

"...How are you doing that?" She finally manages to ask, still staring down.

[refire]

"That happens by itself! This place has its way with emotions and dreams. We must be sharing the same feelings for it to be happening."

Alphen laughs for the first time in a long while. There might be rose petals falling around them. The rose petals seem to be dancing along with them. His face burns with a brighter red and for once he's glad that his expression is partially hidden under a mask.

"It's almost like you're a natural at dancing. I have to do my best to keep up."

That's a compliment and it's coming from Alphen who's usually honest with his words. It was so long ago but this is bothering him enough to bring it up. He's at least learned how to watch himself when he speaks.

[nevercravetherose]

"I didn't think the energy was that literal. I'm going to need to watch what I feel, if this..." She trails off when the petals dance by. It's a little ridiculous, just how embarrassed she is by this; or how much a part of her is enjoying this. That's probably why she latches onto Alphen's next words.

"Never really... Had the option to dance before. I've seen other people do that on Lenegis; plenty of celebrations, or events even without the crown-"

...Why did she have to bring that up again? She'd sooner not think about the crown contest, at least in this place.

"...Anyway. It's the first chance I've had to try." Even if she's starting to stumble through the steps now, and they're wavering in their place in the air.

[refire]

"Shionne...?"

Alphen's ready to catch her if she looses her footing somehow. Hearing the word Lenegis just makes Alphen immediately more tense. He doesn't intend to react like that but he remembers everything that happened on Lenegis and the Crown Contest. At first he thought it was weird because he always assumed that he met Shionne in some place before. Turns out the person he kept seeing in his visions was Shionne's ancestor Naori.

He appears to be lost in thought and all the roses turn into something like shimmering stardust.

"I always thought things like music and dancing were only meant for Renans and yet here we are. Everyone has to take their first step. That goes for you and me and everyone else."

Shionne's doing great and Alphen believes that from the bottom of his heart.

[nevercravetherose]

She might just... try ducking her head. Even if that means bumping it into Alphen's nose and face in the process. Hopefully the feathers in her hair don't tickle too badly. And it might do the job of making him go quiet; and making her stop blushing in turn.

"You're too much sometimes." She mutters that mostly under her breath, though there isn't much scolding behind it.

"Well... You're not doing too bad of a job." Shionne raises her voice a little. "Though when the song's done... Should probably get you to the tables, and get you fed."

Right. Can't lose eyes on the prize. Or goal. Even if this is... Oddly nice. And feels almost right somehow.

[refire]

Alphen finds himself breathless when he realizes that he's so close to Shionne. His chest starts to feel warm with a feeling he can't quite explain too well. That made him think that maybe Shionne isn't used to being held like this. She's even robbed of things people take advantage of every day. It might not be a bad idea to hold onto her hand just a little tighter. When he's in this noctaere form he can hold her without feeling pain so it's alright.

"We'd best get you something to eat too. Meals are more fun together anyway. I think they even have some of your favorites."

He knows how much Shionne enjoys a meal that can leave you feeling full. Alphen can't blame her for it. The song receeds as it closes off with a few notes. There's silence for a brief moment.