songerein | { frozen nightmare }

Entry tags:

{ frozen nightmare }

FROZEN NIGHTMARE

On the morning after Christmas, December 26th, everyone will awaken to dark clouds that have come in overnight, or how the snow keeps falling and falling and falling throughout the entire day…and the next until it's less snow and now a blizzard of sleet and hail, threatening to freeze over not only Reverein, but to the lands beyond, including Dragefjell, dragon island. Everyone is forced to take shelter inside, and while some dare to go out, it's dangerous.

On the fourth day, before people really start going mad, strange messages written in frost will appear on their windows:

hElp
mAd
qUeEn
Not ominous at all. Nor is how everyone will suddenly fall asleep and awaken in a strange dreamscape, with a young man floating in front of them. Well, what looks like a young man. He's a bit… Fragmented, his entire body made of shards of ice. He will be the one to help explain the situation: his name is Jack Frost, and the Ice Queen has succumbed to some nightmare he can't wake her from. He needs their help to figure out the cause of her nightmares and free her. They must traverse through a strange candy land to reach the ice mountain the Ice Queen is currently in. Unfortunately, he doesn't have enough power left to do more than appear like this, so it's up to the Dreamwalkers to save the day. Again.

More details on everything can be found here. As a reminder, events double as our TDMs and information can be found here. Any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in December and will remain in Songerein from anytime in December. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December 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 December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)

Ace Attorney - Simon Keyes
Amazing Digital Circus - Pomni
Final Fantasy XIV - Hermes
Genshin Impact - Furina de Fontaine
Genshin Impact - Nahida
Genshin Impact - Paimon
In Stars and Time - Siffrin
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds - Ravio
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Malon
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Fi
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Mineru
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Purah
Limbus Company - Dante
Miraculous Ladybug - Gabriel Agreste
Undertale - Frisk

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. REVEREIN

A. Stuck Indoors. Upon waking, anyone who looks out the window will see that everything outside is frozen solid. There was a terrible blizzard the night before, and it left Reverein an icy wonderland. It's beautiful, but freezing cold and potentially deadly. But the real challenge will be trying to prevent cabin fever as the days go on. Perhaps some games over the journals could help stave off boredom. There will also be shelters quickly made for those who need better living arrangements, and various games and food will be provided for those in need as well.

B. Outdoor Help. Due to the sudden nature of the blizzard, not everyone was able to find shelter, especially those who were out in the Wildlands which have also been hit by the blizzard. Those able may need to try and help rescue those caught outside.

⛑️ Rescue efforts. Not everyone made it out of the blizzard safely, either entirely by coincidence or due to sheer stubbornness. These people are stuck outside frozen and need help being taken to safety. Thaw them out and bring them inside!
🐿️ Animal help. There are little critters, too–ones that didn't get back to their own homes in time. Don't overlook the littlest residents of Reverein, because they need help, too.
⛄ Snowman aid. The snowmen that popped up during the previous weeks will help assist those who may need it. For a brief time they can create a little barrier around the individual, stopping some of the cold, and will even hop over to give anyone stuck their own scarves, mittens, and hats should they have any.

C. Delivering Heat. While dreamotion can help keep the hearths warm, there are more efficient ways to keep the heat through fire cores. Orkili has also sent word that they will send heating devices, and the dragons will also make the flight down to help replenish stocks so everyone can stay warm for as long as this mysterious blizzard lasts. Now the question is, how to deliver everything.

🎿 Braving the cold. The most direct way to try and get anywhere is to venture outside, but that can be a risk in itself. Those who try should bundle up! Those who can use either ice dreamotion to control the cold, or fire to help generate heat, will be best suited for this.
🚧 Tunnel system. The gnomes will try to clear some entrances to allow anyone stuck outside or trying to travel around a way to do so safely through the crystal tunnels that sprawl beneath Reverein. However, other creatures have also fled to the warmer caverns so beware. Some are just as frightened and will be harmless, but others will be aggressive for the same reasons.
⛏️ Stuck sandworm. The Orkilins were already working to create a connection between Orkili and Reverein via underground tunnel system. The blizzard has hastened this endeavor, which unfortunately means a rushed job that leads to the sandworm crashing through one of the crystal walls and becoming stuck, with the gnomes not happy. Help dig it out! In the meantime, others can work to deliver the heating devices it carries to those who need it.
🐉 Thawing dragons. Unfortunately, even the mighty dragons will succumb to the might of the blizzard, their wings freezing over as they try to fly down. Since they can't really burn themselves, they'll need someone else to use their dreamotion or some other means to help them out. However, they may be grateful enough to just stay around and help keep things warm with their dragon flame along with the fire cores they carry.

D. Ice Elementals. As the sun sets, a rumble disturbs the quiet of the snow that blankets Reverein. Two enormous ice elementals have appeared on opposite sides of the city, and they are determined to smash their way through the town. They stand five stories tall, icy blocks of fists can send anyone and anything flying, and their frigid breath can leave people encased in ice in seconds. They're tough, but not impossible to take down, especially with a group. Party up and beat these things back!

🔥 Flamethrowers. The Orkilins that arrived to help already had some flamethrowers packed to help get rid of the snow, and they are now allowing those facing the elementals to use it against them. The power will increase by those who are capable of using fire dreamotion.
🧊 Ice against ice. Those who can use ice dreamotion can try to manipulate or control either the ice elementals themselves or their attacks. It will only be a brief time, less than a minute, but even that much might be enough to provide openings!
🦵 Aim for the knees! Due to their towering size, aiming low may serve better than trying to go high. Destroy their legs, and they will topple over. However, they can slowly regenerate, so act fast!

II. CANDYLAND

Welcome to Candyland! Everything here is wintry and sweet, and so is everyone else. Upon awakening in this dreamscape, everyone will find themselves transformed to match. Perhaps drastically changed into a unicorn in any combination of colors and sparkles, or part of the winter landscape as an ice sprite, with forms varying from cute pixies to elegant fairies to blocky ice creatures. Some may find themselves mostly the same, but made out of candy. All abilities can be called upon and new ones based on their form can be developed. But those who usually use weapons may find them changed to match their form and setting. Those who turned into unicorns, well—horns and hooves count as weapons, right?

The Ugly Get-Along sweaters from town will also appear inside, which may make crossing through Candyland and the mountain ahead a bit more…interesting. But everyone must hurry through to reach the Ice Queen.

(Note: Players do not have to strictly follow die rolls and can select specific prompts or locations if they wish, but it is otherwise encouraged for more silliness and fun!)

A. Playing the Game. Traversal through Candyland is akin to a board game with some changes. Dreamwalkers must roll a large gummy die to determine what color square they must move to. (Number corresponds to position on the list, ie 1 = red, 2 = orange, etc). Simple enough, but there's a catch–each color space has an effect, and they are unfortunately at the whims of the board. Only after the effect is enacted can they roll again and keep moving forward. The effects will be strongest on the square and can last for a little while even after moving from the square. (Note: rolls are going to mostly be for the individual character for ease of meeting others on the board, however the die may randomly decide to be used for the group for a few turns.)

🟥 Combat alert! Here come the cherry bats–fight them off!
🟧 People can suddenly hear all unfiltered thoughts and they can't lie about them.
🟨 Oops! The first thing they touch is now stuck to them and can't be removed until either the next yellow square or until the end of the game.
🟩 Time for a little nap. No one's in a hurry, right? Go on, just lie down on that marshmallow bed and close those weary eyes for five minutes. (Or longer.)
🟦 They must eat five random flavors of jelly beans from a jar of every flavor possible. Pick a winner and see how well they do.
🟪 Everyone is suddenly slimed, causing their movements and speech to be sluggish as if in slow motion. This effect will last for a few squares.

B. Special Locations. Sometimes the die will suddenly shake and turn completely pink and change to an eight sided die. Players must now roll again and see which location they will be ported to. Each location will provide some kind of item or bonus that can be helpful for dealing with the frigid threats and dangers of the ice mountain. (IMPORTANT: A character can potentially go through all locations, but they are limited to two items or buffs gained. They can swap what they have as they progress, but they will still only end with two rewards gained from the locations.)

🌳 Gingerbread Plum Trees. Where Plumpy sits eating plums from his gingerbread trees. Help him collect some plums and in return he will let them take a small basket. Give these plums to anyone who is starting to freeze and they will immediately start to thaw.
🍬 Peppermint Forest. A snowy thicket of peppermint candy canes. Mr. Mint will ask those who arrive to help chop down the canes and will let them have one or two to turn into durable weapons to fight against the monsters of the mountain. Mr. Mint will also give them a handful of special peppermints that will help re-energize those who may be sluggish from the cold.
🏰 Licorice Castle. A black and red licorice castle with licorice bats. Help Lord Licorice clear the bats and he will reward with both red and black pieces of licorice. Red will burn for a long time, making it useful as a torch. Black is a risky one to eat due to its taste, but it will help warm one's belly—or give fire breath.
⛰️ Gumdrop Mountains. A shortcut to bring players closer to the mountains. Jolly will help guide them through and tell those who make it to mine all the gum drops they can, as they can be used as destructive explosives that can break through ice and walls.
🥜 Peanut Brittle House. A cottage made of peanut brittle with peanut plants growing outside. Gramma Nutt needs part of her house repaired by using a bucket of peanut butter and smearing chopped nuts over the broken patches. In return, she will give peanut brittle bombs that will explode and make everything sticky.
🍭 Lollipop Woods. A forest of rainbow lollipops resembling trees and easy to get lost in. Guide Princess Lolly out of this confusing forest by finding and following the swirling lollipops. Upon reaching the exit, Lolly will give them a special lollipop wand that will conjure a set of swirling portals that will allow those who go through to cross over short distances.
🍨 Ice Cream Sea. A bubbly ice cream sea where Queen Frostine resides. To pass through, they must build ice cream float boats or else swim through the sticky sea. At least it's tasty, and traversing through either by boat or swim will grant everyone an ice resistance buff that will last for half an hour upon entering the mountain. It has a long cooldown before it activates again.
🍯 Molasses Swamp. A swamp of molasses with brown popsicle plants guarded by Gloppy. Those who end up here will end up having to trudge through the sticky swamp, but collecting some could be useful to help slow or even trap hostile foes in the mountain.

Bonus: Liopleurodon. At random times, a strange creature will appear in the space Dreamwalkers are trying to get onto. It will only move if they can create a candy made of dreamotion and feed it. They have three attempts, and if they fail or the taste is not to its liking, the liopleurodon will knock them with its tail back several spaces or to a random location. If they are successful, however, then it will send them ahead several spaces. (Players will roll again to determine what space or location to use next.)

III. FROZEN MOUNTAIN

Should they manage to reach the end of the board, they will find themselves staring up a giant mountain. From the distance it looked like any other mountain, but closer inspection reveals that it, too, was once made of candy. However, it's all frozen over and instead of sweet, delicious delights, monstrous creatures lurk within its halls…including music that just continuously plays.

Transformations will remain, so this trek may prove challenging to some. Utilize the bonus buffs and items gained from the game to get through!

A. Don't Freeze. Forget about Jack Frost nipping at their noses, the chill from the mountain will constantly threaten to freeze everyone inside. They must work hard to keep warm, using dreamotion, positive thoughts, and other means to do so. Otherwise they risk freezing into a frozen statue and must be dethawed or they'll be kicked out of the dreamscape. Jack Frost will help by trying to drop random items that can be used for warmth: coats, gloves, scarves, blankets, torches, pocket heaters, hot water bottles. Hey, he's an ice spirit he can only do so much.

B. Monsters. There are numerous monsters and aggressive creatures that lurk through the halls of this frigid mountain. Fire is definitely the way to go, but any candy buffs and items received from the Candyland game will also drive them away. They apparently don't like sweets.

❄️ Ice elementals. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they will cast freezing magic and those caught in it will slowly start to freeze up. Gum drop bombs will destroy these quick, with the licorice, plums, and peppermints aiding those frozen. Those who are Ice sprites may be able to sneak past without being noticed.
🐻 Yetis. These large creatures will hurl giant snowballs. Counter with the peanut brittle bombs to hinder their movements. Those who are made of candy will deter yetis as they are not a fan of candy and will run away in fright.
🐐 Five-horned mountain goats. These goats will charge at anything they see and those horns are not something you want to get maimed with. Molasses will be great to slow them down. Those who are unicorns may find themselves with an admirer instead as the goats will find them quite lovely and enchanting.
🐍 Ice snake. One look from these white snakes will instantly freeze any caught in their gaze. The eyes on the ice surface will also cast the curse. Any of the Candyland items will be good against these, especially if they can cover the eyes, or use the lollipop portals to try and skip over them. Plums will be needed to rescue anyone caught. There is no transformation advantage.

C. Ice Mirrors. Made from frozen ice, the mirrors will reflect twisted visions of loss and abandonment. Loved ones suddenly leaving; homes in ruin or desolation; their own reflection in an empty void. Yet rather than despair, there will be a strange feeling of acceptance as the cold begins to wrap around them, as if it's better to be alone than to have things around them. Not only must the affected be pulled back, but the mirrors must be destroyed. Doing so will release a golden colored light that will fill a crystal chalice that will just mysteriously appear and disappear. The more lights captured, the fuller it will get.

🪞 Mirror effects. Those who stare into the ice for too long will be drawn towards it, and should they touch the surface they will begin to freeze over. They must be pulled back and warmed up both physically and convincing them of good things from their lives.
💥 Destroy the mirrors. Break the mirrors in any way possible. Dreamotion and Candyland items, especially gum drop bombs will work.

D. Ice Queen. Those who make it through the mountain halls and the mirrors will find the throne room where the Ice Queen sits. Right in the middle of her chest is a giant shard of glass stained black, the nightmare energy palpable even from the entrance. That's clearly the problem, and the solution? The crystal chalice will appear and Jack's voice will be heard urging them to somehow pour it over that shard. Getting there will, of course, be a challenge as the Queen herself will stir upon hearing Jack's voice and start shrieking like a banshee, creating an ice storm within the room and summoning beasts that must be fought. Physical attacks will be effective, but dreamotion and anything based on positive, warm emotions and ideas will also help, especially to stave off the intense nightmare energy that will be around. The lollipop portals will also be useful in traversing through the room, even if cast in mid-air.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Safe enough. He'll get a dash of eggnog, a few marshmallows, a light coating of whipped cream, and some nutmeg sprinkled on top before she's bringing around a steaming cup of hot cocoa—but not too hot!

And she opens her mouth to answer when the bell at the front jingles, another person seeking warmth coming inside and looking like they'd just stepped out of a block of ice, teeth chattering and lips almost blue, but Mirabelle, the café's resident fairy, is quick to welcome the man, bringing with her a wave of heat to lure them closer to the fire. Tifa can only sigh.]

Another one...

[She mutters it under her breath as she hands him the cup. At least Mirabelle looks to have it handled, the stubborn man saying that it's fine, and her fussing over him and telling him to shut up and sit down by the hearth.]

How long ago...? [Tifa ponders it a moment, watching the scene play out across the room.] Over two years now, about. Most of these buildings were empty, and the Riverside especially wasn't as bustling as it used to be. Used to just be empty over there, before all those businesses started popping up.

Oh, thank you.

[That smell coming from the mug is nothing short of mesmerizing. Joshua takes in a deep breath to truly savor it. He may not be a child anymore, but far be it from him to refuse that alluring siren's song of sugar and warmth.]

[With a grateful hum he moves in to take a sip--but then there's a distraction.]

[At the jingle of the bell, Joshua follows Tifa's gaze towards the door, brow starting to furrow with concern for how close to frozen the customer seems. It's not his place to interfere, and it looks like the situation is being handled with aplomb, but the thought lingers at the back of his mind.]

[There are so many people to help. Granted, there is no shortage of others willing to provide that help--Tifa and her staff are proof enough--but there will always be that sense of duty calling.]

[His attention returns to the mug and to Tifa's words. With a grateful hum, he takes a sip, doing his best to avoid catching any whipped cream on his nose (he fails) as he listens.]

Curious.

Despite such rapid expansion, one could hardly tell the new buildings from the old. Nor have there been any overt signs of construction.

[He pauses to think for a moment, completely oblivious to the dab of whipped cream on his nose.]

Is that the result of using dreamotion?

[Tifa will just signal with a little tap of her finger to her own nose. Unfortunately, she'd left the napkins behind on the counter.]

You know, I actually don't know for sure. This building has been here all along, just empty... but it's possible. You'd be surprised what good dreamotion can do in sustaining things. That, and the locals have always been pretty self-sufficient. Skilled at that sort of thing.

[She cants her head at him, her smile warm.]

Actually, how do you feel about heading out back? I could use a little help with some dreamotion myself.

[It takes a moment for Joshua to get it, but when he does, he quickly wipes away his hot cocoa souvenir--the pink flashing on his cheeks a result of coming into the heat and nothing more, thank you very much.]

[Otherwise, he listens carefully to the mini history lesson. He's an attentive student, and it's clear that he's hanging onto Tifa's every word. Joshua is so busy considering how dreamotion and the locals work together that he nearly misses Tifa's request.]

Hmm?

[Give him a second.]

Oh! Yes! I'll be happy to help.

[He's graceful about it, but he does quickly down the rest of the hot cocoa before sliding out of his chair.]

Ah—

[She would have stopped him if she knew he was going to down the whole cup of hot chocolate before heading outside, and she gets as far as holding up her hands to do so before it's too late... and so she drops them in defeat, doing all she can to stifle that little giggle that bubbles in her chest. An eager one to help, she is, though she can't really say she blames him.

She'll just have to make him another cup to take on the go before he leaves...

But she'll lead him out to the back, past the fireplace where most of the people who've taken refuge here have gathered. There are a few winged cats curled up on their laps, as well as a dog whose fur is made of mostly autumn leaves fast asleep. Mirabelle casts a glance at Joshua as she fusses over that same man, and Tifa gives her a sharp but subtle shake of her head in warning before rushing Joshua outside...

The back is lit up with little strung lights, the garden that used to be grassy and open now covered in heaps of snow... and behind it all, there's the sound of rushing water.]

There's a little pond at the back where the fish live. We've done our best to keep them warm with some heat cores, but I think it might be time to bring them inside.

[The problem is... there is a ton of snow and ice that blocks their way to the pond that they can barely step outside.]

[Joshua bundles his coat tighter around him as he follows Tifa outside, taking in what little bits of the snow-covered garden he can catch once they make it there. If not for the harshness of the weather, he’s sure it would make for quite the serene ambiance. He makes a note to come back once the weather settles to enjoy the atmosphere for what it is—along with the winged cats and friendly dogs indoors.]

[Tifa's mention of the pond and the fish needing warmth draws his attention to the task at hand. He nods in understanding, appreciating the efforts made to keep the fish warm so far, but recognizing the challenge posed by the thick layers of snow and ice impeding them.]

I think you may be right.

[He sighs. Not because of the work ahead—he’s sure he’ll enjoy it—but at yet another reminder of how the intensity of this storm has caused more than just the occasional minor inconvenience.]

[It gives purpose to what he and others have been doing to help, but he wishes that purpose wasn’t necessary in the first place.]

[Joshua eyes the snowy mound, walking to and fro as he considers the best place to start. They just need enough room to make it to the pond, so that’s where he’ll start.]

I’ll start from the bottom. It’s cold enough that any water I create should freeze into an ice layer capable of supporting a tunnel.

Would that suffice for rescuing your fish?

Actually, yeah...

[Tifa turns to him, impressed.]

I'm a little mad I didn't think of that.

[The melting the snow into ice to form a tunnel... It's something that she and Eustace could have easily done, but alas... he isn't here, so that just leaves two fiery friends to do the work. She's joking, of course, not mad at all by the wide grin on her face.]

I'll go from the top, then. Wanna give it a test first and see? Just a small piece to be sure.

[Joshua chuckles softly at Tifa's admission, feeling a hint of pride in his contribution, though he keeps it humble.]

All I've offered is a fresh perspective. I'm sure you would have thought of a similar solution.

[He readies himself at Tifa's suggestion, dutifully crouching low to the ground and holding out his hands.]

Piecemeal it is, then.

[With that, he begins to slowly and steadily heat the snow, the flames he emanates are dim, but controlled and just enough to chip away at the top layer. Anything more would be too much energy expended for too little an improvement.]

[That means, however, that this is going to be slow work, and although he personally doesn't find silence to be awkward, he's learned over time that others may.]

What variety of fish do you keep?

[Unfortunately, that doesn't automatically mean he's good with conversation starters.]

[Between the two of them, they should still be able to make quick work of this snow. Tifa's practiced in the art of dreamotion, thanks to her two and some years here, so she handles it with ease, and it would seem Joshua is, too. Though, she wonders how much of it is more an affinity to fire than dreamotion... His feels a little different from her own.

Of course, she doesn't mind the quiet, but neither does she mind the conversation, either. If anything, it helps her focus more on the flames that she emits, melting it away slowly but surely, her own flames filled with the same sort of warmth that one might feel seeing a smile, or coming home after a long day, rather than a mere fire.]

All kinds, whatever we manage to find. Mostly koi, since they keep the pond clean. We've got a few singing fish in there right now, too... so if you're in the mood for a little bit of music... [A pause, and Tifa exhales with a sheepish laugh.] One of the crystal bugs that one of the dogs accidentally fished up, as well.

[As they continue slowly chipping away at the icy barrier, Joshua silently appreciates their steady collaboration. Otherwise, he makes the effort to listen to Tifa speak, and he hums softly in response to the mention of fish. He maintains his focus on the task but also engages further in the conversation.]

Koi are lovely creatures. The singing fish, though... that's a curious concept.

Although I have heard of fish that can fly. Mayhap they are cousins.

[He pauses, glancing at Tifa with a hint of a smile.]

Do they have a favorite tune?

Honestly? Think I'd prefer the flying fish over the singing ones on certain days.

[Because his question has her laughing quietly, that fire from her fingertips a little warmer than usual.]

They're big fans of... love ballads. Any sort of love song they might have heard, they can probably sing it.

[She lets that hang for a moment.]

So... if you and your special someone ever wanna get serenaded while you eat a slice of cake or drink some coffee when spring comes around, then you now where to go.

[Joshua immediately feels a subtle heat creeping into his cheeks. Momentarily caught off guard by the topic, his thoughts briefly drift to Jote back in his world--complicated and layered. He maintains his focus on melting the ice (despite that split-second falter in his dreamotion), pretending to be more engrossed in the task than he actually is.]

That... sounds like quite the charming experience.

[Despite the embarrassment washing over him, Joshua decides to back up and address Tifa's invitation properly. He clears his throat, giving himself a moment to think about just how much he actually wants to reveal. Finally, he continues with a goodnatured spirit.]

You see, there is someone, but she isn't here. Nevertheless, I'd be more than willing to provide your fish an audience should you need respite from their ballads.

Oh?

[There's a shimmer of intrigue in Tifa's eyes, but she's momentarily distracted by a large lump of snow that falls from this little path that they're creating together right in front of her, some of it splashing up onto her face and making her wince. She shakes it off easily enough, nose scrunching and body shivering from the cold.]

I'm sure if you told them about this someone, they'd be happy to make a song for you regardless.

[The pink glow on Joshua’s cheeks, an intermingling of warmth from working on the tiny tunnel and his brush with embarrassment, is broken when Tifa’s splashed by the snow. His eyes widen in brief surprise, then set as he turns so he can reach his hand towards Tifa. A gentle heat emanates from his palm, a small enchantment to ease the chill in the air around her.]

Here, this should help.

[As he warms the air, he debates just how much more he should say. Although not entirely reticent, Joshua also doesn’t make a habit of disclosing much about himself. Still, it can’t hurt to say a little bit about himself. That glimpse of intrigue deserves at least that much.]

As for the [he hesitates to say ‘my’; it doesn’t seem right] someone, matters are complicated.

Mayhap your fish’s songs will provide clarity. Art does have a tendency to help us understand the world.

[She smiles in thanks, his own flame doing wonders to work with her own to keep them warm. They're almost there, just a little further and then Joshua can find out the answers the fish have for the world, or just his feelings.

As Tifa's own expression softens, her fingers briefly running over the ring on her own finger before her fires grow warmer.]

That tends to happen, yeah. Things get complicated, and it's a lot of work, but we try to make do anyway.

[Joshua's eyes briefly drift to the ring and he smiles. It's small, unassuming, but it lingers as he turns back to melting away ice and snow now that he's certain Tifa won't catch cold.]

A perfect summary for the human condition, is it not?

[He reaches out more annnnd--aha! It looks like there's room for them to push forward. So he does, crouched low to the ground to keep the melting momentum going.]

Pray forgive my presumption, [Joshua tries his best to look over his shoulder at Tifa while he speaks and continues along, doing his best not to be rude] but may I inquire about your espoused?

[And there goes the snow, crumbling away at the other end of the garden, some of it falling on top of their heads that Tifa is quick to brush off from her own. A couple dogs come bounding out at the sound of crunching snow and leap right into the hills on either side of the path that they've created.]

Ah... we made it.

[But it's his question that draws her back, and her finger instinctively touches that ring again. It's always been a little symbol of strength for her, a habit that she carried from her younger years when she wore that leather chord around her wrist.]

Have you by any chance met Eustace? Tall guy, real stoic, big black, fluffy ears on his head...

[She lifts her hands to mimic pointed dog ears with as big a smile as she can muster, and the air around her immediately buzzes with warmth.]

[As the snow crumbles away and the dogs come bounding out with enthusiasm, Joshua freezes to allow them as wide a berth as possible, staying completely still outside of dusting off his head, watching as they joyfully race around in a flurry of excitement. A soft laugh escapes him, a genuine expression of amusement at the dogs' exuberance.]

It seems your companions are quite thrilled.

[He turns just in time to catch the movement of Tifa's finger against the ring, a small, meaningful gesture that doesn't go unnoticed. As she describes Eustace, the name strikes a chord in Joshua's memory. He nods in recognition.]

Ah, yes. I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with him during the initial mission out to Orkili.

[His eyes, for a moment, drift to the ring again, and he can't help but be touched by the warmth and affection Tifa (literally) exudes when speaking about her husband. The ear-miming is a nice touch.]

It's wonderful to witness someone so in love.

It's wonderful to be in love.

[With one more warm smile at Joshua, she beckons him over to the pond.]

You should come by and meet him again sometime... when he's not in mission mode.

[Mission Mode Eustace is very different from Runs a Café Eustace.

But as they wander closer to the pond, the dogs barking at the fish as they flit beneath the surface, it hasn't frozen over yet, thankfully, but a touch to the water does tell her it's a little cold. And the fish have already started to hum, one of them bobbing its face out of the water to sing a note for Joshua.]

Show off.

[But then it starts to sing, its words coming out a random melody.

"You look like you have some stories~"]

Not this time. We're here to warm up the pond.

[What a delightful display! Joshua chortles as he squats close to the pond's surface. Is it a bit odd to speak to a fish? Yeah, maybe. But it isn't much more odd than many of his other experiences in Songerein. Just like the whimsy of the café. The very same café he'll have to come back to--for multiple reasons, now.]

She's right. We need to take care of your home.

[He reaches out to place a hand into the water. He immediately begins to focus on delivering heat to the pond--equal parts to preserve his fingers and help out the fish.]

But I will return, and I will be sure to tell you many of my stories.

[There's a splash as one of the fish dives out of the water, its scales shimmering in the light before it disappears beneath the surface, and they all hum in perfect melody of each other as Joshua warms the pond. One fish glances at Tifa, and she looks away before moving in to help, dipping her fingers into the water and watching the bubbles.]

They'll hold you to that, you know. I'm going to be hearing songs about a man who owed them stories until you do.

[She flashes him a smile.]

There, how's that, everyone?

[A pleasing note hits their ears, and she gives a nod.]

Think that about does it.

[At Tifa’s confirmation that all is well, Joshua pulls himself up and shakes his gloved hands dry.]

I’m happy to have assisted in their warm-up.

[See, it’s funny because the fish sing and Tifa and Joshua warmed the pond up!]

[…He’s not the absolute best at jokes, but he’s trying.]

I’ll be sure to return forthwith to provide the promised material.

For your sake more than theirs.

I'd like that. And I'm sure they would, too.

[As the fish sing their gratitude with another harmonic, pleasing melody.

They might not have known each other for more than a small handful of minutes, but that doesn't make her any less keen on getting to know him. He seems nice, and the dogs all liked him, and she likes to think that the corgis have a pretty good judge of character.]

Ah, before you go... Let me pack you some chili or soup to take home. As a thank you for your help.

[Dogs are the best judges of character. It's fact.]

[Joshua takes a moment so the melody can linger in his mind. The song is unique, beautiful, and he's not about to let himself forget it. His attention remains open enough that he catches Tifa's offer, and his expression brightens in return.]

Thank you. It is unnecessary, but thank you.

[With that, he waves goodbye to the fish--but it's only for now. He intends to keep his promise.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ frozen nightmare }

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sorry for the wait! school kicking my butt atm 😭

no worries!!! I'm in the same boat 🫠

praying for u!! also can probably wrap, but I'd love for them to meet again soon 💜

same for u! also, agreed on both fronts! :> I look forward to it