dreamposts: (Default)
dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2023-12-15 12:59 pm

{ 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.

ranchgirl: (10)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2023-12-26 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It has been awhile, hasn't it? Not ten months by Malon's count, but long enough that she has noticed Sheik's absence from the ranch. He used to visit on the regular, coming to check in on things (or so it seemed). But ever since Link came to the ranch, Malon has seen neither hide nor hair of the illusive ninja.

But those thoughts are on the back burner of her mind, thoughts to ruminate on in the waking world. This is the first time in a long while that Malon has had a nice dream and she's going to enjoy it to the fullest. ]


None at all, actually! [ She laughs. ] I think this is the first time in a long time where I've had a dream that didn't have Mr. Ingo in it hollering at me about something.
sagesurvivor: (09 △ smile)

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2023-12-26 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, that's... a much more optimistic way of looking at the situation than he's used to. He smiles with her laugh, though it's slight and weathered around the edges, wistful that he can't share her perspective.]

I can assure you I've seen neither hide nor hair of the man here, and I doubt a character such as he would go unnoticed for so long. [He... can be loud, though he seems to have settled a bit after finally being knocked down a few pegs. But Sheik doesn't want to waste time thinking overly much on the likes of Ingo.] Though that is not to say we are the only ones hailing from Hyrule in this place.

[The Sheikah holds out a hand in invitation, though he's aware Malon has her hands full right now. Best not to let the horses get bored as they catch up.]

May I walk with you for a while?
ranchgirl: (01)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2023-12-26 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ "Optimistic" might be a bit generous, because Malon hasn't quite grasped the extent of her situation. But she's starting to get the idea that there might be a bit more going on here than just an extremely lucid dream. "Not the only ones hailing from Hyrule?" What does he mean by that?

But Sheik ventures his question before Malon finds voice for hers so she tucks that thought away for a moment. ]


Of course! [ Malon offers Sheik the reins to the large bay horse, the more docile of the pair. With her now-free hand, she gestures northward. ] I'm just taking them around that-a-way-ish before heading back to their farm.
sagesurvivor: (22 △ assess)

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2023-12-27 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[And thus, Sheik's streak of thinking just a little bit too highly of the people around him continues...

Regardless, he follows her gesture and nods before briefly glancing back at the horse he's been given control over. He hardly has the same affinity for animals that Malon - or even Link - does, but he remembers watching from atop that snow-white stallion how Impa lead it, steady and sure, through Castle Town during holidays and the like. He can manage this, totally.]


You've found your way around fairly quickly then, it seems.

[She's already found her horse girl niche and everything!]
ranchgirl: (11)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2023-12-27 09:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Were she privy to his thoughts, Malon would remark wistfully how she remembers watching those royal processions, marveling at the beauty of both the princess and her steed. Picture perfect, they were.

As it is, Sheik's remark gets a bit of a laugh out of Malon. She lightly tugs on her reins and starts off in the direction she indicated before. ]


I don't think it's possible to get lost in a dream. Not literally, I mean.

[ She reflects on that thought as it hangs in the air. ]

But to be honest, I don't know. This has been a weird dream. It's too... real.
Edited 2023-12-27 21:54 (UTC)
sagesurvivor: (02 △ above)

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2023-12-28 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[... ah. She is lacking critical information. That changes things quite a bit, and Sheik falters, uncertain how to broach the topic. Strange dreams tend to be a matter of course for those destiny favors, but for someone like Malon... can he explain it in a way that won't frighten or unsettle her?

(Should he explain it, he wonders briefly? Could it perhaps be better to allow her to believe this is all as ephemeral as the trappings surrounding it imply? But that is a dilemma he quickly discards. The dangers here may be fewer than in Hyrule, but that does not mean they can be taken any less seriously.)

He works the leather of the reins between his thumb and forefinger as they walk, considering.]


... Your instincts are not wrong. This world is no mere conjuration of a sleeping mind, though we may only remember it as such upon our waking.

[That... doesn't actually explain anything, does it. Hmm, what to do, what to do...]

Consider this: were this an ordinary dream, you are certainly aware enough of it. In such a state, one can sometimes change things to their liking, I've found. Have you attempted anything of the sort yet?

[The existence of dreamotion might undercut his argument a bit here, but in his experience it takes a bit more than that to get a handle on it. Or maybe Malon will be a prodigy and he will have an entirely different problem on his hands. It's hard to predict these sorts of things in Songerein.]
ranchgirl: (11)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2023-12-28 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There it is again—dream world. The little tapir referred to this place the same way when it trotted up to Malon and welcomed her here. But Malon was so distracted by her surroundings—she's standing in the middle of a literal winter wonderland right now—that she didn't listen too closely. Considering what Sheik is saying, maybe she should have.

Malon's brows furrow as she considers his question. ]
I haven't thought to try, to tell you the truth. It's already a pretty extraordinary dream, when I think about it: here I am, suddenly standing in the middle of a snowy town that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, and then the next thing I know, I'm helping a horse chiropractor in exchange for a romantic winter sleigh ride.

[ It sounds ridiculous when she says it out loud, which causes Malon to laugh. ] And to top it all off, you're here helping me walk horses instead of just dashing away from me like a wild animal.

[ The insinuation being that A. Sheik has been present in Malon's dreams, and B. he is somehow more skittish than normal. ]
sagesurvivor: (57 △ wtf)

1/2

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2023-12-29 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
A... wild animal...

[Sheik parrots, bemused beneath the bus he was just thrown under.]
sagesurvivor: (36 △ facepalm)

2/2

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2023-12-29 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I suppose that must be the impression I give...

[His sigh is deep and long-suffering, as though hailing from the beginning of time itself as he mutters to himself. He's functionally a fugitive! The world will (probably) end if he gets caught! Nobody appreciates this, because it's not like he can tell them—!

... Okay. Okay. Regain your composure, Sheik, and focus back on the more important part of the topic at hand.]


Then I will explain it like this: this world is as real to those who live within it as Hyrule is to you or I, as are its problems. To aid someone here is not to simply act out some figment of one's imagination, but a genuine boon to the recipient. [A glance cast back to the bay horse. He doesn't know what "chiropracty" is, but he can't imagine the horses are unhappy having an experienced hand like Malon's helping them.] But there is something about this realm that draws in the minds of those at rest and grants them form and power. Among those drawn in, one may consider this a shared dream of a sort, untethered to time or place.

[He pauses, then after a moment's consideration, adds a bit more stiffly:]

... I've been assured that the time one spends here does not directly translate to how long one has been asleep at home. Otherwise, I'd have been dozing for some ten months by my estimation.

[That was... a major concern upon his first awakening here, but experience has not seemed to have proved the tapirs wrong in their assurances thus far. Anxious as he is, that's the only reason he's not throwing himself at the walls of this place trying to return to Hyrule.]
ranchgirl: (08)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2024-01-04 07:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Malon laughs at Sheik's reaction, but her amusement is short lived. He turns serious quickly (as he always does) and she listens carefully as he explains the nature of this dream.

Dream world, Malon mentally corrects herself.

It's not easy to follow, Sheik's explanation. Her expression tightens again as she tries to make sense of all the things he's throwing at her. A dream world that's also real? Strange powers? Time standing still? ]


That sounds like what the little piggy told me. [ Although the tapir's explanation was rather more straightforward. ] I thought it was just weird dream nonsense.

[ Her lips turn down in a worried frown. ] So, I'm not going to be able to wake up again? I'm never going to see Dad or the ranch again?
sagesurvivor: (06 △ endure)

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2024-01-06 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
—No.

[His answer is immediate, urgent, the emphasis put into it stopping him in their walk for a brief moment. He lifts his free hand, reaching out as though to stop her as well by grabbing her own... and then pauses halfway, seeming to think better of it as he allows it to fall back to his side. Keep a cool head, Sheik. You know well you won't do her any favors by getting worked up.]

... I can say with certainty that is not the case. [He adds after a breath, stepping off again.] You will wake, eventually, and they will all be exactly where you left them, none the wiser that you have experienced a "vacation" of sorts, as the tapirs put it. Please, do not fret. If such things were a possibility, do you believe I would be walking with you and the horses like this?

[If there's any situation where he would agree with her "wild animal" assessment, it would have to be the one she's imagining. He's just so far removed from normal people problems that he sucks at this, okay—]
ranchgirl: (10)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2024-01-12 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The urgency in Sheik's denial causes Malon to start, but she calms down again after he explains. ]

Probably not. [ She agrees with a laugh. No, if this were a dangerous, death-like place, Sheik would probably be doing anything but idling around. Just like a wild animal, he would probably be fighting tooth and nail to get free.

Malon clicks her tongue to coax the horses along, letting Sheik's explanation percolate in her mind. ]


A vacation does sound kind of nice... I don't think I've ever been on one before.
sagesurvivor: (25 △ heh)

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2024-01-15 06:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[His relief makes him sag somewhat, the tension in his body releasing as she seems to finally accept what he's saying. Maybe her understanding is a little bit at his expense, but... that's fine. If that's what's needed for her to feel at ease here, then he can accept that.]

If there is anyone in Hyrule who deserves one, it's you.

[Sincerely. Malon's been working so hard for as long as he's known her, and probably for even longer than that. For all its oddities, he dearly hopes Songerein will give her that chance to rest, even if she might not remember it when she wakes. That being said—]

... though it seems it might take you some getting used to, considering. [He gestures a bit with the reins in his hand. If she's going to think of him as a wild animal, he's allowed to bite back with a bit of teasing of his own, okay.]
ranchgirl: (07)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2024-01-18 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That jab almost goes straight over Malon's head and she stares at Sheik in confusion for a little too long. Because to her, horses aren't work; caring for animals is the thing she loves above all else. Maybe it's because she hasn't had the opportunity to be introduced to many other things in her life. But even if she were as worldly as Sheik (because that's the impression he gives her), Malon knows she'd probably still love animals the best. ]

Oh, ha ha. [ She clearly enunciates each syllable with sarcasm, reaching out and lightly shoving Sheik's arm. ] It's not work when you really enjoy it.

[ She laughs, though. She gets what he's saying. ]

So what kind of things have you been doing on your "vacation" here?
Edited 2024-01-18 22:16 (UTC)
sagesurvivor: (67 △ hmm)

[personal profile] sagesurvivor 2024-01-21 06:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Mostly losing my mind over Destiny and my utter inability to affect change against it in any meaningful way—]

There are festivals every so often. All the city seems to take part whenever one comes around.

[He answers, less than honestly, because Malon doesn't need to be burdened with the truth that he has been struggling just as much, if not more than he's teasing her over. She's only just accepted that this place exists outside of her own unconscious mind; there's no reason to overwhelm her again with the idea of less-than-linear time. Besides, participating in a festival in and of itself is something of a novel experience! It's not as though Hyrule has had much reason to celebrate in recent memory.]

The one they hold to herald the coming of spring sticks out in particular. It felt as though you could not take more than two steps without happening upon some new garden or floral arrangement, and the streets were lined with stalls for food and games. ... It was a little overwhelming at the time, honestly, but... not in a bad way, in hindsight.

[But we are not mentioning the Flower Court contest, no. That's one aspect he wouldn't mind not seeing again for purely selfish reasons.]
ranchgirl: (15)

[personal profile] ranchgirl 2024-01-22 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That's not exactly answering Malon's question, but she'll let it slide. The picture he paints of the spring festival is so captivating she can almost imagine it, even right now in the middle of winter. ]

A spring festival? That sounds incredible! Geez, I can't even remember when was the last time I went to a festival.

[ She lets out a wistful sigh, but the truth is that she does remember. It was over seven years ago, before the fall of Hyrule.

But Malon doesn't mention that. It's best not to dwell on the past that can't be changed. Just keep looking ahead towards the future. ]