songerein | { once upon a fairytale }

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{ once upon a fairytale }

ONCE UPON A FAIRYTALE

One night, a sweet melody fills the air around Reverein, causing everyone to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep, as if trying to soothe all from the stress of the past few months. However, there are those who are completely lulled by the beautiful music, silently slipping out of bed or off the floor or wherever they were sleeping and sleepwalk out of town to disappear into the woods. It will only be in the morning when everyone left will notice them gone.

Fortunately it's not too difficult to follow the trail. The music continues to play and there are music notes floating in the air to guide searchers deep into the Wildlands. When they approach a golden bridge crossing over a large, rainbow river, they are stopped by some local fae who had witnessed the strange changes. They will tell of how the forest has shifted and changed, with new structures and creatures suddenly inside. There is a strong magic over it, and they are wary of entering as those who have gone to investigate have yet to return. There are witnesses who have seen people inside, but they are acting…strange. And dressed strangely, too, with some looking as if they are in costumes. It's not Halloween, so what's going on?

Those brave enough to cross the bridge will find themselves suddenly changed into different clothes or costumes to match a fairytale character. Those who have had previous experiences in various story based dreamscapes may be somewhat familiar to this. It's completely random (ie, player choice) and a piece of sheet music will appear in front with the following words:

Deep within the forest your friends are stuck in play
Dreaming of a different life to live from day to day
Fear not, brave hero, for their lives are in no threat
But until the music ends will this spell continue yet

Find them in their role and play along
Be it through facing evil villains or singing a song
Perhaps you can remind of who they really are
Find pieces of their memories locked in a jar

Good luck to you, dear hero!
You've reached the final verse
Break this spell before the next new moon
Or this spell will be a cUrSe 😈

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 February and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of February 14th (however, the event itself ICly takes place February 25th through March 2nd). 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 February 23rd and Applications will open on March 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until May.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)

Animorphs - Tobias
Final Fantasy VII - Tseng
Final Fantasy XIV - G'raha Tia
Final Fantasy XVI - Clive Rosfield
Granblue Fantasy Re:Link: Rackam
Hazbin Hotel - Husk
Hazbin Hotel - Lucifer Morningstar

We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

"ENCHANTED" FOREST

All characters in the Enchanted Forest will be dressed in some kind of storybook, fairytale role, and they can be as generic or as specific as players want them to be. Heroes, villains, or an odd mix between are allowed.

The following prompts are more like "setting pieces" that players can utilize either for their sleepwalking character or for a general prompt for those helping out to get through. This is a non-exhaustive list and players are encouraged to be creative and add whatever they need. Sleepwalkers can create their own toplevels featuring their own story setup and/or tag into others. Players are also free to use NPCs who are also caught in the curse to help instead.

Finally, all original abilities are gone while in the Forest, including dreamotion. Instead, they will be replaced with abilities and skills based on the role the character is playing. This does mean you can cheat and choose a role that has abilities similar to the character's original set, but if you're willing to try and be completely creative, you can do so. You can be as open or as restrictive as you want, whatever works best for you.

(Note: The Love is in the Air bubbles are also in effect throughout this event. Because of the IC dates, the Dream Board can also be used as prompts as long as they are set before the event occurs.)

A. SLEEPWALKERS

Those affected by the spell will be called "sleepwalkers" and will be found at various parts of the Enchanted Forest that fits their fairytale character's role. They will be dressed as the character, be a protagonist or a villain, and a lot of creative liberties and freedom are allowed. Their role may also be a little strange and mixed up. Perhaps Red Riding Hood is part wolf, or Thumbelina is a fierce warrior princess ready to take down all the "giants."

The "script" and story may also be twisted up, so it will be up to those trying to help them to try and play along to get a hint on how to save them by finding their memories locked in jars, which are hidden somewhere within their vicinity. Once found, it can only be opened by the sleepwalker, and it will help "wake" them up back to their original self. However, this is a temporary measure until the whole spell is broken.

(Note: To help players find your scenario, please comment to this Sleepwalker Scenario Directory thread here.)

B. FIND THE FLUTE

While some are trying to help those affected, others are focused more on the curse and breaking it. There are bubble-like music notes that appear here and there, and popping them will reveal a piece of sheet music that will have a bar or two of lyrics that will give a hint to where the flute may be hiding. It's different for everyone, and sometimes it can be straightforward and sometimes it's not. However, should anyone sing the piece, music notes will appear and form a trail to lead them right to the flute (the notes will visibly reflect how good or poorly it's sung).

There are multiple instances of the flute and it can be found anywhere within the Forest. Sometimes it's easy to see, others will be hidden or guarded by a creature. It could even be in the hands of a sleepwalker. (Note: as mentioned in the Dream Notes, at least 10 different flute instances must be destroyed for the spell to be broken. If we do not receive enough submissions, the curse will continue with a Part Two in March.)

C. DARK WOODS

There are portions of the forest that are visibly darker. Not only is it denser with more trees, but gray clouds hang over it, further blocking sunlight from it. It's so dark in some places it almost feels like night and lanterns or other sources of light will be needed. Beware of the creatures that lurk. Some are friendly, others like to appear with random rhymes and riddles, and then there are the dangerous ones that are feeling a bit hungry. Be careful of the fruit that hang from some trees, as they can either be poisonous or just have a strange effect on those who eat it.

Deep, deep in the dark woods there is a mysterious fog that will quickly disorient anyone who are caught in it. This is known as the haunted section of the woods, so beware of spirits and ghosts that might wander through.

D. BRIDGES

There is a strange amount of bridges scattered around the Forest, and some of them aren't even crossing over any rivers—just empty ditches or even large chasms. The types will also vary, from fancy bricks to wooden bridges suspended by something that isn't very discernable (the ropes disappear into the sky…??). However, they all have one thing in common: trolls. Some are friendly and will let people pass after answering a few questions. Others will require a bribe. And some will force fights and other annoying challenges. Even then, the bridges themselves may be a bit wobbly, especially those wooden ones, or things like goblins may still pop out to try and steal from them. But perhaps some goats will help?

E. COTTAGES

And all other manner of houses, some of which may be made out of food, straw, sticks, or brick instead of wood. Some of these may be empty, others may already have an occupant. There could be people, could be animals; friendly or hostile. Just be careful of the beds—they can be quite comfortable and some may even be drawn to sleep in them…and need a little smooch to awaken. Those tempted by the food may find it delicious, but they may turn into a grumpy bear always complaining about the temperatures of the food and never satisfied. Baking a few goodies may also help those affected nearby.

Watch out for wolves and young, blond girls. They seem to like breaking into these places.

F. SWAMPS

Deeper within the Forest are pockets of swampland that house all manner of dangerous creatures, such as the will-o-wisps that like to lead wanderers astray, and those looking for a trusty steed? Avoid the horses here—they are kelpies that will waste no time in taking them into the murky waters. As it is a favorite spot for witch ingredients, it is more likely for someone to encounter one and suffer some kind of strange curse here, especially those involving animal transformations with frogs as a favorite. Don't forget the ogres—they don't like to be disturbed.

G. CASTLES

There are at least one or two castles deep within the Forest, though they are a lot smaller than their real counterparts. Some are just a single tower that needs to be climbed up to help whoever is trapped up there. While there could be fair damsels that need rescuing, there are also treasures that could be found and taken instead. Or perhaps one wants to conquer the castle instead and be its king or queen. However, like everything else here, there are curses and enchantments everywhere. The cutlery may not be so keen on intruders, and one may feel the need to sing and dance a musical number more often than not.

But of course these have their own guardians, with the dragons being a favored choice. Wizards and other sorcerers are also common tenants, and they will gladly use their magic to expel anyone who tries to get in.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The pup just tilts her head this way and that when Tifa picks her up, as if not recognizing her, but she pants and wags her tail anyway with a cute little arf!

Which confuses the other dogs who can better understand her, and now they are looking very confused!! Why doesn't their little cousin recognize them?? As Idris and Bri focus on the pup, Valo senses something else is amiss, sniffing the air before whining as he trots around them, looking this way and that.]

[It is a little odd, the way that Melody looks at her, but she has no time to think anything of it. Not with the way Valo starts to pace around, sniffing at the air.

With the corgi secured safely in her arms, she stands, worry lining her features.]

Valo... if you sense something, then show us.

[As if this forest wasn't eerie enough, when the dogs start to get antsy like this, she has every reason to feel nervous about it.]

[Just before Valo can, Melody will suddenly squirm around in Tifa's arms and manages squirm out, dropping to the floor with a little roll before she suddenly runs off deeper into the woods.

Darker woods.]

Melody—!

[Darker woods be damned, she is not letting her run into the woods alone. The others run after her, Bri barking and probably telling her to come back. Into the trees she goes, and Tifa tries to keep up, but for a small corgi, she's moving fast.

Fire lights up in her palm to help light the way, but even that seems to feel suffocated by the darkness that surrounds them, growing thicker and thicker as Melody leads them into the trees.]

Melody, stop!

[But no matter how much any of the dogs bark or Tifa calls out an order to her, she doesn't listen...

And now her gut is telling her that something is not right about this whole thing. Especially when Bri starts to whine, and Idris lets out a low growl.]

[She will continue to lead them further in until at last they will see a shadowy cloaked figure crouching down to pick her up, her little tail wagging. A figure very familiar especially when he smiles fondly at the pup before looking up at them.

Yet the seemingly sweet, serene expression he bears—]

So... You're the ones my little one found.

[Everything is chilling and creepy enough to raise the dogs hackles as they whine and growl in confusion.]

Eustace—! Oh, thank god, you're okay... I'm so glad we...

[The sound of the dogs growling has Tifa stopping just short of reaching him, her jog slowing to a complete stop. She glances back at them frowning, and the look doesn't fade when she turns her attention back to Eustace.]

...found you.

[Her head tilts up at him, and her hand reaches back to try and calm Idris, Valo, and a whining Bri, his words giving her pause.]

... Of course we are?

Edited 2024-02-20 02:54 (UTC)

[His eyes are very focused on her attire, particularly all that red. There's a strange, dark, dangerous gleam that flashes through his eyes that doesn't match the small smile that remains.]

...You were looking for me?

[And while she may have stopped, he will slowly step closer towards her. It's then they may see the large black tail idly swaying behind him, along with the axe at his back.]

[If it weren't for the weird things he was saying, she might not have thought anything about the way that his eyes take her in. New, fancy outfits, she'd be lying if she said that she wasn't feeling some sort of draw to him, but as the dogs continue to growl, Idris's teeth now bared, something definitely is staring to feel a bit more... off.

She's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, though.]

Yeah...

[She starts slowly, her eyes never leaving his.]

I was worried when I woke up and didn't find you there. Eria said you and Melody... you both got up and left. And you never came back.

I see...

[There is still something very odd with the way he continues to stare at her before he smiles again.]

Sorry about that. Shall we go back then?

Mm...

[Very, very odd... Tifa furrows her brow, and dares to walk a little closer, but Idris suddenly barking at them startles her and puts her on an even more precarious edge. Still, she reaches out for Eustace anyway, her hand brushing against his as he holds Melody.]

... Are you okay?

[That smile deepens when her hand brushes against his, and he will take it—quickly. Perhaps a little too quick, the grip tight as he slowly brings it up to his lips as he leans in close.]

Never better. But...

[And as his lips lightly brush against her skin, there is again that strange gleam in his eyes as he stares at her.]

I am feeling a little... Hungry.

[The sudden grab startles her, the speed almost inhuman. He will no doubt feel her pulse quicken under his fingertips, see her chest heave with a sharp intake of breath, her eyes never once leaving his as he stares back at her like that. All the sounds around them, including the growls from the dogs, are muted in that moment, the only sound his voice in her ears.

...

....

She blinks at him, her deep red lips parting with a sigh.]

This isn't... a dream, is it?

[Not one of those dreamscapes that she's somehow conjured up without knowing?]

Is it?

[Just another strange smile as his fingers tighten over hers, that gaze darkening as Melody slips out of his other arm, allowing him slowly reach towards her.

The dogs are very confused and uncertain of what to do. If this had been some kind of apparition or fake, they would have attacked by now, but it's clearly Eustace. Yet also... It's not. And Melody confuses them, too, with how she just barks and doesn't seem to be speaking back to them at all.

Eventually Valo takes the lead and suddenly grabs and yanks Tifa's cloak back as hard as he can to pull her away, the other dogs now moving to get between her and Eustace.]

[Her mouth opens a little further, but words fail her, everything she might have been able to say dying in her throat. She wants to kiss him, but her gut is also telling her to be absolutely terrified... but the way he's looking at her... it's almost as if he's a flame and she a moth, drawn to him in that way that she always is...]

... Maybe?

[But before either of them could do much of anything, she's being yanked backwards, stumbling as her heels dig into the dirt to keep herself from falling all the way down. All three of them leap in front of her, Bri whining, Valo and Idris growling.]

What has gotten into all of you? And you... [Her eyes move from the dogs to Eustace, her head clearing of some of that fog.] You're scaring them.

[And her.]

I am?

[Just a light smile as he stares down at the dogs... But there's something more hostile and annoyed there instead of his usual love and friendliness.]

Heh, guess they see right through it...

[And then veeerrryyy slowly he reaches back behind him to grab the handle of his axe.]

Should I get rid of them first...?

[Whatever heat had pooled in her has long since been put out, replaced with a fear unlike one that she's felt in a long time. Either this is all a terrible dream, or that is not her husband. Or it's him, and he's under some enchantment. It doesn't matter what it is, the moment that Eustace goes for his axe, it's Tifa who leaps in front of the dogs, putting herself between him and them.]

Don't.

[But no matter how desperate she is, no matter how afraid she is, the tremble finding its way into her voice, she can't bring herself to raise her fists against him.

So, she turns to the dogs.]

Run. See if you can find Lyria.

[Bad move on her part to 1) get in his way and 2) turn around.

Because before she can finish speaking her words, there's the harsh, sharp sound of a blade swinging and Valo yelping as he jumps and pushes Tifa to the sound, just in time for both to avoid the axe as it cuts through right where she had been standing.

Tsk.]

[She sees him move before Valo even leaps in, but she's tackled to the ground anyway, the axe just narrowly missing them both as she takes the dog in her arms and breaks his fall. They both scramble upward, the basket in Tifa's arm breaking from the impact, and a sword tumbles out of it. Does she even know how to use one?

It doesn't matter!

She picks it up anyway and holds it between them as she scrambles to her feet, checks over her shoulder to see Idris and Bri running back into the trees. Valo sticks beside her, barking at Eustace.]

What are you...?

[She eyes him carefully, noting his expression and the lack of... well, anything in his eyes. Recognition, affection. It's one thing to attack her, but the dogs? Something isn't right...

And with one look at Valo, he seems to understand, because in the next moment...

The pair of them are turning on their heel and running in a different direction than the other two had gone.]

[Eustace stares at them for a moment before there's an odd quirk of his lips as he just idly swings the axe in his hand. Round and round it goes as he slowly steps towards the shadows of the trees.]

A chase is it? I always did enjoy a good hunt...

[And the moment he steps into the shadows...

He disappears.]

[Whatever is going on, whatever enchantment this is, Tifa has no idea. But she's sure that's exactly what it is. The fae had warned them about some strange magic going on in these woods, and now she knows what that is, and there is no doubt that there is a way to break through it. It was just a matter of...how...

She tries to lead him away from the other dogs lest they do find Lyria, but the further she runs, the darker the forest becomes. And while a small part of her might regret this later, as long as she's sure that his attention is on her, then she has some peace of mind.

Some...

The low hanging branches cut at her robe, and she gathers it up so that it won't catch on the small bushes that she kicks aside, but it doesn't stop her. Deeper she goes, but a fog has started to creep in now, and when she no longer hears the pad of paws behind her, Tifa stops and whips around.]

Valo!?

[She'll hear him barking in the distance, trying to find her, but his voice will start drifting farther and farther away until there's nothing but silence and the fog around her. A fog that will continue to thicken around her, light slowly fading until she can barely see a few steps ahead of her.]

[She can hear his barks in the distance, so far away, drowned out by the darkness that slowly crawls around her. The silence that comes with it is eerie, discomforting, and it's Tifa's own footstep that startles her, the small CRACK of a twig under her feet making her gasp and whip around, only to find nothing behind her but more thick fog...]

Valo...?

[She tries again, quieter this time, as her eyes dart around her, her fingers gripping that sword tighter in her hand.]

... Eustace, if you're there... answer me.

[The silence just continues to thicken along with the darkness until it seems as if it's all about converge and consume her—]

Who is "Eustace"?

[His voice suddenly sounds right next to her ear along with the coolness of his breath.]

[That has her leaping backwards and shoving him as hard as she can all at the same time, the sound of his voice and his breath against her ear is not something that should scare her as much as it does, but it lacks any of the playfulness or affection within it. Maybe if she was sure that this was a dream, it wouldn't be as frightening, but...

She's pretty certain now that it isn't.

She takes a fall to the ground, her knees buckling under her, and she stares up at him.]

... You are?

[It's a hard shove, but it does little to move him as he just stands there barely moving as he watches her fall. The eyes lack any warmth as he continues to eye her less like a person and more like something interesting he's found.

Like prey.

With a subtle smile he crouches down to one knee so he's a bit more eye level with her, yet he still looms over her as the distance closes between them far too quickly.]

Me? Hm, that's the first I've heard it, Red.

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