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

I know. But I'm still sorry.

[The crying makes sense now; she doubts she'd have responded any differently. It doesn't matter who they meet, what they build, or how much they accomplish, Clive and Joshua are still her world. Her family. Her home. Being trapped somewhere without either of them, even if only in a dream state, feels unfathomable.]

And if you're glad, then so too am I.

[He wouldn't be glad if this place was dangerous – if it had harmed him in some way. The thought is enough for her to relax her shoulders at his touch, and she reaches out to squeeze his arms just briefly, offering her own little parcel of reassurance. It's a much warmer hello than they'd had the first time around, and the absurdity of that makes her smile broaden. It reassures her as well, though; this time, they're off to a much better start.]

Is there somewhere we can go to talk? I suspect there's much I need to know, and I'm curious what you've been up to all this time.

Absolutely. I have accommodations here. They aren't far, and you're more than welcome to stay.

[This realm has been better to him in so many different ways. Joshua's heart beats for Rosaria, and he seeks to represent his homeland at every given opportunity to keep her alive and well in this world, but Songerein has given him much to be grateful for--and taken away other things. People, mostly.]

[Speaking of--]

Before we leave, have... have you seen Clive, perchance?

[For a flicker of a moment, her eyes light up; then, she remembers what Joshua said earlier -- that she and Torgal are the first -- and it dims as she shakes her head.]

No, only Torgal. I'm sorry about that, too.

[Not in a guilty way. She's still just commiserating.]

[Joshua nods, clearly crestfallen. He closes his eyes, sets his shoulders and then meets Jill's once more. Whatever sadness plagued him is gone, replaced with a gentle acceptance and, more importantly, a determination to continue forward.]

It's all right.

[For once, that all-too-common platitude isn't some flimsy mask.]

Our family may be incomplete, but the three of us have each other.

And that... that is more than I ever could have imagined.

[Joshua’s not one to lose hope, as a realist who leans into optimism, but in recent days, he'd been slowly slipping towards despair. Then again, that could just be the result of the interesting (one way to put it) malady afflicting him. One that he'll eventually have to tell Jill about--before she finds out on her own, preferably. He'd wither away from the guilt, otherwise.]

[But not today. He has no intentions on marring this happy occasion.]

[He holds out an arm for Jill to take. Does she need the assistance? No. Not in the slightest. But Joshua is a gentleman. One who missed his sister dearly and will come up with any reason to remain close to her for as long as possible.]

Does the lady desire an escort?

Edited (Typoooooos) 2024-02-20 17:03 (UTC)

[Plagues spread – it's just what they do – and Jill can feel Joshua's sadness twinge in her own heart. Even as it fades, hers lingers, though she holds it beneath the surface, doing her best to mirror his air of acceptance. She can be sad later, when it won't dampen his mood.]

Mm, we do have that.

[And she is grateful, of course. Nothing about Clive's absence undermines the importance and value of Joshua's presence. It's just that there's always something, and it's usually something that sucks, and she's so very, very tried.

When he offers his arm, the exasperated, big sisterly smile she offers in response is genuine, albeit muted. She steps into place beside him, takes his arm, bumps her shoulder against his, soft, silly, playful. All things they'd never really had the chance to be since reuniting.]

If the gentleman insists.

[There really is always something happening, hardly ever good, and perpetually daunting.]

[Joshua is tired, too.]

[Thankfully, though, there's a renewed sense of happiness. A tiny wellspring of optimism that may very well one day counteract all of those somethings just enough to make waking up less of an invitation for life to throw yet another trial their respective ways.]

[He can't help the grin that spreads across his face at Jill's bump, head bowed as he begins to lead the three of them down the city streets and towards the line of trees that surrounds it.]

I'm sure you have many questions. I can answer the smaller ones along the way, if you'd like.

[She has more questions than she could think to ask, really, but she's so well-accustomed to being thrown into chaos and adapting as she goes that she starts at the only place she wants to: in familiar territory]

What I wonder most is what you've been up to all these months.

[It's always been easier for her to understand her circumstances through others' contexts and the connections she forges – for good and for ill – so she figures she can piece together the important bits like this, and then worry about filling in the details as more specific questions rise along the way.]

[Joshua is more than happy to remain planted on the terra firma of the familiar. Such is the source of the light in his eyes at Jill's question. There's a lot to talk about, most of it exciting, some of it as exhausting as the issues back home, but, again, the former is far more apropos for easing Jill (and Torgal, for however much he's listening) into new territory.]

I arrived at the onset of a catastrophe in a neighboring city called Orkili. I helped in the initial efforts to ensure the safety of refugees and then assisted with further evacuations and, later, investigations into the cause of their crisis.

[He doesn't mention the nostilium involved just yet, lest he open a can of worms.]

There were other mishaps that followed, the latest involving a visiting monarch known as the Snow Queen. She is still in recovery, but the dreamwalkers have been doing all we can to assist her while taking care of any other nuisances in the interim.

[At the mention of the dreamwalkers, Joshua's speech quickens. His tone maintains its quiet gentleness, but there's a livelihood that brings an air of refreshment to its cadence.]

I've... I've made friends, here. Many younger than I, but, I've learned so much from them.

Did you know there are other worlds out in the cosmos? There is one called Earth that uses automatons similar to the magitek of our past. They've even managed to create orchestrions small enough to fit into the palm of your hand that deliver music straight to your ears. My friend, Kazuya, has gifted me with one such device. I'll be happy to share it with you when we reach my home. Occasionally we will spend time simply listening to music or speaking over a meal. He calls it 'hanging out'.

Other worlds have beings similar to us, the Dominants. Another friend of mine, Ryu, has the ability to transform into what he refers to as different 'forms' not unlike our primed and semi-primed states. We've been working on mastering and controlling his power. He and I have been on adventures together, and he enjoys fishing.

There are many others, as well: Naoya, Revali, Rufus, Yato, Ira, Maedhros, Anya, Eustace, Tifa, Cloud, Nico, Xiao... just to name a few. I've met benevolent gods, individuals whose magicks may surpass our own, even birds who walk and speak as humans do.

[He's smiling wider and wider as he speaks, fondness evident in every single word.]

They've all been so kind and patient. I've done my best to reciprocate, but I can only hope it's enough.

[He's not used to friendship.]

[In silence, Jill takes it all in. There's a slight reassertion of exhaustion at words like catastrophe and crisis and recovery, and she opts to ignore their surrounding circumstances for now because, again, she's tired and she needs rest before she can hoist the burdens of an unfamiliar world upon her shoulders. She will get there soon enough, of course; it isn't in her nature not to care. It's just that after everything she's been through – and after believing them all at the end of their fight – she needs a little more time. She needs the space to breathe.

But respite abounds in the joy with which Joshua speaks of his friends and their worlds, and in how his love of knowledge and discovery of companionship come together to make him something bright and beaming by her side. This, she will focus on gladly.]

I'm sure it's been more than enough, and you'll have to introduce me to them all soon. I should like to meet the people who've made my dear friend so happy.

[A pause. An inward sigh. Her thoughts circle back to the state of this world, and she supposes that ignoring everything really isn't possible after all. So she adds:]

Is it better here, then, than it ever was in the Twins?

[An unfortunate truth for those who, one way or another, find themselves caught in a struggle of unimaginable proportions, is that they will inevitably find themselves in yet another. Whether it be through their own volition or external circumstance, that siren's call must be heeded.]

[All the more important that Jill take her reprieve where she can and that Joshua protects that time alongside her.]

They'll love you. I've no doubt of it.

[Because he loves her, and he wouldn't befriend anyone who would think anything less than he of his family.]

[Jill's question settles Joshua into a reflective silence. Conflict brews inside of him with every consideration.]

The Twins are my home, imperfect and scarred as they may be. Rosaria is as much a part of me as the blood that runs through my veins.

[But then he thinks about the blood he's shed, both in battle and in his various maladies, self-inflected and otherwise.]

And yet, this world has given me gifts I'd never thought possible. My body does not protest exertion, my magicks do not trade one spark for another, Ultima's presence is gone. I am rid of that fiend and his incessant vexation.

[In his stead is a different darkness, sinister and invasive, but, again, he won't delve into that particular detail until necessary.]

I've learned of so many cultures and shared some of ours, in return. When there is an emergency, I can answer the call not because I feel that I must, but because I am free to do so.

[Joshua swallows back the lump in his throat.]

I can run, Jill. I can run for minutes on end and not feel as though the earth is clawing at my legs. I can step out of doors and breathe deeply of the brisk air without it tearing through my lungs. My own blood has not stained my hands for months.

There are problems here, too, of course, and Valisthea will always be in my heart.

But I don't want to go back. Not yet.

[Jill wishes she could say the same about the Twins; all she's really experienced there is heartache and loss, and she has no real home to claim as her own. The only place she really wants to be is anywhere else.

It's not a thought she dwells on long – not when Joshua speaks of being healthy in ways she'd never have imagined. There are nuances to his situation that she can't grasp yet, of course. Curses well beyond her knowing that this world, too, has worked into him. But those possibilities only exist as a static at the edge of her thoughts. One that's easily overwhelmed by the surge of uncompromised happiness that finds her hold on his arm shifting to his hand as she moves to stand in front of him.

Her eyes are bright and shimmering; her smile warm and hopeful in ways it hasn't been since she was a girl.]

You're well?

[This time when she hugs him, it's with real force. For the first time in her life she isn't afraid of hurting him by holding him, and she's going to take advantage of that in full.]

I'm so glad for you, Joshua.

[A pause. A slight intrusion of dread. Goodness knows she found him reckless enough when he was sickly; if he's in good health, well...

No. That's another thought for another time.]

I can think of few who deserve to be able to embrace life to its fullest more than you.

I am well.

[Joshua never said those words aloud. Not in the way that he means now. In the past, they were his façade, just one of the many faces he wore as the situation needed. Diplomat. Spymaster. Dominant. Prince. Outlaw. Margrace. Fugitive. Researcher. Chronicler. They were all 'well' in their own right. Whenever Joshua needed to feel 'well', he could slip into any of those roles and escape under the guise of duty. There was no room for illness when he had a task to accomplish.]

[Jill's arms around him, squeezing him tightly, unafraid that she could snap him in half. Joshua can't help but return the strength of that embrace. Strength garnered over the months through training and energy burned building his body instead of constantly pulling it out of the gutter. He's still willowy, and perhaps nothing will change that, but he's no longer the sort of delicate that could fracture from the wrong touch.]

[His lip trembles and his eyes well with hot tears. He lets them fall.]

I-I am well.

[He rests his chin on Jill's head. He couldn't earlier--his height is difficult to leverage from the ground--but now that he can, he's using it fully to his advantage.]

And you'll have your chance to embrace life, too. However you please.

[It's almost a shame that Jill's already hugging him so tightly; when his tears land warm and wet upon her hair, she wishes to pull him closer but can't without feeling ridiculous. Instead, she rests her forehead against his chest, so close to where Ultima once resided, and lets reality flow up through her like a sunrise heralding a new dawn.

At the last of his words, she pulls away – albeit with some degree of reluctance – and reaches up once more to clear away any lingering tears. He may be bigger than her now, but she's still the big sister and she won't let him forget that. Even if she does look to him for guidance now.]

Have you any advice on where I should start?

[It isn't that she's unsure of how to exist on her own terms; living such a life has been what she's wanted most ever since she was a girl. Whether as royals or as Dominants, they'd all learned far too young that their paths had been chosen for them, and it had always rankled Jill the most. Rather, it's that whatever path he's chosen has clearly done wonders for him, and it won't hurt to walk in similar ways until she knows enough about this place to start striking out on her own.]

[Joshua smiles, bowing his head to help Jill wipe away any remnants of tears. Her fingers along his cheeks, comfortable in their familiarity, bring forth memories of their shared childhood, when even the gloomiest days, rife with the whispers of political turmoil, shone brightly as long as he had his siblings.]

[Losing the rest of his childhood to the events of Phoenix Gate hurt. Losing that time with his family, unsure if he'd ever see them again, hurt even more. He'll never take these overt displays of love and affection for granted ever again.]

[He presses a light kiss to Jill's crown before answering her question.]

Acclimation is a difficult time. There is much to take in, and it is a process to accustom oneself to the unique nature of this realm.

[Joshua offers his arm to Jill again so they can continue along.]

It was barely more than half a sennight following my arrival that there was incident that required the use of dreamotion. It was a challenge, but one that provided a goal on which I could focus.

Travel around Reverein enough, and you will find your focus, as well. Your time is mine, and I will dedicate as much of at as you need to help.

[Gladly, Jill accepts his arm again, moving into step beside him at a somewhat quicker pace as Torgal bounds off ahead. She thinks about calling him back but ultimately doesn't; he's been glued to her side since they arrived, and even if it was nice having him so near to her, watching him return to his usual form makes her much happier.

When Joshua finishes speaking, she doesn't respond right away. In the chaos of everything else, she's neglected to recognise an important change in the very air between them. Where once she could sense his aether, even from great distances, now there's nothing. It feels... strange. Like something else she'll have to acclimate to over time.

More than that, though, it brings forth the question of her own abilities and whether she still has access to them, in some form, with Shiva's dormancy, or if they've faded like the magic in their world. But rather than addressing that directly, she opts for more roundabout route.]

What is dreamotion, exactly?

[She's heard the spiel, of course, but only Joshua would know how to explain it in the context of aether.

A pause, then a follow-up that feels a bit more pressing.]

And how was it required?

[He nods. Both questions are completely valid, and he can understand that wisp of urgency. Joshua pauses to consider his words and how best to succinctly tackle his explanation.]

Dreamotion is the equivalent to magic in this realm. Just as Valisthea required aether as its source for magic, Songerein requires emotion as a source for dreamotion. The nature of your emotion dictates the outcome of your spell. However, with enough practice or with natural affinity, one can utilize dreamotion on a whim. The way one’s dreamotion manifests tends to mirror one’s powers in their respective waking world, provided they have such powers.

[As an example, he calls forth a small orb of fire with his free hand, beckoning it to follow them as they continue to walk. Joshua doesn’t bother dismissing it, enjoying the warmth and extra light it provides.]

While we are our own sources for our magicks, we do not have to trade our lives for its use. I’ve admittedly felt fatigue after its extended use, but it isn’t a common side effect from what I’ve noticed. It could very well be a remnant of my physical body’s limitations manifested here.

[Joshua doesn’t sound upset about it. His tone is measured in a way that denotes true acceptance.]

When I first arrived, I had to use dreamotion to assist in apprehending some thieves. Immediately after is when the events I mentioned regarding Orkili occurred. Both fire and healing were difficult back then, but my stamina has increased. I’ve even managed to semi-prime, and although doing so left me entirely drained, recovery was as simple as a full night’s sleep.

[He conveniently leaves out some of the more concerning details of said semi-priming, but, again, those are stories for later.]

[It doesn't really matter how upset Joshua does or doesn't come across as being; Jill's worry for him reasserts itself all the same. It's a reflex, still, but one that should abate with time.

She won't dishonour his steadiness by pressing the matter, though – at least not in the context of her concern. Instead, she holds out her free hand as if to follow suit in attempting to summon her ice, but... decides better of it, in the end. Though he's handed her an easy excuse for why her own magicks might not rise from her palm, she doesn't want to rely upon maybes.

That issue will also have to wait until later.

What she does do, ultimately, is release her hold on his arm so she take his hand instead. Such a simple gesture, and one they'd shared so often as children, but one that never loses its own magic of support and comfort, presence and understanding, togetherness and mutuality.]

[Questions storm her mind again, but she falls so easily into focusing on Joshua that only one really crystallises:]

It must have felt so very strange the first time, having your spells dictated by your emotions. Especially after they've been a part of you for so long.

[Joshua readily takes Jill's hand, gripping it securely with every iota of that childhood comfort he can muster. He noticed her movement before and how it mirrored his brief spell, and part of him expected her to attempt to follow through, but he also understands there are myriad reasons why Jill wouldn't call forth her magic, ranging from unfamiliarity with dreamotion to her own trepidation with the misfortune her skills with aether have brought her.]

[Whatever the reason is, all Joshua needs to convey is that he will be there for her, no matter her decision.]

It was a unique hurdle, and it makes magic use tiring in its own way. Feeling so much at once isn't... I'm not used to it.

[The Undying, although not entirely devoid of emotion (he can certainly recall happiness, sadness, and frustration with his found kin), valued a more taciturn environment. They fostered calm and expected it of their new leader, and Joshua learned the worth of a cool head when making decisions that could, and sometimes would have to, lead to the death of an agent for the greater good.]

[Ruthless calculus required a subdued heart.]

Giving oneself to that deluge often leaves the spirit drenched in the storm of its own depth.

[For twelve years, Jill used her powers while detached from them, mentally at first and emotionally not long after. And while that's changed during her time as an outlaw, she still maintains some degree of separation, feeling the brunt of everything on her own time, in her own space, alone and far away from the atrocities she's witnessed and the battles she's fought.

In many ways, she'd argue that this separation is what keeps her steady and strong in the face of almost insurmountable odds. To be more emotive while using magic is antithetical to damned near everything she knows. But so is cowering away from things that are difficult. So is giving up before she begins. She still has no intention of testing anything out in Joshua's company, but she can use his words to steel herself against what feels like an inevitability, should she still have command of her powers.]

I'm not used to it either. When I fought, I always tried to feel as little as I could.

[And she's never really had the chance to use her powers outside of the context of battle and war, subterfuge and crime, so her mind doesn't even twitch towards other directions.]

Or perhaps it's rather that I didn't want to think too hard about what we had to do to accomplish what was necessary. It's not quite like that here, is it?

[Joshua doesn’t have the full picture of Jill’s history outside of her relegation to a war machine by The Iron Kingdom, but those horrendous scraps that he’s pulled together are enough of a backdrop help him fully understand the reasoning for her magical disconnect.]

[It’s also enough to trigger a quiet bubbling of anger for what was done to his sister. He tamps it down, lest it show on his face and aggravate the darkness he carries.]

[There was also the matter of following Cid and Clive and their mission, but that was of her own volition. Those accomplishments she mentioned, and the degree of separation associated with them, were a pursuit of her own free will—or so he rations. As wide reaching as his network was, the Undying could only make objective observations. They could not scry into hearts.]

Not quite, no.

It’s very difficult not to think about what must needs be done. Not merely because of the nature of dreamotion.

[Joshua gestures up ahead towards the line of treehouses blurring into the edge of the city.]

But because it is natural to care about one’s home.

I know. It's always difficult.

[But that isn't want she meant, and so she pauses to figure out how to put it to words before deciding against saying anything. Does it really matter that her thoughts still swirl around how much damage they had to cause to plant their tiny seeds of hope? Is now really the time to talk about how much they'd had to choose to sacrifice – and how little they were able to save – in their own world?

Besides, in the end, that's her experience, not his. Of course his mind went elsewhere.

It's true that they know precious little about each other now, at least beyond what they've remembered about the nature of their hearts. All they really have are the scaffoldings of nostalgic patterns upon which to rebuild perception and understanding alike. That's not inherently bad, though; not when there are so few left who knew the kind of people they were before the world changed who they are. The familiarity they share is different and refreshing and nice for still bearing the rhythms of better times.

She can only hope that any changes they go through here are more for the better than not; she can only put her faith in the light Joshua shines on this land even as he speaks of its shadows.

It's in that spirit that Jill's eyes light up a bit when he gestures towards the treehouses. There's a sense of whimsy about them, of course. Something fantastical about the sight that leaves her feeling girlish. A bit of humour at the thought of the Phoenix finding his perch, too. Warmth as he introduces it as home.]

Treehouses? [And though she doesn't quite sound girlish, there is a brightness to her voice that wasn't there before, a hint of too-rare laughter.] Which one is yours?

Mine is a bit deeper in the forest. Not too far.

[He speaks with a surge of fondness for the place. To Joshua, it's a refuge, an escape from the unique struggles that Songerein possesses. A sanctuary where he could open a book and allow his mind to wander in its pages until sleep (eventually) claimed him. Recently, he'd even invited friends over on a regular basis, and their presence helped with the loneliness that had been creeping throughout his thoughts.]

[But all that will change now. Jill and Torgal are here, and they can begin to craft memories anew. Joshua isn't alone from his world anymore, and he doesn't have to surround himself with reminders.]

[He suddenly straightens with realization.]

Oh!

I'd nearly forgotten.

Before we enter my house, I should bring you around to the back. There's someone I'd like for you to meet.

[It's nice, she thinks, to hear Joshua speak with such fondness towards the home he's established here. The little things like this are what continue to knead away at the tension she's been carrying since she arrived, and she finds herself simply feeling happy that he's developed a sense of belonging deep enough to bubble over into his tone.]

Someone?

[Immediately, Jill's curiosity is piqued. Given the way Joshua speaks of them she can't imagine it's a person, but that only widens the possibilities. Perfectly content to keep it a surprise, she doesn't ask him anything, just says:]

I'd love to meet them.

[All it takes is that genuine show of interest for Joshua’s eyes to widen and his lips to erupt in a wide smile. With how his entire countenance glows, it’s as if, for just a few moments, that little ten-year-old boy has returned.]

Follow me.

[Not that Jill has much choice. Joshua’s grip tightens as he laces his fingers between hers. All the better to make sure that their hands don’t separate as he quickens his pace to a happy trot. He looks back over his shoulder periodically to check in on his sister as he leads her and Torgal along the forest path, mindful of any stray roots, towards a large tree with a distinctively red flair.]

[That ten-year-old boy is accompanied by his twelve-year-old sister as they move deeper into the forest and the wonderment about her swells. Every time he checks on her, she's looking in a different direction, taking in everything like she can scarcely believe it's real. It's only when she notices him guiding her towards one treehouse in particular that her focus stops flitting about like a thirsty hummingbird and lands in one place.]

You live here?

[Of course he does, and of course she understands that. The inflection at the end isn't a questioning one, but rather something rooted in amazement. It's just so charming. So rich in character from the red flair, to the moss and the flowers, the way the top of the tree perfectly crowns the house it holds at its heart. The perfect home for an adventurer prince.]

It suits you.

{ once upon a fairytale }

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