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

[He just stands there unmoving...and with that eerie little smirk playing at his lips as he watches her.]

Will you?

[He then raises the blade up, turning it this way and that.]

Do you even know how to use it?

Does it matter if I can?

[She tries to keep the tremble of fear out of her voice, and she wonders if he can still pick it up... even if he isn't himself. Or if he can see the way her eyes glisten with the beginnings of tears as she watches him carefully.

Her eyes narrow as she starts to move away from him, step by step putting a little more distance.]

Still managed to take you down even with a bad leg...

[And she feels guilty as hell about it, but if he's going to keep playing at this angle, then maybe...]

[He catches it clearly, yet it only makes that smile twist even more as he just follows step by step, heavy footfalls thudding against the floor.]

It was impressive, really. More than I expected.

[So... he really doesn't remember anything about her at all, does he?

Her heart twists into a tight knot again, remembering all the other times he'd been possessed by the magic of this world against his will, only to end up with him coming after her in some way. She just hopes that he'll forgive himself after all of this and remember that none of it is his fault. That she won't blame him for the marks he's left on her...

For now, she still needs to find a way to buy herself some time, and that time is quickly ticking away as she stumbles backwards, bumping into a chair and knocking it over. It startles her, she jumps, and whips around to face him again.]

I could do it again, if you'd like...

[Whether that's a threat beneath her slightly sweeter voice, who can say.]

[He just continues his slow advance, sword scraping against the tabletop as he circles around.]

You like being pinned?

[She'll keep moving around the table, keeping it between them, her eyes flitting to the sword before locking back on him.]

Well. Least you remember one thing...

[Just another grin.]

I'm always open to try and "remember" other things.

[At that, she accidentally limps and fumbles into another chair, the sound of it clattering to the floor far too loud. She doesn't step over it but rather, starts moving away from the table.

She has no idea how much space is in this place, if there's another room she can run to, or if this cottage is as small on the inside as it looked on the outside, but she isn't going to dare risk turning her back to him in here.

Not yet, anyway.]

Yeah? ... Like what? Could be that I can help.

[Just keep him talking.]

[He just idly twirls the sword in his hand as he continues to follow slowly after her. And unfortunately for her, the cottage is indeed quite small, with only one other room she could try to dart into—the bedroom. Which he may or may not be trying to push her towards.]

You're the one who seems to know me... You tell me.

[Completely unaware of his little plan, she continues this game of chase. It's the only option she thinks she has, as she tries to look around the house for something. Anything that she could use to safely change him back. But with that sword and his axe... jumping in and trying to fight him would only end up with him more hurt.

So, she lets herself be cornered. Lets him come to her... painstakingly slow as it is, giving that fear more time to really sink into her.]

Hm. [She hums thoughtfully, as she quietly tries to conjure them herself... to no avail.] Well. You're pretty fond of using vines, too.

[That is to say... can he?]

Vines? Interesting...

[Instead she'll feel something cold slither up her legs as dark shadows wrap around her.]

Like this?

[Air lodges in her throat and she staggers back, trying to escape whatever is sliding up her legs so that she can shake herself off, cursing silently at herself. If she just had some magic, but the only weapons she had were her sword and the basket that she had crushed and broken when she had taken that initial fall.

So now all she has are her fists, her feet, and... her wits.

And the fact that all of his attention is clearly on her.]

Sort of, but yeah.

[She swallows past that growing lump of fear in her throat, her voice strained, her heart beating like it's about ready to run.]

Like that.

[Eyes flit to the axe on his back, then back to him, and she lets her lips lift into a smile, keeping the nerves out of it as best as she can.]

Any other magic you've got hiding in there?

[The shadows will easily recede when she tries to escape and he just watches with a quiet chuckle.]

Perhaps...but no need to rush, is there? Could take our time...take things slow...

[And the sound of his footfalls as he continues to slowly advance echoes heavily as the cottage seems to grow darker with each step, as if ready to swallow everything within it.]

[She makes a small sound when her back hits a door, every sound of his heavy footsteps making her heart race just a little faster, and her hand slowly fumbles for the handle somewhere...]

Hm? Take what slow?

[He swings the sword once before he more audibly laughs.]

I'll keep that a surprise.

[And the door will fly open behind her.]

[She falls back onto her bad leg, and then back again as her other one catches her, but it's too late. Her knee hits something, and she stumbles backwards, landing on something plush. A bed?

Shit...

She laments to herself, biting on her lip as she stares up at him. She could go for the sword right now, but...]

If I don't like surprises?

[Holding fast in her position, she steels her gaze to meet his.]

All right. I'll tell you as I go, then.

[He just continues to walk in before stopping just right at the foot of the bed.]

First the legs.

[And there's just a dark flash in his eye as he raises the sword to bring it down right over her legs.]

[She shuffles back, eyes darting up to the sword raised above his head, and the sword coming down just narrowly misses her legs as she pulls them back. The blade lands on the bed, cutting into the mattress from the force, and the shift in weight sends her reeling back against the headboard.

She wasn't expecting that, that's for sure... She'd gotten just a little too confident in thinking that maybe he could still be drawn in—that some part of him still existed in there, but...]

Ugh.

[She reaches to her side and picks a small vase of flowers and chucks it as hard as she can at his head, hoping to land a hit that might stun him, even for a second.]

Edited 2024-02-23 03:59 (UTC)

[tifa will punch him]

[He ducks his head to the side, the vase narrowly missing as he just steps around, the sword dragging through the mattress towards her as shadows suddenly rise up to wrap around her legs and pin them down, spreading them apart before it stops right near her knees before he pulls it out and lets it fall to the floor with a loud clatter.]

Or... Should I take off the arms?

[His hand changes into more of a wolf-like claw, and in one swift, rough motion he's on top of her, both arms pulled up and held back against the headboard as he looms over her.]

Edited 2024-02-23 04:35 (UTC)

[The headboard rattles against the wall from the impact, Tifa crying out as that very real and very deep fear bleeds out of her. All it takes is that single motion for him to settle in between her legs that she tries to wriggle free from the clutches of those cold shadows, to no avail.

But...

Maybe he doesn't realize that this is right where she wanted him. Close enough that she could land a hit without risking being swung at with an axe or a sword... should it come to that.

Should it come to that.

She swallows past the thick fear in her throat, tries to steady her otherwise trembling breaths, tries to steel her gaze once more as she flexes her wrists under his grip. Closing her eyes, she blinks back the burn in them, that ache that swells in her chest as she finally meets his gaze... and sees the coldness within it. No warmth, no love, nothing.

And she leans up into him anyway because she can't be afraid of him.

Because this has to work.

It has every other time...]

But what big teeth you have. ... You haven't even had a proper taste yet.

[She huffs out a warm, quivering sigh, hoping that it will draw him in the rest of the way.]

Hmmmm?

[A slight quirk of the brow as she leans up towards him, a smile forming.]

And how would you suggest I do that?

[Her lip trembles, and she bites down to stifle it, and there's an ache in her own eyes as she stares up at him. A wish that she doesn't dare say aloud lest she scare away... whatever version of him this is. Or worse, trigger something that there would be no coming back from.

But maybe she's stupid and naive to hope that he is still in there somewhere, and if she just moves a little closer, she can reach him. Risky, yes, but he was always worth that risk. Still is, no matter how much fear that coldness in his eyes strikes within her.

If anyone could get through to him, it would be her, wouldn't it?]

... Come closer.

[She twists her wrist in his grip and stretches up to him as far as he will let her be.]

[He only maintains his hold before the claws squeeze against her wrists, sharp nails digging into her skin as he lowers one hand to roughly grab her chin and tilt her face more up to him.

All that "smile" is now gone, replaced by the chilling aura of death as he stares at her as if she was no more than insignificant prey, whatever "desire" there more akin to that of whatever bloody scene is playing out in his mind.]

Brave words for someone trembling like a little rabbit.

A rabbit that you love.

[She steels herself once more, his hand cold on her chin, and for the first time since all of this started, fury sparks in Tifa's gaze the moment it meets his. It's less so directed at him and more... this... whatever this is. This forest, the spell, everything about it. That she doesn't have any magic is the second most frustrating part of all of this only next to the fact that she had to go to such means to try.

She is trembling, perhaps more than she realized, as he stares into her eyes. In another world, another dream, this would have been the part where she kissed him and it would all fade away. This would be the part where he would look down at her with a different sort of want... She could close her eyes and pretend, just for a second, that it is, and maybe she'll be brave enough to...

No, she's dealt with worse.

Without warning, Tifa's freed hand takes him by his chin and holds him in place, and she presses a kiss to his lips anyway as her tears burn out against his cheeks. She prays, hopes, wishes, whatever she can that this will be it. That he'll see those same blue starflowers that she is thinking of in her head and follow them back to her... just like he had before.]

[The words do make his eyes narrow.

Love?

Perhaps something did stir in that moment, something that at least makes him stop and wonder what could she be talking about. A moment that's then broken when she actually grabs and kisses him.

Spell or not, his body automatically stiffens at first, perhaps recognizing her. And in that same vein slowly starts to push back, an act so natural that it really would feel as if he had come back to his senses, had somehow managed to break out of this spell.

Unfortunately, however, "true love's kiss" is not the answer here, and while it did give that brief moment of recognition, that's all it manages. What starts so naturally gentle and familiar quickly descends into something darker and more aggressive, the hand that may have briefly brushed her cheek now moving down to her neck, the tips of those sharpened claws scratching against the skin as if ready to grab it again.]

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cw: NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN but it gets questionable

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