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

[She grips the sword tighter, her other hand balling into a fist as that low laugh sends a cold shiver over her spine.]

Sorry, but yeah. You did.

[Her voice is harsh and sharp, masking the more fearful undertones that have her nearly paralyzed on the spot, but it's her anger that has her hand shaking around the sword, the rage threatening to spill over.]

Definitely underestimated you, too... wolf. Now tell me how to get my husband back before I break you open myself to see if he's inside.

[An empty threat, but she is mad.]

[He just smirks.]

Break open? Like this?

[As he stands with the jar in his clawed hand, he tightens his fingers around it until it completely shatters, that manic gleam burning brightly in his eyes...

...

Until a strange, soft blue white smoke billows out from where the jar was and passes over in front of him, his expression strangely stiffening as if caught in a trance.]

Edited 2024-02-24 04:56 (UTC)

[She falters only a little at sound of the glass shattering, and even more so by that possessed look in his eyes, and she's about to come back with another retort, another attempt at a threat, but she's thrown off when smoke starts to drift out from his closed claw.

She shouldn't dare hope that the shift in his expression could mean anything, but... she does, her sword arm growing slack, her fist loosening.]

... Eustace?

[He doesn't respond at first, that vacant look in his eyes still there. But in his mind it's a different story, images and sounds playing in a scrambled mess at first before it all starts coming together. Of him staring down as Tifa walks towards him her dress, of the starflowers that fill the ground and the large tree behind them.

Of their vows, of the looks of love and devotion exchanged between them.

As it starts to fade and his eyes starts to clear, he stares ahead at the young woman in front of him who no longer holds a bouquet but a sword in her hands. And slowly, very slowly...]

...Ti...fa?

[The sword immediately clatters to the ground, and she lets out a breath as if it were the very first exhale that she's ever loosed.]

... Eustace...?

[She repeats his name one more time, still tentative, still a little afraid, but she takes one small step towards him, her fingers uncurling and then clenching again, resisting the urge to rush at him. She wants to believe that this isn't some ploy, or something that the enchantment is doing to toy with her. She wants to trust him, but she's having a hard time with it while she eyes him carefully.]

Are you...?

[He still stares at her a little blankly before the memories start rushing back to him. Immediately his face pales as he looks at his hands that are still in their clawed form.]

What... What was I...

[And that sinking feeling of dread soon fills him as he instinctively steps back away from her.

Because once again.

He lost control, fell under some kind of curse.

And once again—

He tried to kill her.]

[That look on his face is the only answer that she needs. Nothing else matters as she rushes at him, closing that distance in a few long strides, wanting to catch him before he spirals too far into his own dark thoughts. Wanting to get to him before he can even think to push her away.

She doesn't even hesitate this time in reaching for his face, taking it in both of her hands, pulling him to her, and kissing him as firmly and as passionately as she can muster in this moment, the relief so overpowering that her chest hitches with a sob.

And even if he tries to fight it, she won't let up. Not until she's ready. Not until she's sure that he knows not to go down that road.]

[He naturally tries to resist, the fear of the spell or whatever has taken hold of him suddenly taking over again while she's close. Yet before he can even try to tell her to stop, she's there and pulling him to her. Trying to pull him out of this spiral that they have been cursed to become familiar with.

Still, he will try to pull away, his voice strained as he grabs her shoulders and roughly pushes back.]

No—don't—

No. You don't.

[She wraps her arms around him the moment that he tries to push her away, but she continues to hold onto him for dear life, whispering in his ear. She knew this would happen, and this is why she spent so long trying to avoid hurting him. It always comes to this, and she hates it...]

You can yell at me all you want, just stop pushing.

Tifa!

[His voice breaks as he again tries to free himself.]

I don't—I don't know what happened, if whatever... If I change again...!

[Perhaps the lack of dreamotion is a saving grace as it means at least this cabin won't be instantly frozen as it otherwise would be.]

[She shakes her head when she feels him try to shove her away again, but it only makes her grip him that much tighter, the armour almost choking when she presses right up against him. She wishes that she could just shed it all so that he could feel her properly, and she him...]

I don't know either, but you're back now. So stop it for a second, okay? Because I'm not going anywhere.

[She continues to whisper in his ear, her voice as soft and reassuring as ever, if not a bit firm in her resolve.]

Just breathe.

[His breathing is anything but steady, rough and quick as he struggles for a moment more before he ends up giving up and hanging his head against hers, trying to make sense of any of it. Especially when his memories are still a bit jumbled, that wolf persona clashing with his true ones.

But he does know one thing for sure, and that is the woman in front of him is the only thing that can ground him right now.]

[Her fingers go into his hair, curling through and cradling him as if letting go would mean him slipping away from her again, and when she feels him ease against her, she buckles a little and lowers them to the bed to sit... where she can hold him properly.

And they remain like that for as long as he needs, Tifa fighting back her own tears and sobs while she continues uttering reassuring words to him until, finally, she has to ask.]

You really don't know what happened?

[It takes a while, though in some respects the more time passes and nothing changes, the more it allows him to calm somewhat. Until at least his breathing steadies and he just close his eyes and try to find solace in the warmth she always gives him.

...Warmth she's always need to give him for times like this...

Damm it...!]

No.

[A tired answer as he shakes his head.]

Last thing I remember is being in bed with you...

[Only now does he look at her with haggard eyes.]

Where are we?

[As they pull back from one another, she doesn't let him go far, her hands caressing the sides of his face, brushing back his hair, holding him in place...]

I don't really know for sure. Some cottage in the Wildlands...?

[She tilts her head, glances around the dark room.]

When I woke up, Eria said that you and Melody had gone off somewhere and that the dogs couldn't stop you. So I came to find you.

[His eyes widen at that.]

What... Melody, too?

[It's then that he remembers the young corgi who had been with him, dressed... In... Some white dress???

A different feeling of dread fills him as he tries to stand.]

We have to find her...!

Wait.

[She grabs him by his hand, and while she doesn't pull him back down, she doesn't let him go either. She is eager to find the dogs again, yes, but...]

I sent Bri and Idris to look for her and Lyria. And Valo... he got away.

[They can't have gone far, surely, but she is also worried about him, herself, and the safety of the dogs, so before they go out to find them—]

How can we be sure that it won't happen again?

[There's clear anguish in his eyes as he looks at her, knowing she's right, but also knowing what all could be out there...]

She was safe with me, I remember that much. So even if I change again at least—

[At least be can keep Melody safe, but then what of the others? Will he attack them again or will he at least remember them?

He knows this which is why while he wants to move he doesn't, conflicted.]

[She sees that realization dawn on him, and she gives a small, understanding nod.]

Yeah.

[A soft confirmation that he knows exactly what she is trying to say. That while Melody would be safe, the same cannot be said about her, or Valo, Bri, and Idris. She wants to believe that this is it, but until she is absolutely sure that they are safe, she's going to remain a bit wary and on edge... and she hopes that he knows why.

That it isn't because she doesn't trust him. It's that she doesn't trust this world when it comes to casting its enchantments on him.

Her hand squeezes his.]

Let's at least take a look around here, see if there's anything that we can find first?

[A small frustrated sigh, tail thumping against the bed in agitation before it goes limp.]

...All right.

[And then he pauses.]

What was it that snapped me out of it?

[She scoots over a little, sliding her arms around him so that she can rest her head on his shoulder. Just a moment longer...]

I don't really know. You broke that jar... [She motions to the broken glass on the floor at their feet.] ... and then there was all this smoke, and you were back. No idea what even happened there, it was all so fast.

The jar...?

[He leans against her for a moment as his eyes move to the broken glass on the floor before he leans down to pick up the largest piece nearest. Bring it up, he holds it to the dim light and notices a pattern on it.]

...Pawprints?

[Her brows draw together in confusion, noting the pawprint pattern on it as well.]

What happened anyway...? When you broke it? Did you feel any different?

I'm... Not sure.

[He furrows his brows in thought.]

Memories of...our wedding came back to me.

Memories? Like... induced by the smoke?

[She stares down at the glass pieces at her boots, and kicks them around gently.]

You think that's what did it?

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