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 stands firm, but she does flinch a little when he yells...

...

...

Tifa picks up the jar and walks past him before stopping, fighting back the sting of unfallen tears, her voice so quiet that it's barely recognizable, even to her. She takes a shuddering breath, trying to recenter herself, her thumb running over her ring that's tucked beneath the glove.]

I wasn't doing it to earn anyone's favour or appreciation. Not even yours. I don't think you know just how dangerous you can be, especially when you're not in your right mind. How could you be sure that anyone else would be able to stop you if it happened again? [A beat. A breath.] I just... got lucky because I'm your wife, but what about the next person you run into? Doubt they'll try half the tricks I did.

[He told her not to mince words.]

All I wanted was to find the dogs and get us out of here and back home, where we're all safe. But I can't keep this up if you're going to resort to that.

Edited 2024-02-26 19:49 (UTC)

It is because you're my wife!

[She doesn't get it, and he doesn't know how to make her see it. He doesn't know how to put into words the feelings and thoughts that come crashing through right now, and perhaps part of it is because of the curse that's not letting him be calmer, or maybe he's just tired of how this always happens whenever something happens to him or someone else.

Because it's not the first time.

Nor the second.

He still vividly remembers how he woke up after being seriously injured from that fake Sephiroth to find Tifa so worn down not just from the grief but of not taking care of herself.]

Small price to pay... Are you hearing yourself!?

[And he knows it's not just him she would do this for. More likely, sure, but he knows her. She would do the same for anyone else she cares about. Just put her needs aside, swallow whatever pain and hurt just so the other person, other matter is taken care of. Logically he can understand, and he can't say he wouldn't do the same if he were in her place in similar circumstances.

She's right, if he changes again and if he hurts her or slips away and hurts other, the guilt would be tremendous.

But it would be nothing compared to ignoring her condition without doing anything. That guilt would be even more.

Yet she keeps refusing and now he feels his head spinning.]

Then... If that's how you see it...

[There will be the sound of the axe unsheathing and swinging in the air, only the blade will end right against his neck.]

This should be a fine price to pay for saving everyone else from this madness.

[The moment she hears the axe come out and cut through the air, Tifa pivots on her heel. Her heart absolutely plummets, fear taking hold once again that the magic had taken over—his inconsolable anger sure feels like it—or worse, that it had just been a ploy all along, which is what sends her leg swinging around with her, ready to block a swing if she needs to. Her armoured boot comes within inches of his face, and...

...

...the axe's head pressed right up against his throat?

Just when she thought her heart couldn't sink any further, the fear couldn't grip her any tighter, it does, and it makes her falter, her eyes going wide with the shine of tears and panic upon hearing his words. Her boot slams back against the floor.]

Enough!

[She stomps right up to him, and while her magic is useless here, she swears she feels the room heat several degrees, as if her flames have come to consume it.]

Is this really what you got out of everything that I said?

[Her hand presses to the sharp edge of the axe, and she gives it a shove away, the blade cutting into the leather of her glove as she meets his eyes. She wishes she could say that there wasn't an ounce of terror in them, but perhaps it's even more than there had been before she broke the spell.]

This is the price I didn't want to pay. Someone else who didn't know any better, or someone else just as dangerous coming in and...

[She bites her lip.]

Put it down.

[She'll have a hard time as there is the crackling of wood as the hand now changes into that black claw, the grip tighter and stronger as he puts enough force to keep it still.]

Wrong direction.

[And only then will he increase the force to push back, his eyes dead set on hers and without flinching when he angles and tips the axe so that the tip of it just grazes his skin. But even that is sharp enough to cut skin and draw blood.]

[Not only will it get his skin, but it cuts through the leather and into her palm as well, her own blood trickling down over his shoulder. Her lips tremble, and she blinks the sting away from her eyes, but she holds fast anyway for just a little longer, trying to force it back.

It's her who caves first, however, falling back as she lets out the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

After all the things this forest has done to them in only a matter of hours, maybe even less, and now this, she feels like she's going to be sick to her stomach as she clutches at her hand.]

I just wanted to go home.

[His expression contorts a little, knowing he pushed it to the extreme. And there will be the loud clatter of the axe as it falls to the ground, the once clawed hand now back to normal as he reaches out and grabs her injured one, ignoring whatever resistance or trembling he may feel.]

I love you, Tifa, but if there is one thing that pisses me off is when you disregard my own feelings for you.

You want to help me, you're afraid of what I will do, and I understand that. I know better than anyone what a threat I can be, so you're right, finding out what's going on should come first.

[He rips off a part of his shirt and wraps the fabric around her hand.]

But you will always be my priority. And I hurt you.

[His voice trembles at that because he knows he hurt her even more now. He was just so tired of this repeated pattern of her trying to take responsibility over everything, of pushing her own care aside, and he snapped. Or maybe he was also affected by this role that drove him to such a extreme emotions. Maybe it was everything.]

Don't take away my chance to try and fix it while I can.

[His hand tightens slightly over hers.]

Stop refusing my help.

[He will feel her fingers tense, and there's a slight pull as she tries to take it back, but she relents, knowing full well that was what started this whole thing in the first place. Not just being afraid of the magic or the forest or even him, but her refusing him like that. So, with shaking hands, she lets him wrap her hand, remaining quiet through it all as she listens, he eyes on the bloodied edge of the axe on the floor.]

I wasn't trying to.

[Her voice is quiet, strained with the conflicted emotions that swirl beneath the hardness she tries to keep in place in her expression.]

... But you scared me, Eustace. When you grabbed me, and took my sword, I... All I knew was that I needed to find a way to break it and keep it that way.

[And then when he'd pressed that axe to his own throat...]

I know.

[A small, almost weightless squeeze of her fingers.]

And I'm sorry. But I don't want you to ever discard your own health like that again. If it was a more minor injury I could have overlooked it... But not that.

I know.

[She hangs her head shamefully, staring down at her boots as she takes a step closer to him this time.]

I'm sorry. I got so scared of it happening again that I guess I wasn't thinking straight. Or too straight and narrow, I guess.

[Huffing quietly, she finally looks up at him, and raises a tentative, bandaged hand to graze the skin just below where the axe had dug in, sighing quietly at the sight of it.]

... Because you are my priority. How frustrating is that, huh...

I know.

[He briefly closes his eyes before he tentatively brings an arm around her to pull her into a hug.]

I would do the same... But it doesn't have to be one or the other. We can take care of both.

[She falls into the hug as easily as every other one that he's pulled her into, her arms immediately going around him without hesitation this time as she buries herself into his chest. For the first time since all of this has started, she finally relaxes...

Finally breathes.

And he'll feel her sob silently, rubbing her face against his coat to wipe away the tears.

She really should not be letting her guard down so much, and neither should he, but they can afford themselves this small moment, right?]

Are you feeling okay? [She snaps back to look at him through red, swollen eyes.] Your neck...

[He only hugs her tighter, also needing that warmth even if it is painful right now. But at her question her just shakes his head.]

It was just a scratch...

[And then a small, very small wry grin.]

But if you think we have time and want to treat it...

[Her brow pinches as she looks it over, her finger running just beneath the line on his neck. She had been the cause of this one, and the guilt wrenches violently in her gut.]

... Did you see anything in the kitchen that I could use?

[Because yes. She would.

And she knows how this might sound, but they had just gone over it all. How they cared for one another so much that whatever else is happening around them could come after. Now that she has a jar, she does feel a little better about it.]

[And he is consenting, so hopefully she will see the difference.]

A few clean cloths, and there is a well nearby if you need water.

[He tenderly touches her hand.]

We'll take care of this, too.

[No protests. Since he also did this.]

Mm. Yeah. We will.

[No protests.

She takes his hand in her good, uninjured one, and gives him a light tug.]

How about we grab those cloths and go outside to the well? Maybe the dogs will find us, too.

[A small not as he lets her lead the way and then finding the cloths he had seen earlier before it will be his turn to guide her to the well. Once there, he'll draw the fresh, clean water for them to use, and since he did cause all this, he'll let her treat him first.]

[She's gentle through all of the rinsing, cleaning, and bandaging it up, wrapping a long, torn strip of red cloth from her robe to keep it safe until they can get some proper ones. And once he's finished with her hand, she finally moves towards him, tentatively lifts herself up on her tiptoes, and pulls him down to meet her the rest of the way for a kiss.

A real kiss this time, she hopes, without the fighting, the struggling, the sadness, or the guilt.]

[All the while he stays quiet, and while a little awkward it's not as tense as before. He does feel bad for scaring her not only as when he was under the curse, but for venting his frustrations as he had before. So when she pulls down on him, there's only a brief hesitation before he does allow himself to meet her, his hand gingerly reaching up to first brush his fingertips against her cheek before more firmly cupping and caressing it, the pressure of his lips against hers matching it. There is guilt, but there is also that longing and sense of apology as he continues the more tender kiss.]

[She can feel it, and she responds in kind with her own silent apology, and though she deepens the kiss with it, it also softens, her lips slowly melting against his. Despite the harrowing circumstances that they find themselves in, she needed this respite. This reassurance that they would be okay, and when she feels all of that blended into his kiss, she can at least say now for certain that they will.

She pulls back, though not far, and gazes up at him, searching his face, his eyes, for any signs of doubt. Whether she finds them or not, it doesn't matter. Her hand caresses his cheek, and she manages a real, albeit shaky, smile.]

It's okay.

[Though she knows that it won't do anything to staunch the guilt he probably feels, it needs to be said anyway.]

[A long, deep sigh as he presses his face against her hand and nods.]

It will be.

[There will be a very small smile as he tries to match hers, letting them linger for a little longer before the sound of distant barking reaches his ears and he looks up in some surprise before meeting Tifa's gaze.]

Let's go.

[The barks reach him before they do her because Tifa sees his ears twitch in response to them before she hears them coming closer.

Without letting go of his hand, she whips around to see where it might be coming from, but with how surrounded by trees they are, she'll leave it up to him to follow the sound and lead the way. It's a set of three resounding barks, Tifa recognizing them as Valo, Bri, and Idris, with Melody still mysteriously missing from them, and Valo's is the one that's moving ever closer to meet them.

And he'll leap out of the shadows when they enter the treeline, and upon seeing Eustace—]

Valo, it's okay.

[—he whines.]

[There's some apprehension when he doesn't see Melody with them, as well as guilt when he sees how they initially shrink back and whine at his appearance. Remembering how he had attacked them, he can't blame them.]

Where's Melody?

[They whine, but seeing that Eustace is back to normal, they trot up quickly, Bri especially putting her paws up to be picked up for cuddles. As he does, he'll hear they tried to catch her, but she ran off towards this direction while singing some nonsensical song about luring out "Reds for the Wolf." Running a hand over his face, he sighs.]

They say she ran out of the forest to find a cottage... If I remember right, she was pretending to be some kind of "grandmother," and we were targeting "Red Riding Hood." She must be in another cottage since she didn't come here.

[Tifa watches the whole exchange with some curiosity and plenty of worry to spare as she kneels down and gives both Valo and Idris reassuring scratches and pets behind their ears, rising again when Eustace explains.]

Ah, that's why...

[He attacked her. Or had been so keen on chasing her.]

Do you think any of you could follow her trail? Or did you end up losing that, too?

[There's an uncomfortable look at that, but the dogs whimpering pull him back out of his thoughts.]

They got this before they lost it... But I might be able to track her down if we were meant to be together. There are only so many cottages around here, too.

[How does he know? He has no idea, but it's as if the knowledge is just there in his head.]

Track her down...?

[She steps up beside Eustace, the other two following behind her.]

You mean... with scent? Or the magic?

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