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 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?

Hm... Both.

[As he holds Bri, he closes his eyes briefly, trying to feel whatever magic is still over him. And when he finally feels a strange "instinct," something like a tug—]

This way.

[He'll start walking quickly in a direction.]

[Tifa clutches at the jar ~~that I totally did not forget~~ close to her chest, the mention of any magic at all a terrifying prospect. Her fingers may have been at the ready while she waits for him to feel it out, just in case it does crawl its way back into his head and turn him back into that terrifying wolf that he had been...

...

...Only to be washed over with utter relief when he leads them away, that iron, white-knuckled grip on the jar easing up as she follows.

The tug will take them deeper into the trees where the darkness creeps in, the light feeling like it's being sucked right out of the place as they journey through. Even when they come to a clearing, it's still as dark as ever, except for the flicker of lanterns within the cottage that they come across.

The dogs all start barking in unison.]

[It's ominous for sure...but he's certain Melody is inside even before the dogs start barking. And as the Wolf, at least in this case he's able to enter without having to do anything weird.]

Melody?

[Idris and Valo rush ahead first, with Bri whining in Eustace's arms before she starts to squirm. Tifa runs after them, trying to get them to stop barking and to be quiet, hushing them.]

Melody might be in there, but...

[She glances back at Eustace.]

... Maybe we should go in first?

It should be fine...

[He's too worried, but surely if she's just a "grandmother" things should be okay? At the very least he wasn't trying to harm her. He'll set down Bri, though, unable to really hold her much longer as the dogs end up rushing in anyway.

And when they do enter, they'll find Melody just sleeping away in a bed.]

Eustace—!

[But it's too late. He's already opening the door and walking right into the cottage without a care in the world, and her gut twists with worry at what they might find inside. She was warning against just busting right in because what if someone else was in there, too? Someone just as threatening as Eustace, or just as afraid as her? Tifa likes to think herself brave, but in the face of someone like him, in a place like this, even she would be scared if he had just come walking through the door.

She pokes her head in behind him, as do the other dogs, before she's stepping inside, carefully as ever when she sees Melody asleep in one of the beds.]

... Is she still... under the spell, you think?

[And that pup just rolls onto her back without a care in the world, paws moving as if chasing something. There's just a sigh of relief as he sits down next to her, hand gently stroking her belly as if to try to wake her.]

Most likely with how she was behaving. And if so, she may need those jars, too.

[She sets the jar in her hand on the table and looks the pup over from a distance. Yeah, she's definitely not waking up from that. Even on a good day, Tifa swears that one could sleep through anything.

Which just makes her more bothered that any of them had befallen the curse at all. Her and Eustace both...

Can this family ever catch a break?

With a new feeling of urgency, she glances around the cottage, this one significantly smaller than the last with just the one room.]

It's about the same, so stands to reason we'll find something here. We should start looking.

[A small nod as he looks at the dogs.]

Stay here and keep watch over her. Valo...

[It's a long shot, but he takes the jar and holds it up to him, letting him sniff it curiously.]

It won't be the exact same, but think you can try and sniff out a jar similar to this? It'll look different than other jars.

[Valo will have a very serious face as he gives the jar a good sniff and then barks. He's on it!

With that they can at least get low areas they can't easily reach, and after setting the jar back and glancing at Tifa with a nod, he stands to help look around.]

[Tifa takes the space around the beds as quietly as she can, but she does pause before searching to give Melody a little scratch behind her ears, a sad smile coming to her. It was already bad enough that Eustace had been affected by the magic, but it was all too unfair that any of the dogs were, too. Small blessing, she guesses, that it was only one and not all of them or else she would have had to go at this alone.

Idris and Bri both whine at her from where their heads poke up on the other side of the bed, and with another smile for them, she presses her finger to her lips to hush them before she begins her search.

She checks under the beds, through the bookshelves, in the bedside tables, and once again, she comes up short.]

I wish there was some rhyme or reason to finding these... You're sure you still don't sense anything?

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