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

A bad fall? Tifa.

[There's a hard, sharp frown as he just reaches over and grabs her leg tightly, not too dissimilar to how he did but only with his claws.]

Don't lie to me.

Edited 2024-02-25 08:03 (UTC)

I'm not—Eustace—

[Everything comes through on a gasp, and she does flinch under his grip, every muscle in her leg pulling tight when he grabs it, and for a moment, there's a chill that shoots through—the same kind that had when his claw had dug into it as that memory shoves its way to the forefront.

Even still, her hand reaches for his, wrapping over it, her fingers slotting in between his, and she's quiet for a while before she finally answers. Slowly.]

... Those claws. When they grabbed me, they...might have done it a little too hard.

[Well, he can see it for himself, really.]

I promise I'll be fine, though.

Hard enough to make you bleed.

[His voice is tight, strained.]

Stay there, I'm treating it.

[She knew it would come to this, and really, she didn't want it to, but all she can do is huff with a sharp, helpless sigh and free his hand from her grip.]

I said it's really not that bad.

[It is, but she doesn't need him feeling guilty about anything else that happened while he was under the enchantment.]

Plus, we shouldn't be wasting time here.

Wasting time? You think taking care of you is wasting time? Don't try and do that to me, Tifa.

[His voice is the sharpest it's ever been towards her, rising steadily from that low tenor and even with a glare that rarely shows.]

You think me watching you struggle and pretend it doesn't hurt is going to make me feel any better!?

[He knows what she's trying to do, and it only makes him angrier and more upset. She keeps trying to pretend she's all right, that if she fakes it it will be just fine and it just does the opposite. Maybe if the wound really wasn't as severe, maybe if she hadn't bled he could let her have it, but not this time.]

I did this, so let me at least try and take care of it!

[She starts, her shoulders stiffening when his voice rises at her, and she just stares down at her hands folded on her lap now, her fingers clenching tighter into fists. Her eyes close, and she takes a deep breath in.]

Fine.

[Her voice lacks any fight to it, but there is an edge of sternness to it. The only reason she'd said they would be wasting time was because they need to find a way out of this whole mess and find the dogs before things go south again, if they even do. But that's not a risk she wants to take lightly.]

But make it quick. We don't know if the magic will come back, or... wear off, for that matter.

[And if it does, then she's even more screwed than before.]

[He just continues to glare down at her before there's a growl of frustration as he turns on his heel, stalking out of the room because saying anything more would be, as she said, "a waste of time." And it's not as if she doesn't have a point—he also worries how long he'll be able to stay in control if this spell does return. But that's all the more reason for him to be frustrated by her just completely throwing herself away to try and help him instead.

He doesn't want that.

He's never wanted it.

But for now he just had to shove all that away as he quickly looks and finds a pail he can fill some fresh water with. Fortunately there's a well nearby and it doesn't take long for him to draw from it as well as find some clean cloths. So with both in hand, he makes his way back in the room and sets it all down before tending to her like.

In strained, tense silence.]

[He was always going to be her first priority, no matter the circumstances, whether he liked it or not. If they were ever going to butt heads about anything, it would be that—something that Tifa would never fold on, no matter how angry or frustrated it made him. Old habits die hard, and this one is as ingrained to her as breathing is.

But she understands where he is coming from, too. If their roles were reversed and she had been the one under the spell, if she had been the one who hurt him, she would feel the same. Insist the same. So besides that initial fight, she doesn't say anything else, and waits for him to return in complete silence, her mind still running a thousand thoughts a minute as she tries to figure a way out.

Even when he returns, she doesn't speak, the strained silence far too tense to break as he cleans the cuts on her leg.

It won't be until he's bandaged them up that she even does anything...

... And that is reach out to him, a hand pressing to the side of his face to get him to look at her.]

[Even when she touches him, he doesn't immediately comply. Cleaning and dressing her wounds only made his stomach turn with guilt, his hand occasionally trembling when he sees his fingertips against the cuts from those claws, sees how deep he had torn into her skin and dug into her flesh. He knows she doesn't blame him, knows she'll say it was the spell or whatever the fuck has this hold on him, but they all sound like excuses at this point. After how many times this has happened, it can only sound that way.

And he is also still a bit mad at her for trying to brush this aside. To try and pretend it was nothing when it wasn't. To not even let him try to do something that was still within his control.

So all she'll get is just the barest of hollowed glances before he pulls away completely to dump the last bloodied towel into the stained water before moving away.]

[She doesn't fight him this time when he moves away, that look he gives her making her heart twist with guilt and withdraw, allowing him to leave her on the bed again with the fresh bandages wound around her leg.

She'll push herself to her feet, and while it is a struggle, it does feel a little better. She can walk, at least, and put a little more weight on her bad leg while she does, and that's more than good enough for her.

As much as she wants to reach out to him again and pull him back, to fix or ease whatever this is, she tries to keep her mind focused on what they need to do as she slowly follows after him, her voice low and quiet.]

Let's just see if we can find more of those jars...

[He wants to yell at her to sit back down on the bed, but he knows she won't stay put.l and at least it's a small area with plenty of things to lean against.

Just not him this time.

Instead he just keeps his back to her as he starts to move to the other side of the small cottage.]

I'll check the cabinets here.

[That's all he says, his voice cold and lacking any other emotion.

Maybe it's better if he keeps some distance, not only to cool off his head a little, but also in case... He does change. At least she'd have more of a head start.]

...

[She doesn't say anything in return and, after several moments of staring at his back, she sighs and moves to the small living room to take a look around. There are some books that she pulls from the shelf to flip through, wondering if maybe there will be any text in there about how to break out of this place, anything about this curse that, no doubt, Melody is still stuck under, as well as the others who were brought here by the music.

But after her fifth or sixth book—she's lost count—she gives that final one an angry toss to the floor. In part because she couldn't find anything and she feels utterly helpless, but because the silence between them is starting to get to her. It's far from that usual comfortable silence that they so often enjoy in each other's company. This one is anything but that—it's tense, dreadful, and her heart hurts more than her leg as she flops onto the couch in frustration where she can now slide open the drawers of the side tables on each side to see if she can find another.]

... Nothing.

[And she'll slam those drawers shut, too.]

[He doesn't say anything, but he can hear every single thing she's doing, his ear always trained on her. Yet even though he basically started this cold war, he has no plans to end it. Instead he just continues to look through, sorting through the cabinets before moving to the kitchen where, of course, there are plenty of jars, but they all look "normal." Filled with various herbs, spices, jams. Nothing that looks—]

...Found one.

[It was tucked in the very back, but it was empty jar with similar paw print pattern on it.]

[She just looks up from where she's sitting, watching him from a distance. A distance that is not just physical, but emotionally, too, and it kills her that she's even a little scared of going to him right now. So, she remains where she is.]

Should you open it...?

[He stares at it for a moment before he shakes his head and finally turns to her.]

No.

[He then slowly walks over to her, the distance closing but still feels so very far before he stops within arm's length away and holds it out to her.]

Better you hold onto it in case you need it.

[That is, when he changes again.]

Edited 2024-02-26 02:34 (UTC)

[She watches him, stares at the jar that he holds just within her reach, her expression tightening...

...

Before she climbs to her feet, not taking the jar from him.]

Is this going to end, or we just going to keep this up until... when?

[He only stares at her for a moment before he just shoves it into her hands.]

Get on my back. We need to find Melody.

[The jar nearly falls right out of her hands when he shoves it at her, but she catches it just in the nick of time before it tumbles and crashes to the floor. She gives a frustrated click of her tongue and clutches it to her chest, and it's with a more defiant, sterner look that she stares right back at him with.]

Not until you answer my question.

There's nothing to answer.

You and I both know that's not true.

[She sets the jar very firmly down on the table beside her with a loud thud, so that her hands can go to her hips. Just making a point.]

Or is this all part of the magic, too?

[He just stares at her in silence before he looks away.]

There's nothing that needs to be discussed.

[And then something of a cold look.]

We're wasting time, so let's move.

Eustace!

[It's her turn to put her foot down, figuratively, on the matter, her own voice rising a notch in volume.

For one, she won't be leaving this place on his back, of all places, if he's going to keep giving her the cold shoulder. Two, she is not going to let any magic take him before they can talk this through. They both always do this, and she knows that she is no better, that she does whatever she can to avoid confrontation, but—]

How are we supposed to figure this out if you won't even talk to me?

Would you even listen?

[Just a hard look back.

Yes, he knows he's being particularly aggrieved by what happened earlier, but it's not something he's going to let go easily.]

[Her eyes narrow at him, but there's a hint of exasperation behind the hardness in them beneath the frustration. Sadness, even.]

Only if you listen, too.

[And just crossing his arms as if signaling her to go first.]

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