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songerein2024-02-15 01:54 am
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2024-02-15 01:54 am
Entry tags:
- !event,
- -tdm,
- aang,
- ace,
- adrien agreste,
- alastor,
- anastasia romanova,
- azula,
- barok van zieks,
- black raisin cookie,
- clive rosfield,
- cloud strife,
- erichthonios,
- estinien varlineau,
- eustace,
- ferran gallagher,
- flowey,
- frisk,
- g'raha tia,
- general nuadha,
- gina lestrade,
- helga pataki,
- hermes,
- hiyori iki,
- husk,
- ira,
- iris wilson,
- iroh,
- isabela madrigal,
- jill warrick,
- joshua rosfield,
- kazuya minegishi,
- kratos aurion,
- lyria,
- madoka kaname,
- maedhros,
- malon,
- martel yggdrasill,
- naminé,
- naoya,
- percy jackson,
- portgas d. ace,
- rachel berenson,
- rufus shinra,
- ryunosuke naruhodo,
- scaramouche/wanderer,
- sephiroth,
- shealtiel,
- sheik (zelda),
- shikanoin heizou,
- sora,
- tifa lockhart,
- tobias,
- trahearne,
- tseng,
- vanitas,
- venti,
- xiao,
- zack fair,
- zuko
{ 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 😈
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:
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
no subject
[Ryunosuke simply cocks his head at it for a moment. He doesn't seem too concerned about what Barok is doing either, his eyes fixed strangely on the jar.]
Perhaps... May I see it...? It feels... Strangely familiar, somehow...
no subject
[Iris readily holds the jar out to him.]
Maybe it has to do with your curse! Or maybe you're just remembering jars in general.
[If he forgot her, this is entirely possible, okay?]
no subject
Well, I'm certain I remember what jars are...
[He holds it up to the light then, squinting at its colorfully swirling contents.]
What do you suppose is in here, anyway? I have the strangest sense that... Maybe, I should...
[Frowning, he plants a hand on the top, slowly and wordlessly twisting open the lid. Each turn makes his heart beat a little faster in anticipation, until it's loosened enough for him to gingerly part the two halves...
The second he does, a maelstrom of color and sound bursts forth from within, swelling and surrounding half the courtyard. It resolves into a hazy approximation of the attic at Baker Street, and off to one side, an image of Ryunosuke as he typically appears manifests itself, seated on the floor across from a little plush cat...
Present day Ryunosuke stares blankly at the scene as the memory of a certain conversation starts to play out. He's uncomprehending at first... But then, realization starts to creep in, and his blank expression gradually turns to one of horror...]
no subject
That is to say, when the flashing and noise draws his attention as he nears the shrine, he's utterly baffled at the image of—the man's attic lodgings? An unfamiliar sight to Barok, aside from...
Then the figures speak, drawing him back to that nightmare. And it dawns on him.]
W-wait—
[But there's nothing to be done, even if he takes a step forward as if to advance upon the display. He has no way of stopping it, neither with words nor magic, and he's too far to even attempt something like placing the lid back on the jar.]
no subject
Initially, she's definitely amused and happy to see something relatively familiar. But that's soon replaced by a small frown, and she tilts her head slightly in interest. Very soon after that, her brow furrows in confusion. There's more than that in her expression, but that's not so easy to read behind her main emotion.
It's much more gradual for a while, as her face very slowly relaxes and her eyes begin to creep wider. It becomes obvious (to anyone who would be in the know, at least) that she's already suspecting something.
Then, there's the moment when her eyes go completely wide, but apart from that there's not much to tell about how she's feeling apart from a general atmosphere of being stunned.
As it reaches its conclusion, Iris remains frozen for a moment. Then, she takes two small steps backwards in the direction of the gate.]
no subject
All he can think is: Why? Why THIS memory, of ALL THINGS? It feels like some kind of sick joke, but... Then again... If he really thinks about it? The very conversation they all just witnessed has been at the top of his mind lately. Ever since the Christmas party, at least... But even before that, with all of Songerein's peculiar rules about dreams and memories, and with new arrivals showing up on the regular... He's been worrying about something almost exactly like this happening, just as his memory-self mentioned. The truth is a beast that can never truly be contained, and he has long feared it getting loose before either he or Barok could have the chance to settle on a course of action together.
In short... It's like he accidentally willed this disaster into existence.
With one hand clutching one side of his still-throbbing head, Ryunosuke turns towards Iris with a pleading look, traces of emotional agony on his face. He sees her taking a few steps towards the gate, and he reaches out his free hand towards her.]
W-wait... Iris, hold on now, just... Please let us explain--!
no subject
It's clear now that van Zieks waited too long, even though he had nearly finished gathering himself enough to speak of these things himself. But none of his doubts or preparation matter right now, really; the girl has clearly taken it for the impactful revelation it is, and they have to try and soften the blow as best they can, which they can't exactly do if Iris runs off into these cursed woods to face who-knows-what...
He's even further from the gate than Ryunosuke is. He could potentially bolt after her, but would that not just make her more willing to run? He doesn't have enough experience with her to know what the likelihood of these things are, so he simply calls out as he... tries not to seem too hurried with his steps.]
no subject
Also, the fact that they were the featured characters in that memory is a bit awkward. It's not that she doesn't trust them or feels betrayed, but there's just something about it that isn't sitting right. It was one matter knowing that Sholmes knew but hadn't told her yet; having no idea that they even knew in the first place was another thing entirely. What that thing is, she has no idea. Which is precisely why she really needs time to herself right now.]
Oh, Runo! You've remembered me! I'm so glad!
[Iris is truly happy about it, and it shows. But then her expression shifts to one that Ryunosuke might recognize: almost the same as she made when Dr Gorey had discovered that the autopsy report was missing. That autopsy file that had misled her so much...well that was certainly a strange coincidence now, wasn't it?]
But, I...I really must go find Ginny now that things are all in hand here. Look after Runo for me, won't you, Mr Reaper? Bye!
[With that, she completely turns from them and makes a dash toward the trees. It's pretty impressive considering she's still carrying that axe. She's not looking behind her at all; this was already complicated more than enough for her to be worrying about how they were feeling.]
no subject
[Ryunosuke full on shouts after her, taking a few more unsteady bounds in the same direction. He's dizzy, though; off-kilter from having only some of his memories returned, stuck halfway between his fairy-tale persona and his normal self. Confused and uncoordinated, he trips over his own feet and eats dirt, and by the time he looks up again, she's gone... Run off into what Ryunosuke is now recognizing as very spooky and potentially dangerous dark woods.
He remembers large chunks of who he is now; at least enough to understand just how catastrophic of a fuck-up this is, with his knowledge of everything relating to that memory returned to him. But there are still more jars left to open, more memories to be restored... Can he effectively pursue Iris like this, strung between two identities?
Struggling back up to his knees, he stares out into the woods. More than anything, he's afraid to look back in Barok's direction right now. He can only imagine the expression on the former prosecutor's face... Ryunosuke had promised to keep this secret for both his AND Iris's sake, and he'd completely failed in that duty.]
Dammit... How...? How could this happen!?
[He's wondering that aloud to himself, but. He also... Sounds kind of congested?? Like he's holding back a sneeze.]
no subject
The darkened scowl on his face can't be denied, but he only hesitates another moment before hurrying to Ryunosuke's side, where the younger man is just starting to recover from his clumsy fall. He kneels to place his hands on the other's shoulders from his side, though his gaze lingers on the gate for several moments.
They can't leave her to roam out there alone in this dangerous place... but van Zieks doesn't think they can chase her just yet, as things are not quite as in hand as he'd like. For now, the least he can do is as Miss Iris asked. He turns his attention then to whether Ryunosuke is physically well, and just how complete his memories are; they can address the other issues in a moment.]
Naruhodo.
no subject
So I suppose those jars must hold memories, then...? What do you suppose the odds were? That the first jar would hold that memory, of all things?
no subject
It was only a matter of time. [In a quieter voice, he adds:] Pray forgive my hesitation.
[Rather than dwell in his misery as he's so accustomed to, though, he drags his gaze towards another jar.]
We should retrieve the others... when you believe you're ready.
no subject
It's only thing he can think to do in reply, when words are failing him so utterly. The hold lingers for just a few heartbeats, and then he lets go in order to get himself back up on two feet.]
How on earth did I even wind up out here in the first place...? Everything's such a blur... [He finally looks at Barok, frowning with concern.] You... You should go after her. I'm afraid this could take a bit...
[And who knows what embarrassing memories might come surging out of those jars next?]
no subject
Although I am concerned, it seems we were all granted new abilities once we stepped foot into this forest. [Van Zieks's changed form is obvious, fluffy tail swishing once behind him for balance as he straightens up, but the only change to the girl's appearance were her clothes and the addition of a weapon. Those weren't the only changes entirely, however.] I've no plan to leave without her, but I believe... she is more equipped to handle herself for a short time, thanks to these enchantments.
[If you'd seen how easily she swung that axe at first, Naruhodo...... He folds his arms.]
We came here to find you, and I'd like to make certain that our efforts were not meaningless. Perhaps the answers to that question and a few of my own lie within these jars...
no subject
[Ryunosuke glances around the garden nervously for a moment. Is there any kind of excuse he can make to get van Zieks to change his mind??
Damn. He really can't think of anything besides bashfulness, and that's certainly not going to cut it. Besides, he's invaded his head plenty of times before... He can remember that much.
After a moment of fretting and swishing his long tail about anxiously, he nods his head in affirmation.]
Alright. But... I'm going to try open them all as quickly as possible! So that we can try to catch up with her as soon as possible...
[So in other words, please try to hold your questions until the end of the tour, sir.
Thus begins the great jar hunt. Each memory unleashed, even the good ones, leaves Ryunosuke looking battered and dizzy... But they also draw him further back into himself, and further away from the ridiculous mind-controlled state he'd been in earlier.
There's a wide variety of scenes that the two of them will be whipped up in, some of them pre-Reverein, some of them post. They clearly don't happen in chronological order, or with any particular rhyme or reason... But they'll give Barok a much broader glimpse of a man who, for someone who's so nosy, rarely ever seems to talk about his personal life.
There's a glimpse of early childhood, with a small Ryunosuke no older than 5 years old playing on crutches and injuring himself in the process. Ryunosuke at the Halloween Carnival in Reverein, transformed into a tiny toy mouse and being chewed on by a giant corgi. A teenaged Ryunosuke, joking around with a few other boys his age as they wander past the stalls of a summer festival. A tiny eastern style dragon sporting Ryunosuke's eyebrows, trying to desperately communicate with an even tinier Susato within a fae generated dreamscape. Ryunosuke watching Kazuma bomb the Yumei speech competition, going on to win it himself, and being cornered by that man after the fact. Ryunosuke confronting a recalcitrant Hyde outside of Barok's bar, getting spooked into turning into a fish before being stuffed in a barrel. Raising a glass with everyone in good cheer at the Wild Harvest.
The final jar they open whips out a memory of Ryunosuke standing in a western-style restaurant. He's spotted something on the floor... Something that's largely strange and unfamiliar to him.
It's a discarded handgun. Baffled, Ryunosuke leans down to pick the weapon up and examine it. As he rises, a gunshot rings out, startling him badly. What just happened?
Chaos erupts. A certain man lays limp in his chair, clearly dead. The restaurant's waiter rushes out to investigate, eventually rounds on Ryunosuke, and bundles him into a pantry.
The memory ends with the pantry door plunging them into a cloud of darkness, and the echoing sound of a key turning in a lock.
The real Ryunosuke is standing there and grimacing wearily when it ends, in a way that is very much undeniably and authentically him. His eyes dart nervously towards van Zieks, and he groans:]
...Can we please leave now?
no subject
The younger laywer hears no argument about the suggested speed; he doesn't want to dawdle, either, so he'll simply nod and get to gathering the jars and bringing them to Ryunosuke, where Barok's icy eyes watch him like a hawk for any signs of significant distress or some other permanent effect after each reveal. That's not to say he doesn't pay attention to the images themselves, though; rather, he knows it's a view into the other man's life he hasn't had many chances to see thus far, and he quietly has no intention of wasting that opportunity, even if they have other things to do once that's done.
But when it is done...
With a breath resembling a sigh, he shakes his head, though it's not entirely at the expense of Ryunosuke, this time. There's some genuine sympathy, there!]
Let us hope your days of being accused of murder and stuffed into dark spaces are behi-nghk—CHOO.
[A new shower of reddish-pink petals emerges from the poor wolf-prince's snout. He blinks at it in surprise, then glowers, as if affronted by their appearance. Thankfully for his pride, the heat he feels in his face and ears is largely invisible thanks to the fur.]
no subject
...It comes back to him quickly, and he feels his heart skip a beat.
That's... No. Is he misremembering things? He's fairly certain he isn't, but there'd been a lot of speculation going around about the strange effects afflicting the citizens of Reverein in the prior weeks. Had anyone been able to prove the cause, or determine the meaning of them for certain? Is he jumping to (possibly wishful) conclusions, assuming that this is about him?
Flustered in that moment, Ryunosuke isn't so lucky as to have any fur to hide his bashfulness behind. He just has a speckling of blue scales across his cheeks, which only sort of interrupt the heat that rushes to his face, giving the redness a blotchy, patchy appearance. Meanwhile, Barok's expression... Is that a glower of embarrassment, or...
Ryunosuke panics, floundering for something to say, wanting to both smooth things over and buy more time to think. Unfortunately, his solution is to land on a DUMB, TEASING JOKE:]
Do you... Fancy men like Inspector Hosonaga, Lord van Zieks? I-it's alright if you do! He does have a certain appeal.
[...GODDAMMIT WHY DID HE SAY THAT!? No, no, actually, this is fine! He's giving you a plausible out, Barok! Kind of!]
no subject
Although van Zieks is momentarily distracted from the pounding in his chest with an internal question of who??, he stumbles over his hurried response in a way that never would have been seen from the Barok of thirty-two years.]
I—urk—no!
[A hundred thoughts run through his head. Many of them about impropriety, clashing with the now more than two years in a dream world where such standards as he's accustomed to are irrelevant at most and discarded otherwise. Then there was that time the man admitted he'd been relieved to see Barok for his "date"—and just now, the dragon's own sneezing, that return of the contact van Zieks had offered as reassurance, and the similar coloring as what he's sure is under his own face, and...
Well—if he denies the implication too much, is that the impression he wants to give off? He covers his eyes with a hand.]
Th-that is to say... erm...
[But he can't just come out with something like that. It's—not the right time! It will never be the right time. Because it's absurd to think that this bright young man would think or feel similar things about The Reaper of the Old Bailey, however friendly they may become.]
no subject
Ryunosuke Naruhodo isn't someone who really goes out of his way to seek romance. It's not something he craves on a normal basis, or anything he feels he needs to find in order to lead a fulfilling life. There are familial expectations he needs to meet, of course; starting his own family, carrying on the Naruhodo name and what not... But love doesn't necessarily factor into that, as far as he's concerned. It COULD... But it doesn't have to.
More to the point: for one reason or another, whenever he has developed deeper feelings for someone... It's almost always been a case of a person with whom he was already close to and cared deeply for. Or, to put it another way: for him to have feelings for someone, he has to be friends with them first. And over the course of their shared time within Songerein, he and Barok have grown much closer indeed.
In the recent past, he's had plenty of his own little moments of feeling strangely endeared towards his former courtroom rival... Hence his own flower-riddled sneezing earlier. But right now, seeing van Zieks verbally floundering about in this strangely endearing way... Hinting that he might feel similarly...? It flips another switch in Ryunosuke's brain, completes a circuit that's been building up in his head and his heart for some time now. Certain futures seem more feasible all of a sudden, and he feels... Oddly fluttery inside.
He really, really wants to pursue this subject even further.
...But this is also a REALLY inopportune time to be cultivating and fretting over feelings. They have a 10 year old to go find??? Blushing even harder, Ryunosuke clears his throat and tries to spare the both of them further embarrassment turning their attention back to the task at hand.]
Um!! Well. We should probably focus on finding Iris first... Now that I have all of my memories back...
[He also feels he needs more time to think before he can properly discuss this.]
no subject
Ah. [His tunnel vision briefly struck again. He's thankful for the reminder, he thinks, and he removes his hand from his face with some reluctance.] Y-yes.
[He can't bring himself to ask if Naruhodo is truly alright, too concerned about stumbling right back into—that, and whatever mess may lie beyond it. He'll have to be content with watching the other man with an occasional glance as they follow after Iris.]
Let us hurry.
[But even as he tries to push his considerations about Ryunosuke's responses out of his mind, there's a thrumming like an oncoming earthquake under his feet, even if extremely localized. It will gradually fade as he distracts himself with the prospect of finding and... discussing things with their young prodigy friend. ... his niece. Even thinking the word sends him down an entirely different emotional spiral, and in this case that might be a good thing.
Right now, they don't have to talk about just how long Barok van Zieks has harbored an admiration for his learned friend that's bordered on... red-pink flower petals. Or this week. At the very least, he's going to need a chalice or two before that happens.
This spell and the forest's tricks, at least, will give him enough time for that much.]