[OPEN] A World Exchange

[tantailizing]

Who: Zidane, ANYONE
Which: Interactive Dream, Open
What: Madhuri suggested a dream exchange to see what Zidane's world is like. Never say that a theater kid doesn't dream big especially when it's of Lindblum.
Warnings: No present warnings.

It stands tall - high and near to the clouds, a mountain range merged with billowing towers and massive ticking gears, whose encompassing walls are sealed by a massive mechanical gate bearing a fitting falcon crest upon it. Around, the skies are filled by airships big and small - the biggest circling and docking within the hanger within the most peak building while others soar to-and-fro - out of the protective natural borders, but also between the levels.

Yes, while the peaks catch the most attention, there’s still equal amazement to the sloping buildings and roads; businesses, residents, and entertainments of all kinds through the bustling city. But nay, another look from how the buildings and various districts all line up towards the castle on top, this is a kingdom - protected, prosperous… and rebuilding in some ways. Best to take a second look perhaps at the residence too for strictly expecting humans in this dream would be an error as humans, anthropomorphic animals, and normal animals can be found wandering the roads, their clothes of early century’s periods but also not.

What a curious dream to wander...

I. Business District

Seems to be the place where most dreamers (and ‘travelers’ within the dream) arrive after walking along the footpath through a great stone arc and its gate. The guards posted seem to pay no mind, but considering the number of travelers, adventurers, and other folks walking by, a dreamer is one amongst the crowd. Walking up the main red cobblestone road leads one past a line of tall apartment-like buildings to the left, an inn mixed between them, and on the right, a station where an aircab departs from. To walk further down the road is to enter the market square. Alice and Dragoos’ Armory and Medicine Shop, Polom's Action Figures, Pepe's Milk Shop, Ivan's Fish Stack, Milla's Oil Shop, Grandma Pickle's corner stand, the list goes on, but the crowds are spaced and easy to navigate through.

Should one continue on a straight path instead of going further into the marketplace towards Wayne’s Synthesis Shop, they’d find themselves entering yet another residential area, but one who’s path leads to a church. It seems more for show than anything - a place to take refuge or offer prayers to whichever deity they believed as opposed to anything truly organized.

II. Industrial District

The area is in the most disrepair but thriving all the same. Steam is bountiful as are the constant grinding gears between thundering hammers as establishments are built up again. Reconstruction has been underway for a while which fortunately does leave enough for the wandering dreamer to explore. Its main square after departing an aircab is in the most need of work still, but one can admire the statue honoring ‘Cid Fabool VIII’ with its impressive mustache. One might also note the abundance of cats in the area left to wander about and that stray further should one walk forward.

Once past all the construction, dreamers can reach yet another residential-like area and tavern. Given the way the district’s residents appear to work constantly, a tavern would be a welcomed place for downtime. Looks like today’s special on the blackboard outside is ‘Senor Sabotender’. Try not to drink too much because getting drunk in a dream is very real. Still, if one is up for the idle banter with the ‘locales’, step inside, have a seat at the bar, and Bobo will see about getting you set up momentarily.

III. Theater District

This district sits at an impressive height should one notice from the aircab station and stepping outside, there’s a different vibe. Time is of the essence as the station clock turns and bells chime somewhere in the district, and the explorative dreamer may notice signs posted for performances, the directions to various theaters, and even to a few art galleries and studios. There’s not much to see at the galleries right now, but there has been an open studio recently. Oh well, maybe next time dreamers could catch it.

As for traveling on and down the stairs to the right of the station, thus begins a long (and perhaps dizzying) walk down Theater Avenue’s cobblestone way where plenty of actors and stagehands make their homes again housing clocks and bells and even gears - time is of importance when you’re a performer it seems. Or perhaps just viewing the Falcon’s Gate from the hill is enough - just make sure to hold onto the railing for most dreamers are likely not Dragon Knights.

Finally, should those decide to continue down Theater Avenue and descend a further flight of stairs, they would finally reach the main theater of the district itself, Fuegert Memorial Theater. Unfortunately, there’s a crowd barring entry and tickets are likely sold out for the performance, but hey, there’s plenty more to explore of the kingdom.

IV. Grand Castle

Too bad, it doesn’t seem like there’s a way to reach the castle. From each district, dreamers can only look up towards it and the airships that occasionally disembark.

… unless.

Comments

[tantailizing]

Mm, probably, right? I tried to leave them as I remembered, and they should still act on those personalities. Still, if it's like the dreamscape that we were pulled into once, they might response in defense should anything or anyone stand out.

[luciing]

[ The youth's explanation begs the question: would a giant suit of armor stand out, or is this par for the course in whatever realm this dreamscape is supposed to emulate. ]

It is a large dreamscape. One would assume it would be draining to maintain.

[ But perhaps that's not the case. Somnus turns his attention back to him. ]

[tantailizing]

[Oh he would probably be fine. People would just think he's from another kingdom or continent. It's not like everyone in Lindblum had gone beyond to the other continents.]

A bit, but it's fine. I wanted to share.

[luciing]

[ For such a large dream, it is impressive. ]

This is your home, then.

[tantailizing]

Yeah, now you're catching on! Someone figured we could share our worlds like this so I was like 'okay'! Besides, it seems like everyone's been broadcasting nightmares - not to say there aren't a few good dreams between, but yeesh.

I don't mind doing this if it means a break from bad dreams for everyone else.

[luciing]

[ The nightmares are a Thing.

A realm recreated is far more preferable to interact or comment upon. ]

'Tis a prosperous kingdom.

[tantailizing]

[Look, he's mostly staying out of them. Feels invasive, but he might start dropping in.]

The Regent does what he can for his people and the people here all do their best for the kingdom. It doesn't have the same record of conflicts like the other Kingdoms have had so it's doing something right.

[luciing]

[ Somnus' attention remains upon the youth. It seems that he's interested in him talking of the realm in which they currently stand.

However: ]

Regent?

[ The term implies there is something amiss or absent with the true king or queen. Such kingdoms cannot remain stable for too long. ]

[tantailizing]

[He nods.]

Don't ask me why, but Cid I never took the title of King. Then we had the Regency for so long, I don't think people care to switch back to a Monarchy. Lindblum became Lindblum under the Regent, and that's that.

[He shrugs a little.]

[luciing]

[ His explanation offers little insight into the affairs of the world. But, perhaps, it suggests that an ordinary citizen would have no need to.

Nevertheless: ]

I would see and hear more of greater Lindblum, should you guide.

[tantailizing]

[Zidane nods, grinning. He doesn’t know the guy, but if he wants a look around, why not?]

Sure. Anywhere you wanna start first or know about?

[luciing]

[ Somnus lifts an armored arm, four fingers curling inward as the other points. ] Yonder castle.

[ As if that would be easy enough to access in a dream, right? ]

[tantailizing]

[Looking up, Zidane nods.] Yeah, I can show you up there. Lucky you're with me; and before you wonder why I've been, it was circumstances.

[So it's totally easy to get there.]

Oh, by the way, what's your name?

[luciing]

[ "--before you wonder why I've been--"

A very slight tilt of his helm at that, but nothing more. ] You may call me Somnus.

[ His arm lowers, and in the same motion, it gestures to the path before them. ] At your leisure.

[tantailizing]

Somnus? Alright, that'll make things easier.

[And with a few nods of assurance, Zidane begins walking, leading the way to the aircab station.]

You don't get airsick, do you?

[luciing]

Airsick?

[ This is spoken as if he has never heard of the term.... Although from the joint word itself, its meaning can be easily guessed. ]

[tantailizing]

Yeah. It's a short flight, but some people still get a bit nauseous between destinations.

[So he's probably be fine, but they would find out in a moment. Next flight to the main hanger was getting ready to depart.]

[luciing]

Very well. [ Somnus' helm tilts-- a nod, affirming as they enter the hangar. ]

Do all kingdoms of your Star have such air travel?

[tantailizing]

[Leading him onto the cab with a few others traveling the same way, Zidane raises an eyebrow. 'Star'?]

Uh... no? It's primarily Alexandria and Lindblum, but both are pretty hard to reach if you don't catch a flight somewhere.

[luciing]

[ The advent of air travel means better trade between the kingdoms... and war. ]

Airships are mighty innovations.

[tantailizing]

They were necessary for a long time, but what happens next, we'll wait and see.

[He's kind of interested to know how the world will open without the dangers of Mist now... not that Somnus knows. Either way, the door closes and the aircab takes off from the station.]

[luciing]

[ And so they ascend. Somnus's head turns, looking out the window of the air cab as it navigates the city. ]

The kingdom was built on a mountain rage.

[ --He notes, but the underlying comment is that such a location is rather peculiar, to say nothing of being built on peaks is precarious. ]

[tantailizing]

Yeah. That was to avoid the Mist that settled in the lowlands. Too much exposure to it drove up negative emotions and caused wars. Building like this was the only choice until recently.

[And he wondered what the valleys would look like in a few years.]

range*, even lmao

[luciing]

Is such Mist natural to your Star?

All good, it happens

[tantailizing]

Nah, it's this whole thing that happened and it was only on this Continent, but we can talk about that another day.

[And try not to have a bad dream about it, right? At least his tone makes it sound like it was something ridiculous so maybe he wouldn't ask about it further; besides, they're about to land.]