songerein | [OPEN] A World Exchange

Entry tags:

[OPEN] A World Exchange

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She's just going to set the prop sword down where she found it and will look but not touch.]

You think so?

[What she wouldn't give to see a performance put on around here...]

Think if we hurry, we could catch a show?

[He nods.]

We'd normally have a few people back if it wasn't a performance.

[Probably just had the usual keeping an eye on the place.]

We can see about the Theater here.

Well, what are we waiting for!?

[There's so much to do and see that it's a little overwhelming, but if she can catch a show before the dream is over, she'll be glad for that much.]

You'll need to show me the way.

I can't promise we'll be able to see the show this time, but let's see how close we can get.

[Walking back over to the door, he holds it open for her.]

After you~

[On their way out, Tifa pauses at the door to give him a flourishing curtsy—it's the best that she can do.]

My, such a gentleman!

[With a playful smile, she wanders back out into the streets.]

So, are we going to look for a vantage point instead of going right to the stage?

[That's what it sounded like, anyway!]

I may not be nobility, my dear, but I do have my manners.

[Chuckling, he follows after her, closing the door.]

That'll depend on which stage they're using at the theater. If it's outdoor, no problem. Trying to sneak indoors? Eh, mixed success.

Sneaking in, huh...?

[Honestly, that does sound kind of fun, and the glint in her eyes says as much without her having to say so out loud.]

This is a dream, isn't it? [Tifa, don't break the rules!] How hard could that even be?

Haha, surprisingly hard. But if we can't get in, it's probably because I blocked it off. I think trying to have a play performing could be a lot.

[Because he'd have to supply the actors, actresses, lines, costumes, stage... in the dream.]

Well, if there isn't one, then I guess we just have to make one of our own...

[It's not as if them doing it themselves would be any strain on him, would it!?]

I've got a little experience myself.

[Not really, but Jessie did teach her a thing or two!]

Oh ho~ Empty stage instead?

[That he can do since she wants to see the theater so badly... and it'll be announced by a ringing as the district bells begin to chime.]

Well, the performance just ended so we'll be able to do that.

This'll give you a chance to show me what you're made of.

[If he grew up a part of a theatre troupe, she'll bet that he has a few fun tricks up his sleeve. More than she's got, at the very least. She was never up on stage at the Gold Saucer, so this'll be a first for her.

She walks at a speedier pace in their direction when the bells start to chime, and when they arrive, it's as if the stage had been there waiting for them all this time, empty and quiet. It's no opera house, but this is still impressive in its own charming way, and she motions to Zidane.]

So, what kind of show should we put on for your dreams?

Oh yeah? I wasn't performing in that world?

[Though, fair enough, it's not like he did solo shows or anything normally. If he was not with his troupe, he was adventuring or finding some other way to preoccupy himself.]

[Man, oh, man, Zidane's only been to the Memorial Theater so often. Considering they had the Prima Vista as their mobile stage, performing at a static one just wasn't as fun or exciting. Maybe a little more space for props, but eh. Stepping onto the cleared stages, he shrugs.]

We take requests. What kind of show do you wanna see?

[That's a lot of pressure to put on her! But it's pressure she will willingly shoulder if it means they can have a little bit of fun with the stage.

Following him up, she allows herself a moment to be enthralled by the whole thing, having never been up on a real stage herself. She'd only heard stories about it from Jessie when she'd spent time learning from her, and she tries to imagine the kind of play Tifa would love to be in.

She is, admittedly, a hopeless romantic, and although that would be her first voice for both a starring role and as a part of a captivated audience, that wouldn't fit the sort of friendship she has with Zidane.]

How about something with a little bit of adventure and... mystery? [Her arms spread out on either side of her.] Intrigue! Something that makes the audience gasp out loud at a big reveal.

[He misses the stage a bit. It's been a while since he'd been on one since his return and subsequent arrival to Reverein. That just reminds him that maybe a mini-theater could be set up for anyone to use - issue would be keeping the space tidy, but if the community could do it, that'd be great. Maybe he would ask over the journal later...]

[Turning to look at Tifa, he grins and nods.]

Adventure and mystery, huh? I have a good tale for that.

Please tell me there's a leading lady role. More adventure stories need one.

[And if there isn't, well guess what! They'll just have to make one themselves.]

So, what's it called? What's it about?

You're right on that. Stories need more variety.

[And while he has a story in mind, he shakes his head.]

Afraid it doesn't have a title yet... or a script. One of those tales that's so far only been spoken. Why don't we try improv today and make our own story, and I'll write it up for another day.

Improv... Haven't tried that yet, but I can give it a whirl. I'll have to come up with my own character and all too, won't I?

[Tifa taps a finger against her chin, the gears already very clearly turning in her head.]

Got any tips for a beginner before we start?

Not always. A character can build depending on how the story goes.

[Though, perhaps having a base? Yes, she would have to do that.]

The point of improv is anything is allowed and the direction doesn't really matter. Whatever you put out there should be incorporated to the overall story.

So I can start out as a knight, then.

[She raises her hand in a dramatic flourish, as if swinging a sword. And when she speaks next, it will be in a voice much lower than her own.]

Call me Ser Lockhart. I hail from a land far, far away from here, and have been sent to deliver a message

[This is the most uncreative name ever, but when you have limited time to come up with something...!]

And you are?

Yup!

[Like, why the hell couldn't she be a knight? Though, why did she deepen her voice? His tail sways in amusement.]

[He'll give a salute.]

Ser Lockhart! I am Captain Tribal of the Queen's personal guard! What message have you come to deliver?

[She's getting into a character!

A noble knight who... perhaps is in love with the princess that he serves, but it could never be, because she is royalty and he is but a loyal servant to the crown...! Or something. She doesn't know, but her voice returns somewhat back to normal again, because no way can she keep that up for very long.]

Her highness has been asked to attend a gala on behalf of your kingdom in a fortnight from today.

[And she motions handing him a letter.]

However, we require assistance in another matter first.

[Maaaybe... it is a tried and true courtly romance, one that can easily be rife with drama and longing. Nay, he has his place and cannot come to stand with Her Highness...!]

Ah, yes, the King's gala. I will see Her Highness is informed.

[And he accepts the letter, nodding.]

Another matter, you say? Will this require audience, or are you asking for my assistance?

[Either way, he has his station. He would need to receive permission.]

Pray, forgive me if I overstep, but...

[Tifa pauses to think over where she was planning on going with this.]

We do require the aid of several knights! [And she breaks her character for a moment. Oops!] For, umm...

[...]

There is a dragon terrorizing our border that needs to be dispatched before the gala can go on!

Ah! A dragon! Quite a fearsome foe, and yes, it would not do to have it lingering by your borders!

[He would have to ask permission from Her Highness to dispatch some of their knights! However...]

Why not call upon the dragon knights? They would be the better opponents against such beast, would they not? Has something befallen their kingdom?

They are... waging their own wars at the moment, not a single dragon knight could be spared.

[Is she doing this right!? She's trying so hard not to smile with delight right now, because this is absolutely, one hundred percent a serious, dire situation.]

But we have no experience with dragon slaying, but two armies would be better than one, and yours is the best in the land!

I. Business District

II. Industrial District

III. Theater District

IV. Grand Castle

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