songerein | { lindwormeo and juliet }

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{ lindwormeo and juliet }

LINDWORMEO & JULIET

It is the third dreamshift, and when everyone rouses and becomes aware of their situation, they find themselves dressed in Verona, a gothic city where night reigns everlasting and violence lurks around every corner. Not because of crime, but because of the two main families, the Montagues and the Capulets, everlasting feud. Fights break out almost every other minute and peace is hard sought after. However, peace is perhaps on the table, for the Capulets are hosting a grand masquerade in a gesture of truce. But it's difficult when one of Montague's sons is cursed as a Lindworm, one of the key reasons why there is a feud to begin with.

"But that's not really all that important," a voice echoes around them. It's a voice different from the tapirs that they've grown accustomed to, and after another moment it chimes in again. "Up here my fair little dreamwalkers."

And lo, high above in the permanent night sky is a moon so full and bright that it almost feels as if it could swallow them whole. After learning about the Story Eater's actions against Songerein's moon, the appearance of a face would certainly alarm many. But then the face seems to recede before it changes into a full person holding a quill and manuscript.

"Greetings! I am William Shakespeare and you are now within my own dream, a dreamscape I believe you call it. My works can be found in many places and in many worlds. Yet that accursed Story Eater has been devouring my masterpieces! I must now pen them all over again, but one of its minions is invading my mind and altering everything and I refuse to become a brainless puppet like Marlowe. I have isolated it within this place of my own design based off of Romeo and Juliet. However it seems after my reading of the Lindworm King, my visions have been affected a bit, but no matter. A playwright must find inspiration where he can!

But it is now up to you to see this play through completion. Doing so will help those outside draw out the fiend through the accumulated dreamotion energy, and if you could give it a few stabs that will help as well. Not all of you need to partake in my play, and I have already chosen my leading actors and actresses. You should find a brief copy of the script on your person, but you may act however you wish. However, I should warn you—this is a tragedy, so deaths are expected. But fear not, you will leave this dreamscape perhaps a bit tired, but unharmed. It's all a dream after all.

Now that should cover it. I look forward to seeing how everyone's tragic romances will play out. It may give me material for my next masterpiece!"

And just as suddenly as he had appeared, Shakespeare disappears from the moon, leaving it to loom brightly over the otherwise dark city.

I. GENERAL PROMPTS

Reminder that those cast as Romeo and Juliet can participate in most of these prompts, but the timing would be set early on before they move onto their designated scenes.

A. Family Feud. Everyone in Verona is randomly split in allegiance between the Montagues and the Capulets, and whenever they meet there is some kind of tension. It could be violent, hostile, passive, petty, or even attraction. Surely Romeo and Juliet aren't the only ones who can love across the aisle. If not pit against each other to fight or exchange snide comments, opposing parties can also work together to deal with Erasers posing as creepy looking family members/soldiers/knights/etc.

» BONUS: TO ARMS. A city-wide family feud makes for good business if you’re in the weapons-and-armor trade. Gather materials to help smithies in creating armor and weapons.

B. Masquerade. Almost as if it's the opening act, everyone, both Montagues and Capulets are to attend a masquerade held within the Capulet's ballroom. It's a momentary "truce," and though tension between the families is still rampant, everyone is welcome to wear the finest clothing they can imagine and to partake in the festivities. The masquerade itself is in the ballroom, but there are also gardens and large terraces that guests can go to if they want some fresh air.

» BONUS: PREPARATIONS. Any good party requires a lot of preparation, and all of Verona is abuzz with activity leading up to the big night. Tailors need help getting fabric, jewels, and other baubles to create the finest dresses. Caterers need quality ingredients for the food that will be prepared and served. Someone needs to step up and be the band for the night. There are plenty of ways in which Dreamwalkers can help make the masquerade a success!

C. EXTRA SCENES. There are a few specific "scenes" featuring key characters from the original play. Whether taken voluntarily or "beckoned" by Shakespeare, those who participate will have a little "essence" of the original character. No full personality change, but they might feel certain impulses or find it easier to slip into the role. Note: anyone can fill in the roles of "Romeo" and "Juliet" for the Paris scenes; it is not exclusive to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet.

PARIS V. JULIET. Paris meets and dances with Juliet, taking a fancy with her. With his arrogance believing he can win over the Capulet princess, throughout the night he attempts to woo Juliet, either in the ballroom or the gardens just outside. Juliet must not be swayed! (Or maybe a little swayed, but try not go totally off-book here). Juliet can shut down Paris however they want. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade", but before the Balcony scene.)
PARIS V. ROMEO. Paris bullies his younger brother about the Lindworm curse on a near-constant basis. And to add insult to injury, after meeting Juliet he’s decided that he wants Juliet for himself. Obviously, Romeo is not about to let his stupid mean brother steal the love of his life! They’re going to have to fight this one out, either with words or via fisticuffs. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade" but before the "Balcony" scene.)
BENVOLIO'S ATTEMPTS. Benvolio is trying to find a cure for Romeo's curse, and after some research in the library he finds something! Good cousin that he is, he puts the theory to the test immediately. Unfortunately, his attempt backfires and he gets turned into a lindworm (fully or partially) instead. The poor guy is now out of sorts, and he needs protection so that someone doesn't mistake him for some monster and kill him. At least the transformation is only temporary.
TYBALT V. MERCUTIO. The infamous duel. Considering how much their families hate each other, the inciting incident can be just about anything. The original story has Tybalt goading Mercutio into a duel by calling Romeo a villain, Tybalt killing Mercutio, and Romeo killing Tybalt. But no one’s enforcing the particulars very closely here, so players are free to proceed with the fight any way they please. (If this fight does end in one or more deaths, please refer to the event details on how death works within the dreamscape.)

D. Love is a Battlefield. As if there wasn’t enough drama to deal with, a large, winged noctaere can be found throughout the dreamscape firing arrows at the residents, turning them into Erasers. It can summon smaller winged noctaere to fight for it, and if a dreamwalker gets hit by the arrows, they will slowly turn into a lindworm that is full of hate. It's difficult to combat the boss itself, but it can be weakened by defeating its minions and those hit by its arrows. Love of any form will be a powerful counter that will hit the boss as well.

» BONUS: ROSE COLLECTION. In the forests are white and red roses that are hidden under logs and stones. They will sparkle a bit to make them look different than other flowers. They must be collected before the Erasers can get to them. A white rose fed to a lindworm will return them back to normal. Eating a red rose will allow characters to turn into a pink, heart covered lindworm for ten minutes to fly up and try to combat against the winged noctaere or the Erasers.

II. ROMEO AND JULIET'S OBJECTIVES

The following objectives are locked to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet. Please refer to the notes for all the stipulations and effects characters will experience as the tragic couple. Final reminder that the characters will be aware of the tragic ending as well as reassurance that they will awaken unharmed at the end of their final scene.

Click for objectives.

A. Love at First Sight. Time to get your party-crashing pants on, Romeo, because there is a masquerade that you are not invited to but are attending anyway. Who doesn’t love a good party? If you wear a mask, no one will know it’s you! Here Romeo and Juliet have the opportunity to meet and flirt and make goo-goo eyes at each other. And if they really want to get into the spirit of things, they can go into a laborious metaphor about how holding hands is super hot but kissing is way hotter. (Yes, really.) At this point Romeo's curse is only a partial transformation, something along the lines of scales down one side of his body.

B. Balcony Scene. The time for light flirting is over–this is where Romeo and Juliet get to declare their undying love for each other. Romeo really needs to work it as his brother, Paris, has also made moves on Juliet. There’s some strangeness in the dreamscape at this point that seems to have mistaken Shakespeare for musical theater, so the loving couple must sing their love for one another. With that spirit in mind, the moment should be suitably big and dramatic! Immediately after this scene is when Romeo and Juliet get married, so there’s no reason not to put it all out there. Shakespeare will lend a "helping hand" in giving them knowledge of the lyrics to sing, though they are free to create their own song and freestyle it. (Players can use existing songs or make it up as they go.)

C. Elope. Being the very mature and intelligent lovers that they are, Romeo and Juliet decide to get married after knowing each other for a whole day. Time to get to the chapel, meet with the Friar, and exchange vows. Shakespear will lend a helping hand by providing wedding attire fitting for those who are cast in their role. That's right, every Juliet will have their own special bridal dress, isn't he so considerate? And then it’s time to do whatever it is that newlyweds do, if that's what they are into. Otherwise, Romeo and Juliet will need to return home to prepare for their future.

D. Runaways. Juliet learns that she is being forced to marry Romeo's brother, Paris, which is a problem because she’s already married and also she doesn’t like that other guy anyway. In a major divergence from the source material, Romeo and Juliet decide to make a run for it instead of that whole poisoning-yourself business. It’s just a better idea all around. The goal is to get out of town undetected, which means that this is a stealth mission. Romeo and Juliet must follow a path and avoid getting caught. Whatever it takes to get past the guards and would-be snitches that would turn you in!

E. Find the Cure. Even after making it out so far, fate is against them. At this point Romeo's curse is advancing, so they need to look for the cure. Just outside of town they encounter a very trustworthy set of three witches who provide a list of items for them to retrieve and mix into a potion: rainbow mushroom, feather of a dove, three snails, and lavender. No one said this was going to taste good. However, while it will work temporarily, only Juliet is told that the final ingredient must be the blood of his lover. It's a cryptic message, however they do not specify how the blood is taken. Do they mean just a few drops? Or her life?

F. Tragic Ending. Upon learning of the young couple's running away, the Capulets have declared war with knights out hunting to kill Romeo and bring back Juliet. They are soon found and no matter what they do, death will await them. But how? Players can direct this however they want. Did the soldiers catch them? Did they decide that the whole double-suicide poison thing was a good idea after all? Does one tragically sacrifice themself to save the other? Does Romeo go full Lindworm and eat Juliet? The possibilities are endless. At this point Romeo is capable of turning into a full lindworm if he's taken the cure without Juliet's blood. If he drinks the cure with Juliet's blood, then he will revert to a normal human (teenager) with no extra powers.

[Mod Note: Details on this event can be found here and we request all thread submissions to be made here.]

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[ It's... Actually one of Vanitas' favorite memories. Maybe one day he'll be able to tell Sora this. Right now isn't the time. The follow up memory, of Sora totally messing up Vanitas' attempt to give him a kiss like that in return is another favorite. Brat always has to take a situation and flip it onto its head.

Just like now. Here Sora is, thinking he's all suave and romantic. That he'll scale this tower just like he had Rapunzel's. Only thing is that Sora doesn't quite make it. The fall has Vanitas laughing. ]

Are you supposed to be able to make it up here?

Ow...

[That smarts. His butt is going to ache from the fall. He flails his arms for a second before he jolts back up and waves a hand up at Vanitas.]

I'm trying! Don't laugh! Don't you have a rope or some magical hair or something that can help me!

[Aw. He was trying so hard to be cool. But he does shake himself off and then starts up on the vines again! A little more carefully this time!]

[ Vanitas could always kiss those boo-boos better? He still snickers, leaning against the railing. Looking down at his "prince" or whatever. ]

Of course I don't have anything like that. I think you're even too big to ride on my Unversed. Most of them anyway.

[ Come on, Sora. You can do it. ]

Oh Sora. Where fore art thou Sora?

[ Then he bursts out laughing. ]

Falling on his butt in the dirt apparently.

Ah!! Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?

[Don't tease him like that, Vanitas! He's trying his best to be smooth and poetic like the real Romeo here! But at least he's making the other boy laugh... That's a plus. He guesses.

With some more struggling and hopefully his cape doesn't get caught on the vines or anything he finally pulls up and grabs the ledge of the balcony!!]

Hey! Pull me up!

Hmm... How will you reward me if I pull you up? Because really I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to get one yourself if your princess is required to help you out.

[ So Sora is going to have to decide what is best! Vanitas will still offer a hand anyway. Still help the other get onto the balcony proper. ]

There's nothing in the book saying this can't be a group effort!

[But here he is grasping at the offered hand and pulling himself up onto the balcony! At long last!]

Vanitas! I've found you!

[And he's immediately scooping his arms around him like a boy really in love.]

Maybe I want to make you work for it.

[ There's a slight "yelp" because that sure is Sora. Sure is Sora grabbing at Vanitas and holding him. They've been together for a while and one would think that Vanitas would be used to this behavior. Accustomed to Sora just holding him and a blush not forming on his cheeks.

Because it does. Each and every time Vanitas feels his face heat up. ]

You're too much. You know that?

[It probably doesn't help how Sora wraps his arms around Vanitas' waist and practically scoops him up to Sora's chest and twirls them in a very dramatic manner.]

Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized!

[He lets out a playful laugh and leans in close. But then he really does realize something... something lacy.]

Wait. What are you wearing?

[Blink blink.]

[ Vanitas groans. Slips his arms around Sora in return. He has no idea if this is how the story should play out. Honestly? He doesn't care. ]

And what sort of brat conceals himself in the night? To come and see me?

[ And seeks him out of all things? Yeah it's not entirely in the right verse, but the meaning is the same correct?

Then he pauses. Scowls and looks away. Augh Why, Sora... ]

It's... A dress. Some maid forced me into it?

Someone who believes in love at first sight!

[Sora starts chuckling and he leans in close. Entirely amused at all the fabric and lace that Vanitas is wearing. Who knew that he would look this good in something so frilly? Sora is not going to let Vanitas live this down and he's pulling him nice and close. Hand touching his lower back and tugging at a bit of lace.]

I never thought I'd get to see you all dressed up like this.

[Sorry, he's going to look so smitten and amused.]

So, do you believe in that sort of thing too? Love at first sight?

[Romeo and Juliet sure did.]

What? My usual skintight attire not good enough for you? Now you want me to hide myself under layer upon layer of cloth?

[ Vanitas rolls his eyes. As if Sora hadn't teased him for having a "skirt" when he had been wearing the dark suit all of the time. Yet his cheeks are dusted pink all the same. Sora definitely has a way of making him, like, blush and feel ridiculous at the same time.

But there are hands on him. So it's not like he's going to complain. ]

I don't. Juliet does, obviously. But don't forget we were enemies before all of this.

[Sora laughs at that response and makes a teasing tug at some of the lace and frill.]

I'm not saying it's a bad thing! Actually, you look kinda pretty.

[He nudges the other.]

Romeo and Juliet were so sure about what they had the moment they met each other. I know it wasn't really like that for us until way later. But every love story is different.

[ Augh! ]

Pretty. I don't need to be pretty.

[ But there's another part of him that's thrilled all the same. Excited for the praise. Acknowledgement. Being called pretty despite the fact that he's not. Never could be.

Give him a moment. Vanitas leans forward. Gives Sora a peck on the lips. ]

I guess it is with us. Maybe I wasn't sure at first sight but I think I'm pretty sure now.

Edited 2022-03-03 03:31 (UTC)

Heh. I'm still gonna say it.

[It's always so warming to his heart to see Vanitas react like this. It's cute- but he knows that Vanitas isn't very good at knowing he deserves those sorts of comments. Sora will sneak them in as many times as he can. Even the teasing ones about being pretty.

He leans forward to kiss him softly back. His hands still firmly around Vanitas' waist like he might sweep him into a dance soon.]

Love is pretty unpredictable like that, huh? It's not black or white, it's not up or down. It's always somewhere in the middle. But no matter what, it hits pretty hard.

[He looks at Vanitas with all the love in the world for that. Because he fell for Vanitas pretty hard.]

Of course you are. Oh my dear sweet Romeo. Let me never be parted from thee.

[ So he says. Right before Sora starts to pull him about the waist. Vanitas sighs. Puts arms around Sora's shoulders. As if giving the other the permission that he needs. To dance. Because oh does Sora like to dance. He should be allowed that. ]

I guess. It's a god thing all your little friends don't seem to mind or think about it too much. One would think that it has to be weird. That we are a weird combination.

[ He presses his forehead against Sora's. They've been together for getting closer and closer to about two years. It feels like... A lot longer than that. ]

You're not going to escape me though. I think I made that clear.

If my heart's dear love! Oh, Juliet!

[Sora lets out another laugh. And pulls Vanitas close. Sweeping them up into a silly dance and twirl together across the room.]

Let them think we're weird, I don't care!

[Which honestly he doesn't. They've been together for a long time now and Sora's heart is set. And he very rarely changes his mind. True friends wouldn't judge them for that.]

[ Oh he can't help it. The moment that Sora takes them waltzing around the balcony? He laughs. Vanitas laughs and holds onto Sora tighter. ]

Correction. You are weird. Why have I paired myself up with you? You keep bringing all of this into my life and I've never really asked for it.

[ He sounds like he's complaining. But he's not. There's a lightness to it. A mirth. ]

[It sounds like complaining but Sora knows better after these few years. He sneaks a kiss to Vanitas' cheek.]

Uh-huh, I don't see you trying to get out of it.

[At least not anymore!

Another twirl and then pulling Vanitas, his Juliet, closer.]

[ Vanitas snorts. Tilts his head so that the kiss to the cheek becomes one to the lips. He adores this stupid little boy. Eyes bright as the sky and his smile such is the sun itself. ]

Could I get out of it? I think we're far, far beyond that.

[ He offers but one soft smile towards Sora. Brings their dance to a slow sway. ]

No, I think I don't want to get out of it.

[And in the same vein, Sora is so head over heels for Vanitas. The contrast to his entire being, the moon and the bright gold of his stars. Sora never knew he would be so in love with someone.

They slow to a gentle dance and he kisses the other boy with just as much affection. Feeling the flutter of whatever magic that ties together star-crossed lovers.]

Good, I wanna keep you around too.

[Anotther chuckle and kiss.]

[ Hey... Vanitas, at one point, would have thought himself incapable of feeling anything like this at all. Now here he is. Feeling. Things. Positive things that seem to chase away the darker ones. ]

You know that someone is going to show up soon, right? In a moment you are going to have to take off running.

[ Just going to press forehead together. Enjoying this stolen moment in time. Which doesn't really have to be stolen at all. ]

[Foreheads pressed together but Sora immediately pouts. He knows that the story has to continue and that means that Sora has to take his leave before he's caught by Vanitas' fake story family. This isn't how it can be right now.]

Ahhhh! Parting is such sweet sorrow!!

[Wait, did he get that line right? Almost just like that there is a knock at the door and he has to let go of his one true love.]

At least I got to steal a kiss. Wait for me, okay?

[And he gets ready to scamper off!]

[ He's about to comment to that. About to tell Sora something about stealing things and waiting.

But then there's shouting from the other side of Vanitas' "door." Someone must have taken notice. Or they are coming in to check on him. So Vanitas walks Sora to the edge of the balcony. As if he's about to push him off of it. ]

Better get going loverboy.

[He can hear the clamour at the door and Sora jumps up onto the ledge of the balcony without hesitation. But don't push him he's already fallen down once before! He grabs Vanitas' hand and smooches it.]

See you soon, princess.

[He grins and jumps off with a flash of magic at his feet. Seems he can still pull off a little bit of dreamotion in here. Until the next scene where they meet again!]

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