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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Diluc, by contrast, has been assigned to House Capulet. His alignment doesn't make much difference to him either way--he realizes rather quickly that he's been relegated to the role of "extra," so he expects to be pulled into and out of the production as the dreamscape sees fit. That suits him just fine.

All players are expected at the masquerade, however, and it's there that he learns that both of his partners are a part of the opposing house. Which is irksome, but hardly insurmountable. This event is meant to be something of a truce, right? So there's no reason for him to avoid them tonight.

He spies Ori fussing over a floral centerpiece, and goes to stand next to her.]

You know, Miss Montague, my family went to great lengths to put this event together. The least you can do is actually allow yourself to partake in the festivities.

[After giving his "in character" greeting, his expressions softens and he adds:]

You look beautiful tonight, Ori.

[ The sound of Diluc's voice catches Ori off-guard in the best, most pleasantly surprising way possible. He has been quite busy as of late - she figures that he's been hard at work laying down the groundwork for the winery - and Ori is the last person to be demanding of anyone's attention, even when she finds herself missing his company from time to time.

A smile curls at her lips as she turns to look at him, although it's subdued by the confusion that arises at what he says. She's so happy to see him that she's forgotten that they're here to play a role in a story, and Diluc's is apparently that of someone from the opposing family. The tension that fogs her mind - a product of the dreamscape, surely - does not bid her to treat him with scorn or to argue with him. Rather, the fact that he stands at the other side of this conflict makes him all the more attractive.

And that catches her off-guard in a way she isn't quite expecting. ]

Oh— A good evening to you, too. Please, um... forgive my... mischief?

[ She turns to him and does a little curtsy. Ori isn't the most charismatic tiefling. Val was always better with words, but Ori tries her best anyway, even when her best has her mumbling and fumbling for words. It's hard not to want to at least try, especially when there's a part of her that thinks Diluc might be enjoying and leaning into his role judging by how smoothly he's greeted her. On that note, he is a nobleman, isn't he? She seems to remember Thoma addressing him as such... ]

You look quite handsome as well... Master Diluc.

[What Ori lacks in refined charisma, she more than makes up for in charm. He doesn't ordinarily like making her fluster like this, but there's something in the dreamscape that allows him to take a bit of joy in the fact that he's thrown her so off-guard. It doesn't feel nearly as mean as it could, as the feeling is more affectionate than vindictive. But it's there, all the same.]

I wouldn't accuse you of mischief so much as a lack thereof. Unless you're doing something to those flowers that I should be alarmed by.

[The "Master Diluc" causes him to blink at her with a furrowed brow, but he can't quite argue it either. In a way, the dreamscape almost requires it from them. Plus, he started it by calling her "Miss Montague."]

I imagine you don't have much experience with large galas such as these, do you?

[ In a strange sort of way, calling him "Master Diluc" like this fills her with a sense of... belonging. Although she would never admit as much out loud, she does lately find herself yearning for a reality in which she has always been a part of the same world as her partners. In which she isn't an otherworldly being that they would never otherwise meet. When his title falls from her lips, it's a fleeting moment where she can pretend.

Perhaps this "acting" aspect of the dreamscape isn't quite so bad, after all...

The once-confounded expression on her face melts away into a fond smile once more when she notices his reaction, at least before it turns into something more bashful at his question. When she answers, she leans in and speaks in a hushed tone, because her response is not of a lady Montague's but of herself. ]

Not at all... The last time I attended something like this, I was a mouse, and I was hiding in my friend's hat.

[ She straightens up and tilts her head at him. ]

I do promise that I was just checking on the flowers, though, my lord.

[Her quiet, out of character confession is unfairly endearing, and for a few moments Diluc allows himself to entirely relax and lean down into her in response.]

I imagine that's quite the story. You'll have to tell me sometime.

[But not now, for obvious reasons. Ori straightens back up and resumes her character, such as it is, and so does he.]

I believe you, Miss Oriphi.

[He pauses, considering her thoughtfully before speaking again.]

In the interest of the charitable spirit of the event, allow me the opportunity to instruct you in how to act. [He holds out a hand.] Beginning with how to dance, if you'll allow it.

[...the offer may have more to do with the fact that he wants to dance with her than anything about charity or teaching her anything. He's merely bending the scenario to make the action he desires fit within it. That sort of manipulation is a skill he's had to hone over the years, and surely Ori won't mind if he applies it here.]

[ She can't quite stifle the nervous chuckle at his asking her to tell him more about that particular gala— but thankfully, they make an unspoken agreement that this is not the time for such a story. They're already taking part in one, there's no need to muddle it with a tale of regicide...

Her hand finds his easily, perhaps far too easily for a Montague with a Capulet, but Ori is happy to be spending time with Diluc and she's realizing, now, how fun it is to be skirting this line between their respective roles and who they actually are. It's just a shame that she'll have to dance, because she doesn't know the first thing about it, but she trusts that Diluc will show her with the same measure of care and patience as he's shown her about most other things. ]

I'll allow it. [ At this, too, she can't help but giggle. Ori would sooner say "Of course I'll dance with you," but as a young lady of House Montague... ] But I must warn you that I might be a difficult pupil.

[ Sorry in advance if she steps on his toes, is what she's getting at. ]

[Ori's hand fits in his so perfectly, and Diluc leans down to press a gentle and respectful kiss to it. Her warning gets a soft chuckle from him.]

I'm sure I'll manage.

[A few stepped-on toes isn't that much of a risk. He's suffered worse, and from far lesser company than Ori.

He holds onto her hand and uses his other to position her free arm. At first, he goes to place her arm onto his shoulder--until he realizes that the difference in their respective heights will make that an uncomfortable stretch for her. Instead, he rests her hand on his chest before moving his own on her waist.

At that point, he pauses to appreciate the moment for what it is. In a way, it's a bit of sharing his world with her. His upbringing was noble, by Mondstadt's admittedly loose standards (discounting the Lawrence Clan, of course--the rules by which they rear their own are ridiculous in his and practically every other Mondstadter's opinion). Learning to dance like this was a part of that. And now it's something he's able to show her. Dreamscape or no, it brings a bit of warmth to his chest.]

Follow my lead.

[With that, he begins slowly guiding her through a series of simple steps.]

[ The press of his lips against her fingers causes a warmth to bloom in her heart and on her cheeks, and so too does the way he carefully positions his and her hands, and especially so the way that he stops and just looks at her for a moment. Amber eyes find rose red as she completely forgets that, in the context of this dreamscape, theirs is a forbidden affection; they're not Montagues of Capulets or whatever. They're just them.

So while she's never been asked to dance like this, not even at the other functions she's attended as a person and not as a mouse, she feels honored beyond measure that Diluc is the first to do so. That he's showing her how to dance here - a bit tucked away from the main commotion of this masquerade - means more to her than he might realize, too. She would have been a nervous wreck in front of everyone else. But here - it's just them.

After a misstep or two to start, she looks down and focuses on matching the movements of his feet. ]

I-Is this.. okay?

[Truth be told, Diluc also prefers the relative seclusion of their current location. As he's grown into adulthood, he's come to appreciate being the center of attention less and less. Enjoying their dance together off to the side, just the two of them, is far better than the actual dance floor.

True to her warning, Ori's a bit clumsy at first. But after a few missteps and resets, she starts to get it.]

Yes, this is okay. You're doing quite well, for this being your first time.

[He means that. Diluc isn't the sort to lie to people in order to help them save face.]

If you'd believe it, my first dance lesson was a disaster. I was too... pushy.

[I.e., he dragged his poor partner around the dance floor rather than leading her until she finally lost her patience and yelled at him. Both children were given a talking to about cooperation that afternoon.]

[ As someone who regularly spends time in shapes unlike her own, perhaps she's had to learn how to be keenly aware of her body and how to coordinate its movements, and perhaps that plays into this endeavor of learning how to dance. It might also be that Diluc makes her feel comfortable enough that she isn't worried, and trusts him enough to know that he'll lead her back into the correct steps should she go astray.

She smiles at his reassurance, and her hand that rests against his chest curls just a little against the fabric of his costume. ]

Oh, thanks— I mean— thank you, milord.

[ The correction is made less out of a concern for proper etiquette, and more out of amusement. When he shares even just this small piece of his childhood, though, her expression softens fondly at him. ]

I think I would believe it, actually. But I'm lucky that you're being very patient now. It might look bad on the Capulets if you get too pushy when we're supposed to be in a "truce."

Is that so? You wound me.

[The laughter that follows, light and gentle, undercuts any possibility that he might actually be offended.

Whatever tension may have been forced upon them by the dreamscape has long since melted away, leaving them to use their roles as opposing sides as an excuse to tease. Ori really is a delight when she feels comfortable enough to let her guard down, and Diluc finds himself seeing that more and more from her as their relationship has developed from amiable strangers to friends to romantic partners. He treasures that.]

Rest assured, Miss Montague, that I have no intentions of ruining our families' truce tonight.

[Slowly, he brings their movements to a stop.]

And if I may be so bold: you're far too enchanting to treat poorly. I don't care if our families are enemies.

[ And for her part, the softness with which Diluc regards her, especially in the time since they've entered a relationship is a treasure she holds dear. She remembers vividly, still, the way they met: her trying to soothe the growing frustration of a stranger thrust into an unfamiliar realm. She understands why friends like Hilda have the impression that he's a grumpy sort - he has moments, certainly, much like anyone else would (alright, maybe moreso than others). But with her, and with Thoma, he's as gentle and kindhearted as he is passionate and rough around the edges. She relishes in the sound of his light laugh and the way that he slows their dance just to say something utterly charming, such that Ori cannot keep herself from smiling.

Enchanting, beautiful, irresistible. These are all words that her partners have used as of late in reference to her. All words that she would have never thought for herself. But in their hands, they feel almost like words she can believe in. ]

... You flatter me, milord, though if I were to be honest - I don't care, either.

[ She reaches up with her hand to tuck his hair behind his ear, so she can see more of his face. The tips of her fingers brush against the edge of his mask. ]

May I see you beneath your mask, Diluc?

I only speak the truth.

[Ori is all of those things and more. He'll die on that hill if he must.

Diluc doesn't hesitate to remove his mask when she asks, especially since she asks him and not whatever character he's meant to play. Without the mask, the fondness with which he's regarding her is all the more obvious. Not that he's been making any effort to hide it in the first place. They've established and worked around their supposed rivalry, as far as he's concerned, and now can just enjoy each other's company.

He leans down and presses a light kiss to her lips. If anyone happens to notice them, he's so fixated on her that it escapes his notice. Functionally, they're isolated enough that he feels comfortable expressing himself like this.]

It's only fair if you remove yours now, too.

[ Although he's made no effort to conceal his expression and the fondness for her that it holds, the mask does still obscure it, somewhat - but Ori is entirely unprepared, somehow, for what she's greeted with when he removes his mask. It's not as though he's never looked at her in this way. Far from it. But for just this moment the haze of this dreamscape, of him being somebody that she cannot be with by virtue of their houses - it stirs something in her heart and she finds her lips parted slightly at the sight of him.

Since he's removed his mask, her hand moves to cup his cheek as she returns the kiss and she finds herself leaning in even when he pulls away to speak, chasing the idea of having another. And then maybe another one after that. ]

I would never dream of being unfair to you, [ and she adds, with a smile: ] Master Diluc.

[ She pulls her hand away from his face, then, to loosen her mask around her face and letting it hang from her neck with the ribbons that fastened it to her head, allowing it to rest squarely on her collarbones before she looks back up at him, her eyes still full of wonder and awe at him. ]

[For some reason, "Master Diluc" sounds more like a term of affection than an official title. Perhaps it's the dreamscape they're in, or the fact that it's coming from Ori, who is currently overflowing with warmth and life. Whatever the cause, he can't help but smile along with her as she calls him such.

Once she lowers her mask and looks up at him, he reaches over and brushes a lock of hair away from her face. He regards her in much the same way she's looking up at him, and he wonders for not the first nor last time how he ended up being lucky enough to be this close to her.]

I have to admit, I like us better together without our masks.

[He doesn't just mean the masquerade.]

I'm very fortunate to be able to steal some time alone with you before our respective randomly-assigned allegiances pull us in opposite directions.

[ Her lips curl into a soft smile and her eyes close as she revels in his gentle touch, and she reaches up to gently wrap her fingers around his, holding his hand against her face for just a moment longer. If the way that the arrangements around them look - full of vitality and almost as though the sun were in this very room shining down on them - is any indication, too, it's easy to tell that Ori very much agrees.

Though there's something vaguely pleading about her gaze when she opens her eyes and locks eyes with him once more. ]

We can stay like this for a bit longer, can't we...?

[ She doesn't want to pull away from him just yet. ]

[Diluc sees the plea in her eyes, and he rubs his thumb gently across her cheek in reassurance.]

Of course. I plan to take advantage of this for as long as this dreamscape allows.

[He leans down to seal the promise with a quick, soft kiss before doing another quick look around their corner of the ballroom for lookers-on. He catches a glimpse of the rosebushes outside a nearby window--blooming brightly due to Ori's influence, he's all but certain--and a thought occurs to him.]

When you're ready to move, shall we take a walk outside? That should buy us more time together, I would think.

[ He seals her worries away with a simple kiss, and she welcomes the relief that washes over her. Even more so, when he offers to go on a walk together in the gardens. Ori has always rather enjoyed their walks together, after all, beginning from that first walk home from Thoma's after they celebrated his birthday together and agreed to be together, and every walk they have had together since. ]

I would love to take a walk outside.

[ He knows, by now, how much Ori enjoys spending time outside, anyway. But there's also another matter that makes this offer all the more appealing to her in this moment, howeve. ]

It feels like I haven't gotten to spend much time with you lately— [ which she immediately regrets saying, because it sounds an awful lot like she's complaining, so she quickly adds: ] I know you've been really busy! I just... I like taking walks with you. So..

[The offer is accepted with every bit of enthusiasm as Diluc expects from her, and they start to make their way to the gardens. The night is pleasant, a bit cool but a far cry from the frigid temperatures of Reverein right now. It's a nice change of atmosphere, and one he's more than happy to partake in.

Her comment about not seeing him as often as she'd like--and the way she immediately walks it back--catches his attention, and he sighs softly before shaking his head a little.]

Please don't feel like you need to withhold your honesty for the sake of my feelings. I'm not used to sharing myself with someone as important as you or Thoma. If I'm not holding up my part in it, I need you to tell me so that I know to correct my behavior.

[His tone is mild as he speaks, his words more reminder and request than reprimand. He doesn't know what he's doing when it comes to romance most of the time, especially when it comes to the day-to-day stuff. The moments when he's with either Ori or Thoma tend to work out if he just relaxes into it, but the time in between those moments often feel awkward.

And then, of course, there's the matter of him patrolling the streets at night and the toll that takes on his availability. Diluc hasn't told either of his partners about it, and he has no plans to. They'd worry and disapprove, no matter how much he insists that he's used to spending his nights in such a way. If anything, that insistence would just make their protests louder. It's better for all of them if they just don't know. He can protect them--and all of Reverein--under cover of darkness, just like he's done for Mondstadt.]

I'll resolve to do better. I really enjoy these walks we share, so it's not like you're requesting anything terribly arduous by wanting to do this more often.

[He slips an arm around her shoulders affectionately as they continue walking together.]

[ She takes each and every word he speaks to heart, although she's immediately racked with guilt, despite his insistence that she should indeed speak her mind. It was never her intent to make Diluc feel as though he wasn't holding up his part in their relationship - she simply... misses him, and that in itself is a feeling she's struggling with. She has enjoyed Diluc's company whenever she has the pleasure of partaking in it, from the very moment she served him her own tea at a cafe - but she hasn't so much as been able to get more than a few moments out of him as of late, and she feels as though she might be too much if she tries to ask for more, just as she feels that she's too much right now.

Diluc isn't the only one who feels a bit out of depth when it comes to being in a relationship. After all, apart from a brief fling with a fellow mercenary when she was a teenager, Ori has never really had experience to draw from, nor has she ever wanted so badly to do right by someone the way that she does for Diluc and Thoma. She just wants to make them happy.

She's silent for a few moments, already dreaming up ways in which she should apologize for having said anything at all, when his arm goes around her, and her worries wash away with the relief such a simple gesture brings. ]

I...

[ She sighs and leans into him a little as they continue to walk. ]

I-It's alright! You've been nothing but wonderful to me, Diluc. I really am so lucky... But it'll be nice to get to see more of you. Even if it's walking on the way to wherever you need to go. Is that... okay?

[In moments like this, Diluc wishes he knew how to chase away Ori's uncertainties. There's nothing for her to feel badly about here--she wants more of his time, and he's happy to accommodate her. He isn't taking the request personally, even when he spoke of it as him falling short of being an adequate partner. Of course he's going to get things wrong; he's gone from refusing to let anyone close enough to having two romantic partners. If anything, he's surprised he hasn't screwed up worse.

And yet, she hesitates. Unsure how else to soothe her, he rubs her shoulder lightly while holding her close.]

Yes, that's okay. More than okay. I think it sounds rather nice.

[He's no Thoma, but he hopes that's enough for her to believe in herself and her needs a bit more.]

It should be warming up back in Reverein before too much longer, so we have to look forward to as well.

[ It is no small blessing to Ori that both of her partners do so much, time and time again, to ensure that she knows how much she and all of her thoughts and feelings mean to them. With Thoma, charismatic as he is, it often comes in the form of praise, of adoring words and of warm and affectionate gestures that show just how much he cares for her. Diluc may be more subtle - like in the way that he holds her a little closer - or more direct at times, but she feels the intent and appreciates it - and Diluc - all the same. She would be ill-fated and a horrible partner if she couldn't at least recognize and appreciate the different ways in which they both express themselves, and she wants nothing more than to do the best that she can for them.

There's nothing subtle, at least, about the way she relaxes all the more as he rubs her shoulder and reaffirms the idea of taking regular walks together, and in turn her own arm moves up so she can wrap it around his waist as they walk. ]

Oh, that's right... Maybe once all of the snow and ice melts, we could even take some time to go on a picnic. I've been wanting to take you out into the woods... I bet it'll be so beautiful in the springtime!

A picnic sounds wonderful. It's been some time since I've allowed myself the time to go on one.

[Not since he was a teenager, in fact. But that's a detail he keeps quiet, because she knows what it actually means. He's in no mood to sour her night with reminders of personal tragedies.

Instead, he considers the scenario a bit more before laughing a little when a thought comes to him.]

Should we invite Thoma, let's not tell him until right as we're ready to leave. Otherwise he'll spend more time preparing the picnic than actually enjoying it.

[ The sound of Diluc's laugh is pleasant and delightful, and Ori finds herself smiling all the more when she hears it. She can't help but think it to be so special, and already she's hoping that she can give him more reasons to laugh, no matter how small or quiet they may be.

She's entirely unsurprised when she realizes that the reason for his laughing has to do with Thoma, though, with the way he so unapologetically brings joy into both of their lives. Not for the first time tonight, Ori is so thankful to be with these two - and honestly, that none of them have been pigeonholed into acting out some grand theatrical love by someone else's bidding for this production.

She much more prefers the romance they share as themselves. It may not be an incredible tale or an epic romance, but it's special and it's theirs and there hasn't been a single moment since it began that Ori has taken it for granted. ]

That's such a thoughtful idea! And it'll be a great surprise. He'll be so delighted when he finds out.

[ She nods enthusiastically. ]

You can leave all the preparations to me!

[In the moment where Ori declares that she should be in charge of preparing this future picnic of theirs, Diluc silently resolves not to tell either of them beforehand. He's long past due to treat them to a meal for a change, and more importantly he wants to. It's obvious that Ori is just as much of a hard sell to sit back and let him do so as Thoma will be, so he'll have to be a bit underhanded about it.

No skin off his back. He's lied about far worse.]

It's a plan, then. Hopefully March will kind to us when it comes to the weather.

[That resolved, he falls into a contented silence alongside her as they continue to walk. His gaze drifts upward, taking in the vastness of the dream's night sky. Like Ori, he's much more content for their romantic moment to be between extras rather than as the titular couple. It's under far less scrutiny, for one, and allows them to remain closer to themselves as they take advantage of the moments alone. Plus, there's the fact that the man in the moon made it inescapably clear that Romeo and Juliet are required to die tragically in the end.

Even with the knowledge that it's all a dream, Diluc knows himself well enough to know he'd take that very, very badly.

It's better to steal a moment alone before they have to play as extras elsewhere. He'll have to make sure to do the same with Thoma before the masquerade ends. But for now, Ori is his primary focus as he stops staring at the sky and returns his gaze to her.]

You shine more brightly than any of the stars in the night sky, Ori.

{ lindwormeo and juliet }

2a ✧ masquerade

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