{ lindwormeo and juliet }

[dreamposts]

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.

1. 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.)
   
   
2. 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.)
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.]

Comments

[starshower]

[Her eyes close under the gentle weight of his lips, and for as strong as she wishes she could be and fight back against whatever this "princess" is making her feel, a small, quiet sob breaks free from her. Her hand searches for his other one, taking it so that she can thread her fingers in between his.]

But... We didn't even get to finish our dance.

[At least let her have that before she has to say goodbye for now, the feud be damned. This isn't her real family, and she isn't really Juliet. This is Tifa begging him, not the princess.]

[flamekthunder]

[Why is everything she doing making his heart ache so much?

His fingers curl tightly around hers as there's only answer he could give.]

...Come this way then.

[He pulls her out from the shadows of the tree to be more out in the moonlight.]

I want to be able to see you.

[A memory they can both keep.]

[starshower]

[A memory that, in spite of all the hardship that inevitably awaits them once the sun comes up, she will hold onto and keep safe from the passage of time.

He leads her out to the moonlit path, and roses bloom in her wake—red and white, some yellow, some pink, but all of them stretching their petals open to the light of the moon, and quivering in the soft, warm wind that brushes through.

The music is nothing more than a distant ring here, drowned out too by the sound of her heart beating wildly in her ears, and the blood rushing through her veins with anticipation and fear that, without her mask, he'll be able to see clearly as she positions herself. Not for a waltz, but her arm wraps around his neck so that she can keep herself as close as possible while they sway to the faraway music.

But it's fine. Neither of them needed the waltz to guide their steps.

Instead, Tifa begins to hum a melody that he might be familiar with for them.]

[flamekthunder]

[She had nothing to fear—as he had hoped, he could better see her. It had always been subdued by the shadows, but now she really seems to shine. The only thing that ruins it is the slight redness of her eyes, but even that seems beautiful to him. Gently he brush back a stray strand of hair before his hands move down to her waist so they can have this one intimate dance with each other.

With his head lightly resting against the top of hers, he closes his eyes as he listens to her soft hum. Gently they sway, lost in the moment and momentarily forgetting what lay ahead, until he eventually breaks the silence in a quiet murmur.]

You look beautiful tonight.

[He hadn't complimented her yet, and really he's not sure he's really ever said as much to her before. Now he feels compelled to.]

[starshower]

You think so?

[He could probably feel the heat coming off her.]

Was worried it would be a bit much, but it's starting to grow on me.

[She wasn't sure how she felt about big fancy dresses like this until she wore one, and at first, it felt more like a hassle to move around in but hearing him say that... Tifa's decided that she doesn't mind it as much anymore.]

And you look like a prince should. Charming.

[Dashing. Handsome. Straight out of a storybook.

There's a small laugh near his chest, but she doesn't look up at him, happy to leave her head resting on his shoulder as they continue to slowly move together to the sound of nothing. The roses and leaves bristle again in the light breeze, dusting them and the ground with more petals as the little floating lights watch on.

And somewhere off in the distance, there's a woman's voice calling out, but Tifa is so focused on this that she doesn't register it's her name being shouted from near the castle.

"Lady Juliet? Lady Juliet!"]

[flamekthunder]

[There's a small, low chuckle.]

It's a bit stuffy for my tastes. I never could understand who would want to wear so many layers.

[To actually wear an enclosed shirt without any cutouts for his skin to breathe is truly an uncomfortable feeling. He imagines she feels the same, but he does have to admit how lovely she pulls it off. Maybe once in a while isn't so bad (though maybe a different shirt...).

But as much as he didn't want to, his acute hearing easily hears the presumably lady-in-waiting or maid calling for her. Immediately his grip around her tightens, the thought of them just running again in his mind. Perhaps it's something Romeo would have wanted as well. But for Eustace he's never felt such a deep attachment towards someone like this that it's almost overwhelming. Different from the time that Bleeding Heart took over him.

But she's surely heard the voice by now as it once again calls out, louder and a little desperately as it draws closer. Makes sense that they would fervently try to find their mistress. So he takes the initiative to part, pulling back so he could take a last look of her...and try very hard to not pull her back to him.]

...You should go.

[starshower]

[The second time the woman calls out, Tifa pretends not to hear it. Even as Eustace lets her go, her hold lingers.

There's something warm about this... Comforting. Affection wells up inside, burning deep into her bones and poisoning the blood in her veins, so overwhelming that it hurts in her chest and the ends of her fingers as they curl into the fabric of his jacket. Never before had she felt such a draw, such a longing to stay at his side. It had been there in the past, and it could be that this is the role playing a part in all of this, but it's so profound that she can hardly make herself breathe through it. So powerful that she might even go as far as to call it—

No...

"Lady Juliet! Is that you?"

No, she doesn't want to go, but she knows what will happen if they're seen together. Still, Tifa takes hold of his hand one last time, her eyes flitting across his face, memorizing every small detail as if this were the last time she would ever meet with him again.]

I'll see you soon?

[flamekthunder]

[The gaze in his eyes burns with an unknown, unfamiliar heat as he stares down at her before he can no longer hold back and rushes in, crushing her lips with his own in one last rough, biting kiss before whispering breathlessly against her mouth.]

I promise.

[He closes his eyes briefly, taking that last moment to take in her warmth, her breath, her scent before he brings her hands to his lips, kissing them before he finally is forced to leave, the sound of footsteps drawing dangerously near. He disappears into the shadows just as the maids and escorts arrive, exclaiming and wondering at how their lady is out there alone.

He can only watch from the trees they had been hiding in not long before, his heartbeat thundering in his ears.

What is this?

What is this feeling?

Is it Romeo's?

Is it his own?

Or is it like the Bleeding Heart where his own emotions are exaggerated to the point of absurdity?

No matter how much he's fond of Tifa, he shouldn't be anywhere close to...this. This soul crushing feeling that wrenches his heart in two. No, it has to be because of this "play," this "role" he's taken. If he's not careful he might get swept away and lose control, and having suffered through that so many times, he can't allow that to happen. But even after he's watched her leave, watch her expressions, her movements, no matter how hard he tries to suppress those feelings they just keep coming back.

But it's romantic nonsense. Foolishness. ...It has to be.

Eustace remains there long after she's gone, trying to temper the rippling emotions that continue to storm within him before he turns, His foot nudges something and he looks down to see the mask she had been wearing. As he slowly bends down to pick it up, everything starts anew and he can only press is hand against his head as he wrestles with it before he finally manages to leave the area.

...This really is tiresome.

When he eventually has to make that scene with Paris, it'll be a miracle he doesn't murder the poor guy.]

🎀

[starshower]

[She wishes she had more time to take it all in. To memorize the taste and feel of the kiss before he vanishes into the shadows, and she has to turn her back to him, not even getting the chance to watch him leave, and to make sure he gets away safely. She trusts that he did because as her handmaiden arrives with a couple of masked men who were clearly searching for her, they show no signs of suspicion save for the way the woman stares down at her swollen lips, and Tifa's fingers grazing over them, the buzz and hum of his kiss still lingering.

"Art thou good, my lady? Thou beholds a lack of air."

Tifa hadn't realized her breathing had quickened to a dangerous pace that it shows even in the dimmest light, but besides the shake of her head, she says nothing else about it. Clearly, she's already drawn more attention than needed.]

I'm fine. What do you need?

[The woman's eyes narrow, but she only sighs in response to whatever doubts she might bear and gestures to the two gentleman on either side of her.

"'tis time for thee to choose thine partner for a dance."

... But she's already chosen, and already had that dance, and her impatience and frustration shine through in the way she looks at her choices, neither of them what she wants. Who she wants. The one that she does has already vanished into the shadows and is likely gone that he probably won't see her walk past them towards the castle again. He probably won't see that she would rather choose no dance than one without him at all...

... ]

I'm tired. I'm going to go rest for a while, back in my room.

["But Lady Juliet—!"

With a tired smile and sigh at the handmaiden, she leaves them behind, heading back to the castle where the party awaits her return. A return that will be a fleeting one before she ascends to her room to get out of this stuffy dress, and away from this even stuffier party. She'll miss the duels and the fights, and Paris calling out for her to "give him another chance to prove himself!" or whatever the lines are.

She needs some time alone, to think...]