{ 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

[hearthwarming]

[ It's honestly a bit of fun, she thinks, to be calling each other by these fancy titles that would otherwise never pass between them - but she does hope it stays in this dreamscape. She likes hearing him call her name more than anything like "milady" or "miss."

She tilts her head a little to return the kiss gladly, and she smiles against him as she does so. Amazing, how a simple press of their lips together can do so much to soothe her nerves. ]

It's been fun to see everyone in these costumes and playing their parts.

[ With her free hand, she gathers the plentiful fabric of her dress at her side and makes like she's about to curtsy. ]

What about you? It looked like you were running around everywhere and charming everyone, like you always do.

[burnbrighter]

Haha, it’s kind of neat isn’t it?

[ Thoma has seen a few plays in Inazuma in the past, but this dreamscape is of a scale all its own. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves for the most part too! That doesn’t mean that nightmares aren’t around the corner, because he would bet it’s only a matter of time before something goes south, but for now he can enjoy the atmosphere and the lovely company.

Especially the lovely company. ]

Me? I guess so, but between you and me? I’ve got my heart set on one fair maiden in particular.

[hearthwarming]

[ The last play that Ori saw was an act of brainwashing propaganda performed by an impostor pretending to be her bard friend, and what a sour time that was for everyone.

Although she shares in that belief that something's got to give, at some point, this is still much better by comparison, if nothing else because she gets to spend time with Thoma like this. On that note, she has also spent enough time with him by now to know where he's going with his words. She glances at him knowingly and, in seeing him smile, she can't suppress her chuckle. ]

Do you, now...? What a lucky fair maiden she is, to have captured your heart.

[burnbrighter]

[ Well, hey that doesn’t sound like a good time at all. At least this play has more good aspects than bad! (So far.)

Ori has his number by now and gamely plays along, which only broadens his grin. She’s so sweet to indulge him like this, and it has the added bonus of meaning he gets to compliment her some more. ]

Oh, no. I’m the lucky one. She’s amazing. Beautiful, competent, and one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Every day I’m so thankful that I was able to meet her.

[ He will keep going if she doesn’t stop him. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ With each word, each compliment that passes from his lips, more and more flowers sprout around her. She will, naturally, make an attempt to stop him, quietly muttering: ]

Thoma...

[ But he keeps going, and by the time that she reaches up to grab hold of the fabric on his chest and pulls him down to seal his mouth with a kiss, blooms begin to fall out of the pleats in her hair from how full of flowers it's gotten, and soft petals are drifting slowly to the stone-lined pavement below their feet.

This is an effective way to get him to stop, right?

Although the press of their lips is fleeting, for now, she doesn't pull away entirely, keeping herself close to him as she stands on the tips of her toes. Her eyes are half-lidded when she says, softly, ]

I'm sure... she feels the same way about you.

[burnbrighter]

[ He knows he’s on the right track once flowers start sprouting from nowhere. He fully intends to keep singing her praises, if not for the handy way she silences him with a kiss.

There’s something bubbling up in him that he absolutely has to get out before they get too caught up in each other. Perhaps it’s an effect of the dreamscape, since they’re trapped in a love story, because he wouldn’t be quite so bold outside of it. That doesn’t make his feelings any less real when he leans over to whisper softly in her ear, ]

I love you.

[hearthwarming]

You...

[ She feels her world stop in that moment. In the space of three small words, she finds her heart utterly and completely captured and she draws in a sharp breath.

“I love you.”

There had surely been a time, not even all that long ago, where Ori had thought she wouldn’t live long enough to know what it would feel like to love and be loved in return. Of this, she was certain. And yet here she is now, standing in a dream within a dream - fortunate enough to find this feeling with someone so wholly precious and incredible. Her heart swells with all of the gratitude she feels for this moment, for Thoma, for every kind word and quiet laugh passed between them, for each meal shared, and for all the love that she feels for him.

She pulls away such that she can frame his face with her hands and press her forehead to his as she finally breathes out a sigh. She's not nearly as good with her words as he is, but she'll try her hardest to return the sentiments. ]

You're incredible. So generous, and kind, and thoughtful, and warm. You... you change my life, every time you say things like that, and...

I love you, too, Thoma.

[ Suffice it to say, the ground around them has practically erupted into a colorful display of flora; as impressive as a display as it may be, however, it doesn't hold a candle for how vivid and wonderful Thoma has made Ori's life simply by being in it. ]

[burnbrighter]

[ It feels almost freeing to have the true scope of his feelings out in the open. Not that they had been hiding how they feel about one another, they stopped doing that a while ago, but putting it into three simple words feels big, momentous. It feels right.

He watches her expression go through a journey of realization as what he said truly dawns on her, and she is more lovely than ever. And to think he nearly let this precious thing between them wither and die.

There is not a day that goes by that he’s not glad he didn’t.

Each word that tumbles from her mouth makes his smile hitch wider and wider until he feels like his cheeks might very well start to ache, but even then, he can’t stop smiling. He won’t stop smiling, not as long as she’s in his life. And when she returns his feelings, says those sweet little words back to him, the terrace erupts in beams of sunshine, casting warm light over the blooms that erupt around them.

He can’t help but scoop her up, lifting her feet off the floor to twirl them both around, kicking up flower petals as her skirts fan out with the motion. ]

Archons, Ori. You make me so happy.

[hearthwarming]

[ There is certainly something about the romantic atmosphere of the dreamscape that, perhaps, has spurred Ori and Thoma on to such bold declarations of their love for each other, but ultimately... On Ori's part, these feelings have always been there, just waiting to be spoken in words. When she looks back on how they met and the way that he brought fresh air into the lungs of her weary, tired soul the moment that their paths first crossed, Ori thinks that she very well may have loved him from the start, even if it all began as an earnest desire to become friends with him. She has loved him through quiet conversations had over floral arrangements and over cozy dinners alike, loved him through those painful weeks they spent avoiding each other, and she has loved him through everything else.

Even the serial worrier in her isn't sure why she's expecting anything other than a wide, wonderful smile from Thoma as she stumbles through her words, but in much the same way that he always melts her insecurities away with his light and lifts her up with his kindness, he quite literally lifts her up and spins them around. She, in turn, can't help the quiet yelp she gives at the sudden movement, and she finds herself clinging onto him even knowing that he would never let her go. With flowers and light swirling around them, she laughs. ]

Goodness, are you trying to steal the show, milord?

[ As if she isn't actively participating in this scenario. The teasing ede of her smile and her voice gives way to another warm, adoring expression. ]

I... I didn't even know I could be this happy, you know.

[burnbrighter]

[ Once he finishes joyously twirling her around, he sets her down atop the landing’s railing, quite conveniently getting rid of that pesky height difference. His smile has not once faltered, and it shines as bright as the sunbeams pouring inexplicably from the dark evening sky.

With another breathless and giddy laugh, he leans in to rest his forehead against hers. ]

Not at all, milady. Surely no one’s going to notice if a couple of the extras are off having a moment of their own.

[ Surely.

He keeps one arm wrapped loosely around her waist, keeping her steady on the rail, while his free hand slides up to caress her cheek. He has a lot of things he wants to say to her, a dozen different ways he could spin those same three, beautiful words. He feels like he might burst with the overwhelming feeling of loving her and being loved in return. So, in the end, none of those words make it out of his mouth as he angles his head to kiss her instead, and he puts every one of those sentiments, every overwhelming emotion into that kiss.

They have shared a lot of moments and many kisses leading up to this, and he has not dared go further than what she’s comfortable with. Now, with his heart full to bursting, he parts his lips against hers, tongue darting out to ask for permission to taste. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ Surely.

Her arms remain wrapped around him as he sets her down; although she doesn't say as much out loud, she likes that she can be face-to-face with him like this. She likes that in the brightness of the light he brings, she can see how green his eyes are and be reminded, once again, of how much he reminds her of leaves bursting into life in the springtime. She could spend all evening with him like this, just pressed close together and murmuring sweet words between the two of them, and sharing soft kisses. Ever so quietly, she sneaks another: ]

I love you...

[ just as he closes the gap between them with another kiss. She closes her eyes and kisses him back duly— except that it's not just a soft kiss, this time. She can feel the emotions surging with it; the very same are bubbling up from within her, after all. Still, he manages to surprise her when she feels his tongue brush against her lips, and her eyes flutter open for a moment...

But only for a moment. She closes her eyes once more as she parts her lips, too, angling her own head and giving him the permission that he seeks as her arms tighten around him, pulling him closer to her. ]

[burnbrighter]

[ He has a feeling that no matter how many times he hears those words, they are always going to fill him with glee, always going to make his heart skip and flip while something warm winds its way around his ribs. It’s even better when she says it like this, voice hushed while they press close together, sentiment breathed into the moment before their lips meet.

When he silently asks to pass her lips, her moment of surprise is not lost on him. He is ready to go back to simple kisses if that’s what she wants, but in the end her own lips part and Thoma is at last allowed to taste the sweet heat of her mouth. It is much like everything else about Ori: utterly wonderful.

He breathes out a contented sigh against her, letting her swallow the sound down while he explores her, tongue curling past her lips. The hand on her cheek slides further back into her braided and beflowered locks as he presses as close as their respective costumes will allow. Oh, he could stay like this for a while, utterly lost in her. Perhaps he does. Who’s to say? Time certainly has no meaning while they’re like this. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ That sensation of his voice humming against her sends a heat blooming at her cheeks, her neck, and before long everywhere else. The multitude of layers on the dress she's been put in for all of this suddenly feel so very stifling, between the way he's making her feel and how close he is, and she's helpless against the desire to return his sigh with one of her own as her own tongue moves against his.

Gods, her heart is pounding so loudly in her chest, overflowing with the love they've just spoken into words - the very same that she now wishes to show him in this moment not in words but in the way that her legs press up against his sides just a little, and the way her hands move to mirror his, her touch light on his skin until the tips of her fingers find their way into his hair and then onto the tie that holds it up.

It's then that she has to come up for air, but she doesn't go far; even when she pulls away, her face stays close to his, their lips just barely touching as she pulls the hairtie out of his hair to let it down and says, ]

I like seeing you with your hair down...

[burnbrighter]

[ Just when he thought this moment couldn’t be any more perfect, she sighs against his lips, her legs sliding just a touch tighter against his hips. Their costumes feel in the way all of a sudden, the folds of her skirts gathering around them and making it impossible to get closer in the way he really wants to.

Well, the moment is so utterly perfect otherwise, he can’t be too bothered by it. Perhaps they can explore this again later, this heat and this overflowing affection, outside of the dreamscape.

The instant they part he nearly chases her lips again, but he stills when he feels the tugging in his hair, and a moment later his locks spill free around his shoulders. He breathes out a laugh, planting a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. ]

If that’s the case, I’ll have to wear it like that for you more often.

[hearthwarming]

[ She holds in the immediate urge to apologize for what she's said when she hears him laugh, but just barely. Fortunately, the soft kiss he gives her seals it away, never to be said, at least not in this moment. Instead, buds of ranunculus sprout in the newly-freed locks of Thoma's hair - the very same sort of flora that bloomed on the back of Ori's owl form when she'd caught him in freefall, cushioning him.

She likes— no, loves him so much, and not for the first time she has to wonder if it's really alright for her to feel this way about somebody that she met in a dream. In a dream within a dream, even, but... Thoma isn't just somebody. He's a warm fire on a cold night, a shield from the nightmares, a bright sun on the darkest of days.

For a moment, she remains as they are - faces pressed in close, but her eyes go half-lidded as her gaze falls from his eyes and to the ends of his hair, where her fingers thread gently through locks of gold. She's sure, in this moment and every moment onwards, that she would find a way to tear down the outer planes to find him again should she ever find herself parted from him. Even if it meant forsaking the world from which she came— after all, Ori believes in the likelihood that at the very end of the line, there won't be much in it for her to remain tethered to.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she gives an airy laugh of her own, and echoes the words he's said to her in days past: ]

You would be practically irresistible.

[ Her teeth clamp down on her lower lip as she tries to bite back the smile that forms on her lips, and her fingers continue to play with the lengths of his hair, wanting to remember every little detail about this moment. Even the way that fabric pools around them and keeps them from being as close as she admittedly would want to be, and she's not even entirely sure what to do with that sentiment. For now, all she can do is lean in and capture his lips in another heated kiss. ]

[burnbrighter]

[ He feels rather than sees something settle in his hair, and a quick glance at the locks that have spilled over his shoulder confirms that there are new blooms in his hair. The same flame-colored blossoms that Ori used to save him when he dove out of that tree, as if he could ever forget them. Flowers have a language, and while he doesn’t know what, if any, meaning these blossoms have, he knows that in the language of Ori, they are for him. Her affection made manifest.

For Thoma, any thoughts of the future are far away. He knows that inevitably, they will have to leave this place, and be parted - perhaps forever - but he’s resolved to live in the moment. To take this beautiful gift he’s been given and cherish it for every moment he has it. ]

You mean I’m not already?

[ He’s teasing her, obviously, but he finds himself quite suddenly distracted by the way her teeth catch her lower lip as she tries and fails not to smile. It’s a much more playful look than the uncertainty she usually wears and… Archons, she’s gorgeous. Perfect. Sexy. Something hot coils in his stomach under that look, and he meets her lips eagerly.

When they part again, whether it be moments or hours later, he angles his head to ghost his lips over the line of her jaw, soft and affectionate but no less heated. ]

I wonder if you know what you do to me when you look at me like that.

[hearthwarming]

[ For better or for worse, it's not in Ori's nature to refrain from thinking too far forward, to futures that may or may well not take places— but, oh, when Thoma kisses her the way that he does, all heat and warmth in the crisp night air outside on the terrace now covered in flowers and light, he pulls her into the present the very same way that he pulls her close and draws out of her countless sighs and approving hums as they kiss for what feels like an eternity.

And what a blessing that is, because she wouldn't want to miss this moment for anything.

When they pull away again, it's Ori's turn to lean after him, in hopes of chasing after another kiss, but relief finds her when he finds her once more— just not where she's expecting, and he surprises a soft gasp out of her when he just barely touches her jawline with his lips. She's entirely unprepared for how nice that feels, and she practically shivers against him, so utterly distracted by the tease and promise of his lips on her skin that she nearly misses what he says.

She has spent many evenings listen to Thoma talk, and those nights mean the world to her. She loves hearing his voice, and she loves hearing his stories. But what he says in this moment is unlike anything he's ever said to her. The warmth of his breath brushes her skin as he speaks and, gods help her, his name spills out of her like she's been holding her breath for ages. ]

Thoma...

[ Still, uncertain as she is as a person, Ori isn't sure what he's talking about. Maybe she'll ask him to elaborate at some point, but right now, all she can think is that she would really like more of this, and her hands grasp at his hair in search of it. ]

[burnbrighter]

[ Oh, Archons, what he wouldn’t give to hear her say his name like that again. He’s thought about this before, of course, about taking their relationship further physically, but it has never been in him to push - not for something as important as this. All things in due time, and while this moment won’t likely get too much more heated, it’s progress. And it’s a bit like watching a flower bloom, as she unfolds so beautifully beneath his wandering hands and questing mouth.

His lips paint a trail of kisses along the line of her jaw and down the curve of her neck, the gentle slope of her shoulder. Her costume leaves a lot of skin exposed here, more than her normal mode of dress does, and that’s intoxicating in its own right. She is lovely, lavender and soft pink shining under the moonlight and the soft sunshine of his joy. ]

Mm… should I mark you? [ His tongue slips from between his lips, tracing the place where her neck curves into her shoulder. ] Make you mine?

[ She won’t be able to hide it, unless she keeps her hair over it, but by the gods, it is tempting. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ And Ori, for her part, has appreciated the boundless patience that Thoma has shown her in all things, including this. She knows that it's natural for relationships to progress into more physical expressions of affection - but this isn't like the clumsy, purely hormonal flings of her teenaged years. It is far too precious and loving to be. So she wants to take things slow, to bask in the wholesomeness of holding hands and sharing sweet kisses with each other, in the warmth of affectionate embraces and everything else.

She has to admit, though, that Thoma has been making it difficult, especially as of late. It's hard not to think about what happened between them in the woods a few weeks ago; and now, his voice has taken even more of an edge to it than it had then— and spirits, she does she realize now how much she loves it. She loves him.

Each kiss he leaves on her draws something out of her, whether it's a soft gasp, a quiet sigh, or something that almost resembles a moan. She's careful to keep herself quiet, but the fact remains that she doesn't stop herself from giving him this. She would give her loves the world if she could, after all.

And so when he asks if he should make her his, she can't help but chuckle. Make you mine, he asks, but as far as she's concerned... She has already been his, heart and soul. And he drags that confidence lurking deep beneath her worries and anxieties to the surface as she once again echoes his words back at him. ]

You mean I'm not already?

[ Her grasp tightens in his hair as she sighs once more and adds, ]

Please, Thoma...?

[burnbrighter]

[ He has, perhaps, been indulging his desire for both of his partners a bit more lately, though can he even be blamed? Anyone with eyes could see that even his willpower and nigh-boundless patience were doomed from the start. Keeping close company with two utterly gorgeous, utterly wonderful people was bound to wear on him.

And now he has Ori, warm and pliant in his arms, his breath hot against her skin, and it’s everything he’d hoped it would be. The confidence that he knows she keeps buried beneath the surface bubbles up to tease him back, and he laughs against her. She’s so perfect. ]

I guess you are.

[ Not a day goes by that he’s not thankful for that. It took a lot of heartbreak and nightmares to get to this point, but at the end of it all, they managed to come together like pieces of a puzzle, slotting into each other’s lives like they were meant to be there.

He murmurs against her skin when she sweetly asks him please, and he is more than happy to give her what she wants. What they both want. He noses along her skin, warm in the cool evening air, to find a place she could easily conceal by draping her braid over her shoulder, and parts his lips to suck and bite and tease, the pale color of her skin darkening under his attentions. At last, he smooths away any lingering sting with a pass of his tongue and draws back to admire his work. ]

Archons, Ori. I love you so much.

[hearthwarming]

[ Ori would break her own heart countless times if it meant that Thoma and Diluc could be happy, but the spirits that be have blessed her in that she doesn't have to. Instead, they have given her a chance at happiness in spite of all of the heartbreak and nightmares, and she resolves every day to make sure that she can be the best she can be for both of them, her sunshine and her moonlight. Whether she believes her best is enough is another matter entirely, but it gets easier and easier to believe in such with wonderful men at her side.

She hums approvingly when he sets out to find a place to mark her skin, drawing in a sharp breath when the momentary - but pleasant - sting of the act shoots through her nerves, and she breathes it out shakily when the heat and slick of his tongue soothes the pain. In that moment, she cannot help but think about how nice it would be if this weren't just a dream. Or a dream within a dream. How nice would it be if they didn't have to play their parts, however small they may be? If they could find Diluc and have all night to each other?

Her eyes are filled with that wonder, that want, when he pulls back and looks at her, and she smiles at his declaration. ]

And I love you so much, my sun.

[ It's likely that they'll have to part ways sooner or later, but she'd like to at least leave him with as much of a gift as he's given her. She leans in once more with one hand cupping his cheek and the other grasping at his shoulder, mirroring each kiss he's given her. First pressing one to the corner of his mouth, then one to the line of his jaw, and then finally one where his jaw meets his ear, into which she whispers: ]

Can I mark you, too?

[burnbrighter]

[ She isn’t the only one wishing it were more than just a dream. He wants this moment to last well into the night, he wants more of her - all of her - as they bask in the light and warmth of each other’s affections. He wants to find Diluc and sweep them all away to someplace where they can get lost and tangled up in one another without fear of discovery. The way she looks at him only makes him wish for it all the more. ]

Your–?

[ My sun. He almost doesn’t feel deserving of such a term of endearment. He has tried - does try - to be the guiding light that both his partners need, in whatever way they need it, but surely he’s not done anything worthy of such shining praise.

But even with that thought, he can’t bring himself to challenge her. Instead, he takes those unfathomably precious words and locks them away in his heart, to keep forevermore. ]

Please, Ori. I already belong to you, and I want everyone to know.

[hearthwarming]

[ That please does more to her than she realizes it ever could, and she finds herself smiling against his skin as she hums approvingly. It's incredible, she thinks, how he makes her feel like she could take on the world with everything that he does. Especially when he sounds the way that he does, which sends heat coursing through her body.

She really, really wishes this could go on forever. ]

Good, I'm glad...

[ And so at his urging, she places soft, reverent kisses along his neck, drawing in a deep breath at every turn. He smells like a warm hearth, and - although it's not exactly something that has a smell - home. It's all she can think of, when she thinks about how safe and sound he makes her feel. They may hail from different worlds, but while they're both here, he is her home and he is hers.

When she reaches the same spot on him that he had left his mark on her, she hums again, finding less space there than he would have on hers by virtue of his attire. So hand curls around the fabric of his collar, her nails grazing against his skin all the while, and pulls it down so that she can place another open-mouthed kiss there. Her fangs scrape against him lightly in the process— but without her meaning to. She'll apologize to him shortly, but for that moment she's more preoccupied with sucking on his skin just as he had hers, leaving her own mark and pulling away before long to nose at and press another soft kiss on the very spot before she mutters, against it, ]

Sorry...

[burnbrighter]

[ He would beg for it if she asked him. For as much as he’s taken the lead in this relationship business, simply by virtue of experience, she has him utterly wrapped around her little finger. Both she and Diluc do, and he would move heaven and earth for their happiness, for their pleasure, whatever. Archons, he loves them both so much.

Her breath is warm against his skin, her lips impossibly soft as she paints a trail of heat over his exposed neck. Dutifully, he tips his head to give her more access, all while his hands roam over her back, mapping her every curve. Even if he wanted, there’s no stopping the contented sigh that passes his lips while she explores him.

And then her lips part, her tongue laving against his skin, the sweet sting of suction and the light scrape of pointed teeth make him shudder. The tail end of his sigh tapers into a low moan as she claims him. The way she smooths away the sting is so unbearably sweet and so perfect, he finds himself wishing, and not for the first time, that this night could last forever. ]

Don’t you dare apologize.

[ His tone is soft, breathless, and utterly fond. Fingers come up to toy with the wisps of hair at the nape of her neck. ]

Trust me, if you do something I don’t like, I’ll tell you, but that… oh, I liked that very much.

[hearthwarming]

[ But that moan that escapes him, and the way that his voice sounds in this moment - airy and soft and loving - truly stir something within her. She can feel how warm her cheeks and the rest of her feel against the cool, crisp air, although Thoma himself certainly provides a great deal of warmth from his own body as well. The same warmth that she had felt from Diluc earlier in the evening. Tonight, it seems, she is appending to an already lengthy, ever-growing list of reasons for loving them.

How did she come to be so blessed, especially when her life had been so lonely and full of despair before coming here? Will she be made to feel this immeasurable happiness and love only to be awoken back into a world that would rather see her scorched by purple flames or blighted by some ancient, corrupt force? Gods, she loves them so much - but that makes her all the more afraid of ever losing them.

She breathes out a shaky sigh in spite of her fears from the pleasant pull of his fingers at her hair. It's alright if she can forget about her worries for even a little while, isn't it? When her hands move to clutch at his shoulders, there's a touch of desperation at the grip of her fingers. ]

Then... maybe you won't mind another...?

[ She begins to move up along his neck once more, lips brushing against his skin as she speaks, before she finds that spot below his ear and the line of his jaw once more and parts her mouth to leave another mark there.

It's alright, she thinks. It will fade from his skin when they emerge from this dreamscape, just like she'll fade from their lives when they wake from this world of dreams. ]