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

[ 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.

[ Between Thoma, who overflows with charisma at every turn, and Diluc, who always speaks in such a refined manner... Ori never stood a chance.

Surely, she has always been drawn to and awed by people who have a way with words, and this very much comes from the fact that she has trouble articulating most anything on a good day. Not that it means that she's quiet, but she can hear her own uncertainty whenever she speaks, as much as she feels it from within herself, too. People like Thoma and Diluc are special, in this way— and they are all the more special for being her partners.

Ori is in her own thoughts for a moment as they walk, already planning out what she'd like to prepare and bring to this picnic, but before long she finds herself looking at Diluc as he looks up at the night sky. The red of his eyes and his hair under the moonlight reminds her of the roses around them in the garden. She wouldn't know the words to say to convey that thought without sounding ridiculous - and luckily, Diluc fills the space of the silence with his own words. ]

Oh.

[ Yup, she's never stood a chance. So taken by his words is she - that he would go so far as to compare her to the stars - that her foot catches on the stony edge of the stony path on which they walk, which then causes her to accidentally step on the many hems of the many skirts of her dress. Her hand grabs blindly at Diluc as the misstep causes her to pitch forward. ]

Oh—!

[ help!! ]

[Diluc hadn't meant to nearly kill her with that compliment, but it seems she's so taken by it that she immediately loses track of where she's walking and starts to fall over.

Luckily, his reflexes are quick as a result of years of training. He holds onto her shoulders with the arm he has around her and catches her mid-stumble with the other, effectively preventing her forward pitch to end with a face in the rocks beneath them.]

Careful, my stars.

[Yes, he's going to call her that from now on. It seems fitting, ethereal and beautiful and good and guiding like she is. She knows the same darkness that he does, having been forced into it by her own unfortunate history, and still she sparkles. It's one of the many things about her that he's fallen for.

Once he has her stable, he makes the snap decision to simply scoop her up into his arms so that he can carry her bridal style to a nearby bench. As they walk, he gives her a kiss on the head in hopes that it'll stave off the inevitable embarrassment.]

In your defense, I'm not certain I'd keep my footing under all the skirts you're being forced to wear.

[ A lot happens at once, in that moment, so much that Ori almost feels dizzy as she falls forward— but thanks to Diluc, the only fall she really takes is the way that she feels as though she's just fallen for him all over again.

She may be doomed, between Thoma and Diluc, but spirit does being doomed feel so wonderful.

And to think, Diluc doesn't even realize just how much it means to her, that he's likened her to the stars. So often in her life before finding herself in this dream were the stars her only source of comfort in the otherwise lonely life she led before adventure found her. She had resolved to do everything she could to use the powers that made her existence so othered for the sake of others - for their good, their health, their happiness - but as she would lay in the forest at night to sleep, it was the stars and the moon that bid her goodnight. She had resolved to be like those guiding lights, too.

And here he is, calling her his stars.

When he sweeps her off her feet to carry her, all she can do to keep her composure is keep her head down. She's worried that if she looks up at him, she'll burst into tears. He's made her so happy with his words, and it almost feels wrong to be as such. Then her breath catches in her throat when she feels him press a soft kiss to her head. ]

Diluc—

[ Ori being Ori, apology is at the tip of her tongue, but he expertly curtails it, like he just knew she was going to apologize for tripping. She's silent for a moment, feeling wholly overwhelmed by everything he's said and done in just a few short moments.

She may not be as good with her words as either of her partners, but they have always made her feel as though her words could move mountains and change lives, in exactly the same ways that their words always do with her. ]

You don't know how much that means to me, to hear you say that. I'm so lucky to be your stars, and...

[ Her words having given her some semblance of bravery, she finally looks up at him - her amber eyes full of him, and the moon shining brightly above him. ]

The moon... That makes you my moonlight, Diluc.

[ She is trying very very hard. ]

Does it? I'm honored.

[The statement is light and fond as he sinks down onto the bench and releases her onto his lap. He doesn't expect or even want eloquence from her, much preferring the way in which she's so damn earnest about this and everything else. He isn't, and he's in awe that she's able to remain so despite all she's been through. Ori really is much stronger of a person than she realizes. It takes exceptional strength of spirit to live like she does, even while knowing how dark the world can truly be. After all, such a feat is well beyond his own capabilities.

If there was some way to show her, beyond the shadow of a doubt, how both he and Thoma see her, Diluc would give nearly everything he has to make it happen. Failing that, he'll just have to demonstrate it for her little bit by little bit until she believes it. He leans in and kisses her, soft and chaste.]

Let me say, as one heavenly body to another, that I am incredibly grateful to share the same sky. I...

[He pauses, realizing what he was about to say and only barely catching himself. The words almost came out of him without him even really thinking about it, which is incredibly unlike him.

Which, he decides after a moment of consideration, makes those words the correct ones. His own reticence can take a back seat for once. She's being earnest and open, and so should he.]

I love you, Oriphi.

[ She settles onto his lap with ease as they take their place at the bench, and Ori's hands find Diluc's shoulders when she kisses him back. When they pull away from it, her gaze stays fixed on his eyes, full of awe and adoration for the man she's now decided is her moon. He is steadfast and ever-present in the darkness, anchoring the night skies even when it wanes. He has seen the parts of her that are full of darkness and sorrow - the parts that have seen herself violently and cruelly brutalizing a man out of frustration - and he has drawn her to him like the moon pulls the tides, protecting her and accepting all of her in spite of everything. In the same way that Thoma carries and sweeps her into the warm of his sunshine to tell her that she's enough, Diluc watches over her insecurities in the dark and reminds her of her strength. Both are precious, invaluable.

She cannot find the words to duly express just how much they both mean to her, how much they have changed her life and continue to do so in every moment they spend together. So it's a blessing that Diluc has a poetic side, and everything about her expression says what she cannot say out loud about how much she completely adores this about him. The expression turns quizzical as he pauses in his words, and then it quickly turns into surprise as the words that follow fully dawn on her. ]

Oh, Diluc...

[ She moves her hands from his shoulders and to his cheeks, framing his face as she leans in and rests her forehead against his. ]

I'm— I'm so happy. I love you, too. I—

[ There's more she wants to say, but the words are never said as she chokes up. Perhaps showing him would be better - and so she closes her eyes and closes the distance between them in a kiss. It's as soft and chaste as the one they've just shared, but beneath that is a certain heat overflowing from the love she holds for him. And as she presses herself closer to him, too, night gladiolus flowers emerge in the red waves of his hair. ]

[The way in which Ori reacts to the declaration, first with surprise and then with overwhelming affection, makes something warm and affectionate swell inside of his chest. Archons, he loves her so much. He has for awhile now--her and Thoma both, if he has to be honest with himself. It's a strange and wonderful feeling, especially after isolating himself for as long as he has.

Her kiss is every bit as sweet and loving as she is, and he's helpless against it. He tightens his arms around her ever so slightly as they both melt into it, holding her close as if she might disappear the moment they part. For all of his issues and uncertainties when it comes to this romance, he at least knows well enough not to take it for granted.

When they part for air, he presses one last, gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling back enough to see her face. He then takes one of the night gladiolus flowers from his hair and tucks it into her braid among the other flowers already woven into it. The dreamscape will force them apart sooner or later, especially as they're on opposing sides of this feud, but at least this way she has a little bit of him with her as they separate.]

Flowers have their own language, don't they? Is there any special meaning to this one?

[ Diluc and Ori may have had a quieter start to their romance, but it is just as singular and precious to her. Her love for him was built over earnest curiosity about his life, and his world. It was built over injuries healed and comforting meals had together, over tangled stands of hair combed through and stories of their past shared in moments of darkness. And that's perfect— he's perfect.

She smiles as he tucks a flower into her hair, and she moves one of her hands to lace her fingers with his. ]

Gladiolus are also known as a "sword flower..." They stand for honor... strength of character... loyalty... deep admiration...

[ Her voice is quiet, but sweet when she explains the flower's many symbolisms, and with every note of what the gladiolus means, she presses a kiss to each knuckle on his hand before she takes it and presses his palm to her chest, where her heart beats loudly for him. ]

And giving someone a gladiolus says, "you've pierced my heart."

Edited (had to fix a word >:c) 2022-02-26 16:26 (UTC)

[Honor, strength of character, loyalty... those are all traits that Diluc aspires to, and by his estimation he often falls short. That Ori sees and admires those qualities in him, kissing his hand as she says each as if confirming their validity, means more than words can say. By the time she rests his palm over her heart, he finds himself blinking back a slight sting in his eyes.

If she notices, no she didn't.]

All the more appropriate I placed the flower in your hair, then. Because you've pierced my heart straight through.

[He'd let her literally pierce his chest, if it brought her happiness or security or anything else that she requires. How he's stumbled into meeting this beautiful, perfect woman purely by chance is nothing short of miraculous. But he's grateful, and he has no intention of squandering this gift.]

We're likely to be missed if we stay out here for too much longer, but I'd like to draw this moment out for as long as we can.

[ She sees a faint gleaming in his eyes that bids her to wonder how he feels about what she's said - but his words distract her from further scrutinizing that momentary look, and she's helpless against the notion that he's reciprocating the meaning which the flowers carry right back to her. With a smile, she carefully picks another stalk of gladiolus from his hair and tucks it into a seam somewhere on his tunic. ]

I would like that, too. But here - this way, I'll still be with you even after we part ways...

[ She leans in to press a brief, soft kiss to his lips and then simply just... embraces him, for a while. She has no idea how much time truly passes, but surely they cannot draw this moment together out for too much longer. So with that, she slips back into the makeshift characters they've been playing for the evening. ]

I shan't speak to a soul of our clandestine meeting this evening, milord, but I shall be thinking of you until the morning comes.

Edited (words??) 2022-03-01 04:21 (UTC)

[Diluc watches her with no small amount of affection as she tucks the flower into his tunic. No matter what else happens tonight, he's glad to have had this fanciful moment with her in the dreamshift before everything gets too strange.]

I'll treasure it.

[Just as he treasures her.

She steps away, moving back into character, and he rises in order to do the same.]

Nor will I, Miss Montague. Until next we meet.

[He kisses her hand, a formality made tender by the way he can't stop smiling at her, and gives her a slight nod before taking his leave of her for the evening.]

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{ lindwormeo and juliet }

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