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

Eustace—!?

[There's a sound of surprise as she's lifted from the ground and hoisted up onto the horse's back without warning, and it's a good thing she has near impeccable balance, but her fingers still grip his arms for dear life, as if she'd fall a hundred feet to the void below if she let him go...

The horse grunts and wiggles its head, jingling the reins at her for her to take instead. Which she does... with one hand and a pout, the other still holding onto him. ]

Warn me next time.

I did.

[Just a light smirk because "Wait a moment" is clearly warning enough, right?

And then he's mounting up behind her in one swift, easy motion, his arms moving around her as he takes the reins.]

Just hold onto me if you feel like you're about to fall...I won't let you.

No, you didn't.

[He gets a grimace, although it's only half serious before she's having to bite back the smile that forms beneath it when she catches his.

But she's already holding on, one hand on the arm that cages around her and the other clutching onto his shirt for support. Tifa looks ahead, then back at him, and readjusts in his lap.

... ]

Alright, I'm ready. Just... start off slow, okay?

All right.

[He holds out it back, but there's a hint of a chuckle as he gazes down at her before he nudges the horse into a slow walk.]

[The horse jerks forward, gently, but it still takes Tifa off guard. He'll feel her fingers tightening around his arm, and she averts her eyes to the horse to watch it move below them. It's easy enough, and once she finds her balance, it's not so bad. It kind of is—surprisingly—like riding a chocobo, although the horse has four legs instead of two. It feels sturdy, but his arms around her help as well.

And when she's become more comfortable with the pace, she gives the horse a pat on the back of thee head before her hand returns to his arm, and her gaze to him.]

Is she supposed to be yours?

Yes.

["Romeo's" to be precise, which makes sense that a nobleman would have his own horse. Made his job easier, anyway.]

Her name is Rose. Seems to be cooperative given the circumstances.

[Using vague statements, covering between what would be for the play and what he's referring to their real circumstances.]

Well, it's nice to meet you, Rose.

[The horse gives a small whinny back and picks up the pace a little. With the castle walls still very much in view, they'll need to move a bit faster if they want to remain unseen. There are guards stationed around the perimeter as well, and should they spot a horse wandering about the fields...]

Circumstances? You mean the... running away on horseback thing?

There's that... As well as handling the curse. Not many animals will come near, as if knowing what I'll eventually turn into.

[There's no emotion in his voice, and not because he's being in character or anything, it's just difficult for him to really feel anything when this isn't real...well, when he can't really feel anything personal about it.

But it does help him lead into his next line:]

But Rose knows what I truly am and accepts it regardless.

[The mention of the curse turns Tifa's stomach clench and turn over, and it makes her feel sick. It's all temporary, but how temporary is the suffering that comes with waiting for the curse to take hold? It pains her to think about it, and she's not the one with the scales over her face.

But she forces a smile anyway.]

Animals are like that. They always just know.

[The hand that had been holding his shirt moves up to clasp the side of his face, where she brushes his hair back from his eyes. The scales are still there, shimmering when they catch the light with each small movement...]

Does it hurt?

...No.

[He leans into her hand a little, eyes closing briefly at her touch.]

Not when I have you.

[Her hand remains for a little longer, allowing them the respite from the darkness that simmers beneath those scales. If she can grant him relief, even for a little, then she'd happily stay that way. And despite the cooler night air, she's surprisingly warm to the touch. It could be his remark, or it could be that she's still seated with his arms protecting her, but she isn't one to question it.

Especially not as she leans up to press a kiss to them, as if to prove a point to him.]

Save the cheesy lines for the ceremony.

[He just laughs at that.]

This is a romance, isn't it? I thought they were always filled with pages of them no matter the scene.

Or can you not handle it?

[It's true, they are. Or at least, the ones she once kept hidden under her bed did...

But must he always tease her like this!? She can feel her face heating up, but she only looks forward, out to the hills and trees lining the horizon, and a giggle bubbles up in her chest.]

I can handle it. [Can she?] I don't want you to be left with no surprises later.

[And the laugh finally finds its way out, colouring her face a shade of red deeper. Her fingers tighten on his arm again, and it trails along it in light, affectionate lines. This moment right here feels like a breather—like a weight being lifted off of her shoulders. She knows it hasn't gone far and that it'll be back soon enough, but at least for now, Tifa can appreciate that they feel more like themselves rather than the characters.]

Wouldn't wanna disappoint.

[She bumps her shoulder against his chest.]

No pressure.

To be fair I'm not really one to flirt...

[Never had a need or reason to. He's certainly heard a lot of things, but most of them are far too cheesy and lame for him to even try to remember.

...Hmmmmmm.

As he looks down at her, his smile widening a little to a more teasing grin. With his face lowered closer to her ear, he starts murmuring quietly.]

...Your hair is as dark like the night sky, where even the stars would mistake it as their home and shine brightly within. Your eyes like precious rubies, worth more than any king's treasure.

[She tries to escape the tickle his breath leaves behind, but without anywhere to go, all she can do is try to tuck her head against his shoulder or turn it away, her laughter boiling over and the air filling with that familiar buzz that raises goosebumps across her neck.

Is this his idea of flirting? Granted, he never really seemed to try all that hard... At least, not with her. It had always seemed so natural that it makes this feel like syrup or candy—the kind that sticks to one's teeth. It's sweet but laid on so thick that she tries not to laugh at him.]

You know, if some guy tried that on me back at the bar, I would've had him out on the front steps before he could finish.

[Her own grin pulls a little wider, and she slides her ear past his lips so that her head can fall to his shoulder.]

How long did it take you to practice that one?

As you should.

[Oh he is definitely laying it on thick and he just laughs quietly.]

But not much, I just tried to imagine whatever is in those romance novels. Should I try to be more serious?

[That wasn't serious!?

He's certainly got her blushing, and there are flowers blooming in the footprints the horse leaves in the grass as they wander on in some direction to the chapel. She's stopped paying attention to where they are, or how far they've journeyed from the castle. For the best, probably. He was always good at helping to take her mind off the things she'd rather not think about...

Tifa sits up straight.]

Yeah. You're supposed to be my prince, so make me feel like a princess.

[Will she regret this?]

[There's a slight quirk of his brow, but his grin remains.

With a low hum, he shift his hands so that he's holding the reins with one while the other moves over hers.]

...Your warmth...whenever I'm near you it feels like the sun's rays melting away the frozen walls I've built, and I find myself yearning for it.

[His voice is quiet as his fingers thread through hers. Rather than flirting...isn't he just telling her his honest feelings? Yet doesn't stop there, his head once more lowering so that he's near her ear. Only unlike before, his voice carries a heat of want, his arms closing in around her.]

You're sweet. No matter where or how many times, I can never forget the taste of your lips and skin...and it leaves me wanting more.

[As if to make his point, his lips brush against her skin, teasing her a bit.

Does she regret]

[She had expected some grand speech about how "thine eyes sparketh like the horizon's dewdrops, and thumpeth thumpeth go mine heart when thus I looketh into thine soul!" or something to that degree, with a voice that would carry his declaration on the back of the wind. So, when he moves in close instead, his voice so quiet that not a soul in this world could hear, it takes her by surprise.

The air around them hums violently when his lips only just barely meet hers, and it gives rise to more shivers all over her skin while little stars begin to burst into existence with little pops around them. She's flustered, but not enough to want to move away. Instead, her eyes roam down to his lips, and she becomes tangled in his words, and she considers leaning in closer—]

Ah—!

[There's a bump in the path and then an uphill climb, and the horse's adjusting lurches her on its back, knocking Tifa further into him. She falls against him, their lips missing one another by an inch, and from his shoulder, she mutters under a sigh.]

N-Not in front of the horse.

[That timing was too perfect that there is no way it was an accident.

Some regrets.]

[Indeed, that couldn't have been a coincidence— But he's also partially at fault for being distracted and not paying attention. So although the miss is unfortunate, he saw her reaction, how she was affected by his words. It's shallow, but he does feel a little proud and satisfied in making her feel such a way. So with a faint smile he leans down to kiss the top of her head.]

So I should continue when we're somewhere alone?

I... yes? [Wait. Stop!] W-we've got a wedding to get to!

[If the look on her face is any indication of her answer, then she doesn't need to give one. Her cheeks are redder than the ruby cuts of her eyes, and now she can't bring herself to look at him when the implications of it all sink in. It shouldn't be so surprising, but the fact that they riding away under the moonlight on horseback to be wed in secret...? It's a lot to take in already, without him whispering those sweet nothings into her ear.

Just remember, it's all part of the script...

It's time to change the subject, and it's something that she's been wondering about since she read the script.]

Can't believe it's only a day before we...they get married.

[Oh he sees that and he's smiling in amusement. It's cute, really, and while he would sometimes make fun or tease others before, it's different with Tifa. Seeing her flushed face, knowing he's the reason for it... Again, perhaps a little shallow, but that feeling of satisfaction is strong, especially knowing that she wouldn't fall for it if it were anyone else.

But then he looks at her for a moment before asking:]

Does it make you uncomfortable?

[His question gives her pause.

She really hadn't thought about whether it did or not, just that it was a bit shocking that it happens, but Tifa had been able to—for the most part, that song left her with plenty of questions for herself—separate herself from the character of Juliet that it never really occurred to her that maybe it was a little strange, but...]

Not really, no. They're just characters, right? Not like it's us.

[However, there's something heavier in her tone that betrays her attempts to keep it whimsical and light. Had she felt that little bit of hope that it was for them, too? Was it her heart reaching out for him in that moment when she agreed, or was it Juliet's...? She still hasn't figured that part out, and she tries not to let the thought linger too much lest she find the answer that would scare her.

... Whichever that answer is.]

Like you said. Romance stories are filled with stuff like this on every page.

[He can't really disagree with her on a personal front...but he remembers that look of disappointment when he called her as her role than her name when the situation could have been for either. Even now they're talking to each other as they are...right? ... ...

She doesn't think all his words were as Romeo does she—

He suddenly stops the horse and looks down at her seriously.]

Tifa, have you been speaking to me as yourself or as Juliet?

[...

The silence that follows stretches on, and some of the stars that had appeared around them begin to flicker and dim. His question, and the look he gives her, pull at her insides, twisting that fluttering feeling back not a tight, tense coil in her chest. Her heart feels like it's about to leap out of her chest as she tries to come up with an answer. She doesn't have one for him, because not even she knows anymore.

Or she does... and not even hiding behind the guise of a scripted play could make her admit it.]

I... [Her voice has gone quiet, fingers scrunching and curling into his shirt before they loosen and her hand falls into her lap.] I don't know.

[It's true that when he'd called her Juliet—any time he does—it hurts, but now that it's come down to the wedding, is she even ready to say that the part of her that still remains doesn't actually mind it that much?]

It's getting harder for me to tell what's part of the script and what isn't. I'm me, and I have been all this time... since we left the castle, but she's there too. I don't like it.

[This is all her, as she goes on.]

I don't like Romeo, and I don't like Juliet. I want... [There's a pause, and she looks away, forward towards the horizon they were heading to.] I want it to just be us again.

[Whether that means here or in the real world.]

But I know we can't.

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