{ lindwormeo and juliet }

[dreamposts]

LINDWORMEO & JULIET

It is the third dreamshift, and when everyone rouses and becomes aware of their situation, they find themselves dressed in Verona, a gothic city where night reigns everlasting and violence lurks around every corner. Not because of crime, but because of the two main families, the Montagues and the Capulets, everlasting feud. Fights break out almost every other minute and peace is hard sought after. However, peace is perhaps on the table, for the Capulets are hosting a grand masquerade in a gesture of truce. But it's difficult when one of Montague's sons is cursed as a Lindworm, one of the key reasons why there is a feud to begin with.

"But that's not really all that important," a voice echoes around them. It's a voice different from the tapirs that they've grown accustomed to, and after another moment it chimes in again. "Up here my fair little dreamwalkers."

And lo, high above in the permanent night sky is a moon so full and bright that it almost feels as if it could swallow them whole. After learning about the Story Eater's actions against Songerein's moon, the appearance of a face would certainly alarm many. But then the face seems to recede before it changes into a full person holding a quill and manuscript.

"Greetings! I am William Shakespeare and you are now within my own dream, a dreamscape I believe you call it. My works can be found in many places and in many worlds. Yet that accursed Story Eater has been devouring my masterpieces! I must now pen them all over again, but one of its minions is invading my mind and altering everything and I refuse to become a brainless puppet like Marlowe. I have isolated it within this place of my own design based off of Romeo and Juliet. However it seems after my reading of the Lindworm King, my visions have been affected a bit, but no matter. A playwright must find inspiration where he can!

But it is now up to you to see this play through completion. Doing so will help those outside draw out the fiend through the accumulated dreamotion energy, and if you could give it a few stabs that will help as well. Not all of you need to partake in my play, and I have already chosen my leading actors and actresses. You should find a brief copy of the script on your person, but you may act however you wish. However, I should warn you—this is a tragedy, so deaths are expected. But fear not, you will leave this dreamscape perhaps a bit tired, but unharmed. It's all a dream after all.

Now that should cover it. I look forward to seeing how everyone's tragic romances will play out. It may give me material for my next masterpiece!"

And just as suddenly as he had appeared, Shakespeare disappears from the moon, leaving it to loom brightly over the otherwise dark city.

I. GENERAL PROMPTS

Reminder that those cast as Romeo and Juliet can participate in most of these prompts, but the timing would be set early on before they move onto their designated scenes.

A. Family Feud. Everyone in Verona is randomly split in allegiance between the Montagues and the Capulets, and whenever they meet there is some kind of tension. It could be violent, hostile, passive, petty, or even attraction. Surely Romeo and Juliet aren't the only ones who can love across the aisle. If not pit against each other to fight or exchange snide comments, opposing parties can also work together to deal with Erasers posing as creepy looking family members/soldiers/knights/etc.

» BONUS: TO ARMS. A city-wide family feud makes for good business if you’re in the weapons-and-armor trade. Gather materials to help smithies in creating armor and weapons.

B. Masquerade. Almost as if it's the opening act, everyone, both Montagues and Capulets are to attend a masquerade held within the Capulet's ballroom. It's a momentary "truce," and though tension between the families is still rampant, everyone is welcome to wear the finest clothing they can imagine and to partake in the festivities. The masquerade itself is in the ballroom, but there are also gardens and large terraces that guests can go to if they want some fresh air.

» BONUS: PREPARATIONS. Any good party requires a lot of preparation, and all of Verona is abuzz with activity leading up to the big night. Tailors need help getting fabric, jewels, and other baubles to create the finest dresses. Caterers need quality ingredients for the food that will be prepared and served. Someone needs to step up and be the band for the night. There are plenty of ways in which Dreamwalkers can help make the masquerade a success!

C. EXTRA SCENES. There are a few specific "scenes" featuring key characters from the original play. Whether taken voluntarily or "beckoned" by Shakespeare, those who participate will have a little "essence" of the original character. No full personality change, but they might feel certain impulses or find it easier to slip into the role. Note: anyone can fill in the roles of "Romeo" and "Juliet" for the Paris scenes; it is not exclusive to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet.

1. PARIS V. JULIET. Paris meets and dances with Juliet, taking a fancy with her. With his arrogance believing he can win over the Capulet princess, throughout the night he attempts to woo Juliet, either in the ballroom or the gardens just outside. Juliet must not be swayed! (Or maybe a little swayed, but try not go totally off-book here). Juliet can shut down Paris however they want. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade", but before the Balcony scene.)
   
   
2. PARIS V. ROMEO. Paris bullies his younger brother about the Lindworm curse on a near-constant basis. And to add insult to injury, after meeting Juliet he’s decided that he wants Juliet for himself. Obviously, Romeo is not about to let his stupid mean brother steal the love of his life! They’re going to have to fight this one out, either with words or via fisticuffs. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade" but before the "Balcony" scene.)
   
   
3. BENVOLIO'S ATTEMPTS. Benvolio is trying to find a cure for Romeo's curse, and after some research in the library he finds something! Good cousin that he is, he puts the theory to the test immediately. Unfortunately, his attempt backfires and he gets turned into a lindworm (fully or partially) instead. The poor guy is now out of sorts, and he needs protection so that someone doesn't mistake him for some monster and kill him. At least the transformation is only temporary.
   
   
4. TYBALT V. MERCUTIO. The infamous duel. Considering how much their families hate each other, the inciting incident can be just about anything. The original story has Tybalt goading Mercutio into a duel by calling Romeo a villain, Tybalt killing Mercutio, and Romeo killing Tybalt. But no one’s enforcing the particulars very closely here, so players are free to proceed with the fight any way they please. (If this fight does end in one or more deaths, please refer to the event details on how death works within the dreamscape.)

D. Love is a Battlefield. As if there wasn’t enough drama to deal with, a large, winged noctaere can be found throughout the dreamscape firing arrows at the residents, turning them into Erasers. It can summon smaller winged noctaere to fight for it, and if a dreamwalker gets hit by the arrows, they will slowly turn into a lindworm that is full of hate. It's difficult to combat the boss itself, but it can be weakened by defeating its minions and those hit by its arrows. Love of any form will be a powerful counter that will hit the boss as well.

» BONUS: ROSE COLLECTION. In the forests are white and red roses that are hidden under logs and stones. They will sparkle a bit to make them look different than other flowers. They must be collected before the Erasers can get to them. A white rose fed to a lindworm will return them back to normal. Eating a red rose will allow characters to turn into a pink, heart covered lindworm for ten minutes to fly up and try to combat against the winged noctaere or the Erasers.

II. ROMEO AND JULIET'S OBJECTIVES

The following objectives are locked to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet. Please refer to the notes for all the stipulations and effects characters will experience as the tragic couple. Final reminder that the characters will be aware of the tragic ending as well as reassurance that they will awaken unharmed at the end of their final scene.

Click for objectives.

A. Love at First Sight. Time to get your party-crashing pants on, Romeo, because there is a masquerade that you are not invited to but are attending anyway. Who doesn’t love a good party? If you wear a mask, no one will know it’s you! Here Romeo and Juliet have the opportunity to meet and flirt and make goo-goo eyes at each other. And if they really want to get into the spirit of things, they can go into a laborious metaphor about how holding hands is super hot but kissing is way hotter. (Yes, really.) At this point Romeo's curse is only a partial transformation, something along the lines of scales down one side of his body.

B. Balcony Scene. The time for light flirting is over–this is where Romeo and Juliet get to declare their undying love for each other. Romeo really needs to work it as his brother, Paris, has also made moves on Juliet. There’s some strangeness in the dreamscape at this point that seems to have mistaken Shakespeare for musical theater, so the loving couple must sing their love for one another. With that spirit in mind, the moment should be suitably big and dramatic! Immediately after this scene is when Romeo and Juliet get married, so there’s no reason not to put it all out there. Shakespeare will lend a "helping hand" in giving them knowledge of the lyrics to sing, though they are free to create their own song and freestyle it. (Players can use existing songs or make it up as they go.)

C. Elope. Being the very mature and intelligent lovers that they are, Romeo and Juliet decide to get married after knowing each other for a whole day. Time to get to the chapel, meet with the Friar, and exchange vows. Shakespear will lend a helping hand by providing wedding attire fitting for those who are cast in their role. That's right, every Juliet will have their own special bridal dress, isn't he so considerate? And then it’s time to do whatever it is that newlyweds do, if that's what they are into. Otherwise, Romeo and Juliet will need to return home to prepare for their future.

D. Runaways. Juliet learns that she is being forced to marry Romeo's brother, Paris, which is a problem because she’s already married and also she doesn’t like that other guy anyway. In a major divergence from the source material, Romeo and Juliet decide to make a run for it instead of that whole poisoning-yourself business. It’s just a better idea all around. The goal is to get out of town undetected, which means that this is a stealth mission. Romeo and Juliet must follow a path and avoid getting caught. Whatever it takes to get past the guards and would-be snitches that would turn you in!

E. Find the Cure. Even after making it out so far, fate is against them. At this point Romeo's curse is advancing, so they need to look for the cure. Just outside of town they encounter a very trustworthy set of three witches who provide a list of items for them to retrieve and mix into a potion: rainbow mushroom, feather of a dove, three snails, and lavender. No one said this was going to taste good. However, while it will work temporarily, only Juliet is told that the final ingredient must be the blood of his lover. It's a cryptic message, however they do not specify how the blood is taken. Do they mean just a few drops? Or her life?

F. Tragic Ending. Upon learning of the young couple's running away, the Capulets have declared war with knights out hunting to kill Romeo and bring back Juliet. They are soon found and no matter what they do, death will await them. But how? Players can direct this however they want. Did the soldiers catch them? Did they decide that the whole double-suicide poison thing was a good idea after all? Does one tragically sacrifice themself to save the other? Does Romeo go full Lindworm and eat Juliet? The possibilities are endless. At this point Romeo is capable of turning into a full lindworm if he's taken the cure without Juliet's blood. If he drinks the cure with Juliet's blood, then he will revert to a normal human (teenager) with no extra powers.

[Mod Note: Details on this event can be found here and we request all thread submissions to be made here.]

Comments

[starshower]

[The quiet that's so often comfortable somehow feels more tense now. Everything feels like it's being pulled taut and like it might snap at a moment's notice as they continue onward to the chapel, and with each step that brings them closer, it serves to quicken her heartbeat.

This isn't even her wedding, so why is this making her so nervous? She's probably making this out to be more than it is in her own head, or maybe now that they're nearing the middle of the story, Juliet's essence is shining through more strongly and that's what's causing it?

At any rate, she can see the chapel on the hilltop, its tall spire stretching up to the moon, and Tifa feels her heart thump in her chest.

... ]

Well, guess this is it...

[flamekthunder]

[He stares up with her, also feeling strangely nervous before he pushes it away. Keeping to the shadows they head to the back of the building where they stop. Eustace dismount first before holding out his arms for Tifa to grab onto, either to jump down herself or for him to pull her down.]

[starshower]

[Tifa does grab his arms, but rather than expect him to lift her down, she uses him to help break her fall, and her hands go to his shoulders when she lands, her body falling to his for a moment before she catches her balance.

But she lingers a little longer than she needs to, looking up at the chapel with some trepidation, some anticipation. This feels so... Things were so light and easy on the ride here, but now that they've arrived... She really shouldn't be having second thoughts—this has no bearing on her and Eustace, after all. They're going to be the same when they wake up.

Silently, she takes him by the hand and leads the way up...]

[flamekthunder]

[Just an act, just an act... Yet it only feels so strange because they have these feelings towards each other. It makes the question of "what if" and the thought of "potential future" more real and vivid. Things he certainly wouldn't imagine were he with someone else. And perhaps.... If they were safe in their respective worlds this could have been just a fun game of pretend for them, something to laugh about later. But as things are, it almost seems cruel and what makes it more uncomfortable.

But these are thoughts and feelings he doesn't need to think about right now. They just need to get through it the sooner the better. So once they reach the door, he pushes it open and lets Tifa go first before following behind. Soon after the "Friar" appears, greeting them warmly but with a little skepticism. Seems reasonable given how quickly this is happening, but the Friar is on their side.

He leads them further in before directing them to separate rooms where'd they can change into appropriate clothes. This is their one time to marry, after all, they should at least have a little experience even if no on else will witness the occasion. Also something about symbolism of uniting and joining again in union, etc. etc. And so they are separated until they meet again...]

[starshower]

[Stepping inside the chapel makes this so much more official. So much more real. Tifa would like to separate herself from the scene, if only because her nerves are fraying as she and Eustace part ways, and when she's told that there will be a dress inside the room waiting for her, picked out by Shakespeare himself.

When Tifa was a little girl, she'd dreamt—just like so many other girls did—of how their wedding might be. Of whom she might be walking down the aisle to meet, and what she would be wearing. Her father would be there to walk her, and she would have the prettiest dress in all of Nibelheim. It would be simple yet elegant, without too much grandeur but plenty of flowers...

Never did she imagine the first time she'd be doing it was for the scene of a play, and she never wished so hard for it all to be over. For her to wake up from this dream so that it didn't have to be like this...

But when she clicks the door shut and turns, her breath catches at the sight of the dress and the shimmering crown to go with it. She had expected a gown, large and poofy like some of the ones she had seen at the ball, but this one was... Well, simple wouldn't be the right term, but it wasn't so extravagant that it would be impossible to wear, but it was elegant. Sleek...

Something she might wear if she were a princess...

And it goes on like a princess' dress would, yet somehow, she manages on her own.

"We are ready for you, my lady."

And just like that, right on cue as she leaves the room to head to the altar, soft music begins to play all around them, from everywhere and nowhere all at once... This isn't even her wedding and she's nervous as hell. More nervous than she's ever been. More than going up against Sephiroth, or Fate itself. More than waking up in a distant dream world or another land... And the thing that she's most nervous about is Eustace seeing her in this, and what he'll think when he does...

Alright, put on your game face, Juliet.]

Here goes nothing...

[flamekthunder]

[Despite this supposing to be a secret elopement, Eustace finds it still all too grand...and still a bit too realistic. Dressed in a suit, he had entered the altar with the friar, and although it's a small chapel and empty save for what will be the three of them, it's just...

He feels some kind of nervousness. Anticipation.

And he's fairly certain it's Romeo's essence that is making him feel such nerves, but as he looks towards Tifa is supposed to enter, he wonders a little. That if it were partly his own emotions, why would he be? But no, as much affection as he holds for her, he can't see her as a lifelong partner yet.

However, when she finally appears and walks towards him, that mindset falters as she somehow makes for a very convincing argument otherwise. He's not sure what he was expecting, but surely anyone's heart would skip at the sight of any young woman in their wedding dress. Eustace is not just anyone, however, so having his breath catch in his throat and staring at her with slightly widened eyes stunned—it's new. He's never felt that kind of reaction towards anyone before. Now, he at least still has enough sense and is grounded enough to know that this isn't real so he's not completely swept away.

But he certainly feels something.

A feeling that lingers even after she reaches him and the Friar begins to speak, the words going in one ear and out the other as he continues to stare at her.]

[starshower]

[Can she bear to look at him as she walks down the aisle? Besides the glimpse she allows herself and the embarrassed smile, she keeps her gaze averted to the small bouquet of roses and lilies in her hands, and to the altar just behind him where the Friar awaits, but there's no escaping it when she arrives at his side. When their eyes finally meet, her face flushes again, and the warmth of the candlelight inside highlights it.

Her stomach flutters, her heart is soaring, and her mind is racing with a million thoughts a second, each and every one of him. Juliet's essence is likely beginning to bleed through a little more, but Tifa can sense her own emotions mingling in there as well—like when she pauses to admire how he looks in this new outfit of his, or how his eyes gleam down at her, or how the two of them seem to tune out the Friar's words in the same way when he begins to speak. Their eyes are only on each other now, and her own speak volumes to him. Conveys all of her feelings, and thoughts, and the awkward "hey" and "you look handsome" that she wishes she could say out loud.

And yet, in spite of the fluttering, and the warmth in every one of her veins that tries to burst her heart through her chest, she pushes the surfacing thoughts down. Those ones about the dreams she had as a young girl, where she had been standing across from the man that she loved, and how he would look down at her with all of the love and affection that she bears for him.

And that man was...

"—Romeo Montague, do you take Juliet to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold..."]

[flamekthunder]

I do.

[He doesn't even let the old man finish, and with his hands holding Tifa's in a firm grip, his gaze sears into hers.

It's just an act, just another scene in this stupid play and the words aren't binding. But even if it's not a true vow of marriage, perhaps it's for something else. To at least be with her and no one else.

That's...safe enough for where they are, right? That loyalty towards her, that's at least genuine.]

[starshower]

[The Friar pauses when he's interrupted, and cocks a brow so high up his forehead that it might disappear into his hairline, that speech about "moderation" clearly forming in his head again before he sighs and looks at Tifa instead, but she's staring down at their joined hands instead.

Even if this is just an act, she can't help but feel that weight of the promise behind the words she knows she's about to say whether she wants to or not, and the funny thing is... and maybe she has Juliet to blame for this too, but the moment the Friar begins to speak again, she feels so sure of herself. And she feels even more sure that she wants this to end—the quicker that it does, the sooner they'll be able to return to their normal selves. Or whatever is still left of them...

"And do you, Juliet Capulet, take Romeo—"]

Yeah. I do.

["Very well. Before I make this official, have either of you prepared your own vows?"]

[flamekthunder]

[There's a small surprised glance. Wait, their own vows?

...

As easy it would be to just skip over everything so they can finish, when he looks back at Tifa and everything he thought before comes to mind at once. His doubts, his worries, the parts he figured out and the parts he's still trying to discern. And before he knows it, his lips part and the words come out.]

Juliet... I know there are still difficulties ahead of us, but I vow to you that I will remain loyal and by your side for as long as you shall wish it. Whenever you need me, just say my name and I will come for you.

[Might sound strange to not say "until eternity," but this isn't a vow of marriage. This is him once again telling Tifa that he will wait for her until she's ready—until they both are—and that regardless of the stage they are in, he feelings for her are genuine. That there is a little bit of hope that they can continue and develop further, but at their pace.

And that's all he will say, preferring to keep it as short as possible.]

[starshower]

[Prepared? Tifa fires the same look at the Friar. She wasn't told that they were supposed to prepare anything. Maybe if this were her own wedding, she might have, but this was all pretend. What is she supposed to say on Juliet's behalf? She can guess how the princess feels about Romeo, but all the feelings that are rippling through her—those are her own, only amplified by the essence of the character and the atmosphere the world perpetuates.

She's about to shake her head in response, deciding that if she were to say something, she'd rather it be in private rather than under the scrutinizing stare of the Friar, but then Eustace's voice uttering Juliet's name pulls her back to him and the altar where they stand across from each other and for a fleeting moment, she forgets that none of this is real.

Because each and every one of his words resonates with her, and she knows that what he says isn't part of the act. This isn't scripted or forced, but this is his promise that he would remain at her side and have her back should she ever need it. She always knew, on the rough and even on the better days, but there was something different about this. Something more binding that wasn't born from the vows of marriage, but because this is only more proof that they have been through more together than she would care to admit, and more than with anyone else she's ever known, and no matter how difficult or strange it gets, they can get themselves out of it together.

And the thought forces a small sob that boils over in Tifa, and as much as she'd like to get the words out—any words to convey that to him, the only thing that she has to offer him right now is a small, appreciative, if not a little bit shy smile. Hearing all of this in front of the Friar, who is still watching her expectantly, waiting for hers...]

I...

[She can feel the words hanging on the tip of her tongue, but both their gazes on her as well as her eagerness to end this has her holding onto them.]

I... didn't prepare anything, no.

[But the look in Tifa's eyes when they meet Eustace's betrays that, like a silent affirmation that there are a hundred things she does wish to say to him, as Tifa. Just not here...

"Very well. My lord, the rings. If you will do the honour."]

[flamekthunder]

[He doesn't need to hear anything back from her—her reaction is enough. It's enough to tell him that she understood and he also understands that if she does want to say anything, she doesn't want to here, either out of embarrassment or her own choice. He only said his own words because he felt like it and felt that it was a good opportunity to reassure her in case he didn't have another chance.

So there's just a light smile despite her answer that—wait what.]

The rings?

[He stares blankly at the friar who only nods.

"Yes, the rings. They should be in your pocket...?"

Again Eustace can only give a blank look before he glances back at Tifa. Rings? Really? Well suppose the scene would need them... So he slowly reaches into his pocket and feels a small pouch there, one so small and light it's no wonder he didn't notice. Pulling it out he hands the friar the black velvet pouch who then proceeds to open and pour the rings on his palm.

Handing one to Eustace, he continues to instruct him. "Put this on her ring finger and say, 'With this ring I thee wed.'"

Again, Eustace can only stare blankly at the friar before he looks again at Tifa.

...

....

......

Yes he still knows this isn't real, but why does it feel so real? It's because of Romeo...and the fact that he can feel the weight of that gold ring is real, or as real as it can be in a dream. Shake it off, Eustace, shake it off...

Taking her hand he slowly slides the ring onto her finger as he repeats the words in a low, quiet voice.]

...With this ring I thee wed...

[Once the ring is on he glances up at Tifa only to feel a ripple of embarrassment. Well at least proof right there he's not ready for the idea of marriage yet! Moving on with the relationship and maybe eventually get there, sure, marriage now, nope not yet. At the same time, looking at the ring on her finger.... It's not a terrifying thing, either.

No no, stopping the thoughts, it's Tifa's turn.]

[starshower]

[She'd been about ready to cap this off with the only way a wedding can end, when... wait, there are rings? Tifa only watches in a stunned silence as they tumble out of the little black pouch, the gold catching the candlelight in a certain way that it emphasizes the intricate details around the band. And when he takes her hand in his, so warm and sturdy, her heart is about to leap up into her throat again when he slides the ring on her finger, where it sits snug in a perfect fit.

This was not how she imagined it would go—the first time anyone had adorned her with a wedding ring, but she can't say she minds. Once again, she reminds herself that if there were anyone to perform a pretend wedding with, it's him. Because that's all it is. Pretend. A fairy tale that will go down in a book somewhere, sometime. A story about Romeo and Juliet that people will read about when they want to feel whimsical or reminiscent of lost loves. And no one will know their names.

But as the weight of the ring begins to settle in on her finger, she can feel that coil in her chest begin to pull tighter and the draw to him become greater. She turns her hand over in his hand so that she can fold her fingers around his to give it a light squeeze.

But now it's her turn, and whatever solid ground she had found to set her resolve on begins to crumble as the Friar hands her the other ring.

"Place this on his finger and say, 'With this ring I thee wed.'"

There's a stretch of where Tifa only stares down at their hands, and at how his drapes over her much smaller one, waiting, and with a deep breath to steady herself, she slides the ring over his finger.]

With this ring, I thee wed...

[Her eyes widen a touch with anticipation when she looks up at him, knowing what's about to come.

"Very well then. By the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. My lord, you may—"

Tifa doesn't allow him to finish. The bouquet crumples to the floor, and her hands reach for Eustace to pull him into a kiss. It's light and lingering, soft but strong enough to carry all of the weight of the words she couldn't bring herself to say just yet.]

[flamekthunder]

[He feels that ripple once more, a small hint of joy now with it. It's still strange, but... He knows for certain these feelings wouldn't exist with anyone else. With anyone else he would feel a little awkward but otherwise treat everything like a mission that needs to be accomplished, completely distant.

But not with Tifa.

And although the ring sits heavy on his finger, he smiles widely when she pulls him down, his hands instinctively moving to cradle her head as he returns the kiss in full...and tempted for more, but when the kiss is prolonged a little too much, the friar coughs and clears his throat.

"Congratulations. I wish you both a blessed and happy future, and that this union will help bring peace to the families. Remember to practice moderation—"

But the words don't even finish before Eustace takes Tifa's hand and pulls her away so they can escape down the aisle, footsteps echoing through the empty chamber. They're done, they don't need the lecture. Just time for themselves.]

[starshower]

[Even as the Friar clears his throat at them, it isn't until Eustace pulls her away by the hand that she bothers to break it, none of his words sinking in as they rush away, and Tifa only manages a wave and a very rushed "thanks!" before he vanishes from view, the last she sees of him is him shaking his head as the two newlyweds rush off to "practice moderation".

And there's that rush—the exhilaration of finally being free again as they rush out the front doors of the chapel and back out into the crisp air, the cool winds a refreshing welcome after the time they spent enveloped in the warmth of the chamber. It's the rush of contentment that Tifa feels around him, and perhaps the buzz of anticipation that grows within her on behalf of Juliet that leaves a trail of bright blue and red lilies in their wake.

She doesn't know what's going to happen next but seeing him dressed up and waiting for her at the altar, that kiss that they shared in the chapel, those silent glances exchanged... they awakened something within Tifa she's sure she's never felt before. It's so deeply rooted and vast, so soul-crushing that it leaves her red in the face and out of breath when the wind hits her.

Tifa could blame Juliet, and surely that's playing a large part of it, but there's a selfish part of her that wants to take it all for herself. Whatever this feeling is, it's the first time she's felt this content in this dreamscape, and she wants to hold onto it for as long as she can. To make this sliver of a happy moment last before things inevitably crumble, and they wake up from this dream within a dream.

So when she finally picks all those thoughts up off the ground, she pulls him back to her so that their lips can crash against each other once more for one last kiss. Just in case, because this feels like the calm before a storm...]

[flamekthunder]

[There will certainly be many storms in the horizon, but there is one brewing between them now. A storm of unbridled feelings and passion that sweeps them away.

He once again receives her, arms going around her waist as he pulls her to the side with him, mouth never leaving hers as it all seems to escalate—

Only for it to be rudely broken when there's a hard nudge at his back, causing him to almost stumble forward on top of Tifa. There's a ripple of thunder when he hastily glares back, only to be dumbfounded when he finds him face to face with the horse.]

You...

[The horse whinnies and bobs its head before its teeth grab his sleeve and starts tugging.]

Hey, knock it off!

[HE WAS HAVING A MOMENT WITH HIS MAYBE GIRLFRIEND EXCUSE????

But the horse seems adamant in pulling him before it let's go only to whinny and toss its head in a direction. With a snort the horse looks at Tifa. Maybe she can figure it out?]

[starshower]

[If she isn't too embarrassed and ashamed to figure it out. Tifa had been so caught up in the moment that she'd forgotten to take the horse into consideration. All she could think of was leaving no space left between them, her body acting before her mind could tell it not to. So, when it finishes with pulling Eustace off and looks to her, she looks down at her feet and the flowers that have blossomed all around them, and awkwardly tucks a hair behind her ear.]

... Sorry.

[Like a pet who's been caught doing something she knew was wrong, but rather than look the horse in the eye (stop staring at her like that!) she turns in the direction it was nodding to.]

You want us to go that way?

[Whatever "that way" is. She's all turned around now, and she only has herself to blame.]

[flamekthunder]

[The horse nods and once again bumps Eustace. He's still sour about the whole thing, but when he finally looks down the direction, he recognizes it.

...

T'ch.]

...I suppose the scene is still going. If I remember correctly, that's where the Romeo of this play's secret dwelling is.

[starshower]

Secret dwelling...?

[Ah, right. That would make sense. This is supposed to be their—Romeo and Juliet's—wedding night after all. Of course the script would have prepared itself with some sort of secret hideout to go...]

Is it far from here?

[She looks to Eustace and then to the horse expectantly, wondering if they should get on. It would probably be wise given the dress and its train, but even with a perfect jump, she doesn't think she could get on its back very easy...

Help?]

[flamekthunder]

Not too far, but...

[He stares at her dress. It's beautiful, but the skirt and train...]

...If you hold up your skirt I might be able to lift you up like before.

[starshower]

Hold up my... Oh, uh, right.

[She's worn dresses before, but nothing this fancy, and definitely nothing this big. It's a wonder that she was able to rush out of the chapel in this, but when it's dragging behind, it's entirely different than trying to mount a horse with it...

So she turns and starts to bundle up the train as best as she can, until she's left with a massive clump of very thick, very sparkly silk and lace in her arms.]

Okay. Let's try like this.

[Although she sounds entirely unconvinced.]

[flamekthunder]

[.......

He is definitely questioning if this will work, but here goes nothing.]

Hold on.

[Picking her up is easy, as is lifting her into the horse who just continues to wait with some level of patience. However she has to sit side saddle, and with all that fabric in her arms...]

...Try letting the fabric go, see how your balance is.

[starshower]

[She takes hold of the reins first with her free hand before she does.]

Alright. This is gonna be a bit heavy.

[Just a little courtesy warning to the horse before she lets the train fall, and there's only a very small noise from her and a teeter when the fabric drapes over the saddle and her legs. It almost reaches the ground, but if she hoists it up just a little bit...

As for the rest of the saddle...]

There isn't much room, but we could probably make it work...

[As she tries to shuffle over and make space next to her.]

[flamekthunder]

[He looks and reaches up to tuck some more of the train against her.]

It's enough.

[And then he's hoisting himself up behind her. There is definitely more space between them and he's further in the back than before, but it's a short enough ride to deal with the discomfort. At the very least he can help keep her balance as he leans forward, arms around her.]

Ready?

[starshower]

Yeah.

[She sighs and gives a small nod, him being back in close proximity like this making her brain whirr and buzz, and her heart feels like it might burst again. The horse probably senses it because it shakes its head when Tifa shifts in the saddle a little closer to him, closing the distance that he's left between them as best as she can.]

So, is the secret hideout where you went back to?

[She has no idea what to even look out for. Is it a building? A cave? A hole in the ground?]