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

Such is the responsibility of princesses.

[Such expectations fall on Garnet as well, as a representative of her kingdom. That which lingers between the houses of Montague and Capulet are not necessarily kingdoms, but they are close enough that Beatrix can easily draw parallel between.

At Tifa's prying, she doesn't respond immediately.]

I may be a militant, but I do have an appreciation for the arts. There is a playwright from Gaia that has his works performed. It is customary for me to be present at them.

[And not simply because she's playing guard to Brahne or her daughter. Beatrix might not say it easily (or at all), but she has a particular fondness for what she's seen.]

[Nothing wrong with enjoying things, Beatrix!

Tifa watches the flower in her hand while she speaks, and a warmth begins to settle in around them, pooling at their feet and rising until Tifa can start to feel it.]

You should tell me about your favourite one.

[The music, as if on cue, fades into a slower, more subdued waltz compared to the one that played before it.]

Was it anything as... grand as this?

My favourite one...?

[...Does Beatrix have a favourite anything? Well, she supposes her favourite sword is the one that's on her person. And a favourite play...? She isn't sure about that one.]

Not certain I have one. The one I know most, however, is a story about a princess who longs to be with a commoner. Her father refuses, intent on having her marry a well-to-do prince instead. And the story is a great deal about how the princess must become inconspicuous in order to pursue her fondness with the commoner.

[To the point. Straight. Without giving the entire story away. The best scene is quite possibly the one where the princess falsifies her death. It's a powerful one. Brahne's favourite, it seems.]

It is surprisingly like what we are currently going through. To my understanding, that is. I am not familiar with the entity behind this one specifically. That is, our present turn of events.

[Tifa listens patiently, watching as the little fireflies in the gardens begin to glow and flit about, reminded of the scene that played out from earlier and she wonders, once again, if they're a manifestation of her contentment, or if they're just really good at reading the room. They make her feel calm, combined with Beatrix's grounding presence, she feels almost at peace, given what lies ahead... but it's more than what she can say about how she felt before.]

That sounds more like my kind of play.

[Although it does strike some resemblances with Romeo and Juliet...]

Does the princess get to be with him in the end?

[Beatrix quiets for several moments, as she thinks to the ending. It's not a real joyous ending, is it. Maybe that's why she likes it? Because there's a realness in the sombre reality of life. Or maybe that's simply Beatrix being... Beatrix.]

She... does. In a way.

[She settles a hand stop her hip, directing her attention onto Tifa.]

It is not exactly a happily-ever-after.

[Tifa visibly deflates, only slightly, as she huffs it out with a small, defeated laugh. Some part of her had hoped that at least that princess got her happy ending, although it's starting to sound more and more like this one. How in the end, she gets to be with her true love, but not in the way she or the audience would have hoped for or expected.]

Jeeze...

[Her voice is as light and airy as she can make it, but there's still a weight behind it as well.]

I'm starting to think being a princess isn't easy. The world expects something from her and it's never what she wants, is it?

[Such is the nature of romantic tragedies, alas.]

I think it is very convenient to assume that royalty possesses an... easier life than one who is not. The expectations are undoubtedly different, yet it is riddled with hardship.

[Beatrix pauses for just a moment, considering the amount of duress Garnet has likely endured, being the princess of their kingdom. Standards. Expectations. Preconceived notions. Her own family she is required to reflect well on. There is nothing easy about being royalty.]

Royalty is required to live a certain way and very rarely are they permitted to make decisions of their own accord.

That explains a lot.

[Tifa shakes her head.

It's been Lady Juliet this, my lady that, please do not forget this, please make sure to do that. Talk to the guests, mingle, and most importantly, be seen dancing with a Montague so as to help mend the bond between the two families, as if this one was her own. As if she's been a living part of its issues since its inception, when really, she would have just preferred to have a good night at a fancy party.

She wishes she could simply not care, but that was never in her nature. So here she is, playing pretend. Although this may be the first time tonight she's felt more like herself than not.]

What about you? You're still technically royalty here, aren't you? Montague or Capulet?

[Royalty. Beatrix, royalty. That's not how she'd put it at all. She is an unwilling bystander pulled into nonsense that she has no interest in being a part of, and yet plays the part all too well. She has Alexandria and Brahne to thank for all of that, though she feels anything but gratitude.

It is with a consideration that she follows the line of her jaw in thought before she dips her head subtly. It's acknowledgement of a sort. Perhaps uncertain.]

A representative— [She decides to put it.] —of the Capulet household. There are not eyes on me the way there will be on yours and I am no Lady, contrary to what some may believe.

[Every time Dohalim calls her that... It makes a part of her shrivel up.]

[Well, at least no one will bat an eyelash at the two of them exchanging words should any nosy passersby catch them, but she does quirk a curious brow.]

Some?

[Is there someone out there who had thought so? From what little Tifa knows of Beatrix, she can't imagine that went as planned for the other person.]

Has anyone asked you to dance?

[The number of "My Lady"s she heard in the ballroom was far too many for Tifa's liking. Too many Montague's and others who thought that was the way to her heart. As little as she would mind to be a Princess for a day, this isn't quite what she imagined when the thought occurred to her.]

[Beatrix doesn't bother to clarify. There's no need to. Some have offered Beatrix no shortage of honoured titles—'miss,' 'madame,' 'lady'. She always likes it best when people just refer to her as 'General.' Everything else is patronising, condescending, and potentially informal. Impersonal.

Either way, it seems that 'Lady' Beatrix is not an unpopular one to go with. Danger and beauty wrapped into one, after all. She would be worth the title.

At Tifa's question, Beatrix huffs out an incredulous laugh.

Do I look as though I dance?

Truthfully, she's been to no shortage of balls and fanciful galas and has very intentionally kept herself off to a corner to avoid people from asking her to dance. Because honestly, she'd turn them down. Only a fool would want to partake in something like that. And it has nothing to do with her being incapable. She's quite capable.]

Hardly. May it stay that way. You may dance enough for us both as I am sure that will be part of the expectations placed upon you.

Edited 2022-03-01 22:15 (UTC)

I've danced myself out for the night, to be honest.

[Plus, she already had the dance that she was owed, and it was the only one that she wanted and intended to have. She was amicable enough tonight, but had turned down every other offer or, in Paris' case begging, for one and she intends to keep it that way as well.

Tifa knows better than to tease someone like Beatrix, however, as much as she wants to allow the grin that threatens to spread, she somehow manages to bite it back.]

It is pretty fun if you find the right partner.

[She does, however, cast a sideways glance to test the waters a bit. Surely there was someone out there who Beatrix might enjoy a little waltz with. There's a beat, before:]

What if I asked?

...Fun.

[She can't stand that word. Dancing is not what she thinks of when she thinks fun either. Not... that she really thinks much of anything is fun. Maybe combat. Sometimes. For a reason that isn't war-related.

She's trying to think of a way to diplomatically explain that there's nothing fun about doing something like that when Tifa's follow up catches her entirely off guard. And that, to her, is almost unheard of. ...Do women actually dance together?]

I feel that you are teasing me.

[She can't, for the life of her, determine if Tifa is being serious or not.]

I was. A little bit.

[And Beatrix's reaction didn't disappoint.

Her amusement does fade into an apologetic smile though, because honestly? It would be kind of fun if they did. Tifa's only danced with one other person tonight and that was entirely scripted, and she thinks Beatrix could enjoy something more light-hearted than staring out at the roses all night.

She won't push her, of course, and so she slumps back.]

But I was also very serious. What, can't a girl ask another girl to dance once in a while? I think it would be fun.

[...Teasing, but also serious. For the breaths that follow, Beatrix can only eye her with the same confusion. The same uncertainty. When she draws her gaze off of Tifa, it's only because she's scanning their immediate surroundings. Just in the event that anyone catches them together. Not that it's... It's not a crime. Just not... normal.

Maybe between younger kids? What would Beatrix know about a normal childhood?]

Is there a difference dancing with a woman versus dancing with a man?

[Her gaze snaps back onto Tifa and she decides it's safe. And if they're going to dance, then damn it, Beatrix is going to lead. So she offers over a hand to Tifa, patient and waiting.]

You are using that word again.

[Fun.]

[Tifa is taken by surprise when Beatrix finally offers her hand, but she doesn't leave her waiting long. She takes it, and while she wouldn't mind taking the lead in this one, she allows the other woman to. Remembering her lessons from Jessie, her other hand rests on Beatrix's shoulder as she straightens her own.]

Which word? Fun?

[The music, as if on cue, switches to a waltz that's a touch more upbeat than the last.]

What's wrong with it? ... I know we're here with a job to do, but there's still no harm in taking a breather once in a while, you know?

Yes. That one.

[Is all she seems to have to say until Tifa provides her hand. Beatrix has seen many a gala. Many a dance. Most of these, she prevents herself from being directly involved. Her chin tips up just a bit at the sound of the music cuing in.

...Someone's mocking her. That's what's happening here, isn't it. She's being mocked for being dressed so very ladylike and doing things that are equally ladylike. It's only because of Tifa's presence that she keeps herself pulled together.

With a great deal of hesitance, she settles a hand atop Tifa's waist with a tenderness that may seem uncharacteristic of her. Beatrix has not made it a habit of touching people. That's strange and awkward to her. She loves distance. Physically. Emotionally. Everything is so much easier when they simply assume she's unkind and cold. A cruel Beatrix is a better version than whatever the true one might be.]

'Fun' has never exactly been in my description. I will allow you to have enough for the both of us.

[It's probably a good thing that they aren't illuminated by the warm glow of the chandeliers inside because at least the moon doesn't make the flush in Tifa's cheeks too obvious. It is a bit surprising, how gentle Beatrix's grip is. As someone who uses her hands, she'd noticed how tight a hold the other woman always had on the sword at her side, but she always had a feeling it was just that roughness around the edges.

She did oblige after all, didn't she?

And as the beat begins its next set of one-two-threes, Tifa eyes her expectantly.]

I can't have all the fun myself, but I'll try.

[There's a small laugh, but her voice is patient beneath it.]

Why do you say that? It shouldn't be in anyone's description.

[She's starting to sound like Cloud!]

[Fingertips curl right over the curve and it occurs to Beatrix that she's... never actually held anyone. Not like this. Even embraces are something of a foreign oddity. The ones she has granted to a younger Garnet... such things cannot compare. The only thing keeping her from the heat in her cheeks is the intense focus she has on the music, its timing, and the way she has taken it upon herself to play the Lead for this particular scenario.

She's so laser-focused, in fact, that Beatrix doesn't immediately respond, taking the time to make sure she's carefully grasped Tifa's hand. It's a proper hold. Evidently Beatrix has spent most of her time watching the movements that would ordinarily be taken by men, which... perhaps is little surprise. Maybe.

She feels utterly ridiculous.]

I was referring to the idea that 'fun' is hardly the first word that any one would consider when thinking of me. My people think of me in many ways, but 'fun' is not one of them. I would rather they fear me, truthfully.

[Maybe that's not a surprise either.] I should think such an idea, this... levity, would be more suited to you. Levity. Humour. Smiles. These softer things. [Not that she thinks Tifa is soft all the way through. Surely no person is entirely soft, as no person is entirely hard.]

[If there's one thing that Tifa can do for the both of them, it's shoulder the more natural movements for them. The sure ones where she lets her own grip tighten on Beatrix's hand and around her shoulder, and whenever they begin their one-two-three-steps, it'll be as if she's dancing on air. There is some ridiculousness to this, sure, but that's part of the fun, she thinks.

With a grin, Tifa surprises her with a small twirl.]

I'm flattered you think so.

[If she can at least do that much—provide some levity for others, even when they think they don't want it in more grueling or tiresome times—then she's happy with that.

Beatrix's words has her canting her head as she straightens them out.]

How come you'd rather people fear you, though? Not much to worry about around here.

[Beatrix responds only accordingly as she must. In her role, she must play support. An implication that she is sturdy, secure. Stable. Reliable. In the place of the lead, for just a moment, it feels empowering. Perhaps the same empowerment she gets from being Alexandria's general. There is no doubt that such a position comes with prestige, power, and influence. Even in a dance, Beatrix feels connected to the weight of that title. Even in this world.

For some moments, she simply lingers on Tifa's question, as oft appears to be habitual of her. Answers given in haste are frequently irrational. Of all things, she prides herself on being meticulous and thoughtful. Considerate, even if a bit cold.]

I am not inclined to agree with you, Lady Tifa. [She begins with care.] Even if things are not outright dangerous yet, it would be foolish to think it will always be so. It would be more advantageous to be prepared. Not necessarily to expect the worst, but to not become complacent in these days or these times.

[It's not an answer at all. A typical evasion on Beatrix's part, perhaps. But it does provide insight. A thought process.]

[Lady Tifa... She'll give Beatrix a pass this once and simply allow it, if only to savour the mood.

But her words stick with Tifa perhaps more than Beatrix intends them to, or maybe that's the whole point of them. The moment she found out who her Romeo is supposed to be, she wished she could do exactly that. She knows the worst is coming, and she can't afford to be anything but vigilant and prepared for whatever might come. Even if they choose to deviate from the script, things will happen the way they are supposed to... It was just a matter of how, and that's what has Tifa on edge.

She hasn't said as much, of course, nor does she plan to. That isn't something anyone else needs to worry about but her, but she does allow the silence to stretch on longer than she would have otherwise.

Outside of the dreamscape, however, is another story... Rather, there's no story at all, unlike in here, and she'd rather not focus on the latter if she can help it.]

How about this... If I were to ask you what you wanted to do back in Reverein, what would it be?

[Beatrix, though she may not seem the most intuitive when it comes to others, is more observant than she may let on. Rather, she's more empathetic than she's willing to let on. It comes in tandem with all of the softer parts of herself that she's desperate to hide from the world. A woman in her position cannot afford to showcase these things without them being used against her. To maintain her strength... Beatrix does and acts as she feels is necessary.

Regardless, the silence that lingers between her and Tifa is palpable and prominent. As if an idea turned malleable in the flesh. She does not question. She does not pry. She merely observes and files away what she learns for later.

Tifa breaks that silence soon enough and Beatrix realises she has no answer for her. Her intention has always been to simply survive until she can return to Alexandria. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. As if Beatrix has no other thoughts or room inside of her heart, her heart for anything but Alexandria and what that kingdom holds for her. She has no idea how to even begin formulating a response.]

Survive? [She begins, surprisingly honest before she dips her chin thoughtfully.] ...Just do what I can with the time I have. Spar. Train. Patrol. Protect those who cannot protect themselves. I am uncertain what you may be expecting from me. It is not as though I have any grand designs for my presence there. I simply am, as are we all.

I'm not expecting anything.

[If she were, it would be exactly the things that Beatrix had said.]

I was curious, so I asked.

[Tifa likes to get to know people, so it all just comes naturally to her, these kinds of questions. Although she'd be lying if she said she didn't feel a little sad for Beatrix. She loves training and honing her skills as much as the next person, but it's moments like this that make life worth living. Moments that surprise her in all the good sorts of ways or make her smile or laugh with people she cares about.

It's all part of surviving for Tifa.

Beatrix may be leading the dance, but Tifa springs another light twirl at her.]

We should train sometime. And maybe I could drag you with me to one of those new restaurants that have come up around town after.

[Beatrix doesn't respond immediately. If anything, she merely sits on Tifa's response, as if she's searching for something, without knowing exactly what she's seeking. There's curiosity. Wonderment. She can't understand why anyone takes an interest the way they do. Not her. Not anyone else that she's met since she's come out to this world.

Much of that line of thought stops at Tifa's proposition. As she welcomes her back with a practised grace and movement, her brow knits deeply.]

You want to train with me. [That's not such a strange concept. The soldiers under Beatrix's employ are all women. It's actually something Alexandria's military is known for.] And you want... to take me to food? [She shakes her head slowly. She doesn't understand.]

I suppose these terms are acceptable.

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