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.]

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[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.

Yeah. I do.

[She says it so simply with a nod and an even wider smile, and somewhere in the rose bushes, a single yellow flower blooms alongside them. Baby steps, Beatrix. Baby steps!]

It'll be a date.

[Yep, training and then dinner. That sounds like fun, and a low-key outing for someone like Beatrix, too. And without giving her any room to sputter any sort of protest to her choice of words, she goes on, humming thoughtfully to the music.]

Are you picky about food?

["It'll be a date."

Oh, no—
But Beatrix doesn't even get the opportunity to contest that because Tifa moves right along. If that's intentional, it's quite the strategy and even Alexandria's general doesn't have a counter for it. All she can do is just... accept apparently.

She'll have words about this later. Once she knows exactly what to say. One does not simply take General Beatrix on a date, of all things.]

Well— [Beatrix hesitates for just a breath or two.] —I would like to claim I am not. [However.] I will not provide more imposition than necessary.

[Tifa waits patiently for her response, happy to keep dancing with the music filling in the silence until she does. She senses she's struck something in Beatrix—not so much a nerve, but an inkling of surprise, perhaps? Has she really never been asked to "hang out" before? Then again, it shouldn't shock her too much, given the woman's demeanor and... well, everything, but it's no less amusing or sweet.]

You're not imposing on anything. I was the one who asked you.

[Although she won't say it out loud, nor does it need saying, but Tifa's never had a lot of female friends to influence her in her life. Jessie had been the only one until Aerith, and although they both still hold that special place in Tifa's heart, she's always wanted more. She'd watch as other girls laughed together in the slums as she served them steamed buns, but she could never join them...

Those thoughts cool the air and stretches it tight, but it shifts again when she shakes herself from them.]

What kinds of foods do you like? I bet I could find something we'll both enjoy.

[She'd love to argue. In fact, despite her attempts to find a way to do precisely this, some way of changing Tifa's mind, the opportunity and the stars haven't quite aligned for her to succeed at that. It'd be easier to simply say she doesn't want to, but for as much as Beatrix tends to be a bit on the cut and dry side, she is attempting to be just a touch more amicable.

She can't help but feel like she's doing a terrible job at this.]

I am inclined to say I would eat anything put in front of me. [Which is probably true. Gods know Beatrix has certainly been privy to any number of other things that she's had little taste for and not offered much of an argument.] That is not something I would spend much time concerning about were I you. Simply pick something you would like.

[At least, that doesn't seem to be on Beatrix's list of priorities when she's trying to provide some kind of dance support to Tifa, who is... surprisingly more light on her feet than expected. Maybe Tifa's had prior experience.]

[Tifa offers a bit of a pout in response. The kinds of foods people prefer can say a lot about them, but she won't push it any further than that.]

Alright. I've got a few places in mind that I think we'll both like.

[Because this isn't just for her! She's mostly doing this for Beatrix because Tifa is the least picky eater in the world. She'll try anything at least once.

... Unless it's spicy. She doesn't do extremely spicy well.

Moving right along—]

Anyway. I've been learning how to fight with a sword, too. I wouldn't mind some practice. Gotta hone what I've learned, yeah? Kaine's been teaching me.

[Does wine count as a food—

Beatrix simply nods right along, though honestly, she's not sure about how she wants to go about this. It's going to be a disaster, regardless. Beatrix has never made a habit out of spending much 'luxury time' with others.

She does, however, look particularly more intrigued by the subject of swords, which by this point, is likely expected of her.]

Regardless of the nature of weapon chosen, one should keep it honed. I was unaware you were familiar with swords.

[Tifa can certainly agree with that. Although one would never guess that her weapon of choice were her fists if they were to dance with her, her grip remaining as gentle as ever around Beatrix's shoulder.]

I wasn't, until recently. Still not so confident to use one in a real fight, but I'm getting there.

[The music has started to slow, the song nearing its end, but they can keep up the pace easily enough, and with a light twirl, she straightens them both out again.]

I figured if there are people around who could teach me other ways, why not take it? You never know, there could be a time when I'd need to use a sword instead of martial arts. Trying to decide which weapon to learn next...

[Her hold is very careful. Firm and strong without being overbearing. It's just enough for Beatrix to make a subconscious point to display her need for control. Tifa twirls once more and as she makes return, Beatrix settles a hand right atop the curve of her hip in wordless reunion and greeting.]

You intend to learn many then. Are you attempting to become a warrior?

[Didn't she already think Tifa was a bit too soft for such things? She's obviously not incapable, but... Maybe she's spending too much time in her head. It's not as though every female warrior has to be anything like her. In fact, they ought not to be.

If anyone can learn a multitude of weapons, it likely would be Tifa.]

There are no shortage of swords to learn. A variety of classes, at that. Rapiers. Broadswords. Longswords. Cutlasses. They all require different weight distribution of self and balance of blade. I should think you to have your hands full starting there. Beyond swords... polearms. Axes. Daggers. Staves. Maces. You have plenty to choose from.

[She thinks back to Cloud's sword, and although she's never held it herself, she has been curious about how it might feel to wield it. Beatrix is certainly right about them all being different, though. She had tried out plenty at the shop before she settled on one that felt right for her.]

I've been using something closer to a rapier. I like how light they are. Not sure how I'd feel about lugging around a bigger one.

[Which means she does have a bit of a preference when it comes to what weapons she might like to wield. She still likes to be quick and light on her feet!]

I wonder if a staff might be a good way to go then, considering that. Something thin and quick, but still powerful, you know? Feel like it could tie in pretty nicely with my style already.

[Rapiers. Piercing damage. It's a weapon that relies on precision and agility, two things that Beatrix already knows that Tifa excels in. It's not hard to picture her with one at all.

At Tifa's mention of staves, Beatrix tips her head in consideration. True that... a staff could be used in melee combat, but...]

Most stave users I am aware of utilise magic. Not that a staff could not be used in melee range. Admittedly, I am not well-versed in the usage of staves. My soldiers all utilise one-handed swords. I would not see the harm in learning more about it.

Hmmm. Maybe I've got it wrong.

[Although Beatrix is right—Aerith uses one, and she's one hundred percent all magic.]

I'm thinking more along the lines of a melee staff, more like martial arts than magic, if you know what I mean. Knock the enemies down from a range and then get up close and personal.

[Which would be a far cry from any style she's learned up until now. Even a rapier requires her to be up close and personal.]

No matter what weapon I've got though, make sure you don't go easy on me, okay?

Oh—

[She means, a staff like—]

I know a man here who wields a staff like the one you mean. He is actually quite formidable. If you were interested in learning, I should think he would provide very good tutelage.

[After all, Dohalim bested her. She has to give credit where it's due, no matter how much her pride remains in tatters after all of that.]

Either way, no matter what you may be using, I intend to be on you as I would be to anyone I expect to be capable. I am not known for being a forgiving woman.

I'm not looking for a forgiving woman.

[The music has started to slow, coming down from its climax to reach its end, and their steps along with it. She ends their dance with a small spin and... there is a moment when she considers giving Beatrix a dip, but perhaps another time. Their next dance, maybe Tifa will be a little bolder.

Instead, she fixes Beatrix with a wide smirk, lingering for a beat or two after the song has faded into a new one before she frees her.]

Does this man have a name?

[Their dance comes to its eventual end and one last spin, and for some moments Beatrix simply holds her, thinking that for all she's despised being in public eye in such a way, a dance is likely not the most horrible thing. In private. Although still not particularly befitting of a general in her station, even if in this place, she's no general at all.

In time, Tifa releases her and Beatrix straightens herself up. The question is a warranted one, though she hasn't made a habit of discussing other people, really. If she can help it.]

Dohalim. ['Lord,' she almost says, but she decides she has just a touch more respect for him.] Red of hair. Tall. He looks a bit the part of a bird. He is quite skilled with a staff of what you meant. I do believe he could have a great deal to teach you. I also suspect he would enjoy it.

[The part of a bird...? Is that a compliment or the opposite of one...? Does he have bird-like qualities? Feathers? Wings? It's hard to read her sometimes, but if Beatrix respects him as a fighter, then Tifa figures he must know what he's doing with it. There's still a lot for her to learn, and from a lot of different people here, and this feels like another good step in the right direction.]

I'll keep an eye out for him. Probably won't be too hard to spot, I'm guessing.

[There aren't a lot of dreamwalkers around who fit that sort of description.]

As for that date, I guess we'll wait and see what works.

[Because here comes one of Juliet's handmaidens rushing from the doors of the castle, and spotting her over Beatrix's shoulder, Tifa steps around her.

"Lady Juliet!? Is that you?"]

Guess that's my cue.

No. I doubt very much you shall miss him.

[Beatrix certainly never does. If it's not the actual physical appearance of the man, then there's just something about the timbre of his voice. But maybe she simply associates that with some of the things he's said. He's certainly more profound than ever she's expected.

Her attention turns onto the handmaiden and Beatrix looks between handmaiden and Tifa and she offers a short little nod.]

It would seem so. Until we see one another again, Tifa.

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{ lindwormeo and juliet }

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gonna start wrapping this! 💗

fine with me!