{ 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

[menancia]

[He gives a thoughtful nod as she responds, a soft 'hmm' escaping him as he leads her through the next steps, doing so as though it were second nature to him. He's had a great deal of practice over the years, though not so many opportunities in recent ones. Though the party inside is simply a scene in a story, it reminds him of the days before his lordship, before he'd had no choice but to turn to politics, when things were far simpler.

He prefers the person he is now, he thinks, but there is a part of him that still yearns for those days, and the company he'd kept.]

To have begun at such a young age, you must have always envisioned yourself a knight. In that, you are fortunate; I do not know of many who are so certain of their paths.

[To have that kind of confidence, even so young... it doesn't sound as though service was an inescapable path, but a choice, though if she remembers little before, it would be hard to say.]

Perhaps, then, instead of trying to discover who you were once before, this is an opportunity to explore what else you might be— in addition to a knight, rather than instead, for I believe that will ever be in your heart.

[roseofmay]

[...He is every bit of a lord that Beatrix would expect. Not that she can claim she has really met many. (Or any, most likely.) But he sounds like every lord that gets spoken of at galas and fancy to-dos that she wants very little to do with. Moves like one. Obviously knows what he's doing. He might as well be a professional. And Beatrix is just...

Beatrix is just Beatrix. How very impressive.

His words are heavier than he likely means for them to be. Or maybe it's intentional. It's not like she can tell for certain without asking and she has very little intention of doing that. But she wonders if she would consider herself 'fortunate' at all. If she hadn't been a knight, Beatrix supposes she might have like any other girl who wanted to serve the queen as a lady-in-waiting or something like that. A life of cross-stitching and diplomatic conversations where she pretended to be interested in other people when she... wasn't.

Courtly sorts can sometimes be awful. Not all of them. But enough that Beatrix evidently isn't real fond of how they handle their dealings. In the end, she decides not to address anything about her so-called good fortune. He can think what he will of it.]

You sound like other people I know here when you say nonsense like that. [Beatrix shakes her head at him.] I am not going to be here infinitely. It would be foolish to play at something I am not only to go back to a world where I have expectations to live up to. Trying to be something more in addition to a knight? There is no room for that in my responsibilities. I refuse to live my life in such a way where I am entertaining the notion of some pretend lifestyle.

[menancia]

[Her response does earn a furrowed brow in reply, though he does not miss a single beat even so, leading her effortlessly through the courtyard, finding that conversation does little to impede his ability to follow rhythm. Music moves through him as it always has, even the soft strains that reach them here; the steps come to him as easily as breathing, allowing him to focus on what it is she says.]

Are you a knight here, without your royal family to serve?

[The question is a simple one, his tone light as he offers it.]

As I said, you will ever be a knight in your heart, regardless of where you are, but here, apart from your duty, what harm is there in allowing yourself to enjoy something more? I do not suggest neglect, nor do I suggest complacency; your duty will await you just the same when the time comes to return, just as my responsibilities await me. Still, to remain closed off in this place, rigid and unwilling to experience something beyond our respective stations... it seems a wasted opportunity.

[And, to be quite frank, rather lonely, the way Beatrix has chosen to approach things. Somehow, he manages to say all that without adopting a lecturing tone; he merely muses aloud, as though these things were no more than passing thoughts, nowhere near as pointed as they might be otherwise.]

[roseofmay]

[With their conversation in mind, Beatrix can almost pretend that she isn't being led around all over the place and playing the part of a lady in a dance. Or in whatever theatrical nightmare she's currently existing in. One thing to be watching theatre. Quite another to be playing a role—even as an extra. She notes to leave this kind of thing, in the future, to the professionals.

She isn't very good at acting. At least, not in the way she thinks she is.

Alexandria's general feels a great deal of annoyance at his input. There's plenty of harm in it, really. Suppose she ever got accustomed to being more open and actually amicable? Supposed people came to believe that she is likeable to some degree? Going back to Alexandria undoes all of that. Because it has to. That's the way it has to be.

She scowls. As if you understand. As if you ever could. Presumptuous of her, but all the same entirely too much like her.]

I believe I experience plenty here. [Beatrix finally manages to argue post the pursing of her lips.] Plenty of things I would otherwise be very content not to. The noctaere, for one. Things like— [She lifts a hand from him very briefly, only long enough to gesture around them, before it settles back to him.] —this, for another. The whole concept of just being here is experience enough, I should think. I do not belong in a place like this one. I belong where I am of the most value, because you know, you are right. I am not much of a knight, of a general here, without Her Majesty or Her Highness here.

[And it's just about killing her.]

[menancia]

[And there it is, the very thing that he suspects has been weighing on her all along. If her harsh tone bothers him, it does not show, though his gaze is thoughtful where it peeks through his mask.]

That troubles you.

[Hardly a revelation to her, he imagines, but he wonders if she's said it aloud before now.]

We are all of us out of place. None of us belong— but it is more than that for you. Without your purpose, you are lost.

[Has he got that right?]

[roseofmay]

["Without your purpose, you are lost."

Beatrix has thought it many times since her arrival. She has easily arrived at that conclusion without much contemplation needed to reach it. She's aware of her stance on things. She knows that she has struggled deeply not having Brahne or Garnet to look to.

Her purpose. It's a very heavy word to describe who she is. What she does. What she's been doing for over ten years of her life. The life she's lived that has been defining in most every aspect.

It's one thing to think about. It's another to hear. Whether from herself or another. Hearing it from Dohalim. Her insides wash with cold.]

How dare you.

[Her response is telling, she suspects. As much as the rest of what she's had to say. He's a clever man. He can put the pieces together easily, despite the way she's attempted to keep him in his own lane and very much out of hers. Something she's evidently failed to do.

Her hand lifts from his shoulder and as her expression sharpens, twists and turns, she draws it on him.]

[menancia]

[It is not the response he had expected, but his reflexes do not fail him all the same.

One hand shoots upwards, gently catching against her wrist just before her hand can connect with his face, his fingers curling carefully against it as his expression softens into something apologetic behind his mask.

A step too far, it would seem.]

I apologize.

[His voice has softened as well, bearing a note of humility.]

That was presumptuous of me. Though I meant it as a friendly observation, I realize I have overstepped, and for that, I am sorry.

[It is genuine, his apology, his brow knit with worry.]

Please. Let us speak no more of this. The fault is mine.

[roseofmay]

[He catches her before she can even make contact. Aside from the few times that Garnet has hugged her, or perhaps, held her hand in times of fear, uncertainty, and doubt, Beatrix can't remember the last time anyone has ever touched her. A spar, she decides easily enough, doesn't count. In Alexandria, it's too brazen for anyone to do such a thing. Chances are, Beatrix would run through most anyone who actually made the attempt.

His hold, however, it meticulous and careful. Almost tender. Her hand tenses for so moments, the flood of uncertainty coursing along her. His words are ones that she hears plainly, as quiet as they are, resting just above the very prominent thump of her pulse.

She colours and heat spreads right over her and for those several breaths as she pieces together what exactly has happened, she can only stare at him. What is that feeling? The one that compels her to draw back so completely that she might never show herself again? Realisation, she thinks. Eustace's words in her head. Zidane's.]

Let... Let me go.

[The words almost don't drop out of her at all. She knew better all along. It was only the heated response to protect herself. From him, of all things. Just as she does with everyone else.]

[menancia]

[He gives a single nod, his expression unchanging as he releases his hold on her and allows his hand to fall to his side once more. Whether she'll take the opportunity to make another attempt, he does not know, but he cannot ignore the spread of color across her cheeks. Anger, perhaps, directed at him for his breach of her boundaries, or perhaps at herself for losing composure for even a fraction of a moment. That it might be something else entirely never occurs to him.]

Of course.

[He exhales, his shoulders dropping as his demeanor remains contrite, apologetic.]

Perhaps we ought to part ways for now.

[He is not necessarily eager to, but he can understand if she no longer wishes to speak to him. He has a scene to get to sooner rather than later, as well, but he would rather not leave this entirely unresolved.]

[roseofmay]

[She makes absolutely no move to strike him once more. On the contrary, when he releases her as carefully as he does, she draws her gaze aside, and with her other hand, she draws her touch over the place where it still feels like his touch lingers. She wonders for just a moment, if that's how all touches are. It must be. Sometimes she thinks she can always feel every moment Garnet has ever hugged her or held her hand. It's a different feeling.

Beatrix says nothing for several long moments and allows his words to permeate the silence that otherwise would sit betwixt them. Finally, she shifts, as if she means to move past him and she pauses at his side, turning her head just enough to eye his shoulder and what details of his mask she can make out.]

It is nothing personal. [She begins quietly. Carefully.] My reaction was uncalled for. Just because I do not want to hear the truth does not mean I do not need to.

[Her head tips, and after a breath, Beatrix continues.] You were not wrong in what you said. In this place, I have lost my purpose. Rather, it was never provided to me to begin with. Keep that between us. I have a reputation to maintain.

[menancia]

[For but a moment, he appears surprised by her concession— it is not an apology, which he neither is owed nor expects, but it is an admission all the same, and he already knows she is not the type to offer such easily.]

Some truths are difficult to accept— I know this well, and should have known better.

[Though it had not been meant as a barb, it's hardly the first time he's mused something aloud and not considered the consequences or his audience.]

Of course, I shall say nothing. Your business is your own, and I would not dream of repeating any of what has been said here, regardless of its import. To do so would be dishonorable.

[roseofmay]

I have called you a fool many times, though it was not as a person. Only that you believed in foolish ideals. It has occurred to me more than once that such is an important distinction to make. You are not a fool at all.

[Keeping her eye on him, she simply takes him in curiously.]

Optimistic, but not a fool.

[For some moments, she considers that he's wise enough to know not to provoke her fury. Normally, she'd threaten him. Remind him that if he spoke her secrets, of the things she kept so close to her, she'd simply cut him down. For whatever reason, this particular time, this particular moment, she decides not to.]

Now, it would seem that I must think of you as honourable as well.

[menancia]

[There is something about her tone that makes him question whether or not that is something he should be pleased to hear— Beatrix has a way of sounding put-upon in so many situations, especially those that include conceding that she might not entirely dislike the company of others.]

I believe that may well be a compliment.

[A faint smile flickers across his lips. From her, it's practically a glowing review.]

I will accept it gladly. I am heartened to know you think well of me— or have come dangerously close to doing so.

[roseofmay]

[Her initial breath is a scoff. A compliment. Although he's not necessarily wrong. She supposes, in some way, on some level, it was a compliment. She also supposes, at least to herself, that she actually has quite a few complimentary things to say about him.

How absolutely annoying.

She feels just a touch more irritated at the curve in his mouth.]

Must you say it like that? [Beatrix finally concedes with a sigh.] Take it as you will, but please try not to embarrass me. I am capable of saying things that are not... absolutely unkind. I simply decline from making a habit of it.

[menancia]

[It is terribly difficult not to let his smile bloom wider, to let smugness take hold of him for but a moment. Somehow, he manages, though only through great effort.]

I would never dream of such a thing.

[He manages to say so with a straight face, that curl to his lips vanishing as he wills it away.]

Regardless, that you are disinclined makes it all the more precious. I shall do my utmost to live up to that impression— though in the meantime, I am afraid the start of my scene within the ballroom draws near.

[He is glad, however, to not be parting ways poorly, as they might have just a few moments earlier.]

I THINK WE CAN WRAP VERY SOON HERE.

[roseofmay]

[No. Of course he wouldn't. She gets the feeling that this won't be the first time he does something like that. Pushing against him seems to only make it come up more. He's stubborn, in his own way. Maybe... a part of her appreciates that.

She has a thought to scold him just once more and as he continues, it dies then and there. Ah. It's that time. A show cannot exist without its actors. She glances back to where they both came from and then as it lingers upon him, she nods.]

Yes. Of course.

[Her hand finds her hip and she continues. She's not going to thank him for the dance. She's not going to bring up the fact that she almost hit him. That he stopped her and it's a good thing he did, honestly.]

I will be in attendance. I hope your acting skills are as good as your combative ones. I am rather fond of theatre.

YOU GOT IT

[menancia]

[It is best, perhaps, that they leave the moment precisely as it is as they part ways, rather than risking another misstep— on his part in particular, he thinks. A knowing smile pulls wider once again as she mentions her enjoyment of the theatre, and he bows his head as he raises a hand to lay over his heart, taking half a step back.]

I shall aim not to disappoint, then. Rest assured, I am taking my role in this story quite seriously— I, too, have a great love of the theatre, and I intend to do it justice.

[He intends to put his all into this performance, gods help whoever his partner turns out to be.]

Until we meet again, then. Do enjoy the rest of the evening, Beatrix.

[With that, he'll take his leave, offering only a parting smile before he turns and steadily makes his way back towards the ballroom to take his place.]