songerein | Player Event: "Imbalance" [OPEN]

Entry tags:

Player Event: "Imbalance" [OPEN]

Who: Everyone! Even the newcomers! What a time to jump in, huh?
Which: OPEN Dreamscape
What: On the night of the 10th a strange dreamscape appears, dividing some dreamers into two, each bearing just half of themselves... how will they pull themselves together?
Warnings: Probably a lot. I trust you fine people to please mark your content appropriately should your threads make mention of anything triggering. I'm watching you.

Quiet nights never seem to stay quiet. It began with the slightest flicker within the crystal lanterns, a ripple, perhaps the sound of coins clinking together.

Then, with a distant scream, there was a torrent of blue and orange flame. It's hot but it doesn't burn, swirling and dancing with the frenzy of a desperate dancer. It blinds to familiar surroundings, twin colors that seemingly never end...

Until one's feet touches sand-dusted stone and marble. The air is hot and arid, ripe with burning kindling in myriad torches that line walkways. The flames rhythmically sway, catching the glimmer of golden archways and decor that embed the city... palace...? That lay before you.

Something is wrong. Really wrong. Something in you feels... different. Blank. But before you can comprehend it much further, something is running down the pathway in the distance to enter the palace like the devil was on its heels. That something looks just like you...

You pursue this weird other you... or, you don't. Perhaps you were drawn to the palace's splendor and decided to explore, maybe find some sweet treasure while you're here. Whatever the case, nothing about this place smells dusty or aged. It feels brand new... lined with statues and tapestries of what appeared to be great warriors, all humanoid and bearing twisted horns atop their heads and long, craggy tails covered in scales. But some of them have been altered in some way... some are missing their heads, and one or two "lucky" ones have simply had large claw marks ripped across their face. What would put claw marks in stone was anyone's guess.

Those who tire of the architecture may find some doors are unlocked. Yes, such a lavish place seems all too eager to lay itself bare for you, perhaps bearing a sparkly trinket or two to your liking. (Note: Unfortunately, any treasures obtained in the palace will only come back with you in the form of candies shaped as said jewels, crowns made of shortbread, tapestries spun from candy floss, etc. It's all food. Enjoy!)

Deeper and deeper you delve, either arms full of treasure or having bumped into friends who don't exactly act like your friends normally would, you find more motifs of the warriors, more intact the further you head through this weird city-palace. Near the center are statues depicting two... figures... each holding a pair of scales.

Yet no matter how much you wait and watch them, the scales continue to sway from one side to the other. There's nothing on their respective plates, however... what could be throwing them off?

If you place anything on the plates and mend the swaying scales, you are given a single shard of a strange crystal rife with dreamotion energy with a sense of wholeness and connection. It shifts colors as you turn it this way and that in your hand. Maybe that'll help put some of these people back together if fighting or talking to them won't do it...

[ooc: Information and Plotting post is here for easy review. The shards are meant to simplify putting people back together if needed, but are the only thing that can be taken into the semi-waking world as a pretty bauble. Also, a reminder that this is optional. Enjoy!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She snickered and shook her head, for he'd said the silliest thing just then.]

"Okay"? I feel incredible...! Wild and pure, and forever free, as the saying goes!

[She drew back only to shed the cloak. Heavy godsdamned thing, she had no further need of it, not now.]

But it worked, Raha, it fucking worked! With this, I can spank that world-eating bastard!

[That just made him sigh even more. This was a headache. Of course... What other thing would she say?]

And for what purpose were you hoping to achieve such a dangerous thing? If you simply want revenge on a person, there are other ways to do it.

[Why did she not see the danger this possessed?]

There are two moons! Two! I can achieve anything, perhaps even save this little dream land and get us all home... don't you see!?

With Nald'thal's influence, I will be greater than the Eater, and Etheirys will not become a snack!

[She tutted.]

Or what did you mean, the statues? Of that pitiful Little Sun? That's for funsies. They seemed to pop up here anyway for some... reas-

[She waved a hand dismissively.]

Either way, I'm glad you found THIS me and not that fucking bore in the hideous dress.

Nald'thal's influence is far too dangerous to try to control. Why can't you see that? This is why I was against this in the first place. What if something worse happens?

[Was she listening to him at all? ]

We need to fix this somehow.

Well, Nald'thal can split and put himself back together, apparently. I haven't worked that last part out yet...

[She giggled.]

Aww, is kitty sore that I misbehaved...? I don't know if we've reached a level to spanking, but I can make exceptions.

[It was at that moment that he let out an exhausted sigh as he looked off to the side, trying to think about what to do. The way that she was talking may not have normally ruffled his feathers, but right now, he couldn't find any humor in what she was saying. Maybe it was worse that instead of saying anything right away, he just went silent, giving her a troubled expression as his brows creased?]

I see this is getting me nowhere... [Finally looking back in her direction.] ... So is this what is really important to you at the moment? If so then... [Stepping back from her touch] I refuse to enable it. I'm going to find a way to make things right. Whether or not you decide to help me is up to you.

[He didn't leave just yet. He was hoping she would come to her senses. He sure as hell wasn't giving up on helping her.]

Edited 2022-09-16 02:37 (UTC)

[That's the ticket, as far as the xaela was concerned. Make him squirm, bubble up that unprofessionalism she always liked to draw out of the Sharlayan shell... but he looked away and pulled back.

Dismissed her.

Eyebrows knit in confusion, she laughed again and raised her arms in a shrug.]

Beg pardon?! Enable what, exactly?

[She reached for him.]

Come now. I'm better now than I was before! Don't be upset, hairaa...

[Taking another step back from her reach, he shook his head.]

Mayhap you'll come to your senses when I find a cure? I do not deny this is a side of you, but it's not right. Until you are as you were before this reckless idea, I refuse to return the favor. Maybe then you'll understand why I am upset with you?

[With that, he will start walking away. He won't stop her from following, though.]

[Was he- was he actually leaving- with depth of shame literally torn away from her, all that was left in the hollow in her heart was anger. She bared her teeth and shouted after him:]

I will NOT be insulted by another man!

[The statues shuddered, and with the grind of distant gears echoing through the halls, so many scales had begun to tip further into disarray.

Paying no heed to them, she stormed after him.]

I will also not shrink back and wring my hands because you are upset with me!

[She called her warhammer into being and pushed past him. With one great swing, she bashed a sizely hole through a neighboring palace wall. It seemed to crumble like wafers.]

Screw the doors. The only way around is through. You wanna be pissed off about something? Get pissed at what I had torn off, down this way. Then you'll change your tune.

[He paused hearing her shout out to him. It was something he hoped he'd never have to hear from her. Not what she was saying so much as the fact that it was happening. They say couples fight at least once in a while, but this was not a normal situation. He pushed back his bangs, combing his hand through his hair to rest on his forehead for a moment before letting it drop to his side.]

When did I insult you? I wish you would understand how I feel about all of this. Trying to channel one of the Twelve is an extremely dangerous move. One that I fear will have irreversible consequences. I didn't ask you to let it go because I did not want you to seek out answers. I did it because I'm afraid of what it will do to you. I can't bare to see you hurt in any way.

Have I ever mistreated you before? Have I ever intentionally made you sad? If I have, gods forfend... tell me. You are the most important person in my life right now. I will do anything to see that you're safe and well.

[Her expression soured further, but she said nothing. Splitting hurt immensely for her- thus the odd scream before the dreamscape welled into being- but she turned out fine, didn't she?

She continued to bash down walls. Really, the things she does for him...!]

To your credit, you have treated me with respect. ...Until I have not been "right".

This is me, G'raha Tia, had I never left the Steppe. And unfortunately, so is... that.

[She paused and pointed up. An odd, tinny radio music was playing through the halls, and the decor had begun to go from vibrant color to grayscale.]

That side avoids me, as it should. It fought so hard to bottle me with pretty little meals and dresses.

[Yet another sigh, though more sad than frustrated. He paused for a moment... He had said he wouldn't entertain whatever it was she wanted if she wasn't going to try, but here he was approaching her cautiously to gently set his hands on her shoulders (if she'll let him).]

You don't have to hide this side of you... Not with me. I love you for every side of you. Whether it be who you are right now or your shade. I don't care if you have faults or insecurities. I don't care because I accept them all as who you are and you're damn well worth the effort.

I'm far from perfect. Twelve forfend, I'm nothing amazing. I'll never be anything more than average, but that's okay. At the end of the day, you accept me for who I am -- for better or worse -- just as I do you. I'm the luckiest man on the star to have someone who cares for me the way you do.

The only thing I want is for you to be okay. I'm scared that you'll get hurt somehow and I won't be able to save you. I'm scared to lose you in any way.

[It was like a light had switched back on in her. He touched her, and a warmth spread through her. But rather than lunge in, she had... a whole lot to unpack.

How could he love... all the sides? That embarrassing clown dressed in a manner that would embarrass her people as she coded herself like a proper girl who lived and breathed in the western cultures despite being so confused by some of the verbage, the mannerisms?

It was this side, she thought. But she considered his words, and how Curious Gorge- in his bottomless rage- still fell in love and was loved by another despite their inner struggles. There was love to be had for someone who battled an inner beast. But she was all OVER the place...

She straightened up and lifted her nose.]

...You give yourself far too little credit, my love. You are a marvel above marvels, and my life has more adventure and sheer color with you in it.

Do you see the gray in this place? This lack of color, this lack of passion... this was what I was before I met you. An average man does not catch the eye of a warrior of the Steppe.

[It seemed to be truer than spoken as well: Beneath G'raha's feet, none of the gray of these halls seemed to reach, while this half of Madhuri tread as a full-colored figure in this world of black and white.]

Besides... I'd already decided on a little something some time ago, and that simply means you're stuck with me.

['This is what I was before I met you'... Surely his presence couldn't have possibly caused that much of an impact on her. It made him reflect on past events and how he had felt over time.

'My role in this tale will scarcely be remembered.' Was that the case, or was it really he just didn't think him worthy of recognition? He spent forever assuming he'd simply examine love from an outsider's point of view. It was something he would likely never experience himself. And yet now he stood before someone he thought he'd be lost without. The others could tease him all they wanted, but he loved Madhuri with all his heart. Maybe he did make that much of an impact on her, thinking about how she impacted his?]

A little something?

[That could have been said whimsically or seriously, knowing her. He paused for a moment to consider what to do. So much for not encouraging her touch. He moved a hand to caress her cheek softly.]

Please... Say you'll at least try to fix this with me. I don't think either side is worse than the other. It doesn't matter to me because I love you more than I could ever truly express, even with all your flaws. I just want you to be okay.

[She was paused by the touch. It was so earnest, she reached up to clutch her own chest, as if her heart threatened to spring out of her ribcage.

That "little something" was ironclad, for sure.]

Damn it, when you put it that way, it would be cruel to refuse...!

I'll... endure that half just once more. But I did warn you!

[She whirled a finger against a horn.]

She's a little touched in the head.

[As if on cue, the halls were filled with a piteous wail:]

It BURNED! It burned again!! What is wrong with you, Qalli!?

[Something was shattering upon impact with a wall.]

Again! Let's- let's start another one. I'll do it as many times as I must...

[Thank goodness she would try, at the very least. He didn't have much time to think much more on the subject as he overheard the voices. Looking at the direction it came from for a moment, he turned back to her as he gave her a concerned glance.]

I'll be right back. Promise.

[If he could somehow get through to her, he had to try. And more importantly, he had to clarify that nothing was wrong with her. With one last caress of her cheek, he hurried towards the sound.]

[Though the khatun leaned into the touch in a momentary tenderness, her gaze smoldered. He was cruel not to touch her anywhere else...! But, there would always be time to eat later.]

...You'd best, Exarch.

[That sunny music with that lo-fi crackle was louder from one of the doors at the end of that hall. The smell would come soon after, of char and of clashing aromas, like patchouli trying to battle alongside rose...

The scene was of what once was a perfect and shiny kitchen strewn with broken dishware and splattered foodstuffs lying forgotten on the floor. Whipping the absolute daylights out of something in a bowl, Madhuri matched the black and white atmosphere, clad in her little sundress and apron. She turned and dumped the contents of the bowl into an awaiting line of pans filled with a dough. Pies...?

The music mingled with the murmur and grumbling of folk in the distance and constant complaint: "Why is this so dry?" "Who is trying to poison me?! Do you call this coffee? I'll wring that cook's neck!"

Her shoulders shook, but she kept pouring.]

Everything will be ready soon, just you wait! Thanks for your patience! We're a little short-staffed...!

[His first question was, 'what in the fresh hell happened here?' But as he over heard the others talk, it made him realize something. He had never thought to ask why she liked to cook or how she started, but now he had his questions. He had assumed that she did it simply because she enjoyed it.

Did she start cooking in order to please others? To fit in? Or was it pressure from where she hailed from? He couldn't help but feel like maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to accept it is it was if it had come from much more insidious reason all together.

He had so many questions for her, but those could wait. For now, he stepped closer to her.]

Do you need any help? I'm not the best cook, but tell me what to do and I'll do it.

[Maybe that would help alleviate some of the stress?]

[Okay pour here, pour this here, scrape and get the last of it right-]

Huh? Who's-

[She turned, and her eyes grew wide as saucers. He hadn't finished asking before she gasped and all but climbed onto the counter and into the half-prepped pie shells. She was halfway up, anyway.]

S-SER-! S-S-S...

[Her face bright red, she bowed over and over.]

S-Ser G'raha Tia, I am SO SORRY for the delay! Everyone called out today, I'm working as fast as I possibly can-

[EXCUSES AGAIN! No. No. Make this right. She stood upright and kept her eyes shut, hands up to placate. She was on the brink of hyperventilation, her breaths high and short.]

It's- I'm not... m-making excuses...!

[She began to fan herself.]

[That was... not what he was expecting, and it showed clearly on his face. Jumping slightly at the sudden clammering, he raised his hands up as if to say, 'wait, hold on.' He wanted to jump in before she continued to freak out, but he found himself at a loss for words for a moment.]

It's okay. Everything is fine.

[Said in a particular tone that suggested he was not angry. She could calm down, maybe...]

I am in no hurry, though you seem to be in quite a pinch. As I said before, if you need more hands, I would be more than happy to assist you in any way that I can.

[He contemplated letting her sink that in, but part of him wondered if it was better to just show it instead. So he approached one of the patrons who seemed to be waiting for a bit to ask them what they ordered. Once he got his answer, he set out to find what ingredients were needed. It was simple enough that he could make it, at the very least.]

[Nothing was fine! She was falling behind and now she was getting help from someone who had no business being here doing grunt work!

But before she could protest, he leaped to action and she began to wring her hands.

"Finally, someone who can actually do their damned job!"

"Eh, her face is cute, at least. Maybe she ain't cut out for cooking, but I can think of some other jobs for her..."

She took a breath and turned to slowly finish the pies.

"Hey, you! My flagon's empty! How's a guy supposed to drink around here?!"

Just crimping the edges...]

They stop talking eventually... if you ignore them...

[He's okay doing grunt work for her. He wouldn't have offered his assistance if he didn't want to do it. He was working on one of the first orders when he overheard the comments. His progress significantly slowed as he tried to calm down his rising anger.

'They stop talking eventually... if you ignore them...'

That comment made him stop entirely setting down what he was doing at the moment. It wasn't okay and it made him angry to hear she would just accept this. She didn't deserve to be belittled like this. No one did.

Turning to face the vocal audience.]

I'm sure you've heard about the policy about how we have the right to turn down unruly customers, yes? You can see yourselves out the door now.

For anyone else who does not have something negative to say, we sincerely apologize for the wait and will be working extra hard to get your meal out in a timely manner. Thank you for your understanding.

[He...may have channeled the Exarch there. At the very least, even in his anger, his voice was calm and steady. Turning back he went to resume his work.]

[She was sliding pies into the oven, but froze. She'd stopped dead when, of all voices to rise to her aid, it was his.

She looked up to the Scions, surely... it's why she signed up in the first place. But surely he had better, more important things to do than help with a lunch rush. Clients, shadowy figures grumbled and some even got up to leave, dissipating into nothing before they reached the door.

Before she could stop herself, her face had gone completely red just watching him, an odd rush of color to her otherwise black-and-white face. Realizing herself, she quickly fanned her face with oven mitt-covered hands and resumed her tasks.]

I'm sorry... I don't know why they're particularly cruel today. I'm- everything I make usually turns out well enough. I worked at the Bismarck, you know. But everything's such a mess today... it's like my spark's just gone bye-bye birdie...

[Talking too much. Staring a little again. Gods. What was the matter with her? Fanning herself again, she went for the empty glasses and moved for the taps.]

...I'll fetch those drinks, gentlemen, just give me two shakes of a lamb's tail!

[Though momentarily placated, the crowds were murmuring their displeasure. But Madhuri plastered on another smile and got right to it.]

The- the soups could use a stirring when you have a minute and a pour into the bowls, dear- err... I mean... dear HERO of our age! If these pies don't burn and I finish slicing and plating the sandwiches, that should just about cover the rest of the guests.

[Of course be would stand up for her. He refused to let her feel like this harassment was fine to put up with. And that was one dish done. Now to add the finishing touches and hand it over to the customer before working on the next.]

Everyone has off days. For what it's worth, all of the food you've made me has been exceptional.

[Although anything she made him would be good to him. He doesn't have high food standards, sadly.

He responded with an okay as he went to stir the soups as instructed. Though did have to chuckle lightly to the hiccups. Not that it bothered him. It at least lightened the mood slightly.]

I'm hardly worth such a grand title. You flatter me.

I flatter no one. The tales of the Scions have been sung far and wide, even across the Steppe! I couldn't help but throw my... well, what I thought was my expertise to the lot, but...

[She slid out two more plates. Just a few more to go.]

Some days I feel like, if I were more like the two-yalm-tall men of my kind I'd be taken more seriously. At least, that's how it seems in the West. Must be big, must be imposing...! But I've always had a soul-deep love of cooking, even when I was little.

...So I decided to quiet the naysayers by stuffing their faces and knocking them out of their seats. Well. Also, I'd figure out white magic and some other little fancy flashy things so I don't just get stuck in a kitchen all day.

It's a balance, I suppose... being of use to a culture that isn't my own but also not neglecting my... my, er...

Well, my Beast. But I don't hear her much... these days...

[She paused, but was then startled from her reverie with a cheery ding! She hustled to the oven to pull out the pies. The full-colored pies.

Weird.

That's... that's weird. What was happening?]

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