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!]

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[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?]

[At least her desire to cook was not out of necessity or pressure. That was a relief to him. But as she spoke on he couldn't help but frown a little at how she felt. There was another dish out and their numbers of customers were decreasing at least.]

You need not be imposing to still be a force of nature, you know. You're better staying true to yourself.

[Whoops! Soups were done. He'll dish a few of those out.]

I think... It's important to remember that both sides of you are important. They may two different concepts entirely, but they perfectly balance you out.

You're perfect the way you are, flaws and all.

[She shook her head.]

But it's too much, G'raha Tia. I lose my temper, I fight...! Some days I wonder if I simply belong on the Steppe.

[Upon placing the pies gently, as if they were made of glass, up high to cool... She sighed, and brought the heel of a hand to an eye to mop up the fresh tears. Her voice was near to breaking from all the stress. And now she was oversharing. Perfect. Great work, Madhuri. Sodding idiot.]

I hate being on the fence like this. I feel like a coward. I don't... I don't know what to do any more. There's a hole inside me, I know, but what used to be there is so dangerous, it's so much trouble...

I just... I just want to be happy. With myself, for once. But I've made a massive mistake now, and... and...

I haven't grown stronger at all, have I? Everything's broken! I broke it! I deserve this!

[It didn't take him long to move in to pull her into a hug. Caressing her head gently, he pet her as his fingers ran through her hair.]

I cannot say if you belong on the Steppe or not, but I can say this much. You will always have a place to belong with me.

Everyone makes mistakes and even though this is a bigger oopsy, there will always be a solution for those who seek it. To err is a common occurrence. Nothing is impossible.

You don't deserve to be mistreated or harassed. I won't allow it.

[In the first moment, she stiffened in his touch, like a stranger who had never received anything like this before. But rather than pull away and insist she wasn't worth any of it, he was... he was offering, wasn't he?

She softened and only hardly bunched some of his shirt in her fingers, her face buried against his shoulder. The way he spoke was so familiar, but she couldn't quite reach out and grab hold of precisely why. It was familiar, it was warm... it was home.

With no fight left in her, she wept. Slowly, her arms found their way around him. This was okay, right? This... was something she could have, even after all the mistakes she'd made?

The statues lining the walls shuddered. With a gentle creak, the scales- so tipped though they were- slowly centered and came to a pause, the dishes gently bobbing up and down. Something glittered in one of those dishes.]

I don't know... how you put up with it all. I don't think I'll ever stop thinking you're too important to get wrapped up with the likes of me sometimes.

[Her colors were muted, but they were very, very subtly there.]

I thought that, if I did something like this, I'd be more like ... more like someone worth all that effort. To everyone, and... and you, as well.

[It was definitely okay. Let it out, Maddie. He had noticed some movement, but that was something that he could look into in a bit. Comforting her was much more important to him.]

I put up with it because you are the color in my life. You make every day exciting and fresh for me. I could not imagine falling in love with anybody but you.

You are my world.

You don't have do anything to prove that. You're already worth all of my time.

[It was funny... hearing things like this, and not for the first time, always had a way of having her feel like she could start believing it. She knew she had her good days as well as her bad days, and this had to be one of her absolute worst.

She'd torn herself in half. She remembered now.

Maybe it was finally time to start making a real effort to be the person worth all of those words. She'd told Alisaie she couldn't reach out for help. Wouldn't dare.

Madhuri was quiet a while. She needed to feel him, feel those colors return to her as she felt... warmer. Like someone in place.]

...I love you. I'm... nearly sick realizing that splitting like I had made me forget you. In this part, anyway.

This needs fixing. H-how do I smush myself back together...? I don't think any reality should deal with two of me.

[For better or worse, right? He may have been upset that she had actually tried something like this, but above all else, her safety and well-being were his number one concerns. How one person could fill his life like this was astonishing. When did his desire to make her happy dictate all of his thoughts? It was hard to say when it happened exactly, but he wouldn't take a single moment back.]

How could you have forgotten me? I'm hurt.

[Was that a joke in this trying time? It sure was. But hearing her say that for herself made him feel relieved. He pulled away, only to reach for her hand with a soft smile.]

Come with me. I think there's someone you should meet. But first, there is something that I need to investigate.

[Now time to check out that movement he noticed earlier along the wall. Moving to check them out, he not once let go of her hand as he led her with him. She was just stuck with him now.]

Apology tea later it is.

[Silly cat. It's no wonder she loves him so. Her hold was firm amid his fingers as he went to check the wall, where a glimmering crystal lay neatly in one of the scales' dishes. The other scales in the room had balanced themselves, yet all others seemed empty.

The crystal was warm to the touch. Centering.]

Oh... what is that?

[He reached for the item that appeared. A crystal? It did have a warm feeling to it and he had to wonder why it was here or how it showed up. Well, considering how dreamotion was important here, it wouldn't be a surprise if it was formed from Madhuri's emotions. Showing her the crystal in questioning...]

Does this mean anything to you? I wonder if it has something to do with merging together once more.

[She looked long and hard at the fragment, fighting to recall anything that could help. All she knew was that she felt... drawn to it. Her hand even twitched to touch it, but she withdrew in time.]

I feel... a comfort from it. A song, too. That song that started all of this.

[She furrowed a brow. Nothing seemed to be playing at the moment, but she still bobbed her head a little.]

But I imagine it's like home again, and nobody can hear this one but me. Perhaps the other me can hear it, too.

It's been so long that I forgot how lonely it was, this Echo...

[The song that started all of this... That definitely sounded important. Her Echo was certainly special. He, unfortunately, could not understand what it was like to be able to hear a song so vividly as she could. All he could do for her now was to ensure that she'd never have to feel lonely ever again. Her gave her hand a gentle squeeze before pressing a kiss to her forehead.]

Come.

[There were a number of things that he could say, but he was certain that she already knew how he felt. So instead, he began to lead her back to her other self.]

[She squeezed back. Her gaze was briefly distant, lost in momentary sorrow over old memories. She hated the silence she could hear now, knowing it was all in her head again. It hadn't helped that all aromas of cooking had stopped as well, the illusion properly stopped.

But the violet in her eyes clarified with the touch to her forehead. One word, and she nodded and joined him on their short journey.

Even now, that other half of her stood in the halls where she had been waiting, leaning against a wall with arms folded. A quick glance was all that she offered before she quietly scoffed.]

...Of fucking course you look like a barmaid.

It kept us safe, you know. Being called a 'savage' for so long forces your hand to look and act less like one. Unlike you.

[The khatun laughed, gleeful yet sharp.]

We're a savage no matter how many pretty dresses we wear! If you'd stop denying me, you understand how to wear such a title with pride.

...You scare people.

Let them fear me. I only act against the deserving. Besides... I don't scare him.

[The khatun smirked and gestured to the miqo'te.]

Did Curious Gorge teach you nothing? I'm part of you no matter what, so you need to put on your big girl panties and let people fear you, maybe even hate you for being yourself. Because, hey, FUCK THEM. The people that matter will be by our side. ...And maybe you'll throw wide the gates and test sweet Raha's fortitude, too. We've been so gentle so far...

AHEM. Hey, let's... let's tug the reins on that for a second. There's something we need to do, preferably without sending the man running and screaming.

[The khatun rolled her eyes but pushed away from the wall, rubbing her hands together as she offered no response. The other, however, took up the crystal and looked it over.]

...Right. So... the crystal. We know crystals. Home's full of them. What should we do with it to... condense... smush... stitch...? Souls together...?

[G'raha was going to let them hash things out, but he was ready to intervene if need be. The mention of gates definitely caught him off guard, though it shouldn't have. He let out an awkward cough, covering his mouth with his hand. He wasn't about to go running off, but there was a time and place for that and this was not it. Instead, he considered possible ways to use the crystal.]

Perhaps it requires the both of you to interact with it?

"Interact"?

Aye. Focus and maybe... both hold it or something. Here.

Alright.

[Crystals! They know crystals. The two grasped each end of the crystal and, for a moment, were perplexed. When nothing seemed to happen, it was a matter of acting as everyone did back home: Channel aether into it. The crystal grew hot and burst into dust, coalescing into a thread that connected their hands in a golden chain.

The khatun grasped the chain, rolled her eyes, and gave it a firm yank. The other stumbled into her, where there was a brief burst of energy and a shift. Madhuri- whole once more- sank to her knees, face clammy.]

Urgh... mm, Twelve's power, not one of my finest ideas...

[He immediately reacted to check to see if she was okay. Helping her up, he didn't let go of her just in case she needed the support yet.]

Well, consider it a lesson learned. Are you okay?

[She definitely needed the steadying; upon rising to her feet she felt something akin to lead, her head mildly swimming. The world around them briefly wavered in kind. Then again, she was the host of this particular dreamscape...]

I suppose I am, once I finish... mixing back together. Was- was this what it was like when you...?

[She wouldn't wish this on anyone else. G'raha seemed alright, so perhaps this will pass. But...]

[Helping her to a place to sit, he took it slow. When he came to after his own experience, it was a little bit of a doozy, but couldn't have been worse than her situation. Not when she was the cause of this dreamscape.]

Something like this, yes. My symptoms were not as severe.

[Maybe the strain he'd put his body through throughout time already had helped him adapt faster?]

When you're feeling better, we should get you out of here. You need to rest.

[This felt dreadful. But she acquiesced, held steady.]

Perhaps when I wake, this dreamscape will follow. At least, I can only hope so. I can still feel so many others in here. I...

[She brought a hand to her head.]

...Owe so many apology pies...

[A sigh.]

I can't let this place stay any longer, even if I feel unwell. I'm going to wake myself. Are you ready?

It's time to wake up. I'll be right next to you when you do.

[Hopefully the others would be fine.]

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songbird_slayer - 2022-11-24 22:07 (UTC) - Expand

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