songerein | { dream faire: part 2

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{ dream faire: part 2 - dragons }

DREAM FAIRE: PART 2 - DRAGONS

Early morning on the fourth day of the five day Dream Faire, something strange is spotted in the distant skies. At first most just think it's a large cloud or large beast flying in the distance, but as the vendors begin setting up for the day, the strange shadow has grown larger and closer. At this point there are reports from the Observatory that one of the large floating mountains usually spotted around the Outer Edge has flown towards the town at incredible speed. At first everyone is excited, thinking perhaps the mysterious residents there have come to join the fun.

Unfortunately, they would only be half right.

At around noon it's all thrown into chaos when the mountain appears directly overhead and thunderous roars rip through the skies as an army of dragons fly off from the mountain and descend down into the town. Though large, those familiar with dragons will notice that they are smaller and sleeker in stature, closer to the size of large wyverns. Without warning they start tearing apart the glittering jewels and gold that decorate the city—but others ignore the treasure to search frantically instead, overturning every wagon, crate, and smashing through doors and windows.

As chaos erupts throughout town, some fae and others who can understand the dragons make a startling revelation. The dragons are not here to just mindlessly destroy the town—they are there to take back their treasure and find their missing clutch of dragon eggs.

This is the second part of our double anniversary event! ICly, this log covers the fourth day of the Faire with the festival portion contained in its own log here. Part one is still active, so don't feel as if you cannot participate in the other log! For general information and to ask any questions, refer to the Dream Notes.

I. DRAGONS

As the word spreads, efforts to fight and repel the dragons lessen and attempts to help take their place. However, with lack of proper communication and the word of the truth spreading slowly, misunderstandings will crop up. Costume effects are still active, so some may find what they're wearing useful in handling the different problems around town.

A. Treasure Salvage. One of the main purposes the dragons are invading the town is to rip up the various gold, jewels, and other priceless relics and artifacts that had been used to decorate the town. Given their enraged state of mind, they're not being very "delicate" about it, but at the very least they haven't started to completely raze the town—yet. Many people will take up arms to try and defend their homes, but those who have heard what's going on can try to help convince people and remove the treasure to return to the dragons. Of course, there are others who are taking advantage of the chaos to try and steal some of that treasure for themselves. If they get caught, however, it won't bode well…

B. Dragon Minions. As a result of all the hostile emotions and desires for revenge, the dragons' magic seeps out via dreamotion and it's so strong that it's capable of influencing those around them. Those who are unable to withstand the overbearing weight of the dragons' rage will become corrupted and side with the dragons. There are no physical changes, just the mindset has changed to follow the orders of the dragons. Since it's not a deliberate spell, one only needs to knock out the "corrupted" individual to break them from the dragon's influence. However, they should be taken away as they will remain susceptible for some time and could be "corrupted" again.

C. Dragon Fights. It's inevitable that there would be those fighting against the dragons, and with many from different worlds and backgrounds with them, seasoned fighters are the first to grab their weapons to fight them off. Given the destructive nature of the dragons, self defense is needed as they get overzealous, especially when the various elemental flames go off. But attempts should still be made to try and calm and work with the dragons instead—and convincing the dragon fighters might be just as hard.

D. Dragon Eggs. What was once thought as ornament eggs, dragon eggs can be spotted rolling around through the streets and other random places such as trees, rooftops, wagons. While some are intact, others are starting to hatch with their little wings and legs poking out and helping their movement. And then there are the ones who have hatched completely. They are small and adorable, but they are a handful. They have very little control over their dreamotion and their powers, which specialize in one of the following elements: fire, ice, lightning, wind, earth, water. The hatchlings are trying to find some tasty jewels to eat, but they are also afraid of what's going on. Returning them to an older dragon will alleviate a lot of the stress from both young and old dragons, and giving a few small jewels or other treasures to the hatchling will help calm them down.

D. Catch Those Leprechauns! Some may recall that it was the leprechauns who not only endorsed and provided much of the treasure, but had asked for assistance in collecting treasure in a strange dreamscape (see Prompt Section III). It soon gets out that they are the ones who stole from the dragons and the dragons are quite keen to exact proper justice on them. Help chase and find these hiding thieves to bring them to the dragons, which will help appease them. Just beware, those leprechauns have magic of their own, such as hiding, deception magic, and conjuring illusions, and will also try to frame anyone as the culprits. They will also try to bribe others to help them, their ability to deceive and charm others is quite effective.

II. DRAGONNAPPED

While the dragons are focused on retrieving their treasure and missing dragon eggs, some dragons can't help old habits—kidnapping royalty. Whether it's a prince or princess, a few will take anyone who happens to catch their personal interest. It could be because of personality, appearance, or even scent. Once they find their special prize, the dragon will fly them away to their lair, which could be a cave high in the mountains or an old castle tower. Now there's a rescue mission on top of defending the town.

A. Escape Attempts. Not everyone wants to stay a damsel in distress. Although the dragons will leave them in their lairs, no one is bound and is free to move around.

Mirror Mirror. There are a lot of magic mirrors that connect between the various lairs and castles, allowing everyone to communicate through them freely. They might even happen to see fellow captives through the mirror's glass. Tall, wall length mirrors act as doorways, allowing individuals to travel from one area to the other. The catch is once it's used, it can't be used again. But it's better to work together than try and figure out a way alone, especially with everything like a huge maze.
Enemies Everywhere. Beware of other creatures that lurk nearby, from fire salamanders to various imps and large bats. Castles will have stone gargoyles that will come to life while the caves will have stone golems instead. They can all be defeated, but some may find themselves lacking suitable weapons. Fortunately, there is an abundance of magical artifacts and weapons at their disposal. While a bejeweled golden sword may be more decorative and actually useless, it's better than nothing! The creatures can also be distracted by throwing treasure their way. Bonus appearance: those corrupted by the dragons could appear here to guard.
Flying Steeds. The real question is, once they get out of the cave or castle, how do they get down and off the flying mountain? There are a few giant eagles and pegasus around, but taming or coaxing them won't be easy. It's not that they are wild in nature—in fact they are quite intelligent and will understand whatever is being said. They just don't want to get mixed up in whatever trouble is going on—these are dragons after all. Only those with the bravest of hearts will be able to approach…but feeding them their favorite foods could also work. Catch some rabbits or gather some golden apples and maybe they'll help out.

B. Brave Knights. For those determined to save the dragonnapped victims, help has arrived just in time! Appearing seemingly out of nowhere, several hot air balloons that look similar to the ones from Oz descend from the skies, a few flying monkeys waving in greeting. In addition, giant owls wearing gondolas fly in, ready to carry anyone who needs a lift. Giant Butterflies have also been enlisted, so there's no shortage of transportation up to the dragons' flying mountain. But it won't be easy. No matter which method they use, the winds around the floating mountain are strong and stormy, making it difficult to navigate through the skies. Having a partner to help use dreamotion to create more stable winds will help. Once there, the now dubbed "knights" have the following options in trying to save the dragonnapped.

Operation Stealth. Sneak in through a hidden entranceway. Those who are inside the lair or castle can help guide them through, especially if they toss down a mirror to help communicate. Unfortunately they can't cheat and use one of the mirrors from the outside, but once inside they can try to use the mirrors to make it out.
Persuasion. Should they encounter the dragon, it won't be happy. However, it might be possible to persuade the dragon that they're all on the same side and that everything was a mistake. Surely it would be better to have a dragon as an ally than an enemy?
Bribery. Maybe just talking isn't enough. If the knight happened to bring any treasure, dragon eggs, or a hatchling with them, this would be a great time to offer it up and score some big points.
Boss Fight. When all else fails and the dragon is determined to keep their prize, the only way out is to fight. However, although the dragon has the home field advantage, it's also its greatest weakness. Use of the treasure and artifacts will inflict more damage, and threatening to break anything has a strong chance to weaken the dragon until they give up. Bonus appearance: those corrupted by the dragons could appear here instead or to assist the dragon.

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Dragon Eggs

[ As a Mom, and especially one who had eggs, Della can see where the dragons are coming from. So while she's ready to fight if need be, she'd like to try and unite kids with parents if possible. But of course, nothing's ever that easy, especially when you've got rampant magical creatures running this way and that. Much as she'd like to just sing a lullaby and hold hands, that's not gunna cut it, especially when time is of the essence. ]

We've got to round up as many of these little guys as fast as possible! Grab whatever shiny jewels you can find, even if it looks fake!

[ She finds an upturned barrel that was once full of mead, and grabbing it by the top, she begins running around to try and toss in whatever baby dragons she can find! ]

Move, move, move! Come on, people, this is mythology 1010 - YOU DO NOT MESS WITH MONSTER MAMAS!

Persuasion

[ Della knows this is a risky move, but she has to take this chance. It worked on the moon, why not here? She's hiding behind a well-place boulder, and looks at the person who just so happens to be with her now. ]

Listen, this might sound nuts, but I wanna try talking to it. I'm a mom, I know what they're going through. If anyone stole my kids, I'd be very into super murder right then and there. So... do me a favor, and just... watch my back, okay?

Boss fight

[ But some dragons aren't in the mood to listen, and Della is ready to go! She backs up, ready to run and put a plan into action. Whoever is with her has only this to go on - ]

Time to put my Uncle's eccentricities to good use! I'll distract the dragon and try to find a good weapon at the same time - take aim while I've got their attention!

[ How does she plan to distract and deflect? By running right for the dragon's horde of coins and treasures... and literally diving into it as if it was water! She "swims" around it all, popping her head up on occasion to blow raspberries or look for weaponry. ]

Sword, sword, can't have an epic dragon fight without a legendary sword...!

Wildcard
[ Make your own prompt! Plot with me at plurk (melcat33) or discord (melcat33#1997) ]

( Asriel is attempting to collect as many eggs as his small arms can carry, but he nearly drops them when he hears Della's voice. Turning towards the source of it, he can't help but gasp. )

Mrs. Della? Is that really you?

( He didn't think he'd run into anyone he knew here! She was a good friend back in Avalon... How could he not feel happiness seeing her here? He has so much to ask her. ... Though, now might not be a good time. )

Edited 2022-09-19 23:04 (UTC)

[ If the town wasn't being besieged by dragons, Della would immediately react to A) another person recognizing her and B) that other person not being human. But dragons were indeed besieging the town! As such, she didn't think they could spend time with a Q&A session. ]

I'll have to do autographs later, kid! Here, put the eggs in this, I'm collecting as many babies as I can!

( When she speaks, he quickly comes to the realization that she may not exactly remember him. His heart falls, but it's easy enough for him to recover -- especially when she asks him for help. )

O-Okay! ( He does as instructed -- carefully. He doesn't want to damage the eggs at all!! ) Gosh, how many do you think there might be?

Hope for a few, prepare for a lot!

[ She gets on one knee to help lean the barrel down and make it easier to load up the eggs. As she does so, she keeps looking around, hoping no immediate danger is near the small child! ]

I'm betting if I told you to run and hide, you'd do the whole "No, I wanna help, don't look down at me just because I'm a kid" spiel and neither of us have time for that whole argument. So, instead, what I'm gunna insist that until this whole kit and kaboodle is over, you do NOT go anywhere unless there's someone with you. Doesn't matter who or what, this is not a time to go solo!

[ Unlike her. Which is hypocritical, and she knows it, but she's a parent and that's allowed! ]

( It's strange to hear those words -- Asriel hasn't heard anything like that from someone older in a long time. He freezes up for a moment before shaking his head, moving to gather more eggs. )

I'll be okay! I can handle myself -- a-and we have to focus on gathering the eggs right now, don't we?

Like I said, no time for arguing - so that means right now, your partner is me.

[ As she leans the barrel down to scoop more eggs in, she hears a loud ROAR in the sky, and looks up, swallowing. ]

... Let's keep moving. But if we do have to fight, you aim for the squishy bits - eyes, mouth, not the body! Those scales, it's like armor, anything we do there won't work.

I--

( He hesitates for a moment, looking towards the sky almost nervously. )

I don't have my magic here. But -- I can protect the eggs if the dragon gets closer!

Actually... the eggs may be the one thing that doesn't need protection from the dragons.

[ To wit, Della tips the barrel, pointing at one of the fresh hatchlings. ]

Because these are the dragon's babies.

You're right -- but, she sounds really angry.

And... people can do things that they don't mean to when they're mad.

( Just saying. )

I can keep hold of them while we keep trying to find more of them.

[ She pauses, and then has to nod, admitting he's got a point. ]

True... if someone stole my kids, I would probably weave a path of destruction and horror in my wake as well.

[ ... well, anyway! ]

Let's get hunting and get as many as we can!

... ( He can't help but stop then for a moment. ) I... I think my Mom would have been the same way. She could get pretty scary when she was mad.

( He can't help but smile at her next words, pumping his fist. )

Okay! Let's get her babies back to her!

Let's move, move, move!

[ Della lifts the barrel back up into her arms and begins running, expecting the boy to keep up with her. ]

Eyes open, ears open, report anything weird you see or hear! ... Granted, weird is pretty normal here!

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letmewin - 2022-10-18 21:07 (UTC) - Expand

[The stonefaced man who she addresses eyes her with scrutiny, his brow deeply furrowed as usual. Van Zieks is dressed in an outfit not terribly different from his usual regalia, though with a few fantastical additions, and that and the sword at his side marks him as a noble knight for the time being. Whether that's a good thing in a confrontation with dragons is yet to be seen.

As a man whose career is largely defined by arguments and persuading strangers, he can't entirely deny the worth of the spoken word in conflict. However, he's also a man who's no stranger to combat... nor to enemies who have no intention of letting him escaping without harm no matter how well they understand him.]

I shall be prepared, but I pray you've thoroughly considered what will happen should your words not reach it.

[He tries not to think about the bird-related problems they've encountered here in the past... but it's made this an unfortunately familiar song and dance.]

Yeah, I know, and believe me, I don't want roast duck on the menu either.

[ A dark joke, but hopefully one that eases the tension just a bit. Still, if Scary Von Grumpants was willing to hear her out, maybe the scaled-up version will as well! She's also dressed like a prince, but not a traditional one, which may or may not work in her favor. Regardless, she begins to walk out, hands up, showing she has no weapons with her. Here we go. ]

I know you're there, and you know I'm here! But I've got nothing on me, take a good look! I'm not here to hurt you. I promise. Which... may not mean much coming from a complete stranger...but actions speak louder than words, right?

[ With that, she begins to get on her knees - a bit painful, considering one of her legs is a prosthetic! - but she can hope this proves her dedication to this role. ]

[Even if Van Zieks can appreciate a bit of dark humor, he doesn't know the definition of the word relax—particularly when he might also be on the menu should they fail. Regardless, he's true to his word, and keeps a sharp blue eye on her and the furious creature that's perched with its talons tearing into the roof and walls of the unfortunate building nearby. He even manages to keep his hand off his blade, but it's not like he imagines his pitiful sword would do much to a thing of that size.

Sadly, these dragons communicate mostly in growls and snarls that aren't magically translated the way their speech is, but the anger of its warning screech after Della kneels is evident enough.

But a moment passes, and it hasn't attacked them (again) (yet). That's... something?]

[ Della glances a quick look upward - so far, so good? Her heart's beating hard, but she maintains a calm expression. She then moves her head back down, hoping they take it as a sign of respect. ]

I am a mother myself. Three boys, triplets... and they're the best thing to have ever happened to me. And I know if someone took them away from me, I wouldn't want to listen to anyone. I'd fight everything and anyone in my path to get them back, and want to make anyone who was even remotely involved pay.

[ Just the thought of anyone taking her babies was enough to make her hands clench into fists. But she shakes her head, trying to stay in the moment. ]

... But, hopefully, I would have people around me to stop me before things got worse. We all have to live together in this world, and this could start something really, really awful. No one wants a war with you. But a lot of people are coming to take back the people you've kidnapped. You get revenge on us for taking your kids, we get revenge for friends you took, and it goes back and forth, again and again, where does it end?

Please, please let it end here!

[The problem with the exchange is that, even if it may be willing to listen, it wants proof of their intent—words mean little without actions to back them up. Of course, that sort of concept is much harder to convey with no common tongue between them, and the dragon's clenched jaw and bared teeth do not quite seem to be relaxing.

Perhaps it's luck, then, that a large egg with two reptilian legs rolls and then waddles its way into the creature's view, immediately turning its attention away from Della. It's less lucky for the dragon, in that it then attempts to lunge for its offspring, landing with a thud only to just miss it as it topples down into what appears to be some kind of cellar through a half-bricked-over entrance the dragon can't fit through.

Its slit pupils turn back to Della and her pale companion, expectant.]

[ Della's brow quirked at the little bit of noise, like waddling? She glances up again and OOF - the way the dragon landed was so rough that Della fell over with a "WAK"! Blinking rapidly, she sat up and took a look at the new circumstances.

Huh. This was Gladstone level luck!

Della got back to her feet, albeit wobbly, and shot off finger guns. ]

One saved baby, coming up!

[ Reassuring, eh?

She makes it to the cellar, and begins trying to wedge herself through the small crevice. She can almost make it... but she doesn't want to grab the egg too roughly. Maybe she can lure it over to her dangling hand? ... !

She takes a breath, and then begins singing softly, hoping to calm the frightened little fellow, using the lullaby she always wanted to sing to her own children. ]

Look to the stars,
My darling baby boys,
Life is strange and vast.
Filled with wonders and joys,
Face each new sun with eyes clear and true.
Unafraid of the unknown,
Because I'll face it all with you...

[Though Barok has gotten to his feet in the meantime out of an abundance of caution, there seems to be little he can do for the moment; he simply remains ready to spring forward, should the need arise.

Their luck is not quite so good, however Della's lullaby may charm the still-hatching creature. It takes a few unsteady steps towards the duck's outstretched hand... and topples down when the old floor beneath it crumbles thanks to the dragon's careless movements a moment ago, into a darker chamber below that the faint light through the crack can't reach.

The dragon lets out a cry of mixed frustration and anguish as it hears the muffled squeak under the egg become more distant as it falls. With as much diplomatic calm as he can to not further agitate the situation, van Zieks asks:]

What's happened?

Heh, watch it do what? Burst into flames?

[Giving a bit of a snort at the suggestion]

These are dragons we're talking about here? Not toy poodles. [It was still a wonder to him, that somehow he'd ended up in this predicament where he was crouching behind a boulder strategizing with a bipedal talking fowl, but here they were.] In order to make a connection with a dragon, you have to come from a position of strength and show it the proper respect. [~~Or be the reincarnation of said dragon's closest acquaintance.. but he never believed in that fairytale~~]

Let me handle this.

[If she insisted, he would let her make the attempt without further argument, but... he would frown most sternly about it. So... there's that.]

... And you don't think treating it like a parent is proper respect?

[ Yeah, they're getting off to a great start here. She rubs her temples, trying to keep down the classic McDuck temper. Either of them losing their cool is the last thing they need right now. ]

Look, we don't need to be arguing about this. If you feel that strongly about it, you can come with me, and we can try and reason with it together. But we can't undermine each other in front of it, or it won't listen to either of us!

... Is that a serious question?

[Someone here hasn't had the best experience with parental units ok? At least not the adoptive kind, ~~his biological parents died tragically and were unable to raise/protect their children~~. And how did Kaiba repay his adopted father for taking both him and his brother in? By wresting control of said father's company away from him in a corporate takeover. It didn't seem like the best way to handle the whole.. dragon situation. Not that he was going to get into all that.

Kaiba could see that he was testing her patience but that was how most of his interactions went. It was like a day ending in "y".]

FINE. You can try your method, and when it fails I'll be right there to pick up the pieces and step in.

[Compromise. Or something]

Just... come with me, and try not to look like you're counting down the seconds to my screw-up. You don't have to smile, just don't roll your eyes.

[ If this wasn't a life or death situation, she'd have fun needling and teasing him, but, well, even she knows sometimes seriousness is needed! She exhales, trying to release her frustration, then turns and begins to walk out. She keeps her hands at her sides to show she has no weaponry, and calls out. ]

I know you're there! And you know we're here! Take a good look, we've got nothing on you. All we're asking is that you hear us out.

[How well she knew him in only a few moments time. Kaiba was definitely gearing up for an eyeroll, but he would pretend as if he wasn't.]

How immature do you think I am? [Don't answer that] I agreed to trying your method so I won't actively try to sabotage it.

[If there was anyone that needed to learn to take life less seriously, it was Kaiba, but this was certainly not the time for that lesson. If he was nervous about this, he didn't show it. His posture was perfect with all the rigidity of a stiff block of wood. He walked out beside her, and kept his mouth closed.]

.........................

[A few quiet moments passed, and Kaiba fought hard to resist the urge to fold his arms. He felt the oddest sensation that they were being watched, but from where? Scanning the terrain with his eyes he looked for just where the dragon could be located.]

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{ dream faire: part 2 - dragons }

Della Duck | Ducktales 2017

dragon eggs

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so sorry this took a while, had a family emergency :(

Persuasion

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