songerein | { dream faire: part 2

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ In another blink of an eye and flash of light, Somnus disappears from his spot and reappears immediately beside Zelda, causing her to start with a gasp. Before she can step aside to give him some space (because surely it was an accident that he appeared so close to her), she feels his hands steadying her. Normally, such a touch would calm and ground her, but instead of the expected warmth, Zelda feels a chill crawling over her skin. She looks up at him with a questioning expression, once again searching his eyes for the explanations he refuses to give her.

"Conserve your breath." Coincidentally, the command comes at the same time that Zelda draws in a quavering breath. A shiver travels down her spine, but whether it's from the ice in his touch or his voice is hard to say.

Under Somnus's stern tone, Zelda obediently sinks down to sit top of the wooden chest. sits down on the wooden chest. ]

I think it will need to be re-tied. It feels too loose.

[ It was a sloppy bandage to begin with, but it had remained secure as long as Zelda wasn't moving around much. But while she was watching the battle, she didn't pay attention to her bandage, and her movements caused it to come loose and slip down her leg. ]

[ "--will need to be retied. It feels too loose." That solidifies it: attending to her wound takes priority over making an escape. Both that and that the drake-like minions may soon be upon them means he’ll have to move quickly. His palm leaves her back as she sits, allowing her some respite from the chill of his touch before he begins. Somnus shifts to kneel before her, wasting no time raising the hem of her gown to reveal the bandaged wound upon her leg. Although he needs no air, he inhales sharply through his nose at the sight of it.

The sleeve she had used to bind the wound is partially soaked through. Where it is saturated, the fibers are now useless in terms of holding pressure, frail and tattered. It is best to leave the cloth upon the wound instead of peeling them off her skin, but he'll need additional material to apply a more suitable tourniquet.

What foolishness, to not have attended to her before. What waste, carrying her too carelessly down the tower and slaughtering a dragon so slowly. Now her blood stains the ground. A scowl crosses his mien.

The following happens in a matter of seconds: summoning an embellished, silver knife from his armory into his hand, he creates another strip of cloth from her long skirt in a single, swift, and silent motion. Countless nights in battle have made him more than efficient in creating makeshift bandages. Knowing that he needs to apply the tourniquet proximal to the injury, he hikes up her skirts just above her knee, lifting her leg to pass the bandage beneath her thigh. None of this is as gentle as she may like, unfortunately, but time takes precedence. ]

Princess. [ He calls her title abruptly, whether or not he already has her attention. Somnus tears his gaze from her wound, looking at her intensely. His eyes search her expression in brief silence, the only pause since the battle's end, but one that's necessary. His expression resettles, and he softens the cut of his voice, as if doing so will mitigate what is to come next. ]

...This will hurt. [ For their escape thus far, he's issued a number of instructions. Focus. Silence. Conserve breath. Now he gives one more, the only warning she will receive-- ]

Breathe.

[ --And he pulls the knot tight above her knee. ]

[ Zelda flinches as Somnus lifts her gown and examines her bandaged leg. Even though he didn't touch her skin directly, she can feel the cold radiating from his hands. She regards the shoddy bandage grimly; if only she had held still like he instructed. 'A princess should be more careful,' her father would have scolded. Zelda presses her lips together in a thin line. Somnus is probably thinking the same thing.

But she doesn't get a chance to ruminate on that thought. It all happens very quickly—completely the opposite of Zelda's past experiences being injured outside the palace. Normally, the soldiers and maids in the princess's employ were excruciatingly slow and careful to treat her, always pausing to ask her permission to touch her or apologizing for any possible mishandling.

With Somnus, it's as though they're in the heat of battle and every second is precious. He works and handles her without propriety, as if she were any other soldier on the field. Even without the iciness of his hands, Zelda is hyperconscious of his touch. Her breath hitches as he lifts her leg, his frigid touch sending a visible shiver through her body. She turns her head away, lest Somnus see the self-conscious embarrassment creeping into her features. It's fine; she can endure this. Stop being silly.

"Princess" jerks her attention right back, though. Zelda turns back and meets his gaze, as sharp as the blades in his metaphysical arsenal.

"This will hurt." She nods wordlessly, brows furrowing. Be strong. She can endure this.

Zelda is in the middle of pulling in a deep breath when Somnus jerks the knot tight and a rush of pain shoots down her injured leg. The start of a gasp escapes her mouth before she suddenly bites down on her lower lip and claps her hands over her mouth to stifle the sound. A scream will surely alert the dragons to the pair's location, so she forces herself to endure the pain in silence. The wave of pain lasts only a few seconds, tapering off into a throb. ]

[ The discomfort the tourniquet causes cannot be helped, and she is brave to not utter a sound as it's secured. Once it's in place, Somnus rises to his feet and moves to her side. He may as well still be wearing a helm, for nothing noteworthy crosses his expression; however, the charge of dreamotion around him reveals far more than he could ever show. Whatever emotions fuel the magic, they are prominent enough to cause the air around him to quiver and pulse in a light blue, nearly indistinguishable from his own magic. Seizing the opportunity, Somnus allows this to flow into his form, granting him the power to remain solid and the strength to call upon more of his own.

Earlier he had mentioned he would carry her, and that is what he does. In a single, smooth motion, Somnus places one hand behind her back and another beneath her knees, lifting her with ease.

Suddenly, the air crackles with crystals and light, and the sound of shattering glass accompanies a renewed burst of magic around him. Phantom weapons circle his person-- a sword, a polearm, a crossbow, an axe, more-- but they are not the reason he unleashes his armiger. Rather, this heightened state of channeling his magic allows him to both warp without tossing a weapon and to-- ]

We fly. [ He rises, lifting from the ground. Weightlessness carries them both. Dark bangs toss slowly over his brow, moving as if flowing through water rather than air, and he looks down at her one last time. ] Close your eyes if you must.

[ And with that, he will bring her to help and safety. ]

{ dream faire: part 2 - dragons }

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