songerein | { gingerbread town | test drive #09

Entry tags:

{ gingerbread town | test drive #09 - december 2022 }

GINGERBREAD TOWN

On Tuesday the 27th, with no warning whatsoever, everyone will awaken and find the entire town transformed into gingerbread and candy, from peppermint candy cane trees, to gumdrop bushes, to chocolate brick roads. They will also find themselves changed into one of the following forms: gingerbread figures, nutcrackers, or wooden figurines. It's a complete transformation—no costumes or partials this time! Although they can move and use most of their abilities, it's a bit hampered when it's also discovered that everything has shrunk down a bit in size. Not only that, but there is an indestructible magiglass dome over the town to prevent anyone from breaking in—or out. So if there is anyone who happened to be out of town at the time, they will not be changed and will be stuck outside. The Tree of Stories, the Observatory, and the Carnival park are excluded from the change and remain normal.

Fortunately a pair of gingerbread twins named "Hansel" and "Gretel" as well as the tapirs are there to help explain what happened. The town has been cursed by the witch who inhabited that suspicious house from the Dream Board, and everyone needs to band together to do two things to break out of curse: 1) gather enough dreamotion music notes to charge up the golden chocolate bell hanging at the Plaza and 2) break into the gingerbread house and destroy the witch.

————— ⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱ —————
More details on everything can be found here, but an important reminder that this event log doubles as our Test Drive Meme and information can be found in this section.

This means any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in December and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of December 27 through 31. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual as people randomly disappear already, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Sunday, December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view; updated 12/30)

Adventure Time - Finn the Human
Adventure Time - Jake the Dog
Ai: The Somnium Files - Mizuki Okiura
Bleach - Riruka Dokugamine
Bunjou Stray Dogs - Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Chainsaw Man - Denji
Don't Starve Together - Wendy Carter
Fallout 3 - The Lone Wanderer
Final Fantasy XIII-2 - Noel Kreiss
Final Fantasy XIV - Y'shtola Rhul
Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Bernadetta von Varley
Forgotten Realms - Jarlaxle Baenre
Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight - Cassander Timaeus Berenice
Genshin Impact - Amber
Genshin Impact - Scaramouche
Granblue Fantasy - Lyria
Heroes of Olympus - Leo Valdez
Kingdom Hearts - Demyx
Kingdom Hearts - Riku
Persona 5 Strikers - Zenkichi Hasegawa
Pokemon Scarlet/Violet - Penny
Rage of Bahamut - Amira
Shadow Game Series - Enne Salta
South Park - Kenny McCormick
Spark the Electric Jester 1 & 3 - Spark
Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion - Agent 8
Tales of Zestiria - Sorey
Undertale - Flowey

THREAD SUBMISSIONS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO DETERMINE HOW THIS EVENT ENDS FOR JANUARY! We will request them during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

I. IN TOWN

There is a lot to process with everything changed and the appearance of Hansel and Gretel, but by now most people are used to needing to roll up their sleeves and get through the tasks needed to succeed. The giant bell at the Plaza helps serve as a reminder of what they need to do and many will be anxiously watching as the musical notes slowly gather into it. To gather enough notes for the bell, everyone will need to work together and utilize their current forms. Note: all prompts can be done by anyone, however some forms have an advantage over others. Musical notes will automatically appear and go to the bell when the objective is achieved. The gumdrops are also trapped in town and will still pull their "mistletoe" mischief.

A. Woodstock. Those turned into a wooden figure will find they have the least amount of changes appearance wise…but their legs and feet are stuck together, forcing them to hop and slide around. Fortunately they can control their movements and after some adjusting they will find it's not too strenuous to be hopping around everywhere. It can be tough to get up if they fall over, though.

Caroling. What better way to gain notes than making some? With movement a bit limited, singing and playing simple instruments may be the easiest way to help. The catch is the music must be filled with hopeful, cheerful dreamotion strong enough to form those notes, and the instruments can also be a problem. First they have to be found, and then some instruments may try to play music on their own—and it's not always the right genre.
Snowmen Mayhem. Snowmen can be found all over town, most of them built before the town changed. Now they are coming to life, wearing big, giant frowns as they slowly shamble around and chuck snowballs at everyone they see. Melting them or using physical force only makes them reform back into snowmen. The only way to stop them is to participate in the snowball fight until that frown turns into a smile to release a note! People could even just have a snowball fight around them and it would please the snowmen. Perhaps they just wanted to have fun, too…?

B. Gingerbread Run. Those made of gingerbread will find they are quite fast and even have the urge to run for whatever reason. However, although sturdy enough, they are still fragile and can break easily. Fortunately they can quickly repair themselves with an extra bit of dough and icing, but water is the greatest weakness. A few drops or even a brief dousing won't hurt them too badly (maybe make their icing a little runny), but they can't swim and submerged in water too long will make them very mushy.

Obstacle Course Marathon. Some streets are sectioned off to have a simple marathon for those who just can't help but feel restless and want to run, and notes can be released throughout the course. More like a cross country track, there are numerous "checkpoints" participants must pass through while shouting the famous line, "Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!" Each checkpoint mimics the story of "The Gingerbread Man."
1. Avoid the "old ladies" swinging candy canes (non gingerbreads can take this role to help)
2. Outrun the plush pups and kittens (or just stay and play with them, also valid)
3. Climb up and over the makeshift marshmallow chocolate wall (don't let it melt!)
4. Use the "foxboat" (swan boats altered to look like foxes) to peddle across the river (don't sink!)
5. Dash through the finish line
Since it's designed as a group marathon, participants are encouraged to help each other. More notes gained, the better!
The Chase is On! Those who were not turned into gingerbread figures will feel a strange urge to chase those who are. They may be fully aware, or they may desire just a nibble of that delectable baked good. While punching the chasers in the face to try and knock some sense into them will be an option, those who are gingerbread will similarly have the urge to run, run, run! Passing over any type of water, including puddles, will end it. This chase can be long or short, and at the end of it whether the gingerbread is caught or escapes, a musical note will play and fly to the bell, freeing the two from the weird curse…until it happens again.

C. Nutcrackin' Around. Nutcrackers have a sturdier build compared to the general wooden population, with powerful jaws and already armed with a weapon—even if it might feel more like a toy. Their movements might feel a bit stiff, but they have their strength to make up for it.

Get Crackin'. Built to crack nuts, it's no surprise that Nutcrackers are assigned to crack through as many nuts and hard candies to try and find some notes hidden within. They have to go to the farm fields to find the right trees to harvest from, and anyone can assist in this. If they listen carefully, they might be able to hear the note ringing inside as a hint. But they also need to be careful—some nuts are actually cursed and once cracked open will cause the individual to brandish their weapons (or whatever they have on hand) to attack those nearby. Unfortunately there's no tell, so it's truly luck of the draw. Shove a jawbreaker in their mouth and they'll be back to normal. With a slightly damaged jaw, maybe.
Mouse Infestation. Large, toy wind-up mice are causing havoc around town. Although they are just oversized toys and don't attack, they're crashing into buildings and chasing people. Anyone can try to catch and slow them down, but a Nutcracker is the only one capable of inflicting enough damage to break the gears inside and stop it for good. Doing so will release a note.

D. Candy Monsters. While the town is mostly safe, nightmare energy is seeping in from everyone's initial fears and chaos and absorbed into all the candy and delicious goods that make up the town. It makes them come to life to turn into aggressive and sometimes cute monsters made out of candy. Fortunately, they are not too difficult to fend off even with everyone changed into different forms, and dreamotion abilities are in full effect. Other creative ways to defeat them like dumping boiling water or freezing them can also be used.

II. TRAIN CARS

All aboard the Dreamer Express! The toy train has a simple track that circles around the town with the main station right at the Plaza. Anyone can hop on to either enjoy the ride or help get those notes.

A. Past, Present, Future. There are three particular cars that Hansel and Gretel will encourage most to go through because the notes in these cars will be the strongest. When going through either of the "Past," "Present," or "Future" cars, everyone will have a "Scrooge" experience and walk through either a happy or difficult memory or made up simulation of that set time period. The primary theme for each one is something that the individual can learn or reflect on. The experience can be done solo or with a partner. If with a partner, only one simulation will be active, but the other person's could begin after the first ends. Sometimes the memories will be passive like watching a movie and will only stimulate emotional reactions. However, the stronger the memory, the more realistic it will become, to the point that one will live through it all and must face and interact with whatever is there to get through. Once they reach the exit, the note will be granted.

B Unboxing. Most of the train cars are either passenger cars or boxcars filled with presents. A lot of presents. Guess where a lot of notes are hidden. While opening presents seems like a simple task, it can be tricky when some gifts are actually mimics that will pull unsuspecting individuals inside of them instead. Fortunately they are not too difficult to beat up and free the trapped prisoner.

C. Hot! Hot! Ooh, We Got It! There is a special car that's only purpose is to serve hot chocolate…as a musical number. Witness or perhaps even participate as servers dance around with extremely hot chocolate and somehow not spill a drop—or maybe someone gets scalded by an unfortunate spill. But when it's all done, anyone can enjoy some different flavors that can last for quite a while (ie as long as you want it) :

Regular chocolate: Makes the drinker nostalgic, particularly for something in their childhood.
Peppermint: Gives the drinker a spark of inspiration to work on something creative.
Caramel: Gives the drinker extra energy, making them unable to stay still without doing something.
Raspberry: Makes the drinker want to get back to nature by finding an outdoor activity to do.
Spicy (chili powder and cinnamon): Makes the drinker feel more amorous than usual.

III. WITCH'S HOUSE

Getting the notes is just one half of the equation. To completely beat the curse, the witch behind this needs to be defeated. But it won't be easy with everyone transformed and the witch quite powerful. The gingerbread house has a lot of traps inside, from sticky paper to snapping mouse traps to licorice that try to tie them down.

A. Breaking into the Gingerbread House. The witch's gingerbread house will be the biggest piece compared to everything else. The original defense mechanisms are in place and people can get sucked inside like before, however there is no easy way out. A little stealth can help gain an advantage especially as the battle begins by those who enter first.

B. Escape Routes. While some may try to let themselves get caught to get inside faster, having an escape route would be prudent. Since they are smaller in size, it'll be easier to sneak around the house and try to carve a piece out of it to make a hole, or maybe something from the windows or chimney. Multiple routes would be ideal, just be careful not to get caught!

C. Fighting the "Witch." For those expecting some creepy old woman, they will be in for a surprise. The "witch" is actually the oven itself, moving and operating as if it were alive. Rather, perhaps the oven is what the original witch of Hansel and Gretel has become as an eerie cackling can be heard when the doors open and fire flickers out. Regardless, despite its form the "witch" will be a difficult foe to defeat due to its sheer size and everyone still in smaller forms. Restrain it, try to douse the flames, but another effective way to stop it is to just fill its mouth with anything that can go inside, from candy and baked goods, to pots and pans. The more it consumes, the slower it moves. Time to over stuff the oven.

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[She shifts a little, uncomfortable as he moves closer, but something about his steady pace and serious, imposing presence holds her in place, cautious but not frightened enough to flee. Not that she'd get far, if he wanted to chase her.]

Rise...

[It sounds like such a good, important word. Rise. Something about the way he says it. Not like "rise and shine", not like "bread rises in the oven", not like "the water level is rising in the well". But rise. Rise up. The way Migal does, when he stands in front of her to shield her from the Renans' view. The way her parents used to, when they knew her eyes were on them, where otherwise they might slouch from the exhaustion of a hundred burdens on their backs.

Rise. She swallows hard.]

I... I'll try. If we can live, I want to try.

[ Is it poor taste, an offense to interact with another's memory? Perhaps, but even he is not so cruel as to let a child grieve alone without uttering a word of support. ]

It will test your resolve, but you shall endure.

[She's young, and at this age especially, not well-educated, but she likes how it sounds. It's... impressive, something to work towards. She doesn't like tests. But if it's needed to be strong, she'll keep trying. She and Migal can only protect each other, now.]

...Mister, um... can I ask you something?

[ He nods in response. ]

[She fidgets slightly, uncertain even with his acceptance, then leans in, finding her voice again.]

How do you get strong?

[ Does she somehow know of his strength, an assumption? Or is it something that bleeds into this memory from her adult self? Somnus considers the possibility of the latter. If so, perhaps he's on the right track (despite all odds), which may bring the true Kisara back. ]

I practiced. [ --He answers honestly. Although as a child he had a knack for swordsmanship, it's not as if he were an expert from the start. ] Sometimes, with my elder brother. [ Other times, on his own. There was a need to be strong, and so he filled it, refusing to be deterred by any mistake or lack of expertise on his part. This continued into adulthood, where he pushed his magic to its limits to eliminate as much of the Scourge as possible. ]

Do you do the same with yours?

A little. Not much... we're not strong, and after work we're really tired. But he's teaching me how to not get hit, when we can.

[It seems like an important thing, considering the lives they live. Just in case. Practice is a good idea, though. She'll remember that. Practice how to be strong, and... dream about it. She can do that. Dreams are important, too.

She looks down at her hands, feeling... odd. Like her body feels too small for herself, for some reason. Hands too short for fighting, skin too thin, bones too brittle. She looks up at him, staring for a long moment, as if trying to figure him out. But then, before she can think of what she wants to say-]

I can hear footsteps. Are they coming?

[The Renans will come... they'll kill her, now. Suddenly she lurches forward, grasping his hand.]

You should hide! They'll hurt you too! They'll put a stone in you and make you work!

[ Her fingers are scarcely more than bone. How is any child expected to become strong, if not grow into adulthood, with a lifestyle like this?

Somnus' head turns in the direction of the door, where he hears the same footsteps grow louder, and for once, he hesitates in making a decision. Does he step away from this memory, out of respect for its integrity as it plays out, or does he intervene? Or is it that the note's appearance itself requires intervention on the offworlder's part?

Slowly, he rises, and Somnus turns his hand over hers to cup it briefly before releasing it. He turns to face the door, putting himself in position between her and whatever lies on the other side of the dilapidated panels. ] Nay, child.

[ The past has already come and gone. She has suffered through this once already... she needn't relive it again. Besides, he, too, recently had a dream as a youth, and because of what he had said in that dream-- ]

My vow still stands.

[She stares up at him as he shifts, eyes widening in further surprise, and instinctually she moves to stand behind his leg, accepting his offered protection. If one were to ask her beforehand, she'd never have guessed that a stranger would step in for her sake, to save her from the Renans. Not even most of her neighbours would do that- nor she for them, because it would cause two deaths instead of one. That instinct to protect is not quite developed yet, lacking, along with the needed strength to do so.

Some part of her recognizes those words, though she's not able to parse them. It rings no true bells, but nonetheless it makes her heart beat a little faster. He'll protect her. He'll save her. He's-]

Kisara?

[She goes still, recognizing the voice from the other side of the door. Much younger than the soldier they might have expected, and it's enough for her to break loose of her fear and lunge past Somnus, arms outstretched, her eyes beginning to water once more.]

Migal! Migal! I'm here!

[The door opens, and in walks her brother, just as dusty and scrappy-looking as she is, a handful of years older. There's dried blood on his hands (the same stone embedded on one) and his face is bruised, old glasses cracked and jaunty, but he's alive, alive-

With a sob she flings herself into his arms, clinging as if her life depends on it, everything else in the world around her forgotten. From the way he holds her back just as tightly, he feels much the same way. For a little while they stay that way, sharing a quiet moment of unbelievable grief and gratitude.

Then, just as quickly, the memory fades away, shifting back into the train, and the fully-grown Kisara stands where she'd been before she vanished, one hand clutched to her chest, looking stunned and uncomfortable.]

[ Instead of a soilder, a youth bursts through the door. Kisara appears to recognize him immediately, and Somnus steps to the side, giving them the space to reunite. The boy's features are marred with bruises and tears, and he appears scantly older than Kisara. Still, Somnus is able to recognize him as the younger version of the phantom who had appeared among Kisara's ghosts in the dream.

That man had been her brother, and her brother is among the deceased. What tragedy this is, that they may only reunite in a dream-- a dream that ends, for as if on cue, the vision wipes from the area. There the adult Kisara stands unlike herself, looking apprehensive and uneasy.

Given the last time they had seen each other, no doubt his company leaves much to be desired in this vulnerable moment. Somnus turns his gaze from her, if she may need privacy to compose herself, or to choose to speak of what just occurred or not. The note has yet to appear, anyway; he can do nothing but remain. ]

Hail, Kisara.

[She lowers her gaze, the awkwardness palpable between. he's not quite the last person she'd want to have witnessed that memory, but as things stand right now, he's up there. It doesn't look like he's judging her, but Somnus is a hard read on most days, so it would be easy to miss if he was. He did defend her, though. That part wasn't a true part of the memory, but it does not make his choice any less real.]

Hello, Somnus. ...I'm sorry, that was troublesome.

[Un...derstatement... but what else does she say? She's not sure how to address the rest just yet.]

[ It is an understatement, and Somnus lifts his head, looking at her sidelong. Troublesome doesn’t begin to describe the contents of the dream, what with losing family, the thread of losing more, and the abject peril of helplessness. What comfort the reunion brought pales in comparison, and knowing that Migal, too, ends up among the dead later on… she is all that is left of her line.

Somnus can sparsely relate. Yes, he too lost his parents young, and there were moments where he’d be waiting for his older brother to return in the dead of night, not knowing if the light of fires beyond their courtyard walls was enough… but there is no comparison. By the way the little girl was so fearful— even within his dream, crumpling to her knees— and here, weeping on her bed… It is likely she experienced terror day after day, and because of this memory, Kisara had to relive it all over again.

The floorboards of the traincar creek with his footsteps as he moves towards one of the ends. Some distance might help her.

When he speaks, his delivery is careful and reserved, as if hesitant to comment anything at all. Underlying his low tone, though, is a hint of disgust— not for her, but what she experienced at the hands of her oppressors. ]

You did not deserve such injustice. …Your family as well.

[She makes a soft, exhaling noise, indecipherable. Not exactly a laugh, but adjacent.]

None of us deserved it. Even the worst Dahnan should have been free to live their life as they pleased. But that wasn't the hand we were dealt, so we survived as best as we could until that freedom was offered to us.

[Even if the flavour is bittersweet in retrospect, knowing the strings that came attached, she's still grateful for the respite. Partial or temporary freedom, just enough to push them towards a point where Menancia could truly begin to learn what freedom really is, is better than what they had. Dahnans were still dying. Still suffering. But... fewer, while the rest were given a chance to grow stronger, enough to fight back. Her shield is still of Renan design, her armor as well. What little magic she bears is thanks to her equipment. But what would she be otherwise? Dead, most likely. There are benefits to Dohalim's self-serving gift.]

...but... we deserved better than that, too.

[One hand rubs idly over the other, where the stone had been inlaid.]

[ When she speaks of being given some semblance of freedom, he listens for any hint of dryness in her tone— how magnanimous of slavers to offer it— but he finds none. Instead, it seems she truly feels grateful for what scraps of liberty she had been given. He doesn’t know what to make of it, as it seems rather twisted. But then she adds that she and her people deserved better, too.

There were many phantoms that followed her in the dream, none of whom will see the future for which she strives, but all of whose memories she carries with her, willingly at that. To see her adopt a more somber, timorous posture, rubbing her hand where the stone was one set, is not the Kisara he knows… but one that, given the revealed memory, is understandable.

What is the point of this memory. Is she to learn or gain something from this, or is it only there to cause her to suffer? If this is all needed to find the note, it comes at a terrible cost. ]

Would that you needn’t fight at all for what you deserve. [ Alas, that is what she must do.

His voice continues to hold that low, somber quality to it. ]

In the future that you envision… May their souls find repose.

[She's quiet, both as he considers her words, as he speaks, and for a little while after. Time enough for a glimmer of magic to enter the space of the train around them, dreamotion and the remnants of her memory conjuring the note they'd been seeking. It hovers for a second or two, chiming quietly, the sound of their "victory", for what it's worth. And then it dissipates, floating through the train window towards the bell where the notes are collecting.

She watches it go, blinking rapidly. She won't cry. She refuses. She's cried too much already for people long gone, for the life she's led.

When the silence lingers for what feels like almost too long, she exhales a breath, a little shaky, but more steady, enough that she trusts her voice again.]

Thank you, Somnus. For helping, and... for protecting her, too.

["Protecting me" would be more accurate, but she feels so far removed from that weak and helpless child that she'd rather not acknowledge it in the moment, lest her strength falter again. Perhaps that isn't the lesson she's meant to take from this, but whatever lesson is being taught is not one she really wants from this world.

Still, he'd done good by her, and he hadn't had to do that. She wants to thank him for that much.]

[ The note chimes as innocently as a nightingale, vanishing thereafter. It would be a soothing and pure sound, but with the sound of weeping from a scared and starving child so fresh in mind, the note falls flat. He finds himself exhaling, though, at seeing it vanish. One more note for the curse’s melody, and one hard-fought.

When she speaks, he turns his head, looking back at her. Although her gratitude isn’t warranted— it had been a vision, and her brother would have protected her— he understands her sentiment, and so he tips his head in a slight nod. Still, what misery there is in her eyes…

And the idea alarm him, for only a moment, that she is the same as the Chosen, or himself, or his brother, enshrining sorrow with porcelain and silver and steel.

None of his family will live into the future. But perhaps she—

”We deserved better than that, too.”

—her words apply to this, as well. She deserves better than to suffer with sorrow alone. She had her brother then, but what of the present? ]

Once we leave this train… is there someone with whom you can speak?

[Another surprise, and one she has to take in with a quiet, thoughtful noise. Someone to speak with? About this? She supposes she could find someone, if she went hunting. Dohalim would be a complicated, messy choice. Alphen would at least understand, but he's dealing with a lot right now. Beatrix had seemed to have a harsh (but understandable) reaction to finding out about the slave state of Menancia as it was, so that might not be the wisest option. Her options for those she'd be comfortable speaking about this with are awfully limited.

....

So instead she smiles faintly at him.]

Are you worried about me?

[It isn't mocking, just a little light-hearted. She would never mock someone for caring for another.]

[ The train continues on its course, rattling across its endless loop of toy tracks. The emptiness of the traincar becomes all the more pronounced in the silence that follows her answer. He searches her face, gaze drifting lower to the most tragic part of her expression.

Delicate and distant are the smiles that are saturated in sorrow, the same as watching tossed lilies flow away with the river's current. Always poignant, always out of reach.

His shoulders slope slightly with a quiet exhale. When he speaks her name, it seems he can't help a deeper inflection to it, hushed but meaningful, as if it carries both his answer to her question and one of his own. ] Kisara...

[Something about the way he looks back at her makes her flustered, and she glances away, feeling suddenly too transparent. She doesn't want him to think she's miserable or anything. These wounds may have cut deep, and the memory carved open a scar or two, but she's several years out of the worst of it. She's shared many conversations with Migal about their past, as it's meant to help them develop their future. They've discussed a little of old grief, in the years since Dohalim's takeover when they actually had the free time to look back on their losses. In some ways, it's lucky that this was the memory shared. If it had been Migal's death... well, she'd likely be in a very different state. And she really doesn't want to discuss that with anyone she could here.

Right now, instead, she can breathe deep, close her eyes, and focus inward for a moment, enough that when she looks back at him, her smile is more genuine, less sad. It's strange how a bit of concern can change so much. He is worried about her, it seems. It's very kind of him.]

I'm alright, really. I promise you. This memory isn't a burden I've had to carry alone.

[ Her smile appears easier, but her sigh hints at tiredness. Perhaps if it hadn't been for his poor insult of words in their last encounter, he would have offered himself as willing to listen, should she need it. As it stands, it would be rather presumptuous of him to suggest it.

As she says, she does not have to carry her memories alone. The phantoms that appeared in the dream are proof enough of that, helping her forward... But, of course, they were all dead. She needs someone in the present, with her, and living.

With this, the intensity of his gaze eases, but the inflection of tone remains the same, sincere. ] I trust... [ The train begins to slow. The opportunity to disembark is here for her. ] you will do as you will.

[ He's staying to find another note. ]

[It might be cowardly to consider it an escape, but as the train slows to a halt at the next stop, Kisara feels the same kind of relief that a safe escape might offer. Rather than speaking with someone (which is not actually a bad idea, just something she is bad at) she'd really like some time to herself for a while, to think things through and process all these revived emotions. She'd been her child self for a while there, and it's left her vulnerable. She'd never wanted to feel like that again.]

I will. But don't worry, I won't do anything unreasonable.

[She moves towards him, heading for the exit at his back, but as she passes by she rests her hand on his shoulder, letting it linger for a long moment before releasing.]

Don't push yourself either, Somnus.

[ The touch upon his shoulder catches him unawares at first, and he's quick to give her a questioning look. As her touch lingers he meets her gaze, and he slowly recognizes the gesture for what it is.

It's unnecessary, however, as he's not the one who appears to be pushing himself. ] Farewell.

[ And he says nothing more as she departs. Somnus turns, continuing onto the next traincar, and, gods willing, another note to lift the curse of this town. ]

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{ gingerbread town | test drive #09 - december 2022 }

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