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sticksandbones2024-01-05 07:59 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-01-05 07:59 am
Entry tags:
EVENT & TDM 008
LET IT GO
WAKE UP
It’s strange, how as the dawn of a new day finally arrives, coinciding with the howling winds dying out, classic, adorable snowmen seem to have popped up all over the Grove overnight. The fog wall has yet to surround the barren remains of a town that once was, but it’s visible once more in the great distance.
Not that you can see it immediately. Something covers your eyes, and you can feel something heavy and frigid wrapped all around you. As you struggle more and more, the crunch of snow echoes through your ears as you step free- and when you turn back to examine their prison, you’ll realize one of the snowmen was you.
Meanwhile, old residents will get to deal with more and more people popping out of snowmen like daisies, and must remember that this is just their life now. It’s just another day in Aldric’s Grove.
Though, maybe you ought to help them before frostbite sets in.
Not that you can see it immediately. Something covers your eyes, and you can feel something heavy and frigid wrapped all around you. As you struggle more and more, the crunch of snow echoes through your ears as you step free- and when you turn back to examine their prison, you’ll realize one of the snowmen was you.
Meanwhile, old residents will get to deal with more and more people popping out of snowmen like daisies, and must remember that this is just their life now. It’s just another day in Aldric’s Grove.
Though, maybe you ought to help them before frostbite sets in.
MIRROR, MIRROR
The quiet couldn’t last forever. You should have known that something would happen, especially with the fog beginning to make itself known again. And this time, it’s something quiet. As you wake up one morning, there is a mirror on your nightstand — it’s silver and round, able to fit comfortably in your hand and wreathed in crystalline snowflakes.
And as you look into it, your reflection twists into something still undeniably you, but… have you a temper problem? Too many lies? A sadistic sense of humor? All of your worst traits are dragged out and reflected on the mirror, and no matter what, it keeps ending up wherever you are — and whoever else looks into the mirror will see this awful, terrible you, too. All of your worst characteristics, all the things you try to hide, unable to be hidden.
Maybe you keep trying to hide it. Maybe you let it stay wherever it keeps turning up, following you like a particularly terrible walking salesman, or maybe you break it. Regardless, nothing seems to happen… for now.
And as you look into it, your reflection twists into something still undeniably you, but… have you a temper problem? Too many lies? A sadistic sense of humor? All of your worst traits are dragged out and reflected on the mirror, and no matter what, it keeps ending up wherever you are — and whoever else looks into the mirror will see this awful, terrible you, too. All of your worst characteristics, all the things you try to hide, unable to be hidden.
Maybe you keep trying to hide it. Maybe you let it stay wherever it keeps turning up, following you like a particularly terrible walking salesman, or maybe you break it. Regardless, nothing seems to happen… for now.
WITH SHARDS OF ICE
“For now”.
Late into the night, everyone wakes up to a sudden, terrible chill. When you open your eyes, you’ll find that you aren’t in your inn room or home, but instead within a giant castle made of ice. It must be a ballroom of some sort, a grand hall glittering in the moonlight — but looking out the window shows that the world beyond the castle is but a frozen wasteland of more blizzards and nothing else. Though you’ve been granted some of your gear — weapons and some supplies, and coats if you’re lucky — you’ll find that the temperature is dropping steadily, while something approaches…
Peek out the door to the main hall and you’ll see what’s coming so noisily. An army’s worth of hallowed ice knights with all sorts of weapons are marching to the door, intent on slaying the intruders. Should they get close, they’ll attack; should they land the killing blow, you’ll instantly freeze into a solid block and shatter.
And if you broke the mirror that haunted you? On top of all of this, you can feel yourself gradually growing colder, physically and emotionally, and your magic, if you have it, takes on an icy flair that you may find difficult to control. Maybe it's your feet that start to turn to ice first — maybe it's your fingertips. But as the night goes on, you’ll steadily freeze solid, and like any fairy tale, only an act of true love could possibly save you. Good luck figuring out what that actually means. True love’s kiss? A genuine compliment? A hug? What could possibly save you from your fate?
Those of you who survive until morning, who don’t become solid statues of ice or die within the castle’s walls, will be lucky enough to witness the sun coming up through narrow windows the size of your forearm. All around you, the castle starts to melt, dripping freezing water onto your head. For as much as you try to run before you, presumably, drown terribly…
…your eyes will close, and you’ll wake up in your bed, drenched.
Late into the night, everyone wakes up to a sudden, terrible chill. When you open your eyes, you’ll find that you aren’t in your inn room or home, but instead within a giant castle made of ice. It must be a ballroom of some sort, a grand hall glittering in the moonlight — but looking out the window shows that the world beyond the castle is but a frozen wasteland of more blizzards and nothing else. Though you’ve been granted some of your gear — weapons and some supplies, and coats if you’re lucky — you’ll find that the temperature is dropping steadily, while something approaches…
Peek out the door to the main hall and you’ll see what’s coming so noisily. An army’s worth of hallowed ice knights with all sorts of weapons are marching to the door, intent on slaying the intruders. Should they get close, they’ll attack; should they land the killing blow, you’ll instantly freeze into a solid block and shatter.
And if you broke the mirror that haunted you? On top of all of this, you can feel yourself gradually growing colder, physically and emotionally, and your magic, if you have it, takes on an icy flair that you may find difficult to control. Maybe it's your feet that start to turn to ice first — maybe it's your fingertips. But as the night goes on, you’ll steadily freeze solid, and like any fairy tale, only an act of true love could possibly save you. Good luck figuring out what that actually means. True love’s kiss? A genuine compliment? A hug? What could possibly save you from your fate?
Those of you who survive until morning, who don’t become solid statues of ice or die within the castle’s walls, will be lucky enough to witness the sun coming up through narrow windows the size of your forearm. All around you, the castle starts to melt, dripping freezing water onto your head. For as much as you try to run before you, presumably, drown terribly…
…your eyes will close, and you’ll wake up in your bed, drenched.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE FRESH SNOW
The morning after that dreadful night, things… settle, again. Aldric’s Grove is quiet, and clear sunlight glistens across the snowy plaza and radiates off of frosted trees. Even now, the apple tree and blackberry bushes are unfazed by the cold, though the fruit may taste crisper and chillier than usual. Those that died within the castle return to life, feeling colder than normal for the rest of the day, but there seems to be no lasting damage. And, everyone who participated in the castle “game” receives a mysterious gift: A wooden coin with a sigil on it, resembling a clock with backwards hands behind a shield, attached to frosted pinecones, red berries and sprigs of mistletoe. It feels warm and protective.
You go outside. It’s been some time since anyone’s seen anything from the woods, let alone something that doesn’t want them dead — so imagine one’s surprise when a small family of deer can be seen walking amongst the trees. Birds alight to the branches on rare moments, and it’s surely a sign of something, that life has begun to return to the forest despite the deep snow and deeper chill.
Never mind that one of the deer has an extra set of antlers and another has three eyes. Never mind that the birds sound like people. Never mind that the rabbits have blood on their maws.
It’s just another day in Aldric’s Grove.
You go outside. It’s been some time since anyone’s seen anything from the woods, let alone something that doesn’t want them dead — so imagine one’s surprise when a small family of deer can be seen walking amongst the trees. Birds alight to the branches on rare moments, and it’s surely a sign of something, that life has begun to return to the forest despite the deep snow and deeper chill.
Never mind that one of the deer has an extra set of antlers and another has three eyes. Never mind that the birds sound like people. Never mind that the rabbits have blood on their maws.
It’s just another day in Aldric’s Grove.
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
WAKE UP
Good day, new arrivals! You are now a snowman. Hopefully people who have been here a bit longer are willing to give you a blanket or ten.
MIRROR, MIRROR
A mirror appears and starts following you around, reflecting what you think are your worst traits or worst version of yourself is. Other people can look into it and see the awful you, too. You can break it and it'll leave you alone, or you can let it stalk you all month.
WITH SHARDS OF ICE
Welcome to the ice castle! It's cold, but you have your stuff with you, and it's not unlivable. Well, until the frozen army of knights starts marching in with the intent to kill everyone inside, anyway. One lethal hit from them will make you shatter into pieces. For those of you who broke your mirrors, you'll gradually grow colder both physically & emotionally, and eventually start to freeze solid. Don't worry, though, you can be saved through the power of love.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE FRESH SNOW
Dawn rises on the Grove and the dead come back to life. Everyone who participated in the castle game receives a magical charm, though they don't know what it does so far. Animals come back to the Grove as well! ...why do they look like that?
OOC
Happy January! TDMs are game canon as a reminder, and if you'd like to plot with people for this event, head over to OOC plotting. While it is not known to player characters at this time, the charms granted as a reward for the ice castle can undo one future negative effect (i.e. a major death). They are a one-time use item. As for how characters discover this information... idk, we'll see how y'all decide to utilize those. :)
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
no subject
But Enciodes at least knows what he would say in a situation like this. And, at the very least, he's always been very good at pretending to be something he isn't. ] Gnosis, calm down. Deep breaths. You know everything is going to turn out alright. If you become too frantic, you may lower that guard of yours.
no subject
[His tone is sharp. Scathing, almost, and he half expects Enciodes' ears to flatten back against his head. Gnosis raises his voice very rarely; perhaps the most he's ever done it is when they were pretending to be divorced five years ago. He realises immediately that he's snapped, breathes out a heavy sigh between clenched teeth, and turns back to his bag.]
I don't want to hear you telling me to "calm down" when you're turning into a statue. Save your strength and focus on staying conscious.
no subject
In this instance, and this instance alone, Enciodes is glad his heart his frozen over, so he does not have to deal with that ache knowing this is hurting Gnosis.
When he opens his mouth, there’s a small crack that signifies that ice made its way to Enciodes’ jaw. He doesn’t have a lot of time to speak. He has to get out his thoughts rather quickly, then. It’s almost nice that he doesn’t feel much of anything, then, else he might say a lot more in an emotional outburst. ]
But it’s because I am turning that I’m saying it. I want you to find a way out of here, and to stay safe, and not get distracted and caught by these ice soldiers. Gnosis… take Tenzin with you. Get moving. Keep warm. If there’s anyone to make it out safely, it’s you. And when you find the exit… will you wait for me?
no subject
He fidgets with that lighter in his hands, not lighting the flame, but rather regretting that he doesn't have Reed's fire burning in his chest or Fiammetta's ability to carpet-bomb an entire area with flames, because that, at least, would keep them warm. That would be something, better than the nothing they have now. Why, when he needs to be the one thing keeping Enciodes warm, is he the polar opposite?
Gnosis sets his jaw. The lighter goes back amidst his usual batch of supplies. He has an emergency blanket, he has a lighter, he has various tools, but none of these are going to help. When he stands, it's clear he's clinging to the last threads of his composure, each snapping one by one the longer Gnosis realises he can do nothing.]
I am not— [his voice cracks the moment his hands fall to Enciodes' shoulders, squeezing them, noting just how rigid they are under the layers,] leaving you behind. We— we don't do that, Enciodes. Not anymore. You're— [his eyes fall shut, and he presses their foreheads together.] You're going to be fine, do you hear me?
no subject
He does manage to raise his arm, though. The one that isn't frozen around his cane. It's not easy, and it doesn't bend beyond the shoulder, but he hopes that the hand he presses against Gnosis' chest, over his heart, is enough to get his words across. He knows he made maybe promises to Gnosis, and all of which in some capacity let him know that he'd never leave his side. That he'd always be there. Right now, though, he doesn't think he should keep that promise. For as much as his feelings might be numb, Gnosis is here. Gnosis is feeling perhaps more than they have in a while.
The smoke that comes out of his mouth in little wheeze is probably meant to be something comforting, or something realistic, or something else. Maybe "Please go." Maybe "You need to take care of yourself." Maybe "I'm sorry." Maybe "I love you." Maybe it's not important that Gnosis knows. Maybe the only thing Enciodes wants Gnosis to know is that he's going to hold his hand over Gnosis' heart with their heads pressed together and hopes he gets its meaning.
I am your heart, forevermore. ]
no subject
I am your heart, forevermore, he had said.
And I am your soul, from now until well beyond the pyre of our final resting places, Gnosis had replied.
...Goddess, no, anything but that hand on his chest. Enciodes' "goodbye" while Gnosis desperately clings to the few scraps of life he has left, as if it's his job to decide when Enciodes carries on in this world, like he's the arbiter of fate that he wants to be. Like he can control anything.
No, Gnosis, you've never had control. Not a day in your life have you ever had the control you so desperately try to seize.]
Enciodes— [he starts, his voice catching in his throat, a pitched sound on the verge of a breakdown,] Enciodes Silverash, look at me. Look—
[Gnosis only sees his reflection in those dead eyes, the ice creeping further toward them with every breath he takes. This isn't how this was supposed to go. This isn't how it should end.]
I just got you back, [he whispers, closing his eyes against the sting of tears,] and I refuse to lose you again, Enciodes. You promised—
["You promised to stay with me, you promised to protect me, you promised you weren't going anywhere..." The words die in Gnosis' throat before he can bring them forth, cut by a choked-off sob. Were he not holding a frozen hand over his chest, he'd collapse to his knees, but Gnosis fears first and foremost that moving will make that fragile limb snap off.
He ducks his head down and places one final kiss against Enciodes' frozen lips.]
You promised, [he repeats, defeated, suddenly feeling eight years old again.] You promised...
no subject
That's not ice. It's tears. Is he crying? No, no, Gnosis is crying. Maybe they both are? His feelings coming back and hitting him like a goddamn truck is certainly doing things.
It's not instant that the ice goes away, but it is very fast all the same. Enciodes' hand goes from loosely lying against Gnosis like a Ken doll's hand, to gripping him properly. His cane finally releases from his other hand so he can pick it up to hold Gnosis properly. Without even thinking about it he's pulling the bird into a very protective hug. He doesn't even have time to ask what happened or anything like that, he's just… 15% relieved, and 85% concerned for his husband. Even Tenzin returns to Gnosis' shoulder instead of his previously freezing master's. ]
You— [ He rasps, his voice still not totally back yet. ] You're going to— get yourself killed… Gnosis. You're so— stubborn… [ Translation: I don't know why I'm still here, but I'm here, I'm so sorry, it's okay ] You should have left me… [ What did you do? Thank you. ]
no subject
His somewhat-present from earlier turns into a full-blown embrace the moment Enciodes' hands wrap around him. Gnosis' arms are around his neck, and his entire face is buried into the fur ruff of his husband's collar. To his knowledge, the last time he full-on wept like this was when they were kids saying goodbye before the train to Victoria whisked him and his family away from Kjerag. Comparatively, that didn't feel as awful as today does, because Gnosis wasn't watching the love of his life die.]
I am going, [he starts, muffled against Enciodes' collar,] to kill you again if you ever put me through that a second time.
no subject
He’s still a bit numb from the whole ice statue business, but he shrugs Gnosis’ coat off his shoulders the best he can without disturbing him too much, then gently drapes it around him. He doesn’t make any effort to help him put it back on proper, simply hugging it tightly against him as he just holds Gnosis there.
He truly did thing he was going to stay dead. ]
As if I did any of that intentionally? Do you believe I thought that was an acceptable prank? I was just trying to make sure you were safe, and you STILL didn’t listen to me!
[ Harsh words mixed with the soft nuzzling against his shoulder and the protective weight of his heavy snow leopard tail wrapping around him… ]
no subject
Gnosis doesn't raise his head. He's too busy debating if he wants to pull Enciodes' ears or kiss him stupid.]
Please, you speak as if the mere cold is going to be my downfall. I carefully and quickly dispatched several groups of knights without your help earlier, Enciodes. I am not quite as incapable as you are stubborn.
no subject
[ Ugh. He can't raise his voice like this. What if there's knights nearby? Calm down, Enciodes. ]
I... I couldn't feel anything, but I knew... I knew you needed to live. I knew you could find a way out. I knew you would be able to protect yourself if you weren't distracted. I knew I wouldn't be able to forgive you if you died trying to save me if things were truly hopeless.
[ He squeezes Gnosis tightly. So tightly that Gnosis might feel the tips of his nails pressing into him, even through his thick coat. Then, just slightly above a whisper, he may not even catch it if he doesn't strain to hear: ] I knew I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if you got hurt because I was holding you back.
no subject
[Gnosis feels that tight grip, of course, and returns it with one of his own. He feels exhausted now that he's wept so hard, and there has been far too much emotional whiplash for the both of them... but neither of them can rest, and so Gnosis is resolved to stay awake. He's slept well recently, so it won't be much trouble for him.]
What matters is that the both of us are alive. There isn't reason for me to worry about you turning into a statue for the time being, and presumably, this stage which we've found ourselves on will disappear, and we'll be back in our bed, none the worst for wear.
no subject
[ He feels so helpless. And perhaps that's why he's so adamant about this. If he cannot help himself, then why should Gnosis suffer the same fate. Gnosis should know Enciodes far too well by now to know he doesn't give up on things quite so easily, but this was extremely out of his hands. ]
You think it getting in our heads like this isn't proving worse for us? It's precisely why I need contingencies in place, Gnosis, because I can't… I refuse to let anything toy with you.
no subject
[He brings his head up. There's sympathy in his voice, naturally, because he understands. This place doesn't afford anybody a sense of control. Everyone here tries to get it, no one can, anyone who tries finds that out very swiftly.
He runs a hand through Enciodes' hair, rubbing behind one of his ears, trying to soothe him. His eyes may be red and puffy and he certainly looks like he's been crying into his husband's collar, but now, he's trying to flip the comfort around.]
Alright. I agree to the terms... but only if you promise me the same. I cannot lose you. Not again.
no subject
The Feline breaks the silence not with an answer, but a laugh. Soft, quiet, and pained. How predictable he is.
Truly, there is no one crueler than Enciodes Silverash. He is here to make his husband promise him to leave him behind when he knows he's been through Hell. He has always been able to keep himself together during high stress so well, and yet when it comes to family, that all crumbles so easily. The ear scritches help, for what that's worth. But only enough so that Enciodes get to pull Gnosis against him protectively. ]
I don't think I can answer that honestly without you immediately picking me out as a liar.
no subject
[Either Enciodes lies and says "yes, absolutely, will do", or he admits that he can't, and that puts them right back at square one. Neither will abandon the other. They've never been capable of doing so, ever since they were small children who didn't know that simply walking away was an option. Now both of them know that, logically, but Gnosis has always been one to want to burn on Enciodes' pyre.
What is the point of living, if not with Enciodes, after all?]
Let's take the opportunity to rest for the next few hours. I don't want you getting up and moving about after that.
no subject
"I know," he says, as if he hasn't seen Enciodes walk directly into obvious traps to save the people he loves. As if he hasn't seen Enciodes stay to talk within a burning building to make sure things went smoothly for him to move forward. As if he hasn't seen Enciodes show sympathy for people who genuinely tried to kill him.
Gnosis knows he has a bleeding heart so severe it's liable to be his death. ]
We should try to… figure out the way out of here.