sticksandbones | EVENT & TDM 012

EVENT & TDM 012

IT'S GONNA BE MAY

WAKE UP

You open your eyes, and with a jolt, find yourself within the clearing of a miniscule town surrounded by trees and thick, black fog. Despite the ominous backdrop, nature seems to be thriving — it’s a pleasantly chill spring day, as far as anyone can tell, and everything is vibrant and blooming… even some of the animals. At some point, a friendly old dog with red fur approaches, carrying a basket in his jaws. Inside are blackberries and apples other fruits. Did he find this himself? Or did someone give them to him to bring to new arrivals? Regardless, he very clearly hopes that you’ll share.

A giant golden brown turtle sits by a tent, napping in the sunlight. Two statues sit in the courtyard by an old well — a haloed woman marked as the Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe, and a gentle woman looking adoringly at her counterpart, marked as the Goddess of the Moon, Ourania. If you pay your respects, the air feels gentle and warm in the day, and like a fresh cool breeze at night.

As you explore more, perhaps the bloomed animals will approach — a mossy squirrel, or a frog who happens to also be a lilypad. It’s charming, almost. Whimsical and kind.

Shame that the wall of fog looms ever on, watching. Waiting.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

cw: hallucinations, compulsions, near-death experiences

For a while, spring seems gentle, almost. Peaceful. The previous month may have been full of jokes, but things are actually safe. Of course, that can’t last forever. Every night, a purple, shimmering mist floods the town. It does not breach the doors and windows, even if left open, but looking at it is… enticing.

Should you give in, the mist is cool and gentle, swaying around you like smoke. The longer you stay in, the more your eyes feel blissfully heavy. Soon, you find yourself surrounded by loved ones, in a place that brings you joy — a childhood home, a vacation spot, some place warm and safe and dear to your heart. Everyone is playing and having so much fun. Join them! Join them!

Of course, by the time you do jump into the fun, you’ll find yourself awakened with a start, just about to fall into danger. Perhaps you climbed a tree and were about to leap to the ground from too high up. Or maybe you stuck your head in the river and your lungs were about to empty. Regardless, the happy dream shatters with imminent danger, and perhaps you’d better hope that someone else is nearby to help you. … Especially since with each night you give in, the more enticing the mist is the next night.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

At some point, the mist is forcibly dissipated and instead the moon shines brightly, almost like a spotlight. Investigation will reveal an absurdly large capybara that seems more like a vehicle than an animal, even with the jasmine flowers hanging off of it, siting down with the ‘door’ accessible to anyone willing to climb in.

“Come with me, and I will bring you to a night of festivities.” is all that it says when asked. And it knows that you will — you’re all curious as kittens, after all. Once the last person takes a fuzzy seat within the capybara, it slowly stands up and begins walking through the woods, and for the first time, everything seems peaceful. Normal, even. Why, there’s not even a monster or misshapen, grabby tree! Just a moonlit forest, and fireflies in the distance.

Eventually it brings you to a small but beautiful cabin, crouching down to let everyone out again. Outside is a layer of marble surrounded by pillars decorated with sheer fabrics and an abundance of lilies and calendula, jasmine and marigolds, hydrangeas and gladiolus. A buffet table has also been spread out, and within the cabin are changing rooms with a multitude of ornate gowns and suits, alongside sitting rooms and other potential necessities — though you get the feeling that you should still be on your best behavior here.

Gentle music plays from an unknown source. The capybara is resting, until it’s time to leave come sunrise. For one night, everything is at peace. You may as well enjoy it, and dance to your heart’s content.

SPARK NOTES

CLICK TO EXPAND!

WAKE UP

Welcome to Aldric's Grove! The fog wall is a little creepy, but worry not: A dog has brought you a snack, and the plant-bearing wildlife are pretty friendly. If you've been here for a while, no worry: You, too, are getting a basket of treats from the dog.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

A purple mist fills the Grove at night, and stepping into it makes you experience a euphoric dream... shortly before you wake up because you nearly walked into death. Be careful, because the mists are addicting, and you may not have an easy time avoiding their temptation the following nights.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

For one night, the mists clear up and peace settles over the forest. A giant capybara gleefully takes everyone to the site of a grand dance, where the clothing and food are all free, and the music swells with joy. Dance your hearts out until dawn breaks, and then the capybara will take you back home.

OOC

Happy May! This is a reminder that TDMs are game canon. Enjoy your dreams, enjoy your prom night, enjoy the capybara. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out!

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[It's hard when you're not used to having extra limbs like these. He's been trying to keep them folded and away, but they seem to have a bit of a mind of their own at times. Hence: him accidentally smacking Clotted Cream as he walked past. He's ready to politely excuse his apology (it wasn't his fault, truly) but just like the Mer...Sparkling has to stop for a moment and just.

Stare at him, his ears perked forward. Though his heart doesn't beat, he feels a sense of deja vu, of familiarity that hasn't struck him this severe since he first got here. A sense of "have I been here before? have I done this before?"

And Clotted Cream...there's something about him, immediately, that gives Sparkling that sensation. It's like an itch that he can't quite explain, a distant buzzing in the back of his head.]

I...I'm not sure. I don't believe so...

[He lets that feeling draw him forwards regardless, his ears folding back a bit after the initial shock has worn off once he realizes he's oogling this poor man. Like get a hold of yourself, you're gay but you're not an animal-]

I've only just arrived, so I'm not sure how that could be. Unless we saw each other in passing before...?

[ He sure is being ogled by this man, isn't he! Luckily, he is composed enough to not let it show. For a moment, he thinks it's maybe just his obviously aquatic features, but... no. The man before him is a bat.

--the man before him is a bat. His conversation with Pure Vanilla comes rushing back to him. Not just Cookies, but other people, drawn into another world and transformed partially into these other creatures. Is that the case here? He can't be certain - there are, after all, plenty of others here with animal associations. ]

That could be the case... You do have a fairly recognizable face.

[ But it's said in a very clearly kind way - he, too, has very distinctive features, after all - and he smiles, holding out his left hand in offering. The other is, unfortunately, missing. ]

Clotted Cream Cookie. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[Listen, usually Sparkling is a lot more subtle in his ogling, but not quite this time...he can't help it. He doesn't even know what it is. Maybe he's having the same reaction, realizing that this guy has animal traits for some reason just like he does? Then again, a lot of others that Sparkling has run into thus far have them too...maybe it's just par the course for this world. He honestly doesn't have all of the facts, so he wouldn't know.

Being told he has a recognizable face is nothing new- he hears it a lot back home, whether it be at his own juice bar or at his parties- yet he has no idea just how "recognizable" he is right now. Unable to see his reflection, the fact he's littered with scars is beyond him, save for the few he can see on his hand and arm.

He opens his mouth to say something as he very carefully reaches out to take Clotted Cream's good hand, only to find his brows flying to his hairline.]

Cookie? ...did you say Cookie?

[ As Sparkling takes his hand, Clotted Cream shakes it, gentle but with a firm grip. The handshake of someone who has done this quite often.

But ah, there it is. Being asked about the "Cookie" portion of his name could mean one of two things: that, like everyone else here, he is simply taken by surprise by it... or that he, himself, is a Cookie. Clotted Cream assumes the former - it's far more likely. ]

That is correct. I may not look it now, but in my home world, I am a Cookie. Something about coming here, or perhaps a stop just before here, turned me into what you see now.

[ He's clearly very used to this. ]

[Sparkling shakes his hand back, of course, because he's polite like that. But there's clearly a sense that he's distracted as he straightens back up. He's unfamiliar with a Clotted Cream Cookie, he's pretty sure, but...Cookies are Cookies no matter where they're from, and he's well aware that Earthbread has far more regions to it than just the one where the Kingdom is located.]

A Cookie...from Earthbread?

[He leads, bringing his hand back to himself so he can cup his own chin with it.]

It just so happens that my name is Sparkling Cookie. As in...I am also a Cookie. Or, I'm meant to be one. I woke up...like this.

I'm assuming that's a normal phenomenon, here?

[Thank god does this mean he isn't a freak]

[... ah.

Clotted Cream's charming and practiced smile slips for a second, briefly replaced by surprise. Sparkling Cookie. He doesn't know the name... but he does, somehow. Something about it feels so familiar. But he knows he hasn't met this Cookie in person. But if Sparkling is similarly changed like he and Pure Vanilla are... Perhaps it's that. Perhaps that's the familiar figure he recalls from those vague flickers of dreamlike memory.

But that's all for later. ]

Ah... Somewhat. We are not the only two Cookies here, but yes, we are all from Earthbread. I am from the Crème Republic, but two of the Ancient Heroes are here with us, as well. Pure Vanilla Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie. But out of the three of us, only Dark Cacao Cookie seems to be... well.

[ In the middle of a dance is probably not the best place for this. He extends his hand, gently touching his fingertips to Sparkling's elbow. ]

Might we go somewhere a bit less... busy?

I...I'm afraid I don't really understand what's happening here, but...far be it from me to not believe what you're saying is true.

[The Ancient Heroes? He knew of Pure Vanilla, but to think Dark Cacao is here too...it beggars belief. And now, he's expected to accept that the two of them are just...here, with them too? And given the way Clotted Cream says "the three of us", it seems to indicate no other cookies made the trip, which is a bit...disheartening, to say the least.

It's scary, actually. He's realizing he truly knows no one, and that's enough to make him feel uneasy, even with this sense of lingering familiarity surrounding his every action with Clotted Cream.

Yet...when he reaches out to touch his elbow, it feels like he's lit a fire against his skin. Perhaps it's a side effect to being a Vampire now, his skin constantly cold to the touch as it is, but...he swears, this is different.]

Alright. I'll follow you, then.

There is a lot going on, if I'm to be honest. But thank you for your trust all the same.

[ Clotted Cream realizes that it is no small ask, to ask someone who is seemingly a stranger to trust him and separate from the rest of the group with him. It makes an impression on him, for sure.

He is ignoring the odd feeling he gets in the back of his mind, that they've done this before.

To show an equal amount of trust, he doesn't take Sparkling far. They're still well within range of the rest of the party, it's just a decidedly quieter and less trafficked corner of the room. ]

Pure Vanilla Cookie and I were transformed similarly, though we have no memory of why. There is another here, by the name of Beat, who has been transformed in a similar manner and seems to know us, though we have no memory of him, and he is not a Cookie. But from what I've been told by Pure Vanilla Cookie, we were brought to another world prior to being brought to this one, and that world... changed us, somehow. Into humans, but not entirely. Pure Vanilla Cookie is more akin to a sheep now, while I have been made aquatic, and then... you, too, if I had my guess.

Dark Cacao Cookie is different, though. He has been changed into a human, but not any farther than that, and we have no explanation as to why.

[It's appreciated, that they end up staying relatively close by. Not that he expected Clotted Cream to trick him or anything, but...it's the unfortunate truth that there are currently no shortage of Cookies in the world that wish to do others' harm, for one reason or another. You can't be too careful, in this case.]

Humans...do you mean like Witches?

[He's never seen a human himself- he's only ever has GingerBrave's accounts of Witches to go on- but honestly no human he's seen here reminds him of those monstrous things...so he might be wrong on that one.]

So. You're suggesting, then, that...I might have gone to the same place that you and Pure Vanilla ended up? But that I...we do not remember it? Am I understanding that correctly?

No, not quite like Witches, I don't think. At least, not what I've heard in stories. The humans I've met in this place seem... kinder.

[ And thank the Light for that. He's not sure that, after everything else, he could handle a Witch. ]

It's... a working theory, yes. I can't exactly confirm it, but it would fit in with what has happened to Pure Vanilla Cookie and myself.

I...I see.

[Sparkling looks pensive as he glances down at his own hands again, clawed and scarred as they are.]

I still am not...entirely sure myself of what I am. The closest comparison I can make is to Vampire Cookie, but even then we are so different.

[Vampire is still, well, a Cookie for starters.]

When I awoke, I had no memory of coming here, you see. But there are moments where I feel like I perhaps should know more than I do...does that make any sense? It's difficult for me to explain.

... I was told that I was a Mermaid. Though I've never seen a mermaid before outside of paintings and illustrations, what I've seen hasn't been quite like what I am. Not to mention the fact that mermaid tends to indicate... well. Perhaps the term is just "Mer". But, it could be the same for you, also. The place that changed us could have a far different idea of what mermaids and vampires look like compared to our worlds.

[ It's the only thing that really makes sense.

To Sparkling's question, Clotted Cream immediately nods.]

No, it makes perfect sense. I had no memory of it, either, but I often feel like... Mm. Like I recall things, but they're hazy, as though I'd dreamed them.

[It seems to fit what Sparkling is experiencing pretty neatly, but that really just raises more questions than answers, he feels.]

Mm...it seems you must have had a difficult time, there. I apologize.

[He's talking, of course, about Clotted Cream's missing arm, not understanding that injury was far more recent. It's probably not appropriate to point it out, but...with Cookies, usually repairing cracks and putting limbs back together isn't an impossible task. So seeing him without is...distressing, to say the least.]

Hm?

[ A difficult time? Clotted Cream's expression shifts to mild confusion, eyebrows lifting and head tilting curiously. He can't recall anything from that other world, so why--

Ah. His missing arm, perhaps. Confusion shifts to a thoughtful frown, as he moves his hand to the shoulder where an arm should be. ]

Ah, if you're speaking of this... unfortunately, this happened here. While we are revived if we happen to crumble here, the Forest takes something from you in exchange. A fair price to pay, all things considered, but... highly inconvenient. I would advise you take caution - the town itself seems safe enough, but venturing out is a gamble.

Edited 2024-05-05 02:06 (UTC)

[Sparkling realizes he put his foot in his mouth a little too late. If he were capable of it, he's certain he would be flushed right now, his claws wandering up to touch his chin.]

I...I'm so sorry, Clotted Cream. I didn't know, I shouldn't have brought it up.

[No, really-]

Are you...alright now?

[He's still not sure why, maybe it's a natural kinship he feels with other cookies, but...he's only just met him, and he finds himself deeply concerned regardless.]

Ah, no, you are quite alright! I am not offended. I'm doing well enough, actually, despite it being a recent injury.

[ It's only then that Clotted Cream realizes how... inappropriate this conversation has been for the event and the venue. The fact that he'd slipped as such surprises him a bit, honestly. What is it about this Cookie that makes him so comfortable in speaking in such a way? Or maybe it's that he's simply not quite recovered from the trauma of losing his arm yet.

Either way, this is a grievous oversight, and he must correct it. He puts on his most charming smile, and holds out his hand again - this time, in offering. ]

But where have my manners gone? We are at a party, and a party is no place for such depressing topics. Would you care to dance, Sparkling Cookie?

[It sure isn't appropriate! But it's not Clotted Cream's fault, in Sparkling's eyes. He's the one who brought it up, he's the one who made this awkward, and it's kindof just spreading from there. Usually, he's the one who is all composed and suave, but he's only been here for a few days. It's been...a lot for him to take in, and understandably he's overwhelmed. He came to this party precisely to try to distract himself, anyway. Have a good time, you know?

So when Clotted Cream suddenly offers his hand for a dance...Sparkling finds himself jumping at the chance to just go for it, his expression falling into a relaxed smile as he takes the Mer's hand in kind, careful not to scratch him with his claws.]

It would be my pleasure. Though, you will have to excuse me...I am still getting used to these legs of mine. I may step on your, er. Toes?

[He has toes now, right-]

[ The fact that Sparkling is so easily accepting of the offer makes Clotted Cream's smile brighten. It could be that both of them are a little out of sorts and looking for a diversion, then. He won't say no to that.

With Sparkling's hand in his own, claws or no, he leads the other man away from the corner and back to the dance floor proper. ]

No harm in it. If it's any consolation, I am just now getting my first experience in dancing with only one arm.

[ Case in point: where to place his hand. Normally, he would use one at the back and one to clasp his partner's hand, but here, he has to make a choice. Ultimately, he chooses taking Sparkling's hand - that part of leading a dance feels most important. ]

Is this comfortable for you?

[It's going to take an adjustment, to be sure, but Sparkling is happy to follow Clotted Cream's lead. Once he realizes that's what he's doing, he'll let his unheld hand settle at the other man's shoulder, finding himself marveling at the softness of him underneath his clothing that he can feel. It's so different compared to the crispy dough of cookies that it's taking some considerably getting used to.]

Plenty, yes. We'll go slowly, how about?

[ Oh, good. It's all working out well, then. Clotted Cream smiles, but it's with a warmth that doesn't quite reach his expression when he's forcing it for the sake of politeness. No, this is... nice. It's surprising, considering the times he's danced with others before - and equal strangers, no less - it's simply been for the sake of keeping up appearances and making a good impression. But this is different. Asking Sparkling to dance had been a diversion from a depressing topic, however temporary, but... he genuinely wanted to. Asking him to dance hadn't been entirely out of some sort of duty, he realizes.

He closes his eyes, laughing softly, letting his ears tune to the music. ]

Slowly sounds like a wonderful way to start.

[ And with that, he begins to lead, slowly as agreed upon. ]

[It is nice. Sparkling actually can't remember the last time he shared a dance with someone like this. Sure, he has plenty of opportunities at his parties, but they are just that. Opportunities. More often than not, he's actually too busy serving drinks or playing host to actually do things like this...so as he and Clotted Cream begin to sweep slowly across the floor, he feels a genuine laugh bubble up in his chest.

It's easy to forget everything else, at least. Just for a moment.]

You know, it's...an immense relief to find other Cookies here. I was worried I would be the only one.

Even if none of us are actually Cookies anymore, it is a very good feeling, isn't it? It's strange, being in a world that isn't like Earthbread, but companionship makes it bearable.

[ To his surprise, leading the dance one-handed isn't as difficult as it had seemed. Sparkling is an excellent and responsive partner, and this far, stepping on toes - literal or figurative - hasn't been a problem. ]

Do you dance often? You're doing very well.

Haha, well...I wouldn't say often. Often enough to not be terribly rusty, I suppose.

[He says this as they step in a slow circle, with Sparkling careful to keep his hands steady for Clottedd Cream's benefit.]

But yes, it is. I haven't left the Kingdom much lately, you see...I'm far too busy keeping my bar up and running to go on adventures with GingerBrave and the others. Here I was wondering if I'd been whisked away to the parts unknown that they'd been braving, somehow.

Ah. You know GingerBrave.

[ Well, that explains a lot, then! He's heard a good deal about the Kingdom, and there are a great many Cookies there that he has not met. Sparkling is clearly one of those! ]

I'm surprised that you have time to tend a bar with all that he and his friends seem to get into.

Well, it's as I said...I'm not often the one spearheading his adventures. Sometimes! But not too terribly often.

[He doesn't seem particularly bothered by this fact, since he does have a business to run, and all.

Sparkling continues as they move across the dance floor in a way that seems almost unusually effortless for having just met.]

I specialize in healing, but there are plenty of other Cookies who are far more adept at it than I am, so it isn't that big of a deal.

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