EVENT & TDM 012

[sticksandbonesmods]

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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Comments

[purevanillacookie]

Do we? I didn't notice.

[ Teasing, turning to the other to smile up at him in amusement. ]

Do you like it?

[winterfrosting]

I do. You always look very fine in flowers.

[never mind how THIS specific flower choice makes his heart flutter. It's a very intentional statement]

[purevanillacookie]

[ It is a very intentional statement.

He hums and sets it staff aside, then holds out his hand with a pleased smile. ]

Dance with me?

[winterfrosting]

[Cacao watches this... then sweeps the hand up, bowing down to kiss the back of it. One leg out and everything.]

Of course.

[purevanillacookie]

[ Oh. That practically makes his smile turn sparkling, fingers curling around Cacao's hand to take hold of it as his is kissed. ]

Charmer.

[ He steps in and rests his free hand on Cacao's shoulder. ]

How long has it been since we last danced, my dear?

[ Choco's birth, he believes, the celebration. ]

[winterfrosting]

Ah... it was the last time all of us where on the Ridge. When Dark Choco was born, I think.

[ it had been early in the night, before Hollyberry managed to get a spied cocoa in him and the dancing got to be quite a bit more of a ruckus.

He places a matching hand on Vanilla's waist, swaying a little with the distant music]

[purevanillacookie]

Ah, I was right!

[ The memory makes him smile as he sways with Cacao, enjoying the time alone with him. His expression turns impish, as he raises an eyebrow. ]

Still remember the old moves?

[winterfrosting]

Ha! As if my teacher would forgive me if I forgot. She would come flying from the fog to scold me the moment I admitted to wasting her most valuable and benevolently gifted time.

[ as if to prove himself he goes from swaying to actually leading some steps. Though there is a stiffness he lacked back then- it has been a very long time]

[purevanillacookie]

I see we had the same teacher! May her old dough rest in peace and continue to haunt many a King to come. If she does show up out of the Fog, dearest, I'm throwing you to the old wolf first. I can run very fast.

[ It's easy to follow the other as he begins to lead, though he notices the stiffness. It's very easy to take the lead instead, gently guiding Cacao into more flourished steps. ]

[winterfrosting]

[and Cacao follows easily enough, even if he's even less practiced in this regard. He followed Pure Vanilla for years during heir adventures. It is as natural as breathing]

You've become quite vicious in your old age!

[purevanillacookie]

Merely survival, my dear! I know you can hold your own against her claws and teeth! I am but a poor humble healer. And Missus Calliope Cookie was terrifying.

[ There's laughter in his voice, as he leads his- his boyfriend? His partner. In many ways than one - around their little spot. ]

[winterfrosting]

[As they dance that stiffness starts to loosen]

A poor humble healer... hm.

[He smiles, not buying THAT at all]

[purevanillacookie]

[ There, now Cacao's beginning to relax. Vanilla can feel it in he way he moves, and it makes his tail wiggle.

And he scoffs playfully to the hm. ]

And what is that supposed to mean? I am the picture of the poorest humblest healer. By my Virtue Alone is Piety Measured, my dear!

[ There's no fighting the smile. ]

[winterfrosting]

[He snorts.]

You may be a saint to others, but you will always be Vanilla to me.

[purevanillacookie]

That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard, my love. I hope I am only ever Vanilla to you.

[ Familiar. Touchable. An old companion before they even knew of Destiny and Souljams. ]

[winterfrosting]

Of course, how could you be anything but?

[purevanillacookie]

Hm.

[ Because he has the strength to do so, and because it's going to be hilarious to see his expression, Pure Vanilla moves to... dip Cacao. Easily. Smiling down at him sweetly. ]

Ah, well, truth be told, I do hope to add other titles along the line.

[winterfrosting]

wh-ah?!

[He hangs there for a moment in shocks before bursting into a blush, skin darkening]

I see...

[purevanillacookie]

[ There it is, the blush makes his tail wiggle wildly, and he looks so pleased with himself.

In fact, he will peck a little kiss against Cacao's nose. ]

[winterfrosting]

[He closes his eyes, smiling at the little kiss]

You can have any title you wish, Pure Vanilla.

[purevanillacookie]

Any?

[ He helps the other to stand upright again, beaming up at him. ]

[winterfrosting]

Any.

[said oh so soft and low]

[purevanillacookie]

[ Silence for a moment, before he reaches up with his hands to cup Cacao's face, pull him down while he moves up the best he can on hooves.

Meets their mouths together in a soft kiss. ]

Marry me?

[winterfrosting]

[He expected some sort of definition to their relationship, obviously. But not this. His heart quickens in his chest and he sucks in a soft breath against Vanilla's lips.

Is it too fast? How could it be when it's someone you have loved for generations? That you known longer than some nations have existed?

He thinks on the carving at the gazebo he touched not even a few hours ago and how it made him feel. Of course, he knows the answer instantly]

As you wish.

[purevanillacookie]

[ He knows it's a big question. It's not something they've really discussed yet. Too much has been going on. But really.

The response makes his smile blossom, a brilliant look of pure joy. ]

I do wish, my love. I already know I desire to spend the rest of my life with you. And though there is no need to make it official, you did say I could have any title I desired. Husband seems quite lovely.